How to Say and Use "Pretty" in Korean Properly: A Practical Guide

When it comes to learning a new language, it's essential to know how to express ourselves accurately, especially when it comes to describing our physical appearance. So, if you're wondering how to say "pretty" in Korean, there are a handful of ways to do so. Here are all the variations of the word and provide examples so that you can become comfortable using them in your everyday conversations.

How to say "pretty" in the Korean language

1. Informal

예뻐 (ye-ppeo) - This is an informal approach to compliment someone's attractiveness. Use this around people closest to you like family and close friends.
Ex. 그 여자가 너무 예뻐 (geu yeo-ja-ga neo-mu ye-ppeo) = That girl has a lot of beauty.
2. Polite

예뻐요 (ye-ppeo-yo) - This is the polite way to say "You look lovely." Use this around casual friends and people you don’t know well.

3. Formal

예쁩니다 (ye-ppeum-ni-da) - This is the version that you would use for people older than you in formal settings. This one is not as common as the other forms, but remember it for special occasions.

4. 이뻐요 (Ippeoyo) – Formal way to say "pretty" in Korean

If you want to be polite and respectful when complimenting someone older or in a formal setting, you can also use the formal conjugation of the verb 이쁘다 (ippeuda) by adding the polite expression -요 (yo) to the verb stem. So, 이쁘- (ippeu-) becomes 이뻐요 (Ippeoyo).
For more formality, you can add -세요 (saeyo) to the verb stem, ultimately forming 이쁘세요 (ippeusaeyo) if you want to make it even more respectful.

For instance, when you are trying on makeup or clothes in a store, the clerk might compliment you by saying:
너무 이뻐요 (Neomu ippeoyo) – You're so pretty.

5. Standard dictionary form

예쁘다 (ye-ppeu-da) - This is the standard dictionary form of the word pretty but is also used in daily conversation like the forms above. This form is also considered informal.

6. Nonstandard form

이쁘다 (i-ppeu-da) - This is a nonstandard form that people use mainly in daily conversation. It’s sort of a slang form of the word pretty and is a neutral and general way to say someone is pretty. This verb is rarely used in written form. You can use it to compliment someone without sounding too formal or informal. Also, use it to describe inanimate objects.

Notes:
- If you want to describe something as pretty using a noun, remove the verb stem and add "은" or "는" to the word: 예쁘다 —-> 예쁘 ——> 예쁜
So a pretty girl would be "예쁜 여자" (ye-ppeun yeo-ja) and a pretty flower would be "예쁜 꽃" (ye-ppeun kkot).
- If you want to ask your friend if something is pretty, you can use the phrase:
예쁘지요? (ye-ppeu-ji-yo) = It's pretty, isn't it?
This can be shortened to "예쁘죠?" (ye-ppeu-jyo) for a more informal tone. An informal way to say it is "예쁘지?" (ye-ppeu-ji).
- If you want to emphasize how pretty someone looks, you can use the adverb 너무 (neomu), which means "very" and say:
우와, 너무 이쁘다! (Oowa neomu ippeuda!) – Wow, you're very pretty!
- It's important to note that Koreans typically only use these phrases to describe women.

Describing an object as "pretty" in Korean

When describing an inanimate object as pretty in Korean, you can use the expression ~네요 (~neyo) as a substitute for -세요 (saeyo). This is how Korean expresses observation, and you can use it to describe non-living things.
For instance, when you see a beautiful dress, you might say:
예쁜 드레스예요 (Yeppeun deureseu neyo) – That dress is pretty.
Here are some options you can use to describe that something is pretty:

• 되게 이쁘다. Dwegeh ippeuda. (It) is really pretty. (casual)
• 이뻐요. Ippeoyo. It’s pretty. (formal)
• 이쁘네요. Ippeuneyo. It’s pretty. (observation)

Expressions of "Pretty" for Different Contexts

1. Honest compliments to non-friends or flirting

"(정말) 예쁘시네요 ((jeong-mal) yep-peu-shi-nae-yo)" is a very common way of complimenting someone. The "정말" here means "really" or "very" and can be omitted if you don't want to sound too formal.
This expression can be used when you want to give an honest and polite compliment to someone you don't know too well, or when you want to flirt with someone.

2. Complimenting kids

"(정말) 예쁘네 ((jeong-mal) yep-peu-nae)" is a casual way of complimenting children. This expression can be used in a friendly and innocent tone, and it may be accompanied by a warm smile or a gentle pat on the head.

3. Complimenting friends

"예쁘다 (yep-peu-da)" is the simplest way to say "pretty" in Korean. This expression can be used to compliment friends or people who are closer to you. It is very casual, so you should not use it with strangers or older people.

4. When you meet someone for the first time

It's best not to say "you are pretty" directly when you meet someone for the first time. Instead, you can say "예쁘시네요 (yep-peu-shi-nae-yo)" or "예쁘세요 (yep-peu-se-yo)." These expressions are polite and not too direct for a first encounter.

5. When you're flirting

Again, if you want to express your interest in someone, you can say "이쁘시네요 (ii|bbeu|sii|neyo)." This expression is similar to "예쁘시네요," but it sounds a little more personal and flirtatious.
Another way to flirt is to say "웰케 예쁘세요? (wel|ke ye|bbeu se|yo?)" This expression is a bit sarcastic, and it literally means "why are you so pretty?" Koreans usually use it in a joking way to tease someone they like.

6. How to use Korean honorifics

If you are speaking with someone who is older or of a higher social status, you should use a respectful form of "pretty." For example, "너는 (너무) 예쁘십니다 (neo-neun (neomu) yep-peu-shim-ni-da)" is a more formal and polite way of saying "you are (very) pretty."
If you want to be less formal, you can say "너는 (너무) 예뻐요 (neo-neun (neomu) ye-ppeo-yo)" or "너는 (너무) 예뻐 (neo-neun (neomu) ye-ppeo)." These expressions are still polite but are more casual than the honorific form.

How to say "I just want to be more pretty/beautiful"

1. Informal non-polite speech to or between kids or friends

If you're speaking informally to a friend or a child, you can use the following phrase to say "I just want to be pretty":
그냥 더 예뻐지고 싶어. (geu-nyang deo ye-ppeo-ji-go shi-peo.)
This phrase can be translated as "I just want to be more beautiful/pretty," and it's perfect for casual conversations with friends or family.

2. Informal polite speech to or between adults

If you're speaking to someone who's older or in a more formal context, you can use a polite version of the phrase we just learned.
그냥 더 예뻐지고 싶어요. (geu-nyang deo ye-ppeo-ji-go shi-peo-yo.)
This sentence uses the polite form of the verb "want" (싶다 - sipta) with the polite marker 요 (yo) at the end of the sentence. You can translate it "I just want to be more beautiful/pretty/lovely."

3. Formal polite speech for presentation or debate

If you're presenting a speech, participating in a debate, or in a formal setting, you can use another variant of the phrase.
그냥 더 예뻐지고 싶습니다. (geu-nyang deo ye-ppeo-ji-go shi-peo-seum-nida.)
In this version of the phrase, the verb "want" becomes a more formal form (싶습니다 - sipeumseumnida) with the formal polite marker -습니다 (seumnida) at the end of the sentence.

4. Narrative writing

To write a story or a text, you can use another form of the verb "want."
그냥 더 예뻐지고 싶다. (geu-nyang deo ye-ppeo-ji-go shi-pda.)
This is the informal non-polite sentence ending for "want" (싶다 - sipda) and can be translated similarly to the previous sentences.

What is the Korean equivalent of the expression "you're more pretty"?

너가 더 예뻐 (neo ga deo ye-bbeo.)
This is an informal expression that can be used towards someone younger, close friends, or an equal. It could be translated as "You're more beautiful/pretty."

How to say "You never look ugly"

In cases where you want to show more respect or formality, here are some phrases to use.

당신은 한 번도 못생겨보인 적 없어요. (dangsineun han beondo mot-saeng-gyeo-bo-in jeok eop-seoyo.)
This sentence can be translated as "You never look ugly," and it's a complete expression of respect and formality for those you want to show respect.
당신은 항상 아름다워요. (dangsineun hangsang aleumdawoyo.)
This other sentence can be translated as "You always look beautiful," and it's another way to show respect and admiration towards someone.

How to say "beautiful" in Korean

1. The two ways

The first way to say beautiful is to use the word "아름답다" (areumdapda). The second way is to say "예쁘다" (yeppeuda), which means 'pretty.' Generally, these words can be used interchangeably. However, "아름답다" (areumdapda) is often used to describe scenery, while "예쁘다" (yeppeuda) is often used to describe people or things.

2. Formal 'Beautiful' in Korean

If you're speaking in formal settings, such as in interviews, announcements, or presentations, then you'll want to use the following expressions:

"아름답습니다" (areumdapseumnida)
"예쁩니다" (yeppeumnida)
Examples:

• "설악산이 정말 아름답습니다." (Seorak Mountain is really beautiful.)
• "꽃이 예쁩니다." (The flowers are pretty.)

3. Standard 'Beautiful' in Korean

In everyday conversations, you can use the following expressions:

"아름다워요" (areumdawoyo)
"예뻐요" (yeppeoyo)
"이뻐요" (ippeoyo)
However, when talking to older people or those who are not particularly close to you, it is recommended to use "예뻐요" (yeppeoyo). The slang word "이뻐요" (ippeoyo) can be used, but it may not be considered as polite.
Examples:

• "그 사람은 아름다워요." (That person is beautiful.)
• "진짜 예뻐요!" (It's really pretty!)

4. Informal 'Beautiful' in Korean

If you're speaking with someone you're close to, like your girlfriend or boyfriend, you can use the following expressions:

"아름다워" (areumdawo)
"예뻐" (yeppeo)
"이뻐" (ippeo)
Examples:

• "와, 예뻐!" (Wow, so pretty!)
• "전망이 아름다워." (The view is beautiful.)

5. Bonus: 'Beautiful flowers' in Korean

If you want to specifically refer to something as "beautiful flowers" or "pretty woman," use "아름다운" (areumdaun) or "예쁜" (yeppeun) respectively.
Examples:

• "아름다운 꽃" (beautiful flowers)
• "예쁜 여자" (pretty woman)
• "예쁜 여자를 만나고 싶어요." (A pretty woman is someone I would love to see.)
• "아름다운 곳에 갑시다." (Let's go to a beautiful place.)

6. How to say "You're beautiful" in Korean

What if "pretty" or even "very pretty" isn't enough to describe someone or something? For this, you may want to learn how to say "beautiful" in Korean. Here are a few options for saying beautiful with different degrees of formality: 아름답다. Areumdabda. You’re beautiful. (general/casual)

• 아름다워! Areumdaweo! You’re beautiful. (casual)
• 아름다워요. Areumdawoyo. You’re beautiful. (formal)
• 매우 아름다우세요. Maeoo areumdaoosaeyo. You’re very beautiful. (very formal)

Other words for complimenting in Korean

Not satisfied with just calling someone "pretty" or "beautiful"? Here are some other words to express compliments:

1. 멋있다 Meosidda – Cool

Korean	Context
멋있어.	Casual
멋있어요.	Polite
멋있으세요.	Formal

2. 귀엽다 Gwiyeobda – Cute

Korean	Context
귀여워.	Casual
귀여워요.	Polite
귀여우세요.	Formal

You may also like: How to Say "Cute" in Korean and Embrace Aegyo Culture

3. 잘생기다 Jalsaengida – Good-Looking/Handsome

Korean	Context
잘생겼어.	Casual
잘생겼어요.	Polite
잘생기셨어요.	Formal

4. 매력적이다 Maelyukjeokida – Charming/Charismatic

Korean	Context
매력적이야.	Casual
매력적이에요.	Polite
매력적이세요.	Formal

Responding to compliments

It's essential to know how to respond to compliments. In Korean culture, a typical response to a compliment is "고마워요 (go-ma-wo-yo)," which means "thank you." You can add "너무 (neomu)," which means "very" or "too," to show your appreciation more emphatically. So, "너무 고마워요 (neomu go-ma-wo-yo)" means "Thanks"

A word of caution about Romanization

While I've included the Romanization for all of these words to help with pronunciation, I recommend trying to learn and read comfortably in Hangul (the Korean alphabet). This will improve your pronunciation and reading skills, and help you learn new Korean words and grammar points more efficiently.

Final thoughts

Koreans value personal appearance highly. They would often go the extra mile to look beautiful. Thus, complimenting someone on their looks in Korean could go a long way, and essentially, you know how to do it properly. I hope the helpful tips on how to say "pretty" in Korean make it easy for you to navigate different social settings and impress the local Koreans with your language skills!