Korean · Emotions & Descriptions
"Cute" in Korean: 귀엽다
귀엽다gwiyeopda
Cute in Korean is 귀엽다 (gwiyeopda). 귀엽다 becomes 귀여워요; 귀여운 is the adjective form directly before a noun.
Cute: an everyday statement
아기가 귀여워요.agiga gwiyeowoyo.
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How to pronounce 귀엽다
Say it
gwiyeopda
/kwijʌp̚t͈a/
Read 귀엽다 as gwiyeopda. The spoken form 귀여워요 is gwiyeowoyo; preserve its final 요 when addressing someone politely.
"Cute" in Korean: quick reference
| Korean | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| 귀엽다gwiyeopda | Cute Dictionary form. | Dictionary form. |
| 귀여워요gwiyeowoyo | Cute (polite present) Use 귀여워요 in an everyday polite sentence. | Use 귀여워요 in an everyday polite sentence. |
| 귀여웠어요gwiyeowosseoyo | Cute (polite past) Use 귀여웠어요 for a completed past action or state. | Use 귀여웠어요 for a completed past action or state. |
How to use 귀엽다 in real life
- 1Cute: an everyday statement
아기가 귀여워요.
agiga gwiyeowoyo.
The baby is cute.
귀여워요 is the present form of 귀엽다.
- 2Cute: a different situation
어제 본 강아지가 귀여웠어요.
eoje bon gangajiga gwiyeowosseoyo.
The puppy I saw yesterday was cute.
귀여웠어요 is the past form of 귀엽다.
- 3Cute: a question or request
이 인형이 귀여워요?
i inhyeongi gwiyeowoyo?
Is this doll cute?
귀여워요 is the present form of 귀엽다.
Mistakes English speakers make with 귀엽다
Incorrect: 귀엽다.
Correct: 귀여워요.
When practicing cute, 귀엽다 names the dictionary entry. In polite speech, change the ending to 귀여워요.
Incorrect: 어제 귀여워요.
Correct: 어제 귀여웠어요.
When practicing cute, for a completed event yesterday, use 귀여웠어요; the present form 귀여워요 does not express that past event.
Good to know
귀엽다 becomes 귀여워요; 귀여운 is the adjective form directly before a noun. 귀여워요 is the polite conversational form of 귀엽다; 귀여웠어요 gives a past-tense form.
Read this practice conversation aloud
Tutor-led emotions and descriptions study exercise: two sentences with 귀엽다
Partner
이 표현을 사용해서 한 문장 말해 볼까요?
i pyohyeoneul sayonghaeseo han munjang malhae bolkkayo?
Shall we say a sentence using this expression?
You
아기가 귀여워요.
agiga gwiyeowoyo.
The baby is cute.
Partner
좋아요. 다른 문장으로도 연습해 볼까요?
joayo. dareun munjangeurodo yeonseupae bolkkayo?
Good. Shall we practice with another sentence too?
You
어제 본 강아지가 귀여웠어요.
eoje bon gangajiga gwiyeowosseoyo.
The puppy I saw yesterday was cute.
This is a sample dialogue for reading aloud. Try both parts, then replace a detail with one from your own life.
Explore ChatPal"Cute" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "Cute" in Korean
How do I use 귀엽다 in polite speech?
귀여워요 is the polite conversational form of 귀엽다; 귀여웠어요 gives a past-tense form.
How do I use 귀엽다 in a past-tense sentence?
귀여웠어요 is the polite past form. 귀엽다 becomes 귀여워요; 귀여운 is the adjective form directly before a noun.
What does 귀여워요 mean here?
귀여워요 is used for cute. For example, 아기가 귀여워요. means “The baby is cute.”
What should I remember about 귀엽다?
귀엽다 becomes 귀여워요; 귀여운 is the adjective form directly before a noun.
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