Japanese word

猫

Pronunciation

Romajineko

Meaning

  • nouncat

Example

これは猫です。ko re wa neko de su

This is a cat.

Illustration for 猫 (cat)

More examples

私は猫が好きです。watashi wa neko ga su ki de su

I like cats.

窓のそばで猫が昼寝をしています。mado no so ba de neko ga hiru ne o shi te i ma su

A cat is taking a nap by the window.

Core concept

Refers to a small feline animal that lives with people or in the wild and is recognized by its soft fur, sharp claws, and distinctive voice.

Common phrases

  • 猫を飼うneko o ka u

    keep a cat

  • 猫が好きneko ga su ki

    like cats

  • 猫と遊ぶneko to aso bu

    play with a cat

  • 猫の声neko no koe

    a cat's voice

  • 猫の写真neko no sha shin

    a picture of a cat

Similar words

猫ちゃんnekochan: A friendly and affectionate way to refer to a cat.

Definition in Japanese

しなやかな体と鋭い爪を持ち、人に飼われたり野生で暮らしたりする小型の動物。shi na ya ka na karada to surudo i tsume o mo chi hito ni ka wa re ta ri ya sei de ku ra shi ta ri su ru ko gata no dō butsu

Word origin

The origin of the native Japanese word 猫 (neko, "cat") is uncertain; 猫 (byō, "cat") is the Chinese character used to write it.

Usage tips

  • The common word 招き猫 (manekineko) names a cat figure with one raised paw that is widely associated with inviting good fortune.

Word lists with this word