너무 귀여워
The English phrase "very cute" can be translated into Korean as 너무 귀여워.
In modern Korean, the word 너무 (which originally meant "too much" in a negative sense) is commonly used to mean "very" in a positive context.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase consists of 너무 (very/too much) and 귀여워 (is cute).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For more formal or polite situations, you can use 너무 귀여워요 or 아주 귀엽습니다. The phrase 완전 귀엽다 is an informal expression meaning "really cute".
How does it change in a sentence?
Adding the suffix '-요' to the end makes the phrase polite for use with strangers or elders. The form 너무 귀엽다 is the dictionary base form, used in writing or when talking to oneself.
Did you know?
- In internet slang, the phrase 귀여워 is often shortened to just the consonant ㄱㅇㅇ to convey cuteness quickly in text messages.
- In Korea, the concept of being 'cute' 귀엽다 can be applied to adults in a romantic context to describe a charming or endearing quality, whereas in English 'cute' can sometimes feel condescending.
- The word 너무 is historically rooted in the verb 넘다, which means 'to surpass' or 'to go over' a limit.
Examples in context
- 당신의 강아지는 아주 귀엽습니다.Your dog is very cute.
- 완전 귀엽다! 어디서 이런 귀여운 옷을 산 거야?So cute! Where did you buy these adorable clothes?
- 강아지가 너무 귀여워.gang-a-ji-ga neo-mu gwi-yeo-wo.The puppy is very cute.
- 이 인형 너무 귀여워요!i in-hyeong neo-mu gwi-yeo-wo-yo!This doll is very cute!
- 아기가 너무 귀여워.a-gi-ga neo-mu gwi-yeo-wo.The baby is very cute.
Example conversation
Subin and Minjun are looking at photos of a kitten on a smartphone.
- 수빈 Su-bin이 고양이 진짜 너무 귀여워!i go-yang-i jin-jja neo-mu gwi-yeo-wo!This cat is really very cute!
- 민준 Min-jun맞아, 정말 너무 귀여워.ma-ja, jeong-mal neo-mu gwi-yeo-wo.Right, it is truly very cute.
- 수빈 Su-bin우리도 고양이 키울까?u-ri-do go-yang-i ki-ul-kka?Should we raise a cat too?
- 민준 Min-jun수빈아, 그건 좀 힘들 것 같아.su-bin-a, geu-geon jom him-deul geot gat-a.Subin, I think that might be a bit difficult.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 너무, CC BY-SA 4.0.
