il tuo cane è carino
The English phrase "your dog is cute" can be said in Italian as il tuo cane è carino.
This phrase is a compliment used to tell someone that their dog is attractive or endearing. If you see a nice dog and want to use a more natural, spontaneous exclamation, you can say che bel cane! to mean "what a beautiful dog!"
Which one should you use?
The word carino is used to mean cute or endearing. If you wish to give a stronger compliment meaning "beautiful" or "handsome," use il tuo cane è bello instead.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
To say "your dog is cute" informally, use il tuo cane è carino. For a formal situation where you are speaking to a stranger or someone to whom you want to show formal respect, use the capitalized il Suo cane è carino. If you are addressing a group of people formally, you can say Il vostro cane è adorabile to mean "Your dog is adorable."
Did you know?
- The word cane is used in many Italian idioms to describe things unrelated to animals, such as calling a very bad movie or a poor-quality object un cane.
- The word carino is actually a diminutive of the word caro, which can mean both 'dear' or 'expensive'.
- In Italy, dogs are often regarded as members of the family, and it is common for owners to treat them as figli 'children' in social settings.
Examples in context
- Oh, ma guarda, il tuo cane è carino!Oh, look, your dog is cute!
Example conversation
Lorenzo and Martina are walking in a park.
- LorenzoCiao Martina! Il tuo cane è carino.Hi Martina! Your dog is cute.
- MartinaGrazie mille, Lorenzo! È molto dolce.Thank you so much, Lorenzo! He is very sweet.
- LorenzoPosso accarezzarlo un momento?Can I pet him for a moment?
- MartinaCerto, non c'è problema!Sure, no problem!
