زمری
zmaráy/zmaˈraɪ/masculine
The Pashto word for "lion" is زمری (zmaráy). Wiktionary also lists مزری (mazráy) and غضنفر (ǧazanfár).
Meaning: big cat Panthera leo (noun)
Ways to say it
| Pashto | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| زمری | zmaráy | /zmaˈraɪ/ | masculine |
| مزری | mazráy | /mza.raˈɪ/ | masculine |
| غضنفر | ǧazanfár | masculine |
In Pashto, the term for the big cat Panthera leo can be expressed through several different words depending on whether you are speaking standardly, formally or poetically.
Which one should you use?
While زمری is the standard word used for the animal, غضنفر is a literary term. غضنفر is used to describe a lion's bravery or to refer to a brave person metaphorically, translating more closely to a "brave" or "valiant" lion.
How does it change in a sentence?
All forms provided are masculine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is zmaráy. The IPA is /zmaˈraɪ/.
Did you know?
- The poetic term غضنفر is not originally Pashto but is a loanword from Arabic, reflecting the deep influence of Islamic literature on formal Pashto poetry.
- In many Pashto-speaking regions, the word زمری is not just a name for the animal but is frequently used as a term of endearment for a brave young boy, much like calling someone a 'little lion'.
- In Pashto folklore and poetry, the lion often represents the 'just ruler' who protects the weak, blending the animal's power with moral virtue.
Examples in context
- زمری په ځنګل کې دی.zamrai pa jangal ke day.The lion is in the jungle.
- دا یو ډېر لوی زمری دی.da yo der loy zamrai day.This is a very big lion.
Example conversation
Zarkola and Ahmad are looking at a picture book of animals.
- زركولہ Zarkolaاحمد، دا عکس وګوره، دا څه دی؟Ahmad, da akas wagora, da tseh day?Ahmad, look at this picture, what is this?
- احمد Ahmedدا یو لوی زمری دی.Da yo loy zimray day.This is a big lion.
- زركولہ Zarkolaزمری ډېر خطرناک ښکاري.Zimray der khatarnak khkari.The lion looks very dangerous.
- احمد Ahmedهو، خو هغه ډېر ښکلی هم دی.Ho, kho hagha der khkuly ham day.Yes, but it is also very beautiful.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “lion” translations and entries زمری, مزری, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
