Japanese word for dog

When learning Japanese, everyday words like "dog" are some of the first you'll encounter. In Japanese, the word for "dog" is 犬 /inu/. Let’s take a closer look at this word, its usage, and some fun cultural tidbits.

The Basics: 犬 /inu/

The kanji 犬 /inu/ is straightforward to remember. It’s often written in Hiragana as いぬ or in Katakana イヌ, especially in beginner-level materials.

Pronunciation

いぬ /inu/ – Pronounced as “ee-noo.”

Example Sentence
この犬はかわいいですね。
/kono inu wa kawaii desu ne/
This dog is cute, isn’t it?

Other Words for Dogs

Japan has a rich language, and there are multiple ways to refer to dogs depending on the context:

ワンちゃん /wan chan/

"ワンちゃん" /wan chan/ is a term used to affectionately refer to dogs. Compared to "犬" /inu/, which simply means "dog," "ワンちゃん" is more casual and often used when talking about small or cute dogs. It’s commonly used by children or people who love pets.

Example Sentence
ワンちゃんは元気ですか？
/wan chan wa genki desuka/
How is your dog?

子犬 /koinu/ a puppy (literally, “child dog”)

Example Sentence
子犬を飼いたいです。
/koinu o kaitai desu/
I want to raise a puppy.

番犬 /banken/ A guard dog

Example Sentence
この家には番犬がいます。
/kono ie ni wa banken ga imasu/
This house has a guard dog.

Dogs in Japanese Culture

Dogs play an important role in Japanese society and folklore:

• 忠犬ハチ公 /Chuuken Hachikou/: The story of Hachikou, the faithful Akita dog who waited for his owner at Shibuya Station, is a symbol of loyalty in Japan.

• Zodiac Sign: In the Japanese zodiac, the dog is one of the 12 animals and symbolizes honesty and diligence.

Popular Dog Breeds in Japan

Some native Japanese dog breeds are well-known worldwide, such as:

• 柴犬 /shiba inu/: A small, fox-like dog popular for its spirited personality.

• 秋田犬 /akita Inu/: A larger breed known for its loyalty and strength.

Fun Fact: Onomatopoeia for Dog Sounds

In English, dogs say "woof" or "bark." In Japanese, dogs say ワンワン /wan wan/. Cute, right?

Learning simple words like 犬 /inu/ is a great way to build your Japanese vocabulary. Next time you see a dog, try using some of these words and phrases to describe it!