بالش
bâleš/baː.ˈliʃ/
The English word "pillow" is بالش (bâleš) in Persian.
بالش refers to a soft cushion used to support the head in bed.
Meaning: soft cushion used to support the head in bed (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
بالش is a singular noun.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /baː.ˈliʃ/. It has two syllables, and the stress is on the second syllable.
Did you know?
- The word بالش is a distant linguistic relative of the English word 'billow', which refers to a large wave. Both words share an ancient root that relates to swelling or bulging.
- In Persian poetry, the بالش is sometimes used as a symbol of longing or sorrow, representing the place where a lover weeps or dreams of their beloved.
- The word بالشتک is used for small, decorative accent pillows on sofas, distinguishing them from the functional بالش used for sleeping.
Examples in context
- او دستش را زیر بالش گذاشت.He thrust his hand under the pillow.This sentence shows how to use بالش when describing placing something under it.Tatoeba #12760981 by manelie, translation #11725268 by Nuel
- تام کتاب را زیر بالشش پنهان کرد.Tom hid the book under his pillow.This sentence shows how to use بالش when describing hiding something under it.Tatoeba #4294143 by deadmarshal, translation #4289327 by CK
Example conversation
Ali and Sara are organizing the bedroom.
- علی Aliسارا، بالش کجاست؟Sara, balesh kojaast?Sara, where is the pillow?
- سارا Saraبالش روی تخت است، علی.Balesh rooye takhte ast, Ali.The pillow is on the bed, Ali.
- علی Aliخیلی سخت است.Kheyli sakhte ast.It is very hard.
- سارا Saraپس یک بالش دیگر بردار.Pas yek balesh-e digar bardaar.Then take another pillow.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pillow” translations and entries بالش, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries بالش, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
