子猫
koneko[ko̞ne̞ko̞]
The English phrase "little cat" is translated into Japanese as 子猫 (koneko).
子猫 refers to a young cat or a kitten.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 子猫 is a compound of 子 (ko), meaning child or small and 猫 (neko), meaning cat.
How do you pronounce it?
koneko
Did you know?
- In Japanese folklore, a 子猫 that grows up to become a supernatural cat is called a 猫又 ('nekomata'), distinguished by having a split tail.
- The Japanese word for cat 猫 is a loanword from ancient Chinese, reflecting how cats were first introduced to Japan as luxury pets for the elite.
- While 子猫 is the standard word for kitten, Japanese cat lovers often use the slang term にゃんこ ('nyanko') to refer to cats of any age in an affectionate way.
Examples in context
- 私は小さな子猫が大好きです。I love little cats.
- あの部屋にちび猫がいます。There is a little cat in that room.
- この猫は子猫ですか？Is this cat a little cat?
- そのちび猫はとても可愛いですね！That little cat is very cute!
- 子猫がいます。koneko ga imasu.There is a kitten.
- この子猫はとても可愛いです。kono koneko wa totemo kawaii desu.This kitten is very cute.
- 子猫を飼いたいですか。koneko o kaitai desu ka.Do you want to keep a kitten?
Example conversation
Himari and Daigaku are looking at a pet shop window.
- 陽葵 Himari見て！あの子猫、すごく可愛いよ。Mite! Ano koneko, sugoku kawaii yo.Look! That kitten is so cute.
- 大翔 Hiroto本当だね。まだとても小さいね。Hontou da ne. Mada totemo chiisai ne.You're right. It's still very small.
- 陽葵 Himari陽葵は子猫が大好きなんです。Himari wa koneko ga daisuki nan desu.I love kittens.
- 大翔 Hiroto大翔も一緒に遊びたいな。Daigaku mo issho ni asobitai na.I want to play with it too.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 子猫, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
