JAPAN

()

In Japan, people often ask this question to see what kind of person you are.

It is:

"Anata wa inu-ha desuka, neko-ha desuka?” which means “Are you a dog person, or a cat person?”

(“anata” – you, “wa”– a particle to indicate a subject, “inu” – dog, “ha” – sect, “neko” – cat, “~desuka?” – are you~?)

You can reply:

“I am a dog person.” – “Watashi wa inu-ha desu.”

(Watashi = I)

“I am a cat person.” – “Watashi wa neko-ha desu.”

“I am not an animal person.” – “Watashi wa doubutsu ga suki dewa-arimasen.”

(doubutsu = animal, suki = like, dewa-arimasen = not~)

“I like both.”- “Watashi wa dochiramo suki desu.”

(dochiramo = both)

See you in the next episode of Speakin’ Japanese!

The best stories from the Pacific, in your inbox

Sign up for our weekly newsletter of articles from Japan, Korea, Guam, and Okinawa with travel tips, restaurant reviews, recipes, community and event news, and more.

Sign Up Now