Kawaii is the quality of cuteness, especially in the context of Japanese culture.[1] The word has been used in Japanese since the 1970s.[2] kawaisa (可愛さ?) (literally, "lovability", "cuteness" or "adorableness"), has become a prominent aspect of Japanese popular culture, entertainment, clothing, food, toys, personal appearance, behavior, and mannerisms.[3] The adjective[4] is kawaii (可愛い?)[5] (literally, "lovable", "cute",[6] or "adorable"[7]).
The words "kawaisa" and "kawaii" have the root word "kawai" which is formed from the kanji "ka" (可), meaning "acceptable", and "ai" (愛), meaning "love". The term kawaii has taken on the secondary meanings of "cool,"[8] "groovy,"[8] "acceptable,"[9] "desirable,"[9] "charming"[10] "non-threatening".[10]
An example in construction work: Temporary guardrail in Narita.
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