gatinho
/ɡaˈt͡ʃĩ.ɲu/
In Portuguese, kitty is translated as gatinho.
Gatinho is used as a pet name for a cat of any age or as a term of endearment. While it can refer specifically to a kitten, it is the standard way to say 'kitty' in Portuguese.
Meaning: pet name for a cat of any age (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is formed by adding the diminutive suffix -inho to gato (cat), meaning 'little cat'.
Which one should you use?
While gatinho literally means 'little cat', it is the standard term for 'kitty' regardless of whether the cat is a kitten or an adult.
How does it change in a sentence?
If the cat is female, use the feminine form gatinha.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 2nd syllable: /ɡaˈtʃĩ.ɲu/.
Did you know?
- The word gato is also used in Brazil to describe an illegal electrical connection stolen from the power grid, known as a gato.
- While gatinho means 'kitty', the expression dar gato por lebre literally means 'to give a cat for a hare' and is used when someone is cheated or scammed.
- In Brazil, calling a person gatinho or gatinha is a common way to say they are 'hot' or 'attractive', much like calling someone 'cutie' in English.
Examples in context
- O que você está tentando dizer, gatinho? Não te entendo. Não falo a língua dos gatos.What are you trying to say, kitty cat? I don't understand you. I don't speak Cat.This sentence shows how to use gatinho when speaking to a cat.Tatoeba #11097334 by MrJuice, translation #9737776 by shekitten
- Eu amo esse gatinhoI love this little kitty
- Eu adotei um gatinho muito fofo!I adopted a very cute kitty!
- O gatinho está dormindo no sofá.The kitty is sleeping on the sofa.
- Eu vi um gatinho muito fofo no jardim.I saw a very cute kitty in the garden.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Felipe and Camila are looking at a cat in the living room.
- FelipeOlha aquele gatinho pequeno, Camila!Look at that little kitty, Camila!
- CamilaEle é muito lindo, Felipe.He is very beautiful, Felipe.
- FelipeVocê quer brincar com o gatinho?Do you want to play with the kitty?
- CamilaSim, ele parece ser muito amigável.Yes, he seems to be very friendly.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry gatinho, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
