mèo
[mɛw˨˩]
The English word cat is mèo in Vietnamese.
mèo is the most commonly used word for cat in Vietnamese and can refer to the species in general or a specific cat depending on the context and whether classifiers are present.
Meaning: domestic species (noun)
Which one should you use?
While mèo is the general term, you may encounter more specific forms: mèo con refers to a kitten and mèo nhà refers specifically to a domestic cat or pet cat.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using mèo as a noun in a sentence or referring to a specific cat, it is typical to prefix it with the classifier con. The word con is the standard classifier used before mèo to indicate that it is a living animal.
Did you know?
- The word mèo is used in the Vietnamese idiom mèo khen mèo cong, which describes someone who praises their own flaws.
- The Vietnamese mèo shares a phonetic root with the Thai word แมว and the Chinese word 猫, as they all mimic the animal's cry.
- In Vietnamese folk beliefs, some believe that a cat crossing one's path can be an omen, similar to the black cat superstition in the West.
Examples in context
- Con mèo ở đâu?Where's the cat?This sentence demonstrates how to ask for the location of the mèo.Tatoeba #13896780 by leucammieuvu, translation #1664246 by Spamster
- Con mèo đâu rồi?Where is the cat?This sentence is useful for asking where the mèo is located.Tatoeba #13769880 by leucammieuvu, translation #1851459 by Spamster
- Tôi không có mèo.I do not have a cat.This sentence shows how to state that you do not possess a mèo.Tatoeba #13896805 by leucammieuvu, translation #259880 by CK
- Mèo đenBlack cat
- Em có thể trông chó và mèo trong khi tôi đi làm không?Can you take care of the dog and cat while I'm at work?
- 56 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hùng and Hương are talking about a pet in the house.
- HùngHương ơi, mèo của em đang ở đâu?Hương, where is your cat?
- HươngNó đang ngủ dưới gầm bàn, anh Hùng.It is sleeping under the table, Hùng.
- HùngCon mèo này dễ thương quá!This cat is so cute!
- HươngEm cảm ơn anh nhé.Thank you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cat” translations and entries mèo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mèo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
