Neko is the Japanese word for ‘cat’, explained

What does “neko” mean in Japanese?

Native speakers say “neko” to mean ‘cat’ in Japanese. Perhaps, some Japanese learners know this word as it is sometimes used in Japanese movies, songs, novels, manga, anime, and the like. In this blog post, however, I will explain its definition and meaning in detail with its origin. And also, I will explain how to use it through example sentences. My explanations would help Japanese learners to understand “neko” more clearly. Then, let’s get started!

Contents

• Definition and meaning of “neko”
  • Example #1: how to say “cat” in Japanese
  • Example #2: another usage of “neko”
• Summary

Definition and meaning of “neko”

Let me start with the definition and meaning of “neko”.

• neko – 猫 (ねこ) : a noun meaning ‘cat’ in Japanese. This can also work as plural. Learn more about Japanese plural.

Native speakers use this noun to refer to a cat or cats in Japanese. It is said that this noun consists of two parts: “ne” and “ko”. The first one is a word meaning ‘sleeping’; the second is a word meaning ‘kid’ or ‘child’. This noun is therefore a good metaphor for cat’s lives: they sleep all the time.

The definition and meaning are simple and clear, I think. Then, let me explain how to use “neko” through the example sentence below.

Example #1: how to say “cat” in Japanese

Below are the new words used in the example sentence.

• kono – この : a determiner used before a noun referring to a thing close to the speaker. In the example, this is used before “neko” to say “this cat” in Japanese.
• wa – は : a binding particle working as a case marker or topic marker. In the example, this works after “kono neko” to make the subject in the sentence.
• totemo – とても : an adverb of degree meaning ‘very’, ‘much’, ‘so’, or such in Japanese. In the example, this works before “kawaii” to emphasize its meaning.
• kawaii – 可愛い (かわいい) : an i-adjective meaning ‘cute’ in Japanese.

This is a typical usage of “neko”. In this example, it works together with the determiner to mean ‘this cat’ in Japanese.

Example #2: another usage of “neko”

Below are the new words used in the example sentence.

• boku – 僕 (ぼく) : a pronoun meaning ‘I’ in Japanese. This is used mainly by boys and young males.
• ga – が : a case particle used to make the subject word or the object word in a sentence. In the example, this is used after “neko” to make the object in the sentence.
• suki – 好き (すき) : one conjugation of the na-adjective, “sukina”, which means ‘favorite’ in Japanese. Native speakers, however, often use this as an individual word to mean ‘to like’ or ‘to love’ in Japanese. In the example, actually, this is used to mean ‘to love’.
• desu – です : an auxiliary verb used after a noun or adjective to make it polite. Probably, this is well known as a part of Japanese desu form. In the example, this is used after “suki” to make it sound polite.

This is another typical usage of “neko”. In this example, it works as plural to mean ‘cats’ in Japanese. When we want to say “cat” or “cats” in Japanese, anyway, this noun is always a good option.

Summary

In this blog post, I’ve explained the definition and meaning of “neko” in detail with its origin. And also, I’ve explained how to use it through the example sentences. Let me summarize them as follows.

• neko – 猫 (ねこ) : a noun meaning ‘cat’ in Japanese. This can also work as plural. It is said that this noun consists of two parts: “ne” and “ko”. The first one is a word meaning ‘sleeping’; the second is a word meaning ‘kid’ or ‘child’. This noun is therefore a good metaphor for cat’s lives: they sleep all the time. When we want to say “cat” or “cats” in Japanese, anyway, this noun is always a good option.

Hope my explanations are understandable and helpful for Japanese learners.