मतलब
To pretend to be gentle or innocent while having a sly nature.
सांस्कृतिक पृष्ठभूमि
The concept of 'Tatemae' (public face) makes this idiom a daily reality. It's not always seen as lying, but as 'social lubrication.' New employees are often expected to be 'neko o kaburu' for their first few months to show they can be humble and learn. There is a specific term 'Burikko' for women who 'wear the cat' to appear more feminine and cute. This is a common trope where a character has a 'secret' wild side that only the protagonist knows about.
Use with friends
It's a great way to tease a friend who is being unusually polite. 'Neko kabutteru ne!' is a common joke.
Don't be too mean
If you say it with a serious face to a stranger, it can be quite insulting as it implies they are a liar.
मतलब
To pretend to be gentle or innocent while having a sly nature.
Use with friends
It's a great way to tease a friend who is being unusually polite. 'Neko kabutteru ne!' is a common joke.
Don't be too mean
If you say it with a serious face to a stranger, it can be quite insulting as it implies they are a liar.
The 'Cat' is a mask
Remember that in Japan, wearing a mask (socially) is often a sign of maturity, not just deception.
खुद को परखो
Choose the correct verb to complete the idiom.
{彼女|かのじょ}は{彼|かれ}の{前|まえ}で{猫|ねこ}を（ ）。
'Kaburu' is used for things put on the head, like hats or masks.
In which situation is someone most likely '{猫|ねこ}をかぶっている'?
Select the best scenario:
The idiom describes acting more polite/quiet than usual in a formal setting.
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the idiom.
{田中|たなか}さんは{家|いえ}ではうるさいですが、{会社|かいしゃ}では（ ）。
The continuous form '~ている' is used to describe a current state or habit.
Complete the dialogue.
A: {転校生|てんこうせい}の{花子|はなこ}ちゃん、すごくおとなしいね。 B: いや、あれは（ ）だけだよ。{本当|ほんとう}はすごくおしゃべりなんだ。
She is currently in the state of acting innocent.
🎉 स्कोर: /4
विज़ुअल लर्निंग टूल्स
अभ्यास बैंक
4 अभ्यास{彼女|かのじょ}は{彼|かれ}の{前|まえ}で{猫|ねこ}を（ ）。
'Kaburu' is used for things put on the head, like hats or masks.
Select the best scenario:
The idiom describes acting more polite/quiet than usual in a formal setting.
{田中|たなか}さんは{家|いえ}ではうるさいですが、{会社|かいしゃ}では（ ）。
The continuous form '~ている' is used to describe a current state or habit.
A: {転校生|てんこうせい}の{花子|はなこ}ちゃん、すごくおとなしいね。 B: いや、あれは（ ）だけだよ。{本当|ほんとう}はすごくおしゃべりなんだ。
She is currently in the state of acting innocent.
🎉 स्कोर: /4
अक्सर पूछे जाने वाले सवाल
10 सवालNo, it can be used for anyone, though 'burikko' is more often used for women.
Yes! 'I was acting innocent' is '{猫|ねこ}をかぶっていました'.
Not necessarily. It can be a neutral observation of someone being polite in a new place.
There isn't a single direct opposite idiom, but '{地|じ}を{出|だ}す' (to show one's true self) is the closest action.
No, the idiom is fixed to 'cat'.
Yes, to describe the polite persona of employees.
{猫|ねこ}をかぶるのをやめて！
Because cats look very calm and sweet but can be wild and sharp-clawed.
It's an idiom. It's informal but widely understood and used by all ages.
You shouldn't say it *during* the interview, but you can use it to describe the interview later to friends.
संबंधित मुहावरे
ぶりっ{子|こ}
specialized formA person who acts fake-cute.
{内弁慶|うちべんけい}
similarA lion at home, a lamb abroad.
{本性|ほんしょう}を{現|あらわ}す
contrastTo reveal one's true colors.
いい{子|こ}ぶる
similarTo act like a good child.
