misi, misi
The English phrase "kitty kitty" can be translated into Spanish as misi, misi.
The phrase misi, misi is used to call a cat's attention, functioning much like the English expression "kitty kitty".
Which one should you use?
While misi, misi is a common way to call a cat, you may also encounter the term Minino, which is an informal synonym specifically used for male cats.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In many Spanish-speaking regions, the spelling mishi, mishi is a common alternative to misi, misi.
Did you know?
- Despite the specific words used to call a cat, many Spanish speakers will ignore them entirely in favor of the universal 'pspsps' sound. This non-verbal sound is used across many cultures to mimic a subtle, rhythmic hiss that attracts a cat's curiosity.
- In many parts of Latin America, the word michi has transitioned from a way to call a cat to a popular slang noun for the animals themselves. You might hear someone say, 'Look at that cute michi' instead of using a formal word for cat.
- The phrase misi, misi is considered a form of 'motherese' or 'baby talk'. It uses highly repetitive, melodic syllables to mimic the simplified, high-pitched speech humans use when communicating with infants or small pets.
Examples in context
- ¡Ven aquí, gatito!Come here, kitty!
- Ven, minino/mininaCome here, kitty
- ¡Hola, michi!Hello, kitty!
- Misi, misi, ven aquí.Kitty, kitty, come here.
- ¿Escuchaste? Alguien dijo: «misi, misi».Did you hear? Someone said, "kitty, kitty."
- El gato no viene aunque le digas misi, misi.The cat doesn't come even if you say kitty, kitty.
Example conversation
Daniel and Sofía are in the living room trying to find a lost kitten.
- DanielSofía, ¿ves al gatito?Sofía, do you see the kitten?
- SofíaNo, pero voy a decirle: misi, misi.No, but I am going to say: kitty, kitty.
- Daniel¡Mira! El gatito apareció.Look! The kitten appeared.
- Sofía¡Qué lindo es!How cute he is!
