If you are reading this, chances are you have heard or used the word “Kawaii” at one point and time. You may or may not have known the true meaning of the word either. While the Japanese do seem to sprinkle this word plenty in their conversations, it can be quite annoying to hear non-Japanese-speaking folk use the word.
The reason?
The word “Kawaii” is usually associated with the word ‘cute.’ Even though ‘kawaii’ may sound ‘cute’ coming out of a girl’s mouth, the word ‘kawaii’ does not entirely mean ‘cute’. Take this scenario for example, when ‘kawaii’ is used as an adjective.
Girl A, “How do you like my new kitty, Momo?”
Girl B, “Like, oh my God, she is so kawaii!”
Just to put this out there, the word ‘kawaii’ should never EVER be used in an English sentence. Secondly, ‘kawaii’ was used solidly in place of ‘cute.’
Now, before you start trolling Tofugu, I’m well aware to know that ‘kawaii’ should still be considered somewhat a definition of cute, but the word itself is a much deeper than just ‘cute.’ Let’s just say ‘cute’ is a plaid skirt that belongs to a Japanese school girl. ‘Adorable’ can be her blouse and tie. ‘Lovable’ could be her cute little knee high stockings. And to top it all off, her shoes can be ‘charming’. When our cute Japanese school girl puts all of this on, she becomes a fully dressed ‘kawaii’.
Do you follow?
‘Kawaii’ is not just ‘cute’, just like a Japanese school girl isn’t just a plaid skirt. Adorable, lovable, and charm must also be included.
Plaid skirt + blouse and tie + knee high stockings + shoes = Japanese School Girl
Just the same...
Cute + adorable + loveable + charm = Kawaii
There can be no other equations to it. While the word ‘kawaii’ may have been close to the right word to describe Girl A’s new pet kitty, answer this yourself: since when did you meet a kitty with charm? And remember, not all cats are lovable. Some are mean. I know should, I have one.
Cherish this, because Tofugu will never have another blog post on this horrific word.--Written June 2011 for Tofugu's
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A culture blog for foreigners who would like to learn Japan and it's language.
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