犬の散歩をする
inu no sanpo o suru
To walk the dog in Japanese is 犬の散歩をする (inu no sanpo o suru).
The phrase is used to describe taking a dog outside for exercise. You can also use the noun phrase 犬の散歩 to refer to the activity of dog walking itself. If you remove the word for dog, you get 散歩に行く, which simply means to go for a walk.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase 犬の散歩をする is composed of 犬 (dog), the possessive particle の (of/ 's), 散歩 (a walk or stroll) and the verb する (to do). Literally, it translates to 'to do a dog's walk'.
Which one should you use?
While 犬の散歩をする describes the general act of walking the dog, the form 犬の散歩に行く means 'to go for a dog walk', which focuses more on the specific action of heading out to perform the walk. The noun phrase 犬の散歩 can be used on its own to name the activity without the verb 'to do'.
How does it change in a sentence?
Replacing the verb する (to do) with 行く (to go) changes the nuance from the general act of walking the dog to the specific action of heading out for the walk.
How do you pronounce it?
inu no sanpo o suru
Did you know?
- In Japan, it is common to see dogs wearing 'dog diapers' or 'manner belts' during 散歩 to prevent them from marking territory on city walls and poles.
- While 犬 is the standard word for dog, you will often hear the phrase ワンちゃん (wan-chan) when people talk about the dogs they see during 散歩.
- While 散歩 means 'walk', the kanji 散 means 'to scatter' and 歩 means 'step', suggesting a leisurely stroll rather than a brisk exercise walk.
Examples in context
- 何時ごろ犬の散歩をするんですか？What time do you walk the dog?This sentence is useful for asking about the specific time someone performs the action of 犬の散歩をする.Tatoeba #1697359 by mookeee, translation #1697017 by Amastan
- 毎朝、犬の散歩をする。Maiasa, inu no sanpo o suru.I walk the dog every morning.
- 今は犬の散歩をする時間です。Ima wa inu no sanpo o suru jikan desu.It is time to walk the dog now.
Example conversation
A couple is talking about their daily chores at home.
- 大翔 Hiroto美咲、これから犬の散歩をする？Misaki, kore kara inu no sanpo o suru?Misaki, are you going to walk the dog now?
- 美咲 Misakiうん、大翔、一緒に行く？Un, Hiroto, issho ni iku?Yes, Hiroto, do you want to come along?
- 大翔 Hirotoいいよ、すぐ準備するね。Ii yo, sugu junbi suru ne.Sure, I will get ready quickly.
- 美咲 Misakiじゃあ、外に行こう！Jaa, soto ni ikou!Then, let's go outside!
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
