What is Aegyo? Understanding the Charm of Korean Cuteness
Aegyo 😚 The Art of Cuteness in Korean Culture
Korean culture is renowned for its unique blend of tradition and modernity, and one of the most captivating aspects of this culture is 애교 (aegyo)—the art of expressing cuteness.
From heartwarming gestures to charming speech patterns, 애교 (aegyo) is a significant part of daily life in Korea, especially in pop culture and social interactions.
In this blog, we’ll explore the roots of aegyo, its influence on Korean language and society, and how you can embrace this playful expression of charm.
But what exactly is aegyo, and why is it so beloved?
What is Aegyo | The Meaning Of 애교 (aegyo)
What is Aegyo | What to say when someone uses 애교 (aegyo)
What is Aegyo | K-Pop Stars and 애교 (aegyo)
What is Aegyo | Tips and Tricks for 애교 (aegyo)
What is Aegyo | Quiz
What is Aegyo | FAQ
The Meaning of 애교 (aegyo)
😚 애교 (aegyo) is a term very special to Korea. It’s an expression that can’t be described in one word. It is a cute way of behaving.
Cute way of talking, behaving, and facial expressions.
Originally 애교 (aegyo) was associated with young kids acting cute in front of adults.This word is also commonly used for pets. When kids or pets act cute to adults, an example of an 애교 (aegyo) from a kid would be saying goodbye to a parent or an adult and creating a heart with their hands and tilting their body to the side as the last goodbye gesture will be considered an 애교 (aegyo).
Think of any gestures or actions kids take that you feel are so adorable, these behaviors are considered 애교 (aegyo) in Korean.
However, it’s also popularly used by adults these days. The purpose of 애교 (aegyo) for adults is to attract the opposite gender.
Many K-pop stars are known to have 애교 (aegyo) and show off their soft and childish side.
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What to say when someone uses 애교 (aegyo)
😚 If you want to react to someone who uses 애교 (aegyo) you can say:
너무 귀여워요 (nu-mu gwi-yeo-wo-yo) – more polite
너무 귀여워 – casual
English: You’re so adorable.
| Korean | Transliteration | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 너무 | nu-mu | very, so |
| 귀엽다 | gwi-yeop-da | adorable, cute |
| 애교가 많네요 | aegyo-ga maneyo | more polite |
애교가 많네요 (aegyo-ga maneyo) – more polite
애교가 많다 (aegyo-ga manda) – casual
English: You have so much aegyo – which could also be interpreted as you are adorable!
| Korean | Transliteration | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 애교가 많다 | (aegyo-ga manda) | You have so much aegyo |
| 애교 | (aegyo) | Cute behavior |
| 많다 | (man-da) | Many, a lot |
We don’t usually use the most formal way with 애교 (aegyo), as there aren’t any formal situations where you will describe someone adorable.
In the past 애교 (aegyo) was expected from girls due to the cute voice or expressions associated. However, now, more and more males also use 애교 (aegyo) to impress the opposite gender.
There are many popular memes of K-pop artists (both male and female) with their hands on their faces.
This is a kind of 애교 (aegyo) they use on camera to their fans.
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K-Pop Stars and 애교 (aegyo)
😚 This is because 애교 (aegyo) has been an increasingly popular thing in the entertainment industry. This kind of cute gesture on TV or talk shows became popular, especially from famous figures who are known to be very masculine. People feel entertained by the contrary image of artists showcasing their 애교 (aegyo).
There were special segments that showcased 애교 (aegyo) from many celebrities to entertain viewers.
애교 (aegyo) is used as it is a great icebreaker. It also closes the distance between the artist and the fan.
There are also many adorable songs artists sing on TV to show off their 애교 (aegyo).
In the past, an 애교 (aegyo) song called 귀요미송 (gwi-yo-mi song) was very popular. This was one of the most popular 애교송 (aegyo song) with many celebrity versions.
The song was said to be originated from South Korean BtoB member 정일훈 (Jung Ilhoon). He introduced a series of cute hand movements, also known as ‘cutely counting numbers,’ during a reality TV show. Although Ilhoon has been credited with its creation, he has never claimed to have invented it himself, mentioning that a trainee in Cube Entertainment taught it to him.
The word 귀요미 (gwiyomi) is a slang word derived from the word 귀엽다 (gwiyupda) – cute, adorable and ~이 (yi) the word used to refer to a person.
This term was first popularized by Kim Seung-ok,
a writer known for her playful use of language.
The word 송 (song) uses the English word song.
The [speak 귀요미송 (gwi-yo-mi song) gained popularity among Korean entertainers. The TV show called The Weekly Idols featured a mini segment called 애교 배틀 – The Aegyo Battle, where various idols performed different variations of the Gwiyomi gesture.
오또케송 (Ottoke song) is another popular 애교송 (aegyo song) created by K-pop group Oh My Girl’s member 효정 (Hyo Jung). This song also became popular on the The Weekly Idols TV show.
| Korean | Transliteration | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 오또케 | ottoke | What should I do? (cute way) |
| 어떻게 | eot-teoh-ge | What should I do? (formal way) |
The lyrics to this song are as follows:
| Korean | Transliteration | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 네가 너무 좋아 오또케 오또케 | nega neomu joa ottoke? ottoke? | I like you so much, what should I do? |
| 네가 너무 예뻐 오또케 오또케 | nega neomu yeppeo ottoke? ottoke? | You are so pretty, what should I do? |
| 나랑 만나 볼래 오또케 생각해 | narang manna bollae ottoke saenggakhae? | Do you want to go on a date with me? What do you think? |
| 잔말 말고 말해 좋다구 좋다구 | janmal malgo malhae jottagu jottagu | Don’t hesitate, just say yes! |
Tips and Tricks for 애교 (aegyo)
😚 Although expressions are also important stretching the words or adding some longer is key to a good 애교 (aegyo). For example, adding an ㅁ (m) or ㅇ(eung).
For example, the most popular word to use when you want to use 애교 (aegyo) is say 오빠 (oppa) in a cute way:
| Korean | Transliteration | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 오빠 | oppa | older brother (used by women to address male friends or romantic partners) |
| 오빰 | oppam | cute way to say “oppa” |
| 오빵 | oppang | another cute way to say “oppa” |
| 어디야? | odiya? | Where are you? |
| 어디얌? | odiyam? | Cute way to say “Where are you?” |
| 어디양? | odiyang? | Another cute way to say “Where are you?” |
| 배고파 | baegopan | I’m hungry. |
| 배고팜 | baegopam | Cute way to say “I’m hungry.” |
| 배고팡 | baegopang | Another cute way to say “I’m hungry.” |
| 추워 | chuwo | It’s cold. |
| 추웜 | chuwom | Cute way to say “It’s cold.” |
| 추웡 | chuwong | Another cute way to say “It’s cold.” |
| 졸려 | jol-ryu | I’m sleepy. |
| 졸렴 | jol-ryum | Cute way to say “I’m sleepy.” |
| 졸령 | jol-ryeong | Another cute way to say “I’m sleepy.” |
These words are very widely used for text messaging to make it sound softer and gentler.
But remember to don’t exaggerate or go too overboard with 애교 (aegyo). Celebrities will often exaggerate for entertainment but in real life, this could be too awkward. Moderation is key!
If you happen to encounter a social gathering that requires an 애교 배틀 – The Aegyo Battle, practice some popular 애교 (aegyo) and surprise the Natives!
USEFUL VOCABULARY
👇 We should have you pretty well covered with the following vocabulary and phrases:
| Korean | Transliteration | English |
|---|---|---|
| 애교 | aegyo | Cute behavior |
| 귀엽다 | gwi-yeop-da | Adorable, cute |
| 너무 | nu-mu | Very, so |
| 많다 | man-da | Many, a lot |
| 오빠 | oppa | Older brother |
| 귀요미 | gwiyomi | Cute, adorable (slang) |
| 송 | song | Song |
| 어떻게 | ottoke | What should I do? |
| 추워 | chuwo | Cold |
| 배고파 | baegopan | I’m hungry |
| 졸려 | jol-ryu | Sleepy |
| 얼굴 | eol-gul | Face |
| 행동 | haeng-dong | Behavior |
| 표정 | pyo-jeong | Facial expression |
| 감정 | gam-jeong | Emotion |
| 사랑스럽다 | sa-rang-seu-reop-da | Lovable |
| 인사 | in-sa | Greeting |
| 유행 | yu-haeng | Trend |
| 팬 | paen | Fan |
| 아이돌 | ai-dol | Idol |
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What is Aegyo | Quiz
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What is Aegyo | FAQs
What is aegyo?
Aegyo (애교) is a Korean term for acting cute or charming in a playful way, often through expressions, gestures, or speech.
What is a popular internet slang word that showcases 애교 (aegyo)?
뿌잉뿌잉 (bboo-ying bboo-ying)
It’s a word without any meaning. It’s like a sound you make to act cute. The word is spoken with two hands on each cheek for an extra cute gesture.
Is there a way to say yes with 애교 (aegyo)?
앙 (ang) – yes
응 (eung) is the usual way to say yes but 앙 (ang) sounds more cute and gentle. Many people use it on the internet.
Who is the most popular K-pop star known for 애교 (aegyo)?
BTS 지민 (jimin) is known for his 애교 (aegyo).
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