새끼 고양이
saekki goyangi
The Korean word for kitten is 새끼 고양이 (saekki goyangi).
The term refers to a young cat.
Meaning: a young cat (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 새끼 (offspring/young) and 고양이 (cat).
How do you pronounce it?
saekki goyangi
Did you know?
- While 새끼 고양이 is the standard term, calling a person 새끼 is considered a harsh slur in modern Korean.
- In Korean internet culture, people often use the intentionally misspelled 고영희 or 고영희 instead of 고양이 to make cats sound more adorable.
- The word for 'cat', 고양이, contains a diminutive suffix -앙이 that suggests something small or cute.
Examples in context
- 저 고양이 애기가 너무 귀엽다!That kitten is so cute!
- 새끼 고양이가 너무 귀여워요.saekki goyang-iga neomu gwiyeowoyo.The kitten is so cute.
- 길에서 새끼 고양이를 봤어요.gil-eseo saekki goyang-ireul bwasseoyo.I saw a kitten on the street.
- 이 새끼 고양이는 색이 밝아요.i saekki goyang-eun saegi balgayo.This kitten has bright colors.
Example conversation
Seoyeon and Jihun are looking at a photo on a phone.
- 서연 Seo-yeon이 사진 속 새끼 고양이 좀 봐요.i sajin sok saekki goyang-i jom bwayo.Look at the kitten in this photo.
- 지훈 Ji-hun정말 작고 사랑스럽네요.jeongmal jakgo sarang-seureopne-yo.It's really small and lovely.
- 서연 Seo-yeon제 친구가 어제 구조했대요.je chin-guga eo-je gu-jo-haet-daeyo.My friend said they rescued it yesterday.
- 지훈 Ji-hun정말 좋은 일을 했네요.jeongmal joeun ireul haetne-yo.They did a really great thing.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 고양이, 새끼, CC BY-SA 4.0.
