猫

JLPT N3

cat

Readings

On’yomi: ビョウ, ミョウ (byō, myō)

Kun’yomi: ねこ (neko)

• ねこ – cat

Structure

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Detailed Explanation

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Mnemonic

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Etymology

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Visual Tip

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Vocabulary

猫

ねこ

cat

子猫

こねこ

kitten

野良猫

のらねこ

stray cat

黒猫

くろねこ

black cat

猫舌

ねこじた

sensitive tongue

Example Sentences

猫がいます。

ねこがいます。

There is a cat.

子猫です。

こねこです。

It is a kitten.

野良猫です。

のらねこです。

It is a stray cat.

黒猫です。

くろねこです。

It is a black cat.

猫舌です。

ねこじたです。

I have a sensitive tongue.

Cultural Note

🐱 Cats hold a special place in Japanese culture. The 招き猫 (まねきねこ / “beckoning cat”) is a famous lucky charm that invites good fortune and customers. Cats are also frequent subjects in haiku, art, and anime, representing warmth, mystery, and quiet companionship.