너무 예뻐요
neomu yeppeoyo
The English phrase "you're so pretty" is translated into Korean as 너무 예뻐요 (neomu yeppeoyo).
This phrase is a compliment used to tell someone that they are very attractive. In Korean, the subject "you" is often omitted when it is clear from the context who you are talking to. Note that while 예뻐요 refers to visual beauty or "prettiness," it is not typically used to describe a person's character or personality.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase consists of 너무 (neomu), which means "too much" or "so," and 예뻐요 (yeppeoyo), which means "is pretty."
How does it change in a sentence?
Dropping the polite ending 요 (yo) from 너무 예뻐요 to make 너무 예뻐 makes the phrase informal and suitable for friends or people younger than you.
How do you pronounce it?
neomu yeppeoyo
Did you know?
- Because Korean often omits the word 'you', saying 너무 예뻐요 while looking at a person is enough. If you accidentally include the word for 'you', such as 당신 (dangsin), it can actually sound aggressive or like a confrontational demand in many social settings.
- The word 너무 was originally used exclusively to describe something negative, like 'too much' of a bad thing. While it is now perfectly normal to use it for compliments, older speakers might still find its use in positive contexts slightly unusual.
- While 예뻐요 focuses on visual charm, if you are complimenting a man's attractiveness, using this specific word can sometimes imply he has 'pretty' or delicate, feminine features.
Examples in context
- 진짜 이뻐! 오랜만에 보니까 더 예뻐진 것 같아.You're really pretty! You look even prettier since the last time I saw you.
- 완전 이뻐! 언니/형 진짜 얼굴 천사 같아.You're totally beautiful! Your face looks like an angel, sister/brother.
- 정말 너무 예뻐요.jeongmal neomu yeppeoyo.You are truly so pretty.
- 오늘 너무 예뻐요!oneul neomu yeppeoyo!You are so pretty today!
- 웃을 때 너무 예뻐요.useul ttae neomu yeppeoyo.You are so pretty when you smile.
Example conversation
Hyunwoo gives Minji a compliment while they are walking in a park.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo민지 씨, 오늘 너무 예뻐요.Minji-ssi, oneul neomu yeppeoyo.Minji, you are so pretty today.
- 민지 Min-ji정말요? 고마워요, 현우 씨.jeongmalyo? gomawoyo, Hyunwoo-ssi.Really? Thank you, Hyunwoo.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo진심이에요.jinsim-ieyo.I mean it.
- 민지 Min-ji기분 좋네요.gibun jonneyo.That makes me feel good.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 너무, CC BY-SA 4.0.
