Ways to say it
| Bosnian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| mačka | Latin, feminine | |
| mačak | Latin, masculine | |
| mačor | /mât͡ʃor/ | Latin, masculine |
| mačić | Latin, diminutive, feminine | |
| maca (Hypocoristic) | Latin, feminine | |
| mačkica | Latin, diminutive, feminine |
The word is used to refer to the domestic species of cat. While mačka is the general term, it is a feminine noun and specifically refers to a female cat when the sex is being specified.
Which one should you use?
There are several forms depending on the gender and age of the animal. Use mačak to refer specifically to a male cat, whereas mačor is used for an adult male cat, often implying a more robust or intact male. For expressing affection or describing a small cat, use the diminutive forms mačić or mačkica.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
In informal settings, you can use the hypocoristic maca as a pet name, similar to calling a cat 'kitty' or 'kitty-cat'. In more formal contexts, the specific term Kućna mačka can be used to translate 'house cat'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the eastern part of Bosnia, the term mačka is more commonly used than maca or Macka.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form mačkica is a diminutive used to express affection or to describe a small cat.
Did you know?
- The Proto-Slavic ancestor of the word mačka was actually the sound maca, which was used as a repetitive call to attract a cat, much like 'pussy' in English.
- The term maca is used as a pet name for a cat, but in many Balkan contexts, it can also be used as a very informal, affectionate term for a woman, similar to 'sweetheart'.
- While mačka is the standard word, using the form mačor often implies the cat is an intact male, carrying a connotation of being a tough or rugged street cat.
Examples in context
- To je moja mačka.That's my cat.This sentence is useful for showing possession of the form mačka.Tatoeba #471761 by FeuDRenais, translation #471758 by CM
- U kuhinji je mačka.There is a cat in the kitchen.This sentence is useful for indicating the location of the form mačka.Tatoeba #2506859 by serbobosnacroat, translation #275410 by CK
- Na stolici je mačka.There is a cat on the chair.Tatoeba #2506857 by serbobosnacroat, translation #66484 by CK
- Vidjela sam predivnu macu na ulici.I saw a beautiful cat on the street.
- Čuješ li kako mačka mjauče ispod prozora?Do you hear the cat meowing beneath the window?
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lejla and Amar are talking about a pet in the garden.
- LejlaVidi, tamo je jedna mačka!Look, there is a cat over there!
- AmarGdje? Ne vidim je.Where? I don't see it.
- LejlaMačka je iza onog drveta.The cat is behind that tree.
- AmarAh, sada je vidim.Ah, I see it now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cat” translations and entries mačak, mačor, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mačak, mačka, mačor, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
