とてもかわいい
totemo kawaii
The English phrase "so cute" is expressed in Japanese as とてもかわいい (totemo kawaii).
This phrase is used to describe someone or something that is very adorable. You can intensify the expression by adding different adverbs before kawaii. Using totemo means "very cute", while sugoku means "extremely cute" and hontōni means "really cute". Additionally, you can make a noun sound more endearing by adding the suffix chan after it.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of totemo, meaning "very" and kawaii, meaning "cute".
Which one should you use?
While とてもかわいい is a standard way to say "so cute", you might also encounter Kawaii! used on its own as a popular way to express cuteness in everyday conversation.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For a more colloquial and emphatic way to say "super cute", you can use the informal めっちゃかわいい. In casual, everyday conversations, simply saying Kawaii! is also very common.
How do you pronounce it?
totemo kawaii
What mistakes should you avoid?
Be careful not to confuse kawaii (cute) with kowai (scary), as they sound similar. To avoid this mistake, ensure you emphasize the "a" sound in ka and the long "i" at the end.
Did you know?
- In Japanese pop culture, the 'kawaii' aesthetic is often applied to things that are intentionally strange, grotesque, or even creepy, a concept known as 'guro-kawaii'.
- The phenomenon of 'kyun' is often used alongside kawaii to describe the physical feeling of one's heart tightening from something too adorable.
- In Japan, the concept of kawaii extends beyond beauty to include things that are imperfect, clumsy or small. This means a mistake or a broken object can be described as kawaii because it evokes a protective feeling.
Examples in context
- そのネコはとても可愛いですね。That cat is very cute, isn't it?
- はい、本当に可愛いですね。Yes, it's really cute.
- 今日のドレス、とても可愛いね！Today's dress is so cute!
- この子猫はめっちゃ可愛い。This kitten is super cute.
- この子犬はとてもかわいい。Kono koinu wa totemo kawaii.This puppy is so cute.
- 結衣さんの服はとてもかわいいですね。Yui-san no fuku wa totemo kawaii desu ne.Yui's clothes are so cute, aren't they?
- あの子どもはとてもかわいいです。Ano kodomo wa totemo kawaii desu.That child is so cute.
Example conversation
Kenta and Yui are looking at a photo of a baby.
- 健太 Kenta結衣、この写真を見て。Yui, kono shashin o mite.Yui, look at this photo.
- 結衣 Yuiわあ、とてもかわいい赤ちゃんですね！Waa, totemo kawaii akachan desu ne!Wow, what a cute baby!
- 健太 Kenta僕の親戚の子なんだよ。Boku no shinseki no ko nan da yo.He's a relative of mine.
- 結衣 Yui本当にとてもかわいいです。Hontō ni totemo kawaii desu.He really is so cute.
