pas
/pâs/Latin, masculine
The English word "dog" is translated into Bosnian as pas. Wiktionary also lists psić and kučka.
Meaning: animal (noun)
Ways to say it
| Bosnian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| pas | /pâs/ /pâːs/ |
Latin, masculine |
| psić | /psît͡ɕ/ | Latin, diminutive, feminine |
| kučka | /kût͡ʃka/ | Latin, feminine |
| kuče | /kût͡ʃe/ | Latin, masculine |
| džukela | /d͡ʒǔkela/ | Latin, derogatory, feminine |
The primary way to refer to the animal is with the masculine noun pas.
Which one should you use?
While pas is the general term for a dog, kučka is used specifically to refer to a female dog. If you are referring to a puppy or a small dog, you can use kuče. The form psić is a diminutive used to refer to a small dog.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The term džukela is a derogatory way to describe a dog, often implying it is a low-quality mongrel. Because it can also be used as an insult toward a person, it should be avoided in polite conversation.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form pas changes to psa when it is the direct object of a sentence, such as in 'I see a dog'.
How do you pronounce it?
/pâs/
Did you know?
- The word pas is inherited from the Proto-Slavic root *pьsъ, making it a distant linguistic relative of the English word 'hound' through ancient Indo-European connections.
- While pas is the standard term, the word kučka for a female dog has roots in Turkic languages, reflecting the historical influence of the Ottoman Empire on the region.
- Bosnian uses the diminutive suffix -ić to create psić, a term used to evoke affection or describe a tiny dog.
Examples in context
- To nije mačka, pas je.That's not a cat. That's a dog.This sentence is useful for identifying that the animal is a pas.Tatoeba #475487 by FeuDRenais, translation #475485 by CM
- Volim svog psa.I love my dog.This sentence shows the accusative form psa used with the verb 'volim'.
- Pas je moj.The dog is mine.This sentence uses the form pas to indicate ownership.Tatoeba #493297 by FeuDRenais, translation #493294 by CM
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Adnan and Amra are walking in a park.
- AdnanVidi, tamo je veliki pas.Look, there is a big dog over there.
- AmraDa, on je jako lijep.Yes, he is very beautiful.
- AdnanHoće li pas doći do nas?Will the dog come to us?
- AmraMislim da ne, on je previše plašljiv.I don't think so, he is too shy.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “dog” translations and entries pas, psić, kučka, kuče, džukela, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries kuče, kučka, pas, psić, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR, Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
