Meaning

Primary

Puppy

Word Type

noun

Explanation

A child dog is a puppy!

Reading

こいぬ
  • Kyoko
    (Tokyo accent, female)
  • Kenichi
    (Tokyo accent, male)

Explanation

Even though this is a jukugo word, it doesn't use the on'yomi readings. Both the kanji and often favor kun'yomi readings, and this word is no exception. The reading for is the one you already know, and the reading for as is a really common one (perhaps you've already learned that reading?). If not, just think about punching a puppy in the face, and giving it a KO (That's a knock out).

Context

Common Word Combinations

  • 子犬がいる

    there are puppies, to have a puppy

    子犬がなめる

    the puppy licks

    子犬がくる

    a puppy is coming

Context Sentences

子犬は、かわいい。

The puppy is cute.

子犬はトレーニングがたいへんです。

Puppies are a lot of work to train.

子犬ごっこをしましょうよ。

Let’s pretend we’re puppies!

Kanji Composition