Ways to say it
| Persian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| سَپید | sapēd | |
| سَفید | safēd | |
| سِفید | sefid | |
| آق | āq | dialectal |
| سَپِید | sapīd | dialectal |
| سِپید | sepid | dialectal |
| اِسْفید | esfid | dialectal |
| اِسْپید | espid | dialectal |
The primary meaning of these terms is the color white. Some forms like سَفید, آق and سِفید specifically denote the adjective for something that is bright and colourless. Additionally, the term فَرَنْگِی can be used in a context relating to Caucasians.
Which one should you use?
While several forms exist, سَفید is the most common standard way to say white in modern Persian. In contrast, سَپید is considered a more literary or archaic form.
Is it said differently in some regions?
آق is a dialectal form used in certain regions or specific contexts, often appearing in names or compound words. سَپِید, سِپید, اِسْفید and اِسْپید are also dialectal variations.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
To change the adjective into the noun meaning "whiteness", you can add the suffix -i to the adjective, resulting in سفیدی.
How do you pronounce it?
sapēd
Did you know?
- The Persian language uses the word for white in the phrase سفید چشم to describe someone who is arrogant or disdainful, literally meaning 'white-eyed'.
- In some Iranian contexts, calling someone's heart سفید (white) is a high compliment, meaning they are honest, innocent and free of malice.
- The variation اِسْفید is a form where a prosthetic 'e' is added to the beginning of the word, a common phenomenon in certain Persian dialects to ease pronunciation.
Examples in context
- پالتوی او سفید است.His coat is white.
- آن کتاب سفیده؟Is that book white?
- تو چقدر سفیدی!You are so white!
Example conversation
Maryam and Reza are painting a room.
- مریم Maryamرضا، این دیوار را سَپید کنیم؟Reza, in divar ra sapid konim?Reza, shall we make this wall white?
- رضا Rezaبله، سَپید رنگ زیبایی است.Bale, sapid range zibaee ast.Yes, white is a beautiful color.
- مریم Maryamپس رنگ سَپید را می‌خرم.Pas range sapid ra mikharam.Then I will buy the white paint.
- رضا Rezaخیلی هم عالی است، مریم.Kheyli ham ali ast, Maryam.That is great, Maryam.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “white” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
