招き猫
manekineko
In Japanese, the phrase for "lucky cat" is 招き猫 (manekineko).
招き猫 refers to a Japanese figurine of a cat with one paw raised to bring good luck and fortune. It translates to "beckoning cat."
How do you pronounce it?
manekineko
When do people say it?
A maneki-neko with its right paw raised is traditionally believed to invite money or good fortune.
Did you know?
- While a raised paw in many cultures is a sign of greeting, the Japanese gesture for beckoning involves waving the hand with the palm facing downwards.
- While a right paw raised attracts wealth, a 招き猫 with its left paw raised is used to beckon customers or people into a business.
- The 招き猫 is a relatively modern symbol, with the first written records of the term appearing around 1893.
Examples in context
- ダンは誕生日に同僚から招き猫をもらった。Dan got a lucky cat figurine from a co-worker for his birthday.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use 招き猫 when receiving a gift.Tatoeba #4149445 by kotik, translation #4197712 by Tigrin
- お店の入り口に招き猫が置いてある。Omise no iriguchi ni manekineko ga oite aru.A lucky cat is placed at the entrance of the shop.
- この招き猫は、右手を上げている。Kono manekineko wa, migite o agete iru.This lucky cat has its right paw raised.
Example conversation
Yui and Yota are looking at decorations in a traditional Japanese shop.
- 結衣 Yui陽太、あの招き猫、可愛いね。Yota, ano manekineko, kawaii ne.Yota, that lucky cat is cute, isn't it?
- 陽太 Yota本当だ。結衣、あれをプレゼントにしようか？Hontou da. Yui, are o purezento ni shiyou ka?True. Yui, shall we get that as a present?
- 結衣 Yuiいいよ、きっと縁起がいいと思う。Ii yo, kitto engi ga ii to omou.Sure, I think it will bring good luck.
- 陽太 Yotaじゃあ、それに決まりだね。Jaa, sore ni kimari da ne.Then, it's decided.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 招き猫, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
