“Cat” in Japanese is 猫 (ねこ), pronounced neko.
Pronunciation
The word has 2 beats (morae), each about the same length. Tap a syllable to hear it, or play the whole word:
How to use it
The everyday word for cat. Cats are hugely popular in Japan, from cat cafés to the waving 招き猫 (maneki-neko) that invites good luck into shops.
Example sentences
- 猫が好きです。ねこがすきです。I like cats.
- うちに猫が二匹います。うちにねこがにひきいます。We have two cats at home.
Related forms
| Meaning | Japanese | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| kitten | 子猫 | こねこ koneko |
Quick practice
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FAQ
How do you say cat in Japanese?
Cat in Japanese is 猫 (ねこ), pronounced “neko”.
How do you write cat in Japanese?
It's written 猫 with kanji, or ねこ in hiragana. Both are read neko.
Is 猫 on the JLPT?
Yes. 猫 (neko) is a common word at JLPT N5 level, so it's worth learning early.