HeyRuaHow to say “lion” in Irish
- Irish:
- leon
- English:
- lion, leo
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “lyohn” /lʲoːn̪ˠ/
- Plural:
- leoin (lions)
- Genitive singular:
- leoin, an leoin (e.g. moing an leoin, the lion's mane)
- Genitive plural:
- leon, na leon (e.g. tréad na leon, the pride of lions)
What does “leon” mean?
“Leon” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- lion
- A large wild cat with a golden coat, the male of which has a mane, found mainly in Africa.Also: big cat, lioness.
1 other meaning: leo
- 2leo
- With a capital letter, An Leon is the constellation and sign of the zodiac Leo.Also: zodiac sign, star sign.
“Leon” with the article
The plural of lion in Irish is leoin. Here is leon after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Leon” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using leon, the Irish word for lion.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Lion in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for lion?
The Irish for lion is leon (pronounced “lyohn”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is leoin. Depending on context it can also mean leo.
How do you pronounce leon in Irish?
Leon is said like “lyohn” (IPA /lʲoːn̪ˠ/).
What is the plural of lion in Irish?
The plural of leon is leoin; with the article, na leoin means “the lions”. The genitive plural is leon, as in tréad na leon (the pride of lions).
Does leon have more than one meaning?
Yes. Leon can mean lion or leo, depending on context; the first is the most common. Leon also has its own entry as a verb meaning to sprain.
What is the Irish for a lioness?
A lioness is 'banleon' (or 'leon baineann'), formed by adding 'ban' to 'leon'.
