Translation guide
The English word 'dog' refers to the common domestic animal. In Japanese, the most common word is 犬 (いぬ). However, there are also specific terms for puppies, breeds, and even idiomatic expressions. This guide covers the main ways to talk about dogs in Japanese, from everyday conversation to more specific contexts.
Referring to a dog as an animal, pet, or in general statements.
The standard, neutral word for 'dog'. Used in almost all contexts.
私は犬を飼っています。
I have a dog.
あの犬は大きいですね。
That dog is big, isn't it?
A cute, affectionate way to say 'doggy' or 'dog'. Often used when talking to children or about pets in a friendly manner.
ワンちゃん、おいで！
Come here, doggy!
A somewhat derogatory or rough term for a dog, like 'cur' or 'mutt'. Rarely used in polite conversation.
あの犬ころがまた吠えてる。
That mutt is barking again.
Specifically referring to a young dog.
The standard word for 'puppy'. Literally 'child dog'.
子犬が生まれました。
Puppies were born.
Distinguishing the sex of a dog.
Male dog. The prefix 雄 (おす) means male.
うちの雄犬はとても活発です。
Our male dog is very active.
Female dog. The prefix 雌 (めす) means female.
その雌犬は子犬を産んだ。
That female dog gave birth to puppies.
Referring to a specific breed of dog.
Many dog breeds are named by adding 犬 (けん or いぬ) to a descriptive word. For example, 柴犬 (しばいぬ) for Shiba Inu, 秋田犬 (あきたいぬ) for Akita, ブルドッグ (bulldog) is often used as is in katakana.
柴犬は日本で人気があります。
Shiba Inu are popular in Japan.
私はゴールデンレトリバーを飼っています。
I have a Golden Retriever.
Expressions where 'dog' is used metaphorically, often with negative connotations.
Literally 'losing dog', meaning a loser or underdog. Often used in a derogatory way.
彼は負け犬のように見えた。
He looked like a loser.
A 'dog's death', meaning a meaningless or futile death.
Proverb: 'If a dog walks, it will hit a stick.' Equivalent to 'Every dog has its day' or 'Good luck comes unexpectedly', but can also mean 'Misfortune can come out of nowhere'.
犬も歩けば棒に当たるというから、とにかく行動してみよう。
They say every dog has its day, so let's just take action.
Calling someone a 'dog' in English can be an insult, but directly translating it to 犬 (いぬ) in Japanese does not carry the same weight. Instead, use specific insults like 畜生 (ちくしょう, 'beast') or other context-appropriate words. Using 犬 to insult someone may just sound odd or childish.
そんな犬死にはごめんだ。
I don't want to die a meaningless death like that.