What does 애교 mean?
애교 (ae-gyo) means: Cute, coquettish charm used to show affection.
A cultural cornerstone — the exaggerated cute voice, pout, or gesture used with a partner, parent, or even a boss to soften a request or show closeness. Doing '애교' well is a genuine social skill in Korean relationships, not just cringe.
◆ Charm register — Not childishness — it's a deliberate register used to signal closeness/charm, mostly with people you're already close to. Confusing for learners because it breaks every 'normal' pitch rule they've learned.
◆ Charm register — Not childishness — it's a deliberate register used to signal closeness/charm, mostly with people you're already close to. Confusing for learners because it breaks every 'normal' pitch rule they've learned.
🔊 From part 2’s story
말투 — Mal-tu
애교 — Ae-gyo
어미 억양 — Eo-mi Eo-gyang
알잖아요 — al-ja-na-yo, "you know this"
감탄사 — Gam-tan-sa
아이고 — a-i-go
어머 — eo-meo
대박 — dae-bak, literally "jackpot"
Read the full story → · More on this word (part 2) →
How it's actually used
- 술에 취해서 여자친구한테 애교 부리는 거 봤어?
sure chwihaeseo yeojachinguhante aegyo burineun geo bwasseo?
Did you see him acting all cute and aegyo-filled toward his girlfriend while drunk?
💡 Often used as a noun with verbs like 부리다. - 우리 막내는 애교가 많아서 가족들의 사랑을 독차지해요.
uri maknaeneun aegyo-ga manaseo gajokdeureun sarangeul dokchajihaeyo.
Our youngest is so full of aegyo that they hog all the family's affection.
💡 Highlights playful, endearing charm. - 우리 막내가 눈웃음을 치며 애교를 부리니까 화를 도저히 낼 수가 없더라고요.
uri maknaega nun-useumeul chimyeo aegyeoreul burinikka hwareul dojeohi nael suga eopdeorogayo.
My youngest flashed an eye-smile and acted so cute that I simply couldn't stay angry.
💡 Highlights using cuteness to diffuse tension or win someone over.
Related words in Love & Affection
애정하다 ae-jeong-ha-da사랑스럽다 sa-rang-seu-reop-da정들다 jeong-deul-da살갑다 sal-gap-da다정하다 da-jeong-ha-da