What does 귀여워 (gwiyeowo) mean?
- 귀여워gwiyeowo
You're cute
Casual: friends and people younger than you
귀여워 (gwiyeowo) means "you're cute" or "so cute" in Korean. It is the casual form of 귀엽다, and people say it about babies, pets, partners, idols and even small things like a tiny cup. Fans often type it as "kiyowo."
Where it comes from
It comes from the adjective 귀엽다 (gwiyeopda), "to be cute." The ㅂ at the end of the stem changes to 워 in this form, which is why 귀엽다 becomes 귀여워.
How to use 귀여워
It is one of the most used compliments in Korean. Couples say it to each other, and fans say it about idols doing 애교.
It is casual, so add 요 for politeness: 귀여워요. Calling your boss "cute" is risky, the same as in English, but grandparents and older friends will usually take it warmly.
A playful way to show how cute something is: 귀여워 죽겠어, "so cute I could die."
Examples
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Seeing a friend's new puppy
Watching a baby laugh
Talking to a parent at the park
Other ways to say it
| Korean | Meaning | When |
|---|---|---|
| 귀여워요 | You're cute (polite) | Polite form. |
| 귀엽다 | To be cute | Dictionary form; also said as an exclamation. |
| 너무 귀여워 | So cute | Very common reaction. |
| 귀요미 | Cutie | Slang nickname for a cute person. |
| 귀여운 | Cute (before a noun) | 귀여운 강아지 means "a cute puppy." |
Questions learners ask
What does kiyowo mean?
It is a fan spelling of 귀여워 (gwiyeowo), "so cute." You will see it a lot in comments on idol videos.
Can I call a guy gwiyeowo?
Yes. It is a common, friendly compliment for men too, especially from a partner or fans.