Korean Dictionary
How to say "Pretty" in Korean
“Pretty” in Korean is 예뻐 (pronounced "yeppo").
예뻐
yeppo
Usage & Context
A casual way to compliment someone's appearance. This word is frequently used in K-dramas when characters express admiration for each other. It's an important word for understanding romantic and friendly interactions.
Example Sentence
너 정말 예뻐!
You're really pretty!
How to use 예뻐 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Pretty” is 예뻐, romanized as yeppo.
Usage tip
Drama lines are memorable, but some expressions are emotional or exaggerated compared with everyday Korean.
Common mistake
Do not rely only on the English meaning. Read the Korean example sentence and notice the particles, word order, and politeness level around 예뻐.
Pronunciation Guide
The first syllable, 예 (ye), sounds like 'yeah' but with a softer 'y' sound, similar to 'yellow'. The second syllable, 뻐 (ppeo), sounds like 'paw' but with a tense 'p' sound (like a double 'p') and the 'eo' vowel similar to 'uh' in 'butter' but slightly more open. The stress is evenly distributed.
Formal & Casual Forms
Formal (존댓말)
예뻐요
yeppeoyo
This is the polite form, adding the politeness suffix -요. For very formal situations, 예쁩니다 (yeppeumnida) can be used.
More Example Sentences
Complimenting a friend's outfit or appearance.
와, 너 오늘 진짜 예쁘다!
Wow, you're really pretty today!
Showing beautiful flowers to someone.
이 꽃 정말 예쁘죠?
These flowers are really pretty, aren't they?
Admiring a baby's cute expression.
아기가 웃는 모습이 너무 예뻐.
The baby's smiling face is so pretty.
Cultural Context
예뻐 (yeppeo) is a very common and versatile compliment, primarily used for women, girls, or anything aesthetically pleasing like scenery, objects, or pets. In K-dramas, you'll hear it frequently when characters express admiration for someone's gentle beauty or a lovely scene. It conveys a sense of pleasing, delicate beauty rather than a striking or sexy one. It's often used casually among close friends or family.
Editorial note
We review drama-style expressions like 예뻐 for tone, because lines that sound natural in a scene can feel too emotional or direct in everyday Korean.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
예쁜 옷
Pretty clothes
예쁜 여자
Pretty woman
예쁜 미소
Pretty smile
Related Expressions
아름답다
areumdapda
Beautiful (more formal, poetic, grand)
귀엽다
gwiyeopda
Cute
멋지다
meotjida
Cool, awesome, stylish (can be for people or things)
못생기다
motsaenggida
Ugly (antonym)
More K-Drama Expressions Words
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