ققنوس
qaqnus/qaq.ˈnuːs/
The English phrase phoenix is translated into Persian as ققنوس (qaqnus).
In this context, the word refers to the capital city of Arizona in the United States.
Meaning: capital city of Arizona, United States (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /qaq.ˈnuːs/. It has two syllables, and the stress is on the second syllable.
Did you know?
- The Persian word ققنوس is actually a loanword from Arabic, which in turn took it from the Ancient Greek word κύκνος meaning 'swan'.
- The mythical bird ققنوس appears in classical Persian poetry as a creature that lives for five hundred years before bursting into flames.
- Because ققنوس is a highly poetic word, using it to describe a modern American city can sound unexpectedly grand or literary to a native speaker.
Examples in context
- داستان ققنوسها در فرهنگها و افسانههای مختلف وجود دارد.The story of phoenixes exists in various cultures and mythologies.
Example conversation
Maryam and Mohammad are discussing travel plans.
- مریم Maryamمحمد، میخواهم به ققنوس سفر کنم.Mohammad, mikham be Qoqnos safar konam.Mohammad, I want to travel to Phoenix.
- محمد Mohammadواقعاً؟ ققنوس شهر جالبی است.Vaghean? Qoqnos shahr-e jalebi ast.Really? Phoenix is an interesting city.
- مریم Maryamچه زمانی برای رفتن به آنجا خوب است؟Che zamani baraye raftan be anja khub ast?When is a good time to go there?
- محمد Mohammadبهتر است در زمستان به آنجا بروی.Behtar ast dar zemestan be anja beravi.It is better to go there in winter.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ققنوس, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ققنوس, CC BY-SA 4.0.
