예쁘다 (yeppeuda)
"Pretty," "cute," or "lovely" — the standard Korean adjective for visual beauty.
- Meaning: "Pretty," "cute," or "lovely" — the standard Korean adjective for visual beauty.
- Pronunciation: /je.p͈ɯ.da/ (yeppeuda)
- Part of speech: adjective
- Formality: Neutral — works in most everyday settings.
- Literal: is pretty / is beautiful
What does 예쁘다 mean?
예쁘다 (yeppeuda) means "pretty," "cute," or "lovely" — the dictionary form for visual beauty, used most for women, children, and pretty objects. In speech it becomes casual 예뻐 (yeppeo), polite 예뻐요 (yeppeoyo), and the exclamatory 예쁘다! you say when something looks lovely.
예쁘다 (yeppeuda) means "pretty / cute / lovely" and is the most common Korean compliment for visual beauty. It applies to women (most common), children, animals, flowers, designs, outfits, packaging — anything visually pleasing. Casual 예뻐 (yeppeo), polite 예뻐요 (yeppeoyo), formal 예쁩니다 (yeppeumnida). 예쁘다 is gentler and more delicate than 멋있다 (meositda, "cool / stylish"); the two cover different aesthetic axes. Korean parents and grandparents routinely call children 예쁘다 as warm everyday praise. Note: calling an adult man 예쁘다 either signals genuine compliment (about features) or playful teasing — context decides.
Examples in context
By politeness level (반말 / 해요체 / exclamatory)
One adjective, three registers — 예쁘다! on its own is the "so pretty!" exclamation.
Describing a person
Most often a woman's looks, smile, or whole impression.
Describing a thing or design
Flowers, bags, packaging, decor — anything visually pleasing.
Affection for children, babies, and pets
Family-warmth use — closer to "adorable / dear" than strictly looks.
Common collocations
진짜/너무 intensify; 예쁘게 is the adverb ("prettily").
예쁘다in K-pop & K-drama
Idol praise & fan chants
예뻐! is shouted at female idols' concerts and fills their fan comments. 우리 애기 예쁘다 ("our baby is so pretty") is standard fan affection for a bias, framing the idol as someone precious and cherished — the female-side counterpart to 멋있어 for male idols.
예쁘다 as everyday warmth
Korean parents and grandparents call children 예쁘다 constantly — closer to "good / dear" than strictly about looks. The set phrase 예쁘게 봐주세요 ("please look on me kindly") even uses the word to mean "favorably," showing how 예쁘다 carries affection beyond appearance.
When to use 예쁘다
- Complimenting a woman's appearance
- Describing children, animals, or babies as cute
- Praising visual design, flowers, decor, packaging
- Affectionate everyday use ("이거 예쁘다!" — "this is cute!")
When NOT to use 예쁘다
- When you mean "cool / stylish" — that is 멋있다 (meositda)
- Adult male strangers — sounds odd unless context (e.g. K-pop fandom for a male idol's features)
- Very formal compliments — prefer 아름답다 (areumdapda, "beautiful")
예쁘다 vs. similar terms
예쁘다 vs neighboring beauty and cuteness adjectives
| Term | Core meaning | Typical subject | Nuance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 예쁘다 (yeppeuda) | pretty / lovely | women, kids, objects | everyday visual prettiness |
| 귀엽다 (gwiyeopda) | cute / adorable | babies, pets, charming people | youthful, charming smallness |
| 아름답다 (areumdapda) | beautiful | scenery, art, refined beauty | grander, more formal / literary |
| 멋있다 (meositda) | cool / stylish | people, performances, objects | style + charisma, not "pretty" |
Related terms
More in K-drama core
High-frequency K-drama dialogue verbs and adjectives.
"I like you" or "I like (something)" in informal Korean — softer than 사랑해 and used for both romantic confessions and everyday preferences.
"Cool," "stylish," or "handsome" — the standard compliment for people, performances, or impressive moments.
"Quickly," "fast," or "hurry up!" — Korean's most-used adverb of speed and urgency.
"It's OK," "I'm fine," or "are you OK?" — the most-used reassurance and check-in phrase in conversational Korean.
Frequently asked questions
What does 예쁘다 mean in Korean?
예쁘다 (yeppeuda) means "pretty," "cute," or "lovely." It is Korean's most common adjective for visual beauty — used for women, children, flowers, designs, and anything visually pleasing.
What is the difference between 예쁘다 and 귀엽다?
예쁘다 (yeppeuda) means "pretty / lovely / beautiful in a refined way." 귀엽다 (gwiyeopda) means "cute / adorable" — emphasizing youthful or charming smallness. A baby is 귀엽다 first; a young woman in a graceful outfit is 예쁘다 first. They overlap but the connotations differ.
Can I say 예뻐 to my Korean girlfriend?
Yes — it is the standard everyday compliment. 예뻐 (casual) or 예뻐요 (polite-informal) said sincerely is a very welcome compliment. Korean partners say it constantly. For deeper compliment, 정말 예뻐 ("really pretty") or 너무 예뻐 ("so pretty") add emphasis.
What is the difference between 예쁘다 and 아름답다?
예쁘다 (yeppeuda) is everyday "pretty / cute" for people and small things. 아름답다 (areumdapda) is "beautiful" in a grander, more formal sense — used for scenery, art, music, or solemn beauty. You would call a friend's outfit 예쁘다 but a sunset 아름답다.
How do you say "you're beautiful" in Korean?
For "pretty," say 예뻐 (yeppeo, casual) or 예뻐요 (polite). For a deeper "beautiful," use 아름다워 (areumdawo) / 아름다워요 — more formal and poetic, common in songs and written compliments. In everyday speech 예뻐 is far more common; 아름답다 sounds grander.
How is 예쁘다 pronounced?
예쁘다 is pronounced [je.p͈ɯ.da] — "yeh-ppuh-da." The first syllable is a quick "yeh." The middle has a tense doubled P (sharper and faster than English P). The final "da" is light.
More Korean slang?
Browse the full Korean Slang Dictionary or read the deep-dive: Korean Slang Ultimate Guide.