About 借りてきた猫 proverb


借りてきた猫 was translated as a borrowed cat. In that case, why 借りてきた is used
instead of just 借りた猫? What additional meaning does it want to imply?




Good question! I had to think of the reason for a while.

I think きた of 借りてきた猫 emphasizes the fact that the cat has come "here" which is
different from where it used to belong. The cat is now quite a stranger
"here." It doesn't know what to do, and has to keep quiet and still.

借りた猫＝a borrowed cat

借りて **来た** 猫＝a borrowed and **_coming_ to a new place** cat




Good question! I had to think of the reason for a while.

I think きた of 借りてきた猫 emphasizes the fact that the cat has come "here" which is
different from where it used to belong. The cat is now quite a stranger
"here." It doesn't know what to do, and has to keep quiet and still.

借りた猫＝a borrowed cat

借りて **来た** 猫＝a borrowed and **_coming_ to a new place** cat

