とても可愛い
totemo kawaii
The English phrase "you're very cute" is expressed in Japanese as とても可愛い (totemo kawaii).
This phrase is a compliment used to tell someone that they are physically attractive or charming. In Japanese, the subject "you" is often omitted when it is clear from context who is being spoken to.
What does it mean word for word?
The word とても (totemo) means "very" or "extremely".
How does it change in a sentence?
Adding です (desu) to the end of とても可愛い makes the phrase a polite, complete sentence.
How do you pronounce it?
totemo kawaii
Did you know?
- There is a related word 可哀想 (kawaisou) that sounds similar to 可愛い (kawaii) but means 'pitiful' or 'poor thing'.
- The concept of 'kawaii' has evolved into a massive cultural phenomenon known as 'kawaii culture', which influences everything from fashion to government mascots. This aesthetic is not just a compliment but a distinct social identity and art movement in Japan.
- In Japanese, 可愛い (kawaii) is most frequently used to describe things that are small, round, or childlike, rather than just human beauty. While an English speaker might use 'cute' for a beautiful woman, a Japanese speaker might find calling an adult woman 'kawaii' slightly patronizing if not used carefully.
Examples in context
- 結衣さんはとても可愛いですね。Yui-san wa totemo kawaii desu ne.Yui is very cute.
- その服を着ているあなたはとても可愛い。Sono fuku o kite iru anata wa totemo kawaii.You are very cute in those clothes.
- 赤ちゃんはとても可愛いです。Akachan wa totemo kawaii desu.The baby is very cute.
Example conversation
Kenta and Yui are walking in a park.
- 健太 Kenta今日の結衣さんはとても可愛いよ。Kyō no Yui-san wa totemo kawaii yo.Yui, you are very cute today.
- 結衣 Yui本当？嬉しい！Hontō? Ureshii!Really? I'm happy!
- 健太 Kenta笑顔がとても可愛いんだ。Egao ga totemo kawaii n da.Your smile is very cute.
- 結衣 Yuiありがとう、健太くん。Arigatō, Kenta-kun.Thank you, Kenta.
