خانم
xānum/xaː.ˈnum/
The Persian word for lady is خانم (xānum).
خانم is a polite way to refer to a woman. It can be used as an honorific title before a person's surname, functioning similarly to Ms. or Mrs. in English.
Meaning: polite: woman (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /xaː.ˈnum/. It has two syllables, with the stress on the second syllable.
Did you know?
- The word خانم is a feminine counterpart to the title خان, which means 'khan' or 'ruler'. Historically, it was used specifically for the wives or daughters of nobility.
- The word خانم actually shares its roots with the Turkish word 'hanum', reflecting a historical period where Turkic influence on Persian social titles was significant.
- When writing, you may see خانم paired with a person's first name to show respect, a common way to address a woman in a way that is both friendly and polite.
Examples in context
- آن خانم مهربان است.ān khānom mehrabān ast.That lady is kind.
- یک خانم در اتاق است.yek khānom dar otāgh ast.There is a lady in the room.
- این خانم مدیر شرکت است.in khānom modire sherkat ast.This lady is the company manager.
Example conversation
Reza is asking Sara about a woman at the office.
- رضا Rezaسارا، آن خانم کیست؟Sârâ, an khânom kist?Sara, who is that lady?
- سارا Saraاو مدیر جدید ما است.Ou modir-e jadid-e mâ ast.She is our new manager.
- رضا Rezaخیلی خوشسخن به نظر میرسد.Kheyli khosh-sokhan be nazar mi-rasad.She seems very eloquent.
- سارا Saraبله، خانم بسیار مهربانی است.Bale, khânom-e besyâr mehrabâni ast.Yes, she is a very kind lady.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry خانم, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries خانم, CC BY-SA 4.0.
