September 27, 2026 · 星期日
The Granary Cat
猫· cat
Today’s episode with Jason & AmyCats (猫) are celebrated in Chinese culture for their role in protecting grain stores and as symbols of prosperity.
秋分 divides autumn in half, bringing day and night once more into perfect balance. After it the nights grow longer and the chill deepens, while golden fields ripen toward the great autumn harvest.
Now celebrated as China's Farmers' Harvest Festival, and children traditionally try 竖蛋 (standing eggs on end), as at the spring equinox.
The Granary Cat
猫māo
In traditional Chinese culture, the cat, or 猫 (māo), has been admired for its unique role in guarding granaries. Cats were often kept in granaries to control the population of mice, which posed a significant threat to stored grains. This practical relationship between humans and cats evolved over time into a cultural symbol of protection and prosperity. The cat's presence in granaries was so valued that it was immortalized in various forms of folk art and literature, celebrating its vigilance and effectiveness.
In Chinese folklore, cats are seen as wise and mysterious creatures with the ability to see beyond the ordinary. This perception is reflected in many proverbs and tales where cats play crucial roles. For example, the proverb "猫捉老鼠" (māo zhuō lǎoshǔ), meaning "cats catch mice," underscores the natural talent of cats in eliminating pests. This saying is often used metaphorically to describe someone who is particularly adept at their task, much like a cat in a granary.
The significance of cats extends beyond their practical utility. In folk art, cats are frequently depicted in paintings and sculptures, symbolizing peace and good fortune. During festivals, especially around harvest times, images of cats are common as they are believed to bring a bountiful harvest and ward off evil spirits. The cultural reverence for cats is evident in their frequent appearances in Chinese literature and art, where they are often portrayed as guardians of the home and symbols of prosperity.
Today, as we reflect on this cultural heritage, the role of the cat in Chinese culture reminds us of the deep connections between humans and animals, and how these relationships have been celebrated throughout history. The enduring presence of the cat in proverbs and art highlights its ongoing importance in Chinese society.
Cats (猫) are celebrated in Chinese culture for their role in protecting grain stores and as symbols of prosperity.
猫捉老鼠。
Māo zhuō lǎoshǔ.
Cats catch mice.
- [1] 《中国民间故事》 Chinese Folktales Series
Jason & Amy on 猫
Podcast: Dragon Daily: The Granary Cat — and the word 猫
Jason & Amy on The Granary Cat and 猫
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September 27, 2026
Today in Chinese cultural history, we highlight a pioneering event in space exploration and commemorate a notable figure in the world of comics.
Siyuwj / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0) sourcelicence Death of Zhang Leping, Comic Artist 张乐平
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Zhang's comics remain popular in China, reflecting societal changes and inspiring future artists.
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这是我的猫。
Zhè shì wǒ de māo.
This is my cat.
The word 猫 means 'cat'.
猫在睡觉。
Māo zài shuìjiào.
The cat is sleeping.
This sentence uses 猫 to refer to a cat.
猫在捉老鼠。
Māo zài zhuō lǎoshǔ.
The cat is catching mice.
Here, 猫 is performing its traditional role.
猫是粮仓的守护者。
Māo shì liángcāng de shǒuhùzhě.
Cats are guardians of granaries.
This sentence highlights the cultural role of 猫.
的 (de) for possession
noun + 的 + noun
The particle 的 is used to indicate possession, linking a possessor to the possessed object.
Use 的 when you want to show that something belongs to someone.
这是我的书。
Zhè shì wǒ de shū.
This is my book.
她的猫很可爱。
Tā de māo hěn kě'ài.
Her cat is very cute.
老师的房子很大。
Lǎoshī de fángzi hěn dà.
The teacher's house is big.
What does 猫 mean?
How is 猫 pronounced?
How do you write "cat" in Chinese?
Listen. What does the sentence mean?
她有一只___。(She has a ___.)
猫在睡觉。 — What does this sentence mean?
What role did cats traditionally play in Chinese granaries?
Arrange into a correct sentence
Who was the first Chinese astronaut to conduct a spacewalk?
Which Chinese comic artist created the character Sanmao?
Frequently asked questions about the word 猫
The correct measure word for cats is 只 (zhī), so you would say 一只猫 for 'one cat.'
You say '我有一只猫' (wǒ yǒu yī zhī māo).
Yes, one common idiom is '猫哭老鼠' (māo kū lǎo shǔ), meaning to feign sympathy, literally 'the cat cries for the mouse.'
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Today's Mandarin word: 猫 (māo) — cat.
Learn it on Mandarin Temple's Dragon Daily 🐉