شعله
شعله in 30 Sekunden
- Sho'le means 'flame' and is used for both physical fire and metaphorical passion.
- It is a common kitchen term used when adjusting gas stoves or heaters.
- The word has an Arabic origin but is deeply embedded in Persian poetry and names.
- It differs from 'Atash' (fire) by referring specifically to the visible tongues of fire.
The Persian word شعله (Sho'le) is a fundamental noun that primarily translates to 'flame' in English. It refers to the visible, gaseous part of a fire. However, in the rich tapestry of the Persian language, its utility extends far beyond the physical world of combustion. Understanding 'sho'le' requires an appreciation for both its scientific literalism and its deep-seated metaphorical weight in Persian culture and literature. When you see a candle flickering or a gas stove igniting, you are witnessing a 'sho'le'. But when a poet speaks of the 'sho'le' of love, they are describing an intense, consuming passion that mirrors the heat and light of a real fire.
- Literal Application
- In everyday life, 'sho'le' is most frequently encountered in the kitchen. Iranians might ask to 'turn down the flame' (شعله را کم کن) while cooking a delicate Saffron rice or a slow-cooked stew. It describes the physical manifestation of heat.
- Metaphorical Depth
- Metaphorically, 'sho'le' represents the spark of inspiration, the heat of anger, or the intensity of romantic desire. It is a word that carries movement; a flame is never still, and thus the word implies a dynamic state of being.
شعله شمع در باد میلرزید.
(The flame of the candle was trembling in the wind.)
Historically, the concept of fire and its flames holds significant importance in Iranian heritage, dating back to Zoroastrian traditions where fire is seen as a symbol of purity and the presence of the divine. While 'sho'le' is an Arabic loanword, it has been fully integrated into Persian for centuries, appearing in the works of Rumi, Hafez, and Saadi. It is often paired with verbs like 'کشیدن' (to draw/rise) to describe a fire growing taller, or 'افروختن' (to kindle/light) to describe the act of starting a fire. In modern contexts, you might hear it in news reports about wildfires or in technical discussions about engineering and energy.
Furthermore, 'Sho'le' is also used as a feminine first name in Iran, symbolizing brightness, warmth, and a spirited nature. This duality—being both a common household noun and a poetic name—showcases the word's versatility. Whether you are adjusting the burner on your stove or reading a 14th-century ghazal, 'sho'le' is the bridge between the mundane and the magnificent.
Using 'شعله' (Sho'le) correctly involves understanding its grammatical role as a noun and the common verbs it associates with. In Persian, nouns are relatively straightforward, but the 'Ezafe' construction (linking nouns and adjectives) and compound verbs are where the nuance lies. 'Sho'le' often acts as the subject or the direct object in sentences involving light, heat, or destruction.
او شعلههای آتش را از دور دید.
(He saw the flames of the fire from afar.)
- Compound Verbs
- The most common compound verb is 'شعلهور شدن' (Sho'le-var shodan), meaning 'to burst into flames' or 'to flare up'. This is used both for physical fires and metaphorical situations like a conflict or an emotion.
- Adjectival Use
- To describe something as 'flaming' or 'bright like a flame', you use 'شعلهسان' (Sho'le-san) or 'شعلهمانند' (Sho'le-manand), though these are more common in literature than in daily speech.
When describing intensity, Persians use the verb 'زبانه کشیدن' (Zabane keshidan) alongside 'sho'le'. 'Zabane' literally means 'tongue', so 'the flames are drawing tongues' is a poetic way to say the fire is roaring. In a domestic setting, you will use the word with the verb 'تنظیم کردن' (Tanzim kardan - to adjust). For example: 'Please adjust the flame of the heater' (لطفاً شعله بخاری را تنظیم کن).
شعلههای انتقام در دلش زنده شد.
(The flames of revenge were revived in his heart.)
In scientific or formal writing, 'sho'le' might be used to discuss 'Sho'le-ye oxand' (Oxidizing flame) or 'Sho'le-ye ehya' (Reducing flame) in chemistry. This shows that while the word is poetic, it is also technically precise. When building sentences, remember that 'sho'le' is a countable noun. You can have one flame or many flames. It can also be modified by colors: 'شعله آبی' (blue flame - usually indicating high heat/gas) or 'شعله زرد' (yellow flame).
You will encounter the word 'شعله' (Sho'le) in a variety of real-world scenarios in Iran. From the bustling kitchens of Tehran to the quiet corners of a library, this word is omnipresent. Its usage spans various registers—from the highly technical to the deeply emotional.
- In the Kitchen (The Most Common Site)
- If you are learning Persian to live in Iran or interact with Persian speakers, you'll hear this daily regarding the 'ojagh-gaz' (gas stove). 'Sho'le-ye gaz' is the standard way to refer to the burner's fire. Cooks are constantly telling each other to 'lowering the flame' (شعله را ملایم کن) to ensure the food doesn't burn.
- In Music and Pop Culture
- Persian pop and traditional music are rife with references to flames. It is almost always a metaphor for a love that burns the lover. Lyrics like 'You are the flame and I am the moth' (تو شعلهای و من پروانهام) are classic tropes that every Persian speaker recognizes.
اخبار گفت که شعلههای آتش به جنگلها رسیده است.
(The news said that the flames of the fire have reached the forests.)
In the news, 'sho'le' is used in reports of fires (آتشسوزی). Journalists use it to add a descriptive element to the severity of a blaze. For example, 'The flames were visible from kilometers away' (شعلهها از کیلومترها دورتر دیده میشدند). In a more abstract sense, political commentators might talk about the 'flames of war' (شعلههای جنگ) or the 'flames of protest' (شعلههای اعتراض) being fanned in a region.
In religious and spiritual contexts, particularly during the month of Muharram or other commemorations, 'sho'le' is used in poetry to describe the heat of the desert or the burning of tents. This gives the word a somber, historical weight that transcends its everyday use. Finally, in the world of beauty and fashion, 'Sho'le' is a name you will likely encounter among women of various ages, symbolizing a bright and warm personality.
While 'شعله' (Sho'le) is a relatively simple word, learners of Persian often stumble on its specific usage versus broader terms like 'آتش' (Atash - Fire). Understanding these nuances will help you sound more like a native speaker and avoid confusion in critical situations like cooking or emergency reporting.
- Confusing 'Sho'le' with 'Atash'
- The most common mistake is using 'Atash' when you specifically mean the flame. If you are cooking and say 'Turn down the fire' (آتش را کم کن), it sounds a bit dramatic, like you're managing a bonfire. Use 'Sho'le' (شعله را کم کن) for gas stoves and heaters.
- Pronunciation Pitfalls
- The letter 'Ain' (ع) in 'شعله' is often pronounced as a slight glottal stop or just a lengthening of the preceding vowel 'o'. Beginners often over-emphasize the 'Ain' or skip it entirely, making it sound like 'shole' (which can sound like 'shol' meaning loose/slack). Ensure the 'o' is short and followed by a brief catch in the throat.
اشتباه: آتش اجاق را زیاد کن.
درست: شعله اجاق را زیاد کن.
(Mistake: Increase the fire of the stove. Correct: Increase the flame of the stove.)
Another mistake is using the wrong verb for 'extinguishing' a flame. While 'خاموش کردن' (Khamush kardan) works for both fire and flame, 'کشتن' (Koshtan - to kill) is sometimes used colloquially for a flame, but it's very informal and can be confusing for learners. Stick to 'Khamush kardan' until you are very comfortable with slang.
Lastly, learners often forget that 'Sho'le' is an Arabic loanword and might try to find a 'purer' Persian word like 'Zabane'. While 'Zabane' is beautiful, using it in a kitchen setting would be like saying 'The tongue of the gas is too high' in English—it’s too poetic for the context. Use 'Sho'le' for 90% of your daily needs.
Persian is a language of synonyms, each carrying a slightly different 'flavor' or intensity. To truly master 'شعله' (Sho'le), you must know its siblings and cousins in the vocabulary of fire and light. Choosing the right word can change your sentence from a simple statement to a piece of art.
- آتش (Atash)
- The general word for fire. Use 'Atash' for the entity (e.g., 'The house is on fire') and 'Sho'le' for the specific parts of that fire. 'Atash' is the forest fire; 'Sho'le' is the flame on the matchstick.
- شراره (Sharareh)
- This means 'spark' or 'tiny flame'. It is often used to describe the sparks flying off a bonfire. Metaphorically, it's used for the first sign of an emotion or a movement.
- زبانه (Zabaneh)
- Literally 'tongue'. In the context of fire, it refers to the long, licking flames of a large blaze. It is more descriptive and dramatic than 'Sho'le'.
تفاوت: شعله شمع (Flame of a candle) vs. زبانههای آتش (Tongues of fire/roaring flames).
Other words include 'Akhgar' (اخگر), which refers to a glowing ember—the stage of fire after the flame has died down but the heat remains. 'Noor' (نور) means light, and while every flame produces light, 'Noor' is used for the brightness itself, not the physical fire. If you want to describe a 'flare' or a sudden burst, you might use 'Prosho' (پرتو) for a beam of light or 'Zabane-ye Atash' for a flare-up.
In a literary sense, 'Atash-kade' (fire temple) uses the root word for fire, but the 'Sho'le' within the temple is what is actually worshipped or tended to. Understanding these distinctions allows you to navigate Persian literature and daily life with much greater precision.
How Formal Is It?
Wusstest du?
Although it is an Arabic word, it is used more frequently in Persian poetry than many native Persian words for fire because of its rhythmic qualities.
Aussprachehilfe
- Pronouncing it as 'Shole' (rhyming with 'hole') without the glottal stop.
- Pronouncing it as 'Shol' (meaning loose).
- Over-emphasizing the 'Ain' like a deep Arabic 'Ayn'.
- Confusing the 'e' at the end with an 'a' sound.
- Missing the 'h' sound when it's pluralized (Sho'le-ha).
Schwierigkeitsgrad
Easy to recognize, but 'Ain' can be tricky for beginners.
Requires remembering the 'Ain' and 'He' at the end.
Pronunciation is straightforward once the 'Ain' is mastered.
Clear sound, but can be confused with 'Shol' if not careful.
Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest
Voraussetzungen
Als Nächstes lernen
Fortgeschritten
Wichtige Grammatik
Ezafe for Nouns ending in 'He'
شعلهی (Sho'le-ye) or شعلهِ (Sho'le-ye)
Pluralization of inanimate nouns
شعلهها (Sho'le-ha)
Compound Verb formation
شعلهور + شدن
Direct Object Marker 'ra'
شعله را خاموش کن.
Adjective placement
شعلهی بزرگ (Big flame)
Beispiele nach Niveau
شعله کوچک است.
The flame is small.
Simple subject-adjective-verb structure.
این شعله آبی است.
This flame is blue.
Use of demonstrative pronoun 'این'.
من شعله را میبینم.
I see the flame.
Direct object with 'ra'.
شعله گرم است.
The flame is hot.
Basic predicate adjective.
یک شعله روی شمع است.
There is a flame on the candle.
Indefinite 'yek' and preposition 'ru-ye'.
شعله زرد است.
The flame is yellow.
Color adjective.
شعله را خاموش کن.
Turn off the flame.
Imperative mood.
آیا شعله روشن است؟
Is the flame lit?
Question with 'aya'.
لطفاً شعله گاز را کم کنید.
Please turn down the gas flame.
Polite imperative with 'lotfan'.
او شعلههای آتش را دوست دارد.
He likes the flames of the fire.
Plural noun 'sho'le-ha'.
شعله بخاری خیلی زیاد است.
The heater's flame is too high.
Ezafe construction 'sho'le-ye bokhari'.
ما در تاریکی شعلهای دیدیم.
We saw a flame in the darkness.
Indefinite 'i' suffix.
شعله شمع ناگهان خاموش شد.
The candle flame suddenly went out.
Compound verb 'khamush shodan'.
آشپز شعله را تنظیم کرد.
The cook adjusted the flame.
Past tense 'tanzim kard'.
شعلههای رنگی در آتشبازی زیبا هستند.
Colorful flames in fireworks are beautiful.
Adjective 'rangi' modifying 'sho'le-ha'.
خورشید مثل یک شعله بزرگ است.
The sun is like a big flame.
Simile with 'mesl-e'.
با وزش باد، شعلهها به هر سو میرفتند.
With the wind blowing, the flames were going in every direction.
Prepositional phrase 'ba vazesh-e bad'.
او سعی کرد شعلههای خشمش را کنترل کند.
He tried to control the flames of his anger.
Metaphorical use of 'sho'le'.
ساختمان در میان شعلهها میسوخت.
The building was burning amidst the flames.
Continuous past 'mi-sukht'.
شعلهور شدن جنگل باعث نگرانی شد.
The forest bursting into flames caused concern.
Gerund/Infinitive as subject.
نور شعله تمام اتاق را روشن کرد.
The light of the flame lit up the whole room.
Subject-Object-Verb.
او به شعلههای لرزان شمع خیره شده بود.
He was staring at the trembling flames of the candle.
Past participle 'khire shode bud'.
شعلههای این شومینه خیلی آرامشبخش است.
The flames of this fireplace are very relaxing.
Compound adjective 'aramash-bakhsh'.
آتشنشانها توانستند شعلهها را مهار کنند.
The firefighters were able to contain the flames.
Modal verb 'tavanestan'.
عشق او مانند شعلهای در قلبم زنده است.
His love is alive like a flame in my heart.
Poetic simile.
سخنرانی او شعلههای اعتراض را برافروخت.
His speech kindled the flames of protest.
Literary verb 'barafarukht'.
هر شعلهای که برمیخاست، دلهرهای در دلها میانداخت.
Every flame that rose threw a dread into hearts.
Relative clause with 'ke'.
شعلههای آبی نشاندهنده سوختن کامل گاز هستند.
Blue flames indicate the complete combustion of gas.
Present participle 'neshan-dahande'.
کتابهای او شعلههای دانش را در جامعه گسترش داد.
His books spread the flames of knowledge in society.
Abstract metaphor.
او با مهارت، شعله مشعل را روشن نگه داشت.
With skill, he kept the torch's flame lit.
Adverbial phrase 'ba maharat'.
شعلههای انتقام هیچگاه به صلح ختم نمیشود.
The flames of revenge never end in peace.
Negative verb 'khatm nemishavad'.
هنر میتواند شعلههای امید را در سختترین شرایط روشن کند.
Art can light the flames of hope in the hardest conditions.
Complex subject 'honar'.
در اشعار حافظ، شعله نمادی از تجلی الهی است.
In Hafez's poems, the flame is a symbol of divine manifestation.
Literary analysis context.
شعلههای سرکش آتش، تمام تاریخ را به خاکستر تبدیل کرد.
The rebellious flames of fire turned all of history into ashes.
Personification with 'sarkesh'.
او با نگاهی شعلهور، به رقیب خود خیره شد.
With a flaming gaze, he stared at his rival.
Adjective 'sho'le-var' used for eyes.
این بحران میتواند شعلههای جنگ جهانی را دوباره برافروزد.
This crisis could rekindle the flames of a world war.
Potential mood.
شعلههای حقیقت سرانجام پردههای دروغ را خواهند سوخت.
The flames of truth will eventually burn the veils of lies.
Future tense 'khahand sukht'.
انعکاس شعلهها در چشمانش، حکایت از تصمیمی قاطع داشت.
The reflection of the flames in his eyes told of a firm decision.
Complex sentence with gerund ' حکایت داشت'.
فلسفه او شعلهای بود که در تاریکی قرون وسطی درخشید.
His philosophy was a flame that shone in the darkness of the Middle Ages.
Metaphorical historical context.
هر واژهاش چون شعلهای بر خرمن سکوت میافتاد.
Each of his words fell like a flame upon the harvest of silence.
Advanced simile with 'chun'.
پارادوکس شعله در این است که هم حیاتبخش است و هم ویرانگر.
The paradox of the flame is that it is both life-giving and destructive.
Philosophical statement.
او در میان شعلههای استعلا، خود را بازیافت.
Amidst the flames of transcendence, he found himself.
Highly abstract vocabulary 'este'la'.
زبانه کشیدن شعلههای فقر، بنیانهای جامعه را تهدید میکند.
The roaring flames of poverty threaten the foundations of society.
Sociological metaphor.
در عرفان، سالک باید چون شعلهای در معشوق فانی شود.
In mysticism, the seeker must vanish into the beloved like a flame.
Sufi terminology 'fani shodan'.
تلالو شعلههای نبوغ در آثار متأخر او هویداست.
The shimmer of the flames of genius is evident in his later works.
Formal vocabulary 'tala'lo', 'hoveyda'.
شعلههای نقد او، ساختارهای پوشالی قدرت را به چالش کشید.
The flames of his criticism challenged the hollow structures of power.
Political/Literary criticism.
او چون شعلهای در باد، میان ماندن و رفتن مردد بود.
Like a flame in the wind, he was hesitant between staying and going.
Psychological state description.
تاریخ، شعلهای است که از خاکستر تمدنهای پیشین جان میگیرد.
History is a flame that takes life from the ashes of previous civilizations.
Grand historical metaphor.
Häufige Kollokationen
Häufige Phrasen
Redewendungen & Ausdrücke
— To fan the flames of disagreement.
حرفهای او فقط اختلافات را شعلهور کرد.
Formal/Political— To be fragile or nearing the end (like a flickering candle).
زندگیاش مثل شعله شمع در باد است.
Literary— To ruin someone's life or harvest.
با این کار، او به خرمن زندگی خودش شعله زد.
Poetic/Idiomatic— Going from bad to worse (from a flame to a full fire).
او با این تصمیم از شعله به آتش رسید.
Informal— To make a situation worse (similar to fanning the flames).
تو فقط داری به این شعله باد میزنی.
Colloquial— To be deeply affected by a strong emotion.
از غم او، شعله در جانم گرفت.
Poetic— To put an end to a conspiracy or rebellion.
دولت سعی کرد شعله فتنه را خاموش کند.
Formal/Political— For a market to become very active or prices to skyrocket.
بازار مسکن دوباره شعلهور شده است.
Economic/Informal— One attraction and many admirers (One flame and a hundred moths).
زیبایی او مثل یک شعله و صد پروانه بود.
LiteraryWortfamilie
Substantive
Verben
Adjektive
Verwandt
Einprägen
Eselsbrücke
Think of a 'Show' of 'Light' (Sho-Le). A flame is a show of light.
Visuelle Assoziation
Imagine a gas stove with a bright blue flame. Visualize the word 'Sho'le' written in the middle of that blue flame.
Word Web
Herausforderung
Try to use 'Sho'le' three times today: once while cooking, once while describing a light, and once in a metaphorical sense.
Wortherkunft
Borrowed from Arabic 'shula' (شعلة). It entered Persian early on and replaced or complemented older Persian terms.
Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: A wick, a flame, or a brand of fire.
Semitic (Arabic) into Indo-European (Persian).Kultureller Kontext
Be careful using 'sho'le' in political contexts (e.g., 'fanning the flames') as it can be provocative.
English speakers often use 'fire' for everything. In Persian, using 'sho'le' makes you sound more precise and educated, especially in domestic or poetic contexts.
Im Alltag üben
Kontexte aus dem Alltag
In the Kitchen
- شعله را کم کن
- شعله پخشکن کجاست؟
- شعله گاز آبی است
- حرارت شعله
In Poetry
- شعله عشق
- شعله جان
- چون شعله لرزان
- شعله افروختن
In News/Emergency
- شعلههای آتش
- مهار شعلهها
- شعلهور شدن ساختمان
- زبانه کشیدن آتش
In Science
- رنگ شعله
- دمای شعله
- آزمایش شعله
- شعله اکسنده
In Personal Names
- خانم شعله
- نام من شعله است
- تولدت مبارک شعله جان
- معنی اسم شعله
Gesprächseinstiege
"آیا میتوانی شعله گاز را تنظیم کنی؟ (Can you adjust the gas flame?)"
"چرا شعله این شمع اینقدر میلرزد؟ (Why is this candle flame trembling so much?)"
"آیا میدانستی شعله آبی داغتر از شعله زرد است؟ (Did you know a blue flame is hotter than a yellow one?)"
"نظرت در مورد اسم 'شعله' برای دختر چیست؟ (What is your opinion on the name 'Sho'le' for a girl?)"
"چگونه میتوان شعلههای خشم را در یک دعوا آرام کرد؟ (How can one calm the flames of anger in a fight?)"
Tagebuch-Impulse
درباره زمانی بنویسید که شعلههای امید در زندگی شما درخشید. (Write about a time when the flames of hope shone in your life.)
توصیف کنید که تماشای شعلههای یک شومینه چه حسی به شما میدهد. (Describe what feeling you get from watching the flames of a fireplace.)
اگر میتوانستید شعلهای باشید، چه رنگی بودید و کجا میسوختید؟ (If you could be a flame, what color would you be and where would you burn?)
اهمیت شعله در تاریخ بشر و تمدن را توضیح دهید. (Explain the importance of the flame in human history and civilization.)
یک داستان کوتاه درباره شمعی بنویسید که نمیخواست شعلهاش خاموش شود. (Write a short story about a candle that didn't want its flame to go out.)
Summary
The word 'شعله' (Sho'le) is essential for daily life in Iran, especially for cooking and heating, but it also carries a rich poetic weight representing intensity and light. Example: 'شعله را کم کن' (Turn down the flame).
- Sho'le means 'flame' and is used for both physical fire and metaphorical passion.
- It is a common kitchen term used when adjusting gas stoves or heaters.
- The word has an Arabic origin but is deeply embedded in Persian poetry and names.
- It differs from 'Atash' (fire) by referring specifically to the visible tongues of fire.
Verwandte Inhalte
Mehr nature Wörter
عامل
B1Ein Element, ein Umstand oder ein Einfluss, der zu einem Ergebnis beiträgt.
عقاب
B1Ein großer Greifvogel mit einem massiven Hakenschnabel und scharfem Sehvermögen. Der Adler wird oft als König der Lüfte bezeichnet.
علف
A1Gras oder Futter. Zum Beispiel: 'Das Gras ist grün' (علف سبز است).
عنکبوت
A2An eight-legged arachnid that spins webs.
آب و هوا
A1Das Wetter bezeichnet die atmosphärischen Bedingungen an einem Ort und zu einer Zeit; Wetter. Das Wetter ist heute schön.
آب و خاک
B1Wasser und Boden sind entscheidend für die Landwirtschaft.
آببند
B1Ein niedriger Damm, der in einem Fluss gebaut wird, um den Wasserstand anzuheben. (A low dam built across a river to raise the water level.)
آبخیز
B1Watershed; an area or ridge of land that separates waters flowing to different rivers, basins, or seas.
ابر
A1Wolke. Eine sichtbare Masse aus kondensiertem Wasserdampf, die in der Atmosphäre schwebt.
ابری
A2Covered with clouds; overcast.