chichi
/ˈtʃi.tʃi/
The English word dog is translated into Nahuatl as chichi or itzcuintli.
Meaning: animal (noun)
Ways to say it
| Nahuatl | IPA |
|---|---|
| chichi | /ˈtʃi.tʃi/ |
| itzcuintli | [itsˈkʷin.tɬi] (narrow) |
Both words refer to the animal known as a dog.
Which one should you use?
chichi is the common, everyday word for dog, while itzcuintli is a more formal or classical term.
How do you pronounce it?
The two syllables of chichi are pronounced /ˈtʃi.tʃi/. The stress is on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- In ancient Nahua belief, the itzcuintli was thought to guide the souls of the dead across a river to the afterlife.
- In some Nahuatl dialects, the root chichi is used in words relating to 'breastfeeding' or 'nursing'.
- The word itzcuintli is the namesake of the famous Mexican hairless dog breed, the Xoloitzcuintli.
Examples in context
- ¿Māneloā in chichi?Is the dog swimming?This sentence is useful for asking if the chichi is swimming.Tatoeba #3769382 by cueyayotl, translation #239184 by CK
- Tlahuahualtza cē chichi.A dog is barking.This sentence is useful for stating that a chichi is barking.Tatoeba #3769379 by cueyayotl, translation #239127 by CK
Example conversation
Juan and Xitlali are walking in a park.
- JuanXitlali, tlen ca in chichi?Xitlali, what is that dog?
- XitlaliIn chichi ca nochichi.That dog is my dog.
- JuanQuelli nelli cualli.It is really good.
- XitlaliQuinequi tlamatiz.He wants to know you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “dog” translations and entries chichi, itzcuintli, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
