gato
/ˈɡato/masculine
The English word 'cat' is translated into Spanish as gato. Wiktionary also lists gata and misha.
Meaning: domestic species (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| gato | /ˈɡato/ | masculine |
| gata | /ˈɡata/ | feminine |
| misha | /misa/ (from spelling rules) | feminine |
| mishingo | /misinɡo/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
| mishinga | /misinɡa/ (from spelling rules) | feminine |
| gatuno | /ɡaˈtuno/ | attributive |
| gatesco | /ɡatesko/ (from spelling rules) | attributive, colloquial, masculine |
The primary terms for the domestic species are gato and gata. To describe things that are feline or cat-like, use the adjective gatuno. For a small or young cat, you can use the informal term gatito, which is similar to 'kitten'.
Which one should you use?
Use gato when referring to a male cat and gata when referring to a female cat. The adjective gatuno can be used in its feminine form, gatuna, to match a feminine noun.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
While gato is the standard term, you may encounter gatesco, which is a colloquial masculine adjective. For an informal and affectionate way to refer to a cute or beloved cat, similar to the English 'kitty', use michi.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of gato is gatos.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈɡato/
Did you know?
- The phrase dar gato por liebre is a common idiom meaning to deceive someone by giving them something inferior to what was promised, literally 'to give cat instead of hare'.
- The Spanish word gato can also refer to a 'jack' or a mechanical tool used to lift heavy objects, such as a car.
- People born in Madrid have historically been given the nickname gatos because they were born 'within the city walls', much like cats inhabiting a specific territory.
Examples in context
- Ése es mi gato.That's my cat.This sentence shows how to identify a cat using gato.Tatoeba #521933 by Shishir, translation #471758 by CM
- No, no es gato.No, it is not a cat.This sentence demonstrates the negation of the word gato.Tatoeba #5227197 by cueyayotl, translation #5228517 by solejar
- Mi gato me ama.My cat loves me.This sentence shows how to express affection for a pet using gato.Tatoeba #11917242 by Seael, translation #11306959 by shekitten
- Vi un gato en el jardín.I saw a cat in the garden.
- ¡Mira qué lindo es el michi de mi vecina!Look at how cute my neighbor's cat is!
- Adopté un gatito muy travieso.I adopted a very playful kitten.
- 773 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo and Lucía are talking about a pet they saw.
- MateoMira ese gato blanco.Look at that white cat.
- LucíaEs muy bonito, Mateo.It is very pretty, Mateo.
- Mateo¿Tú tienes un gato?Do you have a cat?
- LucíaNo, yo prefiero los perros.No, I prefer dogs.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cat” translations and entries gato, gata, gatuno, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
