kanin
/kaniːn/common gender
The Swedish word for rabbit is kanin.
kanin is used to refer to the mammal known as a rabbit.
Meaning: mammal (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some parts of southern Sweden or Skåne, the word kane may be used to refer to a rabbit.
How does it change in a sentence?
The common-gender noun kanin has the plural form kaniner. The definite genitive form of kanin is kaninens.
How do you pronounce it?
/kaniːn/
Did you know?
- The word kanin comes from the Latin cuniculus, which originally referred to a small burrow or tunnel before it became the word for the animal that lives in one.
- In Swedish culture, the expression att vara en kanin can occasionally be used to describe someone who is timid or easily frightened.
- The Swedish word for a rabbit's tail is svans, but when referring to the short, fluffy tail of a kanin, people often describe it as a bomullssvans, meaning 'cotton tail'.
Examples in context
- En kanin springer i trädgården.A rabbit is running in the garden.This sentence shows how to use kanin to describe an animal moving in a garden.Tatoeba #1962891 by herrsilen, translation #65638 by Lumi
- ”Hur är det fatt?” frågade den lilla vita kaninen."What's the matter?" asked the little white rabbit.This sentence uses kanin in a narrative context regarding a little white rabbit.Tatoeba #3784756 by herrsilen, translation #1507 by imjcooper
- Kaninen knaprade på en morotThe rabbit nibbled on a carrotThis sentence demonstrates the use of kanin when the animal is eating a carrot.
- Vi såg en kanin i trädgården.We saw a rabbit in the garden.
- Jag älskar kaniner. De är så söta!I love rabbits. They are so cute!
- Min lillebror önskar sig en kanin i födelsedagspresent.My little brother wants a rabbit as a birthday present.
Example conversation
Lucas and Linnea are looking at a pet shop window.
- LucasTitta, en liten kanin!Look, a little rabbit!
- LinneaDen är så söt, Lucas.It is so cute, Lucas.
- LucasKan vi köpa den?Can we buy it?
- LinneaVi får fråga mamma först.We have to ask mom first.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “rabbit” translations and entries kanin, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries kanin, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR, Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
