Chances are, if you’re reading this, English is your first language. But that doesn’t mean you’re not interested in learning other languages, or in particular, some of your favorite words in other languages. We might know the basics when it comes to the word cat in Spanish—gato—thanks to the popular Shrek and Puss in Boots films. But, why not learn how to say the word “cat” in other languages. Let’s dive in!
Here’s how to say the word cat in 50 different languages…
How to say the word “cat” in Spanish: gato (masculine); gata (feminine). Additionally, a colloquial way to say “kitty” in Spanish is “michi”
How to say the word “cat” in German: katze
How to say the word “cat” in Polish: kot
How to say the word “cat” in Italian: gatto (masculine); gatta (feminine)
The feral cats of Rome, Italy have possessed legal rights since 1991. In fact, harming a cat is a crime punishable by law. Cats can live wherever they choose and it is against the law to remove them by force and relocate them. Cats have a right to be fed in their chosen refuge. Local authorities have a responsibility to conduct proper neutering of felines at no cost. Bravo!
How to say the word “cat” in French: chat (masculine); chatta (feminine)
How to say the word “cat” in Greek: γάτα (gata)
How to say the word “cat” in Portuguese: gato (masculine); gata (feminine)
How to say the word “cat” in Dutch: kat
How to say the word “cat” in Swedish: katt
How to say the word “cat” in Icelandic: köttur
How to say the word “cat” in Norwegian: katt
How to say the word “cat” in Finnish: kissa
How to say the word “cat” in Hebrew: חָתוּל – pronounced “chatul”
How to say the word “cat” in Turkish: kedi
Fun fact about Turkish cats for you: Two of the oldest cat breeds in existence hail from—you guessed it—Turkey! This would be the Turkish Angora, and the Turkish Van. It’s believed that these cats have lived on the planet for hundreds of centuries.
How to say the word “cat” in Arabic: قطة, – pronounced “qita”
How to say the word “cat” in Farsi (Persian): گربه” – pronounced as “gorbe”
How to say the word “cat” in Urdu: بلی – pronounced “bali”
How to say the word “cat” in Croatian: mačka
How to say the word “cat” in Armenian: կատու – pronounced “katu”
How to say the word “cat” in Romanian: pisică
How to say the word “cat” in Russian: kot
Centuries ago, the royal families of Russia often kept cats in their palaces and held them in high regard. This is especially true for Russian Blue cats, a treasure of its namesake. They believed these gray felines possessed unexplainable powers, which they believed could even protect the newborn royals.
How to say the word “cat” in Mongolian: mуур – pronounced “muur”
How to say the word “cat” in Slavic: kot
How to say the word “cat” in Lithuanian: katė
How to say the word “cat” in Hungarian: macska
How to say the word “cat” in Czech: kočka
How to say the word “cat” in Serbian: мачка – pronounced “mačka”
How to say the word “cat” in Bulgarian: kotka
How to say the word “cat” in Ukrainian: кішка – pronounced “kishka”
How to say the word “cat” in Swahili: paka
How to say the word “cat” in Zulu: ikati
How to say the word “cat” in Afrikaans: kat
How to say the word “cat” in Hausa: kyanwa
How to say the word “cat” in Yoruba: ologbo
How to say the word “cat” in Marathi: मांजर – pronounced “Mān̄jara”
How to say the word “cat” in Telugu: పిల్లి – pronounced “Pilli”
How to say the word “cat” in Punjabi: ਬਿੱਲੀ – pronounced “Bilī”
How to say the word “cat” in Tamil: பூனை – pronounced Pūṉai
How to say the word “cat” in Bengali: বিড়াল – pronounced Biṛāla
How to say the word “cat” in Indonesian: kucing
How to say the word “cat” in Mandarin Chinese: 猫 – pronounced māo
How to say the word “cat” in Korean: 고양이 – pronounced goyang-i
How to say the word “cat” in Cantonese: 貓, pronounced maau1
How to say the word “cat” in Thai: แมว – Mæw
How to say the word “cat” in Vietnamese: con mèo
How to say the word “cat” in Japanese: 猫 – pronounced Neko
Cats are considered to be very special in the eyes of the Japanese. So much so, that they have become an integral part of Japanese culture. Cats often appear in Japanese art, literature, and everyday life.
How to say the word “cat” in Myanmar (Burmese): ကြောင် – pronounced kyaung
How to say the word “cat” in Javanese: kucing
How to say the word “cat” in Māori: ngeru
How to say the word “cat” in Tagalog: pusa
How to say cat in Haitian Creole: chat
How to say the word “cat” in Guarini: jata
How to say the word “cat” in Aymara: phisi
How to say the word “cat” in Quechua: misi
Now that you’ve added to your budding knowledge of cat terms, be sure to put them to good use should you travel outside of the United States. Think of it as a great way to connect with cat lovers worldwide!
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