귀여워요
gwiyeowoyo
In Korean, "you are cute" is expressed as 귀여워요 (gwiyeowoyo).
This phrase is a compliment used to tell someone that they are endearing or attractive in a sweet way.
Which one should you use?
The different forms of this phrase vary based on the level of formality required. Use 귀여워요 for general polite conversation, 귀엽습니다 for highly formal settings and 귀여워 for casual speech. The dictionary form 귀엽다 simply means "to be cute."
How does it change in a sentence?
The polite version is 귀여워요.
How do you pronounce it?
gwiyeowoyo
What mistakes should you avoid?
In Korean, it is much more natural to omit the subject entirely when the context is clear.
When do people say it?
In Korean culture, calling someone "cute" (귀엽다) can be a way to express affection or endearment, even toward adults, though it can sometimes feel patronizing if the social hierarchy is not respected.
Did you know?
- While 귀엽다 is the standard word for 'cute', the slang term 커엽다 is used online because the characters look visually similar in the Korean alphabet.
- The phrase is closely linked to the 'Aegyo' culture, where people use a high-pitched voice and exaggerated expressions to act 'cute' and win favor.
- In Korea, calling an adult 귀엽다 can actually be a way to flirt or express romantic interest, rather than just seeing them as child-like.
Examples in context
- 너 귀엽다.You are cute.
- 와, 너 귀여워!Wow, you're cute!
- 강아지가 정말 귀여워요.Gang-ajiga jeongmal gwiyeowoyo.The puppy is really cute.
- 그 옷 입은 모습이 귀여워요.Geu ot ibeun moseubi gwiyeowoyo.You look cute in those clothes.
- 아이가 웃는 게 너무 귀여워요.Aiga unneun ge neomu gwiyeowoyo.The child's smile is so cute.
Example conversation
Seoyeon and Dohyeon are walking through a park.
- 서연 Seo-yeon도현 씨, 웃는 모습이 정말 귀여워요.Dohyeon-ssi, unneun moseubi jeongmal gwiyeowoyo.Dohyeon, you are really cute when you smile.
- 도현 Do-hyeon정말요? 쑥스러워요.Jeongmalyo? Ssukseureowoyo.Really? I am embarrassed.
- 서연 Seo-yeon진심이에요.Jinsimieyo.I mean it.
- 도현 Do-hyeon고마워요, 서연 씨.Gomawoyo, Seoyeon-ssi.Thank you, Seoyeon.
