Entry
にゃん
nyan
The sound a cat makes (meow), or a childish word for a cat (kitty).
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word represents the sound of a cat meowing. It is also commonly used in baby talk or playful contexts as an affectionate noun for the cat itself, similar to 'kitty' in English.
- A cat's meow
- Playful or childish term for a cat
Sense Map
Cat's meow
Represents the vocalization a cat makes.
猫がにゃんと鳴く
Childish term for cat
Used to refer to a cat in baby talk or playfully.
うちのニャン
Usage Note
How to Use
〜と鳴く
Used with the verb '鳴く' (naku) to describe the action of a cat meowing.
〜という
Used to modify a following noun, such as 'a meowing sound' (にゃんという声).
名詞として
Used on its own as a noun to playfully refer to a pet cat.
How to Use
Common Phrases
にゃんと鳴く
to meow
うちのニャン
our kitty / our cat
にゃーんという声
a meowing sound
猫のニャーン
the cat's meow
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Animal sounds | neutral | Directly represents the sound a cat makes. |
| Childish speech (幼児語) | cute | Used by small children or adults talking affectionately to their pets. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
にゃんにゃん にゃんにゃん / similar | A repeated meow, strongly associated with toddlers pointing out a cat, or used directly as the noun 'kitty'. | 'にゃん' is often just the sound, while 'にゃんにゃん' is more heavily used as a childish noun for the animal itself. | にゃんにゃんがいるよ |
しゃー しゃー / opposite | The sharp hissing sound a cat makes when it is angry or threatened. | 'にゃん' is friendly or neutral, whereas 'シャー' implies aggression or fear. | 猫がシャーと威嚇する |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using 'にゃん' in essays or formal documents to refer to a cat.
This is a childish or playful term. Always use '猫' (neko) in standard or formal writing.
Thinking 'にゃん' is a verb.
It is an interjection or a noun. You must add the verb '鳴く' (naku) to make 'にゃんと鳴く' (to meow).
Examples
Examples
猫が小さく「にゃん」と鳴いた。
ねこがちいさく「にゃん」とないた。
The cat gave a small "meow".
LiteralThe cat meows softly.
お腹が空いたのか、猫が「ニャーン」と鳴いている。
おなかがすいたのか、ねこが「ニャーン」とないている。
The cat is meowing loudly, perhaps because it is hungry.
LiteralA drawn-out meow to ask for something.
うちのニャンは、いつも私のベッドで寝る。
うちのニャンは、いつもわたしのベッドでねる。
Our kitty always sleeps in my bed.
LiteralUsing this word as a cute noun for 'cat'.
足元にすり寄ってきて、「にゃーん」と甘えた声をだした。
あしもとにすりよってきて、「にゃーん」とあまえたこえをだした。
It rubbed against my feet and let out an affectionate "meow".
LiteralA sweet meow showing affection.
箱の中から、「にゃあん」という弱々しい声が聞こえた。
はこのなかから、「にゃあん」というよわよわしいこえがきこえた。
I heard a faint "meow" from inside the box.
LiteralA spelling variation to indicate a weak or feeble meow.
Similar Words
にゃんにゃん
nyannyan
Nyan-nyan represents the sound of a cat meowing, is used as baby talk for 'kitty', and serves as older slang for physical intimacy. A repeated variation more commonly used as a childish noun for a kitty.
シャー
shaa
シャー is a Japanese onomatopoeia for a sharp hissing sound, such as an angry cat, a pressurized spray of water, or intense sizzling in a pan. The sharp hissing sound of an angry cat, contrasting with a normal friendly meow.
Questions
Should I write this in hiragana or katakana?
Both are common. Hiragana (にゃん) feels a bit softer and cuter, while katakana (ニャン) is standard for animal noises in written Japanese.
Can I use this word instead of 'neko' (cat)?
Only in very informal, playful, or childish contexts, much like saying 'kitty' instead of 'cat'. Standard conversations should use 'neko' (猫).
What is the difference between にゃん and にゃー?
Both mean 'meow'. 'にゃん' is short and cute, while 'にゃー' or its extended version 'にゃーん' is used for a longer, drawn-out meow.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2740830
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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