How do they call cats in Korea? - briefly
In Korean, cats are commonly referred to as "고양이" (goyangi), which is pronounced similarly to the English word "kitten."
How do they call cats in Korea? - in detail
In Korean culture, cats are referred to by various terms depending on the context and the specific characteristics of the cat. The most common term for a cat in Korean is "고양이" (goyangi), which translates directly to "cat." This term is used broadly to refer to any feline, regardless of breed or color.
However, Koreans also have more specific terms to describe different aspects of cats. For example:
- A kitten is called "조아" (jwa), which carries a sense of youthfulness and innocence.
- An adult male cat is referred to as "톰캣" (tomcat) or simply "고양이" with the honorific suffix "-님" (nim), indicating respect or endearment.
- An adult female cat, especially one that has given birth, is often called "어미 고양이" (eomi goyangi), which translates to "mother cat."
- A cat's fur can also be described in detail using terms like "갈색" (galsaek) for gray, "흰색" (hansaek) for white, and "검은색" (geomunsik) for black.
Additionally, Korean culture has a rich history of folklore and mythology involving cats. In some stories and legends, cats are referred to as "삼고양이" (samgoyangi), meaning "three cats," which often signifies good luck or prosperity. This term is sometimes used in everyday language to convey a positive connotation or wish for success.
In conclusion, while "고양이" is the standard term for a cat in Korean, the language offers a variety of specific terms that reflect different aspects and cultural significance of these beloved animals.