Kawaii vs. Cute — What's the Difference?

Kawaii (Japanese: かわいい or 可愛い, IPA: [kaɰaiꜜi]; 'lovely', 'loveable', 'cute', or 'adorable') is the culture of cuteness in Japan. It can refer to items, humans and non-humans that are charming, vulnerable, shy and childlike.

Obviously contrived to charm; precious

Culture|ACG}} Cute, adorable.

Clever or witty, especially in an impertinent or evasive way, as in falsely suggesting that one is ignorant about the matter at hand.

Culture}} The quality of being kawaii; cuteness.

Attractive in a pretty or endearing way

Cute items, especially from Japan.

Clever or cunning, especially in a self-seeking or superficial way

Attractive or pretty in a youthful or dainty way

Sexually attractive; good-looking

Possessing physical features, behaviors, personality traits or other properties that are mainly attributed to infants and small or cuddly animals; e.g. fair, dainty, round, and soft physical features, disproportionately large eyes and head, playfulness, fragility, helplessness, curiosity or shyness, innocence, affectionate behavior.

Lovable, charming, attractive or pleasing, especially in a youthful, dainty, quaint or fun-spirited way.

Sexually attractive or pleasing; gorgeous.

Affected or contrived to charm; mincingly clever; precious; cutesy.

Mentally keen or discerning (See also acute)

Evincing cleverness; surprising in its elegance or unconventionality (but of limited importance).

Clever; sharp; shrewd; ingenious; cunning.

Pleasantly attractive, in a delicate way; - said of children, young ladies, pet animals and some objects, but seldom of adults; as, a cute child; a cute kitten; a cute little house; a cute statue.

Smart-alecky or impertinent; as, a cute remark.

Affectedly clever.

Attractive especially by means of smallness or prettiness or quaintness;

Obviously contrived to charm;