قط
qett
In Darija, 'cat' is قط (qett).
قط is the plain word for the animal, used the same way whether talking about a pet or a stray cat in the street.
Meaning: the animal (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
قط comes directly from the same word used across most Arabic dialects for cat, with the Darija pronunciation doubling the final consonant.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The word is neutral and used the same way in any setting.
Is it said differently in some regions?
قط is used across Morocco and shared closely with the word used in many other Arabic dialects.
How does it change in a sentence?
قط becomes قطة (qetta) for a female cat, and قطوط (qtut) for the plural.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is said with a short, doubled final consonant, 'QETT', ending sharply.
When do people say it?
Stray cats are a common, generally tolerated sight in Moroccan cities, especially around markets and food stalls, and many households feed them without keeping them formally as pets.
Did you know?
- Stray cats are generally well tolerated in Moroccan cities, and feeding them near shops or markets is a common, casual local habit.
- The word قط is close to the term used across most Arabic dialects for cat, one of the more stable animal names across the region.
Examples in context
- عندي قط صغير فالدار.3ndi qett sghir f-ddar.I have a small cat at home.
- القط كيجري ورا الفار.l-qett kayjri wra lfar.The cat is running after the mouse.
- شريت ماكلة للقط.shrit makla l-lqett.I bought food for the cat.
Example conversation
Children Rim and Bilal play with a stray cat near their building.
- Rimشوف هاد القط زوين!shuf had l-qett zwin!Look at this beautiful cat!
- Bilalآه، نديوه معنا للدار؟ah, ndiwh m3ana l-ddar?Yes, should we take it home with us?
- Rimخاصنا نسولو يمّا الأول.khassna nswalu yemma l-awwal.We need to ask mom first.
- Bilalواخا، غادي نعطيه ماكلة دابا.wakha, ghadi n3tih makla daba.Okay, I'll give it food now.
