cane
/ˈka.ne/masculine
The English word "dog" is translated into Italian as cane.
cane is the masculine noun used to refer to the animal known as a dog.
Meaning: animal (noun)
Which one should you use?
While cane is the general term for a dog, Levriero is used specifically to refer to a greyhound or a sighthound.
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine singular form is cane. To refer to multiple dogs, use the plural form cani. If you are specifically referring to a female dog, you can use the feminine form cagna.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has two syllables, with the stress on the first syllable: /ˈka.ne/.
Did you know?
- The word cagna is the feminine form for a dog, but in many Italian dialects and informal contexts, it has evolved into a very strong, vulgar profanity directed at women.
- In Italian, calling someone a cane is a common insult, suggesting they are clumsy, unskilled or a loser, especially in the context of sports.
- Italian uses the term cane in the expression tempo da cani (dog weather) to describe rainy, cold and miserable weather.
Examples in context
- Il cane è mio.The dog is mine.This sentence demonstrates the use of cane to show ownership.Tatoeba #521108 by Pharamp, translation #493294 by CM
- Io ho un cane.I have a dog.This sentence shows how to use cane when stating you own a dog.Tatoeba #1831046 by Guybrush88, translation #378502 by CK
- Il cane è suo.The dog is yours.This sentence uses cane to indicate that a dog belongs to someone else.Tatoeba #2352458 by Guybrush88, translation #897307 by Scott
- Il cane è un animale fedeleThe dog is a loyal animal
- Il cagnolino è adorabileThe little dog is adorable
- Il mio vicino di casa ha un cagnetto molto vivaceMy neighbor has a very lively little dog
- Il levriero è un cane molto veloceThe greyhound is a very fast dog
- 3207 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofia and Alessandro are walking in a park.
- SofiaGuarda che bel cane!Look at that beautiful dog!
- AlessandroÈ molto piccolo e simpatico.It is very small and friendly.
- SofiaPossiamo accarezzare il cane?Can we pet the dog?
- AlessandroSì, chiediamo al proprietario.Yes, let's ask the owner.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “dog” translations and entries cane, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
