かわいいね
kawaii ne
The English phrase "you're cute" is translated into Japanese as かわいいね (kawaii ne).
This phrase is a compliment used to tell someone they are attractive in a sweet or endearing way. Because the subject is often omitted in Japanese, かわいいね can mean both "you are cute" and "it is cute" depending on the context. To express that someone is very cute in an intimate setting, you can use とっても (very) to say 君はとってもかわいい.
Which one should you use?
The basic form かわいい is the most direct way to say "cute". While kawaii is a compliment, using it toward a grown man can sometimes be perceived as patronizing or infantilizing depending on the tone.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For a more polite version suitable for someone you are not close with, you can use かわいいですね. In standard Japanese, かわいいです is a formal way to say "You are cute".
How does it change in a sentence?
The particle ね at the end of かわいいね functions like "isn't it?" or "don't you think?" to seek agreement or emphasize the sentiment.
How do you pronounce it?
kawaii ne
Did you know?
- The word かわいい was historically related to the word かわいそう, which means 'pitiful' or 'poor thing'.
- There is a distinct cultural concept called kawaii culture that influences everything from government mascots to police uniforms in Japan.
- The word かわいい can be used to describe things that are not actually cute, such as a 'small' or 'modest' portion of food or a tiny house.
Examples in context
- その服、かわいいね。Sono fuku, kawaii ne.That outfit is cute.
- 赤ちゃん、かわいいね。Akachan, kawaii ne.The baby is cute.
- 陽葵さんは、本当にかわいいね。Himari-san wa, hontou ni kawaii ne.You are truly cute, Himari.
Example conversation
Kenta and Himari are walking in a park.
- 健太 Kenta陽葵、今日の笑顔はかわいいね。Himari, kyou no egao wa kawaii ne.Himari, your smile today is cute.
- 陽葵 Himari本当？照れるよ。Hontou? Tereru yo.Really? I'm blushing.
- 健太 Kenta冗談じゃないよ、本心だよ。Joudan janai yo, honshin da yo.I'm not joking, I mean it.
- 陽葵 Himariありがとう、健太くん。Arigatou, Kenta-kun.Thank you, Kenta.
