کیف
kif/ˈkiːf/
The Persian word for bag is کیف (kif). Wiktionary also lists کِیسَه (kīsa) and کِیف (kīf).
Meaning: flexible container (noun)
Ways to say it
| Persian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| کیف | kif | /ˈkiːf/ (Classical Persian) /ˈkajf/ (Classical Persian) |
| کِیسَه | kīsa | |
| کِیف | kīf | |
| کیسِه | kise | |
| ساک | sâk | [sɒːkʰʲ] (Iran, formal, narrow) |
The term is used to describe a flexible container used for carrying items.
Which one should you use?
The word کیف is the most general term for personal items such as handbags, purses or backpacks. In contrast, کیسه typically refers to sacks, pouches or plastic shopping bags. If you are referring to a much larger, often soft-sided bag like a duffel bag or a large cloth bag, use ساک.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ˈkiːf/.
Did you know?
- The word کیف is a loanword from Arabic, where it originally referred to a state of mind, pleasure or mood rather than a physical object.
- While کیسه means 'bag' or 'sack', it is also the word used for a 'purse' in a historical or fairy-tale context, such as a bag of gold coins.
- The word ساک is a phonetic loanword from the English word 'sack', but it is used specifically for travel bags and duffels rather than grocery sacks.
Examples in context
- کدام کیف مال تو است؟Which bag is yours?This sentence is useful for asking about ownership of a کیف.Tatoeba #805111 by mahdiye, translation #37977 by CK
- کیفت بر روی میز من است.Your bag is on my desk.This sentence is useful for describing the location of a کیف.Tatoeba #848142 by mahdiye, translation #70934 by CK
- کیف من کهنه است. من باید یکی نو بخرم.My bag is too old. I must buy a new one.This sentence is useful for expressing the need to replace an old کیف.Tatoeba #827408 by mahdiye, translation #250285 by CK
- ببخشید، آیا می‌توانم این کیف را با خودم ببرم؟Excuse me, can I take this bag with me?
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sara and Mohammad are getting ready to leave for a trip.
- سارا Saraمحمد، کیف تو کجاست؟Mohammad, kif-e to kojast?Mohammad, where is your bag?
- محمد Mohammadکیف من کنار در است.Kif-e man kenar-e dar ast.My bag is by the door.
- سارا Saraآیا کیف من را می‌بینی؟Aya kif-e man ra mibini?Do you see my bag?
- محمد Mohammadبله، کیف تو روی کاناپه است.Bale, kif-e to ruy-e kanape ast.Yes, your bag is on the sofa.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bag” translations and entries کیف, ساک, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries کیف, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
