可愛い

(2 entries)
Alternative writings: 可愛い
JLPT:N5
Frequency:
1

Being cute, adorable, or charming in appearance or behavior.

I-AdjectiveUsually Kana

Examples

子犬がじゃれていて本当にかわいい。

The puppy is playing around and is really cute.

そのワンピース、色も形もかわいいね。

That dress is cute—the color and shape are nice.

赤ちゃんの笑顔は誰でもかわいいと感じる。

A baby's smile makes everyone feel it's cute.

2

Expressing affection or endearment toward someone/something (dear, precious, darling).

I-AdjectiveUsually Kana

Examples

孫は祖父母にとってかわいい存在だ。

The grandchild is a precious one to the grandparents.

彼女は妹をとてもかわいがっている。

She dotes on her younger sister.

その古いぬいぐるみは彼にとってかわいい宝物だ。

That old stuffed toy is a dear treasure to him.

3

Innocent, childlike, or endearingly naive behavior or quality.

I-AdjectiveUsually Kana

Examples

彼女の天然なところが、周りにはかわいいと映る。

Her natural/airheaded side appears cute to those around her.

子どもの無邪気な発言は大人にはかわいく感じられることが多い。

Children's innocent remarks often seem cute to adults.

彼は子どもみたいにふざけて、かわいいと笑われた。

He joked around like a child and was laughed at as being cute.

4

Dainty, little, or small—sometimes used affectionately to describe a small amount or size.

I-AdjectiveUsually Kana

Examples

かわいいサイズのケーキを二人で分けた。

We shared a small (cute) cake between the two of us.

借金の額はかわいいものだと言われたが、返すのは当然だ。

They said the debt was a small amount, but of course it should be repaid.

机の上にかわいい置き物が並んでいる。

Cute little ornaments are lined up on the desk.

Word Relationships