🇰🇷 Korean phrases

How to Say "Cat" in Korean

The SPAIKING TeamJuly 27, 2026
고양이
"Cat" in Korean · say it like go-yang-ee

The most natural way to say "Cat" in Korean is 고양이. Tap the speaker above to hear it, then say it back out loud. That is the fastest way to make it stick.

Other ways to say it

냥이
a casual and affectionate term often used by pet owners

When to use it

Use '고양이' when referring to a cat in general. It is appropriate in both formal and informal contexts. '냥이' is used more casually, often when talking to or about pets affectionately.

Say it out loud, get corrected

Reading it is not the same as saying it. Practice "Cat" and thousands more with an AI coach that listens.

Examples in Korean

KoreanEnglish
고양이가 나무 위에 있어요.The cat is in the tree.
우리 집에는 고양이가 두 마리 있어요.We have two cats at home.
Common mistake
Some learners might confuse '고양이' with '강아지', which means dog.

The fastest way to remember it

Vocabulary you only read fades fast. Vocabulary you say out loud sticks. Hear 고양이, repeat it a few times, then use it in a real sentence. SPAIKING lets you practice exactly that, speaking Korean with a coach that corrects your pronunciation in real time. You can start with two free conversations.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between '고양이' and '냥이'?

'고양이' is the standard term for cat, while '냥이' is a more affectionate, casual term.

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