How to Say "Lion" in Italian - How To Say Guide

leone

/leˈo.ne/masculine

The Italian word for lion is leone.

leone refers to the big cat Panthera leo.

Meaning: big cat Panthera leo (noun)

How does it change in a sentence?

The masculine singular form is leone, and its masculine plural form is leoni.

The word has 3 syllables, with the stress on the second syllable: /leˈo.ne/.

In Italy, the Leone di Venezia is a famous symbol of the city of Venice, often depicted with wings.
The Italian expression fare il leone can be used to describe someone who acts tough or arrogant to intimidate others.
The word leone was borrowed from the Latin word leōnem.

Lui è un leone!
He is a lion!
This sentence shows how to use leone to describe a person.
Tatoeba #13333810 by Guybrush88, translation #11878088 by Ahitos
Un leone è forte.
A lion is strong.
This sentence uses leone to describe a characteristic of the animal.
Tatoeba #1689079 by Guybrush88, translation #1392505 by CM
Io vedo il leone.
I see the lion.
This sentence shows how to use leone with a definite article.
Tatoeba #7788573 by Guybrush88, translation #6443366 by RudeGuyGames
Il "leone" è un animale maestoso e potente.
The "lion" is a majestic and powerful animal.
La "leonessa" protegge vigorosamente i suoi cuccioli.
The "lioness" fiercely protects her cubs.
Quell'adorabile "leonetto" sembra così affettuoso!
That adorable "lion cub" looks so affectionate!
Ciao, "Leo"! Sei forte come un "leone"!
Hi, "Leo"! You're as strong as a "lion"!
191 more sentences on Tatoeba

Alessandro and Chiara are at the zoo watching the animals.

Sources

Wiktionary, “lion” translations and entries leone, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
Word origins: Wiktionary entries leone, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.

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