Amo i cani
“I love dogs” in Italian is translated as Amo i cani.
This phrase is used to express a strong affection or a deep liking for dogs in general. While the word Cane means dog, you might also use Cucciolo for puppy, Coccolare to mean to cuddle or Guinzaglio for leash.
What does it mean word for word?
Amo is the first-person singular present indicative of the verb amare, which means “I love”.
Which one should you use?
Amo i cani expresses a much more intense affection than Mi piacciono i cani, which is the standard way to say “I like dogs”.
How does it change in a sentence?
The subject pronoun Io (I) is optional and is often omitted in natural speech. When expressing a general liking for a category of animals, the definite article i is required before cani.
Did you know?
- The Latin root of amo is linked to hāmus, which refers to a hook, similar to the French 'hameçon'.
- The Italian verb amare is used for deep love, but for pets, many Italians prefer volere bene, which literally means 'to want well' of someone.
- If you use the phrase to describe a person's character, calling someone a cane is a severe insult, regardless of your affection for the animals themselves.
Examples in context
- Io amo i cani.I love dogs.This sentence is a simple way to state your affection for dogs using Amo i cani.Tatoeba #5344868 by Guybrush88, translation #2006612 by AlanF_US
- Io però amo i cani.I love dogs, though.This sentence is useful for adding a sense of contrast to show that you love dogs despite other circumstances.Tatoeba #12761875 by Guybrush88, translation #2656034 by KoreanBeaver
- Amo i cani e i gatti.I love dogs and cats.This sentence is useful for expressing affection for both dogs and cats using Amo i cani.Tatoeba #12710744 by Guybrush88, translation #12116580 by shekitten
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Giulia and Lorenzo are walking in a park.
- GiuliaGuarda quel cucciolo, è bellissimo!Look at that puppy, it is beautiful!
- LorenzoÈ vero, amo i cani.It is true, I love dogs.
- GiuliaAnche io, sono una grande amante degli animali.Me too, I am a great lover of animals.
- LorenzoAllora possiamo andare spesso al parco.Then we can go to the park often.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries amo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
