# lev

/ˈɫɛv/ (US) · /lˈɛv/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/lev
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Definition

the official type of money used in Bulgaria. One lev is made up of 100 stotinki.

For teachers: the basic unit of currency in Bulgaria. It is subdivided into 100 stotinki and has been the national currency since the late 19th century.

## Examples

- The coffee costs exactly one lev.
- When traveling through Sofia, you will need to exchange your euros for the local lev to pay at smaller shops.
- The Bulgarian lev is currently pegged to the euro under a currency board arrangement, which ensures a stable exchange rate for international trade.

## Pitfalls

- Not "five levs" but "five leva" — When used with a specific number, the Bulgarian currency uses the count form 'leva' rather than the standard English plural 's'.

## Usage notes

- The plural form is 'leva' when used after a number, but 'levove' when used as a general plural noun.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.