أسد
asadstandard, everyday
The usual word for a lion in Lebanese Arabic is أسد (asad), the same word as in standard Arabic. It is also called سبع (sabe').
Meaning: a large wild cat (noun)
Ways to say it
| Lebanese | Romanization | Note |
|---|---|---|
| أسد | asad | standard, everyday |
| سبع | sabe' | colloquial |
أسد (asad) is what you hear in schools, zoos and news. سبع (sabe3) is a colloquial word for lion or a big wild beast that you may also hear, and it is often used for a brave, strong man.
When do people say it?
The lion appears in many Lebanese expressions praising courage, and أسد (asad) is also a common name of strength in songs.
Did you know?
- Arabic has many words for the lion, and أسد (asad) is the one every Lebanese child learns first at school.
Examples in context
- شفنا أسد بالحديقة.shefna asad bil-hadiqa.We saw a lion in the park.
- الأسد ملك الغابة.el-asad malik el-ghabe.The lion is the king of the jungle.
Example conversation
Dad takes his daughter Maya to the zoo in Beirut.
- Mayaبابا، شو هيدا؟baba, shu hayda?Dad, what is that?
- Babaهيدا أسد.hayda asad.That is a lion.
- Mayaكبير كتير!kbir ktir!Very big!
