キャット
kyatto
The English word "kat" is translated into Japanese as キャット (kyatto).
The term refers to a small domesticated carnivorous mammal with soft fur and a short snout. While it represents the animal, it is specifically a loanword from English used to provide a modern or Westernized feel.
Which one should you use?
The form キャット is a loanword from English, whereas the native Japanese word for cat is 猫 (neko).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
As a loanword written in katakana, キャット is often used in specific contexts such as brand names or song titles to sound more modern.
How does it change in a sentence?
You can create an affectionate and casual way of addressing a cat by adding the diminutive suffix くん after カツ.
How do you pronounce it?
kyatto
Did you know?
- The native word for cat, 猫, is used in the phrase 猫を被る (neko o kaburu), which literally means 'to wear a cat' but figuratively means to pretend to be innocent or shy.
- Japan has an entire island, Tashirojima, where the population of cats vastly outnumbers the human residents, reflecting the deep cultural affection for 猫.
- The native term 猫 is central to the 招き猫 tradition, where figurines with raised paws are used to beckon customers and good luck into shops.
Examples in context
- この人はカットさんです。This person is Kat.
Example conversation
Misaki and Yota are looking at a photo on a phone.
- 美咲 Misaki見て、このキャットを！mite, kono kyatto o!Look at this cat!
- 陽太 Yota本当に可愛いキャットだね。hontou ni kawaii kyatto da ne.It really is a cute cat.
- 美咲 Misaki友達の家で撮ったの。tomodachi no ie de totta no.I took it at a friend's house.
- 陽太 Yotaいい写真だね。ii shashin da ne.It's a great photo.
