جوجهتیغی
joojeh-tighi
The Persian word for hedgehog is جوجهتیغی (joojeh-tighi).
Meaning: animal (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word جوجهتیغی is a compound consisting of joojeh, meaning chick or baby bird and tighi, meaning thorny. It literally translates to thorny chick.
How do you pronounce it?
joojeh-tighi
Did you know?
- The word تیغ in جوجهتیغی can also mean 'sword' or 'blade' in other Persian contexts, implying the hedgehog has 'blades' on its back.
- In Persian, the word جوجه can also be used as a term of endearment for small children, similar to how one might say 'sweetie' in English.
- The literal translation 'thorny chick' is considered a folk etymology, a popular but technically incorrect explanation for how the word was formed.
Examples in context
- یک جوجهتیغی در باغ دیدم.yek juje-tif-i dar bagh didam.I saw a hedgehog in the garden.
- جوجهتیغی خیلی کوچک است.juje-tif-i kheili koochak ast.The hedgehog is very small.
- آیا جوجهتیغی خطرناک است؟aya juje-tif-i khatarnak ast?Is the hedgehog dangerous?
Example conversation
Reza and Maryam are looking at animals in a park.
- رضا Rezaمریم، نگاه کن! آنجا یک جوجهتیغی است.Maryam, negāh kon! Ānjā yek jooje-tighi ast.Maryam, look! There is a hedgehog there.
- مریم Maryamواقعاً؟ چقدر کوچک و بامزه است.Vāghe'an? Cheghadr koochak o bāmaze ast.Really? How small and cute it is.
- رضا Rezaفکر کنم دارد غذا میگردد.Fekr konam dārad ghazā migardad.I think it is looking for food.
- مریم Maryamبیا آرام باشیم تا نترسد.Biyā ārām bāshim tā natarsad.Let's be quiet so it doesn't get scared.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries جوجهتیغی, CC BY-SA 4.0.
