котёнок
kotjónok[kɐˈtʲɵnək]
The English phrase "little cat" is translated into Russian as котёнок (kotjónok).
котёнок refers to a young cat.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is formed from кот (cat) and the diminutive suffix -ёнок (little/young).
How does it change in a sentence?
The word changes its ending to котёнка when used as a direct object or to indicate possession.
How do you pronounce it?
kotjónok
Did you know?
- In Russian, calling a romantic partner or a loved one котёнок is a common term of endearment, similar to calling someone 'honey' or 'sweetie' in English.
- If you want to call a kitten 'cute' or 'sweet' in a more slangy, affectionate way, you might use the word котёночек, which adds even more layers of diminutive suffixes.
- The Russian word кот specifically refers to a male cat, while кошка is used for a female cat or cats in general.
Examples in context
- Мой милый котёнок вот уже неделю как пропал.My dear little cat has been missing for a week.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use котёнок to describe a missing pet.Tatoeba #447016 by Hellerick, translation #250424 by shekitten
- Милый котенокCute little cat
- Красивый маленький котBeautiful little cat
- Маленький кот спитThe little cat is sleeping
- Милый котикSweet little cat
- У тебя такой милый котеночекYou have such a cute little cat
Example conversation
Andrey and Ekaterina are looking at a new pet at home.
- Андрей AndreyПосмотри, какой милый котёнок!Posmotri, kakoy milyy kotyonok!Look, what a cute little cat!
- Екатерина EkaterinaДа, он такой крошечный.Da, on takoy kroshechnyy.Yes, he is so tiny.
- Андрей AndreyЕкатерина, давай дадим ему молока.Yekaterina, davay dadim yemu moloka.Ekaterina, let's give him some milk.
- Екатерина EkaterinaХорошая идея, Андрей.Khoroshaya ideya, Andrey.Good idea, Andrey.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry котёнок, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
