simba
/ˈsi.ᵐbɑ/
simba is the Swahili word for lion.
The term refers to the big cat of the genus Panthera leo.
Meaning: big cat Panthera leo (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 2 syllables, and the stress is on the 1st syllable. The pronunciation is /ˈsi.ᵐbɑ/.
Did you know?
- The word simba is a central part of the global popularity of the Disney film 'The Lion King' because the lead character's name is the actual Swahili word for lion.
- While the Sanskrit word 'siṃha' sounds almost identical to simba, they are completely unrelated and developed independently in their respective language families.
- In some Swahili proverbs, the lion is used to represent the government or a powerful leader who is respected but feared.
Examples in context
- Simba ndiye mfalme wa msitu.The lion is the king of the jungle.Tatoeba #10807366 by ecorralest101, translation #29846 by CM
- Simba alitumwa kuua Hercules.A lion was sent to kill Hercules.Tatoeba #10888941 by ecorralest101, translation #6622796 by CarpeLanam
- Mamlaka ambayo ni ya simba sio ya punda.The authority that belongs to the lion does not belong to the donkey.Tatoeba #10858328 by ecorralest101, translation #3199122 by Theocracy
- Simba ni mnyama mkubwa wa porini.The lion is a large wild animal.
- Huyo simba mkubwa anaonekana kutawala eneo hili.That big lion seems to rule this area.
- Simba yule ni shujaa mwenye ujasiri usioweza kufananishwa.That lion is a courageous hero unmatched by any other.
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Aisha and Said are watching a nature documentary together.
- AishaTazama, simba mkubwa anakuja.Look, a big lion is coming.
- SaidSimba huyo anaonekana mwenye nguvu.That lion looks very strong.
- AishaJe, unajua jina la simba huyu?Do you know the name of this lion?
- SaidHapana, lakini anaonekana wa kutisha.No, but he looks terrifying.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “lion” translations and entries simba, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries simba, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
