📚 Core words you need
кот
(KOT)
— a male cat
ко́шка
(KOSH-ka)
— a female cat; also the generic everyday word for "a cat"
ко́шки
(KOSH-kee)
— cats (plural, commonly used)
коты́
(ka-TY)
— tomcats (plural, specifically male)
💡 Tip: In everyday speech, people often say ко́шка (KOSH-ka) even if they don't know the cat's gender.
🐾 Kittens & cute forms
котёнок
(ka-TYO-nak)
— kitten
котя́та
(ka-TYA-ta)
— kittens (plural)
ко́тик / ко́шечка
(KO-tik) / (KO-shech-ka)
— "kitty"/"little cat" (affectionate)
коте́йка
(ka-TEY-ka)
— cutesy/slang "kitty"
❤️ Note: ко́тик (KO-tik) is also a pet name for people (like "sweetie"). Use only with someone close.
If you like words about cats...
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💬 Super handy phrases
-
У меня́ есть кот/ко́шка.
(oo me-NYA yest' KOT / KOSH-ka.)
— I have a cat. -
Э́то мой кот / моя́ ко́шка.
(E-ta moy KOT / ma-YA KOSH-ka.)
— This is my cat. -
Где кот/ко́шка?
(gdye KOT / KOSH-ka?)
— Where is the cat? -
Я люблю́ ко́шек.
(ya lyu-BLYU KO-shek.)
— I love cats. (genitive plural) -
Я ви́жу кота́ / ко́шку.
(ya VEE-zhoo ka-TA / KOSH-ku.)
— I see a cat. (accusative, note the ending) -
У меня́ аллерги́я на ко́шек.
(oo me-NYA a-lyer-GEE-ya na KO-shek.)
— I'm allergic to cats.
🗣️ Calling a cat
Кис-ки́с-кис!
(KEES-KEES-KEES!)
— "Here, kitty-kitty!"
Иди́ сюда́, ко́тик!
(ee-DEE syu-DA, KO-tik!)
— Come here, kitty!
💭 Mini dialogue
— У тебя́ есть ко́шка?
(oo tee-BYA yest' KOSH-ka?)
— Do you have a cat?
— Do you have a cat?
— Да, у меня́ котёнок.
(dah, oo me-NYA ka-TYO-nak.)
— Yes, I have a kitten.
— Yes, I have a kitten.