狗
káu
The English word 'dog' is translated into Hokkien as 狗 (káu).
The word is used to refer to the animal.
Meaning: animal (noun)
Which one should you use?
The form 犬 (kún) is a more formal way to refer to a dog.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The term 犬 (kún) is specifically noted as a formal way to say dog in Taiwanese.
How do you pronounce it?
káu
Did you know?
- The word 狗 is used in the phrase 狗血 ('dog blood') to describe something overly dramatic, cliché or absurd in modern slang.
- In some Hokkien dialects, the term 狗 (káu) can be used as a derogatory prefix for people to imply they are untrustworthy or low-class.
- The phrase 狗屎 (káu-sí), literally meaning 'dog excrement', is frequently used as a slang intensifier for something of very poor quality.
Examples in context
- 我有看見一隻狗。guá ū khuànn-kìⁿ tsi̍t tsia káu.I saw a dog.
Example conversation
Jiayi and Zhiming are walking in a park.
- 佳怡 Chia-yi志明，你看那隻狗！Zhiming, lí khòaⁿ hit chiah káu!Zhiming, look at that dog!
- 志明 Chi-ming哇，牠真的很大隻。Wah, i chin tōa chiah.Wow, it is really big.
- 佳怡 Chia-yi我想摸摸那隻狗。Góa siángng hó-hó hit chiah káu.I want to pet that dog.
- 志明 Chi-ming先問問主人可不可以。Sian-mn̄g-mn̄g chú-jîn khó-í-pó-khi.Ask the owner if it's okay first.
