Entry
にゃーにゃー
nyaanyaa
The sound of a cat meowing, or a child's word for a cat.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
An onomatopoeic word that represents the sound a cat makes. In children's language or baby talk, it is also frequently used as a noun to refer to a cat or kitty.
- meowing sound
- cat (in baby talk)
Sense Map
Meowing Sound
Mimics the vocalization of a cat.
猫がにゃーにゃー鳴いている。
Kitty (Children's Language)
Used by or to toddlers to refer to a cat.
あ、にゃーにゃーだね。
Usage Note
How to Use
にゃーにゃー鳴く
Used as an adverb to describe a cat repeatedly meowing.
にゃーにゃーと鳴く
にゃーにゃー(noun)
Used as a standalone noun in baby talk meaning 'kitty' or 'cat'.
How to Use
Common Phrases
にゃーにゃー鳴く
to meow
にゃーにゃーと鳴く
to meow repeatedly
にゃーにゃー鳴いている
is meowing
にゃーにゃー言う
to say 'meow'
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Pets | neutral/positive | The standard sound indicating a cat is vocalizing, asking for food, or seeking attention. |
| Talking to children | gentle/childish | Serves as an affectionate, easy-to-pronounce noun replacement for 'cat'. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
にゃん にゃん / similar | Use for a single, shorter meow or as a cute suffix. | にゃーにゃー is a repeated or continuous meowing sound. | 猫がにゃんと鳴く。 |
しゃー しゃー / contrast | Use when a cat is hissing out of anger, fear, or aggression. | Not a friendly or normal meow. | 猫がシャーと威嚇する。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using にゃーにゃー as the standard noun for 'cat' in normal adult conversation or formal writing.
Use 猫 (neko) for 'cat' unless you are specifically mimicking the sound or talking to a baby.
Applying this sound to animals other than felines.
にゃーにゃー is exclusively associated with cats in Japanese.
Examples
Examples
外で野良猫がにゃーにゃー鳴いている。
そとでのらねこがにゃーにゃーないている。
A stray cat is meowing outside.
LiteralDescribes the literal sound of a cat.
ほら、あそこに可愛い『にゃーにゃー』がいるよ。
ほら、あそこにかわいい『にゃーにゃー』がいるよ。
Look, there is a cute 'kitty' over there.
LiteralUsed in baby talk to mean 'cat'.
猫がご飯を欲しがって、ニャーニャーと鳴き始めた。
ねこがごはんをほしがって、ニャーニャーと鳴きはじめた。
The cat started meowing, wanting some food.
LiteralKatakana is often used to emphasize animal sounds.
箱の中からにゃーにゃーという声が聞こえる。
はこのなかからにゃーにゃーというこえがきこえる。
I can hear a meowing sound from inside the box.
LiteralDescribing the source of an animal sound.
うちの猫は一日中にゃーにゃー鳴いていてうるさい。
うちのねこはいちにちじゅうにゃーにゃーないていてうるさい。
My cat meows all day long and is noisy.
LiteralExpresses a slight complaint about continuous meowing.
Similar Words
にゃん
nyan
A shorter, cuter meow sound.
シャー
shaa
The hissing sound of an angry cat.
Questions
Can I use にゃーにゃー in adult conversations?
Yes, to describe the sound a cat is making. However, do not use it to mean 'cat' (instead of neko) unless you are jokingly using baby talk.
Is it better to use hiragana or katakana?
Both are perfectly acceptable. Katakana is often preferred in text to emphasize that it is an animal sound, while hiragana can look softer or cuter.
What verb goes with it?
The verb 鳴く (naku), which means 'to make an animal sound', is the most common pair.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2222730
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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