사자
saja[sʰa̠d͡ʑa̠]
The English word "lion" is translated into Korean as 사자 (saja).
The term 사자 is used to refer to the big cat Panthera leo.
Meaning: big cat Panthera leo (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is saja.
Did you know?
- Because 사자 can mean 'messenger' and 'deceased person' it is common in Korean folklore and cinema to see a 저승사자, which is a 'Grim Reaper' or a 'messenger from the underworld'.
- While 사자 refers to the animal, Koreans often use the expression 사자후 'lion's roar' to describe a powerful, commanding, or authoritative way of speaking.
- In Korean culture the 사자 is often associated with the 'Lion Dance' 사자놀이, a traditional performance used to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck.
Examples in context
- 톰은 동물원에서 사자를 봤다.Tom saw a lion at the zoo.This sentence is useful for describing someone seeing a 사자 at a zoo.Tatoeba #11110787 by intertime, translation #6982716 by aln
- 사자는 정글의 왕이다.The lion is the king of the jungle.This sentence is useful for stating that a 사자 is the king of the jungle.Tatoeba #2788645 by cueyayotl, translation #29846 by CM
- 사자는 사람들에게 위엄과 용맹을 상징합니다.Lions symbolize dignity and bravery to people.
- 사자는 아주 용맹하다.sajaneun aju yongmaenghada.The lion is very brave.
Example conversation
Seoyeon and Jihun are looking at a picture book.
- 서연 Seo-yeon지훈 씨, 이 동물은 뭐예요?jihun ssi, i dongmureun mwoyeyo?Jihun, what is this animal?
- 지훈 Ji-hun이건 멋진 사자예요.igeon meotjin sajayeyo.This is a cool lion.
- 서연 Seo-yeon갈기가 정말 멋지네요.galgiga jeongmal meotjineyo.The mane is really impressive.
- 지훈 Ji-hun맞아요, 정말 강해 보여요.majayo, jeongmal ganghae boyeoyo.True, it looks very strong.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “lion” translations and entries 사자, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
