黒猫
kuroneko[kɯ̟ɾo̞ne̞ko̞]
The English phrase "black cat" is translated into Japanese as 黒猫 (kuroneko).
黒猫 is used to refer to a cat that has black fur.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a compound of 黒 (kuro), meaning 'black' and 猫 (neko), meaning 'cat'.
Which one should you use?
While 黒猫 is the standard form, クロネコ is an informal way to say the same thing. For a more affectionate or cute expression, you can use 黒猫ちゃん, which is often used when talking about one's own pet or a particularly cute cat.
How do you pronounce it?
kuroneko
Did you know?
- In Japanese folklore, certain black cats are considered lucky charms that can ward off evil spirits or bad luck. This contrasts with many Western cultures where they are often seen as omens of misfortune.
- Japanese folklore describes the 黒猫 as a creature capable of seeing ghosts and spirits that are invisible to humans.
- While 黒猫 refers to the animal, the word 黒 (kuro) is also used in Japanese to describe the 'black' or 'dark' parts of a person's heart or intentions in certain idioms.
Examples in context
- テーブルの下には黒猫がいた。Under the table was a black cat.This sentence shows how to use 黒猫 to describe a cat's location under a table.Tatoeba #202415 by mookeee, translation #39626 by orcrist
- 彼女は黒猫が大好きです。She loves black cats.
- あそこに黒猫がいます。Asoko ni kuroneko ga imasu.There is a black cat over there.
- 私は黒猫が大好きです。Watashi wa kuroneko ga daisuki desu.I love black cats.
Example conversation
Two friends are walking in a park and notice a cat.
- 陽葵 Himari健太、見て！黒猫がいるよ。Kenta, mite! Kuroneko ga iru yo.Kenta, look! There is a black cat.
- 健太 Kenta本当だ。とても可愛い黒猫だね。Hontou da. Totemo kawaii kuroneko da ne.You're right. It's a very cute black cat.
- 陽葵 Himari陽葵は黒猫を飼いたいな。Himari wa kuroneko o kaitai na.Himari wants to have a black cat.
- 健太 Kentaいいと思うよ。Ii to omou yo.I think that's a good idea.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 黒猫, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
