Translation guide
The sound a cat makes. In Japanese, the most common onomatopoeia is ニャー (nyā), but variations exist depending on nuance and context.
The vocalization of a cat, equivalent to 'meow' or 'miaow' in English.
The standard and most common Japanese onomatopoeia for a cat's meow. Used in everyday speech, children's books, and manga.
猫がニャーと鳴いた。
The cat went 'meow'.
A slightly cuter or more playful variant, often used in children's contexts or when imitating a cat in a friendly way.
子猫がニャンと鳴く。
The kitten goes 'mew'.
A less common variant, sometimes used to represent a more drawn-out or plaintive meow. Found in some manga or creative writing.
猫がニャオと鳴いて、えさをねだった。
The cat meowed plaintively, begging for food.