canis
[ˈka.nɪs]feminine, masculine
The English word "dog" is translated into Latin as canis.
canis refers to the animal known as a dog.
Meaning: animal (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The word canis can change its form depending on its role in a sentence. When the dog is the direct object of a verb, use canem. When expressing possession, such as "of the dog", the form remains canis. In the plural, the form changes to canibus when used in the dative or ablative cases.
Did you know?
- The Greek word kúōn, which is a sibling to the Latin canis, is the root for the modern English word 'cynic', originating from the 'dog-like' behavior of certain philosophers.
- The star Sirius is known in Latin as Canicula, meaning 'little dog', because it is the brightest star in the constellation Canis Major.
- Ancient Romans believed that the 'dog days' of summer, linked to the rising of Canis Major, caused heat-related madness and bad luck.
Examples in context
- Canis in domo est.The dog is in the house.This sentence is useful for describing the location of the canis.Tatoeba #1355802 by alexmarcelo, translation #882704 by CK
- Hic canis tuus est.This dog is yours.This sentence is useful for identifying that the canis belongs to someone.Tatoeba #1345805 by alexmarcelo, translation #765931 by Dunbab
- Canis tuus hic est.Your dog is here.This sentence is useful for stating where the canis is located.Tatoeba #1393514 by alexmarcelo, translation #449111 by CK
- Canis est fidelis amicus hominis.A dog is a faithful friend of man.
- Veniens domum, catellus meus saltavit in bracchia mea.Coming home, my little dog jumped into my arms.
- 189 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Aurelia and Quintus are walking in a garden.
- AureliaVide! Canis in horto currit.Look! A dog is running in the garden.
- QuintusEstne canis magnus?Is it a big dog?
- AureliaNon, canis parvus et albus est.No, the dog is small and white.
- QuintusCanis lepidus videtur.The dog seems charming.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “dog” translations and entries canis, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries canis, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
