kiscica
The English word kitten is translated into Hungarian as kiscica. Wiktionary also lists kismacska and cica.
Meaning: a young cat (noun)
Ways to say it
| Hungarian | IPA |
|---|---|
| kiscica | |
| kismacska | [ˈkiʃmɒt͡ʃkɒ] (narrow) |
| cica | [ˈt͡sit͡sɒ] (narrow) |
In Hungarian, several words can be used to refer to a young cat. Cica is the most common and versatile way to say kitten, though it is also used as an affectionate way to refer to any cat. While kiscica and kismacska are common, cicakölyök is a specific term used to refer to young kittens.
What does it mean word for word?
The word kiscica is a compound of kis, meaning small and cica, meaning cat or kitty. Similarly, kismacska is a compound of kis, meaning small and macska, meaning cat.
Which one should you use?
The word cica can mean a cat, but it is more frequently used as a diminutive or affectionate term, much like the English word 'kitty'.
Did you know?
- In Hungarian, the term cica is frequently used as a slang term for a young, attractive woman.
- The word macska is an ancient loanword likely taken from a Turkic or Iranian language, which is why it differs so much from the Latin-based 'cat'.
- The root of the word cica is actually an onomatopoeia, mimicking the 'cic' sound humans use to call a cat's attention.
Examples in context
- A kiscica be akart jönni.The kitten wanted in.This example shows the kitten wanting to enter a space.Tatoeba #639445 by Muelisto, translation #246100 by CK
- Két órája sír már a kiscica.The kitten has been crying for two hours.This sentence describes a kitten that has been crying for a duration of time.Tatoeba #12160660 by maaster, translation #12160665 by maaster
- A motor úgy dorombol, mint egy kiscica.The engine purrs like a kitten.This sentence uses the word kiscica to create a simile comparing an engine to a kitten.Tatoeba #7030856 by H_Liliom, translation #6052530 by Hybrid
- Milyen aranyos ez a cicurka!How adorable is this little kitten!
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Gábor and Éva are at a local animal shelter.
- GáborNézd, ez a kiscica nagyon cuki!Look, this kitten is very cute!
- ÉvaIgen, Gábor, de nagyon félénk is.Yes, Gábor, but she is also very shy.
- GáborVajon szeretne élni velünk?I wonder if she would like to live with us?
- ÉvaSzerethetné, ha elég szereted őt.She might, if you love her enough.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “kitten” translations and entries kismacska, cica, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cica, kismacska, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
