The word "Vasilev" is a surname commonly found in Eastern Europe. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is spelled /vɑːsɪlɛv/. The first syllable, "va," is pronounced with an open "a" sound, as in "father." The second syllable, "si," is pronounced as a short "i" sound, as in "bit." The third and final syllable, "lev," is pronounced with a soft "e" sound, as in "let." The spelling of "Vasilev" is therefore a reflection of these phonetic sounds.