کوچک
kuček/koː.ˈt͡ʃak/
The Persian word for little is کوچک (kuček). Wiktionary also lists خرد (xord) and که (kah).
Meaning: small in size (adj)
Ways to say it
| Persian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| کوچک | kuček | /koː.ˈt͡ʃak/ (Classical Persian) |
| خرد | xord | /ˈxurd/ (Classical Persian) |
| که | kah | /ˈkih/ (Classical Persian) |
The primary way to express that something is small in physical size is by using کوچک. While this refers to dimensions or scale, you should use the related form کم if you are instead describing a small amount or quantity of something.
Which one should you use?
کوچک is used to describe physical size. In contrast, if you want to say 'little' in terms of quantity or volume, you should use کم.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
To form the comparative 'smaller', you add the suffix -تر to the end of the word, resulting in کوچک‌تر.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /koː.ˈtʃak/ (kuček). It has two syllables, with the stress on the second syllable.
Did you know?
- The Persian word خرد can mean 'little' or 'tiny', but it is also the word for 'wisdom' and 'intelligence'.
- While کوچک describes size, the word خرد is thought to have evolved from the Middle Persian verb for 'to eat', much like the English word 'bit' comes from 'bite'.
Examples in context
- مهربان باش با حیوانات کوچک.Be kind to little animals.This sentence shows how to use کوچک when describing animals.Tatoeba #848169 by mahdiye, translation #267531 by CK
- این یک نقاشی کوچک نفیس است.This is an exquisite little painting.This sentence demonstrates the use of کوچک with an object like a painting.Tatoeba #12777623 by manelie, translation #55572 by CM
- برادر کوچک من تلویزیون تماشا می‌کند.My little brother is watching TV.This sentence illustrates how to use کوچک when referring to a person, such as a brother.Tatoeba #7963209 by cojiluc, translation #1900 by Swift
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Amir and Zahra are looking at a piece of jewelry.
- امیر Amirاین انگشتر خیلی کوچک است.In angoshtar kheyli kouchak ast.This ring is very small.
- زهرا Zahraبله، اما خیلی زیباست.Bale, ama kheyli zibast.Yes, but it is very beautiful.
- امیر Amirآیا سایز بزرگتر هم دارید؟Aya sayz-e bozorgtar ham darid?Do you have a larger size too?
- زهرا Zahraمتاسفم، فقط همین مدل کوچک را دارم.Motassefam, faghat hamin model-e kouchak ra daram.I'm sorry, I only have this small model.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “little” translations and entries کوچک, خرد, که, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries خرد, که, کوچک, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
