귀여워 보여요
gwiyeowo boyeoyo
In Korean, "you look cute" is said as 귀여워 보여요 (gwiyeowo boyeoyo).
This phrase is used as a compliment to tell someone that their appearance is endearing or attractive in a sweet way. It specifically describes the impression someone gives or how they appear to the speaker, rather than simply stating a personal quality.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the adjective 귀엽다 (to be cute) and the verb 보이다 (to look or appear).
Which one should you use?
The phrase 귀여워 보여요 focuses on how someone looks or appears. In contrast, 귀여워요 is used to state the quality of being cute, meaning "you are cute."
How does it change in a sentence?
The informal or casual version of the phrase is 귀여워 보여, which is used with friends or people younger than you. For highly formal settings, the phrase becomes 귀여워 보입니다.
How do you pronounce it?
gwiyeowo boyeoyo
Did you know?
- Calling a grown man 귀여워요 can sometimes be seen as patronizing or even insulting depending on the context, as it can imply he lacks maturity.
- In Korean pop culture, the concept of 'aegyo' (acting cute) is a widely recognized social performance that can make the phrase 귀여워 보여요 feel more like a commentary on someone's behavior than their physical features.
- In many romantic contexts, telling a partner 귀여워 is often considered more heartfelt and endearing than calling them 'beautiful' or 'sexy'.
Examples in context
- 효준, 완전 귀여워!Hyojun, you're totally cute!
- 오늘 정말 귀여워 보여요.oneul jeongmal gwiyeowo boyeoyo.You look really cute today.
- 그 옷 입으니까 귀여워 보여요.geu ot ibeunikka gwiyeowo boyeoyo.You look cute in those clothes.
- 아이가 정말 귀여워 보여요.aiga jeongmal gwiyeowo boyeoyo.The baby looks really cute.
Example conversation
Hyunwoo and Minji are meeting at a cafe.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo민지 씨, 오늘 정말 귀여워 보여요.Minji ssi, oneul jeongmal gwiyeowo boyeoyo.Minji, you look really cute today.
- 민지 Min-ji정말요? 고마워요, 현우 씨.jeongmalyo? gomawoyo, Hyunwoo ssi.Really? Thank you, Hyunwoo.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo그 머리 스타일이 잘 어울려요.geu meori seutaireuga jal eoullyeoyo.That hairstyle suits you well.
- 민지 Min-ji기분 좋네요. 헤헤.gibun jonneyo. hehe.That makes me feel good. Hehe.
