너무 귀여워요
neomu gwiyeowoyo
The English phrase "you're so cute" is translated into Korean as 너무 귀여워요 (neomu gwiyeowoyo).
This phrase is a compliment used to tell someone that they are adorable or charming. In Korean, the subject "you" is often omitted from the sentence when it is clear from the context who is being spoken to.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase breaks down into 너무, which means "too much" or "so" and 귀여워요, which means "is cute".
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase 너무 귀여워 is the informal version used with close friends or people younger than you, whereas 너무 귀여워요 is the polite version.
How do you pronounce it?
neomu gwiyeowoyo
Did you know?
- There is a specific cultural phenomenon called 'Aegyo' where people intentionally use a 'cute' way of speaking, often elongating vowel sounds, to act charming or solicit favors.
- If you use the phrase 너무 귀여워요 toward someone much older than you, it might sound condescending rather than sweet. In Korean culture, calling an elder 'cute' can inadvertently imply you are viewing them as a child or someone of lower status.
- The word 너무 originally meant 'to surpass' or 'to go over the limit' in a negative way, much like how English speakers might say something is 'too much'.
Examples in context
- 강아지가 너무 귀여워요.Gangajiga neomu gwiyeowoyo.The puppy is so cute.
- 아기가 너무 귀여워요!Agiga neomu gwiyeowoyo!The baby is so cute!
- 그 캐릭터 너무 귀여워요.Geu kaerikteo neomu gwiyeowoyo.That character is so cute.
Example conversation
Hyunwoo and Seoyeon are looking at a cute photo on a phone.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo서연 씨, 너무 귀여워요!Seoyeon ssi, neomu gwiyeowoyo!Seoyeon, you are so cute!
- 서연 Seo-yeon정말요? 고마워요.Jeongmallyo? Gomawoyo.Really? Thank you.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo웃는 모습이 너무 귀여워요.Utneun moseubi neomu gwiyeowoyo.The way you smile is so cute.
- 서연 Seo-yeon현우 씨도 정말 다정해요.Hyunwoo ssi-do jeongmal dajeonghaeyo.Hyunwoo, you are very sweet too.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 너무, CC BY-SA 4.0.
