Friday, May 13, 2011

Why do Japanese like "cute" things (not "beautiful")?

Question:


Like in "Taylor Swift is cute." I would say: "Taylor Swift is beautiful".
I would use "cute" only when describing children, animals, toys or children's clothes etc.
What's the real meaning of "kawaii"?

Answer:


you can use 'kawaii' even for grandma, or grandpa...(lol)

If I use 'kawaii' (for people) when someone is
charming
honest
pure
natural
acting naturally
innocent
simple
naive
novice/amateur-like
not necessarily nice-looking

I still remember a school teacher (in elementary) said, "a woman should have something 'kawaii' that can be only her lips, voice, fingers, acting etc. "

---------- just one more thing to add:
they are usually 'SMALL'

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