猫が嫌いです
The English phrase "i hate cats" is translated into Japanese as 猫が嫌いです.
The phrase is used to express a dislike for cats. You can also use variations to express different levels of intensity or social softness. For example, 猫が苦手です is a polite way to express your dislike or discomfort around cats, while 猫はあまり得意ではありません is a formal way to express a lack of fondness for cats. To show much stronger feeling, the informal 猫なんて大嫌い means "I absolutely hate cats".
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase breaks down as follows: 猫 means cat and the particle が marks the cat as the object of your dislike.
Which one should you use?
While 猫が嫌いです expresses a strong dislike, 猫が苦手です is a softer, more socially acceptable way to say you are not fond of or uncomfortable around cats.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express that you hated cats in the past, change the ending to the past tense form 嫌いでした. To say you do not hate cats, use the negative form 嫌いではありません.
Did you know?
- The word 嫌い used in this phrase is technically an adjective in Japanese, not a verb. This means you are describing the cats as being 'hateful' or 'disliked' rather than performing the action of hating.
- The phrase 苦手 used in 猫が苦手です literally translates to 'not being good at' or 'weak at' cats, treating the animal as if it were a skill or a subject.
- If a Japanese speaker wants to express a deep, visceral hatred that goes beyond simple dislike, they might use the word 憎い. This word is usually reserved for people who have caused them great pain and is rarely used for animals unless in extreme literature.
Examples in context
- 猫が嫌いです。Neko ga kirai desu.I hate cats.
- 実は、猫が嫌いです。Jitsu wa, neko ga kirai desu.Actually, I hate cats.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about their pets at a cafe.
- 結衣 Yui大翔さんは猫が好きですか？Hiroto-san wa neko ga suki desu ka?Hiroto, do you like cats?
- 大翔 Hirotoはい、大好きです！結衣さんは？Hai, daisuki desu! Yui-san wa?Yes, I love them! How about you, Yui?
- 結衣 Yui私は猫が嫌いです。Watashi wa neko ga kirai desu.I hate cats.
- 大翔 Hirotoそうなんですね。びっくりしました。Sou nan desu ne. Bikkuri shimashita.I see. That surprised me.
