carlino
/karˈli.no/feminine, masculine
The Italian word for the small dog breed pug is carlino.
carlino is a noun used to refer to the pug dog breed.
Meaning: small dog (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
carlino can be used as either a masculine or a feminine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables, with the stress on the second syllable. It is pronounced /karˈli.no/.
Did you know?
- The name carlino is derived from Carlo, the Italian form of 'Charles', referring to the breed's historical association with the House of Habsburg and King Charles V.
- The word carlino can be used to describe the dog, but it also appears in historical contexts as a name for certain small coins in different European regions.
- Because carlino is a diminutive of Carlo, the word literally translates to 'little Charles'.
Examples in context
- Un carlino è un cane così affettuoso!A pug is such an affectionate dog!
- Il mio carlino dorme sempre.My pug always sleeps.
- Hai visto quel carlino nero?Did you see that black pug?
- Voglio un carlino molto piccolo.I want a very small pug.
Example conversation
Francesco and Sofia are at a dog park.
- FrancescoGuarda quel carlino buffo!Look at that funny pug!
- SofiaSì, è davvero carino.Yes, it is really cute.
- FrancescoIl tuo carlino è più grande.Your pug is bigger.
- SofiaSì, ma è molto tranquillo.Yes, but he is very calm.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pug” translations and entries carlino, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
