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 noun for the domestic species is gato. When you want to describe something as being feline or cat-like, use the adjective gatuno.
Which one should you use?
While gato is the noun used for the animal itself, gatuno is the specific adjective used to describe things that resemble a cat. Additionally, the colloquial adjective gatesco can also be used to describe something as cat-like.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
In casual settings, there are several informal alternatives to the standard terms. In many Latin American countries, cats are often lovingly called michi. In Spain, you may hear the informal term minino. In Mexico, you might hear michino used informally to refer to a cat.
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine form gato is used for male cats or serves as a generic term for the species. If you are referring specifically to a female cat, use the feminine form gata.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈɡato/
Did you know?
- The word gato can also refer to a 'jack' used to lift a car, such as a mechanical car jack. This shares the same spelling and pronunciation as the feline.
- The idiomatic expression dar gato por liebre is used to describe a scam, originating from the historical practice of selling cat meat as expensive hare.
- In Spain, the word gato can refer to a person born in the center of Madrid, specifically those whose ancestors lived there for generations.
Examples in context
- Ése es mi gato.That's my cat.This sentence is useful for identifying a specific cat.Tatoeba #521933 by Shishir, translation #471758 by CM
- No, no es gato.No, it is not a cat.This sentence is useful for a negative identification of a cat.Tatoeba #5227197 by cueyayotl, translation #5228517 by solejar
- Mi gato me ama.My cat loves me.This sentence is useful for expressing affection toward a cat.Tatoeba #11917242 by Seael, translation #11306959 by shekitten
- El gato es un animal doméstico muy independiente.The cat is a very independent domestic animal.
- ¡Qué lindo michi tienes!You have such a cute cat!
- ¡El michino de mi abuela siempre se esconde debajo de la cama!My grandma's cat always hides under the bed!
- 773 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena and Daniel are looking at a pet store window.
- ElenaMira ese gato blanco, ¡qué lindo!Look at that white cat, how cute!
- DanielSí, es muy pequeño.Yes, it is very small.
- ElenaQuiero un gato para mi casa.I want a cat for my house.
- DanielTú ya tienes un perro, Elena.You already have a dog, Elena.
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.
