kass
/ˈkɑsʲː/
The Estonian word for cat is kass.
kass refers to the domestic species of cat.
Meaning: domestic species (noun)
Which one should you use?
While kass is the standard term, you may also encounter kassike, which is used as an endearing way to refer to a cat.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The partitive case is kassi, which is used for indefinite quantities or after specific verbs such as igatsen (to miss).
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈkɑsʲː/
Did you know?
- In Estonian, the word for kitten is kassipoeg, which literally translates to 'cat-boy' or 'cat-son'.
- While kass is the standard term, older Estonian folklore often associates cats with household spirits and protectors of the hearth.
- Despite the similar sound, kass is not a native Finno-Ugric root but is most likely derived from a dialectal variant of the Russian word kóška.
Examples in context
- Mul on valge kass.I have a white cat.This sentence shows how to use kass to describe a white cat.Tatoeba #2786252 by hubin, translation #1523604 by CK
- Ma igatsen oma kassi.I miss my cat.This sentence demonstrates the use of the partitive form kassi after the verb meaning to miss.Tatoeba #5139234 by hubin, translation #2002713 by Spamster
- Valge kass on puu all.The white cat is under the tree.This sentence shows the use of kass to identify the location of a white cat.Tatoeba #2786795 by hubin, translation #2714848 by shekitten
- 21 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Kristiina and Andres are looking at a photo on a phone.
- KristiinaVaata, see on väga armas kass.Look, this is a very cute cat.
- AndresJah, see kass on tõesti ilus.Yes, that cat is truly beautiful.
- KristiinaKas sul on ise kass?Do you have a cat yourself?
- AndresEi, mul pole kassi.No, I don't have a cat.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cat” translations and entries kass, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries kass, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
