2匹の猫
nihiki no neko
The English phrase "two cats" is translated into Japanese as 2匹の猫 (nihiki no neko).
This phrase is used to describe a group consisting of two feline animals.
How does it change in a sentence?
In Japanese, counting animals requires a specific counter. The phrase 2匹の猫 uses this counter to specify the quantity of the cats.
How do you pronounce it?
nihiki no neko
Did you know?
- The word 猫 is used in the phrase 猫をかぶる, which literally means 'to wear a cat' but actually describes someone pretending to be modest or shy to hide their true nature.
- While 匹 is the standard counter for cats, if a cat were to grow to the size of a cow, you would switch to the counter 頭 to count it.
- While 匹 is used for cats, you might use 羽 to count birds, a counter that sounds like it describes wings. This distinction is vital because using the wrong counter for a small animal can sound quite strange to a native speaker.
Examples in context
- 公園に2匹の猫がいます。Kōen ni nihiki no neko ga imasu.There are two cats in the park.
- 2匹の猫が庭で寝ています。Nihiki no neko ga niwa de nete imasu.Two cats are sleeping in the garden.
- あの2匹の猫はとても可愛いです。Ano nihiki no neko wa totemo kawaii desu.Those two cats are very cute.
Example conversation
Two friends are looking at a photo on a smartphone.
- 陽葵 Himariこの写真に2匹の猫が写っていますね。Kono shashin ni nihiki no neko ga utsutte imasu ne.There are two cats in this photo, aren't there?
- 蓮 Renはい、とても可愛らしいですね。Hai, totemo kawairashii desu ne.Yes, they are very lovely.
- 陽葵 Himari蓮さんは猫が好きですか？Ren-san wa neko ga suki desu ka?Ren, do you like cats?
- 蓮 Renはい、大好きです。Hai, daisuki desu.Yes, I love them.
