家猫 (いえねこ) Japanese meaning | KotomoraFreq.FrequencyTop 100,000 Meanings
1
noun
domestic cat; cat (Felis catus)
Refers to the domestic cat as a species, often in contrast to wild cats. Used in scientific or general contexts.
2
noun
house cat; indoor cat
Specifically a cat that lives inside a house, as opposed to a stray or outdoor cat. Often implies a pet cat that stays indoors.
Our house cat doesn't want to go outside.
cat
Similar words
- 野良猫
野良猫 means a stray or feral cat, while 家猫 is a domestic or house cat.
- 飼い猫
飼い猫 is a pet cat (kept by someone), which overlaps with 家猫 but does not necessarily imply it stays indoors.
Etymology
Compound of 家 (いえ, 'house') and 猫 (ねこ, 'cat'). The reading is a straightforward kun'yomi combination.
