آقا
āqā/ʔaː.ˈqaː/
The Persian word for "sir" is آقا (āqā).
آقا is used to address any male, particularly when his name or specific title is unknown. It is equivalent to "mister" in English. While it can mean "sir" or "gentleman", it is also frequently used as a respectful title placed before a surname, such as آقا رضایی (Mr.)
Meaning: address to any male, especially if his name or proper address is unknown (noun)
Which one should you use?
In formal settings, آقا serves as the masculine counterpart to خانم, which means "madam" or "lady". For a higher level of respect when addressing a man of high status, you can use the phrase جناب آقا, which translates to "Excellency" or "Honorable Sir".
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ʔaː.ˈqaː/. It has two syllables, with the stress on the second syllable.
Did you know?
- In historical Persian courts, the title آقا was sometimes used for eunuchs who held high administrative power.
- While آقا means 'sir', adding the word جان to create آقا جان transforms the term from a formal address into a warm and affectionate one.
- In religious contexts, آقا is frequently used as a title of devotion for the twelfth Imam in Shia Islam.
Examples in context
- این کیف مال شماست، آقا؟in kif māle shomāst, āghā?Is this bag yours, sir?
- آقا، لطفاً اینجا صبر کنید.āghā, lotfan injā sabr konid.Sir, please wait here.
Example conversation
Zahra asks Reza for directions in the street.
- زهرا Zahraببخشید آقا، ایستگاه مترو کجاست؟Bebakhshid āghā, istgāh-e metro kojāst?Excuse me sir, where is the metro station?
- رضا Rezaمترو در انتهای این خیابان است.Metro dar enteha-ye in khiyābān ast.The metro is at the end of this street.
- زهرا Zahraخیلی ممنونم آقا.Kheyli mamnunam āghā.Thank you very much, sir.
- رضا Rezaخواهش میکنم، روز خوش.Khāhesh mikonam, ruz-e khosh.You're welcome, have a nice day.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry آقا, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
