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.
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.
おおいぬ座のシリウスは冬の星座の目印です。
Sirius in Canis Major is a marker of the winter constellations.
シリウスは夜空で一番明るい恒星です。
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.
天狼星は古代中国で不吉な星とされていた。
The Celestial Wolf Star was considered an unlucky star in ancient China.