حرفهای بد
harf-haye bad
The phrase "bad words" in Persian is translated as حرفهای بد (harf-haye bad).
Other specific terms for bad words or profanity include حرفهای زشت, which literally means "ugly words". Within the category of offensive language, Haramzadeh is a term meaning "Bastard" and Kos is a slang term for "Vagina".
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase حرفهای بد is composed of harf (word/speech), the plural suffix -haye and bad (bad).
Which one should you use?
The alternative حرفهای زشت (ugly words) is also commonly used to describe profanity.
How do you pronounce it?
harf-haye bad
Did you know?
- Despite sounding and meaning the same, the Persian word بد is not related to the English word 'bad'.
- Certain 'bad words' in Persian are avoided not just for their meaning, but because they are considered 'najis' or ritually impure in a religious context.
- In Persian culture, the concept of Ta'arof often makes the use of حرفهای بد even more shocking because of the extreme emphasis on politeness in public.
Examples in context
- نباید حرفهای بد بگویی.nabāyad harfhāye bad beguyi.You shouldn't say bad words.
- او مدام حرفهای بد میگوید.u modām harfhāye bad miguyad.He constantly says bad words.
Example conversation
Sara and Amir are discussing how to discipline a child.
- سارا Saraباید جلوی او را بگیریم.bāyad joloye u rā begirim.We must stop him.
- امیر Amirچرا؟ او چه کرده است؟cherā? u che karde ast?Why? What has he done?
- سارا Saraاو شروع به گفتن حرفهای بد کرده است.u shoru' be goftane harfhāye bad karde ast.He has started saying bad words.
- امیر Amirپس باید بیشتر مراقب باشیم.pas bāyad bishtar morāqeb bāshim.Then we must be more careful.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries بد, CC BY-SA 4.0.
