diff --git a/essential_words/settings.py b/essential_words/settings.py
index 1b01886..2c5e062 100644
--- a/essential_words/settings.py
+++ b/essential_words/settings.py
@@ -78,6 +78,9 @@
         'PASSWORD': os.getenv('DATABASE_PASSWORD'),
         'HOST': os.getenv('DATABASE_HOST'),
         'PORT': os.getenv('DATABASE_PORT'),
+        'OPTIONS': {
+            'charset': 'utf8mb4',
+        },
     }
 }