noun
dog; canine
The common word for a domestic dog. Used in everyday speech and writing.
近所の犬が毎朝散歩している。
The neighbor's dog goes for a walk every morning.
犬は人間の最良の友と言わ
Dogs are said to be man's best friend.
noun
Derogatory slang for an informer or spy, often used in criminal or rough contexts. Usually written in kana.
See also: みっこくしゃ
あいつは警察に通報した犬だ。
That guy is a rat who tipped off the police.
noun
Strongly derogatory term for a contemptible person. Vulgar and insulting.
そんな犬みたいな奴と話すことはない。
There's no point talking to a loser like that.
noun, used as a prefix
counterfeit; inferior; useless
Prefix used to disparage something as fake, shoddy, or worthless. Common in compounds like 犬死に (pointless death) or 犬侍 (phony samurai).
彼は犬死にを遂げたと言われている。
He is said to have died a pointless death.
あの映画は犬も食わないつまらなさだ。
That movie is so boring even a dog wouldn't touch it.