Esta página en tu idioma

English

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

B1 noun #4,000 más común 9 min de lectura

子犬

koinu Top 4,000

Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos 子犬 en 30 segundos

Explicación 子犬 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you learn that 'koinu' means 'puppy.' You should focus on basic identification and simple descriptions. For example, 'Koinu desu' (It is a puppy) or 'Koinu ga suki desu' (I like puppies). You will likely encounter this word in children's books or basic introductory lessons about animals. The focus here is simply recognizing the kanji for 'child' (子) and 'dog' (犬) and understanding that they combine to form a new word. You should also learn that puppies are counted with 'ippiki,' 'nihiki,' etc., though at A1, just knowing the word itself is a great start. You might see it in simple sentences like 'Kore wa koinu desu' (This is a puppy). The goal is to build a foundation where you can point to a young dog and name it correctly in Japanese.

Regístrate gratis para leer la explicación completa

At the A2 level, you begin to use 'koinu' in more descriptive sentences. You can now use adjectives to describe the puppy's appearance or behavior. For example, 'Chiisai koinu ga imasu' (There is a small puppy) or 'Koinu wa totemo kawaii desu' (The puppy is very cute). You also start to use basic particles like 'o' to indicate actions, such as 'Koinu o mimasu' (I see a puppy). You should be able to talk about having a puppy as a pet: 'Koinu o katte imasu' (I am raising a puppy). This level involves moving from simple identification to basic storytelling or personal expression involving the animal. You might also learn the difference between 'koinu' and the more casual 'wan-chan' used in friendly conversations.

Regístrate gratis para leer la explicación completa

At the B1 level, you can use 'koinu' in complex sentences involving relative clauses and various verb forms. You might say, 'Watashi ga katte iru koinu wa, mainichi kouen o hashirimasu' (The puppy I am raising runs in the park every day). You are also able to discuss more abstract concepts, such as the responsibilities of owning a puppy. For instance, 'Koinu o shitsukeru no wa taihen desu' (Training a puppy is difficult). B1 learners should be comfortable using the word in social settings, such as talking to other dog owners at a park or asking for advice at a pet shop. You understand that 'koinu' is the standard term and can distinguish it from the more technical 'yōken' or the trendy 'papī.' You can also use the potential form, like 'Koinu o daku koto ga dekimasu' (I can hold the puppy).

At the B2 level, your use of 'koinu' becomes more nuanced and grammatically sophisticated. You can use the word in formal discussions or written reports about animal welfare or the pet industry. For example, 'Koinu no ran-hanshoku ga shakai mondai ni natte iru' (The over-breeding of puppies is becoming a social problem). You are comfortable with passive and causative forms, such as 'Koinu ni te o kamareta' (I had my hand bitten by the puppy) or 'Kodomo ni koinu no sewa o saseta' (I made my child take care of the puppy). You also understand metaphorical uses or literary references. Your vocabulary expands to include related terms like 'hogoken' (rescue dog) and how they relate to 'koinu.' You can express opinions on complex topics like pet shop regulations in Japan.

Regístrate gratis para leer la explicación completa

At the C1 level, you use 'koinu' with the precision of a native speaker. You can discuss the etymology of the kanji, the historical role of dogs in Japanese society, and the specific legal definitions of 'koinu' in commercial law. You might analyze the marketing strategies of Japanese pet companies that target 'koinu' owners. Your ability to switch registers is seamless; you use 'yōken' in a medical context and 'koinu' or 'wan-chan' in a social context without hesitation. You can also understand and use idiomatic expressions or proverbs that might involve young animals. You are capable of reading and summarizing long articles about canine development stages or the psychological benefits of raising a puppy in an urban environment like Tokyo.

Regístrate gratis para leer la explicación completa

At the C2 level, 'koinu' is just one small part of your vast linguistic repertoire. You can engage in deep academic or philosophical debates about the human-animal bond, citing specific Japanese cultural examples. You might write a thesis or a professional critique on the portrayal of puppies in Japanese cinema and how it reflects changing family structures. You understand the most obscure synonyms and archaic terms for young dogs. You can interpret the subtle emotional nuances when a character in a novel uses 'koinu' versus 'inu' to describe themselves or others. Your mastery includes an understanding of regional dialects or specialized jargon used by professional breeders and trainers. Essentially, you possess a native-level sensitivity to the word's cultural, emotional, and technical weight.

Regístrate gratis para leer la explicación completa

Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos

子犬 en 30 segundos

Koinu means puppy and is formed by the kanji for 'child' and 'dog.' It is used for dogs under one year old.
It is a standard B1 level word that every Japanese learner should know to discuss pets and daily life.
The word carries a strong connotation of cuteness and is often used with the counter 'hiki' for counting.
Commonly heard in pet shops, parks, and homes, it is the most natural way to refer to a young dog.

The Japanese word 子犬 (koinu) is a compound noun formed by two distinct kanji characters: 子 (ko), meaning 'child' or 'small,' and 犬 (inu), meaning 'dog.' Together, they literally translate to 'child dog,' which perfectly captures the English concept of a 'puppy.' In Japanese culture, the term is used not only to describe a biological stage of a canine's life but also to evoke a specific emotional response. The concept of kawaii (cuteness) is deeply intertwined with the word koinu, and you will often hear it used with high-pitched intonation in social settings. Unlike the general term for dog, 犬 (inu), which can be neutral or even used in derogatory idioms, 子犬 almost always carries a positive, endearing connotation of innocence and vulnerability.

Biological Classification: Technically refers to a dog from birth until approximately one year of age, depending on the breed's maturity rate.

Social Nuance: Used frequently in domestic settings, pet shops, and animal welfare discussions. It is the standard term for a young dog in both polite and casual speech.

公園で可愛い子犬が走っています。(A cute puppy is running in the park.)

When people use this word, they are often focusing on the playfulness and small stature of the animal. In Japan, where living spaces are often small, the focus on 'smallness' (the 'ko' prefix) is particularly significant. Many Japanese people prefer smaller breeds, so the term 子犬 remains relevant even as the dog grows if it stays physically small, though technically it becomes an adult dog. However, in strict linguistic terms, once the dog reaches maturity, it should be called inu or seiken (adult dog).

この子犬はまだ生後三ヶ月です。(This puppy is only three months old.)

The word is also used in metaphorical contexts, though less frequently than in English. For example, 'puppy love' isn't directly translated using 'koinu,' but the image of a puppy as something that needs protection is universal. In literature, a character might be described as having 'koinu-no-youna me' (puppy-like eyes) to suggest innocence or a pleading nature. Understanding this word is essential for anyone wanting to talk about pets, which is a massive industry and hobby in modern Japan.

Kanji Breakdown: 子 (Child/Small) + 犬 (Dog) = Small/Child Dog (Puppy).

昨日、ペットショップで子犬を見ました。(I saw a puppy at the pet shop yesterday.)

Using 子犬 (koinu) in a sentence requires an understanding of Japanese particles and verb pairings. Since it is a noun, it typically functions as the subject or object of a sentence. When describing a puppy, you will often use adjectives like kawaii (cute), chiisai (small), or genki na (energetic). For example, to say 'The puppy is cute,' you would say 'Koinu ga kawaii desu.' Here, the particle が (ga) identifies the puppy as the subject performing the state of being cute.

子犬を飼い始めました。(I started raising a puppy.)

When you are performing an action upon a puppy, such as buying one, feeding one, or training one, you use the particle を (o). Common verbs include kau (to raise/own), shitsukeru (to train), and hirowu (to pick up/rescue). If you are giving something to a puppy, use に (ni), as in 'Koinu ni esa o ageru' (Give food to the puppy).

Common Verb Pairings: 飼う (kau - to keep), 抱く (daku - to hold), 散歩させる (sanpo saseru - to take for a walk).

In more complex sentences, 子犬 can be part of a relative clause. For instance, 'The puppy that I bought yesterday' becomes 'Kinou katta koinu.' Notice how the verb 'katta' (bought) directly precedes the noun 'koinu' without any particles in between. This is a fundamental structure in Japanese grammar that B1 learners must master.

庭で子犬が元気に走り回っている。(The puppy is running around energetically in the garden.)

Finally, consider the level of formality. In a formal report or a newspaper article, you might see 幼犬 (yōken), which is a more technical term for a young dog. However, in 95% of daily conversations, 子犬 is the natural choice. Even in professional pet training contexts, trainers will use 'koinu' to build rapport with pet owners.

Sentence Structure: [Adjective] + [子犬] + [Particle] + [Verb]. Example: 白い子犬が吠えている (The white puppy is barking).

この子犬は、将来大きくなりますか？ (Will this puppy grow big in the future?)

You will encounter the word 子犬 (koinu) in a variety of everyday Japanese settings. One of the most common places is at a petto shoppu (pet shop). In Japan, pet shops often display puppies in glass enclosures near the storefront to attract passersby. You will hear staff and customers exclaiming, 'Kono koinu, sugoku kawaii!' (This puppy is so cute!). Advertisements for dog food or pet insurance also frequently feature the word 子犬 to highlight products specifically formulated for young animals.

テレビで子犬のしつけ特集をやっていた。(They were doing a special feature on puppy training on TV.)

Another common location is the local park or doggu ran (dog run). When dog owners meet, they often ask about the age of each other's pets. If a dog looks small or behaves playfully, one might ask, 'Koinu desu ka?' (Is it a puppy?). In response, the owner might say, 'Hai, mada koinu na n desu' (Yes, it's still a puppy). This interaction is a cornerstone of Japanese social etiquette among pet owners.

Media Presence: Puppies are stars in Japanese variety shows, YouTube channels (like 'Shiba Inu' channels), and anime (e.g., 'Ginga: Nagareboshi Gin' or 'Pound Puppies' dubs).

In literature and pop culture, 子犬 often symbolizes a character who is naive or needs guidance. You might hear it in song lyrics describing a lonely person as a 'sute-inu' (stray dog) or 'sute-koinu' (stray puppy), emphasizing their vulnerability. The word is deeply rooted in the Japanese psyche as an object of affection and responsibility.

道端で捨てられた子犬を見つけて、放っておけなかった。(I found a puppy abandoned on the roadside and couldn't leave it alone.)

Finally, in professional settings such as a veterinary clinic (dōbutsu byōin), the word is used to categorize patients. A vet might say, 'Koinu-yō no wakuchin' (Vaccine for puppies). Here, it serves as a functional, descriptive term to ensure the correct medical treatment is applied.

Common Contexts: Pet shops, veterinary clinics, neighborhood walks, animal rescue shelters, and children's books.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make when using 子犬 (koinu) is related to the Japanese counting system. In English, we simply say 'one puppy' or 'two puppies.' In Japanese, you must use the counter 匹 (hiki). Beginners often forget this and try to use the general counter 'hitotsu' or 'futatsu,' which sounds very unnatural. Correct usage is 'koinu ippiki' (one puppy), 'koinu nihiki' (two puppies), and so on. Note that 'hiki' changes to 'piki' or 'biki' depending on the number.

❌ 子犬を一つ買いました。 (Incorrect)
✅ 子犬を一匹飼いました。 (Correct)

Another mistake involves the distinction between 子犬 and the loanword パピー (papī). While 'papī' is used, it is often seen as more 'fashionable' or 'westernized' and is frequently used in branding or by younger people. However, using 'papī' in a formal or traditional setting might seem slightly out of place. Conversely, 'koinu' is the safe, standard term for all situations. Don't over-rely on the English loanword just because it feels familiar.

Pronunciation Pitfall: Be careful not to pronounce it as 'ko-inu' with a long 'o' like 'koo-inu.' It is a short, crisp 'ko' followed by 'inu.' The pitch usually starts high and drops.

Learners also sometimes confuse 子犬 with 小犬 (koinu). While they are pronounced the same, '子犬' specifically means a young dog (puppy), whereas '小犬' (rarely used) would literally mean a 'small dog' regardless of age. In modern Japanese, '子犬' is the standard for puppies, and for small adult dogs, people use the term Kogata-ken (small-sized dog breed).

❌ 彼は子犬のような性格だ。 (While understandable, it's more common to use specific traits rather than just saying 'he has a puppy personality' in Japanese.)

Finally, don't forget the particle の (no) when using 'koinu' as an adjective. You cannot say 'koinu esa' for puppy food; you must say 'koinu-no-esa.' The noun-noun relationship in Japanese almost always requires this connector.

Grammar Check: Noun A + の + Noun B. Example: 子犬のしつけ (Puppy training).

While 子犬 (koinu) is the most common term, several other words exist depending on the context, formality, and age of the dog. Understanding these nuances will make your Japanese sound more natural and precise. The most frequent alternative is パピー (papī), the katakana version of the English 'puppy.' You will see this on high-end dog food packaging or in trendy pet boutiques. It carries a slightly more modern, 'cute' vibe than the traditional 'koinu.'

ワンちゃん (Wan-chan): This is 'child-speak' or very affectionate language. 'Wan' is the Japanese sound for a bark (woof). Adding '-chan' makes it incredibly endearing. Adults use this when talking to their own dogs or to children about dogs.

For technical or medical contexts, the term 幼犬 (yōken) is used. You will find this word in veterinary textbooks, on the labels of specialized medicine, or in breeding contracts. It literally means 'young dog' and lacks the emotional 'cuteness' associated with 'koinu.' If you are discussing growth charts or nutritional requirements with a professional, 'yōken' is a very appropriate term.

この幼犬用フードは栄養価が高い。(This food for young dogs is high in nutritional value.)

If the dog is no longer a puppy but is still small in size, you would use 小型犬 (kogata-ken). This refers to small breeds like Chihuahuas or Toy Poodles, regardless of their age. It is a common mistake for learners to call a small adult dog a 'koinu' just because it is tiny. Using 'kogata-ken' shows you understand the difference between age and size.

Comparison Table

子犬 (Koinu): Standard, warm, used for young dogs.
パピー (Papī): Trendy, westernized, used in marketing.
幼犬 (Yōken): Formal, technical, used in medicine/breeding.
ワンちゃん (Wan-chan): Casual, cute, used with kids/pets.

Finally, consider 成犬 (seiken), which means 'adult dog.' This is the direct antonym of 'koinu' or 'yōken.' When a puppy passes the one-year mark, it officially transitions to being a 'seiken' in the eyes of vets and pet food manufacturers.

How Formal Is It?

Dato curioso

In ancient Japan, dogs were often semi-wild, and the term 'koinu' was used to distinguish the vulnerable young from the dangerous adults.

Guía de pronunciación

UK /kəʊˈɪnuː/

US /koʊˈinu/

The pitch accent is usually 'atamadaka' (Type 1), meaning the first syllable 'ko' is high and the rest are low.

Rima con

Oinu (Old dog) Mainu (Rare) Koinu (itself) Inu Zenu Sinu Ninu Hinu

Errores comunes

Pronouncing 'ko' as 'kou' (long o).
Pronouncing 'inu' as 'ai-nu' (like the Ainu people).
Stressing the wrong syllable.
Merging 'ko' and 'i' into a single diphthong.
Using a hard 'r' sound if they confuse it with other words.

Nivel de dificultad

Lectura 2/5

The kanji are very basic (Grade 1 and 2), making it easy to read.

Escritura 2/5

Both kanji are fundamental and easy to write with few strokes.

Expresión oral 1/5

The pronunciation is straightforward with no difficult sounds for English speakers.

Escucha 1/5

Distinctive sounds make it easy to identify in conversation.

Qué aprender después

Requisitos previos

犬 (Inu) 子 (Ko) 可愛い (Kawaii) 一 (Ichi) 匹 (Hiki)

Aprende después

成犬 (Seiken) しつけ (Shitsuke) 飼い主 (Kainushi) 散歩 (Sanpo) 餌 (Esa)

Avanzado

社会化 (Socialization) 去勢 (Neutering) 狂犬病 (Rabies) 血統書 (Pedigree) 繁殖 (Breeding)

Gramática que debes saber

Counters (匹 - hiki)

子犬が三匹 (Three puppies)

Noun + の + Noun

子犬の散歩 (Puppy's walk)

Adjective + Noun

元気な子犬 (Energetic puppy)

Relative Clauses

私が好きな子犬 (The puppy that I like)

Existential Verbs (いる - iru)

子犬がいる (There is a puppy)

Regístrate gratis para leer la explicación completa

Ejemplos por nivel

これは子犬です。

This is a puppy.

Simple A is B structure using 'desu'.

子犬がいます。

There is a puppy.

Using 'imasu' for living things.

子犬は可愛いです。

The puppy is cute.

Adjective 'kawaii' describing the noun.

子犬が好きです。

I like puppies.

Using 'suki' with the particle 'ga'.

子犬が一匹います。

There is one puppy.

Using the counter 'ippiki'.

子犬を見ました。

I saw a puppy.

Past tense of 'miru'.

白い子犬です。

It is a white puppy.

Color adjective preceding the noun.

子犬の名前は何ですか？

What is the puppy's name?

Possessive particle 'no' and question marker 'ka'.

昨日、可愛い子犬を買いました。

Yesterday, I bought a cute puppy.

Time adverb 'kinou' and past tense verb.

この子犬はとても元気です。

This puppy is very energetic.

Adverb 'totemo' modifying 'genki'.

子犬と公園で遊びました。

I played with the puppy in the park.

Particle 'to' (with) and 'de' (at/in).

子犬にミルクをあげてください。

Please give the puppy some milk.

Particle 'ni' for the recipient and 'te-kudasai' for a request.

私の家には子犬が二匹います。

There are two puppies in my house.

Counter 'nihiki' and location particle 'ni'.

子犬はまだ小さいです。

The puppy is still small.

Adverb 'mada' (still).

子犬の写真を撮りました。

I took a photo of the puppy.

Noun-noun connection with 'no'.

子犬はどこにいますか？

Where is the puppy?

Question word 'doko'.

子犬を飼いたいですが、マンションでは禁止されています。

I want to keep a puppy, but it's prohibited in my apartment.

Desire form 'tai' and passive voice 'kinshi sarete iru'.

公園で迷子の子犬を見つけました。

I found a lost puppy in the park.

Compound noun 'maigo no koinu'.

子犬を育てるのは、思ったより大変です。

Raising a puppy is harder than I thought.

Nominalizing 'sodateru' with 'no' and comparison 'yori'.

この子犬は、来年には成犬になります。

This puppy will become an adult dog next year.

Verb 'naru' (to become) with particle 'ni'.

子犬が吠えるので、夜眠れませんでした。

The puppy barked, so I couldn't sleep at night.

Reason particle 'node' and potential negative 'nemuremasen deshita'.

子犬に正しいしつけをすることが大切です。

It is important to give a puppy proper training.

Nominalized clause as the subject.

ペットショップで一番元気な子犬を選びました。

I chose the most energetic puppy at the pet shop.

Superlative 'ichiban'.

子犬が私の靴を噛んでしまいました。

The puppy accidentally chewed my shoe.

Regret/completion form 'te shimau'.

子犬を家族として迎える準備が整いました。

Preparations to welcome a puppy as a family member are complete.

Using 'toshite' (as) and 'junbi ga totonou' (preparations are ready).

子犬の社会化期には、多くの人と触れ合わせるべきです。

During a puppy's socialization period, you should let them interact with many people.

Causative form 'fureawaseru' and 'beki' (should).

捨てられた子犬を保護する活動に参加しています。

I am participating in activities to protect abandoned puppies.

Relative clause 'suterareta koinu' and 'sanka shite iru'.

子犬の健康管理には、細心の注意を払う必要があります。

It is necessary to pay close attention to a puppy's health management.

Idiom 'chuui o harau' (pay attention) and 'hitsuyou ga aru'.

その子犬は、まるでぬいぐるみのように可愛らしい。

That puppy is as cute as a stuffed animal.

Simile 'marude... no you ni'.

子犬を飼う責任の重さを、改めて実感しました。

I realized once again the weight of the responsibility of owning a puppy.

Abstract noun 'omosa' (weight/gravity).

無責任なブリーダーによって、多くの子犬が苦しんでいます。

Many puppies are suffering due to irresponsible breeders.

Passive voice 'kurushinde iru' and agent 'ni yotte'.

子犬の頃の記憶は、犬の性格に大きな影響を与えます。

Memories from puppyhood have a great influence on a dog's personality.

Noun 'koro' (time/era) and 'eikyou o ataeru' (to influence).

子犬の譲渡会には、多くの希望者が詰めかけました。

Many applicants flocked to the puppy adoption event.

Formal compound 'joutokai' (adoption meeting).

子犬の成長過程を詳細に記録したブログが人気です。

A blog that records a puppy's growth process in detail is popular.

Noun 'katei' (process) and adverb 'shousai ni' (in detail).

子犬の無邪気な仕草は、見る人の心を癒やしてくれます。

A puppy's innocent gestures heal the hearts of those who see them.

Adjective 'mujaki na' (innocent) and 'iyashite kureru' (to heal).

子犬の鳴き声から、その感情を読み取ることができます。

You can read the emotions from a puppy's whimper.

Verb 'yomitoru' (to read into/decipher).

法改正により、子犬の販売規制が強化されました。

Due to legal changes, puppy sales regulations have been strengthened.

Compound 'hanbai kisei' (sales regulation) and 'kyouka sareta' (strengthened).

子犬の免疫力は非常に脆弱であるため、注意が必要です。

Because a puppy's immunity is very fragile, caution is necessary.

Formal adjective 'zeijaku' (fragile/weak).

彼は子犬のように、誰に対しても人懐っこい。

He is friendly to everyone, just like a puppy.

Metaphorical use of 'koinu' to describe human traits.

子犬を適切な環境で育てることは、飼い主の義務です。

Raising a puppy in an appropriate environment is the owner's duty.

Formal noun 'gimu' (duty/obligation).

子犬の愛くるしさが、人間の脳に与える心理的影響を考察する。

Examine the psychological impact that a puppy's lovability has on the human brain.

Academic verb 'kousatsu suru' (to consider/examine).

子犬の生体販売を巡る議論は、倫理的な観点から多岐にわたる。

Discussions surrounding the commercial sale of puppies are diverse from an ethical perspective.

Expression 'o meguru' (surrounding) and 'takki ni wataru' (wide-ranging).

子犬の初期教育が、成犬時の問題行動を抑制する鍵となる。

Early education of puppies is the key to suppressing problematic behavior in adulthood.

Formal noun 'yokusei' (suppression) and 'kagi to naru' (becomes the key).

子犬の鳴き声の周波数成分を分析し、ストレス度を数値化する。

Analyze the frequency components of a puppy's cry and quantify the stress level.

Technical terms 'shuuhasuu' and 'suuchika'.

子犬の純血種に対する過度な執着が、遺伝病のリスクを高めている。

Excessive obsession with purebred puppies is increasing the risk of genetic diseases.

Noun 'shaku' (obsession) and 'idenbyou' (genetic disease).

子犬の社会化における異種間コミュニケーションの重要性を論じる。

Discuss the importance of interspecies communication in puppy socialization.

Academic verb 'ronjiru' (to argue/discuss).

子犬の愛玩動物としての地位は、近代以降、劇的に変化した。

The status of puppies as companion animals has changed dramatically since the modern era.

Formal noun 'aigan doubutsu' (pet/companion animal).

子犬の育成環境が、その後の認知機能の発達に及ぼす影響を究明する。

Investigate the impact of a puppy's rearing environment on its subsequent cognitive development.

Formal verb 'kyuumei suru' (to investigate/clarify).

Colocaciones comunes

子犬を飼う

子犬のしつけ

可愛い子犬

子犬を拾う

子犬の里親

子犬用フード

捨て子犬

子犬の鳴き声

子犬の散歩

子犬が生まれる

Frases Comunes

子犬のような目

— Eyes like a puppy; used to describe someone with an innocent or pleading look.

彼女は子犬のような目で私を見た。

捨てられた子犬

— An abandoned puppy; often used to evoke sympathy.

彼は捨てられた子犬のように寂しそうだ。

子犬の初散歩

— A puppy's first walk; a significant milestone for pet owners.

今日は子犬の初散歩の日です。

子犬の甘噛み

— Puppy nipping or soft biting; a common behavioral stage.

子犬の甘噛みに困っています。

子犬の社会化

— Puppy socialization; the process of getting a puppy used to the world.

子犬の社会化はとても重要です。

子犬のワクチン

— Puppy vaccinations.

子犬のワクチンを打ちに行きます。

子犬の健康診断

— Puppy health check-up.

初めての子犬の健康診断です。

子犬の夜泣き

— A puppy's crying at night.

子犬の夜泣きで眠れません。

子犬のトイレトレーニング

— Puppy potty training.

子犬のトイレトレーニングを始めました。

子犬の無邪気さ

— The innocence of a puppy.

子犬の無邪気さに癒やされます。

Se confunde a menudo con

子犬 vs 犬 (Inu)

Inu is general; koinu is specifically young.

子犬 vs 小犬 (Koinu)

Pronounced the same, but 小犬 means 'small dog' (regardless of age), while 子犬 means 'young dog' (puppy).

子犬 vs 狐 (Kitsune)

Some beginners confuse the sounds of 'koinu' and 'kitsune' (fox).

Modismos y expresiones

"負け犬の遠吠え"

— The howling of a loser (sour grapes). While 'inu' is used, it's the most common dog idiom.

それは負け犬の遠吠えに過ぎない。

General

"犬も歩けば棒に当たる"

— Even a dog will run into a stick if it walks (luck can happen anywhere, or bad things happen if you act).

犬も歩けば棒に当たるというし、外に出よう。

Proverb

"夫婦喧嘩は犬も食わぬ"

— Even a dog won't eat a couple's quarrel (no one should interfere in a lover's spat).

夫婦喧嘩は犬も食わぬから、放っておこう。

Proverb

"犬猿の仲"

— A relationship like dogs and monkeys (like cats and dogs/bitter enemies).

あの二人は犬猿の仲だ。

General

"飼い犬に手を噛まれる"

— To have one's hand bitten by one's own dog (to be betrayed by a subordinate/protege).

飼い犬に手を噛まれるとは、このことだ。

General

"尾を振る"

— To wag the tail (to curry favor).

彼は上司に尾を振っている。

General

"犬の遠吠え"

— A dog's distant howling (meaningless complaining from someone who isn't brave enough to face you).

陰口なんて犬の遠吠えだ。

General

"忠犬"

— A loyal dog (like Hachiko).

彼は忠犬のように主人に従う。

Honorific

"野良犬"

— A stray dog.

野良犬が街をうろついている。

General

"番犬"

— A watchdog.

この家には番犬がいる。

General

Fácil de confundir

子犬 vs 仔犬

Same pronunciation and meaning.

仔犬 is a more literary or specific kanji often used for animals, while 子犬 is the standard everyday kanji.

小説に仔犬が登場する。

子犬 vs パピー

Loanword from English.

Used more in commercial or trendy contexts, whereas koinu is more traditional and broad.

このパピー用ミルクは高い。

子犬 vs 小型犬

Both refer to small dogs.

小型犬 refers to the breed size (small breed), while 子犬 refers to the age (young).

チワワは小型犬です。

子犬 vs 幼犬

Both mean young dog.

幼犬 is formal/medical; 子犬 is common/emotional.

幼犬期の栄養バランス。

子犬 vs ワンちゃん

Both refer to dogs/puppies.

ワンちゃん is affectionate/childish; 子犬 is a descriptive noun.

あそこにワンちゃんがいるよ。

Patrones de oraciones

これは[Noun]です。

これは子犬です。

[Adjective][Noun]です。

可愛い子犬です。

[Noun]を[Verb]たいです。

子犬を飼いたいです。

[Noun]は[Adjective]です。

子犬は元気です。

[Noun]の[Noun]は[Adjective]です。

子犬のしつけは大変です。

[Noun]が[Verb]ている。

子犬が走っている。

[Noun]によって[Verb]される。

子犬は飼い主によって守られる。

[Noun]としての[Noun]。

家族としての子犬。

Familia de palabras

Sustantivos

犬 (Dog)

野良犬 (Stray dog)

成犬 (Adult dog)

猟犬 (Hunting dog)

Verbos

犬走る (To run like a dog - rare)

犬死にする (To die in vain)

Adjetivos

犬らしい (Dog-like)

Relacionado

猫 (Cat)

ペット (Pet)

動物 (Animal)

飼い主 (Owner)

獣医 (Vet)

Regístrate gratis para ver todos los ejemplos

Cómo usarlo

frequency

Very High in daily life and media.

Errores comunes

Using 'hitotsu' to count puppies. → Using 'ippiki'.
Animals require specific counters. 'Hitotsu' is for inanimate objects.
Saying 'koinu esa' for puppy food. → Saying 'koinu no esa'.
You must use the particle 'no' to connect two nouns in this context.
Calling a 5-year-old Chihuahua a 'koinu'. → Calling it a 'kogata-ken' or just 'inu'.
'Koinu' refers to age, not the physical size of an adult dog.
Pronouncing it 'koo-inu'. → Short 'ko' sound.
Elongating the vowel changes the rhythm and clarity of the word.
Using 'koinu' in a formal medical report. → Using 'yōken'.
'Koinu' is too casual for professional veterinary or scientific writing.

Consejos

Use the right counter

Always use 'hiki' when counting puppies. Forgetting this is a common beginner mistake. Practice 'ippiki, nihiki, sanbiki' until it becomes natural.

Prefix 'Ko-'

Learn the 'ko-' prefix. It works for many animals: koinu (puppy), koneko (kitten), kouma (foal), koushi (calf). This expands your vocabulary quickly.

The Hachiko Connection

Knowing the story of Hachiko will help you understand the Japanese emotional connection to dogs. He is often depicted as a loyal 'koinu' at the start of his story.

Short 'o'

Make sure the 'o' in 'koinu' is short. If you elongate it, it sounds like 'kouinu,' which isn't a word. Keep it crisp.

Don't confuse with 'Small Dog'

Remember that 'koinu' is about age, not final size. A small adult dog is a 'kogata-ken,' not a 'koinu.'

Conversation Starter

Asking 'Koinu desu ka?' (Is it a puppy?) is a great way to start a conversation with dog owners in Japan. It's polite and friendly.

Kanji Practice

Practice writing '子' and '犬' together. They are simple but very common. Mastering them will help with many other words.

TV Variety Shows

Japanese TV often has segments on cute animals. Listen for 'koinu' and 'kawaii' to practice your listening skills in a fun context.

Children's Books

Look for 'koinu' in Japanese children's books. They are a great resource for seeing the word used in simple, clear contexts.

Rescue Dogs

If you want to sound more advanced, use 'hogoken' (rescue dog) when talking about adopting a 'koinu.' It shows a deeper understanding of social issues.

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

Think of a 'CO' (small/child) 'INU' (dog). A 'CO-INU' is a small dog, which is a puppy!

Asociación visual

Imagine a tiny 'child' (子) holding a 'dog' (犬). That child-sized dog is a puppy.

Word Web

Puppy Cute Small Bark Tail Pet Shop Hiki Kawaii

Desafío

Try to use 'koinu' in a sentence with the counter 'ippiki' and the adjective 'kawaii' today.

Origen de la palabra

Formed from Old Japanese 'ko' (child/small) and 'inu' (dog). The word 'inu' has been used for thousands of years in Japan.

Significado original: A young canine offspring.

Japonic

Contexto cultural

Be careful when discussing 'pet shops' in Japan, as some people have strong ethical views against the commercial sale of puppies in windows.

In English, 'puppy' is used for young dogs, but also metaphorically for 'puppy love.' In Japanese, 'koinu' is mostly literal.

Hachiko (as a puppy) SoftBank's 'Otousan' dog Ginga: Nagareboshi Gin

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

At a Pet Shop

この子犬はいくらですか？
抱っこしてもいいですか？
生後何ヶ月ですか？
種類は何ですか？

At the Park

可愛い子犬ですね。
お名前は何ですか？
何歳ですか？
触ってもいいですか？

At the Vet

子犬のワクチンをお願いします。
元気がありません。
ご飯を食べません。
下痢をしています。

With Friends

子犬を飼い始めたんだ。
写真見せて！
名前決めた？
大変だけど楽しいよ。

Watching TV

この子犬、面白いね。
癒やされるわ。
あんなに小さかったんだ。
うちの子に似てる。

Inicios de conversación

"子犬を飼ったことがありますか？ (Have you ever owned a puppy?)"

"どんな種類の子犬が好きですか？ (What kind of puppies do you like?)"

"最近、近所で可愛い子犬を見ましたか？ (Have you seen any cute puppies in the neighborhood lately?)"

"子犬を育てるのは大変だと思いますか？ (Do you think raising a puppy is difficult?)"

"もし子犬を飼うなら、名前は何にしますか？ (If you were to get a puppy, what would you name it?)"

Temas para diario

今日、ペットショップで可愛い子犬を見ました。その時の気持ちを書いてください。 (Today, I saw a cute puppy at the pet shop. Write about how you felt.)

子犬を飼うことの責任について、自分の考えを書いてください。 (Write your thoughts on the responsibility of owning a puppy.)

あなたが一番好きな犬の種類と、その子犬の頃の様子を説明してください。 (Explain your favorite dog breed and what they look like as puppies.)

もし道で捨てられた子犬を見つけたら、あなたはどうしますか？ (What would you do if you found an abandoned puppy on the street?)

子犬が成犬になるまでの成長過程で、一番楽しみなことは何ですか？ (What is the most exciting thing about a puppy's growth process into an adult dog?)

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

No, 'koinu' refers to any dog that is young (a puppy), regardless of whether it will grow into a large or small adult dog. Even a Great Dane puppy is called a 'koinu' when it is young.

The counter is 'hiki' (匹). You say 'ippiki' (1), 'nihiki' (2), 'sanbiki' (3), etc. For very large dogs, 'tou' (頭) is sometimes used, but 'hiki' is standard for puppies.

Generally, after one year. In Japanese pet culture, the one-year mark is the standard transition from 'koinu' (puppy) to 'seiken' (adult dog).

No, a kitten is called 'koneko' (子猫). The 'ko-' prefix is the same, but you must change 'inu' to 'neko'.

Yes, 'koinu' is a perfectly polite and standard noun. It can be used in almost any situation.

The English concept of 'puppy love' is often translated as 'hatsukoi' (first love) or 'awai koi' (faint/fleeting love). 'Koinu' is not usually used for this.

子犬 is the most common. 仔犬 is used more specifically for animal offspring in literature or technical contexts, but they are interchangeable in meaning.

Not really. While 'inu' (dog) can be used to mean a 'spy' or 'underling,' 'koinu' is almost always seen as cute and positive.

'Kawaii' (cute) is by far the most common, followed by 'chiisai' (small) and 'genki' (energetic).

You can say 'koinu o morau' (to receive a puppy) or 'koinu no satooya ni naru' (to become a puppy's foster parent/adopter).

Regístrate gratis para ver consejos y notas