روح
ruh/ˈruːh/
The English word ghost can be translated into Persian as روح (ruh) or شَبَح. Wiktionary also lists رُوح (rūh).
Meaning: spirit appearing after death (noun)
Ways to say it
| Persian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| روح | ruh | /ˈruːh/ (Classical Persian) |
| رُوح | rūh | |
| شَبَح | šabah |
In Persian, the choice of word depends on whether you are referring to the abstract essence of a person or a visible presence. Use رُوح or روح to discuss the metaphysical soul or spirit, while use شَبَح to describe a visible apparition, phantom or spooky figure.
Which one should you use?
There is a distinction between the spiritual and the visual. رُوح is used for the concept of a soul or the metaphysical essence of a person. In contrast, شَبَح is used specifically for a visible, phantom-like ghost or a spooky figure.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ˈruːh/.
Did you know?
- The word روح can be used as a term of endearment, such as calling someone 'my soul', which is quite different from using it to describe a haunting ghost.
- The word شَبَح can describe a 'mirage' or a deceptive optical illusion, moving the concept of a ghost from the supernatural into the realm of physics and sight.
- The word روح is the same word used for the word 'breath' or 'spirit' in many religious contexts, linking the essence of life to the concept of a ghost.
Examples in context
- او میگوید که روح در این خانه است.u miguyad ke ruh dar in khane ast.He says that a ghost is in this house.
- من از دیدن روح میترسم.man az didan-e ruh mitarsam.I am afraid of seeing a ghost.
Example conversation
Reza and Zahra are watching a scary movie.
- رضا Rezaترسیدی؟ روح فیلم خیلی ترسناک است.Tarsidi? Rooh-e film kheyli tarsnak ast.Are you scared? The movie's ghost is very scary.
- زهرا Zahraنه، من از روح نمیترسم.Na, man az rooh nemitarsam.No, I am not afraid of ghosts.
- رضا Rezaمن کمی میترسم.Man kami mitarsam.I am a little scared.
- زهرا Zahraاین فقط یک فیلم است، رضا.In faghat yek film ast, Reza.It is just a movie, Reza.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “ghost” translations and entries روح, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
