How do Koreans call cats? - briefly
In Korean, cats are referred to as "고양이" (goyang-i), which is pronounced similarly to the English word for cat but with a distinctly Korean inflection. This term is universally understood across Korea and reflects the fondness Koreans have for these beloved pets.
How do Koreans call cats? - in detail
In Korea, cats are referred to by several terms depending on the context and the specific aspect of the feline being described. The most common term for "cat" in Korean is "고양이" (goyangi), which is used generically to refer to any cat regardless of its breed or gender. This term is derived from the words "고" (go) meaning high, and "양" (yang) meaning sheep, with the suffix "-이" (i) indicating a noun. The combination of these characters reflects the historical association between cats and sheep in Korean culture.
Additionally, Koreans use various descriptive terms to refer to different aspects of cats. For example:
- "양냥이" (yangnyeongi) is used to describe a cat's meowing or crying sound. This term combines the characters for sheep ("양") and crying ("냥").
- "고양이 털" (goyangi teol) refers specifically to cat fur, with "털" (teol) meaning fur.
- "고양이 눈" (goyangi nun) is used to describe a cat's eyes, where "눈" (nun) means eye.
Korean culture also has specific terms for different types of cats based on their breed or appearance. For instance:
- "샴" (saem) refers to a Siamese cat, which is known for its distinctive blue eyes and short fur.
- "펑크" (peongkeu) is used to describe a Persian cat, appreciated for its long, luxurious fur.
- "아비시니안" (abisinian) is the term used for an Abyssinian cat, recognized for its wild and exotic appearance.
Furthermore, in Korean folklore and mythology, cats are often associated with superstitions and beliefs. In some regions of Korea, particularly Jeju Island, cats are believed to have spiritual significance and are referred to as "잉어" (ingeo), which means carp fish, symbolizing prosperity and good fortune.
In summary, Koreans use a rich variety of terms to describe cats, reflecting the diverse aspects of these beloved animals in Korean culture, language, and folklore.