Meaning and Usage
The word '고양이' means 'cat' in Korean and is used to refer to the animal commonly kept as a pet. It is a noun and appears frequently in everyday conversation.
Common Contexts
You will often hear '고양이' when talking about pets, animals seen outside, or in stories and media involving cats. It can be used in both formal and informal settings without change.
Collocations and Patterns
- 고양이 집 (cat house): refers to a place where cats live or a cat shelter.
- 고양이 밥 (cat food): food specifically for cats.
- 고양이와 놀다 (play with a cat): a common phrase when talking about spending time with a cat.
Tips
Learners sometimes confuse '고양이' with '강아지' (puppy/dog). Remember, '고양이' is for cats, and '강아지' is for dogs. Also, '고양이' is always a noun and does not change form for politeness or tense.