猫 (māo) - Cat — a small domesticated carnivorous mammal with

猫Tone 1

māo ｜ 11 strokes ｜ radical:

伦妙

猫 · māo

Cat — a small domesticated carnivorous mammal with soft fur, a short snout, and retractable claws, often kept as a pet or for catching mice.

Cat — a small domesticated carnivorous mammal with

Usage highlights

WildcatCat foodCat litterCat ownerCat cafeCat paw

Synonyms

  • 猫咪— Kitty (affectionate term for cat)

Antonyms

  • 狗— Dog (common domestic animal contrast)
  • 鼠— Mouse/Rat (prey animal)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • My cat (猫) likes to sleep on the sofa.
  • She adopted a black cat (黑猫).
  • The cat is chasing a mouse (猫捉老鼠).
  • He is allergic to cats (猫过敏).

Collocations

  • Wildcat(野猫)
  • Cat food(猫粮)
  • Cat litter(猫砂)
  • Cat owner(猫主人)
  • Cat cafe(猫咖)
  • Cat paw(猫爪)

Idioms

  • Like a cat on hot bricks(热锅上的蚂蚁 — note: common idiom uses 'ants', but conveys similar restless feeling)
  • A cat crying at the mouse's death — hypocritical sympathy(猫哭老鼠)
  • Tiger's head but cat's tail — a promising start but poor finish(虎头蛇尾)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Cats are popular pets in modern Chinese households, symbolizing independence and curiosity.
  • In traditional folklore, cats are sometimes associated with mystery and the supernatural.
  • The '招财猫' (Maneki-neko or 'beckoning cat') is a common symbol of good luck and prosperity in businesses.

FAQ