leeuw
/leːu̯/masculine
The Dutch word for "lion" is leeuw.
The word leeuw refers to the big cat Panthera leo.
Meaning: big cat Panthera leo (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
leeuw is a masculine noun and therefore takes the definite article de (the lion). To make the word plural, use leeuwen.
How do you pronounce it?
/leːu̯/
Did you know?
- The historical connection between leeuw and the concept of a 'mound' suggests that the word's origins are much more terrestrial than its current biological meaning.
- The Dutch expression een leeuw van een jongen is used to describe a boy who is particularly strong, brave, or impressive.
- In Dutch, the word leeuw is used in the phrase de leeuw van Vlaanderen, referring to the Lion of Flanders, a powerful symbol of Flemish identity and independence.
Examples in context
- Ik zie een leeuw.I see a lion.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use leeuw in a simple observation.Tatoeba #669418 by martinod, translation #586830 by kebukebu
- Dit is een leeuw.This is a lion.This sentence is useful for identifying leeuw in a basic statement.Tatoeba #7898079 by MarijnKp, translation #1388922 by CK
- Een leeuw is sterk.A lion is strong.This sentence is useful for describing a quality of a leeuw.Tatoeba #669429 by martinod, translation #1392505 by CM
- Het nationale symbool van Nederland is de leeuw.The national symbol of the Netherlands is the lion.
- Wat een schattig leeuwtje!What a cute little lion!
- 25 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lisa and Lucas are visiting the zoo.
- LisaKijk Lucas, zie je die leeuw?Look Lucas, do you see that lion?
- LucasJa, de leeuw ziet er erg indrukwekkend uit.Yes, the lion looks very impressive.
- LisaHij is echt een grote leeuw.He is truly a big lion.
- LucasHij is heel machtig, Lisa.He is very powerful, Lisa.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “lion” translations and entries leeuw, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries leeuw, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
