Japanese word

犬

Pronunciation

Romajiinu

Meaning

  • noundog

Example

これは犬です。ko re wa inu de su

This is a dog.

Illustration for 犬 (dog)

More examples

私は犬が好きです。watashi wa inu ga su ki de su

I like dogs.

妹は小さな犬をとてもかわいがっています。imōto wa chii sa na inu o to te mo ka wa i ga tte i ma su

My younger sister takes very good care of her small dog.

Core concept

Refers to a domesticated canine kept as a companion, working animal, or family pet.

Common phrases

  • 犬が好きinu ga su ki

    like dogs

  • 犬を飼うinu o ka u

    have a dog

  • 犬と散歩するinu to san po su ru

    take a dog for a walk

Similar words

わんちゃんwanchan: An affectionate or polite term for a dog, often used when speaking to children.
わんこwanko: A casual and affectionate term for a dog.

Definition in Japanese

人に飼われ、家畜の番や狩りなどにも使われる身近な動物。hito ni ka wa re ka chiku no ban ya ka ri na do ni mo tsuka wa re ru mi jika na dō butsu

Word origin

犬 (inu, "dog") is a native Japanese word recorded in Old Japanese, but its deeper origin is uncertain.

Usage tips

  • English speakers may recognize inu in breed names such as Shiba Inu, where it means "dog" in Japanese.

Word lists with this word