pisîk
/pɪˈsiːk/feminine
The English word "cat" is translated into Kurdish as pisîk. Wiktionary also lists پِشیلە (pişîle) and کِتِک (kitik).
Meaning: domestic species (noun)
Ways to say it
| Kurdish | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| pisîk | /pɪˈsiːk/ | feminine | |
| پِشیلە | pişîle | ||
| کِتِک | kitik | ||
| kitik | /kɪˈtɪk/ | feminine |
The term refers to the domestic species.
Which one should you use?
The word pisîk is the standard term for cat used in most formal and everyday contexts, whereas kitik is a more colloquial or affectionate way to refer to a cat, similar to 'kitty' in English. Additionally, the forms پِشیلە (pişîle) and کِتِک (kitik) are available variations of these words.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The word pisîk is the standard term for cat used in most formal and everyday contexts. In contrast, kitik is a more colloquial or affectionate way to refer to a cat, similar to 'kitty' in English.
How does it change in a sentence?
The forms pisîk and kitik are both feminine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/pɪˈsiːk/
Did you know?
- If you are looking for a cat in a Kurdish household, you might hear the sound 'pîş-pîş' used as a verbal summons, which is an onomatopoeic imitation of the sound humans make to call them.
- The word pisîk originates from the Azerbaijani word pişik.
- Depending on whether you are speaking Kurmanji or Sorani, the word for cat can change so drastically that they may not sound related at all.
Examples in context
- Pisîka reş mişkê spî dixwe.The black cat is eating the white mouse.This sentence shows how to describe a black cat eating a white mouse using pisîk.Tatoeba #9638665 by jj07, translation #9406739 by phcavelar
- Li vî pisîkî binêre.Look at this cat.This sentence is useful for directing someone's attention to a specific pisîk.Tatoeba #9152169 by Sarchia, translation #9150515 by Amastan
- Pisîk li ser masê bû.The cat was on the table.This sentence describes the location of a pisîk on a table.Tatoeba #8469188 by Adelpa, translation #896150 by pauldhunt
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Rojda and Heval are talking about a pet in the living room.
- RojdaHeval, pisîk li ku ye?Heval, where is the cat?
- HevalPisîk li bin kursiyê ye.The cat is under the chair.
- RojdaEz dixwazim pisîkî bixwînim.I want to pet the cat.
- HevalEw niha dixewe.It is sleeping now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cat” translations and entries pisîk, kitik, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries pisîk, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
