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B2 verb 10 min read

喂猫

weimao
Examples Notes & Tips 喂猫 in 30 Seconds
Explanation 喂猫 in your Level:
At the A1 level, '喂猫' (wèi māo) is introduced as a simple Subject-Verb-Object (SVO) phrase. Learners at this stage focus on the basic meaning: 'to feed the cat.' You will use it in very short, direct sentences to describe daily routines. For example, 'I feed the cat' (我喂猫). The focus is on recognizing the characters and knowing that '喂' (wèi) is the action and '猫' (māo) is the animal. You don't need to worry about complex grammar yet; just focus on the fact that '喂' means to give food to an animal. It's one of the first pet-related phrases you'll learn because cats are such common household pets. You might also see it paired with 'every day' (每天) to say 'I feed the cat every day.'
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At the A2 level, you start to add more detail to the action of '喂猫.' You will learn how to include time expressions and simple frequency. For instance, you can say 'I feed the cat at 7 o'clock' (我七点喂猫) or 'I feed the cat twice' (我喂两次猫). Notice that the number and measure word go between '喂' and '猫.' This is a key step in understanding Chinese sentence structure. You might also start using basic modal verbs like 'want' (想) or 'need' (要), such as 'I need to go home to feed the cat' (我要回家喂猫). The vocabulary around the cat also expands to include 'cat food' (猫粮), so you can say 'I feed the cat cat food' (我给猫喂猫粮).
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By B1, you are expected to use '喂猫' in more complex contexts, such as describing sequences of events or using basic resultative complements. You might use 'after' (以后) or 'before' (以前) to describe your schedule: 'After I finish work, I go home to feed the cat' (下班以后，我回家喂猫). You will also learn the '把' (bǎ) construction to emphasize the object: 'I already fed the cat' (我把猫喂了). This level also introduces the idea of 'looking after' (照顾) pets, where feeding is just one part of the responsibility. You can talk about your experiences, like 'When I was a child, I often helped my mom feed the cat.' Your ability to use '喂' as a verb for other things, like 'feeding a baby' (喂奶), also begins to develop.
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At the B2 level, '喂猫' is used with advanced grammar like resultative and degree complements. You can say 'The cat was fed very full' (猫被喂得很饱) or 'I've already fed the cat twice today' (我今天已经喂过两次猫了). You understand that '喂猫' is a separable verb and can correctly place duration and frequency within the phrase. You can also handle hypothetical situations: 'If you're not home, who will feed the cat?' (如果你不在家，谁来喂猫？). Furthermore, you are aware of the cultural nuances, such as the 'cat slave' (猫奴) culture in China, and can use the phrase in social discussions about pet ownership, stray animal welfare, and the responsibilities of being a 'scooper' (铲屎官).
At the C1 level, you use '喂猫' fluently in a wide range of registers, from informal slang to formal discussions. you can discuss the 'cat economy' (猫咪经济) and the ethics of 'feeding stray cats' (喂流浪猫) in urban environments. You can use the term metaphorically or in complex literary structures. For example, you might discuss how 'feeding a cat' serves as a form of emotional therapy for lonely urbanites. Your grammar is flawless, and you can easily switch between '喂猫,' '喂养,' and '投喂' depending on the subtle nuances you want to convey. You might also use it in proverbs or idioms related to animals and care, and you can write detailed articles about pet nutrition or community management of animals.
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At the C2 level, '喂猫' is just one tiny tool in your vast linguistic arsenal. You can discuss the historical evolution of the phrase, the etymology of the character '喂,' and its usage in classical versus modern Chinese. You can engage in high-level debates about animal rights, the environmental impact of cat food production, or the sociological implications of the pet-human bond in a digital age. You can appreciate the use of the term in modern Chinese literature or cinema, where the act of feeding a cat might symbolize a character's loneliness, kindness, or desire for control. Your understanding is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker, and you can use the phrase with perfect irony, humor, or professional precision.
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Examples Notes & Tips

喂猫 in 30 Seconds

  • 喂猫 (wèi māo) literally means 'to feed the cat.' It is a basic but essential phrase for daily life and pet care.
  • Grammatically, it is a verb-object phrase that can be separated by frequency, duration, or resultative complements like '饱' (full).
  • Culturally, it reflects the growing 'cat economy' and the shift toward viewing pets as family members in modern China.
  • It is also frequently used in the context of animal welfare when referring to feeding stray cats in residential communities.

The term 喂猫 (wèi māo) is a common Chinese verb-object phrase that literally translates to 'feeding the cat.' While it appears simple on the surface, its usage reflects the deep integration of pets into modern Chinese urban life. In contemporary China, especially among the 'Gen Z' and 'Millennial' demographics, pet ownership has transitioned from a functional relationship (cats for catching mice) to an emotional one (cats as family members). Therefore, 喂猫 is not just a chore; it is a ritual of care and companionship. The character 喂 (wèi) specifically denotes the act of giving food to animals or children, implying a nurturing role. When you tell someone you are going home to 喂猫, you are communicating a responsibility that is widely respected in social circles.

Literal Breakdown
The character 喂 (wèi) consists of the mouth radical (口) on the left, suggesting the act of eating or speaking, and the phonetic/semantic component on the right. In this context, it is used as a verb meaning 'to feed.' The second character 猫 (māo) is the word for cat, which is onomatopoeic, mimicking the 'meow' sound.
Social Context
Using 喂猫 in conversation often serves as a valid reason to leave a social gathering early or to explain one's daily routine. It is associated with the 'Cat Slave' (猫奴) culture in China, where owners humorously claim to be servants to their feline masters.

"别忘了晚饭后去喂猫，它肯定已经饿坏了。" (Don't forget to feed the cat after dinner; it must be starving.)

Furthermore, the act of 喂猫 has expanded into the digital realm. On platforms like Xiaohongshu (Little Red Book) and Douyin, 'cloud feeding' (云喂猫) has become a trend where users watch live streams of others feeding stray cats or their own pets. This cultural phenomenon highlights how the simple act of providing sustenance to a feline has become a symbol of stress relief and emotional healing in a fast-paced society. When discussing 喂猫, one might also encounter related terms like 猫粮 (māo liáng) for cat food and 自动喂食器 (zì dòng wèi shí qì) for automatic feeders, which are becoming increasingly popular in Chinese households.

From a linguistic perspective, 喂猫 is a separable verb-object phrase. This means you can insert other words between 喂 and 猫. For example, 喂一下猫 (feed the cat for a bit) or 喂了三次猫 (fed the cat three times). This flexibility is a hallmark of B2-level Chinese proficiency, requiring the learner to understand how to manipulate the phrase to express duration, frequency, and emphasis. Whether you are discussing domestic chores or the broader 'pet economy,' mastering this phrase is essential for natural conversation.

"由于工作太忙，我只能用自动机器来喂猫。" (Because I'm too busy with work, I can only use an automatic machine to feed the cat.)

Using 喂猫 (wèi māo) correctly involves understanding its grammatical structure as a Verb-Object (VO) compound. In Chinese, VO compounds often require specific placements for aspects like time, frequency, and duration. For a B2 learner, it is crucial to move beyond simple 'Subject + Verb + Object' structures and start incorporating resultative complements and directional suffixes to provide more detail about the action.

Resultative Complements
Commonly, the character 饱 (bǎo - full) is used with 喂. For example, 把猫喂饱 (to feed the cat until it is full). This 把 construction is essential for expressing that the cat has reached a state of satisfaction through the act of feeding.
Frequency and Duration
When expressing how many times you feed the cat, the frequency word usually goes between the verb and the object: 喂过两次猫 (have fed the cat twice). Similarly, for duration: 喂了十分钟猫 (spent ten minutes feeding the cat).

"你今天喂猫了吗？我看它一直在碗旁边转。" (Have you fed the cat today? I see it circling around its bowl constantly.)

Another advanced usage involves the 给 (gěi) structure. While 喂猫 is direct, 给猫喂食 (gěi māo wèi shí) is a more formal or descriptive way to say 'provide food for the cat.' In this case, 喂 acts as the verb and 食 (shí) acts as the noun for food. Using 给猫喂... allows you to specify exactly what is being fed, such as 给猫喂罐头 (feeding the cat canned food).

In passive constructions, you might say 猫还没被喂呢 (The cat hasn't been fed yet). This uses the 被 (bèi) particle, which is a key B2 grammar point. It shifts the focus to the cat as the recipient of the action. Furthermore, you can use 喂 to describe the quality of care: 这只猫被喂得很胖 (This cat has been fed until it's very fat), where 得 introduces a degree complement.

"照顾流浪动物不仅是喂猫那么简单，还需要负责任的医疗照顾。" (Taking care of stray animals isn't as simple as just feeding cats; it also requires responsible medical care.)

The phrase 喂猫 (wèi māo) is ubiquitous in modern Chinese life, echoing through various social and professional environments. If you live in an apartment complex in a major city like Shanghai or Beijing, you will frequently hear this term in the elevators or communal gardens. Neighbors often exchange pleasantries about their 'furry children' (毛孩子), and the question 'Have you fed the cat?' becomes a standard part of domestic dialogue between roommates or family members.

In the Home
In a family setting, 喂猫 is often assigned as a chore. Parents might tell their children, “做完作业去喂猫” (Do your homework then go feed the cat). It represents a lesson in responsibility. In couples, it’s a shared task: “今天轮到你喂猫了” (It’s your turn to feed the cat today).
At the Vet
Veterinarians will use 喂 when giving instructions on post-surgery care or dietary restrictions. They might say, “手术后六小时内不要喂猫” (Don't feed the cat within six hours after surgery).

"我在手机上设置了提醒，每天早上七点准时喂猫。" (I set a reminder on my phone to feed the cat punctually at 7 AM every day.)

Social media platforms are perhaps the biggest stage for this phrase. On Xiaohongshu, thousands of posts tagged with #喂猫日常 (Daily Cat Feeding) showcase gourmet cat meals. Here, 喂猫 is elevated to an art form, involving freeze-dried meats, supplements, and carefully arranged bowls. You’ll hear influencers say, “今天带大家看看我是怎么喂猫的” (Today I'll show everyone how I feed my cat). This context emphasizes the lifestyle aspect of the word.

Lastly, in the context of animal welfare, 喂猫 is a central topic for volunteers. You might hear discussions about 'scientific feeding' (科学喂养), which refers to providing balanced nutrition rather than just scraps. Community groups often organize 'feeding shifts' for stray colonies. In these professional or semi-professional contexts, the phrase takes on a more serious, logistical tone, often paired with words like 绝育 (sterilization) and 救助 (rescue).

"如果你打算长期喂猫，最好选择营养均衡的猫粮。" (If you plan to feed the cat long-term, it's best to choose nutritionally balanced cat food.)

Even at the B2 level, learners can stumble over the nuances of 喂猫 (wèi māo). The most common errors usually involve tone confusion, incorrect prepositional usage, or a lack of understanding regarding the 'separable verb' nature of the phrase. Since 喂 is a Fourth Tone (wèi), it is frequently confused with other common characters sharing the same pinyin but different meanings and tones.

Tone Confusion: Wèi vs. Wéi
The character 喂 can also be pronounced in the Second Tone (wéi) when answering the phone ('Hello?'). Learners often use the wrong tone when talking about feeding. Remember: wèi (4th tone) is for feeding; wéi (2nd tone) is for answering the phone.
Incorrect Prepositions
English speakers often try to translate 'feed food to the cat' literally as *喂猫粮到猫. This is incorrect. The correct structures are 喂猫 (猫粮) or 给猫喂 (猫粮). The food is the direct object of the verb 喂, or it is implied.

❌ Incorrect: 我喂猫了三次。
✅ Correct: 我喂了三次猫。 (I fed the cat three times.)

Another mistake involves the placement of frequency and duration. As mentioned in the grammar section, 喂猫 is a verb-object phrase. Learners often place the frequency at the end of the sentence, following English logic. However, in Chinese, the frequency must come after the verb 喂 and before the object 猫. Failing to do this makes the sentence sound 'foreign' and grammatically disjointed to native speakers.

Finally, learners sometimes confuse 喂 (wèi) with 为 (wèi), which means 'for.' While they sound identical in the fourth tone, they serve completely different grammatical functions. Saying *我为猫 instead of 我喂猫 would mean 'I am for the cat' or 'I [do something] for the cat,' leaving the verb missing. Precision in character writing and tone is key to avoiding these pitfalls.

"如果你喂猫喂得太多，它会变胖，影响健康。" (If you feed the cat too much, it will get fat, which affects its health.)

While 喂猫 (wèi māo) is the most direct way to describe feeding a cat, the Chinese language offers several alternatives depending on the level of formality, the emotional connection, or the specific context of care. Understanding these synonyms allows a B2 learner to sound more nuanced and adapt to different social settings, from casual chats with friends to professional discussions about animal husbandry.

喂养 (wèiyǎng) - To Raise and Feed
This is a more formal and comprehensive term. While 喂 is just the act of giving food, 喂养 implies the long-term process of raising and nourishing. It is often used in books about pet care or in medical contexts. Example: 科学喂养很重要 (Scientific raising/feeding is important).
伺候 (cìhou) - To Wait Upon
This is a humorous, self-deprecating term used by cat owners. It literally means to serve or wait upon a master. If a friend asks what you're doing, you might joke: “我在伺候猫主子呢” (I'm serving my cat lord/master), implying that feeding them is a royal service.
铲屎 (chǎnshǐ) - Shoveling Poop
While not a direct synonym for feeding, 铲屎 is the other half of the 'cat owner' experience. Owners often refer to themselves as 铲屎官 (shoveling officer). In casual conversation, someone might say they need to go home to 喂猫铲屎, covering all feline-related duties.

"相比于简单的喂猫，我更享受和它一起玩耍的时光。" (Compared to simply feeding the cat, I enjoy the time playing with it more.)

For specific actions, you might use 加粮 (jiā liáng), which means 'adding food' (specifically kibble). This is common when using gravity feeders or when the bowl is empty. If you are giving a treat, you would say 喂零食 (wèi língshí). In rural or more traditional settings, you might hear 给猫弄点吃的 (gěi māo nòng diǎn chī de), which is a more colloquial way of saying 'fix something for the cat to eat.'

Lastly, 投喂 (tóuwèi) is a term that has gained popularity online. It literally means 'to throw and feed.' It is often used when feeding stray animals or even when friends bring snacks for each other (jokingly). It carries a sense of 'providing a treat' or 'provisioning.' Understanding these variations helps you navigate different social registers in the Chinese-speaking world.

"邻居们经常投喂楼下的流浪猫，所以它们长得很结实。" (The neighbors often feed the stray cats downstairs, so they have grown quite sturdy.)

Fun Fact

The character for cat '猫' (māo) is one of the best examples of an onomatopoeia in Chinese; its pronunciation in almost all Chinese dialects sounds exactly like a cat's meow.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /weɪ maʊ/
US /weɪ maʊ/
The primary stress is on 'wèi', with 'māo' maintaining a steady, high pitch.
Rhymes With
对高 (duì gāo) 贵包 (guì bāo) 退烧 (tuì shāo) 味标 (wèi biāo) 费刀 (fèi dāo) 内招 (nèi zhāo) 配刀 (pèi dāo) 背靠 (bèi kào)
Common Errors
  • Pronouncing 'wèi' with a rising tone (2nd tone), which makes it sound like a phone greeting.
  • Pronouncing 'māo' with a falling tone, which can change the meaning in some dialects.
  • Failing to distinguish the 'w' sound clearly, making it sound like 'uèi'.
  • Over-emphasizing the 'o' in 'māo', making it sound like 'mow' (as in mowing the grass).
  • Merging the two words into one flat tone without the 4th-1st distinction.
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Examples by Level

1

我喂猫。

I feed the cat.

Simple SVO structure.

2

他每天喂猫。

He feeds the cat every day.

Time expression '每天' comes before the verb.

3

妈妈在喂猫。

Mom is feeding the cat.

Using '在' for continuous action.

4

猫想吃东西，去喂猫吧。

The cat wants to eat, go feed the cat.

Using '去' to indicate going to do an action.

5

我不喂猫，姐姐喂猫。

I don't feed the cat; my older sister feeds the cat.

Negative '不' before the verb.

6

你喂猫了吗？

Have you fed the cat?

Question particle '吗' at the end.

7

这是一只小猫，我要喂它。

This is a kitten; I want to feed it.

Using the pronoun '它' for the cat.

8

他在家里喂猫。

He is feeding the cat at home.

Location '在家里' before the verb.

1

我每天早上七点喂猫。

I feed the cat at 7 AM every day.

Specific time '七点' before the verb.

2

我喂了两次猫。

I fed the cat twice.

Frequency '两次' between the verb and object.

3

你要记得喂猫。

You must remember to feed the cat.

Modal verb '要' + '记得' (remember).

4

我给猫喂了一些水。

I gave the cat some water.

Structure '给 [animal] 喂 [thing]'.

5

谁在喂猫？是爸爸吗？

Who is feeding the cat? Is it Dad?

Question word '谁' as the subject.

6

这只猫很饿，快点喂猫吧。

This cat is very hungry; feed the cat quickly.

Adverb '快点' (quickly) before the verb.

7

我喜欢喂猫，因为猫很可爱。

I like feeding the cat because cats are cute.

Using '因为' to give a reason.

8

别忘了给那只流浪猫喂食。

Don't forget to feed that stray cat.

Negative imperative '别忘了'.

1

我先把猫喂了，然后再出去吃饭。

I'll feed the cat first, then go out to eat.

Using '先...然后...' for sequence.

2

你把猫喂饱了吗？

Did you feed the cat until it was full?

Resultative complement '饱' in a '把' structure.

3

照顾这只猫不容易，每天都要喂猫、清理猫砂。

Taking care of this cat isn't easy; you have to feed it and clean the litter box every day.

Listing responsibilities with '都要'.

4

我出差的时候，邻居帮我喂猫。

When I'm on a business trip, my neighbor helps me feed the cat.

Using '帮' (help) and '的时候' (when).

5

这只猫被我喂得胖乎乎的。

This cat has been fed by me until it's chubby.

Passive '被' and degree complement '得'.

6

虽然我很累，但我还是坚持每天喂猫。

Although I'm tired, I still insist on feeding the cat every day.

Conjunction '虽然...但是...'.

7

他一边喂猫，一边听音乐。

He feeds the cat while listening to music.

Using '一边...一边...' for simultaneous actions.

8

你应该按时喂猫，这样它才不会生病。

You should feed the cat on time so that it won't get sick.

Using '这样...才...' for result/condition.

1

既然你没时间，我就替你喂猫吧。

Since you don't have time, I'll feed the cat for you.

Using '既然' (since) and '替' (on behalf of).

2

如果你总是给猫喂零食，它就不爱吃主食了。

If you always feed the cat snacks, it won't like eating its main food.

Conditional '如果...就...' with specific vocabulary '主食'.

3

他在小区里喂流浪猫已经坚持好几年了。

He has been feeding stray cats in the neighborhood for several years.

Duration and frequency within a complex sentence.

4

喂猫不仅是给它食物，更是一种情感的交流。

Feeding a cat is not just giving it food; it's more of an emotional exchange.

Using '不仅...更是...' for emphasis.

5

这种自动喂食器可以让你出远门时也能准时喂猫。

This automatic feeder allows you to feed the cat on time even when you go far away.

Using '让' (allow/make) in a complex sentence.

6

猫被喂饱后，满足地在沙发上睡着了。

After the cat was fed full, it fell asleep contentedly on the sofa.

Passive '被' combined with a resultative state.

7

我正打算去喂猫，你就回来了。

I was just about to go feed the cat when you came back.

Using '正打算' (just about to).

8

为了喂猫，他宁愿自己少吃一点，也要买最贵的猫粮。

In order to feed the cat, he would rather eat less himself to buy the most expensive cat food.

Using '为了' (for the sake of) and '宁愿' (would rather).

1

投喂流浪猫虽然是善举，但也要注意环境卫生。

Feeding stray cats is a kind act, but one must also pay attention to environmental hygiene.

Nuanced use of '投喂' and '善举' (kind act).

2

他把喂猫看作是缓解工作压力的一种方式。

He regards feeding the cat as a way to relieve work stress.

Using '把...看作是...' (regard as).

3

在猫奴的世界里，喂猫是一件极其神圣的事情。

In the world of cat slaves, feeding the cat is an extremely sacred thing.

Cultural slang '猫奴' and advanced adjective '极其'.

4

由于过度喂养，这只猫已经出现了严重的健康问题。

Due to overfeeding, this cat has already developed serious health problems.

Formal term '过度喂养' (overfeeding).

5

他一边漫不经心地喂猫，一边思索着未来的计划。

While absentmindedly feeding the cat, he pondered his future plans.

Advanced adverb '漫不经心地' (absentmindedly).

6

喂猫的琐事虽然繁杂，却也充满了生活的烟火气。

Although the chores of feeding the cat are numerous and trivial, they are full of the flavor of daily life.

Literary phrase '烟火气' (flavor of life).

7

社区委员会正在讨论关于统一喂猫点的提案。

The community committee is discussing a proposal regarding unified cat feeding spots.

Professional vocabulary like '提案' (proposal).

8

哪怕只是每天喂猫这件小事，他也能做得一丝不苟。

Even for a small thing like feeding the cat every day, he can do it meticulously.

Using '哪怕' (even if) and idiom '一丝不苟' (meticulous).

1

喂猫之举，实则折射出都市人对于陪伴的极度渴求。

The act of feeding a cat actually reflects the extreme craving of urbanites for companionship.

Formal '实则折射' (actually reflects).

2

他笔下的喂猫场景，往往寄托了对逝去岁月的怀念。

The cat-feeding scenes in his writing often carry a nostalgia for bygone years.

Literary '寄托' (entrust/carry).

3

关于是否应当在公共区域喂猫，社会各界始终存在争议。

There has always been a controversy across all sectors of society regarding whether one should feed cats in public areas.

Formal '社会各界' and '始终存在争议'.

4

喂猫不仅是施予，更是在这孤独世界中寻求某种心灵的慰藉。

Feeding a cat is not just giving; it's seeking a kind of spiritual solace in this lonely world.

Abstract nouns '施予' (giving) and '慰藉' (solace).

5

他这种近乎偏执的喂猫习惯，引起了心理学家的关注。

His almost paranoid habit of feeding cats has attracted the attention of psychologists.

Advanced descriptor '近乎偏执' (almost paranoid).

6

在某些文化语境下，喂猫被赋予了某种超脱世俗的宗教色彩。

In certain cultural contexts, feeding cats is endowed with a kind of religious color that transcends the mundane.

Complex structure '被赋予了...色彩'.

7

纵观历史，人类喂猫的行为演变，亦是文明进步的缩影。

Throughout history, the evolution of human cat-feeding behavior is also a microcosm of the progress of civilization.

Academic '纵观历史' (looking at history) and '缩影' (microcosm).

8

他将喂猫的过程描绘得如同一场庄严的仪式，令人动容。

He depicted the process of feeding the cat like a solemn ceremony, which was quite moving.

Simile '如同一场...仪式'.

Common Collocations

定时喂猫
科学喂猫
帮我喂猫
把猫喂饱
喂流浪猫
准备喂猫
轮流喂猫
忘记喂猫
专心喂猫
负责喂猫

Common Phrases

喂猫时间

— The specific time set aside for feeding the cat.

现在是喂猫时间，请保持安静。

喂猫神器

— A slang term for a very effective tool for feeding cats, like a good feeder.

这个自动喂食器真是喂猫神器。

喂猫达人

— Someone who is very skilled or experienced at feeding and caring for cats.

她是社区里的喂猫达人。

云喂猫

— Feeding cats virtually by watching videos or live streams.

没钱养猫，只能在网上云喂猫了。

喂猫日记

— A log or journal documenting the feeding habits of a cat.

她坚持写喂猫日记已经一年了。

喂猫小分队

— A group of people, usually volunteers, who feed stray cats together.

我们成立了一个喂猫小分队。

喂猫指南

— A guide or set of instructions on how to feed a cat properly.

新手需要看这份喂猫指南。

喂猫禁忌

— Things you should never do or foods you should never give when feeding a cat.

你知道哪些喂猫禁忌吗？

喂猫仪式感

— Making the act of feeding the cat feel special or ceremonial.

他喂猫也追求一种仪式感。

喂猫成本

— The financial expense associated with feeding a cat.

现在的喂猫成本越来越高了。

Idioms & Expressions

"猫哭老鼠"

— Cat crying for the mouse; hypocritical show of sorrow. While not about feeding, it's a key cat idiom.

他这种行为真是猫哭老鼠假慈悲。

Common
"照猫画虎"

— To draw a tiger according to a cat; to copy something without understanding the essence.

他只是照猫画虎，根本没掌握核心技术。

Common
"馋猫"

— A 'greedy cat,' used to describe someone (often a child) who is a foodie or always wants snacks.

你这个小馋猫，又在偷吃零食。

Informal
"猫三狗四"

— Refers to the gestation period of cats (3 months) and dogs (4 months) - traditional knowledge.

俗话说猫三狗四，这是自然规律。

Traditional
"阿猫阿狗"

— Anyone and everyone; any Tom, Dick, or Harry.

不要随便把阿猫阿狗都带回家。

Colloquial
"猫腻"

— Something fishy; a hidden trick or secret.

这件事肯定有猫腻。

Slang
"猫腰"

— To stoop or bend down (like a cat).

他猫腰钻进了山洞。

Descriptive
"躲猫猫"

— Hide and seek.

孩子们正在院子里玩躲猫猫。

Child-friendly
"猫冬"

— To stay indoors during winter (like a hibernating cat/animal).

北方人喜欢在家里猫冬。

Regional/Dialect
"三脚猫"

— A person with superficial knowledge or skills; a jack of all trades, master of none.

他的英语只是三脚猫水平。

Informal

Word Family

Nouns

猫粮 (cat food)
猫碗 (cat bowl)
喂食者 (feeder)

Verbs

喂 (to feed)
喂养 (to raise and feed)
投喂 (to throw and feed)

Adjectives

喂饱的 (well-fed)
贪吃的 (greedy/hungry)

Related

猫 (cat)
宠物 (pet)
粮食 (food/grain)
照顾 (care)
铲屎 (scooping poop)
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Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine you are standing over a cat's bowl and you DROP (4th tone) the food down. The cat says 'MIAO' in a high, happy voice (1st tone). DROP + MIAO = wèi māo.

Visual Association

Visualize a hand (the 口 mouth radical in 喂) holding a piece of fish over a cat's head. The cat's ears are the top of the 猫 character.

Word Origin

The character '喂' (wèi) is a relatively modern invention in its current form, combining the mouth radical '口' with the phonetic '畏' (wèi). It originally referred to the sound of calling animals or the act of putting food into a mouth.

Original meaning: To feed animals or infants by hand or mouth.

Sino-Tibetan
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