Which one should you use?
While 귀여워요 is the standard polite form, 귀여워 is a simple and common informal way to say the phrase. In a conversation, you might also use 귀엽다! informally. For more formal settings, you can use 귀엽습니다 for a highly formal tone or 귀여우시네요 as a more polite and formal expression.
How does it change in a sentence?
The informal version of the phrase is 귀여워, while the highly formal version is 귀엽습니다.
How do you pronounce it?
gwiyeowoyo
What mistakes should you avoid?
When saying this, do not try to include a word for "you" (such as 당신 or 너) in the sentence. In Korean, the subject is usually omitted when it is clear who is being spoken to.
When do people say it?
In Korean culture, calling an older person "cute" can sometimes be perceived as disrespectful or patronizing, depending on the specific context and your relationship with them.
Did you know?
- If you want to emphasize the cuteness, you can use the slang term 심쿵 (sim-kung), which describes the sensation of your heart 'thumping' because something is so cute.
- The concept of 'aegyo' (애교) is a related behavioral trait where one acts in a cute or charming way to express affection, often using a higher pitch or exaggerated gestures.
- Be careful with the term 귀여운 척 (gwiyeoun cheok), which means 'pretending to be cute', a phrase often used to tease someone who is being overly sugary or artificial.
Examples in context
- 강아지가 너무 귀여워요.gang-aji-ga neo-mu gwi-yeo-wo-yo.The puppy is so cute.
- 그 옷 입은 모습이 귀여워요.geu ot ib-eun mo-seub-i gwi-yeo-wo-yo.You look cute wearing those clothes.
- 웃는 모습이 정말 귀여워요.ut-neun mo-seub-i jeong-mal gwi-yeo-wo-yo.Your smile is really cute.
Example conversation
Minjun and Minji are sitting in a cafe.
- 민준 Min-jun민지 씨, 웃는 모습이 귀여워요.Minji ssi, ut-neun mo-seub-i gwi-yeo-wo-yo.Minji, you are cute when you smile.
- 민지 Min-ji정말요? 고마워요, 민준 씨.Jeong-mal-yo? Go-ma-wo-yo, Minjun ssi.Really? Thank you, Minjun.
- 민준 Min-jun진심이에요. 정말 귀여워요.Jin-sim-i-e-yo. Jeong-mal gwi-yeo-wo-yo.I mean it. You're truly cute.
- 민지 Min-ji쑥스럽지만 기분 좋네요.Ssuk-seu-reop-ji-man gi-bun jot-ne-yo.It's a bit embarrassing, but it feels good.
