Words Borrowed from Farsi
Farsi (also called Persian and Iranian) is an Indo-European language spoken in Iran and Afghanistan.
Many of the words from this language came into English via India or Arabia.
There are several food terms ("biryani", "lime", "spinach"), some colors ("azure", "lilac"), and clothing terms ("pyjama", "shawl"). Chess terms (including "checkmate") are also present.
The unit of weight that many English speakers in the UK and USA consider part of their culture (the "ounce") is also from this language.
Word Meaning Notes
aubergine Known as "egg plant" in the USA. One of many food words from Farsi.
azure Blue - one of many color words from Farsi.
bazaar A market place.
biryani fried A rice dish from India and Pakistani.
caravan The original meaning is a caravan of pack animals (like camels) carrying goods.
checkmate from "shah-k-mate",
the king is dead A chess term.
dervish poor Muslim holy man vowed to austerity.
divan One of many furniture or clothing items from Farsi.
jackal A dog-like animal.
jasmine Fragrant shrub.
julep rose water
khaki dusty Dull fabric used by the military.
kiosk
lemon A citrus fruit.
lilac A bluish color.
lime A citrus fruit.
ounce A unit of weight (= 2.835 × 10-2 kg).
pagoda temple of idols
pistachio A type of nut.
pyjama Item of clothing worn in Asia (and in Europe while sleeping).
rhubarb A plant used as a sweet.
rice Grass used as a food.
rook castle A chess term.
sash turban Item of clothing worn across the body.
scarlet Red.
serendipity Finding something by sheer luck.
shawl Item of clothing named after its town of origin in India.
spinach Green leaf vegetable - a delicacy in Asia.
taffeta twist Fine silk.
talc
tambourine
tiara
tiger Large carnivorous cat.
turban Item of clothing worn on the head.
Farsi (also called Persian and Iranian) is an Indo-European language spoken in Iran and Afghanistan.
Many of the words from this language came into English via India or Arabia.
There are several food terms ("biryani", "lime", "spinach"), some colors ("azure", "lilac"), and clothing terms ("pyjama", "shawl"). Chess terms (including "checkmate") are also present.
The unit of weight that many English speakers in the UK and USA consider part of their culture (the "ounce") is also from this language.
Word Meaning Notes
aubergine Known as "egg plant" in the USA. One of many food words from Farsi.
azure Blue - one of many color words from Farsi.
bazaar A market place.
biryani fried A rice dish from India and Pakistani.
caravan The original meaning is a caravan of pack animals (like camels) carrying goods.
checkmate from "shah-k-mate",
the king is dead A chess term.
dervish poor Muslim holy man vowed to austerity.
divan One of many furniture or clothing items from Farsi.
jackal A dog-like animal.
jasmine Fragrant shrub.
julep rose water
khaki dusty Dull fabric used by the military.
kiosk
lemon A citrus fruit.
lilac A bluish color.
lime A citrus fruit.
ounce A unit of weight (= 2.835 × 10-2 kg).
pagoda temple of idols
pistachio A type of nut.
pyjama Item of clothing worn in Asia (and in Europe while sleeping).
rhubarb A plant used as a sweet.
rice Grass used as a food.
rook castle A chess term.
sash turban Item of clothing worn across the body.
scarlet Red.
serendipity Finding something by sheer luck.
shawl Item of clothing named after its town of origin in India.
spinach Green leaf vegetable - a delicacy in Asia.
taffeta twist Fine silk.
talc
tambourine
tiara
tiger Large carnivorous cat.
turban Item of clothing worn on the head.