Ways to say it
| Persian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| خاموش | xâmuš | /xaː.ˈmoːʃ/ (Classical Persian) |
| آرام | ârâm | /ʔaː.ˈraːm/ (Classical Persian) |
| کم صدا | kam sedâ | /ˈkam sa.ˈdaː/ (Classical Persian, word by word) |
These terms are used to describe a state of little sound or a lack of noise. Depending on whether you want to describe absolute silence, a sense of tranquility or merely a low volume, different words are required.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase کم صدا is a literal combination of کم meaning "little" or "less" and صدا meaning "sound" or "noise".
Which one should you use?
خاموش is used when referring to a complete lack of sound, such as a silent room or a device being turned off. In contrast, آرام describes a quietness that implies calmness, peace or a low volume, rather than absolute silence. Finally, کم صدا is used specifically to describe something that produces a low level of noise, such as a quiet engine or a quiet person.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the action of becoming quiet, use the verb phrase ساکت شدن. You can also use آرام شدن to mean to become quiet or calm.
How do you pronounce it?
The word خاموش is pronounced /xaː.ˈmoːʃ/. It has two syllables, with the stress on the second syllable.
Did you know?
- The word خاموش shares a surprising ancestral link with the Latvian word aizmirst, which means 'to forget'.
- The verb form of خاموش can be used to describe the act of a fire going out or a flame being extinguished.
Examples in context
- اگر اشتباه می‌کنی، آن را بپذیر. اگر حق با تو است، خاموش باش.If you're wrong, admit it. If you're right, be quiet.This example shows how to use خاموش in the context of an instruction to be quiet.Tatoeba #7497205 by cojiluc, translation #2004523 by FlamingTofu
Example conversation
Amir and Sara are entering a room where a baby is sleeping.
- امیر Amirسارا، لطفاً خاموش باش.Sārā, lotfan khāmūsh bāsh.Sara, please be quiet.
- سارا Saraچرا؟ چه اتفاقی افتاده؟Cherā? Che ettefāgh-i oftāde?Why? What happened?
- امیر Amirبچه خوابیده است.Bache khābide ast.The baby is asleep.
- سارا Saraببخشید، حواسم نبود.Bebakhshid, havāsam nabūd.Sorry, I wasn't paying attention.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “quiet” translations and entries خاموش, آرام, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (کم, صدا) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries آرام, خاموش, صدا, کم, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
