This week, let’s learn “neko” which means “cat” in Japanese.
When you visit Japan, you might be surprised by how many cats are wandering around the streets like a normal pedestrian. As much as a pet, cats in Japan are also a part of daily life and the local community.
They just seem to blend in so well!
Photo by Yamauchi
Photo by Hiroyuki Naito
There are many expressions using “neko”, people who love anime and manga might know some of them.
Among words and expressions using neko, first there’s “koneko” which means “kitten”.
Then you must have heard of cat cafes in Japan, where you could cuddle with cats while you enjoy a cup of coffee.
If you want to visit one, search for “neko cafe”!
Anime and manga fans might know the word “nekomimi” which means “cat’s ears”.
Heroines wearing cat ears are popular among otaku.
Japanese lucky cat is called “Manekineko”.
If you’re a cat lover, you can say you’re a “nekozuki”.
And at last, if you can’t eat hot or warm food for example, you have a “nekojita” a “cat’s tongue”.
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Shukujitsu 祝日(National Holiday)Fun! Japan Words vol. 43
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