肉球
nikukyū
The Japanese word for 'paws' is 肉球 (nikukyū).
肉球 is the standard term used to refer specifically to the soft, padded parts of an animal's paw.
What does it mean word for word?
The word literally translates to 'flesh ball'.
How do you pronounce it?
nikukyū
Did you know?
- While 肉球 refers to the pads, the general word for a paw is 足 (ashi), which is the same word used for human legs and feet.
- In Japanese internet culture, 肉球 (nikukyū) is often used as a cute adjective or a standalone noun to describe anything soft, squishy and pink.
- In many Japanese illustrations, the 'squishiness' of the 肉球 is often represented by specific sound effect words (onomatopoeia) like 'puni' or 'mochi'.
Examples in context
- 猫の肉球はとても柔らかい。Neko no nikukyu wa totemo yawarakai.A cat's paws are very soft.
- この犬の肉球はピンク色だ。Kono inu no nikukyu wa pinku-iro da.This dog's paws are pink.
- 肉球の感触が大好きです。Nikukyu no kanshoku ga daisuki desu.I love the feel of paws.
Example conversation
Kenta and Yui are looking at a photo of a kitten.
- 健太 Kentaこの子、肉球がすごく可愛いね。Kono ko, nikukyu ga sugoku kawaii ne.This little one has such cute paws.
- 結衣 Yui本当だ、ピンク色で可愛いね。Hontou da, pinku-iro de kawaii ne.You're right, they are cute and pink.
- 健太 Kenta触ってみたいけど、怖いな。Sawatte mitai kedo, kowai na.I want to touch them, but I'm scared.
- 結衣 Yui大丈夫だよ、きっと柔らかいよ。Daijoubu da yo, kitto yawarakai yo.It's okay, I'm sure they are soft.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 肉球, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
