cagnolino
/kaɲ.ɲoˈli.no/
The English phrase "little dog" is translated into Italian as cagnolino.
cagnolino refers to a small dog, often used as a term of endearment. You may also encounter cucciolo, which means "puppy" and can be used informally to describe a little dog.
Which one should you use?
cagnolino is a diminutive of cane (dog). While cane is the neutral term for the animal, cagnolino implies a sense of smallness or affection.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word changes its ending based on gender and number: cagnolina is used for a little female dog and cagnolini is the plural form for little dogs.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 4 syllables, with the stress on the 3rd syllable: /kaɲ.ɲoˈli.no/.
Did you know?
- Calling a person a cane is a severe insult in Italy, suggesting they are a coward or dishonorable.
- In Italian, you can call a romantic partner or a child cucciolo as a term of endearment, even if there are no dogs around.
- The word cagnolino contains a hidden linguistic link to the word for a female dog, cagna, because the diminutive suffix attaches to the feminine root rather than the masculine 'cane'.
Examples in context
- Sami aveva un cagnolino.Sami had a little dog.This sentence is useful for practicing the use of cagnolino in the context of possession.Tatoeba #11290196 by Guybrush88, translation #7070337 by OsoHombre
- "Chi è morto?" "Il suo cagnolino.""Who died?" "His little dog."This sentence shows how to use cagnolino when identifying a subject.Tatoeba #11289983 by Guybrush88, translation #1125997 by shekitten
- Mi piace molto il mio cane piccolo. È dolce e affettuoso!I really like my little dog. He's sweet and affectionate!
- Guarda che cagnolino carino! Posso giocare con lui?Look at that cute little dog! Can I play with him?
- Che bel cagnolino!What a cute little dog!
Example conversation
Lorenzo and Chiara see a small dog in the park.
- LorenzoGuarda quel cagnolino, è adorabile.Look at that little dog, it is adorable.
- ChiaraSì, Lorenzo, è davvero dolce.Yes, Lorenzo, it is really sweet.
- LorenzoVuoi andare a salutarlo?Do you want to go say hi to him?
- ChiaraSì, andiamo!Yes, let's go!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry cagnolino, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cagnolino, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
