白猫
shironeko
The English phrase "white cat" is translated into Japanese as 白猫 (shironeko).
白猫 is used to describe a cat that has white fur.
Which one should you use?
The informal phrase Masshiro na neko can be used to specifically mean a "pure white cat" or a "completely white cat".
How does it change in a sentence?
To indicate possession, such as saying "the white cat's tail", you can add the particle の after 白猫 to form 白猫の.
How do you pronounce it?
shironeko
Did you know?
- The word for 'cat' 猫 is used in the term 猫の手も借りたい which means 'wanting to borrow even a cat's paw' to describe being extremely busy.
- The character for 'white' 白 is used in the Japanese word for 'confession' or 'surrender', as in 白状する (hakujou suru), reflecting the idea of coming clean.
- In some traditional Japanese beliefs, a completely white cat was once thought to be a messenger from the gods or a spiritual entity.
Examples in context
- 白猫が庭にいます。Shiro neko ga niwa ni imasu.A white cat is in the garden.
- あの白猫はとても可愛いです。Ano shiro neko wa totemo kawaii desu.That white cat is very cute.
- 白猫の写真を撮りました。Shiro neko no shashin o torimashita.I took a photo of a white cat.
Example conversation
Kenta and Misaki are looking at a pet shop window.
- 健太 Kentaあそこに白猫がいますね。Asoko ni shiro neko ga imasu ne.There is a white cat over there.
- 美咲 Misaki本当ですね。とても綺麗です。Honto desu ne. Totemo kirei desu.You're right. It's very beautiful.
- 健太 Kenta美咲さんは猫が好きですか？Misaki-san wa neko ga suki desu ka?Misaki, do you like cats?
- 美咲 Misakiはい、大好きです！Hai, daisuki desu!Yes, I love them!
