nyao
A single, clear meow from a cat — calling for attention, greeting its owner, or demanding food. More realistic and singular than the repeated nyaa-nyaa, closer to an actual cat's voice.
💡A cat greeting you at the door — 'The cat looked up and said nyao as if to say welcome home.'
猫がにゃおと一声鳴いた。
The cat meowed nyao once.
When I opened the front door, the cat greeted me with a single ___.
玄関を開けると、猫が○○と一声迎えてくれた。