عمو
amu
The Persian word for uncle is عمو (amu).
عمو refers to a paternal uncle, which is the brother of one's father. It is also used as a polite way to address older men who are not biological relatives.
Meaning: brother (or brother-in-law) of someone’s parent (noun)
Which one should you use?
While عمو refers specifically to a paternal uncle (the father's brother), the term for a maternal uncle (the mother's brother) is دایی (dāyi).
How do you pronounce it?
amu
When do people say it?
It is a common cultural practice in Persian to use عمو as a respectful way to address older men, regardless of whether there is a blood relationship.
Did you know?
- Unlike in English, where 'uncle' can be a formal title, using عمو in a street market is a common strategy to negotiate a better price by establishing a familial connection with the vendor.
- The word عمو is actually a diminutive form of the root word عم. In Persian, adding the suffix ـو creates a more affectionate or endearing tone.
- In some traditional Iranian contexts, the paternal uncle عمو was historically seen as the primary guardian of the children's inheritance and family honor if the father passed away.
Examples in context
- دیروز عمویم سگی خریداری کرد.Yesterday my uncle bought a dog.Tatoeba #764219 by mahdiye, translation #602524 by CK
- عمو باب ما را برای نهار دعوت کرد.Uncle Bob invited us to have dinner.This sentence shows how to use عمو as a title before a name.Tatoeba #510640 by pedrampc68, translation #33265 by CN
- دایی جان، دستتون درد نکنه بابت هدیهUncle (affectionate), thank you so much for the gift.
- عموی من در تهران زندگی می‌کند.amuye man dar Tehrān zendegi mikonad.My uncle lives in Tehran.
Example conversation
Zahra is asking Ali about his father's brother.
- زهرا Zahraعمو چه زمانی می‌رسد؟Amu che zamani mi-resad?When will uncle arrive?
- علی Aliاو ساعت پنج می‌آید.Ou sa'at panj mi-ayad.He is coming at five o'clock.
- زهرا Zahraخیلی خوشحال می‌شوم او را ببینم.Kheyli khoshhal mi-shavam ou ra bebinam.I will be very happy to see him.
- علی Aliاو هم دلش برای تو تنگ شده.Ou ham delash baraye to tang shode.He misses you too.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries عمو, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
