超かわいい
chō kawaii
The English phrase "super cute" is expressed in Japanese as 超かわいい (chō kawaii).
超かわいい is an informal expression used to describe something as extremely adorable. It is used casually among friends.
What does it mean word for word?
The prefix 超 (chō) literally means "super", "ultra" or "hyper" and is used here as an intensifier.
Which one should you use?
While 超かわいい is very common, めちゃくちゃかわいい is a common colloquial alternative that adds a sense of "insanely" or "extremely" to the cuteness. For a formal setting, use 非常に可愛い (hijō ni kawaii) to express overwhelming cuteness politely.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
超かわいい is used casually among friends. For formal situations where you want to say "extremely cute", use the polite expression 非常に可愛い.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Kansai dialect, the phrase めっちゃ可愛い is a popular way to say "super cute".
How does it change in a sentence?
To use 'super cute' as a conjunction to connect clauses (e.g., 'It is super cute and small'), change the adjective to its te-form: 超かわいくて.
How do you pronounce it?
chō kawaii
Did you know?
- The word かわいい is derived from the word 可哀想 (kawaisō), which means 'pitiful' or 'poor thing', reflecting an ancient link between cuteness and a desire to protect something vulnerable.
- In Japanese, the concept of 'cute' is often split into different types, such as ぶりっ子 (burikko), which describes someone who acts 'super cute' in a calculated or fake way to manipulate others.
- In Japan, calling an adult woman 'kawaii' is often a more common compliment than calling her 'beautiful' or 'elegant', as it implies a charming, approachable personality.
Examples in context
- このぬいぐるみ、超かわいい！Kono nuigurumi, chou kawaii!This stuffed animal is super cute!
- あの猫の赤ちゃん、超かわいいね。Ano neko no akachan, chou kawaii ne.That kitten is super cute, isn't it?
- 妹の新しい服、超かわいい。Imouto no atarashii fuku, chou kawaii.My younger sister's new clothes are super cute.
Example conversation
Hime and Hiroto are looking at a baby panda at the zoo.
- 陽葵 Himari見て、パンダの赤ちゃんが超かわいい！Mite, panda no akachan ga chō kawaii!Look, the baby panda is super cute!
- 大翔 Hiroto本当だ。動きがゆっくりだね。Hontō da. Ugoki ga yukkuri da ne.You're right. It moves so slowly.
- 陽葵 Himari寝ている顔も超かわいいよ。Nete iru kao mo chō kawaii yo.Its sleeping face is also super cute.
- 大翔 Hirotoずっと見ていたいな。Zutto mite itai na.I want to keep watching it.
