猫
neko[ne̞ko̞]
The English phrase "the cat" is translated into Japanese as 猫 (neko).
In Japanese, the word 猫 can mean "a cat", "the cat" or simply "cat" depending on the context, as the language does not use articles like "the" or "a". In informal settings, neko can be used on its own to refer to "the cat".
How does it change in a sentence?
You can modify 猫 using particles to change its role in a sentence. Adding the particle を to 猫 marks it as the direct object, such as in 猫を. Adding the particle が to 猫 marks the cat as the subject, such as in 猫が. Adding the particle の to 猫 makes it possessive, meaning "the cat's", resulting in 猫の.
Did you know?
- Ancient Japanese texts, such as the 新撰字鏡 (Shinsen Jikyō), suggest that 'tanuki' was once used as another name for a cat.
Examples in context
- 猫をみつけた。I found the cat.This sentence is useful for describing finding 猫.Tatoeba #7577167 by Karei, translation #7577329 by CK
- 猫が逃げたよ。The cat ran away.This sentence is useful for describing how 猫 ran away.Tatoeba #10482009 by small_snow, translation #663719 by qdii
- 猫が固まった。The cat froze.This sentence is useful for describing how 猫 froze.Tatoeba #11264676 by small_snow, translation #9964865 by AlanF_US
- 113 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A woman and a man are looking at a picture book.
- 陽太 Yotaこの猫はとてもかわいいね。Kono neko wa totemo kawaii ne.This cat is very cute, isn't it?
- 陽葵 Himari本当だ。陽太くん、大好き。Hontou da. Youta-kun, daisuki.It really is. I love it, Youta.
- 陽太 Yota猫が好きなら、本屋へ行こうか。Neko ga suki nara, honya e ikou ka.If you like cats, shall we go to the bookstore?
- 陽葵 Himariやった！陽葵、嬉しい！Yatta! Himari, ureshii!Yay! Himari is so happy!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 猫, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 猫, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
