1.
puppy; young dog
A young dog, typically less than one year old.
子犬がしっぽを振っている。
The puppy is wagging its tail.
隣の家で子犬が生まれたので、見に行った。
Puppies were born at the neighbor's house, so I went to see them.
ペットショップで見た子犬がかわいくて、つい飼いたくなってしまった。
The puppy I saw at the pet shop was so cute that I couldn't help wanting to keep it.
子犬 refers to a young dog, typically under one year old. It is formed from 子 (child, young) + 犬 (dog), following a productive pattern used for other young animals: 子猫 (kitten), 子馬 (foal).
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 子犬を飼う: to keep/raise a puppy
- 子犬を拾う: to find/pick up a stray puppy
- 子犬が生まれる: puppies are born
COUNTER: 匹 (for small animals).