How to Read “借りてきた猫”
Karite kita neko
Meaning of “借りてきた猫”
“Borrowed cat” is a proverb that describes how a person who is usually lively and energetic suddenly becomes quiet and reserved when in an unfamiliar place or in front of people they’re meeting for the first time.
This proverb expresses how people’s behavior can change dramatically due to environmental changes, using the habits of cats as a metaphor. It is used in situations such as when witnessing an unexpected side of someone you know well in a different environment, or when objectively observing yourself feeling nervous in an unfamiliar situation.
The reason this expression is used is that the behavioral patterns of cats, a familiar animal, can very clearly express human psychological states. Through the easily imaginable image of a cat, complex human psychology can be conveyed concisely. Even today, many people experience this psychological state in various situations, such as their first day at a new workplace or meeting their partner’s family for the first time. It’s an expression that accurately captures situations where you can’t display your usual self – a timeless expression that resonates across generations.
Origin and Etymology
Regarding the origin of “borrowed cat,” the current situation is that no clear documentary evidence remains. However, the theory that it was used from the Edo period is generally accepted, and it is thought to be deeply rooted in the daily life customs of common people at that time.
The background to the creation of this expression is presumed to be related to cat-keeping circumstances during the Edo period. At that time, cats were valuable animals, especially prized for rodent control. Therefore, borrowing cats from other households seems to have been an actual custom.
The behavioral patterns shown by borrowed cats are the essence of this proverb. Even normally active and free-spirited cats become docile in unfamiliar environments due to wariness. They huddle in corners, quietly observe their surroundings, and become as quiet as if their usual liveliness were a lie. This natural reaction of cats was likely overlapped with human behavioral patterns and established as an expression.
What’s interesting is that this expression captures cat behavior remarkably accurately. Even today, people who keep cats should be well aware of how cats’ behavior changes when their environment changes. The keen observational skills of our predecessors created a proverb that remains valid across time.
Interesting Facts
It has been scientifically proven that when cats are actually placed in new environments, their secretion of cortisol, a stress hormone, increases, and they physiologically enter a “borrowed cat” state. In other words, this proverb was an expression that accurately captured cats’ physiological reactions.
During the Edo period, cats were believed to become monsters called “cat-mata,” so records remain of promises made when borrowing them that “we won’t complain even if it has transformed when returned.” This is a fascinating historical background that modern people could never imagine.
Usage Examples
- Mr. Tanaka, who usually speaks up actively at the company, was as quiet as a borrowed cat during the meeting with clients
- My son is noisy at home, but when he goes to his grandparents’ house, he becomes as quiet as a borrowed cat
Modern Interpretation
In modern society, the “borrowed cat” phenomenon appears in more complex and diverse forms. With the spread of social media, the distinction between online and offline personas has become commonplace, and this proverb is beginning to take on new meaning.
With remote work becoming mainstream, more people are entering a “borrowed cat” state in video conferences even more than in their usual workplace. The phenomenon of being unable to behave naturally while being conscious of oneself on camera can truly be called a modern version of “borrowed cat.” Similar psychological states are also observed in first-time online drinking parties and communication in virtual spaces.
On the other hand, modern times have also seen the emergence of a trend that doesn’t necessarily view the “borrowed cat” state negatively. In a society that values diversity, showing different aspects of yourself depending on the situation is sometimes evaluated as high adaptability.
However, it’s also true that being constantly in a “borrowed cat” state can be exhausting. What’s important for modern people might be the ability to discern when to show their true selves and when to be reserved. This proverb still provides important insights when considering the balance between authenticity and adaptability.
When AI Hears This
When we examine the behavioral patterns of cats placed in new environments, we see they first crouch low in alertness, gradually begin exploring their surroundings, and finally regain their natural active behavior once they determine it’s safe. This three-stage process remarkably mirrors the psychological changes humans experience when entering a new workplace or school.
In animal behavior studies, cats are known as “territorial animals” who behave confidently in their own territory but become extremely cautious elsewhere. This makes perfect sense as a survival strategy, since unknown environments require vigilance against potential predators and competitors.
Humans similarly have an instinctive wariness of “social predators” in new social groups—the risks of criticism and exclusion. Psychological research shows that people tend to focus on “impression management” for the first 2-3 weeks in new environments, suppressing their true personalities. This is essentially the same mechanism as cats hiding and observing during their first few days in a new home.
What’s fascinating is how both cats and humans undergo dramatic behavioral shifts once they identify “safety signals.” Cats gain confidence through being fed and petted, while humans begin expressing their authentic personalities once they feel genuinely accepted. This proverb turns out to be a biologically accurate metaphor that brilliantly captures universal principles of adaptive behavior across species.
Lessons for Today
What “borrowed cat” teaches modern people is the importance of cherishing one’s authenticity while also having flexibility appropriate to different situations. Being nervous in new environments is never something to be ashamed of; rather, it’s an expression of caring about others and the situation.
In modern society, being true to yourself at all times tends to be considered a virtue, but sometimes it’s necessary to become a “borrowed cat.” This isn’t about falsifying yourself, but rather showing respect for others and being considerate of maintaining harmony in that place.
What’s important is accepting the “borrowed cat” state as temporary. Nervousness in unfamiliar environments is a natural reaction, and with time, you can surely regain your true self. Don’t rush, and please accept yourself including this process.
Also, when there are people around you in a “borrowed cat” state, it’s important to watch over them warmly. By striving to create an environment where that person can feel secure and display their true charm, you can build richer human relationships. Your kindness might be the key to easing someone’s tension.
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