너무 예뻐요
neomu yeppeoyo
The English phrase "very pretty" is translated into Korean as 너무 예뻐요 (neomu yeppeoyo).
This phrase is used to describe someone or something that is visually attractive to a high degree. While 너무 originally meant "too much" in a negative sense, it is commonly used in modern spoken Korean to mean "very" for both positive and negative emphasis.
Which one should you use?
You can use 아주 이뻐 for a common and straightforward way to say "very pretty" informally or 아주 예쁘시네요 as a respectful way to say "very pretty". For a formal way to say "very beautiful" with a touch of elegance, you might use 아주 아름다우시네요.
How does it change in a sentence?
Removing the 요 from the end of 너무 예뻐요 makes the phrase 너무 예뻐 informal/casual.
How do you pronounce it?
neomu yeppeoyo
Did you know?
- The expression 너무 was officially considered grammatically incorrect for positive descriptions until the National Institute of Korean Language updated the rules in 2015.
- In some contexts, 예쁘다 is used to describe a 'pretty' or 'kind' heart, referring to someone's personality rather than their face.
- If you want to say something is 'extremely' pretty in a very intense, modern way, young people often use the slang term 짱 예뻐 instead of the standard 너무 예뻐.
Examples in context
- 아주 예쁘시네요! 오늘 옷도 멋지게 잘 어울리세요.You look very pretty! Your outfit suits you really well today.
- 이 옷 너무 잘 어울려서 아주 이뻐!This outfit suits you so well. You look very pretty!
- 꽃이 너무 예뻐요.kkoti neomu yeppeoyo.The flowers are very pretty.
- 이 옷 너무 예뻐요!i ot neomu yeppeoyo!This clothing is very pretty!
- 그 그림 너무 예뻐요.geu geurim neomu yeppeoyo.That painting is very pretty.
Example conversation
Ji-eun and Min-jun are looking at a new dress in a shop.
- 지은 Ji-eun민준 씨, 이 원피스 너무 예뻐요.Minjun ssi, i wonpiseu neomu yeppeoyo.Min-jun, this dress is very pretty.
- 민준 Min-jun네, 정말 잘 어울려요.Ne, jeongmal jal eoullyeoyo.Yes, it looks really good on you.
- 지은 Ji-eun색깔도 너무 예뻐요.Saekkkaldo neomu yeppeoyo.The color is also very pretty.
- 민준 Min-jun그걸로 사세요.Geugeollo saseyo.You should buy that one.
