Canem

Canem is the accusative singular form of canis, the Latin noun meaning “dog.” Canis is a third-declension noun, and canem is typically used as the direct object in a sentence. The nominative singular is canis, and the plural forms include canes (nominative) and canum (genitive), among others.

In Latin usage, canem appears in a variety of contexts involving dogs, most famously in the phrase cave canem, “beware of the dog,” which is found on ancient inscriptions and Pompeian mosaics. This construction demonstrates how the word functions as the object of an imperative verb in classical Latin.

Beyond its grammatical role, canem also appears in modern contexts as a term invoked in discussions of Latin grammar or used as a proper name in branding, fiction, or educational materials. When capitalized as Canem, it is typically treated as a title or name rather than a linguistic form. In all uses, the form highlights the distinction between the Latin word as a grammatical element and its potential applications in contemporary language and culture.