猫 — meaning in English: Cat

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

Guess the translation for cat

猫

neko

行

kou

癌

gan

患者

kanja

島

shima

Skip this question

🎓

Learn Japanese 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 commonly use the word '猫' (neko) when referring to their pets in casual conversations with friends or family. For instance, one might say, '私の猫がかわいいです' (My cat is cute) while discussing their beloved feline companion.

Synonyms & nuances

'猫' is the general term for 'cat,' while '子猫' (koneko) specifically means 'kitten.' You would choose '猫' when referring to any cat, regardless of age, but '子猫' would be preferred if you are discussing a young cat.

Culture

'猫' has a fascinating place in Japanese culture, often associated with good fortune, especially with the popular 'maneki-neko' or beckoning cat figurine. Historically, cats were revered in Japan, believed to bring prosperity and ward off evil spirits, which contributes to their prominence in art and literature.

FAQ

Q.What is the pronunciation of 猫?

The word '猫' is pronounced as 'neko.' It's a straightforward word that you can easily practice by repeating it several times.

Q.How do you say 'cat' in Japanese?

'Cat' in Japanese is '猫' (neko). You can use this word in various contexts to refer to cats in general.

Q.Are there any common mistakes when using 猫?

A common mistake is confusing '猫' (neko) with '犬' (inu), which means 'dog.' Make sure to use '猫' when specifically talking about cats.

Learn japanese with Maspeak →

Japanese 2000