دنیا
donyā
In Persian, the word for world is دنیا (donyā).
دنیا refers to the inhabited planet, but it is also frequently used metaphorically to describe a person's personal life, circumstances or their general state of existence, such as when saying "my world."
Meaning: inhabited planet (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word دنیا comes from the Arabic word 'dunyā', which literally means "the lower" or "the near", referring to the temporal, earthly life as opposed to the afterlife.
How does it change in a sentence?
Although دنیا has its origins as a feminine noun in Arabic, in modern Persian it is treated as a common gender noun and does not require gender agreement.
How do you pronounce it?
donyā
Did you know?
- In Persian, دنیا is a common female given name. When used as a name, it carries the poetic connotation of the person being the speaker's entire world.
- Persian has another word for world, جهان (jahān), which is often used for the cosmos or the universe, while دنیا focuses more on earthly, human existence.
- In Persian poetry, دنیا is often personified as a fleeting or deceptive entity that one should not become too attached to.
Examples in context
- دنیا بی رحم است.The world is harsh.This sentence is useful for describing the harshness of the world using دنیا.Tatoeba #12821496 by manelie, translation #1363635 by marcelostockle
- از دنیا لذت ببرید.Savor the world.This sentence is useful for expressing the idea of savoring the world using دنیا.Tatoeba #12873017 by manelie, translation #12633587 by anzart
- من بهترین مادر دنیا رو دارم.I have the best mother in the world!This sentence is useful for expressing superlative possession within the world using دنیا.Tatoeba #4294500 by deadmarshal, translation #4284602 by seltsameseeds
- خسته نباشی دنیا!Good job, world!
- 28 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Ali and Zahra are talking about their travels.
- زهرا Zahraباید کل دنیا رو بگردی.bayad koll-e donya ro begardi.You should travel the whole world.
- علی Aliآیا دنیا خیلی بزرگ نیست؟aya donya kheyli bozorg nist?Isn't the world very big?
- زهرا Zahraبله، ولی خیلی زیباست.bale, vali kheyli zibast.Yes, but it is very beautiful.
- علی Aliحق با توست، زهرا.haqq ba tost, Zahra.You are right, Zahra.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
