گاو
gâv/ˈɡaːw/
The English word "cow" is translated into Persian as گاو (gâv). It is also spelled گا (gâ). Wiktionary also lists مادِهگاو (mâde-gâv) and گُو (gow).
Meaning: adult female of species Bos taurus (noun)
Ways to say it
| Persian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| گاو | gâv | /ˈɡaːw/ (Classical Persian) /ɡow/ (Iran, dialectal) |
|
| مادِهگاو | mâde-gâv | ||
| گُو | gow | dialectal | |
| گا | gâ | /ɡɒː/ | dialectal, alternative form |
The term گاو is used generically to refer to the species or to cattle in general. If you need to specify an adult female of the species, you can use the more specific term مادِهگاو.
What does it mean word for word?
The compound مادِهگاو is formed by combining مادِه, which means female and گاو, meaning cow or cattle.
Which one should you use?
While گاو is the standard term used for cattle or the species in general, مادِهگاو specifically refers to a female cow.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The form گُو is a dialectal variation of the standard term. Additionally, گا is an alternative dialectal spelling of گاو.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is gâv and the IPA is /ˈɡaːw/.
Did you know?
- In ancient Zoroastrianism, the cow was considered the most sacred of animals and a symbol of the divine. This spiritual veneration deeply influenced the cultural associations of گاو as a creature of purity.
- The Persian word گاو is a direct linguistic relative of the English word 'cow', sharing the same ancient Proto-Indo-European root.
- In certain regional dialects, calling someone a گاو is not a comment on their strength but a way to describe them as naive or easily fooled.
Examples in context
- آن گاو در مزرعه است.ān gāv dar mazra'eh ast.That cow is in the farm.
- ما یک گاو خریدیم.mā yek gāv kharidim.We bought a cow.
- گاو در حال خوردن علف است.gāv dar hāl-e khordan-e alaf ast.The cow is eating grass.
Example conversation
Reza and Sara are visiting a village.
- رضا Rezaسارا، آن گاو را ببین.Sārā, ān gāv rā bebīn.Sara, look at that cow.
- سارا Saraچه گاو زیبایی است!Che gāv-e zībāyī ast!What a beautiful cow it is!
- رضا Rezaبه نظر می‌رسد گرسنه است.Be nazar mī-rasad gorasneh ast.It looks hungry.
- سارا Saraبیا برایش علف ببریم.Biyā barā-yash 'alaf bebarīm.Let's bring some grass for it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cow” translations and entries گاو, گا, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries گاو, CC BY-SA 4.0.
