Dictionary
English - Chinese

Dog

dɔɡ
Extremely common
800 - 900
800 - 900
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.

狗, 狗狗, 犬, 狗屎, 狗仔队

Dog meanings in Chinese

Example:
I have a dog at home.
我家里有一只狗。
Dogs are loyal animals.
狗是忠诚的动物。
Usage: informalContext: Used in everyday conversation when referring to the animal.
Note: The word '狗' (gǒu) is the most common term for a domestic dog in Mandarin Chinese.

狗狗

Example:
Look at that cute puppy, it's a little doggy!
看看那只可爱的小狗狗!
My doggy loves to play fetch.
我的狗狗喜欢玩接球。
Usage: informalContext: Used affectionately to refer to dogs, especially puppies or small dogs.
Note: '狗狗' (gǒu gǒu) is a diminutive and more affectionate way to refer to dogs.

Example:
The dog belongs to the hound family.
这只狗属于犬科。
There are many breeds of dogs in the hound category.
犬类中有许多不同品种的狗。
Usage: formalContext: Used in scientific or formal contexts, such as zoology.
Note: '犬' (quǎn) is a more technical term used in academic or formal discussions related to animal classification.

狗屎

Example:
That is a load of dog poop!
那是一堆狗屎!
Don't step in the dog poop.
不要踩到狗屎。
Usage: informalContext: Used colloquially to refer to dog excrement, often in casual conversation.
Note: '狗屎' (gǒu shǐ) is a slang term that can also be used metaphorically to refer to something nonsensical or worthless.

狗仔队

Example:
The paparazzi are like a pack of dogs.
狗仔队就像一群狗。
Celebrities dread the dog pack chasing them.
明星们害怕狗仔队追逐他们。
Usage: informalContext: Used in media or entertainment contexts to refer to paparazzi.
Note: '狗仔队' (gǒu zǎi duì) literally means 'dog team' and is used to describe photographers who follow celebrities.

Dog's synonyms

pooch

Pooch is an informal term for a dog, often used affectionately.
Example: My neighbor has a cute little pooch that loves to play fetch.
Note: Pooch is a more informal and endearing term compared to 'dog.'

canine

Canine refers to a dog, especially in a scientific or formal context.
Example: The canine unit of the police force is highly trained in tracking and apprehending suspects.
Note: Canine is a more formal term used in technical or scientific discussions.

pup

Pup is a colloquial term for a young dog or a puppy.
Example: She adopted a sweet little pup from the animal shelter.
Note: Pup specifically refers to a young dog, while 'dog' can refer to dogs of any age.

hound

Hound typically refers to a hunting dog or a breed known for its strong sense of smell.
Example: The hound tracked the scent of the missing child through the forest.
Note: Hound is more specific and often used for hunting or tracking dogs.

mutt

Mutt is a colloquial term for a dog of mixed breed or uncertain lineage.
Example: Their mutt is a mix of several different breeds and has a unique appearance.
Note: Mutt specifically refers to mixed-breed dogs, while 'dog' can refer to any breed.

Dog expressions, common phrases

Top dog

Refers to the person who has the most power, authority, or influence in a group or organization.
Example: In the company, he's the top dog, making all the important decisions.
Note: The original word 'dog' refers to the animal, but 'top dog' is a metaphorical expression.

Every dog has its day

Means that everyone will have a moment of success or good fortune at some point in their life.
Example: I may not be successful now, but every dog has its day, and my time will come.
Note: The phrase uses 'dog' to convey a message of hope and eventual success.

Dog-eat-dog

Describes a situation where people are willing to harm each other to achieve their own success or survival.
Example: The business world can be a dog-eat-dog environment where people will do anything to get ahead.
Note: The phrase emphasizes intense competition and ruthless behavior, likening it to how dogs may fight for survival.

Barking up the wrong tree

Means to pursue a mistaken or misguided course of action or to have a wrong idea about something.
Example: If you think I'm the one who took your money, you're barking up the wrong tree.
Note: In this idiom, 'barking' is used metaphorically to represent being vocal about an incorrect assumption.

Sick as a dog

Describes someone who is extremely ill or unwell.
Example: After eating that bad seafood, I was sick as a dog all night.
Note: The phrase uses the comparison to a sick dog to emphasize the severity of the illness.

Let sleeping dogs lie

Means to avoid interfering in a situation that is currently calm or stable because doing so could create problems.
Example: I know you want to confront him about the issue, but sometimes it's better to let sleeping dogs lie.
Note: The phrase advises against stirring up trouble or reopening old conflicts, similar to disturbing a sleeping dog.

Dog days

Refers to a period of hot, sultry weather, typically in the summer.
Example: During the dog days of summer, it's too hot to do anything but stay indoors.
Note: This phrase originally referred to the period when the Dog Star (Sirius) rises and was associated with heat, drought, and discomfort.

Dog everyday (slang) expressions

Puppy dog eyes

Refers to the pleading or innocent look someone gives to win sympathy or favors.
Example: She always gets what she wants with those puppy dog eyes.
Note: This phrase emphasizes the wide-eyed, innocent look rather than just the word 'dog'.

Doggone

Used as a euphemism to express anger, annoyance, or surprise.
Example: That doggone cat keeps sneaking into our yard.
Note: An altered form of 'God-damn', used to avoid swearing with a light-hearted tone.

Dog and pony show

Refers to an elaborate or overblown performance or presentation with little substance.
Example: The presentation turned into a dog and pony show with all the unnecessary theatrics.
Note: This phrase uses 'dog and pony show' to imply spectacle and superficiality beyond just 'dog'.

Work like a dog

To work extremely hard or diligently.
Example: I've been working like a dog all week to meet the deadline.
Note: Comparing hard work to the laborious tasks dogs may perform.

Dog tired

To be extremely exhausted or worn out.
Example: After a long day at the office, I was dog tired and just crashed on the couch.
Note: Associating extreme fatigue with being as tired as a dog.

Underdog

Refers to a person or team expected to lose but fights against the odds.
Example: Despite being the underdog, the team fought hard and won the championship.
Note: This term comes from the context of sports where the underdog is seen as disadvantaged.

Doghouse

Refers to being in trouble or disfavored by someone.
Example: I forgot her birthday, so now I'm in the doghouse.
Note: This term implies being in trouble or out of favor and being compared to a dog being sent outside or away.

Dog - Examples

The dog barked at the mailman.
对邮递员叫了起来。
She adopted a cute little puppy.
她收养了一只可爱的小
My neighbor's dog is always running around in the yard.
我邻居的总是在院子里跑来跑去。

Dog grammar

Dog - Noun (Noun) / Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass)
Lemma: dog
Conjugations
Noun, plural (Noun, plural): dogs, dog
Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass): dog
Verb, past tense (Verb, past tense): dogged
Verb, gerund or present participle (Verb, gerund or present participle): dogging
Verb, 3rd person singular present (Verb, 3rd person singular present): dogs
Verb, base form (Verb, base form): dog
Verb, non-3rd person singular present (Verb, non-3rd person singular present): dog
Syllables, Separation and Stress
dog Contains 1 syllables: dog
Phonetic transcription: ˈdȯg
dog , ˈdȯg (The red syllable is stressed)

Dog - Importance and usage frequency

The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
dog: 800 - 900 (Extremely common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
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