ببر
babr/ˈbabr/
The Persian word for tiger is ببر (babr).
The term ببر is used to refer to the mammal Panthera tigris.
Meaning: The mammal Panthera tigris (noun)
Which one should you use?
While ببر is the specific term for a tiger, the word شیر is also used to refer to a tiger in some contexts, even though its primary meaning is lion.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is babr. The IPA pronunciation is /ˈbabr/.
Did you know?
- If you see the word ببر in a poem, it might refer to the animal's ferocity rather than its actual species, acting as a metaphor for a fierce warrior.
- The Persian word ببر is a linguistic relative of the word 'babar' used in several other Central Asian languages to describe tigers.
- The modern word ببر is inherited from the Middle Persian term bpl, which could refer to a tiger, lion, or panther.
Examples in context
- ببر به دنبال نخچیر است.The tiger is looking for prey.This sentence shows how to use ببر when describing a tiger looking for prey.Tatoeba #13127559 by cojiluc, translation #9182164 by megamanenm
- جان یک ببر را کشت و به دو شیر شلیک کرد.John caught a tiger and shot two lions.This sentence demonstrates the use of ببر when referring to a tiger that has been caught.Tatoeba #561488 by mahdiye, translation #52668 by CN
Example conversation
Sara and Amir are looking at a picture book about animals.
- سارا Saraامیر، این حیوان چیست؟Amir, in heyvān chist?Amir, what is this animal?
- امیر Amirاین یک ببر است.In yek babr ast.This is a tiger.
- سارا Saraچه رنگ زیبایی دارد!Che range zibāyi dārad!What a beautiful color it has!
- امیر Amirبله، ببرها خیلی زیبا هستند.Bale, babrhā kheyli zibā hastand.Yes, tigers are very beautiful.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ببر, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ببر, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
