What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of petto (pet), the particle wa (as for) and the negative continuous form of the verb kau (to keep or raise an animal). Literally, it translates to "As for pets, (I) am not keeping/raising (them)."
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The form ペットは飼っていません is a polite and standard way to express this. For a more casual or informal setting, you can use Petto wa katte nai. To make your statement sound even more polite and considerate, you can add sumimasen before the phrase.
How does it change in a sentence?
The particle wa is typically used to mean "as for pets," but you can also use the particle o to create ペットを飼っていません. While replacing wa with o changes the focus to a direct object, both versions are used to mean the same thing in this context.
How do you pronounce it?
petto wa katte imasen
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using ペットを持っていません. When talking about animals, you should use the verb kau (to keep/raise) instead of motsu (to hold/own).
Did you know?
- If you say petto wa katte imasen in response to a question, adding a slight tilt of the head and a small bow conveys a sense of apology for not having a pet to talk about.
- The phrase petto wa katte imasen focuses on the ongoing action of raising an animal. In Japanese culture, the act of 'raising' (kau) emphasizes the responsibility and care provided rather than the legal ownership of the animal.
- While petto is a loanword from English, it is used more broadly in Japan to include animals that English speakers might categorize as 'livestock' or 'exotics' if they are kept for companionship.
Examples in context
- うちはペットは飼っていません。Uchi wa petto wa katte imasen.We don't have any pets at home.
- 今はペットは飼っていません。Ima wa petto wa katte imasen.I don't have any pets right now.
- アパートなので、ペットは飼っていません。Apāto nanode, petto wa katte imasen.Since it's an apartment, I don't have any pets.
Example conversation
Misaki asks Hiroto if he has any animals at home.
- 美咲 Misaki大翔さんは何かペットを飼っていますか。Hiroto-san wa nanika petto o katte imasu ka.Hiroto, do you have any pets?
- 大翔 Hirotoいいえ、ペットは飼っていません。Iie, petto wa katte imasen.No, I have no pets.
- 美咲 Misakiそうなんですね。犬が好きですか。Sō nan desu ne. Inu ga suki desu ka.I see. Do you like dogs?
- 大翔 Hirotoはい、とても好きですよ。Hai, totemo suki desu yo.Yes, I like them very much.
