بنفش
banafš/bu.ˈnafʃ/
The English word purple is translated into Persian as بنفش (banafš). Wiktionary also lists ارغوانی (arġavānī).
Meaning: colour (noun)
Ways to say it
| Persian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| بنفش | banafš | /bu.ˈnafʃ/ (Classical Persian) /bi.ˈnafʃ/ (Classical Persian) |
| ارغوانی | arġavānī | /ʔar.ɣa.waː.ˈniː/ (Classical Persian) /ʔar.ɣu.waː.ˈniː/ (Classical Persian) |
Both words in this pack refer to the color purple and can function as both nouns and adjectives.
What does it mean word for word?
The word بنفش is derived from the same root as the word for the violet flower.
Which one should you use?
بنفش is the standard, everyday word for the color purple used in most contexts. In contrast, ارغوانی is a more formal or literary term that often specifically refers to a deep, reddish-purple or Tyrian purple.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /bu.ˈnafʃ/. It has two syllables, with the stress on the second syllable.
Did you know?
- In some traditional Iranian art and carpets, colors described as ارغوانی were traditionally derived from rare dyes like the kermes insect.
- In Persian poetry, ارغوان is often used as a symbol of spring and the renewal of nature.
- Historically, the plant ارغوان (Judas tree) is celebrated in Persian literature for its striking purple blossoms.
Examples in context
- این لباس رنگ بنفش استThis dress is purple
- من عاشق رنگ بنفش هستمI love the color purple
Example conversation
Reza and Maryam are choosing a paint color for a room.
- رضا Rezaکدام رنگ را میپسندی؟Kodam rang ra mipasandi?Which color do you prefer?
- مریم Maryamمن بنفش را ترجیح میدهم.Man benafsh ra tarjih midaham.I prefer purple.
- رضا Rezaبنفش برای این اتاق تیره نیست؟Benafsh baraye in otagh tireh nist?Isn't purple too dark for this room?
- مریم Maryamنه، خیلی زیبا میشود.Nah, kheyli ziba mishavad.No, it will be very beautiful.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “purple” translations and entries بنفش, ارغوانی, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
