柴犬
shibainu[ɕiba̠inɯ̟]
The Japanese term for shiba inu is 柴犬 (shibainu).
柴犬 refers to the Shiba Inu, a specific breed of dog. The term is a noun used to identify this breed.
Meaning: dog (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The name is composed of two parts: the character 柴, which means "brushwood" or "firewood" and 犬 (inu), which means "dog".
How do you pronounce it?
shibainu
Did you know?
- In Japan, the 柴犬 is one of six native spitz type breeds known as nihon ken. While the Shiba is the most famous globally, it is the smallest of these indigenous Japanese breeds.
- While 犬 is the standard way to say 'dog', you may occasionally see the term written as 柴犬 using the reading 'ken' for the second character.
- The name 柴犬 literally translates to 'brushwood dog', a reference to the breed's ability to hunt small game through thickets and undergrowth.
Examples in context
- 柴犬はとてもかわいいです。Shiba inu wa totemo kawaii desu.The Shiba Inu is very cute.
- 公園で柴犬を見ました。Kōen de shiba inu o mimashita.I saw a Shiba Inu in the park.
- 私の家には柴犬がいます。Watashi no ie ni wa shiba inu ga imasu.There is a Shiba Inu at my house.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about their pets at a cafe.
- 蓮 Ren美咲さんは、何かペットを飼っていますか？Misaki-san wa, nani ka petto o katte imasu ka?Misaki, do you have any pets?
- 美咲 Misakiはい、柴犬を飼っています。Hai, shiba inu o katte imasu.Yes, I have a Shiba Inu.
- 蓮 Renいいですね！名前は何ですか？Ii desu ne! Namae wa nan desu ka?That's nice! What is its name?
- 美咲 Misakiハナといいます。Hana to iimasu.It is called Hana.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “shiba inu” translations and entries 柴犬, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 柴犬, CC BY-SA 4.0.
