ペット
解説 Definition
pet は、家で飼う動物、つまりペットという意味です。日本語の「ペット」とほぼ同じ意味で、犬や猫など身近な動物についてよく使います。
A pet is an animal kept mainly for companionship or enjoyment rather than for work or food. Pets, such as dogs, cats, birds, or fish, depend on their owners for regular care, food, and a suitable living environment.
覚え方のコツ Memory Tip
pet は「家で愛情をもって飼う動物」で、日本語の「ペット」とほぼ同じです。have a pet、pet dog、pet food、take care of a pet を一組で覚えましょう。動詞では「なでる」になる一方、petty は綴りが似ていても「ささいな」の意味で、語源上も別語です。
Connect pet with an animal that is kept close and cared for affectionately. Common patterns make the noun easy to recall: have a pet, a pet cat, pet food, and take care of a pet. The same word can also be a verb meaning to stroke an animal gently, so petting a pet links the two uses naturally. Do not confuse pet with petty, which means “small-minded” or “of little importance” and is historically unrelated. Unlike livestock or a working animal, a pet is kept mainly for companionship or enjoyment.
例文
I have a pet cat.
私はペットの猫を飼っています。
My pet sleeps on the sofa.
私のペットはソファで寝ます。
A pet needs food and care every day.
ペットには毎日えさと世話が必要です。
pet の類義語・関連語
pet の語源・成り立ち Etymology
スコットランド・ゲール語またはアイルランド語の peit（可愛がられるもの）に由来するとされ、16世紀頃から「愛玩動物」の意味で使われ始めた。動詞 pet（撫でる）も同源。関連語に petty は無関係で、petting（愛撫）が同根。大切にかわいがる対象という原義が現在の意味に直結している。
Pet is recorded in Scots and northern English and is commonly connected with Scottish Gaelic peata, meaning a tame or favored animal, or a person treated with special affection. English used the noun for an indulged favorite and then especially for an animal kept for companionship. The verb pet, meaning to treat affectionately or stroke gently, developed from the noun. Despite its similar spelling, petty is not part of this word family.
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