cute in korean
How to Say "Cute" in Korean (귀여워): Casual, Polite & Flirty
귀여워
gwiyeowo
Quick answer
The most natural way to say "cute" in Korean is 귀여워 (gwiyeowo) in casual speech or 귀여워요 (gwiyeowoyo) when being polite.
Common forms
| Register | Hangul | Romanization | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| casual | 귀여워 | gwiyeowo | Use with close friends, younger people, or a romantic partner — the everyday go-to. |
| polite | 귀여워요 | gwiyeowoyo | Add -요 for the polite form, safe around adults you're not super close with. |
| adjective (before noun) | 귀여운 | gwiyeoun | Used before a noun: 귀여운 강아지 (gwiyeoun gangaji) = a cute puppy. |
| really cute | 너무 귀여워 | neomu gwiyeowo | 너무 (neomu) means 'so' or 'really' — the most common intensifier fans use. |
How it changes by relationship
귀여워!
Gwiyeowo!
to a close friend: Totally natural to squeal at your friend or their pet.
너무 귀여워, 진짜.
Neomu gwiyeowo, jinjja.
to a romantic partner: Adding 진짜 (jinjja, 'really') makes it warmer and more sincere.
귀여워요!
Gwiyeowoyo!
to someone older or a stranger (polite): Safe default when you're not sure about the social level.
너무 귀엽다!
Neomu gwiyeopda!
about a baby or animal: 귀엽다 is the dictionary form, used as a declaration — very common in casual speech.
Examples
이 강아지 진짜 귀여워!
I gangaji jinjja gwiyeowo!
This puppy is so cute!
오늘 귀여운 스웨터 입었네.
Oneul gwiyeoun seuweteo ibeonne.
You wore a cute sweater today.
왜 이렇게 귀여워요?
Wae ireoke gwiyeowoyo?
Why are you so cute?
Usage note
English speakers sometimes say 귀여워 to mean someone looks childish or small, but in Korean it's a warm compliment with no condescending edge — it's commonly said to adults, idols, and even adults acting endearingly (aegyo).
Mini quiz
What is the primary Korean phrase for "cute" here?
FAQ
How do I say 'so cute' or 'really cute'?
Add 너무 (neomu) in front: 너무 귀여워 (neomu gwiyeowo). You can also use 정말 (jeongmal) for 'really.'
Can you call a person cute in Korean without it being weird?
Yes, calling someone 귀여워 is a genuine compliment in Korea — it doesn't imply they're childish the way 'cute' sometimes does in English.
What's the difference between 귀여워 and 귀엽다?
Both mean cute. 귀여워 is the casual conjugated form used talking to someone; 귀엽다 sounds more like a self-exclamation or written style.