دستمال
dastmâl/dast.ˈmaːl/
The Persian word for tissue is دستمال (dastmâl).
دستمال can mean a sheet of absorbent paper, but it is also used to refer to a cloth. To be specific about a paper tissue, the term دستمال کاغذی (dastmâl-e kāghazi) is used, which literally means 'paper hand-cloth'.
Meaning: sheet of absorbent paper (noun)
Which one should you use?
The word دستمال can refer to both a fabric handkerchief and a paper tissue, depending on the context or the addition of the word 'kāghazi' (paper).
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /dast.ˈmaːl/. The stress is on the second syllable.
Did you know?
- In traditional Iranian culture, a cloth دستمال was often used as a symbolic token of love or a keepsake given between romantic partners.
- In some regional dialects, دستمال can specifically refer to a traditional headscarf worn by women in certain rural areas of Iran.
- The word دستمال is a compound of دست meaning 'hand' and مال meaning 'to rub' or 'to smear'.
Examples in context
- یک دستمال کاغذی به من بده.yek dastmal-e kāghazi be man bede.Give me a tissue.
- دستمال روی میز است.dastmal ruye miz ast.The tissue is on the table.
- دستمال برای پاک کردن دست لازم است.dastmal barāye pāk kardan-e dast lāzem ast.A tissue is needed to wipe hands.
Example conversation
Reza and Sara are having tea at home.
- رضا Rezaسارا، یک دستمال داری؟Sārā, yek dastmal dāri?Sara, do you have a tissue?
- سارا Saraبله، بفرما.Bale, befarmā.Yes, here you go.
- رضا Rezaممنون، چای ریخته روی دستم.Mamnun, chāy rikhte ruye dastam.Thanks, I spilled tea on my hand.
- سارا Saraمراقب باش، رضا.Morāghebe bāsh, Rezā.Be careful, Reza.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “tissue” translations and entries دستمال, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries دستمال, CC BY-SA 4.0.
