How to Say "Kitten" in Japanese

子猫

koneko[ko̞ne̞ko̞]

The Japanese word for kitten is 子猫 (koneko).

The most common and straightforward term for kitten in Japanese is 子猫.

Meaning: a young cat (noun)

Which one should you use?

While 子猫 is the standard term, you can use 子猫ちゃん to create a more affectionate or cute way to refer to a kitten.

koneko

There is a common Japanese belief that cats bring good luck, leading to the 'Maneki-neko' or 'beckoning cat' figurines found in shops.
In Japanese pop culture and anime, characters often refer to kittens as にゃんこ (nyanko), which combines the sound of a meow with a cute suffix.
The Japanese language has many 'onomatopoeic' words for cat sounds, such as ニャー (nyaa), which can be added to descriptions of a 子猫 to enhance the cuteness.

子猫を飼わない？
You don't have a kitten?
This sentence is useful for asking if someone owns a 子猫.
Tatoeba #8533506 by mochico, translation #8863362 by moxy
子猫を引き取ったよ。
I adopted a kitten.
This sentence is useful for stating that one has adopted a 子猫.
Tatoeba #9120419 by small_snow, translation #9120415 by CK
子猫はいつ猫になるの？
When does a kitten become a cat?
This sentence is useful for asking when a 子猫 becomes a cat.
Tatoeba #9681779 by small_snow, translation #9681750 by shekitten
11 more sentences on Tatoeba

Kenta and Himari are walking in a park and see a small cat.

健太 Kenta

見て、あそこに子猫がいるよ！
Mite, asoko ni koneko ga iru yo!
Look, there is a kitten over there!
陽葵 Himari

本当だ。すごく小さいね。
Hontō da. Sugoku chiisai ne.
You're right. It's so small.
健太 Kenta

あの子猫、迷子かな？
Ano koneko, maigo kana?
I wonder if that kitten is lost?
陽葵 Himari

どうしよう。誰か呼ぼうか。
Dō shiyō. Dareka yobō ka.
What should we do? Shall we call someone?

Sources

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