How to say "adorable" in Japanese

• かわいいJLPT N5approx.Common
  i-adjectiveThe most versatile of the three: it covers 'cute' and 'adorable' alike, along with 'charming' and 'lovely'. Use it whenever you would simply call something cute — a puppy, a baby, a friend's new haircut.
  この世よにかわいい子こはただ一人ひとり、母親ははおやにとってはそれはわが子こ。↗

  There's only one pretty child in the world, and every mother has it.
• 可愛らしいかわいらしいJLPT N3approx.Common
  i-adjectiveRenders 'adorable' through its senses 'lovely', 'sweet' and 'pretty'. It leans toward sweetness and prettiness, fitting descriptions like a child's smile or a pretty dress.
  兄あには私にかわいらしい人形にんぎょうをくれました。↗

  My brother gave me a cute doll.
• 愛らしいあいらしいCommon
  i-adjectiveConveys 'adorable' as charm and loveliness rather than cuteness — the kind of appeal that wins affection, as in a child's endearing smile.
  その女の子おんなのこは小ちいさな愛あいらしい口元くちもとをしている。↗

  The girl has a sweet, small mouth.

For 'adorable', 「かわいい」 is the all-purpose choice covering cute, adorable, charming and lovely alike; pick 「可愛らしい」 when sweetness or prettiness dominates, and 「愛らしい」 when charm and loveliness are the point.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• かわいいcute
• 可愛らしいかわいらしいlovely
• 愛らしいあいらしいpretty
• かわゆいcute
• いたいけyoung and sweet
• めんこいdear
• 労たしろうたしfrail and cute (esp. of young women)
• かわよいcute
• 可愛かわいcute
• かわヨcute
• メロいirresistibly attractive