A guide to saying it correctly
How to Pronounce Lviv
Pronounced luh-VEEV, this Ukrainian city's name has a distinct sound familiar to those who follow international news.
lviv
luh-VEEV
/luh-VEEV/ · luh · VEEV
Native US English · Kokoro neural TTS · 0:01
It's also sometimes seen on menus if a restaurant features Ukrainian cuisine.
Where the word comes from
The name 'Lviv' derives from 'Lev', the name of the son of Prince Daniel of Galicia, who founded the city in the mid-13th century. It means 'of Lev'.
Common ways people get it wrong
- LIV-iv This common mistake likely comes from trying to pronounce the 'v' sound twice and simplifying the initial syllable.
- LUV-iv The first syllable is a short 'uh' sound, similar to the 'a' in 'about', not a short 'u' sound.
Frequently asked
How do you pronounce Lviv?
The most common pronunciation in English is luh-VEEV. The stress is on the second syllable.
Is Lviv pronounced like 'Live'?
No, it's not pronounced like the English word 'live'. The first syllable is a short 'uh' sound, and the second syllable has a distinct 'VEEV' sound.
What is the origin of the name Lviv?
The name Lviv comes from 'Lev', the son of Prince Daniel of Galicia, who founded the city in the 13th century. It essentially means 'of Lev'.
