猫 舌(ねこじた)

ねこじた

noun

unable to eat/drink hot things

1. unable to eat or drink hot things; sensitivity to hot food

Describes a person who cannot tolerate hot food or drinks. Literally 'cat tongue,' from the belief that cats dislike hot things.

私(わたし)は猫舌(ねこじた)です。

I can't handle hot food.

猫舌(ねこじた)だから、少(すこ)し冷(さ)ましてから飲(の)む。

Since I can't handle hot drinks, I let it cool down a bit before drinking.

猫舌(ねこじた)の人(ひと)にとって、出来(でき)たてのグラタンは食(た)べるのが大変(たいへん)だ。

For someone who can't handle hot food, eating freshly made gratin is a struggle.

Etymology

Literally "猫(ねこ)の舌(した)" (cat's tongue). Based on the popular belief that cats cannot eat hot food.

Usage

Used as a self-description or to describe others. Most commonly appears with だ/です: 猫舌(ねこじた)だ (I can't handle hot things). Can also be used as a modifier: 猫舌(ねこじた)の人(ひと) (a person who can't handle hot food).

This is a widely understood and commonly used word in everyday Japanese. It is not considered childish or overly casual.

Common patterns

猫舌(ねこじた)だ: I can't handle hot food
猫舌(ねこじた)の人(ひと): someone who can't handle hot things
猫舌(ねこじた)なので: since I can't handle hot food

general

Added 2026.2.8 13:46 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01

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