Kass — meaning in English: Cat

Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for Cat

Kass

vett

kõne

suur

mõttetuks

Skip this question

🎓

Learn Estonian for free

Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.

Start learning →

Already have an account? Log in

informal very common

Usage

Native Estonians commonly use the word 'kass' when referring to their beloved pets in casual conversations. You might hear it in family settings, when discussing the antics of a playful kitten, or while chatting with friends about their experiences at the local animal shelter.

Synonyms & nuances

'Kass' is the standard Estonian word for cat, whereas 'kassi' can refer to a cat in the possessive form (like 'the cat's'). You would use 'kass' when simply stating or discussing cats in general, while 'kassi' would come into play in contexts where ownership is involved.

Culture

The word 'kass' has roots in Old Estonian, showcasing how deeply embedded cats are in Estonian culture and folklore. Cats are often associated with good luck and prosperity in many households, and they even have a special place in Estonian fairy tales, where they are depicted as clever and resourceful creatures.

FAQ

Q.What is the plural of 'kass' in Estonian?

'Kass' changes to 'kassid' in the plural form. This is a common way to refer to multiple cats, whether you're discussing a cat shelter or talking about your neighborhood's feline population.

Q.How do you say 'kitten' in Estonian?

In Estonian, 'kitten' is 'kutsikas' when referring specifically to a young dog, but for a young cat, you would say 'kassipoeg'. It's a fun word to learn as it combines 'kass' with 'poeg', meaning 'son', emphasizing the idea of a young cat.

Q.Is 'kass' a masculine or feminine word in Estonian?

'Kass' is a neutral noun in Estonian, meaning it doesn't have a gender like in some other languages. When referring to individual cats, Estonians may specify gender using additional words like 'isane kass' for a male cat or 'emane kass' for a female cat.

Learn estonian with Maspeak →

Estonian Vocabulary