What are cats called in Korea? - briefly
In Korean, cats are commonly referred to as "고양이" (goyangi), which is phonetically similar to the English word "kitty." This term is widely used and understood throughout the country.
What are cats called in Korea? - in detail
In Korean culture, cats hold significant importance and are referred to with various names depending on the context. The most common term for "cat" in Korean is "고양이" (goyangi), which is used generally to refer to felines. However, there are several other terms that are specific to different aspects of cat life and culture.
One notable term is "귀신의 손" (gwishin-ui son), which translates to "ghost's hand." This phrase is used to describe a cat's paw, reflecting the belief that cats are associated with spirits and supernatural elements. In Korean folklore, cats are often depicted as mystical creatures with the ability to see ghosts and protect homes from evil spirits.
Another term of interest is "삼탕" (sam-tang), which literally means "three soups." This phrase is used to describe a cat's meow, suggesting that cats have three different sounds they make: one for greeting, one for asking for food, and one for expressing displeasure. This term highlights the Koreans' deep understanding of feline communication.
In addition to these cultural terms, Korean also has specific words for different breeds of cats. For example, "페르시안" (peo-seu-ian) refers to Persian cats, and "샴" (syaem) is used for Siamese cats. These terms are direct transliterations of the English names, reflecting the global influence on cat breeds.
Lastly, Koreans often use affectionate nicknames for their pet cats, such as "나비" (na-bi), meaning "butterfly," or "동그라미" (dong-geu-ra-mi), meaning "round shape." These terms emphasize the love and adoration that Koreans have for their feline companions.
In summary, while the general term for cat in Korean is "고양이," the language offers a rich variety of terms that reflect the deep cultural appreciation and understanding of these beloved animals.