Learning a new language can be exciting, especially when you want to say something playful or cute—like asking about a cat! If you’ve been wondering how to say what is this cat in Japanese, you’re not alone.
Whether you’re traveling to Japan, learning the language, or just a fan of all things feline, this simple phrase can be both useful and fun. Let’s break it down step-by-step so you can use it confidently—even if you’re just starting out!
The Basic Phrase: “What Is This Cat?” in Japanese
To ask “What is this cat?” in Japanese, the phrase is:
これは何の猫ですか？
(Kore wa nan no neko desu ka?)
Let’s look at what each part means:
- これは (Kore wa) – “This is…”
- 何の (nan no) – “what kind of” or “what [belongs to]”
- 猫 (neko) – “cat”
- ですか (desu ka) – polite question ending (“Is it?”)
📝 Literal meaning: “This is what kind of cat?”
It’s polite and suitable for use with strangers or in formal settings.
When to Use This Phrase
This phrase is great when:
- You’re visiting a friend and see a cat you don’t recognize
- You’re in a pet shop in Japan
- You want to know the breed or name of a cat
- You’re watching a Japanese show with animals
Example Situation:
You see a unique cat and ask the owner:
「これは何の猫ですか？」
They might respond with the breed:
「これはスコティッシュフォールドです。」 (“This is a Scottish Fold.”)
Casual Ways to Ask Among Friends
With friends or in informal settings, you can drop the polite form:
これ、何の猫？
(Kore, nan no neko?)
It means the same thing but sounds more casual and relaxed.
You could also just say:
何の猫？
(“What kind of cat?”)
😺 Use this with close friends, family, or kids.
Related Phrases You Might Like
If you’re interested in cats and learning Japanese, here are more fun and useful phrases:
- 猫が好きです。 (Neko ga suki desu.) – “I like cats.”
- かわいい猫ですね！ (Kawaii neko desu ne!) – “What a cute cat!”
- あれは猫ですか？ (Are wa neko desu ka?) – “Is that a cat?”
These phrases can help you start fun conversations with fellow cat lovers in Japan!
Final Thoughts
Now you know how to say what is this cat in Japanese:
これは何の猫ですか？ (Kore wa nan no neko desu ka?)
It’s a polite, simple question that shows curiosity and respect. Whether you’re meeting new feline friends or practicing your language skills, this phrase is a great place to start. Plus, who wouldn’t want to talk about cats in every language?