How to Say "Good Dog" in Greek

καλό σκυλί

kalo skyli

The English phrase "good dog" is translated into Greek as καλό σκυλί (kalo skyli).

This phrase is used to describe a dog that is well-behaved or obedient. You can also use the word Μπράβο to mean "Well done" as a way to offer encouragement to the animal.

Which one should you use?

While καλό σκυλί is the standard form, you might use different versions depending on the animal's gender or size. You can use the diminutive καλό σκυλιάκι to refer to a puppy or to sound more affectionate. If you are addressing a female dog, you must use the feminine form καλή σκύλα. Additionally, the informal and endearing phrase Καλό Μωρό, meaning "good baby", can be used to praise a dog.

How does it change in a sentence?

If the dog is female, both the adjective and the noun must change to the feminine forms: καλή σκύλα. For a smaller dog or a puppy, the diminutive form καλό σκυλιάκι is used.

How do you pronounce it?

The romanization is kalo skyli.

Did you know?

While καλή σκύλα is the proper way to say 'good dog' for a female, the word σκύλα on its own is often used as a severe insult when directed at a woman.
The modern word for 'dog', σκυλί, is actually a diminutive that evolved from the Ancient Greek word σκύλος. This means the word we use today was originally a way to describe a 'small dog'.
In Greek, the diminutive σκυλιάκι is used not just for puppies, but as a general term of endearment for any dog regardless of age.

Examples in context

Είναι ένα καλό σκυλί.
Eínai éna kaló skylí.
It is a good dog.
Έχεις ένα καλό σκυλί.
Écheis éna kaló skylí.
You have a good dog.
Το καλό σκυλί κάθειται εδώ.
To kaló skylí kátheitai edó.
The good dog sits here.

Example conversation

Dimitris is praising Maria's dog for sitting still.

Δημήτρης Dimitris

Κόψε, Μπρούνο! Είσαι καλό σκυλί.
Kópse, Brúno! Eísai kaló skylí.
Stay, Bruno! You are a good dog.
Μαρία Maria

Ευχαριστώ, Δημήτρη. Είναι πολύ υπάκοος.
Efcharistó, Dimítri. Eínai polý ypákoos.
Thank you, Dimitris. He is very obedient.
Δημήτρης Dimitris

Πώς κατάφερες να τον εκπαιδεύσεις έτσι;
Pós katáferes na ton ekpaideúseis étsi?
How did you manage to train him like this?
Μαρία Maria

Απλά του λέω συνέχεια ότι είναι καλό σκυλί.
Aplá tou léo synécheia óti eínai kaló skylí.
I just keep telling him that he is a good dog.

Sources

Word origins: Wiktionary entries σκυλί, CC BY-SA 4.0.

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How to Say “Good Dog” in Greek