What does it mean word for word?
The word for cat is 猫 (neko), and the verb phrase 飼っています (katte imasu) means "am keeping" or "am raising."
Which one should you use?
While you might think of using 持っています (motte imasu) to mean "have," that phrase refers to holding or possessing a physical object. For expressing that you own an animal as a pet, katte imasu is the correct choice.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The phrase Watashi wa neko wo katte imasu is a formal way to say you have a cat. In casual conversation with friends or family, you can use the shortened informal form 猫を飼ってる (neko o katteru). There is also an informal version, Watashi wa neko ga iru, which uses the verb iru (to exist or be present).
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase 猫を飼っています uses the continuous state form, which indicates the current ongoing state of owning the pet.
How do you pronounce it?
neko o katte imasu
Did you know?
- In historical Japanese, cats were once highly valued as protectors of silk cocoons from moths, leading to the phrase 猫 appearing in old agricultural texts.
- In Japanese culture, the 'lucky cat' figurine seen in shops is called 招き猫 (maneki-neko), which literally means 'beckoning cat'.
- The verb 飼う (kau) used in this phrase is the same word used for 'to breed' or 'to farm' animals. It implies a sense of cultivation and responsibility rather than just simple possession.
Examples in context
- 家で猫を飼っています。Ie de neko o katte imasu.I have a cat at home.
- ずっと猫を飼っています。Zutto neko o katte imasu.I have had a cat for a long time.
- 実は、猫を飼っています。Jitsu wa, neko o katte imasu.Actually, I have a cat.
Example conversation
Two coworkers are chatting about their pets during a break.
- 陽葵 Himari健太さんはペットを飼っていますか？Kenta-san wa petto o katte imasu ka?Kenta, do you have any pets?
- 健太 Kentaはい、猫を飼っています。Hai, neko o katte imasu.Yes, I have a cat.
- 陽葵 Himari猫を飼っているんですね！Neko o katte iru n desu ne!So you have a cat!
- 健太 Kenta陽葵さんは猫が好きですか？Himari-san wa neko ga suki desu ka?Do you like cats, Himari?
