Лев
Lev[lʲef]masculine
In Russian, Leo is translated as Лев (Lev).
Лев is the name for the astrological sign Leo. It can also refer to someone with a Leo star sign.
Meaning: astrological sign (name)
What does it mean word for word?
The word Лев literally means lion.
Which one should you use?
Depending on the context, Лев can refer to the astrological sign, the animal or a common male given name.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When expressing possession or using the sign in certain grammatical constructions (like 'the period of Leo'), the word changes to the genitive form Льва.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is Lev.
Did you know?
- While Лев refers to the astrological sign, it is also the most common way to say 'the Bulgarian lev', the national currency of Bulgaria.
- The word Лев is believed to have come into Russian via a Germanic language before it arrived from the Latin word 'leo'.
- In Russian culture, calling someone a лев can be a compliment to their courage or strength, rather than a reference to their birthday.
Examples in context
- Лев – ваш друг?Is Leo your friend?Tatoeba #10681803 by marafon, translation #13041065 by rul
- Лев Толстой был вегетарианцем.Leo Tolstoy was a vegetarian.This sentence uses Лев as a name.Tatoeba #3235995 by odexed, translation #3236038 by _undertoad
- Овен, Лев и Стрелец – три огненных знака.Aries, Leo and Sagittarius are the three fire signs.This sentence uses Лев to list different fire signs.Tatoeba #5876614 by marafon, translation #13354963 by araneo
- Лео, добро пожаловать на наше мероприятие!Leo, welcome to our event!
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing their horoscopes at a cafe.
- Андрей AndreyКакой у тебя знак зодиака?Kakoy u tebya znak zodiaka?What is your zodiac sign?
- Анастасия AnastasiaЯ Лев, а ты?Ya Lev, a ty?I am a Leo, what about you?
- Андрей AndreyМой знак Телец.Moy znak Telets.My sign is Taurus.
- Анастасия AnastasiaМы очень разные по характеру.My ochen' raznye po kharakteru.We are very different in character.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “leo” translations and entries Лев, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries лев, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
