넌 예뻐
neon yeppeo
The English phrase "you're pretty" is translated into Korean as 넌 예뻐 (neon yeppeo).
This phrase is a compliment used to tell someone that they are physically attractive. The underlying adjective 예쁘다 (to be pretty) is versatile and can describe more than just physical looks. It can also be used for a pretty pattern, a pretty voice or even a "pretty" (kind or lovely) heart.
What does it mean word for word?
In this contraction, 넌 (neon) is the shortened form of the subject 너는 (you) and 예뻐 (yeppeo) is the conjugated form of the adjective 예쁘다 (to be pretty).
Which one should you use?
While 넌 예뻐 is used for close friends or lovers, 예뻐요 is the safer, more socially acceptable way to give a compliment to an acquaintance or a stranger to avoid sounding rude. Additionally, the adjective 아름답다 can be used to mean "beautiful".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For a formal way to say "you're pretty", you can use 예쁘세요.
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the compliment polite, you can use the form 예뻐요 by adding the suffix -요 (-yo) to the end of the phrase. This makes it suitable for speaking to someone you are not extremely close with or someone older than you.
How do you pronounce it?
neon yeppeo
Did you know?
- A common modern slang variation of beauty involves adding 핵 ('nuclear') as a prefix to describe someone as 'explosively' or 'extremely' pretty.
- In Korean culture, it is common to respond to a compliment like 예뻐요 by modestly denying it or saying 아니에요 ('no it is not') rather than saying 'thank you'.
- While 예뻐 describes beauty, Koreans often use the term 귀엽다 ('cute') as a high compliment for adults, as being 'cute' is seen as a charming and approachable trait.
Examples in context
- 선생님은 항상 예쁘세요.Teacher, you always look beautiful.
- 회사에서 일하는 여러분은 아름답습니다.Everyone working at the company, you are beautiful.
- 이뻐 보이네!You look pretty!
- 날씨 좋아서 너 이쁘게 보여.The weather is nice, and you look pretty.
- 넌 예뻐.neon yeppeo.You're pretty.
Example conversation
Jihoon and Seoyeon are walking through a park together.
- 지훈 Ji-hun오늘 옷이 잘 어울려. 넌 예뻐.oneul osi jal eoullyeo. neon yeppeo.The clothes suit you well today. You're pretty.
- 서연 Seo-yeon정말? 고마워, 지훈아.jeongmal? gomawo, jihoon-a.Really? Thanks, Jihoon.
- 지훈 Ji-hun진심이야. 정말 예뻐.jinsim-iya. jeongmal yeppeo.I'm serious. You're really pretty.
- 서연 Seo-yeon부끄럽지만 기분 좋다!bukkeureopjiman gibun jota!I'm embarrassed, but it feels good!
