How do you say "year of the cat" in English? - briefly
In English, "year of the cat" is typically not a standard or widely recognized phrase. If referring to the song by Al Stewart, it is simply known as "Year of the Cat."
How do you say "year of the cat" in English? - in detail
The phrase "year of the cat" is typically understood as a reference to a specific year associated with a particular zodiac sign, specifically the Cat or Rabbit in the Chinese Zodiac. However, there isn't a direct equivalent in English culture that uses the term "cat" for a zodiac year.
In Western cultures, the 12-year cycle of the zodiac is well known but does not include an animal called a cat. The commonly recognized signs are Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces. These correspond to different time periods throughout the year and are based on constellations rather than animals.
In English, if you want to refer to a specific year within this cycle, you would say something like "the Year of the Rabbit" or "the Year of the Dog," depending on which animal corresponds to that year in the Chinese Zodiac. For instance, 2023 is known as the Year of the Rabbit in the Chinese calendar.
If your intention is to translate a phrase from another language that includes "year of the cat," it might be more appropriate to find an equivalent or similar expression in English that captures the same sentiment or cultural significance. For instance, if you are referencing a song title like "Year of the Cat" by Al Stewart, the phrase is used metaphorically and doesn't have a direct translation related to zodiac signs but rather conveys a poetic or mystical theme.
In summary, while there isn't a direct equivalent in English for a "year of the cat," you can refer to specific years using the appropriate animal from the Chinese Zodiac or use the context provided by the original phrase to find an equivalent expression that captures its essence.