cucciolo
/ˈkut.t͡ʃo.lo/masculine
The English word puppy is cucciolo in Italian. Wiktionary also lists cagnolino and cagnetto.
Meaning: young dog (noun)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| cucciolo | /ˈkut.t͡ʃo.lo/ | masculine |
| cagnolino | /kaɲ.ɲoˈli.no/ | masculine |
| cagnetto | masculine |
The word cucciolo is used not only for dogs but also for the young of other animals, such as lions or bears (cubs).
Which one should you use?
cucciolo refers specifically to the age of the animal (a puppy), whereas cagnolino refers to a small dog regardless of age. cagnolino is a diminutive of cane (dog) and is often used to mean a small dog or a cute little dog, not necessarily a puppy. cagnetto is an informal term for a small or toy breed puppy.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural of the masculine cucciolo is cuccioli. The word for a litter of puppies is cucciolata.
Did you know?
- The word cucciolo is frequently used as a term of endearment for human babies or romantic partners, similar to how English speakers use 'sweetie' or 'honey'.
- Calling a grown adult man a cagnolino can be a teasing way to describe someone who is overly submissive or 'lap-dog' like in a relationship.
- The word cucciolo is likely a distant relative of the Portuguese word cachorro, despite the different spelling and sounds.
Examples in context
- Sto comprando un cucciolo.I'm buying a puppy.This sentence illustrates the use of cucciolo when buying a young animal.Tatoeba #5923143 by Guybrush88, translation #5757521 by CM
- Abbiamo un cucciolo bianco.We have a white puppy.This sentence shows how to describe a white cucciolo.Tatoeba #13211560 by Guybrush88, translation #11159429 by carlosalberto
- Lo voglio per il mio cucciolo!I want it for my puppy!This sentence demonstrates using cucciolo to express desire for something on behalf of the animal.Tatoeba #1488513 by Guybrush88, translation #1488516 by Eldad
- Il cucciolo è così adorabile!The puppy is so adorable!
- Il mio cagnolino mi segue ovunque vada.My little puppy follows me everywhere I go.
- Guarda quell'adorabile cucciolino!Look at that adorable little puppy!
- Il mio cagnetto è così giocherellone.My little puppy is so playful.
- 33 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofia and Matteo are looking at a dog in a pet shop.
- SofiaGuarda quel cucciolo, è bellissimo!Look at that puppy, it's beautiful!
- MatteoSì, il cucciolo è davvero carino.Yes, the puppy is really cute.
- SofiaVuoi portarlo a casa con te?Do you want to take him home with you?
- MatteoForse, devo pensarci bene.Maybe, I need to think about it carefully.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “puppy” translations and entries cucciolo, cagnolino, cagnetto, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cagnetto, cagnolino, cucciolo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
