猫 — meaning in English: Cat

māo · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for cat

猫

māo

儿子

érzi

微笑

wéixiào

转

zhuǎn

相

xiāng

Skip this question

🎓

Learn Mandarin Chinese for free

Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.

Start learning →

Already have an account? Log in

informal very common

Usage

Native speakers use the word 猫 (māo) in casual conversations, especially when talking about pets, discussing animals in general, or sharing cute cat videos online. For example, a friend might say, '我家有一只猫' (Wǒ jiā yǒu yī zhī māo) which means 'I have a cat,' when introducing their pet.

Synonyms & nuances

Another word for cat is 小猫 (xiǎo māo), which specifically means 'kitten.' You would use 猫 (māo) when referring to cats in general, while 小猫 (xiǎo māo) is used when you want to emphasize youth or cuteness.

Culture

In Chinese culture, cats are often seen as symbols of good luck and prosperity. The word 猫 is derived from the Old Chinese word that signifies the sound a cat makes. Interestingly, in ancient China, cats were so revered that they were often kept in homes to protect against vermin, and they even featured in art and literature.

FAQ

Q.What is the meaning of 猫 in English?

The word 猫 (māo) translates to 'cat' in English. It's a common term used to refer to the domestic feline animal, often beloved as pets.

Q.How do you use 猫 in a sentence?

You can use 猫 in sentences like '我喜欢猫' (Wǒ xǐ huān māo), which means 'I like cats.' This reflects a casual and simple way of expressing your fondness for these animals.

Q.Are there any common mistakes when using 猫?

A common mistake is confusing 猫 (māo) with other pet animals. Remember that 猫 specifically refers to cats, while 狗 (gǒu) means dogs. Keep the context in mind when discussing pets.

Learn mandarin chinese with Maspeak →

Chinese (Mandarin) 2000