From ‘Cute’ to ‘Hip’: How to Describe Cool New-tro Items in Korean!
Hello! Welcome to Maeil Hangeul (매일한글), your daily stop for upgrading your Korean skills! ✨
Have you ever been shopping in Korea, pointed at something, and thought, “How do I say I love this in Korean?” Or maybe you’ve seen a cool item on a K-drama and wanted to describe it perfectly? Today, we’re going to learn how to express your feelings about objects, so you can sound natural and trendy!
And the timing couldn’t be better! These days in Korea, there’s a massive “New-tro” (뉴트로) trend. It’s a mix of “New” and “Retro,” and young Koreans, especially the MZ Generation, are obsessed with vintage-style items. Think film cameras, old-school character goods, and retro-style cups. Learning today’s phrases will help you perfectly describe these “hip” items and impress your Korean friends!
Let’s get started!
Core Expressions You Need to Know
Here are three essential expressions to describe how you feel about an object.
1. 귀여워요 (Gwiyeowoyo) – It’s cute
- Korean Expression: 귀여워요 (Gwi-yeo-wo-yo)
- Pronunciation [Romanized]: [Gwiyeowoyo]
- English Meaning: It’s cute.
- Detailed Explanation: This is your go-to word for anything adorable! From a tiny keychain to a character plushie or a small, charming cup. It’s the most common and versatile compliment for things that are lovely and sweet. You can use it in both formal (귀여워요) and informal (귀여워) situations with friends. The dictionary form is 귀엽다 (gwiyeopda).
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💡 Pronunciation Tip:
The magic here happens with the 받침 (final consonant) ‘ㅂ’ (b). The original word is 귀엽다 (gwiyeop-da). When ‘ㅂ’ is followed by a vowel like ‘-어요’ (-eoyo), it often transforms into a ‘워’ (wo) or ‘우’ (u) sound. This is a common irregular rule called ‘ㅂ 불규칙’ (b irregular). So, instead of ‘gwiyeop-eoyo’, it becomes a smooth [gwiyeowoyo]. Practice this, and you’ll sound incredibly natural!
2. 마음에 들어요 (Maeume deureoyo) – I like it / It’s to my liking
- Korean Expression: 마음에 들어요 (Ma-eum-e deul-eo-yo)
- Pronunciation [Romanized]: [Maeume deureoyo]
- English Meaning: I like it / It appeals to me.
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Detailed Explanation: This phrase is much more personal than just saying “좋아요” (joayo – it’s good). 마음에 들어요 literally means “it enters my heart/mind.” You use this when an object perfectly matches your personal taste and style. It’s the perfect phrase for when you find something you truly want to buy or keep.
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💡 Pronunciation Tip:
This phrase showcases a pronunciation rule called liaison (or 연음, yeoneum). Instead of pronouncing 마음-에 (maeum-e) as two separate parts, the final consonant ‘ㅁ’ (m) moves over to the next syllable, making it sound like [ma-eu-me]. The same thing happens in 들-어요 (deul-eoyo), where the ‘ㄹ’ (l) sound shifts, creating the smooth flow of [deu-reo-yo]. Remember to link those sounds!
3. 힙해요 (Hipaeyo) – It’s hip/trendy
- Korean Expression: 힙해요 (Hip-hae-yo)
- Pronunciation [Romanized]: [Hipaeyo]
- English Meaning: It’s hip / It’s trendy and cool.
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Detailed Explanation: This is a fantastic Konglish (Korean-style English) word taken directly from “hip”! It’s used by young Koreans to describe anything that is fashionable, cool, and has a unique, modern vibe. It’s the perfect word for the New-tro trend. A vintage film camera? 힙해요! A cafe with an industrial, retro design? 힙해요!
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💡 Pronunciation Tip:
This one is quite straightforward! It comes from the English word “hip” (힙) combined with the verb 하다 (hada), which means “to do” or “to be.” So, 힙하다 (hipada) literally means “to be hip.” It conjugates just like any other 하다 verb: 힙해요 (hipaeyo) in the polite form. The ‘ㅎ’ (h) sound is soft, almost like a sigh.
Example Dialogue
Let’s see these expressions in action! Imagine two friends, Minjun (A) and Sora (B), at a flea market in Seoul.
A (Minjun): 와, 소라야! 이 빈티지 컵 좀 봐! 너무 귀엽다!
(Wa, Sora-ya! I bintiji keop jom bwa! Neomu gwiyeopda!)
Wow, Sora! Look at this vintage cup! It’s so cute!
B (Sora): 진짜네! 색깔도 예쁘고. 완전 마음에 들어.
(Jinjja-ne! Saekkkal-do yeppeugo. Wanjeon maeume deureo.)
It really is! The color is pretty, too. I absolutely love it.
A (Minjun): 요즘 이런 뉴트로 아이템이 정말 힙한 것 같아.
(Yojeum ireon nyuteuro aitem-i jeongmal hipan geot gata.)
I think these New-tro items are so hip these days.
Culture Tip & Trend Deep Dive
What exactly is New-tro (뉴트로)?
As we mentioned, it’s the hottest trend in Korea. It’s not just about old things; it’s about the MZ Generation (Millennials + Gen Z) finding joy and “hipness” in the analog culture of the past. This includes:
- Fashion: Wide-leg pants and retro-style brand logos are back.
- Music: People are buying cassette tapes and vinyl records of their favorite K-Pop idols like BTS and BLACKPINK.
- Cafes & Restaurants: Many popular spots are decorated with old furniture and serve drinks in vintage glassware.
So, when you see an old-style item in Korea, you’re not just looking at something old. You’re looking at something that is considered the peak of trendiness! Using a word like 힙해요 shows that you’re not just learning Korean; you’re also in tune with modern Korean culture. Using it will definitely make you sound like an insider! 😉
Let’s Practice!
Ready to test your new skills?
- Fill in the blank: You see an old film camera that looks incredibly cool and fashionable. You tell your friend, “와, 이 카메라 정말 ________!”
(Answer: 힙해요 or 힙하다) -
Your Turn! Think of an item you own that you absolutely love because it’s perfectly your style. How would you describe it using the phrase that means “it enters your heart”?
(Hint: 이 [item] 정말 ___________.)
Great job today! You’re now ready to go shopping in Hongdae or browse a market and express yourself like a pro.
Now, it’s your turn! Leave a comment below and tell us about an item you find 귀여워요 or 힙해요! We can’t wait to read your sentences.
