How to Say "Words" in Persian

کلمات

kalemat

The English phrase 'words' is translated into Persian as کلمات (kalemat).

کلمات refers to the plural form of a single unit of language used as a building block of a sentence.

Which one should you use?

While کلمات is a plural form derived from Arabic roots, it is often used in more formal or literary contexts compared to the more common کلمه ها.

The singular form of کلمات is کلمه.

kalemat

There is a traditional Persian etiquette where certain 'words' are considered 'heavy' or 'light' depending on the social status of the speaker. This conceptualization of 'weight' is not found in English descriptions of vocabulary.
The word کلمات is a 'broken plural', a complex Arabic grammatical structure that changes the internal vowel pattern of the word rather than just adding a suffix.
The word کلمه can refer to the 'Logos' or the divine word in religious texts. This gives the term a metaphysical meaning that goes beyond the simple linguistic definition of 'words'.

کلماتی بسیاری هست که نمی فهمم.
There are many words that I don't understand.
This sentence demonstrates the use of کلمات when discussing many words one does not understand.
Tatoeba #3842008 by kuarash, translation #1414 by CK
کلمات از بیان اشتباه شما قاصر اند.
Words cannot express the extent to which you are wrong.
This sentence shows how کلمات is used when saying words cannot express a certain point.
Tatoeba #7546040 by cojiluc, translation #430232 by Scott
کلمات قادر به بیان قدردانی ما نیستند.
Words can't express our gratitude.
This sentence uses کلمات to express that words are unable to convey gratitude.
Tatoeba #7745032 by cojiluc, translation #4904859 by CK
11 more sentences on Tatoeba

Sara and Mohammad are discussing a book they are reading.

سارا Sara

این کلمات خیلی سخت هستند.
in kalemāt kheyli sakht hastand.
These words are very difficult.
محمد Mohammad

واقعاً؟ برای من که ساده بودند.
vaghe'an? barāye man ke sāde budand.
Really? They were simple for me.
سارا Sara

محمد، من این کلمات را بلد نیستم.
Mohammad, man in kalemāt rā balad nistam.
Mohammad, I don't know these words.
محمد Mohammad

نگران نباش، من به تو کمک می‌کنم.
negarān nabāsh, man be to komak mikonam.
Don't worry, I will help you.

Sources

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