猫
[ne̞ko̞]
The English phrase 'cats' is translated into Japanese as 猫.
猫 refers to small domesticated carnivorous mammals with soft fur and retractable claws. In informal contexts, the term Nekomimi is used to mean 'cat ears', often describing people wearing them for fashion or cosplay.
Did you know?
- One theory suggests the first syllable of 猫 comes from ne, an ancient onomatopoeia for the sound a cat makes, similar to the modern Japanese nya.
Examples in context
- 黒猫は好き？Do you like black cats?This sentence is useful for asking about a preference for the form 猫.Tatoeba #1452389 by bunbuku, translation #69436 by CK
- 猫は賢いよ。Cats are smart.This sentence is useful for describing a quality of the form 猫.Tatoeba #10603327 by small_snow, translation #2900859 by Hybrid
- 猫に九生あり。Cats have nine lives.This sentence is useful for stating a common saying about the form 猫.Tatoeba #121984 by KK_kaku_, translation #453045 by CM
- わたしは猫が好きです。I like cats.
- わたしのおばあさんは、綺麗な三毛猫を飼っています。My grandmother has a beautiful calico cat.
- この化け猫の写真、見たことある？Have you seen this picture of a spooky cat?
- 彼女は可愛い猫耳をつけています。She is wearing cute cat ears.
- 209 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A couple is talking about their dream of owning a pet.
- 大翔 Hiroto猫を飼いたいな。Neko o kaitai na.I want to keep a cat.
- 美咲 Misaki猫は可愛いよね。Neko wa kawaii yo ne.Cats are cute, aren't they?
- 大翔 Hiroto美咲も猫が好き？Misaki mo neko ga suki?Do you like cats too, Misaki?
- 美咲 Misakiうん、大好き！Un, daisuki!Yes, I love them!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 猫, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 猫, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
