kissa
/ˈkisːɑ/
The Finnish word for cat is kissa. Wiktionary also lists katti and mirri.
Meaning: domestic species (noun)
Ways to say it
| Finnish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| kissa | /ˈkisːɑ/ | |
| katti | /ˈkɑtːi/ | informal |
| mirri | /ˈmirːi/ | informal |
| kisu | /ˈkisu/ | endearing, informal |
| kolli | /ˈkolːi/ | masculine |
The word refers to the domestic species of cat.
Which one should you use?
kissa is the standard, neutral term for a cat, whereas katti, mirri and kisu are informal or endearing variations.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
kissa is the neutral, standard form. For informal situations, you can use katti or mirri. The term kisu is an endearing, informal way to refer to a cat, similar to 'kitty' in English. kolli is a masculine term for a cat.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of kissa is kissat. To say 'to the cat', use the allative case form kissalle.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈkisːɑ/
Did you know?
- In Finnish, katti can refer to a cat, but it is also a slang clipping of the word katalysaattori, meaning 'catalytic converter'.
Examples in context
- Tuo ei ole kissa.That isn't a cat.This sentence is useful for practicing the negative form with kissa.Tatoeba #12389019 by ondo, translation #6817071 by CK
- Tämä on Tomin kissa.This is Tom's cat.This sentence shows how to use the possessive form with kissa.Tatoeba #3829204 by Silja, translation #3588378 by Ooneykcall
- Kissa on pöydän alla.The cat is under the table.This sentence demonstrates the use of a prepositional phrase with kissa.Tatoeba #1224109 by Ketutar, translation #801731 by CM
- On monia erilaisia kissoja ympäri maailmaa.There are many different cats around the world.
- Otin uuden kisun perheeseen.I brought a new cat into the family.
- 284 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Emma and Mikko are at a friend's house visiting a pet.
- EmmaOnko tämä teidän kissa?Is this your cat?
- MikkoKyllä, se on meidän kissa.Yes, it is our cat.
- EmmaSe on todella söpö kissa.It is a really cute cat.
- MikkoKiitos, se on hyvin ystävällinen.Thank you, he is very friendly.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cat” translations and entries kissa, katti, mirri, kisu, kolli, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries katti, kissa, kolli, mirri, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
