leon
/lʲoːn̪ˠ/masculine
The Irish word for lion is leon.
leon is a noun used to refer to the big cat, Panthera leo.
Meaning: big cat Panthera leo (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
leon is a masculine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/lʲoːn̪ˠ/
Did you know?
- In the Irish language, there is no single word for 'lion' that isn't derived from outside influence, as the animal did not exist in prehistoric Ireland.
- There is a separate Middle Irish word leónaid that looks similar to leon but actually means to injure or wound.
- The concept of 'misfortune' or 'sorrow' was historically linked to the spelling leon in certain contexts, creating a stark contrast with the animal's power.
Examples in context
- Seo leon.Here is a lion.This sentence is useful for identifying the presence of a leon.Tatoeba #8239946 by SadeceTurkce, translation #8231066 by SadeceTurkce
- Tá leon sa zoo.There is a lion in the zoo.
Example conversation
Two children are looking at a picture book about animals.
- OisínAn bhfuil leon sa leabhar seo?Is there a lion in this book?
- AoifeTá, feic an leon mór.Yes, look at the big lion.
- OisínIs fearr liom an leon.I prefer the lion.
- AoifeTá sé an-láidir.It is very strong.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “lion” translations and entries leon, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries leon, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
