libaax
[lìˈβ̞ǽæ̀ʜ]
The Somali word for lion is libaax.
libaax is a noun used to refer to the big cat Panthera leo.
Meaning: big cat Panthera leo (noun)
Did you know?
- Unlike the Somali word libaax, the Oromo word for lion, leenca, is entirely unrelated linguistically, despite the two groups living in the same region.
- The term libaax is not just an animal name but is used metaphorically in Somali to describe a person of great courage or a formidable leader.
- In some Somali dialects, calling someone a libaax can be a high compliment for their strength, but in other contexts, it can imply a fierce or predatory nature.
Examples in context
- Nin baa libaax dilay.A man has killed a lion.This sentence shows how to use libaax in the context of a man killing a lion.Tatoeba #12408641 by Iye_Tete, translation #12408642 by ddnktr
- Libaax ayaa ku dhuumanaya dhirta dhexdeeda.A lion is hiding among the trees.
- Ma aragtay libaax weyn?Did you see a big lion?
Example conversation
Farah and Nimco are looking at a book about animals.
- FarahFiiri libaaxan weyn!Look at this big lion!
- NimcoWuu aad u cabuudahay, Farah.He is very scary, Farah.
- FarahLibaaxu waa boqorka duurka.The lion is the king of the wild.
- NimcoHaa, waa runtaa.Yes, you are right.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “lion” translations and entries libaax, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries libaax, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
