Ways to say it
| Portuguese | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| cão | /ˈkɐ̃w̃/ (Brazil) /ˈkɐ̃w̃/ (Portugal) |
masculine |
| cachorro | /kaˈʃo.ʁu/ (Brazil) /kaˈʃo.ʁu/ (Rio de Janeiro) |
masculine |
The term refers to the domestic animal. In more formal or technical contexts, such as biology, the adjective canino (canine) may be used to describe or refer to dogs.
Which one should you use?
While cão is the standard, cachorro is the more common, informal way to refer to a dog in everyday conversation.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Brazil, cachorro is the most common word for dog, whereas cão is often reserved for formal, literary or technical contexts.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of cão is cães, and the plural form of cachorro is cachorros. To specify a female dog, you can change cachorro to the feminine form cachorra. Additionally, cãozinho is an informal expression used to mean "puppy".
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈkɐ̃w̃/
When do people say it?
In Brazil, the term Totó is a popular way to refer to a dog in a loving and affectionate manner.
Did you know?
- In Brazil, using the word cachorro can be a double entendre, as it is also a common slang term for a man who is a flirt or unfaithful in relationships.
- The term cão shares an ancient root with the Latin word cānus, which meant 'gray', describing the color of many hunting dogs.
- In Portugal, the word cachorro is often used to refer to a 'puppy', whereas in Brazil it is the general term for any 'dog'.
Examples in context
- O cão é teu.The dog is yours.This sentence shows how to express ownership of a dog using cão.Tatoeba #1141623 by alexmarcelo, translation #897307 by Scott
- O cão é dela.The dog is hers.Tatoeba #5969884 by sergiomelo, translation #1828440 by Amastan
- Eu vejo o cão.I see the dog.This sentence demonstrates the use of cão in a simple observation.Tatoeba #2594858 by alexmarcelo, translation #862477 by lugal
- Eu tenho um cãoI have a dog
- O estudo mostra características caninasThe study shows canine characteristics
- Meu cachorro é muito brincalhãoMy dog is very playful
- Onde está meu totó?Where is my doggie?
- Que fofinho esse auau!What a cute little doggie!
- 1357 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Camila and Gabriel are walking in a park and see a pet.
- CamilaQue cão lindo!What a beautiful dog!
- GabrielSim, ele parece ser muito calmo.Yes, he seems to be very calm.
- CamilaVocê acha que o cão é bravo?Do you think the dog is aggressive?
- GabrielNão, ele é apenas amigável.No, he is just friendly.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “dog” translations and entries cão, cachorro, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cachorro, cão, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
