Meaning

Primary

Shop Window Cat

Alternatives

Beckoning Cat, Maneki Neko

Word Type

noun

Explanation

招く is "to beckon," so a cat that beckons is known as a maneki neko or a beckoning cat. These are the cat statues placed in front of shops that move their arms up and down and are like, "Hey, come on in!"

Reading

まねきねこ
  • Kyoko
    (Tokyo accent, female)
  • Kenichi
    (Tokyo accent, male)

Explanation

This word uses the kun'yomi readings for both kanji, which you know already!

Context

Context Sentences

ここを出る時、電動招き猫のコンセントを挿しっぱなしにしないでね。

Don’t leave the electrical Maneki Neko plugged into the outlet when you leave here.

Kanji Composition