You'll hear 「かわいい」 (kawaii) all the time in Japan. It means 'cute' or 'lovely'.
You can use 「かわいい」 to describe people, animals, and even objects. For example, if you see a small, fluffy dog, you might say 「かわいい！」.
It's an い-adjective, which means it can directly modify a noun (e.g., 「かわいい犬」 - kawaii inu - 'cute dog').
You can also use it at the end of a sentence to express your feeling, like 「この猫はかわいいですね。」 (Kono neko wa kawaii desu ne.) - 'This cat is cute, isn't it?'
When talking about something cute or lovely, the Japanese word for it is かわいい (kawaii). While often translated simply as 'cute,' かわいい carries a broader sense of endearment, charm, and even a certain vulnerability. You'll hear it used for everything from babies and puppies to stylish accessories and charming artwork.
It's a very common and versatile adjective in Japanese culture, often used to express affection or appreciation for something aesthetically pleasing in a gentle way. You might hear someone say 'この猫はとてもかわいい' (Kono neko wa totemo kawaii) meaning 'This cat is very cute,' or 'かわいい絵ですね' (Kawaii e desu ne) for 'That's a lovely/cute drawing.' Understanding かわいい is key to grasping a nuanced aspect of Japanese aesthetics and everyday conversation.
When discussing the nuances of "kawaii" at a C1 level, it's important to recognize its broad application beyond just cuteness. While often translated as "cute" or "lovely," its meaning extends to anything that evokes a sense of charm, endearment, or even a pleasing aesthetic. For example, a small, well-designed car or a delicate piece of pottery might be described as "kawaii" not because they are childish, but because they possess an appealing and charming quality.
Furthermore, "kawaii" can also express a certain vulnerability or innocence that elicits a protective feeling. It's a highly versatile adjective that reflects a cultural appreciation for things that are aesthetically pleasing, charming, and sometimes even a little delicate. Understanding its cultural depth allows for more nuanced and accurate communication in Japanese.
かわいい 30秒了解
- Commonly used to describe people, animals, and objects.
- Can express affection or admiration.
- Widely used in everyday conversation in Japan.
§ Understanding かわいい (kawaii)
You've probably heard かわいい (kawaii) before. It's one of the most common and recognizable Japanese words. It means "cute" or "lovely." While its basic meaning is simple, knowing how to use it correctly in sentences is key.
§ Using かわいい as an い-adjective
かわいい (kawaii) is an い-adjective. This means it behaves like other い-adjectives such as 寒い (samui - cold) or 楽しい (tanoshii - fun). Here's how it works:
- To describe a noun directly, you put かわいい before the noun.
- To say something IS cute, you use かわいいです (kawaii desu).
これはかわいい猫です。
Translation hint: This is a cute cat.
その犬はとてもかわいいです。
Translation hint: That dog is very cute.
§ Making it negative: かわいくない (kawaikunai)
To say something is NOT cute, you change the い (i) at the end of かわいい to くない (kunai). So, かわいい becomes かわいくない (kawaikunai).
そのキャラクターは全然かわいくないです。
Translation hint: That character is not cute at all.
- GRAMMAR NOTE
- This "い to くない" rule applies to all い-adjectives. For example, 寒い (samui) becomes 寒くない (samukunai - not cold).
§ Making it past tense: かわいかった (kawaikatta)
To say something WAS cute, you change the い (i) to かった (katta). So, かわいい becomes かわいかった (kawaikatta).
子供の頃、そのおもちゃはとてもかわいかったです。
Translation hint: When I was a child, that toy was very cute.
§ Combining with other adjectives or verbs (the て-form)
To connect かわいい to another adjective or verb, you use its て-form (te-form). For い-adjectives, the て-form is made by changing い to くて (kute). So, かわいい becomes かわいくて (kawaikute).
その赤ちゃんはかわいくて小さいです。
Translation hint: That baby is cute and small.
この絵はかわいくて、部屋に飾りました。
Translation hint: This picture is cute, so I decorated my room with it.
§ What かわいい means
- Japanese Word
- かわいい (kawaii)
- Part of Speech
- i-adjective
- CEFR Level
- A2
- Definition
- cute; lovely
§ Where you hear かわいい in Japan
You hear the word かわいい everywhere in Japan. It's one of the most common adjectives. It's not just for babies or pets. Japanese people use it for clothes, accessories, food, stationery, characters, and even certain behaviors or situations. Understanding its broad use is key to sounding natural.
§ At work or school
Even in professional or academic settings, かわいい pops up. It's common to hear colleagues or classmates describe items like a new pen, a desk organizer, or even a presentation slide as かわいい.
そのペン、すごくかわいいね。どこで買ったの？
- そのペン (sono pen): that pen
- すごく (sugoku): very
- どこで (doko de): where
- 買ったの (katta no): did you buy?
先生のイラスト、いつもかわいいですね。
- 先生 (sensei): teacher
- イラスト (irasuto): illustration
- いつも (itsumo): always
- ですね (desu ne): isn't it? (seeking agreement)
§ In news and media
News reports, particularly those covering entertainment, lifestyle, or human interest stories, frequently use かわいい. You'll see it describing mascots, new character goods, or even heartwarming animal stories. It's often used to evoke a positive, lighthearted feeling.
この動物園のパンダの赤ちゃん、すごくかわいいと話題です。
- この動物園 (kono dōbutsuen): this zoo
- パンダの赤ちゃん (panda no akachan): panda baby
- と話題です (to wadai desu): is a hot topic
新しいキャラクターグッズが発表され、そのかわいいデザインが人気を集めています。
- 新しい (atarashii): new
- キャラクターグッズ (kyarakutā guzzu): character goods
- 発表され (happyō sare): were announced (passive form of announce)
- デザイン (dezain): design
- 人気を集めています (ninki o atsumete imasu): is gaining popularity
§ General conversation
In casual talk, かわいい is a go-to compliment. It can be used for someone's clothes, a gift, or even a nice gesture. It's a positive word that fosters good feelings.
その服、すごくかわいいね。どこで買ったの？
- その服 (sono fuku): those clothes/that outfit
友達が送ってくれた写真、子猫が本当にかわいい。
- 友達 (tomodachi): friend
- 送ってくれた (okutte kureta): sent me (from 'okuru' to send)
- 写真 (shashin): picture
- 子猫 (koneko): kitten
- 本当に (hontō ni): really
The word かわいい is not just about looks. It can also describe endearing qualities or actions. For instance, if someone makes a small, innocent mistake, or shows a slightly clumsy but charming side, it might be described as かわいい.
§ Understanding Kawaii vs. Kawaiirashii
Many learners get confused between かわいい (kawaii) and かわいらしい (kawaiirashii). While both translate to 'cute' or 'lovely,' there's a subtle but important difference in nuance. Knowing this difference will make your Japanese sound more natural.
- DEFINITION
- かわいい (kawaii) is a direct, strong expression of cuteness. It's often used when something is inherently cute or you feel a strong sense of endearment towards it. Think of it as a more definitive 'cute.'
- DEFINITION
- かわいらしい (kawaiirashii) implies a softer, more gentle or endearing kind of cuteness. It often suggests something that has a 'cutie-like' quality or appears to be cute. It can also carry a nuance of being more 'childlike' or 'innocent' in its cuteness.
§ When to Use Which
The key is in the nuance. Think of かわいい as 'cute' and かわいらしい as 'endearingly cute' or 'lovable.'
- Use かわいい when you want to express that something is definitely cute, without much reservation. It's a very common and versatile word.
- Use かわいらしい when you want to add a softer, more delicate, or perhaps a slightly more objective observation of cuteness. It can also be used when something isn't overwhelmingly cute but has charming, lovable qualities.
§ Practical Examples
Let's look at some examples to clarify:
あの赤ちゃんはとてもかわいいです。(Ano akachan wa totemo kawaii desu.)
That baby is very cute. (Direct, strong statement of cuteness.)
彼女の笑顔はいつもかわいらしい。(Kanojo no egao wa itsumo kawaiirashii.)
Her smile is always endearing/lovable. (Suggests a gentle, charming cuteness.)
この猫はかわいいね！ (Kono neko wa kawaii ne!)
This cat is cute! (A common, direct expression.)
彼はちょっと不器用だけど、そこがまたかわいらしい。(Kare wa chotto bukiyou dakedo, soko ga mata kawaiirashii.)
He's a bit clumsy, but that's what makes him endearing/lovable. (Highlights a gentle, charming quality.)
§ Avoiding Overuse of Kawaii
While かわいい is very popular in Japanese culture, relying on it too much can make your Japanese sound a bit repetitive or childish, especially in more formal contexts. It's not necessarily a 'mistake,' but it's a stylistic choice you should be aware of.
§ Common Misconceptions
Some learners think that かわいい can only be used for small, traditionally 'cute' things like babies or animals. While these are common uses, you can also use かわいい for:
- People: A cute outfit, a cute gesture, a cute personality trait.
- Objects: A cute phone case, a cute mug, a cute piece of stationery.
- Actions: A child's cute way of speaking, a cute dance.
However, using かわいらしい might be more appropriate when describing a grown person's charming qualities rather than their 'cuteness' in a childlike sense.
§ かわいい vs. 可愛い (Kanji)
You'll often see かわいい written in hiragana, especially in casual contexts. However, the kanji for かわいい is 可愛い. Both mean the same thing, but in general, hiragana is used more often these days. Don't worry too much about using the kanji unless you're reading older texts or more formal writing. For everyday use, just stick to かわいい.
§ かわいい vs. きれい (kirei)
This is a common point of confusion. Both words can describe something pleasant to look at, but they have different nuances.
- DEFINITION
- きれい (kirei): beautiful; clean; pretty
Use きれい for things that are beautiful, elegant, or clean. It can be used for people, scenery, or objects. Think of it as describing something that has a more mature or refined beauty, or something that is simply neat and tidy.
あの人はとてもきれいですね。(That person is very beautiful/pretty, isn't she?)
この部屋はきれいです。(This room is clean.)
On the other hand, かわいい focuses on cuteness, charm, or something endearing. It often implies a sense of smallness, innocence, or something that makes you feel warm and fuzzy inside. It's used for babies, small animals, cute accessories, or even a person's charming actions.
子猫はかわいいです。(Kittens are cute.)
そのドレスはとてもかわいいね。(That dress is very cute, isn't it?)
§ かわいい vs. すてき (suteki)
While both express admiration, they're used for different kinds of appreciation.
- DEFINITION
- すてき (suteki): lovely; wonderful; cool; fantastic
すてき is a more general term for something lovely, wonderful, or cool. It has a broader meaning and can be applied to a wider range of things, including people's personalities, ideas, or events, not just appearance. It often implies something stylish, impressive, or desirable.
あなたのアイデアはとてもすてきです。(Your idea is wonderful.)
あのレストランはすてきな雰囲気ですね。(That restaurant has a lovely atmosphere, doesn't it?)
Again, かわいい is specifically about cuteness. While something かわいい can also be すてき, and vice versa, they aren't direct synonyms. If you want to emphasize the charming, endearing quality, use かわいい. If you're talking about something generally good, stylish, or wonderful, すてき is a better choice.
§ When to use かわいい
- To describe babies, children, or small animals.
- To describe toys, plushies, or cartoon characters.
- To describe fashion, accessories, or designs that are charming and endearing.
- To describe people's actions or expressions that are sweet or innocent.
このクマのぬいぐるみは本当にかわいいです。(This bear plushie is really cute.)
彼女の笑顔はいつもかわいいです。(Her smile is always lovely/cute.)
Basically, if it makes you go "aww," かわいい is probably the right word. It's a very versatile and commonly used word in Japanese, so don't be afraid to use it when you see something charming!
How Formal Is It?
"その花はとても可愛らしいですね。 (Sono hana wa totemo kawairashii desu ne.) - That flower is very lovely, isn't it?"
"子犬がとてもかわいいです。 (Koinu ga totemo kawaii desu.) - The puppy is very cute."
"あの服、可愛いね！ (Ano fuku, kawaii ne!) - Those clothes are cute!"
"みて、かわいいねこさんだよ！ (Mite, kawaii neko-san da yo!) - Look, it's a cute kitty!"
"このキャラクター、かわゆい！ (Kono kyarakutaa, kawayui!) - This character is super cute!"
按水平分级的例句
これはとてもかわいい犬です。
This is a very cute dog.
Using 'とても' (very) to intensify 'かわいい'.
彼女の赤ちゃんは本当にかわいいですね。
Her baby is really lovely, isn't it?
Using '本当に' (really) for emphasis and 'ですね' to seek agreement.
この小さい猫はかわいいです。
This small cat is cute.
Simple declarative sentence with '小さい' (small) modifying '猫' (cat).
かわいい服が好きです。
I like cute clothes.
'かわいい' directly modifies '服' (clothes) as an i-adjective.
あの店にはかわいいアクセサリーがたくさんあります。
That store has many cute accessories.
Using 'たくさん' (many) and 'あの店' (that store).
かわいいイラストを見つけました。
I found a cute illustration.
'見つけました' (found) is the past tense of '見つける'.
このキャラクターはとてもかわいいと思います。
I think this character is very cute.
Using '〜と思います' (I think) to express an opinion.
あなたの新しいペンケース、かわいいですね！
Your new pencil case is cute, isn't it!
A common way to express admiration, using 'ですね' for a friendly tone.
彼女は新しいドレスを着ていて、その姿が本当にかわいかったです。
She was wearing a new dress, and she looked truly cute/lovely in it.
〜を着ている (to be wearing), 姿 (figure/appearance), 本当に (truly)
子猫が箱の中で丸まって眠っているのを見ると、あまりのかわいさに心が和みます。
Seeing the kitten curled up and sleeping in the box, my heart is soothed by its cuteness.
子猫 (kitten), 丸まる (to curl up), 心が和む (one's heart is soothed)
彼の描くキャラクターはいつも表情豊かで、とてもかわいいと評判です。
The characters he draws are always expressive and are known for being very cute.
描く (to draw), 表情豊か (expressive), 評判 (reputation)
このお店で売っている手作りのクッキーは、形もかわいくてお土産にぴったりです。
The handmade cookies sold at this shop have cute shapes and are perfect as souvenirs.
手作り (handmade), お土産 (souvenir), ぴったり (perfectly)
小さい頃から集めているテディベアは、どれも私にとってかけがえのないかわいい存在です。
The teddy bears I've been collecting since I was little are all irreplaceable and cute to me.
小さい頃から (since childhood), 集める (to collect), かけがえのない (irreplaceable), 存在 (existence)
彼女の話し方はとてもかわいらしくて、聞いていると自然と笑顔になります。
Her way of speaking is very lovely, and listening to her naturally makes me smile.
話し方 (way of speaking), かわいらしい (charming/lovely), 自然と (naturally), 笑顔になる (to smile)
雪だるまの帽子が少しずれているのが、また一層かわいさを引き立てていますね。
The snowman's hat being slightly askew further enhances its cuteness, doesn't it?
雪だるま (snowman), ずれる (to shift/be askew), 一層 (even more), 引き立てる (to enhance)
友人が送ってくれたメッセージに添えられたスタンプが、とてもかわいくて心が温まりました。
The stamp attached to the message my friend sent me was very cute and warmed my heart.
添える (to attach/accompany), スタンプ (stamp), 心が温まる (one's heart is warmed)
常见搭配
常用短语
この猫はかわいいですね。
This cat is cute, isn't it?
彼女はとてもかわいいです。
She is very cute.
かわいい写真を見せてください。
Please show me cute photos.
そのバッグ、かわいい！
That bag is cute!
かわいいものを見るのが好きです。
I like looking at cute things.
あのかわいいカフェに行こう。
Let's go to that cute cafe.
プレゼントにかわいいぬいぐるみを選んだ。
I chose a cute stuffed animal as a present.
子供のかわいい絵に感動した。
I was moved by the child's cute drawing.
かわいい声で歌う鳥がいた。
There was a bird singing with a cute voice.
かわいいキャラクターグッズを集めています。
I collect cute character goods.
句型
Noun + は + かわいい + です (desu)
このねこはかわいいです。 (Kono neko wa kawaii desu.)
かわいい + Noun
かわいい犬ですね。 (Kawaii inu desu ne.)
Noun + が + かわいい + です (desu)
あの赤ちゃんがかわいいです。 (Ano akachan ga kawaii desu.)
Noun + を + かわいいと + 思います (omoimasu)
彼女はいつもかわいい服を着ていると思います。 (Kanojo wa itsumo kawaii fuku o kiteiru to omoimasu.)
かわいい + ですね / ですよ (desu ne / desu yo)
そのペンケース、かわいいですね！ (Sono penkeesu, kawaii desu ne!)
かわいくなる (kawaiku naru)
新しい髪型で、彼女はもっとかわいくなった。 (Atarashii kamigata de, kanojo wa motto kawaiku natta.)
かわいそう (kawaisou)
雨に濡れた子犬がかわいそうだった。 (Ame ni nureta koinu ga kawaisou datta.)
かわいいと + 感じる (kanjiru)
このキャラクターを見ると、いつもかわいいと感じます。 (Kono kyarakutaa o miru to, itsumo kawaii to kanjimasu.)
词族
名词
动词
小贴士
Basic Meaning of Kawaii
The most common meaning of かわいい is cute. You'll hear it everywhere in Japan.
Using Kawaii for People
You can describe a person as かわいい, especially children or young women, to mean they are cute or charming.
Using Kawaii for Objects
Many objects can be かわいい, like a cute plush toy (かわいいぬいぐるみ) or a cute accessory (かわいいアクセサリー). Think of anything that evokes a feeling of endearment.
Kawaii for Animals
It's very common to use かわいい for animals, especially pets. For example, かわいいねこ (a cute cat) or かわいいいぬ (a cute dog).
Kawaii for Clothing
Clothing can also be かわいい. For example, かわいいドレス (a cute dress) or かわいいふく (cute clothes).
Expressing Strong Cuteness
To express something is very cute, you can add とても (totemo) or すごく (sugoku) before かわいい: とてもかわいい (very cute).
Kawaii as an Interjection
You can use かわいい as an exclamation, like "How cute!" or "So cute!" when you see something adorable.
Kawaii Culture
The concept of かわいい is a significant part of Japanese culture, often extending to fashion, art, and even advertising. It's a widely accepted aesthetic.
Kawaii with -desu
To make it a complete sentence in a polite way, you add です (desu) after かわいい: これはかわいいです (This is cute).
Asking if Something is Cute
To ask if something is cute, you can say: これはかわいいですか？ (Is this cute?)
记住它
记忆技巧
Think of a 'kawaii' (cute) cat wearing a 'kawaii' bow and saying 'meow' (which sounds a bit like 'kawaii').
视觉联想
Imagine your favorite cute animal or object. Now, picture the word 'かわいい' written on it. Every time you see that animal/object, associate it with the word.
Word Web
挑战
Look around you and identify 5 things that you think are 'kawaii'. Say 'これはかわいいです' (kore wa kawaii desu - This is cute) for each item. Then, describe a person or pet you know using 'かわいい'.
自我测试 96 个问题
Choose the correct English meaning for 「かわいい」.
「かわいい」 (kawaii) means cute or lovely.
Which Japanese word means 'cute'?
「かわいい」 (kawaii) is the Japanese word for cute.
「この犬はとてもかわいいです。」What does 「かわいい」 describe in this sentence?
「この犬はとてもかわいいです。」(Kono inu wa totemo kawaii desu.) means 'This dog is very cute.'
「かわいい」 means 'tall'.
「かわいい」 means 'cute' or 'lovely', not 'tall'. The word for tall (for a person) is 「せがたかい」 (segatakai) or just 「たかい」 (takai) for objects.
You can use 「かわいい」 to describe a cute cat.
Yes, 「かわいい」 can be used to describe any animal or object that is cute. For example, 「かわいい猫」 (kawaii neko) means 'a cute cat'.
「かわいい」 is a verb.
「かわいい」 is an i-adjective, not a verb. It describes a noun, like 'cute' in English.
This is a cute cat.
Whose cute dog is that?
That bag is very cute.
Read this aloud:
かわいい
Focus: ka-wa-ii (stress on 'i')
你说的：
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Read this aloud:
かわいいですね。
Focus: ka-wa-ii de-su ne
你说的：
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Read this aloud:
これはかわいいです。
Focus: ko-re wa ka-wa-ii de-su
你说的：
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Write a short sentence describing something cute, using 'かわいい'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
このねこはかわいいです。 (This cat is cute.)
Complete the sentence: 'あのいぬはとても ___ です。' (That dog is very ___.)
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
あのいぬはとてもかわいいです。
Imagine you see a cute baby. Write a short phrase or sentence to express that the baby is cute.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
あかちゃんはかわいいです。
What is cute?
Read this passage:
これはかわいいペンです。 (This is a cute pen.)
What is cute?
The passage states 'これはかわいいペンです。', meaning 'This is a cute pen.'
The passage states 'これはかわいいペンです。', meaning 'This is a cute pen.'
What does the speaker want?
Read this passage:
わたしはかわいいかばんがほしいです。 (I want a cute bag.)
What does the speaker want?
The sentence 'わたしはかわいいかばんがほしいです' means 'I want a cute bag.'
The sentence 'わたしはかわいいかばんがほしいです' means 'I want a cute bag.'
What is being described as cute?
Read this passage:
そのはなはかわいいです。 (That flower is cute.)
What is being described as cute?
The passage explicitly states 'そのはなはかわいいです', meaning 'That flower is cute.'
The passage explicitly states 'そのはなはかわいいです', meaning 'That flower is cute.'
この猫は本当に＿＿＿ですね。
The sentence means 'This cat is really ___.' 'かわいい' (kawaii) means 'cute,' which fits the context of describing a cat.
彼女のドレスはとても＿＿＿です。
The sentence means 'Her dress is very ___.' 'かわいい' (kawaii) means 'cute' or 'lovely,' making it a suitable adjective for a dress.
新しいペンギンはとても＿＿＿。
The sentence means 'The new penguin is very ___.' 'かわいい' (kawaii) means 'cute,' which is a common way to describe a baby animal.
あの犬の目が＿＿＿です。
The sentence means 'That dog's eyes are ___.' 'かわいい' (kawaii) can be used to describe charming or lovely features like eyes.
このパンダは本当に＿＿＿ですね！
The sentence means 'This panda is really ___!' 'かわいい' (kawaii) means 'cute,' which is a common and appropriate description for a panda.
彼女の赤ちゃんはとても＿＿＿。
The sentence means 'Her baby is very ___.' 'かわいい' (kawaii) means 'cute' or 'lovely,' which is a natural way to describe a baby.
Choose the most appropriate word to complete the sentence: その猫はとても___。
The sentence means 'That cat is very ___.' 'かわいい' (kawaii) means cute, which is a fitting description for a cat. '大きい' (ookii) means big, '高い' (takai) means tall/expensive, and '難しい' (muzukashii) means difficult, none of which fit the context as well.
Which English word best describes 'かわいい'?
'かわいい' directly translates to 'cute' or 'lovely'.
Select the sentence where 'かわいい' is used correctly.
'彼女はかわいいです。' (Kanojo wa kawaii desu.) means 'She is cute.' This is a natural usage. 'その本はかわいいです。' (Sono hon wa kawaii desu.) 'That book is cute.' is less common unless it's a picture book. '彼はかわいいです。' (Kare wa kawaii desu.) 'He is cute.' is sometimes used for boys, but '彼女' (kanojo - she) or '女の子' (onnanoko - girl) are more typical subjects for 'かわいい'. 'かわいいを食べる。' (Kawaii o taberu.) 'Eat cute.' is grammatically incorrect and makes no sense.
The word 'かわいい' can be used to describe a baby.
Yes, 'かわいい' is often used to describe babies because they are considered cute and lovely.
'かわいい' is an adjective.
Yes, 'かわいい' is an i-adjective in Japanese, meaning it directly modifies nouns (e.g., かわいい猫 - cute cat) and can end sentences (e.g., 猫はかわいい - The cat is cute).
You can use 'かわいい' to describe a very large and serious dog.
While you might love a large, serious dog, 'かわいい' typically refers to something small, charming, or endearing. It wouldn't be the most natural fit for a 'very large and serious' dog, which might be described as 'かっこいい' (kakkoii - cool/かっこいい) or 'りっぱな' (rippana - splendid/impressive) instead.
The correct order is 'This dog is cute.' In Japanese, the topic (dog) is followed by 'wa' (は), and the adjective (cute) comes before 'desu' (です).
The correct order is 'This cat is cute too, isn't it?' 'Mo' (も) means 'too' and 'ne' (ね) is a particle used to seek agreement.
The correct order is 'Her baby is very cute.' 'No' (の) indicates possession, and 'totemo' (とても) means 'very'.
この猫は本当に＿＿＿ですね。
The sentence means 'This cat is really ___.' 'かわいい' (kawaii) means 'cute,' which fits the context.
彼女はいつも＿＿＿服を着ています。
The sentence means 'She always wears ___ clothes.' 'かわいい' (kawaii) meaning 'cute' is the most natural fit.
お店には＿＿＿雑貨がたくさんあります。
The sentence means 'There are many ___ goods in the store.' 'かわいい' (kawaii) is the appropriate adjective to describe 'goods' in this context.
あの赤ちゃんはとても＿＿＿ですね。みんなに愛されています。
The sentence means 'That baby is very ___. Everyone loves him/her.' 'かわいい' (kawaii) meaning 'cute/lovely' is perfect here.
お土産に＿＿＿キーホルダーを買いました。
The sentence means 'I bought a ___ keychain as a souvenir.' 'かわいい' (kawaii) makes sense for a souvenir keychain.
彼女の声は＿＿＿くて、聞いていると心が和みます。
The sentence means 'Her voice is ___ and listening to it calms my heart.' 'かわいく' (kawaiiku) is the adverbial form of 'kawaii' used to describe the voice as lovely or charming.
Choose the most appropriate word to complete the sentence: その猫はとても___。
The sentence means 'That cat is very ___.' 'かわいい' (kawaii) meaning 'cute' or 'lovely' fits best when describing a cat.
Which of the following describes something 'cute' or 'lovely'?
A baby panda is generally considered cute. The other options are not typically described as 'kawaii'.
If someone says, 「彼女の服はいつもかわいいですね。」, what are they complimenting?
The sentence means 'Her clothes are always cute, aren't they?' This is a compliment about her fashion.
「この犬はかわいい」 means 'This dog is scary.'
「かわいい」 (kawaii) means 'cute' or 'lovely', not 'scary'. So the sentence means 'This dog is cute.'
You can use 「かわいい」 to describe a child's appearance.
「かわいい」 is commonly used to describe children as cute or lovely.
「かわいい」 is usually used to describe something large and imposing.
「かわいい」 (kawaii) typically describes things that are small, charming, or endearing, not large and imposing.
Listen to the sentence about a cat.
Listen to someone asking about a new bag.
Listen to a sentence about a popular character.
Read this aloud:
この赤ちゃん、本当にかわいいですね。
Focus: かわいい
你说的：
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Read this aloud:
あなたの服、とてもかわいいです。
Focus: かわいい
你说的：
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
これはかわいいペンです。
Focus: かわいい
你说的：
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You want to describe a friend's new pet, a kitten, as cute. Write a sentence in Japanese using かわいい.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
友達の新しいペットの子猫はとてもかわいいです。
You are at a shop and see a cute piece of clothing. Write a sentence in Japanese expressing that you think it's cute.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
この服、とてもかわいいですね。
Describe a small, lovely garden you saw in Japanese, using かわいい.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
私は小さいけれどとてもかわいい庭を見ました。
What did the person say about the smartphone case?
Read this passage:
彼女は新しいスマートフォンケースを買いました。そのケースはピンク色で、小さな花の模様があり、とてもかわいかったです。彼女はそれを見て、「これ、本当に私好み！」と言いました。
What did the person say about the smartphone case?
The passage states, 「これ、本当に私好み！」と言いました。
The passage states, 「これ、本当に私好み！」と言いました。
What made the teddy bear cute?
Read this passage:
公園で、子供たちが遊んでいました。一人の女の子が持っていたテディベアは、耳が大きく、目がキラキラしていて、とてもかわいかったので、他の子供たちも「かわいい！」と声を上げていました。
What made the teddy bear cute?
The passage mentions that the teddy bear had big ears (耳が大きく) and sparkling eyes (目がキラキラしていて), making it cute.
The passage mentions that the teddy bear had big ears (耳が大きく) and sparkling eyes (目がキラキラしていて), making it cute.
What characteristics of the puppy are mentioned that made it cute?
Read this passage:
友達が送ってくれた写真には、子犬が写っていました。その子犬は、短い足とふわふわのしっぽを持っていて、見るからにとてもかわいい様子でした。私はすぐに「かわいい！」と返信しました。
What characteristics of the puppy are mentioned that made it cute?
The passage describes the puppy as having short legs (短い足) and a fluffy tail (ふわふわのしっぽ), contributing to its cuteness.
The passage describes the puppy as having short legs (短い足) and a fluffy tail (ふわふわのしっぽ), contributing to its cuteness.
The correct order is 'This dog is very cute.' In Japanese, the topic particle 'は' (wa) follows the topic 'この犬' (kono inu - this dog), and the adjective 'かわいい' (kawaii - cute) comes before the 'です' (desu - is/are) to form a polite sentence.
The correct order is 'My friend's baby is really cute.' The possessive particle 'の' (no) connects '友達' (tomodachi - friend) to '赤ちゃん' (akachan - baby). 'は' (wa) marks the topic, and '本当に' (hontō ni - really) emphasizes 'かわいい' (kawaii - cute).
The correct order is 'That cat has big eyes and is cute.' 'その猫' (sono neko - that cat) is the topic. '目が大きい' (me ga ōkii - eyes are big) describes the eyes, connected to 'かわいい' (kawaii - cute) with 'くて' (kute), an adjective conjunction.
The correct order is 'This kitten is very cute.'
The correct order is 'She always wears cute clothes.'
The correct order is 'That character is reputed to be cute worldwide.'
彼女の新しいヘアスタイルは本当に___ですね。
「かわいい」は、愛らしい、魅力的という意味で使われます。ここでは新しいヘアスタイルが魅力的な様子を表しています。
あの子猫はとても___ので、みんながメロメロになっています。
子猫の愛らしさが周囲の人々を魅了している状況を表すのに「かわいい」が最も適切です。
伝統的な着物姿は、現代のファッションとは異なる___魅力があります。
ここでは、着物が持つ古風で愛らしい魅力を表現するのに「かわいい」が適しています。単なる「美しい」よりも、親しみやすさや愛着のニュアンスを含みます。
彼の描くキャラクターはいつも___表情をしていて、見る人を笑顔にします。
キャラクターが持つ愛らしくて人を笑顔にする表情を表すのに「かわいい」が適切です。
おばあちゃんが作ってくれたお弁当は、いつも___飾り付けがされていました。
お弁当の飾り付けが、見ていて楽しくなるような、愛らしい様子を表すのに「かわいい」が適切です。
あのカフェは内装が___で、女性客にとても人気があります。
カフェの内装が、愛らしくて魅力的であることを表現するのに「かわいい」が最適です。特に女性に好まれるような雰囲気を指します。
Choose the most appropriate word to complete the sentence: 彼女はいつも___笑顔で、みんなを和ませる。
The sentence describes someone who makes everyone feel at ease with her smile. 'かわいい' (cute/lovely) best fits this context, implying a charming and endearing smile. '美しい' (beautiful) refers more to aesthetic beauty, '賢い' (wise/clever) refers to intelligence, and '面白い' (interesting/funny) refers to amusement.
Which of the following phrases conveys a nuance of 'endearing charm' in a sophisticated context?
'愛らしい' (airashii) is a more refined way to express 'cute' or 'lovely,' often used for charming gestures or appearances. This option, focusing on '仕草' (gestures), perfectly captures the nuance of endearing charm. The other options describe beauty, intelligence, or originality, not specifically 'cute' in a C1 context.
ある文学作品で、登場人物が「その幼い猫の___表情に、彼は思わず微笑んだ」と表現されています。空欄に最も適切な言葉を選びなさい。
'あどけない' (adokenai) means innocent and childlike, often used to describe a pure, charming, and somewhat 'cute' expression. This fits well with the context of a '幼い猫' (young cat) evoking a smile from a character in literature, suggesting an innocent and endearing quality. 'きらびやかな' (kirabiyakana) means dazzling, 'うつろな' (utburona) means hollow/vacant, and '冷徹な' (reitetuna) means cold-blooded.
「かわいい」という言葉は、必ずしも外見の美しさだけを指すわけではなく、性格や行動の愛らしさも表現できる。
True. While 'かわいい' often refers to physical cuteness, it can also describe endearing personality traits, gestures, or actions that evoke warmth and affection, even in a sophisticated context. For example, a charmingly clumsy act can be described as 'かわいい'.
ビジネスの場で、同僚の仕事ぶりを褒める際に「彼の仕事はとてもかわいい」と表現するのは適切である。
False. In a business context, using 'かわいい' to describe someone's work ethic or performance would be highly inappropriate and unprofessional. While it can imply a certain charm in personal interactions, it doesn't convey professionalism or competence in a work-related assessment. More appropriate terms would be '素晴らしい' (splendid), '丁寧な' (careful/polite), or '効率的だ' (efficient).
古典文学において、「かわいい」の概念に相当する表現は存在せず、現代になって生まれた感覚である。
False. While the precise word 'かわいい' and its modern usage have evolved, the concept of 'loveliness,' 'charm,' or 'endearment' has existed in Japanese aesthetics and literature for centuries, expressed through various terms like 'をかし' (okashi) or 'あはれ' (aware) in different nuances, reflecting the appreciation for delicate beauty and charm. Therefore, the underlying sentiment is not entirely modern.
彼女の新しい子猫は本当に___ですね。見ていると心が和みます。
文脈から、心が和むような肯定的な感情を表す形容詞が必要です。「かわいい」が最も適切です。
このパンダのぬいぐるみはとても___ので、子供たちが皆欲しがっています。
子供たちが欲しがる理由として、ぬいぐるみの魅力的な特徴が考えられます。「かわいい」が文脈に合致します。
おばあちゃんが編んでくれたマフラーは、少し不格好だけど、私にとっては世界で一番___。
「少し不格好だけど」という逆接の後で、愛情のこもった感情を表す言葉が入ります。「かわいい」が適切です。
彼女は、道端で見つけた小さな捨て猫を___と思い、家に連れて帰った。
捨て猫を家に連れて帰る理由として、「かわいい」という感情が自然です。
このアニメのキャラクターは独特のデザインだけど、どこか___魅力がある。
「独特のデザインだけど」という前置きの後で、肯定的な魅力について述べています。「かわいい」が適切です。
新しくオープンしたカフェの店内装飾は、レトロで___雰囲気があり、女性客に人気だ。
女性客に人気がある理由として、レトロな雰囲気に加えて「かわいい」という魅力が考えられます。
This sentence structure is common in Japanese. Start with the subject 'この動物園のパンダは' (The panda at this zoo), then add the adverb '本当に' (really), followed by the adjective 'かわいい' (cute), and the polite ending 'ですね' (isn't it?).
The order is '妹が買った新しい人形は' (The new doll my sister bought) followed by 'とてもかわいいです' (is very cute). The relative clause '妹が買った' (my sister bought) modifies '新しい人形' (new doll).
The subject '彼女の笑顔は' (Her smile) is followed by the adverb 'いつも' (always) and then the passive construction '誰からもかわいいと思われています' (is thought to be cute by everyone).
/ 96 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
「かわいい」is a versatile adjective to express cuteness or loveliness, applicable to a wide range of subjects.
- Commonly used to describe people, animals, and objects.
- Can express affection or admiration.
- Widely used in everyday conversation in Japan.
Basic Meaning of Kawaii
The most common meaning of かわいい is cute. You'll hear it everywhere in Japan.
Using Kawaii for People
You can describe a person as かわいい, especially children or young women, to mean they are cute or charming.
Using Kawaii for Objects
Many objects can be かわいい, like a cute plush toy (かわいいぬいぐるみ) or a cute accessory (かわいいアクセサリー). Think of anything that evokes a feeling of endearment.
Kawaii for Animals
It's very common to use かわいい for animals, especially pets. For example, かわいいねこ (a cute cat) or かわいいいぬ (a cute dog).
例句
あの猫はとてもかわいいですね。
相关内容
更多general词汇
いくつか
B1An unspecified small number of things; some, a few.
ちょっと
A2A little; a moment; a bit. Small amount or short time.
すこし
A2A little; a few.
さっき
A2A little while ago; a short time past.
能力
A1Nouryoku refers to the mental or physical power, skill, or capacity required to perform a specific task or function. It can describe both innate talent and skills acquired through learning and practice.
異常
A1A word used to describe something that deviates from the normal state, standard, or expected pattern. It often implies a problem, malfunction, or an extraordinary occurrence that requires attention or investigation.
～について
A2About, concerning; indicates topic.
〜について
B1About, concerning; on the subject of.
～ぐらい
A2about, approximately
ぐらい
A2About; approximately; to the extent of.
