Ways to say it
| Croatian | 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 term refers to the domestic species of cat.
Which one should you use?
While mačka is the standard term for a cat and specifically refers to a female cat, mačak is used to specify a male cat. A synonym for a male cat is mačor, which often implies a larger or more robust male. To refer to a kitten, use the diminutive form mačić.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Mačka is the standard, formal word for a cat. For informal or affectionate use, you can use the hypocoristic maca to mean kitty or kitty-cat. The term mačkica is used to refer to a cute or small cat.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Croatia, mica is an affectionate way to refer to a cat.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word mačić is a diminutive form used specifically to refer to a kitten.
When do people say it?
The term maca is a common pet name used when speaking affectionately to or about a cat.
Did you know?
- In Croatia, the word maca is often used as a colloquial compliment to describe someone as attractive or a 'cutie'.
- The word mačka is derived from the Proto-Slavic word maca, which was originally an onomatopoeic sound used to call a cat.
- The term mačka is used in the phrase kao mačka iz vreće, which describes something obtained by chance or without knowing its true quality.
Examples in context
- To je moja mačka.That's my cat.This sentence is useful for identifying ownership of a mačka.Tatoeba #471760 by Adelpa, translation #471758 by CM
- Što je mačka pojela?What did the cat eat?This sentence is useful for asking about the actions of a mačka.Tatoeba #13645230 by mervert1, translation #13645228 by mervert1
- Tvoja mačka je crna.Your cat is black.This sentence is useful for describing the color of a mačka.Tatoeba #13919464 by mervert1, translation #3189153 by zumley
- 8 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Luka and Petra are visiting a friend's apartment.
- LukaIma li ovdje neka mačka?Is there a cat here?
- PetraDa, moja mačka je u drugoj sobi.Yes, my cat is in the other room.
- LukaVidim je, jako je slatka.I see her, she is very cute.
- PetraHvala, ona je jako umiljata.Thanks, she is very affectionate.
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.
