Chinese Grammar Reference logo

    Chinese Grammar

    Referring to 'puppy' with 小狗 (xiǎo gǒu)

    Description & Modification
    Numbers & Quantity

    Structure

    Number + Classifier (只) + 小狗

    Explanation

    The compound noun 小狗 (xiǎo gǒu) literally means 'small dog' and is used to refer to a puppy or a small dog. It combines the adjective 小 (small) with 狗 (dog). When counting, use the classifier 只 before 小狗.

    Examples

    • 邻居家的小狗又跑到我们院子里来了。

      Línjū jiā de xiǎo gǒu yòu pǎo dào wǒmen yuànzi lǐ lái le.

      The neighbor's puppy ran into our yard again.

    • 这只小狗才两个月大,特别可爱。

      Zhè zhī xiǎo gǒu cái liǎng gè yuè dà, tèbié kě'ài.

      This puppy is only two months old and is really cute.

    • 她抱着一只小狗拍了张照片。

      Tā bào zhe yī zhī xiǎo gǒu pāi le zhāng zhàopiàn.

      She held a puppy and took a photo.

    Referring to 'puppy' with 小狗 (xiǎo gǒu) | Chinese Grammar