Ways to say it
| Russian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| соба́ка | sobáka | feminine | |
| пёс | pjos | [pʲɵs] (narrow) | masculine |
| пси́на | psína | colloquial, feminine |
The primary way to refer to the animal is through the terms соба́ка or пёс. While соба́ка is the most common and straightforward term for the species, пёс is also frequently used.
Which one should you use?
соба́ка is the standard, gender-neutral term for the species. In contrast, пёс is specifically masculine, used to refer to a male dog or as a generic masculine noun for a dog. The term пси́на is a colloquial way to refer to a dog, but it is derogatory and often implies the animal is a stray or of poor quality.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
соба́ка is the neutral, standard form. пёс is a common masculine form. пси́на is highly colloquial and carries a negative, derogatory tone. For an endearing term often used with small children, you can use пёсель.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine form пёс changes to пса when it is used as a direct object in the accusative case.
How do you pronounce it?
sobáka
Did you know?
- In Russian computing and texting, the соба́ка is the common name for the '@' symbol used in email addresses.
- The word соба́ка is used in the idiom собаку съел, which literally means 'ate the dog' but actually means to be an expert at something through long experience.
- While соба́ка is the biological term, a Russian speaker might call a person a соба́ка to imply they are a person of low character or a 'dog' in a metaphorical sense.
Examples in context
- Это кот или пёс?Is that a cat or a dog?This sentence is useful for practicing the choice between a cat and the masculine form пёс.Tatoeba #658537 by Aleksej, translation #67041 by Eldad
- У него есть пёс.He has a dog.This sentence shows the use of the masculine form пёс.Tatoeba #1801139 by soweli_Elepanto, translation #288121 by CK
- Пёс лает во сне.The dog is barking in his sleep.This sentence demonstrates the masculine form пёс in a sentence.Tatoeba #8311353 by marafon, translation #6629725 by Eccles17
- Как зовут твою собаку?What is your dog's name?
- У тебя хорошая собакаYou have a good dog.
- 118 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are walking in the park.
- Анастасия AnastasiaАндрей, посмотри, какая красивая соба́ка!Andrey, posmotri, kakaya krasivaya sobaka!Andrey, look, what a beautiful dog!
- Андрей AndreyДа, Анастасия, она очень милая.Da, Anastasiya, ona ochen' milaya.Yes, Anastasia, she is very cute.
- Анастасия AnastasiaТы хочешь её погладить?Ty khochesh' eyo pogladit'?Do you want to pet her?
- Андрей AndreyБоюсь, она может укусить.Boyus', ona mozhet ukusit'.I'm afraid she might bite.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “dog” translations and entries пёс, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
