خالکوبی
xâl-kubi
The English word "tattoo" is translated into Persian as خالکوبی (xâl-kubi). Wiktionary also lists تتو (tatu) and وشام (vešâm).
Meaning: an image made in the skin with ink and a needle (noun)
Ways to say it
| Persian | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| خالکوبی | xâl-kubi |
| تتو | tatu |
| وشام | vešâm |
The term refers to an image made in the skin using ink and a needle.
What does it mean word for word?
The word خالکوبی is composed of خال, meaning a mole or a mark and the suffix کوبی, which comes from the verb meaning to strike or press. Literally, it means "the striking of a mark".
Which one should you use?
تتو is a loanword from English. وشام is another way to refer to a tattoo.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the action of tattooing someone, use the verbal phrase خال کوبیدن.
How do you pronounce it?
xâl-kubi
Did you know?
- The verb کوبیدن in خالکوبی is the same word used for pounding nuts or crushing spices, reflecting the physical force once used to drive ink into the skin.
- Persian culture has a long history of 'spiritual tattoos' or markings used for medicinal and protective purposes, which are discussed using terminology distinct from modern cosmetic تتو.
- While خالکوبی refers to the act of tattooing, the word خال can also be used poetically to describe the 'blackened' or 'marked' state of a lover's heart in classical literature.
Examples in context
- او یک خالکوبی کوچک روی مچ دست دارد.u yek khalkubi-ye kuchi ruy-e moch-e dast darad.She has a small tattoo on her wrist.
- این خالکوبی خیلی زیبا و دقیق است.in khalkubi kheyli ziba va daghigh ast.This tattoo is very beautiful and precise.
- او می‌خواهد یک خالکوبی جدید انجام دهد.u mikhahad yek khalkubi-ye jadid anjam dahad.He wants to get a new tattoo.
Example conversation
Reza and Niloufar are looking at a picture of a tattoo.
- رضا Rezaنیلوفر، به این خالکوبی نگاه کن.Niloufar, be in khalkubi negah kon.Niloufar, look at this tattoo.
- نیلوفر Niloufarخیلی قشنگ است، کجا زده است؟Kheyli ghashang ast, koja zade ast?It's very pretty, where did they get it?
- رضا Rezaروی بازویش است.Ruye bazuyash ast.It is on his arm.
- نیلوفر Niloufarمن هم دوست دارم یکی بزنم.Man ham doust daram yeki bezanam.I would like to get one too.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “tattoo” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
