نصف
nesf/ˈnisf/
The English word 'half' can be translated into Persian as نصف (nesf). Wiktionary also lists نیم (nim) and نیمه (nime).
Meaning: one of two roughly equal parts into which anything may be divided (noun)
Ways to say it
| Persian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| نصف | nesf | /ˈnisf/ (Classical Persian) |
| نیم | nim | /ˈniːm/ (Classical Persian) /ˈneːm/ (Classical Persian) |
| نیمه | nime | /neː.ˈma/ (Classical Persian) /niː.ˈma/ (Classical Persian) |
Persian uses different forms to express the concept of a half depending on whether you are referring to a mathematical quantity, using it as an adjective or using it as a prefix.
Which one should you use?
The form نصف (nesf) is typically used as a noun to denote a mathematical or literal quantity of one half. The form نیم (nim) is more commonly used as an adjective or a prefix in compound words. The form نیمه (nime) is often used as a prefix meaning 'semi-' or 'half-' in more formal or literary contexts.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The word نیم can also function as an adjective meaning 'consisting of a half'.
How do you pronounce it?
nesf (/ˈnisf/)
Did you know?
- The word نیم is used in the term نیمرخ to mean 'profile' as in a side-view photograph, literally translating to 'half-face'.
- The word نیم is a distant relative of the Sanskrit word नेम and shares an ancient root with several other Indo-Iranian languages.
- Because Persian is written from right to left, the 'half' of a page or a line of text is perceived and divided in the opposite direction to English.
Examples in context
- دوست داشتن نصف ایمان است.Loving is half of believing.This sentence uses نصف to show a proportional relationship in a proverb.Tatoeba #7534773 by cojiluc, translation #5069459 by Adelpa
- قدم اول به خوبی نصف کار است.The first step is as good as half over.This sentence uses نصف to describe a portion of a task being completed.Tatoeba #7544950 by cojiluc, translation #27216 by auxitt
- شمردن آراء نیم ساعت طول کشید.The counting of the ballots took half an hour.This sentence uses نیم as part of a compound expressing a duration of time.Tatoeba #12613242 by cojiluc, translation #5755249 by zumley
- نیم ساعتHalf an hour
- نیم کیلوHalf a kilogram
- نیم ظرفHalf a dish
- نیمه‌ای از کیکHalf of a cake
- نیمی از پیتزاHalf of a pizza
- نیمی از اینHalf of this
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Zahra and Amir are sharing a sandwich.
- زهرا Zahraمی‌خواهی نصف ساندویچم را برداری؟Mikhāhi nesfe sandvicham rā bardāri?Do you want to take half of my sandwich?
- امیر Amirبله، ممنونم زهرا.Bale, mamnunam Zahra.Yes, thank you, Zahra.
- زهرا Zahraبفرما، این نصفش برای تو است.Befarmā, in nesfash barāye to ast.Here you go, this half is for you.
- امیر Amirخیلی لطف کردی امیر.Kheyli lotf kardi Amir.You are very kind, Amir.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “half” translations and entries نصف, نیم, نیمه, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries نصف, نیم, نیمه, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
