Quick answer
犬 is the kanji for "Dog". A common reading is いぬ (inu). You can also practice writing it on this page.
Meaning
Dog
Also : Hound · Canine
Learn 犬 with SRS
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Readings
kun = Japanese reading · on = Chinese reading
Practice writing
Trace the kanji stroke by stroke with a visual guide.
Stroke Order
4 strokes
Radicals
Memory Aid
The kanji 犬 represents 'DOG'. Think of this shape as a picture representing the concept of dog.
On-reading: けん — remember this sound by associating it with dog. Kun-reading: いぬ.
Example Sentences
去年から小さな犬を飼っています。
きょねんからちいさないぬをかっています。
I've had a small dog since last year.
犬の散歩をするのが日課です。
いぬのさんぽをするのがにっかです。
Walking the dog is my daily routine.
Vocabulary using 犬
Grammar to study at this level
Last updated Jun 18, 2026
Learn 犬 with Spaced Repetition
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