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귀엽다

A2 adjective #2,000 most common 9 min read

귀엽다

gwiyeopda Top 2,000

At the A1 level, '귀엽다' is one of the first adjectives you learn to describe things you like. You use it in its simplest forms: '귀여워요' (It's cute) or '귀여운 강아지' (A cute puppy). At this stage, the focus is on recognizing the word and using it to express basic positive feelings about animals, babies, or toys. You might not yet master the 'ㅂ' irregular conjugation, but you understand that it's a very common compliment. You will see it in basic textbooks alongside words like '좋다' (good) and '예쁘다' (pretty). It helps you participate in basic social interactions, like reacting to a friend's photo of their pet.

At the A2 level, you master the 'ㅂ' irregular conjugation. You understand that '귀엽다' becomes '귀여워요', '귀여웠어요', and '귀여우면'. You also start using the noun-modifying form '귀여운' correctly in sentences like '귀여운 옷을 샀어요' (I bought cute clothes). You begin to distinguish '귀엽다' from '예쁘다' and use it to describe not just physical appearance but also simple actions or personality traits. You can also use the adverbial form '귀엽게' to describe how someone acts or speaks. This level involves more variety in sentence structures, such as '귀여워서 좋아해요' (I like it because it's cute).

At the B1 level, you use '귀엽다' with more nuance and in more complex grammatical structures. You can use it with endings like '-네요' to express surprise or '-군요' for realization ('정말 귀엽네요!'). You also start to understand the social implications of the word—knowing when it's appropriate to call someone 'cute' and when it might be too informal. You can describe more abstract things as 'cute', like a 'cute mistake' (귀여운 실수) or a 'cute excuse' (귀여운 변명). Your vocabulary expands to include synonyms like '사랑스럽다' and you can explain why something is cute using more advanced connectors.

At the B2 level, you are comfortable using '귀엽다' in various social registers. You understand the concept of 'aegyo' deeply and how '귀엽다' relates to it. You can use the word sarcastically or teasingly among friends. You also recognize slang related to cuteness, like '귀요미' or '귀척'. You can discuss the cultural importance of 'cuteness' in Korean marketing, media, and idol culture. You might use the word to describe a person's 'vibe' or 'aura' rather than just a single action. You are also aware of more literary or specific synonyms like '앙증맞다' or '깜찍하다' and can choose between them based on the specific context.

At the C1 level, you understand the subtle psychological and sociological aspects of '귀엽다'. You can use it to describe complex human emotions or character archetypes in literature and film. You might discuss how the 'culture of cuteness' (귀여움의 문화) affects social hierarchy or gender roles in Korea. You can use the word in formal writing to analyze aesthetic trends. You also master the use of '귀엽다' in idiomatic expressions and can appreciate the word's role in creating 'jeong' (social bonding) in Korean society. You can differentiate between genuine cuteness and performative cuteness with high precision.

At the C2 level, you have a native-like grasp of '귀엽다' and all its possible connotations. You can use it with extreme subtlety, perhaps even in a philosophical discussion about the nature of beauty and innocence. You understand its historical evolution and how it compares to similar concepts in other languages (like Japanese 'kawaii'). You can use the word to create specific rhetorical effects in creative writing or high-level oratory. You are fully aware of the most obscure synonyms and can use the word in any context, from the most casual slang to the most formal academic or artistic critique, without ever missing the mark on tone or appropriateness.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

귀엽다 in 30 Seconds

귀엽다 (Gwiyeopda) is the primary Korean word for 'cute' or 'adorable', used for pets, babies, and charming actions.
It is a 'ㅂ' irregular adjective, meaning it conjugates to '귀여워요' in the polite present tense and '귀여운' as a noun modifier.
While it is a common compliment, avoid using it for superiors or older adults in formal settings as it can sound patronizing.
The word is central to Korean pop culture, variety shows, and the concept of 'aegyo' (charming behavior).

The Korean adjective 귀엽다 (gwiyeopda) is a foundational word in the Korean language, primarily used to describe something or someone that evokes a sense of affection, charm, or endearment. While the English translation 'cute' or 'adorable' captures the essence, the Korean usage is deeply tied to the cultural concept of aegyo (charming behavior) and the innate human response to small, innocent, or vulnerable things. It is most frequently applied to children, small animals, and inanimate objects with pleasing, soft features. However, its application extends beyond physical appearance to include actions, speech patterns, and even specific situations that make the observer feel a sense of warmth or protective affection.

Core Concept: The feeling of being drawn to something because of its innocence, smallness, or charming nature.

저 고양이가 정말 귀엽다. (That cat is really cute.)

In a broader sense, 귀엽다 can also describe a person's personality or behavior. If someone does something slightly clumsy but endearing, or if they speak in a way that is intentionally or unintentionally charming, a Korean speaker would use this term. It is important to note that while it is a compliment, using it toward a superior or an older person can sometimes be seen as patronizing unless there is a very close, informal relationship. In professional settings, it is rarely used to describe colleagues unless referring to a specific, lighthearted moment.

Visual Association: Think of large eyes, small stature, and soft movements—elements that trigger a 'nurturing' instinct.

아기가 웃는 모습이 참 귀여워요. (The baby's smile is truly cute.)

The word also carries a nuance of 'preciousness.' It isn't just about looking good (which would be yeppeuda - pretty); it's about a quality that makes you want to smile or give a hug. This is why it's the go-to word for puppies, kittens, and toddlers. In modern digital culture, it's used extensively for emojis, stickers, and character designs (like Kakao Friends or Line Friends), which are all categorized under the umbrella of 'gwiyeoum' (cuteness).

Emotional Impact: It evokes a lighthearted, positive emotion that reduces social tension and builds rapport.

말투가 아주 귀엽네요. (Your way of speaking is very cute.)

이 인형 귀엽지 않아? (Isn't this doll cute?)

강아지가 꼬리를 흔드는 게 너무 귀여워요. (The puppy wagging its tail is so cute.)

Using 귀엽다 correctly requires understanding its grammatical behavior as a 'ㅂ' irregular adjective. This means that when the stem (귀엽-) meets a suffix starting with a vowel, the 'ㅂ' changes to '우'. For example, in the polite present tense, it becomes 귀여워요 (gwi-yeo-wo-yo), not 귀엽아요. This transformation is one of the first hurdles for A2 learners, but it becomes second nature with practice. You will see this pattern in other common words like 춥다 (to be cold) and 덥다 (to be hot).

Conjugation Rule: ㅂ stem + vowel suffix → ㅂ changes to 우. Example: 귀엽 + 어요 = 귀여워요.

어제 본 영화 캐릭터가 너무 귀여웠어요. (The movie character I saw yesterday was so cute.)

When modifying a noun directly, you use the form 귀여운 (gwi-yeo-un). For instance, 'a cute dog' is 귀여운 강아지. This follows the standard adjective-to-noun modification rule for 'ㅂ' irregulars. It is versatile enough to be used in various speech levels, from the formal 귀엽습니다 to the intimate 귀여워. In social media or texting, you might even see it shortened or stylized as 귀욥 or 커엽 (the latter being an internet slang based on visual similarity of characters), though learners should stick to the standard forms first.

Noun Modification: Use '귀여운' before a noun. Example: 귀여운 아기 (Cute baby).

그녀는 귀여운 옷을 즐겨 입어요. (She enjoys wearing cute clothes.)

In terms of social register, 귀엽다 is quite safe but requires awareness of hierarchy. If you call your boss's child '귀엽다', it is perfectly fine. If you call your boss '귀엽다', it might be taken as a joke or a sign of extreme closeness, but in a traditional setting, it could be seen as disrespectful because it implies the person is 'below' you in terms of maturity or status. Use 매력적이다 (charming) or 인상이 좋다 (has a good impression) for a more professional way to compliment an older person's vibe.

Adverbial Form: Use '귀엽게' to describe how someone does something. Example: 귀엽게 웃다 (To smile cutely).

동생이 귀엽게 춤을 추고 있어요. (My younger sibling is dancing cutely.)

이 고양이는 정말 귀엽군요! (This cat is indeed cute! - using -군요 for exclamation)

조카가 너무 귀여워서 깨물어 주고 싶어요. (My nephew is so cute I want to bite him - a common Korean expression of affection.)

You will hear 귀엽다 everywhere in Korea, from the streets of Myeongdong to the latest K-dramas. In variety shows (예능), the word is used constantly to describe the antics of celebrities, especially when they perform 'aegyo' or show a vulnerable side. It is a staple of the 'idol' industry, where 'cuteness' is a specific concept (concept = 컨셉) that many groups adopt. Fans will scream '귀여워!' during concerts or fan meetings whenever an idol does something endearing. It is also the primary word used in pet cafes, which are ubiquitous in Korean cities.

Media Usage: Commonly used in subtitles of variety shows with hearts and sparkles to emphasize a cute moment.

와, 저 강아지 진짜 귀엽다! (Wow, that dog is really cute!)

In daily life, you'll hear parents cooing over their children, friends complimenting each other's new accessories or stationery, and couples using it as a term of endearment. If you visit a 'stationary shop' (문구점) or a gift shop like ArtBox, the word '귀엽다' will be the most frequent adjective you hear from customers. It's also used in marketing; products are often designed to be 'gwiyeoun' to appeal to a wide demographic, including adults who enjoy 'kidult' culture. Even food can be described as 귀엽다 if it's shaped like an animal or arranged in a particularly charming way.

Social Media: Hashtags like #귀여워, #귀요미, and #심쿵 (heart-thumping cute) are extremely popular on Instagram.

이 이모티콘 너무 귀엽지 않니? (Isn't this emoticon so cute?)

In K-Dramas, the 'male lead' often finds the 'female lead's' clumsy or honest actions '귀엽다', which usually marks the beginning of romantic feelings. It's a key word in the 'rom-com' genre. You might also hear it in a slightly teasing way between siblings or close friends, where one person does something silly and the other says '귀엽네' with a smirk, implying 'you're like a little kid'.

너 오늘 좀 귀엽다? (You're looking a bit cute today, huh?)

어머, 신발이 정말 귀여워요! (Oh my, your shoes are really cute!)

그의 서툰 한국말이 귀여웠어요. (His clumsy Korean was cute.)

The most frequent mistake for learners is the conjugation of the 'ㅂ' irregular. Many students mistakenly say 귀엽어요 (gwi-yeop-eo-yo) instead of the correct 귀여워요 (gwi-yeo-wo-yo). This happens because they apply the regular conjugation rule (adding -어요 to the stem). Remember: if the stem ends in 'ㅂ', and it's an irregular verb/adjective, the 'ㅂ' usually turns into '우'. Another mistake is confusing 귀엽다 with 예쁘다 (pretty). While they overlap, 예쁘다 is more about aesthetic beauty, while 귀엽다 is about charm and endearment. You can be 예쁘다 without being 귀엽다 (like a formal gown), and you can be 귀엽다 without being 예쁘다 (like a funny-looking but charming puppy).

Conjugation Error: Incorrect: 귀엽아요 / 귀엽어요. Correct: 귀여워요.

[Mistake] 이 인형은 귀엽아요. (X) -> 귀여워요. (O)

Another nuance mistake is using 귀엽다 for people much older than you in a formal setting. As mentioned before, this can sound like you are looking down on them or treating them like a child. If you want to compliment an older person's appearance, use 고우시다 (for elderly women) or 멋지시다 (cool/stylish). Additionally, some learners use 귀엽다 to describe scenery (like a mountain or a sunset). While a small garden might be 'cute', a grand landscape should be described as 아름답다 (beautiful) or 멋지다 (wonderful).

Confusing with 'Pretty': Don't use 귀엽다 for things that are elegant or sophisticated. Use 예쁘다 or 아름답다 instead.

[Mistake] 설악산이 정말 귀여워요. (X) -> 아름다워요. (O)

Lastly, be careful with the word 귀엽다 when describing someone's hard work. If someone is trying very hard and you say '귀엽다', it might sound like you aren't taking their effort seriously. In that case, 대단하다 (impressive) or 멋지다 (cool) is better. However, if they are doing something small and helpful, '귀엽다' can be used affectionately among close friends.

그는 귀여운 실수를 했어요. (He made a cute/minor mistake.)

아이의 귀여운 거짓말에 모두 웃었습니다. (Everyone laughed at the child's cute lie.)

[Mistake] 선생님, 정말 귀여워요! (X - too informal/rude) -> 선생님, 정말 멋지세요! (O)

Korean has many words that touch upon the concept of 'cuteness' or 'beauty', and distinguishing them will elevate your fluency. The most common synonym is 사랑스럽다 (sarang-seureop-da), which means 'lovely' or 'lovable'. While 귀엽다 is about the feeling of cuteness, 사랑스럽다 is more about being worthy of love. Another related word is 앙증맞다 (ang-jeung-mat-da), which specifically describes something small and cute in a very delicate or dainty way, like a tiny tea set or a small bird.

귀엽다 vs. 사랑스럽다: 귀엽다 is general cuteness; 사랑스럽다 implies a deeper, more affectionate 'lovability'.

그녀의 웃음은 정말 사랑스러워요. (Her laugh is truly lovely.)

Then there is 예쁘다 (yeppeuda), which means 'pretty'. This is the most general term for visual beauty. While a baby is both 귀엽다 and 예쁘다, a diamond ring is usually just 예쁘다. For things that are 'cute' because they are tiny and neat, 깜찍하다 (kkam-jjik-ha-da) is often used. This word has a nuance of being 'smartly' or 'cleverly' cute, often used for children who say something surprisingly witty or for small, stylish accessories.

귀엽다 vs. 깜찍하다: 깜찍하다 adds a layer of 'sprightly' or 'clever' cuteness.

아이의 깜찍한 대답에 모두가 놀랐어요. (Everyone was surprised by the child's cute/clever answer.)

On the opposite side, if something is 'cute' but in a way that is a bit too much or annoying, you might hear 귀척 (gwi-cheok), which is short for 귀여운 척 (pretending to be cute). This is usually used negatively to describe someone acting cute in an unnatural or forced way. Understanding these distinctions helps you choose the right word for the right emotional context, moving beyond the basic A2 level.

귀엽다 vs. 앙증맞다: 앙증맞다 is specifically for very small, delicate things that are cute.

작고 앙증맞은 장식품들이 많네요. (There are many small and dainty/cute ornaments.)

그는 귀여운 구석이 있어요. (He has a cute side to him.)

이 케이크는 너무 귀여워서 먹기 아까워요. (This cake is so cute it's a waste to eat it.)

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Informal

Slang

Difficulty Rating

Grammar to Know

Examples by Level

강아지가 귀여워요.

The puppy is cute.

Basic polite present tense.

이 인형 귀엽다!

This doll is cute!

Plain form used as an exclamation.

귀여운 아기예요.

It is a cute baby.

Noun-modifying form '귀여운'.

고양이가 정말 귀여워요.

The cat is really cute.

Use of '정말' for emphasis.

동생은 귀여워요.

My younger sibling is cute.

Topic marker '은'.

귀여운 옷이에요.

They are cute clothes.

Modifying the noun '옷'.

와! 귀엽다.

Wow! It's cute.

Simple exclamation.

토끼가 귀여워요.

The rabbit is cute.

Subject marker '가'.

어제 귀여운 강아지를 봤어요.

I saw a cute puppy yesterday.

Past tense '봤어요' with '귀여운'.

이 가방은 너무 귀여워요.

This bag is so cute.

Use of '너무' for 'so/too'.

제 친구는 성격이 귀여워요.

My friend has a cute personality.

Describing personality.

아기가 귀엽게 웃어요.

The baby smiles cutely.

Adverbial form '귀엽게'.

귀여워서 사고 싶어요.

It's cute, so I want to buy it.

Reason connector '-어서'.

이름이 정말 귀엽네요.

The name is really cute.

Exclamatory ending '-네요'.

귀여운 고양이를 좋아해요.

I like cute cats.

Object marker '를'.

어렸을 때 정말 귀여웠어요.

You were really cute when you were young.

Past tense '-었-' with 'ㅂ' irregular.

말투가 아주 귀여우시네요.

Your way of speaking is very cute.

Honorific '-시-' added to the stem.

귀엽다고 생각해서 선물했어요.

I thought it was cute, so I gave it as a gift.

Indirect quotation '-다고 생각하다'.

그 영화의 캐릭터가 참 귀엽더라고요.

I found the movie character quite cute.

Retrospective ending '-더라고요'.

귀엽긴 하지만 조금 비싸요.

It is cute, but it's a bit expensive.

Contrastive '-긴 하지만'.

아이들이 귀엽게 놀고 있어요.

The children are playing cutely.

Progressive '-고 있다' with adverb.

귀여운 구석이 많은 사람이에요.

They are a person with many cute sides.

Idiomatic '귀여운 구석' (cute side/aspect).

이모티콘이 너무 귀여워서 자주 써요.

The emoticons are so cute that I use them often.

Reason '-어서' with frequency adverb '자주'.

그의 서툰 모습이 오히려 귀여웠어요.

His clumsy appearance was actually cute.

Use of '오히려' (rather/actually).

귀여운 척하지 마세요.

Don't pretend to be cute.

'-는 척하다' (to pretend).

그 배우는 귀여운 이미지로 유명해요.

That actor is famous for their cute image.

'-로 유명하다' (to be famous for).

귀여움이 세상을 구한다라는 말이 있죠.

There's a saying that 'cuteness saves the world'.

Noun form '귀여움' and quotation '-라는 말'.

강아지가 꼬리를 흔드는 게 얼마나 귀여운지 몰라요.

You don't know how cute it is when the dog wags its tail.

'-는지 모르다' (don't know how...).

귀엽다기보다는 사랑스러운 느낌이에요.

It's more of a lovely feeling than just being cute.

'-다기보다는' (rather than saying...).

그녀의 귀여운 매력에 푹 빠졌어요.

I fell deeply for her cute charm.

'-에 푹 빠지다' (to fall deeply for).

귀여운 외모와는 달리 성격은 터프해요.

Unlike their cute appearance, their personality is tough.

'-와는 달리' (unlike...).

이 소품들은 정말 앙증맞고 귀엽네요.

These props are really dainty and cute.

Combining synonyms '앙증맞다' and '귀엽다'.

그의 행동에는 아이 같은 귀여움이 배어 있다.

His actions are imbued with a child-like cuteness.

Literary expression '배어 있다' (to be imbued/soaked).

귀여움이라는 감정은 보호 본능을 자극한다.

The emotion of cuteness stimulates the protective instinct.

Abstract noun '귀여움' as a subject.

작가는 주인공의 귀여운 면모를 섬세하게 묘사했다.

The author delicately described the protagonist's cute side.

Advanced verb '묘사하다' (to describe/portray).

귀여운 디자인이 소비자들의 구매 욕구를 불러일으킨다.

Cute designs arouse consumers' desire to purchase.

Formal phrase '구매 욕구를 불러일으키다'.

그의 귀여운 투정조차 이제는 그립다.

I even miss his cute grumbling now.

Noun '투정' (grumbling/whining).

단순히 귀엽다는 말로는 표현하기 부족한 아름다움이다.

It is a beauty that is insufficient to be expressed simply as 'cute'.

Complex modifier '-는 말로는 표현하기 부족한'.

그 캐릭터의 귀여움은 세대를 초월하여 사랑받는다.

The character's cuteness is loved across generations.

Formal phrase '세대를 초월하여' (transcending generations).

귀여운 척하는 것이 때로는 사회적 전략이 되기도 한다.

Pretending to be cute sometimes becomes a social strategy.

Complex sentence with '기도 하다'.

귀여움의 미학은 현대 사회의 불안을 치유하는 기제로 작용한다.

The aesthetics of cuteness act as a mechanism to heal the anxieties of modern society.

Academic terminology '미학' (aesthetics) and '기제' (mechanism).

그의 문체에는 특유의 귀여운 위트가 녹아들어 있다.

His writing style is infused with a unique, cute wit.

Metaphorical '녹아들어 있다' (melted/infused into).

귀엽다라는 형용사가 지닌 사회적 함의를 고찰해 볼 필요가 있다.

It is necessary to contemplate the social implications held by the adjective 'cute'.

Formal '고찰하다' (to contemplate/examine).

인간은 본능적으로 귀여운 대상에게 정서적 유대감을 느낀다.

Humans instinctively feel an emotional bond toward cute subjects.

Scientific tone '정서적 유대감' (emotional bond).

그의 귀여운 반항은 권위에 대한 유쾌한 도전이었다.

His cute rebellion was a pleasant challenge to authority.

Oxymoronic '귀여운 반항' (cute rebellion).

귀여움은 때로 가장 강력한 비언어적 소통 수단이 된다.

Cuteness sometimes becomes the most powerful non-verbal means of communication.

Formal '비언어적 소통 수단'.

그 작품은 귀여움과 기괴함의 경계를 절묘하게 넘나든다.

The work exquisitely crosses the boundary between cuteness and grotesqueness.

Advanced phrase '경계를 넘나들다' (to cross boundaries).

귀엽다는 평가가 때로는 성인 여성의 주체성을 저해하기도 한다는 비판이 있다.

There is criticism that being evaluated as 'cute' sometimes hinders the agency of adult women.

Sociopolitical critique '주체성을 저해하다'.

Common Collocations

귀여운 아기

귀여운 강아지

귀여운 말투

귀여운 옷

귀여운 척

귀여운 실수

정말 귀엽다

너무 귀엽다

귀엽게 생기다

귀엽게 웃다

Common Phrases

귀여워 죽겠다

귀여운 구석이 있다

귀여움을 떨다

귀여움을 받다

귀여운 짓

귀여운 녀석

귀여운 동생

귀여운 외모

귀여운 표정

귀여운 목소리

Often Confused With

귀엽다 vs 예쁘다

예쁘다 is about beauty; 귀엽다 is about charm/cuteness.

귀엽다 vs 아름답다

아름답다 is for grand or sophisticated beauty; 귀엽다 is for small/innocent things.

귀엽다 vs 멋지다

멋지다 is 'cool' or 'wonderful'; 귀엽다 is 'cute'.

Idioms & Expressions

Easily Confused

귀엽다 vs

Sentence Patterns

How to Use It

People

Safe for children and friends; use with caution for elders.

Actions

Used to describe charming or endearing behavior.

Objects

Very common for stationery, clothes, and accessories.

Common Mistakes

Saying '귀엽어요' instead of '귀여워요'.
Using '귀엽다' for a grand mountain or ocean.
Calling a boss or elder '귀여워요' in a formal meeting.
Confusing '귀엽다' with '가볍다' (to be light).
Overusing '귀엽다' for everything beautiful; try '아름답다' sometimes.

Tips

Master the ㅂ

Always remember that '귀엽다' is irregular. Practice writing '귀여워요', '귀여우니까', and '귀여워서' until they feel natural. This is a key A2 grammar point.

Aegyo Awareness

Understand that 'cuteness' in Korea is a social tool. Don't be surprised to see adults acting cute to get a discount or ask for a favor. It's called 'aegyo'.

Beyond Cute

Once you master '귀엽다', try using '사랑스럽다' for people you really care about. it sounds more heartfelt and mature.

Complimenting Pets

When you see someone with a dog in Korea, saying '강아지가 너무 귀여워요!' is a great way to start a friendly interaction.

Intonation Matters

Koreans often use a slightly higher pitch when saying '귀여워!'. Try to mimic the native speakers in dramas to sound more natural.

Using Modifiers

Don't just say '귀여워요'. Add adverbs like '진짜' (really), '너무' (so), or '완전' (totally) to express your feelings more strongly.

Variety Shows

Watch Korean variety shows like 'The Return of Superman'. You will hear '귀엽다' hundreds of times and see exactly how it's used for kids.

Texting Style

In texts, you can write '귀여워여' or '귀욥' to sound extra cute yourself. This is common among young people.

Size Matters

If something is cute because it's tiny, use '앙증맞다'. It shows you have a higher level of Korean vocabulary.

Hierarchy Check

Before calling someone 'cute', check their age and status relative to yours. When in doubt, stick to '멋지다' or '예쁘다'.

Memorize It

Word Origin

Native Korean word.

Cultural Context

The act of behaving in a cute way to win favor or show affection.

Adults who enjoy cute toys and characters, a large market in Korea.

The rise of 'pet-parents' who describe their animals primarily as '귀엽다'.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Conversation Starters

"이 강아지 이름이 뭐예요? 정말 귀엽네요!"

"어제 본 영화 캐릭터 너무 귀엽지 않았어요?"

"귀여운 카페 아는데 같이 갈래요?"

"조카 사진 보여드릴까요? 진짜 귀여워요."

"이 인형 어디서 샀어요? 너무 귀엽다!"

Journal Prompts

오늘 본 가장 귀여운 것은 무엇인가요?

당신이 가장 귀엽다고 생각하는 동물은 무엇인가요? 그 이유는?

친구가 당신에게 '귀엽다'고 말하면 기분이 어떤가요?

한국의 '귀여운 문화'에 대해 어떻게 생각하나요?

자신이 했던 '귀여운 실수'에 대해 써 보세요.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, it is very common and affectionate in Korea. Many men enjoy being called cute by their partners as it shows a close bond. However, in public or around his friends, he might prefer being called '멋지다' (cool).

Mostly, yes. It is triggered by things that look youthful or small. However, an adult can be 'cute' through their actions or personality, even if they are physically large.

Since it is a 'ㅂ' irregular, the 'ㅂ' becomes '우', then you add '-었-'. So it becomes '귀여웠어요' (gwi-yeo-wot-eo-yo).

'귀엽다' is the dictionary form (plain form). '귀여워' is the informal/intimate spoken form. You use '귀여워' with friends and '귀엽다' when talking to yourself or in a neutral writing style.

Yes! If the food is shaped like an animal or looks very small and pretty, you can say '귀여워요'. It's very common in themed cafes.

Generally, yes. It can sound like you are looking down on them. It's better to use '멋지세요' (you are cool) or '대단하세요' (you are great).

'귀요미' is a slang noun meaning 'a cute person'. It became very famous through the 'Gwiyomi Song' and is used playfully among friends.

You can say '안 귀여워요' or '귀엽지 않아요'. Both are correct and common.

Rarely. Only if the scenery is small and charming, like a tiny fairy garden. For mountains or oceans, use '아름답다'.

'사랑스럽다' (lovely) is the most common synonym, often used when the cuteness is more emotional than just visual.