خَر
xar
The English word "donkey" is translated into Dari as خَر (xar) or حِمَار.
Meaning: a domestic animal (noun)
Ways to say it
| Dari | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| خَر | xar |
| حِمَار | himār |
Both words refer to the domestic animal.
Which one should you use?
حِمَار is the standard term for the animal, while خَر is often used in a derogatory or insulting way to call someone a fool.
How do you pronounce it?
xar
Did you know?
- If you are looking for the word for 'ass' in a vulgar sense, a Dari speaker would not use حِمَار, which remains strictly about the animal or intelligence.
- In Afghan folklore and jokes, the حِمَار is often portrayed as a symbol of patience and endurance rather than just stupidity.
- In Dari-speaking cultures, calling someone a خَر is significantly more offensive than calling them a 'donkey' is in English, as it implies a complete lack of intellect.
Examples in context
- خَر در مزرعه است.khar dar mazra'a ast.The donkey is in the farm.
- من یک خَر کوچک دارم.man yak khar-e koochak dāram.I have a small donkey.
- آن خَر بسیار پرکار است.ān khar besyār porkār ast.That donkey is very hardworking.
Example conversation
Sara and Hussein are visiting a rural village.
- سارا Saraحسین، آن حیوان چیست؟Hussein, an haywan chist?Hussein, what is that animal?
- حسین Husseinآن یک خَر است.An yak khar ast.That is a donkey.
- سارا Saraآیا خَر میتواند سریع بدود؟Aya khar meytwanad sare' badawad?Can a donkey run fast?
- حسین Husseinبله، اما خَر بیشتر برای کار است.Bale, ama khar beshtar baraye kar ast.Yes, but a donkey is mostly for work.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “donkey” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
