How to Say "Pochi" in Japanese

ポチ

pochi

ポチ (pochi) is a common generic name for a pet dog in Japanese.

ポチ is used as a stereotypical, generic name for a dog in Japan, functioning much like the name 'Fido' does in English.

How do you pronounce it?

pochi

While ポチ is the quintessential dog name, the equivalent generic name for a cat is タマ, which translates to 'ball'.
The name ポチ is an onomatopoeic word that mimics the sound of a light, rhythmic tapping or a small touch.
While 'Fido' is a classic name in English, naming a dog ポチ in modern Japan might actually feel a bit outdated or old-fashioned, similar to calling a dog 'Rover' in the UK.

私たちは犬をポチと名づけた。
We named the dog Pochi.
This sentence shows how to use ポチ when naming a dog.
Tatoeba #165876 by small_snow, translation #248628 by CH
ポチは私たちの方へ走ってきた。
Pochi came running toward us.
This sentence uses ポチ as the subject of a sentence.
Tatoeba #196243 by small_snow, translation #33420 by CN
ポチとモコは犬小屋に入っているけど、あとの犬は庭で遊んでいる。
Pochi and Moko are in the kennel, and other dogs are playing in the garden.
This sentence shows ポチ being used alongside another name in a list.
Tatoeba #196244 by small_snow, translation #33421 by AlanF_US
1 more sentence on Tatoeba

Yui and Hiroto are looking at a photo on a smartphone.

結衣 Yui

この写真は、ポチかな？
Kono shashin wa, Pochi kana?
Is this a photo of Pochi?
大翔 Hiroto

うん、ポチだよ。とても可愛いね。
Un, Pochi dayo. Totemo kawaii ne.
Yeah, it's Pochi. He's very cute.
結衣 Yui

ポチは今、どこにいるの？
Pochi wa ima, doko ni iru no?
Where is Pochi now?
大翔 Hiroto

家で寝ているよ。
Ie de nete iru yo.
He is sleeping at home.

Sources

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