طوفان
tufân/tuː.ˈfaːn/
The English word storm translates to Persian as طوفان (tufân). Wiktionary also lists کولاک (kulâk).
Meaning: disturbed state of the atmosphere causing destructive or unpleasant weather (noun)
Ways to say it
| Persian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| طوفان | tufân | /tuː.ˈfaːn/ (Classical Persian) |
| کولاک | kulâk | /kuː.ˈlaːk/ (Classical Persian) |
طوفان refers to a disturbed state of the atmosphere causing destructive or unpleasant weather. Like in English, it can also be used metaphorically to describe a 'storm' of emotions or intense public outcry.
Which one should you use?
While طوفان is a general term for any storm, کولاک (kulâk) specifically refers to a heavy snowstorm or blizzard.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /tuː.ˈfaːn/. It has 2 syllables, and the stress is on the 2nd syllable.
Did you know?
- In Persian culture, the word طوفان is frequently used in poetry to symbolize divine wrath or a Great Flood, echoing the biblical and quranic narratives.
- While طوفان is the general term for a storm, the word کولاک is actually borrowed from the Azerbaijani word 'külək'.
- In some regional dialects, a 'storm' of dust or sand is distinguished from a rain storm, as the arid climate makes these separate atmospheric phenomena.
Examples in context
- طوفان شروع به فروکش کرد.The storm is starting to abate.This sentence shows the use of طوفان to describe a storm abating.Tatoeba #13992114 by cojiluc, translation #12380778 by ddnktr
- ابرهای سیاه و گردباد نشان می‌داد که طوفان قریب الوقوع است.The dark clouds and swirling wind indicated that a storm was imminent.This sentence illustrates طوفان in the context of imminent weather.Tatoeba #11883733 by cojiluc, translation #2946075 by patgfisher
- در مقاطعی از زمان، درخواست تخریب یک ساختمان قدیمی محبوب به منظور ساختن یک بلوک از خانه ها، طوفانی از خشم ومخالفت را برمی انگیزد.From time to time, a proposal to pull down a much-loved old building to make room for a new block of flats raises a storm of angry protest.This sentence demonstrates the metaphorical use of طوفان to describe a storm of protest.Tatoeba #1159067 by mahdiye, translation #38275 by Swift
- ببین، دیشب یه طوفون توی شهر شما بوده!Hey, there was a storm in your city last night!
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Zahra and Ali are discussing the weather forecast.
- زهرا Zahraگفتی که فردا طوفان می‌آید؟Gofti ke farda toufan mi-ayad?Did you say a storm is coming tomorrow?
- علی Aliبله، هواشناسی هشدار داده است.Bale, havashenasi hoshdar dadeh ast.Yes, the weather service has given a warning.
- زهرا Zahraپس باید پنجره‌ها را ببندیم.Pas bayad panjere-ha ra bebandim.Then we should close the windows.
- علی Aliدرست است، تا طوفان آسیبی نزند.Dorost ast, ta toufan asibi nazanad.That's right, so the storm doesn't cause any damage.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “storm” translations and entries طوفان, کولاک, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries طوفان, کولاک, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
