Here is another popular Japanese Old Folk Tale series this month.  These stories are short, simple, and easy to understand so it’s perfect for learning Japanese especially for novice learners. Try following the story without looking at the translation or transliteration the first time. If you have problem following the story then, take a look at the translation or transliteration to get better understanding. Enjoy!

猫の名（ねこのな）- Name of a Cat

Original Story 

子どもたちが集まって、おしゃべりをしています。
「この間、ネコをもらったけど、名前がまだないんだ。

ほかのネコに負けないような強い名前をつけようと思うんだけど、

何ていう名前がいいだろう？」
「そりゃあ、青空とつけるといいよ。青空は大きくて気持ちがいいからね」

「いやいや、青空は雲にはかなわないよ。だから、雲とつけなよ」

「それでも雲は、風にはかなわないよ。風に吹き飛ばされてしまうよ」

「それじゃあ、風とつけようか？」

「いや、だめだ。風は家の壁にはかなわないよ。家の壁は風を通さないもの」

「ほんとだね、では、壁とつけよう」

「いや、壁もネズミにかじられて、穴が開くよ」

「そんなら、ネズミにしよう」
「いやいや、ネズミも、ネコにはかなわない」

「なるほど。いっそのこと、ネコという名にしておこう」

「そうだね、それがいいよ」

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Transliteration

Kodomotachi ga atsumatte oshaberi o shiteimasu.

“Kono aida, neko o morattakedo, namaega mada  nainda.”

Hokano nekoni makenaiyouna tsuyoi namae o tsukeyouto omoundakedo,

Nante iu namaega iidarou?

“Sorya, aozora to tsukeruto iiyyo. Aozora wa ookikute kimochiga iikarane.”

“Iyaiya, aozora wa kumoniwa kanawanaiyo. dakara kumoto tsukenayo.”

“Soredemo kumowa kazeniwa kanawanaiyo. kazeni fukitobasarete shimauyo.”

“Soreja, kaze to tsukeyouka?”

“Iya,dameda. kazewa ieno kabeniwa kanawanaiyo. ieno kabewa kazeo to-sanaimono.”

“Hontodane. dewa Kabe to tsukeyou.”

“Iya, kabemo nezumini kajirarete anaga akuyo.”

“Snnara, nezumi ni shiyou.”

“Iyaiya, nezumi mo nekoni wa kanawanai.”

“Naruhodo. issonokoto,Neko to yuu nani shiteokou”

“Soudane, sorega iiyo”

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English Translation

Many children are gathered together and chatting about something.

“The other day, I was given a cat but the cat does not have a name yet. I want to give the cat a name that implies a toughness that is superior to other cats. What do you guys think will be the best name?

“Of course, it will be a good idea to name the cat “Blue Sky.” Blue sky is huge, and it feels good to have it.”

“No no  Clouds will beat the blue sky. So, you should name the cat “Cloud”.”

“I know, but wind will beat the clouds. Clouds will be blown off by the wind.”

“Then, should I name him, “Wind”?”

“No, that’s not good. Wind cannot beat the wall in the house.Wall in the house will not let the wind go through.”

“That’s true. Then, I will name him “Wall”.”

“No, wall will have a hole if a mouse gnaws it.”

“Then, let’s name him “Mouse”.”

“No no, mouse cannot beat cats!”

“That’s right. I better name him “Cats” then.”

“Yes, that will be the best!”

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