Ways to say it
| Persian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| جان | jân | /ˈd͡ʒaːn/ (Classical Persian) |
| روح | ruh | /ˈruːh/ (Classical Persian) |
| رَوان | ravân | |
| نَفْس | nafs |
In Persian, different words for "soul" are used depending on whether you are speaking of the metaphysical spirit, the vital life force or the psychological ego.
What does it mean word for word?
The term رَوان is derived from the root meaning "to flow", implying the soul is that which flows through or animates the body.
Which one should you use?
The choice of word depends on your specific meaning. جان often refers to the vital life force or the breath that keeps a person alive. روح is more metaphysical or spiritual. نَفْس is often used in a psychological or religious context to refer to the lower self, the ego or the carnal soul that must be disciplined.
How do you pronounce it?
The default form جان is pronounced /ˈdʒaːn/.
When do people say it?
The phrase جانِ من (jân-e man) is a common term of endearment used to address a loved one, literally meaning "my soul" or "my life".
Did you know?
- The word جان can be used as a polite way to say 'yes' or 'I am listening' when someone calls your name, similar to saying 'yes?' in English.
- The word جان is used in the common expression قربانِ جانت شوم, which literally means 'I shall be sacrificed for your soul'. It is used to express deep love or gratitude.
- In Persian poetry, the 'soul' is often depicted as a bird trapped in the cage of the physical body. This metaphor is frequently used to describe the longing for spiritual liberation.
Examples in context
- قلم زبان روح است.The pen is the tongue of the soul.This sentence uses روح to discuss the relationship between the pen and the soul.Tatoeba #13121344 by cojiluc, translation #893832 by Scott
- روی آئینهٔ روح است.The face is the mirror of the soul.This sentence uses روح to describe the face as a mirror of the soul.Tatoeba #8164108 by cojiluc, translation #6313663 by Adelpa
- روح قالب را زنده می‌کند.The soul animates the body.This sentence uses روح to state that the soul animates the body.Tatoeba #10801705 by cojiluc, translation #243522 by jakov
- جانم را خوشحال کردی.You made my soul happy.
- 10 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A girl and a boy are talking about a classic poem.
- نیلوفر Niloufarاین شعر دربارهٔ جان انسان است.in she'r darbâreye jâne ensân ast.This poem is about the human soul.
- علی Aliبله، بسیار عمیق و زیباست.bale, besyâr amigh va zibâst.Yes, it is very deep and beautiful.
- نیلوفر Niloufarعلی، تو به این موضوع فکر می‌کنی؟Ali, to be in mowzu' fekr mikoni?Ali, do you think about this subject?
- علی Aliبله، نیلوفر، همیشه به آن فکر می‌کنم.bale, Niloufar, hamishe be ân fekr mikonam.Yes, Niloufar, I always think about it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “soul” translations and entries جان, روح, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
