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How to Say "Dog" in Italian

The SPAIKING TeamJuly 27, 2026
cane
"Dog" in Italian 路 say it like kah-neh

The most natural way to say "Dog" in Italian is cane. Tap the speaker above to hear it, then say it back out loud. That is the fastest way to make it stick.

Other ways to say it

cagnolino
used affectionately for a small dog
cagna
specifically refers to a female dog

When to use it

You can use 'cane' when referring to dogs in general. It is appropriate in both formal and informal contexts. If you are talking about a specific dog, you might use its name or a term of endearment.

Say it out loud, get corrected

Reading it is not the same as saying it. Practice "Dog" and thousands more with an AI coach that listens.

Examples in Italian

ItalianEnglish
Il mio cane 猫 molto affettuoso.My dog is very affectionate.
Hai visto il cane di Marco?Have you seen Marco's dog?
Common mistake
Some learners confuse 'cane' with 'gatto', which means cat.

The fastest way to remember it

Vocabulary you only read fades fast. Vocabulary you say out loud sticks. Hear cane, repeat it a few times, then use it in a real sentence. SPAIKING lets you practice exactly that, speaking Italian with a coach that corrects your pronunciation in real time. You can start with two free conversations.

Frequently asked questions

What is the plural form of 'cane'?

The plural form is 'cani'.

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