hot dog
masculine
The English phrase 'hot dog' is translated into Italian as hot dog. If unsure, use hot dog. Wiktionary also lists cane caldo and cagnolino caldo.
Meaning: frankfurter in a bun (noun)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| hot dog | masculine | |
| cane caldo | /ˈka.ne ˈkal.do/ (word by word) | masculine, rare |
| cagnolino caldo | /kaɲ.ɲoˈli.no ˈkal.do/ (word by word) | masculine, rare |
In Italy, the English term hot dog is the standard way to refer to the food item consisting of a frankfurter in a bun.
Which one should you use?
While cane caldo is a literal translation of the English words, it is almost never used to refer to the food in Italy. Similarly, cagnolino caldo is a rare form and is not the standard term.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using the masculine indefinite article with hot dog, use un hot dog rather than uno.
Did you know?
- While hot dog is the standard term, Italians often refer to the sausage itself as a wurstel. This word is borrowed from German and describes the specific type of frankfurter used in the dish.
- In some Italian regions, a hot dog style snack might be called a panino con la salsiccia. However, this usually features a traditional Italian pork sausage rather than a frankfurter.
- The word cagnolino is a diminutive form of cane. In Italian, adding -lino doesn't just mean the dog is small, but often adds a sense of affection or cuteness.
Examples in context
- Vuoi un hot dog?Do you want a hot dog?This sentence is useful for asking if someone wants a hot dog.Tatoeba #9309252 by Guybrush88, translation #6635961 by Eccles17
- Voglio un hot dog.I want a hot dog.This sentence is useful for stating that you want a hot dog.Tatoeba #2748645 by Guybrush88, translation #2011336 by CK
- Grazie per l'hot dog.Thanks for the hot dog.This sentence is useful for thanking someone for a hot dog.Tatoeba #13356584 by Guybrush88, translation #12063288 by CK
- Vorrei ordinare un hot dog, per favore.I would like to order a hot dog, please.
- Vorrei mangiare un buon würstel, sai dove posso trovarlo?I would like to eat a good hot dog, do you know where I can find one?
- 86 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
At a street food stall during a summer festival.
- MatteoMartina, vuoi un hot dog?Martina, do you want a hot dog?
- MartinaSì, grazie Matteo, ne vorrei uno.Yes, thanks Matteo, I would like one.
- MatteoPreferisci l'hot dog con il ketchup?Do you prefer the hot dog with ketchup?
- MartinaSì, con tanto ketchup, per favore.Yes, with lots of ketchup, please.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hot dog” translations and entries hot dog, cane caldo, cagnolino caldo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (cane, caldo, cagnolino) and can differ in connected speech.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
