Korean · Nature, Animals & Weather
"Cat" in Korean: 고양이
고양이goyangi
Cat in Korean is 고양이 (goyangi). 고양이 한 마리 is one cat; 마리 is the counter used for many animals.
A simple sentence
고양이가 있어요.goyangiga isseoyo.
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How to pronounce 고양이
Say it
goh-yahng-ee
/ko.jaŋ.i/
고양이 has three syllables, go-yang-i. The ㅇ at the end of 양 is ng; the final 이 remains a separate vowel syllable.
"Cat" in Korean: quick reference
| Korean | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| 고양이goyangi | cat General animal noun. | General animal noun. |
| 고양이 한 마리goyangi han mari | one cat Use the animal counter 마리. | Use the animal counter 마리. |
How to use 고양이 in real life
- 1A simple sentence
고양이가 있어요.
goyangiga isseoyo.
I have a cat.
가 marks 고양이 as subject.
- 2An everyday situation
고양이를 좋아해요.
goyangireul joahaeyo.
I like cats.
를 marks the object.
- 3A useful question
고양이가 자요.
goyangiga jayo.
The cat is sleeping.
The polite 자요 can describe the current situation.
Mistakes English speakers make with 고양이
Incorrect: 고양이이 있어요.
Correct: 고양이가 있어요.
The noun ends in a vowel even though its final syllable is written 이.
Incorrect: 고양이을 좋아해요.
Correct: 고양이를 좋아해요.
Use 를 after the vowel-ending noun.
Good to know
Korean does not need a grammatical gender change for a cat. If the animal’s sex matters, describe it separately; otherwise 고양이 is enough.
Read this practice conversation aloud
Talk about your cat
Partner
고양이가 있어요?
goyangiga isseoyo?
Do you have a cat?
You
네, 고양이 한 마리가 있어요.
ne, goyangi han mariga isseoyo.
Yes, I have one cat.
Partner
지금 뭐 해요?
jigeum mwo haeyo?
What is it doing now?
You
지금 자요.
jigeum jayo.
It is sleeping now.
This is a sample dialogue for reading aloud. Try both parts, then replace a detail with one from your own life.
Explore ChatPal"Cat" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "Cat" in Korean
How many syllables are in goyangi?
고양이 has three written syllable blocks: 고, 양, 이.
How do I say one cat?
고양이 한 마리 uses the animal counter 마리.
Is there a separate feminine form?
No. 고양이 does not change for grammatical gender.
What is I like cats?
고양이를 좋아해요 is the ordinary polite sentence.
Learn a word, then use it out loud
- Step 1: See it in context
- Step 2: Say it out loud
- Step 3: Get feedback
- Step 4: Use it in real scenarios
