مَلِکَه
malika
The English word "queen" is translated into Persian as مَلِکَه (malika). Wiktionary also lists مَلِکِه (maleke) and شَهْبانو (šahbânu).
Meaning: female monarch (noun)
Ways to say it
| Persian | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| مَلِکَه | malika |
| مَلِکِه | maleke |
| شَهْبانو | šahbânu |
The term مَلِکَه is the standard word used to refer to a female monarch or queen, appearing in general or historical contexts. The term شَهبانو is used specifically to refer to a queen consort or an empress.
Which one should you use?
مَلِکَه is the standard, general term for a queen. In contrast, شَهبانو carries a more regal or historical connotation and is specifically used for a queen consort or an empress.
Is it said differently in some regions?
شهبانو is a regional variation of شَهبانو.
How do you pronounce it?
malika
Did you know?
- Because مَلِکَه is an Arabic-rooted word, using it in a strictly classical Persian poem might feel slightly less 'pure' than using the Persian-rooted شَهبانو.
- In poetic Persian literature, the concept of a 'queen' is often used as a metaphor for the moon or a beloved, rather than just a political ruler.
- In historical Persian court etiquette, the title شَهبانو was specifically revived in the 20th century to elevate the status of the consort of the Shah.
Examples in context
- ملکه انگلستانQueen of England
- او شاهبانو استShe is the queen
- آن مَلِکَه بسیار مهربان است.ān malekehe besyār mehrabān ast.That queen is very kind.
- مَلِکَه در قصر زندگی می‌کند.malekehe dar qasr zendegi mikonad.The queen lives in the palace.
- مَلِکَه تاج خود را بر سر گذاشت.malekehe tāje khod rā bar sar gozāsht.The queen put on her crown.
Example conversation
Reza and Sara are looking at a history book.
- رضا Rezaسارا، این عکس کیست؟Sara, in aks kist?Sara, who is in this photo?
- سارا Saraاو مَلِکَه این کشور بود.Ou malakeh-e in keshvar bud.She was the queen of this country.
- رضا Rezaاو خیلی قدرتمند به نظر می‌رسد.Ou kheyli ghodratmand be nazar miresad.She looks very powerful.
- سارا Saraبله، او مَلِکَه عادلی بود.Bale, ou malakeh-e adeli bud.Yes, she was a just queen.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “queen” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
