løve
feminine, masculine
The English word lion is løve in Norwegian. Wiktionary also lists løvinne.
Meaning: big cat Panthera leo (noun)
Ways to say it
| Norwegian | Note |
|---|---|
| løve | feminine, masculine |
| løvinne | feminine, masculine |
løve refers to the big cat Panthera leo. When someone says hun/han er som en løve (she/he is like a lion), it implies that the person is fearless or strong-willed.
Which one should you use?
While løve is used for the species in general or to refer to a male lion, løvinne is used specifically to refer to a female lion.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the singular definite form, meaning 'the lion', you add the suffix '-en' to løve to get løven. To form the plural, use løver for 'lions' and for the plural definite form 'the lions', use løvene.
Did you know?
- The word løve is derived from Middle Low German and Old High German before entering the Scandinavian languages.
- In Norwegian heraldry and traditional symbols, the løve often appears as a symbol of nobility and power across Northern Europe.
- The word løve is a linguistic relative of the English word 'leo', which appears in many scientific names and astrological signs.
Examples in context
- Løven er jungelens konge.The lion is the king of the jungle.This sentence uses løve to describe a lion as the king of the jungle.Tatoeba #2788400 by pergpau, translation #29846 by CM
- Eg ser ei løve.I see a lion.This sentence uses løve to state that a lion is being seen.Tatoeba #1983330 by Combine988, translation #586830 by kebukebu
- Både hest, løve, hund og geit er dyr.Horse, lion, dog, goat: these are animals.This sentence uses løve as part of a list of different animals.Tatoeba #1983785 by Combine988, translation #943138 by mayok
- Se på den søte løvepusen!Look at that adorable lion kitty!
- Den majestetiske løven hadde et mektig brøl.The majestic lion had a powerful roar.
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Kristoffer and Ingrid are visiting the zoo.
- KristofferSe, Ingrid! Der er en løve.Look, Ingrid! There is a lion.
- IngridOi, den er virkelig stor!Wow, it is really big!
- KristofferJeg tror løve er mitt favorittdyr.I think the lion is my favorite animal.
- IngridDet skjønner jeg godt, Kristoffer.I can well understand that, Kristoffer.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “lion” translations and entries løve, løvinne, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries løve, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
