猫

• Reading: ねこ
• Romaji: neko
• Kanji breakdown: 猫 (byou/neko) — cat
• Pronunciation: /ne.ko/

Meaning

Cat; feline. One of the most beloved animals in Japanese culture.

A noun referring to cats. Cats hold a special place in Japanese culture, from the beckoning cat figurine 招き猫 (maneki neko) to countless cat cafes across the country. The expression 猫舌 (nekojita, cat tongue) means someone who cannot eat hot food.

Examples

1. 猫がソファーの上で寝ています。 The cat is sleeping on the sofa.
2. 黒い猫が窓の外にいます。 A black cat is outside the window.
3. 私の猫は魚が大好きです。 My cat loves fish.

Usage Guide

Context: pets, animals, daily life

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

The kanji 猫 combines the animal radical 犭 with 苗 (seedling/sapling). Some scholars suggest the meow sound influenced the reading ねこ in Old Japanese.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal