lion
/ljɔ̃/masculine
The English word "lion" is translated into French as lion. Wiktionary also lists lionne.
Meaning: big cat Panthera leo (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| lion | /ljɔ̃/ /li.ɔ̃/ |
masculine |
| lionne | /ljɔn/ /li.ɔn/ (Quebec) |
feminine |
The term refers to the big cat Panthera leo.
Which one should you use?
lion is the masculine form, while lionne is the feminine form.
How does it change in a sentence?
The feminine form of lion is lionne.
How do you pronounce it?
/ljɔ̃/
Did you know?
- The phrase faire le lion is used to describe someone who acts overly proud or boasts about their achievements to impress others.
- While lionne refers to the female cat, it is also used metaphorically to describe a woman who is fiercely protective of her children.
- French literature often uses the lion as a symbol of royalty and justice, a tradition inherited from medieval bestiaries.
Examples in context
- Je vois un lion.I see a lion.This sentence is useful for practicing the use of lion as an object.Tatoeba #595928 by qdii, translation #586830 by kebukebu
- Le lion a bondi.The lion pounced.This sentence is useful for seeing lion as the subject of a sentence.Tatoeba #11837526 by Amastan, translation #8277681 by Amastan
- Ceci est un lion.This is a lion.This sentence is useful for identifying a lion.Tatoeba #2601400 by nimfeo, translation #1388922 by CK
- Le lion est le roi de la savane.The lion is the king of the savannah.
- Regarde ce fauve qui dort au soleil!Look at that beast sleeping in the sun!
- As-tu déjà vu la lionne chasser sa proie?Have you ever seen the lioness hunting its prey?
- 72 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Léa and Lucas are watching a nature documentary on TV.
- LéaRegarde ce lion dans la savane.Look at that lion in the savannah.
- LucasIl est vraiment impressionnant, ce lion.That lion is truly impressive.
- LéaEst-ce que le lion dort ?Is the lion sleeping?
- LucasNon, il observe ses proies.No, he is watching his prey.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “lion” translations and entries lion, lionne, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
