Translation guide
The Dog Star is the brightest star in the night sky, known as Sirius. In Japanese, it is referred to by its astronomical name or its traditional name as part of the constellation Canis Major.
Referring to the star Sirius in a scientific or general context.
The most common and direct way to refer to the Dog Star in Japanese, used in astronomy and everyday conversation.
Sirius is the brightest star in the night sky.
The traditional Chinese/Japanese name for Sirius, meaning 'celestial wolf star'. Used in historical or literary contexts.
Referring to the star as part of the constellation Canis Major (the Great Dog).
Literally 'Sirius of the Great Dog constellation'. Used when you want to explicitly connect the star to its constellation.
The Celestial Wolf Star was considered an unlucky star in ancient China.
Sirius in Canis Major is a marker of the winter constellations.