собачка
sobachka
The Russian phrase for "little dog" is собачка (sobachka).
собачка is used to describe a small dog or to refer to a dog in an affectionate manner. While the standard term for any dog is собака, using собачка adds a layer of endearment or emphasizes the animal's small size.
Which one should you use?
собака is the neutral, standard word for "dog," whereas собачка is specifically the diminutive, affectionate or size-based form.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of собачка is собачки. When the little dog is the direct object of a verb, the form changes to the accusative case: собачку.
How do you pronounce it?
sobachka
Did you know?
- In Russian digital terminology, the собачка is the name for the '@' symbol. This is because the symbol's shape reminds some users of a curled-up little dog.
- The word собачка can actually be used to refer to the sliding part of a zipper. In this specific context, it describes the small metal piece that moves up and down.
- While собачка is usually sweet, using it to describe a large or mean dog is a common way to be sarcastic or mocking. It turns the 'cuteness' of the word into a joke about the dog's actual size.
Examples in context
- Во время сильной жары собачка выпила всю свою воду.The little dog drank all of his water during the heatwave.This sentence shows how to use собачка when describing an animal's actions during heat.Tatoeba #12005961 by marafon, translation #6593714 by Eccles17
- Я видел очаровательную маленькую собачку в парке.I saw an adorable little dog in the park.
- Мой пёсик очень игривый и ласковый.My little dog is very playful and affectionate.
- Дети восхищаются каждым маленьким щенком, которого видят в парке.Children admire every little puppy they see in the park.
- Эта маленькая собачка очень добрая.Eta mal'en'kaya sobachka ochen' dobraya.This little dog is very kind.
- Твоя собачка очень смешная.Tvoya sobachka ochen' smeshnaya.Your little dog is very funny.
Example conversation
Dmitry and Olga are walking in a park when they see a puppy.
- Ольга OlgaСмотри, какая милая собачка!Smotri, kakaya milaya sobachka!Look, what a cute little dog!
- Дмитрий DmitryДа, она очень красивая.Da, ona ochen' krasivaya.Yes, she is very beautiful.
- Ольга OlgaДмитрий, ты хочешь её погладить?Dmitriy, ty khochesh' yeyo pogladit'?Dmitry, do you want to pet her?
- Дмитрий DmitryКонечно, я очень хочу.Konechno, ya ochen' khochu.Of course, I really want to.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
