دختردایی en 30 segundos
- A specific term for your maternal uncle's daughter.
- Formed from 'dokhtar' (daughter) and 'dāyi' (maternal uncle).
- Essential for distinguishing between different types of cousins in Persian.
- Commonly used in both formal and informal family contexts.
In the intricate web of Persian kinship, the word دختردایی (dokhtar-dāyi) serves as a precise surgical tool for identifying a specific female relative. While English-speaking cultures often lump all non-sibling peers of the same generation under the umbrella term 'cousin,' Persian culture demands more specificity. The word is a compound formed by dokhtar (daughter) and dāyi (maternal uncle). Therefore, it refers exclusively to the daughter of one's mother's brother. This distinction is not merely linguistic; it carries profound social and traditional weight in Iranian society, where the maternal uncle often plays a significant, protective, and affectionate role in the lives of his nieces and nephews.
- Etymological Breakdown
- The term is a direct combination of 'daughter' and 'maternal uncle,' following the standard Persian pattern for naming cousins based on the parent's sibling.
- Social Context
- In many Iranian families, the maternal uncle is considered a 'second father' figure who is often more lenient than the paternal uncle. Consequently, the dokhtar-dāyi is often a close childhood playmate and confidante.
امروز با دختردایی عزیزم به خرید رفتیم تا برای جشن نوروز لباس تهیه کنیم.
Using this word correctly signals to native speakers that you understand the fundamental structure of the Iranian family unit. If you were to use the generic 'cousin' (which doesn't exist as a single word in Persian), you would leave the listener wondering which side of the family you are referring to. In traditional settings, the dokhtar-dāyi was also historically a potential candidate for marriage within the family, though this is becoming less common in modern urban centers. Regardless, the bond remains strong, and the term is used with warmth.
آیا دختردایی شما هم در دانشگاه تهران درس میخواند؟
In casual conversation, you might hear the possessive form dokhtar-dāyi-am (my cousin) or dokhtar-dāyi-at (your cousin). In very informal Tehran slang, the 'h' in 'dokhtar' is clearly pronounced, but the 'r' can sometimes be softened. However, the clarity of the 'dāyi' suffix is essential to avoid confusion with other cousins like dokhtar-khaleh (maternal aunt's daughter).
Using دختردایی effectively requires an understanding of Persian possessive suffixes and relational grammar. In Persian, you rarely just say 'maternal cousin' in isolation when talking about your own; you attach a suffix to indicate possession. For example, 'my maternal cousin' is dokhtar-dāyi-am. This word functions as a noun and can be the subject, object, or possessor in a sentence.
- Subject Position
- دختردایی من بسیار مهربان است. (My maternal cousin is very kind.)
- Object Position
- من دیروز دخترداییام را در کتابخانه دیدم. (I saw my maternal cousin at the library yesterday.)
نامه را برای دختردایی بزرگم فرستادم.
When addressing your dokhtar-dāyi directly, it is common to add 'jān' (dear) to the end: Dokhtar-dāyi jān! This softens the tone and adds a layer of familial affection. In more formal writing or when speaking about someone else's cousin, you might use the Ezafe construction: dokhtar-e dāyi-ye Maryam (the daughter of Maryam's maternal uncle).
دختردایی کوچکم امسال به مدرسه میرود.
It is also important to note the rhythm of the word. It consists of four syllables: dokh-tar-dā-yi. The stress typically falls on the final syllable of the root word, but in compound words like this, it can feel more balanced across the two parts. In poetry or classical Persian, you might encounter 'Dāyizādeh' (born of the maternal uncle), but in modern spoken Persian, dokhtar-dāyi is the standard and most natural choice.
The word دختردایی is ubiquitous in Iranian households. Because the 'Dāyi' (maternal uncle) is often a central figure in family gatherings, his children are frequently present and discussed. You will hear this word most often during large family meals, holiday celebrations like Nowruz (the Persian New Year), and life events like weddings or funerals.
- Family Gatherings (Mehmāni)
- When guests arrive, the host might introduce someone by saying, 'In dokhtar-dāyi-am ast' (This is my maternal cousin).
- Phone Conversations
- Mothers often update their children on the lives of their cousins: 'Did you know your dokhtar-dāyi got a new job?'
همه دخترداییهایم در جشن تولد من حضور داشتند.
In Iranian cinema and television dramas, family dynamics are a major theme. You will frequently hear characters referring to their dokhtar-dāyi when discussing family secrets, marriage arrangements, or simply catching up. The term carries a sense of familiarity that 'cousin' lacks. If a character says 'dokhtar-dāyi,' the audience immediately knows exactly how they are related, which can be crucial for understanding the plot, especially in stories involving inheritance or family feuds.
دخترداییات زنگ زد و گفت که فردا به دیدن ما میآید.
In social media, Iranians often post photos with their cousins using hashtags like #دختردایی or #فامیلی (family). Because the relationship is usually close, the term is associated with nostalgia and 'good old days' spent at the maternal grandparents' house. It is a word that evokes warmth, shared history, and the specific comfort of the maternal side of the family.
For English speakers, the most frequent mistake is using دختردایی when they actually mean a different type of cousin. Because English uses 'cousin' for everyone, learners often pick one Persian cousin term and use it as a generic placeholder. This is a significant error in Persian because it misidentifies the family lineage.
- Confusion with Paternal Cousins
- Mistaking 'dokhtar-dāyi' for 'dokhtar-amou' (father's brother's daughter). This effectively moves the person to the other side of the family tree.
- Confusion with Aunts' Daughters
- Using 'dokhtar-dāyi' instead of 'dokhtar-khaleh' (mother's sister's daughter). Both are maternal, but one is through a brother and the other through a sister.
اشتباه: مریم دختردایی من است (در حالی که او دختر عمه است).
Another common mistake involves the pronunciation of the 'yi' sound at the end. Some learners pronounce it like a flat 'ee,' but it should have a subtle glide. Also, remember that dokhtar-dāyi is gender-specific. If you are referring to the maternal uncle's son, you must use pesar-dāyi. Calling a man a dokhtar-dāyi would be a humorous but embarrassing gender error.
در فارسی، ما بین دختردایی و دخترخاله تفاوت قائل میشویم.
Grammatically, learners sometimes forget the 'ezafe' (the short 'e' sound) when adding adjectives. It's dokhtar-dāyi-ye mehrabān (kind maternal cousin), not dokhtar-dāyi mehrabān. Forgetting this linking vowel makes the speech sound disjointed and 'broken' to a native ear. Practice saying the compound as one unit rather than two separate words.
Understanding دختردایی requires situating it among its three 'cousin' siblings. In Persian, there are four distinct terms for female cousins, each identifying a specific branch of the family tree. Learning these together is the most efficient way to master the vocabulary of Iranian kinship.
- دخترعمو (Dokhtar-amou)
- Father's brother's daughter. Often seen as the most 'formal' or 'traditional' cousin relationship.
- دخترعمه (Dokhtar-ammeh)
- Father's sister's daughter.
- دخترخاله (Dokhtar-khāleh)
- Mother's sister's daughter. Often considered the closest relationship among cousins.
من با دختردایی و دخترخالهام به سینما رفتیم.
A more formal or literary alternative is Dāyizādeh (داییزاده). The suffix '-zādeh' means 'born of'. While you will see this in literature, legal documents, or formal biographies, it is rarely used in daily conversation. If you use Dāyizādeh in a casual setting, you might sound overly poetic or old-fashioned. However, it is useful because Dāyizādeh can technically refer to both the son and daughter of the maternal uncle, though it is usually specified as Dāyizādeh-ye dokhtar if clarity is needed.
دختردایی من مثل خواهرم است.
When comparing dokhtar-dāyi to other terms, remember that the maternal side (Dāyi and Khāleh) is often culturally associated with 'Mehmāni' (parties) and 'Khorāk' (food), while the paternal side (Amou and Ammeh) might be associated with more formal family obligations. This subtle cultural coloring influences how these words are perceived in conversation.
How Formal Is It?
Dato curioso
Because 'dokhtar' and 'daughter' share the same ancient root, this word is an easy 'anchor' for English speakers to remember. The word 'dāyi' is also used as a respectful term for older men in some rural contexts, even if no blood relation exists.
Guía de pronunciación
- Pronouncing 'kh' as 'k' (saying 'dok-tar' instead of 'dokh-tar').
- Shortening the long 'ā' in 'dāyi' so it sounds like 'dye' (rhyming with 'tie').
- Confusing the word with 'dokhtar-khāleh' (aunt's daughter).
- Mixing up the gender and saying 'dokhtar-dāyi' for a male cousin.
- Ignoring the glottal stop or glide between 'dā' and 'yi'.
Nivel de dificultad
Easy to read as it is a compound of two common words.
Requires remembering the 'kh' and the 'y' at the end.
The four-syllable rhythm needs practice to sound natural.
Clear pronunciation usually makes it easy to identify in speech.
Qué aprender después
Requisitos previos
Aprende después
Avanzado
Gramática que debes saber
Compound Noun Formation
دختر + دایی = دختردایی. No Ezafe is used between the two parts of this specific compound.
Possessive Suffixes
دختردایی + م = دخترداییام (My maternal cousin). The 'm' attaches after the 'i'.
Ezafe Construction
دخترداییِ مهربان (The kind maternal cousin). The 'e' sound links the noun and adjective.
Pluralization with 'hā'
دختردایی + ها = دخترداییها. The plural marker goes at the very end.
Direct Object Marker 'rā'
من دخترداییام را دیدم. 'rā' follows the possessive suffix.
Ejemplos por nivel
این دختردایی من است.
This is my maternal cousin.
Uses the simple 'in... ast' (This is...) structure.
دختردایی من زیبا است.
My maternal cousin is beautiful.
Simple subject-adjective-verb structure.
اسم دختردایی تو چیست؟
What is your maternal cousin's name?
Asking a basic question with 'chist'.
من یک دختردایی دارم.
I have one maternal cousin.
Uses the verb 'dāshtan' (to have).
او دختردایی سارا است.
She is Sara's maternal cousin.
Demonstrates the Ezafe (e) linking Sara and the cousin.
دختردایی من در تهران است.
My maternal cousin is in Tehran.
Prepositional phrase 'dar Tehran'.
سلام دختردایی!
Hello, maternal cousin!
Direct address.
دختردایی من دانشآموز است.
My maternal cousin is a student.
Simple noun-noun-verb sentence.
دخترداییام امروز به خانه ما میآید.
My maternal cousin is coming to our house today.
Present continuous sense using present simple verb.
من برای دخترداییام یک هدیه خریدم.
I bought a gift for my maternal cousin.
Past tense 'kharidam' and preposition 'barāye'.
دختردایی شما چند سال دارد؟
How old is your maternal cousin?
Standard way to ask age in Persian.
دختردایی من خیلی خوب پیانو مینوازد.
My maternal cousin plays the piano very well.
Adverb 'kheyli khoub' modifying the verb.
ما با دخترداییهایمان به پارک رفتیم.
We went to the park with our maternal cousins.
Plural form 'dokhtar-dāyi-hā'.
دختردایی بزرگم پزشک است.
My eldest maternal cousin is a doctor.
Adjective 'bozorg' used as a superlative/distinction.
آیا دختردایی تو گربه دارد؟
Does your maternal cousin have a cat?
Question form with 'āyā'.
من دخترداییام را خیلی دوست دارم.
I like my maternal cousin very much.
Direct object marker 'rā'.
وقتی بچه بودیم، همیشه با دخترداییام بازی میکردیم.
When we were children, we always used to play with my maternal cousin.
Past habitual 'mi-kardim'.
دخترداییام تصمیم گرفته است که در خارج از کشور درس بخواند.
My maternal cousin has decided to study abroad.
Present perfect tense 'tasmim gerefteh ast'.
اگر دخترداییام بیاید، ما به سینما خواهیم رفت.
If my maternal cousin comes, we will go to the cinema.
First conditional structure.
دخترداییام که در شیراز زندگی میکند، فردا به تهران میرسد.
My maternal cousin, who lives in Shiraz, arrives in Tehran tomorrow.
Relative clause starting with 'ke'.
من از دخترداییام خواستم که در آشپزی به من کمک کند.
I asked my maternal cousin to help me with cooking.
Subjunctive mood 'komak konad'.
دخترداییام هنرمند بسیار بااستعدادی است.
My maternal cousin is a very talented artist.
Compound adjective 'bā-este'dād'.
دیروز با دخترداییام درباره مشکلاتم صحبت کردم.
Yesterday, I talked with my maternal cousin about my problems.
Preposition 'darbāre-ye'.
دخترداییام همیشه بهترین توصیهها را به من میدهد.
My maternal cousin always gives me the best advice.
Superlative adjective 'behtarin'.
دخترداییام با وجود مشغله زیاد، همیشه برای خانواده وقت میگذارد.
Despite being very busy, my maternal cousin always makes time for the family.
Concession phrase 'bā vojoude'.
گویا دخترداییام در مسابقه عکاسی مقام اول را کسب کرده است.
It seems that my maternal cousin has won first place in the photography competition.
Use of 'gouyā' (it seems).
من و دخترداییام از دوران کودکی پیوند بسیار عمیقی با هم داریم.
My maternal cousin and I have had a very deep bond since childhood.
Noun phrase 'peyvande amigh'.
دخترداییام در حال نوشتن کتابی درباره تاریخ ایران است.
My maternal cousin is in the middle of writing a book about Iranian history.
Continuous present 'dar hāle neveshtan'.
ای کاش دخترداییام میتوانست در جشن عروسی من شرکت کند.
I wish my maternal cousin could have attended my wedding.
Wish construction 'ey kāsh'.
دخترداییام به عنوان مترجم در یک شرکت بینالمللی کار میکند.
My maternal cousin works as a translator in an international company.
The role marker 'be onvāne'.
رابطه من با دخترداییام فراتر از یک نسبت فامیلی ساده است.
My relationship with my maternal cousin goes beyond a simple family tie.
Comparative phrase 'farātar az'.
دخترداییام با شجاعت تمام در برابر مشکلات ایستادگی کرد.
My maternal cousin stood up to the problems with total courage.
Adverbial phrase 'bā shoja'ate tamām'.
دخترداییام با ظرافتی خاص، خاطرات خانوادگی را در قالب داستان بازگو میکند.
My maternal cousin recounts family memories in the form of stories with a special elegance.
Sophisticated vocabulary like 'zerāfat' and 'bāzgou kardan'.
موفقیتهای چشمگیر دخترداییام در عرصه علمی، مایه افتخار تمام فامیل است.
The remarkable successes of my maternal cousin in the scientific field are a source of pride for the whole family.
Formal phrase 'māye-ye eftekhār'.
دخترداییام همواره با دیدگاهی انتقادی به مسائل اجتماعی مینگرد.
My maternal cousin always looks at social issues with a critical perspective.
Formal verb 'negaristan' and 'didgāh'.
علیرغم دوری مسافت، من و دخترداییام همواره از احوال یکدیگر باخبریم.
Despite the long distance, my maternal cousin and I are always aware of each other's well-being.
Formal preposition 'alā-raghm-e'.
دخترداییام در مدیریت بحرانهای خانوادگی، نقش کلیدی و میانجیگرانه ایفا میکند.
My maternal cousin plays a key and mediating role in managing family crises.
Advanced nouns 'borhān' and 'miyānji-garāneh'.
ویژگیهای اخلاقی دخترداییام، مرا به یاد پدربزرگ مرحوممان میاندازد.
My maternal cousin's moral traits remind me of our late grandfather.
Idiomatic 'be yād andākhtan'.
دخترداییام با اتکا به دانش خود، توانست کسبوکار موفقی را راه-اندازی کند.
Relying on her knowledge, my maternal cousin was able to launch a successful business.
Formal participle 'be etkā be'.
تعاملات فرهنگی دخترداییام در سفرهای اروپاییاش، دیدگاه او را وسعت بخشیده است.
My maternal cousin's cultural interactions during her European travels have broadened her perspective.
Abstract verb 'vos'at bakhshidan'.
دخترداییام در رساله دکتری خود به واکاوی نقش زنان در ادبیات مشروطه پرداخته است.
In her doctoral thesis, my maternal cousin has delved into the analysis of women's roles in Constitutional literature.
Academic vocabulary 'vākāvi' and 'pardākhtan be'.
شیوایی کلام دخترداییام هنگام سخنرانی، هر شنوندهای را مجذوب خود میسازد.
The eloquence of my maternal cousin's speech during her lectures fascinates every listener.
Formal 'shivāyi-ye kalām'.
دخترداییام مظهر بردباری و استقامت در برابر ناملایمات روزگار است.
My maternal cousin is the manifestation of patience and endurance against the adversities of time.
Metaphorical 'mazhar' and 'nāmolāyemāt'.
درایت و هوشمندی دخترداییام در حل و فصل دعاوی حقوقی، زبانزد خاص و عام است.
My maternal cousin's wisdom and intelligence in settling legal disputes is well-known to everyone.
Idiom 'zabānzad-e khās o ām'.
دخترداییام با رویکردی پدیدارشناسانه به بررسی اشعار حافظ اهتمام ورزیده است.
My maternal cousin has endeavored to examine Hafez's poems with a phenomenological approach.
Highly academic 'padidār-shenāshāneh'.
حضور معنوی دخترداییام در لحظات دشوار، همواره مایه تسلی خاطر من بوده است.
My maternal cousin's spiritual presence in difficult moments has always been a source of consolation for me.
Formal 'tasalli-ye khāter'.
دخترداییام با طبعی لطیف، به سرودن اشعاری در وصف طبیعت میپردازد.
With a delicate nature, my maternal cousin composes poems describing nature.
Poetic 'tab'-e latif'.
ژرفنگری دخترداییام در تحلیل وقایع تاریخی، تحسین همگان را برانگیخته است.
My maternal cousin's deep insight in analyzing historical events has aroused everyone's admiration.
Advanced noun 'zharf-negari'.
Sinónimos
Antónimos
Colocaciones comunes
Frases Comunes
— A very common and affectionate way to address or talk about one's maternal cousin. 'Jan' means life or soul.
دختردایی جان، چطوری؟
— Comparing someone's behavior or closeness to that of a maternal cousin. Usually implies a friendly relationship.
او برای من مثل دختردایی است.
— Mentioning various cousins together, often to describe a large family gathering.
همه دخترداییها و پسرخالهها آنجا بودند.
— Referring to the first or eldest daughter of the maternal uncle.
دختردایی اول من معلم است.
— Doing something because the maternal cousin recommended it.
این کتاب را به سفارش دخترداییام خریدم.
— Technically redundant but used to emphasize the maternal side.
او دختردایی مادری من است.
— A distant maternal cousin (e.g., the daughter of a second cousin who is like an uncle).
او یک دختردایی دور ماست.
Se confunde a menudo con
This is the father's brother's daughter. Using it for a maternal cousin is a major genealogical error.
This is the mother's sister's daughter. Both are maternal, but the link is a sister, not a brother.
This is the father's sister's daughter.
Modismos y expresiones
— While this idiom uses 'paternal' cousins, it reflects the cultural idea that cousins are destined for each other. It is often jokingly applied to 'dokhtar-dāyi' as well.
میگویند عقد این دو نفر را در آسمانها بستهاند.
Traditional/Joking— A phrase used to describe a full house of relatives. It implies a chaotic but warm family environment.
همه بودند؛ از خاله و دایی تا دختردایی و پسرعمه.
Informal— Refers to 'close family.' A dokhtar-dāyi is always considered 'fāmil-e nazdik'.
او فامیل نزدیک ماست، پس باید به عروسیاش برویم.
Neutral— The opposite of a cousin; someone related by seven generations of strangers (not related at all).
او که دختردایی تو نیست، هفت پشت غریبه است!
Informal— To be like family. One often feels 'khodmāni' with a dokhtar-dāyi.
با دخترداییام خیلی خودمانی هستم.
Informal— Used to describe two people (often cousins) who look exactly alike.
من و دخترداییام مثل سیبی هستیم که از وسط نصف کرده باشند.
Informal— The 'eye and light' of the family; a beloved relative, often a favorite cousin.
دختردایی من چشم و چراغ فامیل است.
Affectionate— Being of the same flesh and skin. Used to emphasize the biological and emotional bond between cousins.
ما با هم یک گوشت و پوست هستیم.
Deeply Personal— Distance brings friendship. Sometimes said when cousins live far apart but remain close at heart.
با دخترداییام دوری و دوستی داریم.
Proverbial— A general term for kith and kin.
تمام قوم و خویش، از جمله دخترداییها، دعوت بودند.
NeutralFácil de confundir
Same family branch, different gender.
Pesar means boy/son, Dokhtar means girl/daughter.
علی پسردایی من است، اما مریم دختردایی من است.
Both contain 'dāyi'.
Zan-dāyi is the wife of the maternal uncle, not his daughter.
زندایی من مادرِ دختردایی من است.
The root word.
Dāyi is the uncle himself, Dokhtar-dāyi is his child.
دایی من یک دختر دارد که دختردایی من است.
Starts with 'dokhtar'.
Refers to an adopted daughter, no biological uncle relation implied.
او دختردایی من است، نه دخترخواندهام.
Extended maternal family.
This is the grandchild of the maternal uncle (the child of the dokhtar-dāyi).
این کودک، نوه دایی من است.
Patrones de oraciones
[Name] دختردایی من است.
سارا دختردایی من است.
من با دخترداییام به [Place] رفتم.
من با دخترداییام به بازار رفتم.
دخترداییام که [Description] است، [Action].
دخترداییام که معلم است، به من کمک کرد.
با اینکه دخترداییام [Condition]، اما [Result].
با اینکه دخترداییام خسته بود، اما به مهمانی آمد.
نقش دخترداییام در [Context] بسیار [Adjective] بود.
نقش دخترداییام در حل مشکلات بسیار حیاتی بود.
اگر درایت دخترداییام نبود، [Hypothetical Result].
اگر درایت دخترداییام نبود، خانواده دچار فروپاشی میشد.
آیا دخترداییات را [Verb]؟
آیا دخترداییات را دیدی؟
دخترداییام [Adjective]ترین عضو فامیل است.
دخترداییام باهوشترین عضو فامیل است.
Familia de palabras
Sustantivos
Verbos
Adjetivos
Relacionado
Cómo usarlo
Extremely common in daily life and family contexts.
-
Using 'dokhtar-dāyi' for a paternal cousin.
→
دخترعمو (dokhtar-amou)
Paternal cousins have completely different names in Persian.
-
Saying 'dokhtar-dāyi man' without the Ezafe.
→
دخترداییِ من (dokhtar-dāyi-ye man)
The 'ye' sound is necessary to link the noun and the possessive pronoun.
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Pronouncing it as 'dok-tar dye'.
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dokh-tar dā-yi
The 'kh' is raspy and the 'ā' is long.
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Using 'dokhtar-dāyi' for a male cousin.
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پسردایی (pesar-dāyi)
'Dokhtar' means daughter/girl only.
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Pluralizing as 'dokhtar-hā-dāyi'.
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دخترداییها (dokhtar-dāyi-hā)
Plural markers go at the end of the whole compound, not in the middle.
Consejos
Suffix Placement
Always attach possessive suffixes like '-am' or '-at' to the very end of the word, after the 'i' of 'dāyi'.
The 'Jan' Factor
Using 'Jan' after 'dokhtar-dāyi' is a quick way to sound like a native speaker who understands Iranian warmth.
The Family Tree
Learn all four female cousin terms at once to avoid mixing them up later.
The 'KH' Sound
Don't be afraid of the 'kh' in 'dokhtar'. It's a soft, breathy sound from the back of the throat.
Introductions
When introducing your cousin, specifying 'dokhtar-dāyi' helps Iranians immediately place her in your family tree.
Suffix Listening
Focus on the end of the word to hear if the speaker is talking about their own cousin or yours.
Compound Writing
In digital typing, keep 'dokhtar' and 'dāyi' close together to maintain the compound's integrity.
Maternal Link
Associate the 'D' in 'Dāyi' with 'Daughter' and 'Directly from Mom's brother'.
Literary Context
If you see 'Dāyizādeh' in a book, just translate it as 'dokhtar-dāyi' or 'pesar-dāyi' in your head.
Rhythm
Say it as 'dokh-tar-dā-yi' with a steady beat. Don't rush the 'tar' part.
Memorízalo
Mnemotecnia
Think of your 'Daughter' (dokhtar) and the 'Guy' (Dāyi) who is your mom's brother. She is the 'Daughter of that Guy'.
Asociación visual
Imagine your mother and her brother standing together. Now imagine his daughter standing next to them. Label her 'Dokhtar-Dāyi' in your mind's eye.
Word Web
Desafío
Try to list all the 'dokhtar-dāyi's in your own family tree using the Persian word. If you don't have any, imagine a famous person's maternal uncle and name his daughter.
Origen de la palabra
The word 'dokhtar' comes from the Proto-Indo-European *dhughter, which is cognate with the English 'daughter' and German 'Tochter'. 'Dāyi' is of Iranian origin, possibly related to Middle Persian and Sogdian terms for a caregiver or maternal figure.
Significado original: Literally 'daughter of the mother's brother'.
Indo-European -> Indo-Iranian -> Iranian -> Modern Persian.Contexto cultural
Be careful not to assume that all 'dokhtar-dāyi's are close; like in any culture, family dynamics vary. Also, in some very traditional rural areas, marriage between 'dokhtar-dāyi' and 'pesar-ammeh' (paternal aunt's son) was common, so avoid making jokes about it unless you know the family well.
English speakers find the distinction between maternal and paternal cousins difficult at first, as English uses only one word: 'cousin'.
Practica en la vida real
Contextos reales
At a wedding
- دختردایی عروس
- تبریک به دختردایی
- رقص با دختردایی
- لباس دختردایی
During Nowruz (New Year)
- عیدی به دختردایی
- دید و بازدید با دختردایی
- تبریک سال نو به دختردایی
- مهمانی خانه دختردایی
At school/university
- همکلاسی بودن با دختردایی
- درس خواندن با دختردایی
- موفقیت دختردایی
- پروژه دختردایی
On the phone
- تماس با دختردایی
- پیام به دختردایی
- حال دختردایی را پرسیدن
- خبر از دختردایی
Family conflict (rare but possible)
- قهر با دختردایی
- آشتی با دختردایی
- بحث با دختردایی
- واسطه شدن برای دختردایی
Inicios de conversación
"آیا شما دختردایی دارید که در شهر دیگری زندگی کند؟ (Do you have a maternal cousin who lives in another city?)"
"آخرین باری که دخترداییتان را دیدید کی بود؟ (When was the last time you saw your maternal cousin?)"
"رابطه شما با دخترداییتان چطور است؟ (How is your relationship with your maternal cousin?)"
"آیا دختردایی شما هم به زبان فارسی علاقه دارد؟ (Is your maternal cousin also interested in the Persian language?)"
"بهترین خاطرهای که با دخترداییتان دارید چیست؟ (What is the best memory you have with your maternal cousin?)"
Temas para diario
درباره یکی از دخترداییهایتان بنویسید و او را توصیف کنید. (Write about one of your maternal cousins and describe her.)
تفاوتهای فرهنگی بین روابط پسرعموها و دخترداییها در ایران را بررسی کنید. (Explore the cultural differences between relationships of paternal and maternal cousins in Iran.)
اگر یک روز کامل را با دخترداییتان بگذرانید، چه کارهایی انجام میدهید؟ (If you spent a whole day with your maternal cousin, what would you do?)
چرا داشتن یک دختردایی صمیمی در زندگی مهم است؟ (Why is having a close maternal cousin important in life?)
یک نامه کوتاه به دخترداییتان بنویسید و او را به شام دعوت کنید. (Write a short letter to your maternal cousin and invite her to dinner.)
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasIt is considered a compound word. In writing, it is often written together (دختردایی) or with a zero-width non-joiner (دختردایی). It functions as a single lexical unit.
You say 'دخترداییام' (dokhtar-dāyi-am) or 'دخترداییِ من' (dokhtar-dāyi-ye man).
Usually, it refers to a first cousin. For more distant relatives, Iranians often add 'دور' (dour - distant), as in 'دخترداییِ دور'.
The male version is 'پسردایی' (pesar-dāyi), meaning maternal uncle's son.
It's not rude, but adding 'jān' (دخترداییجان) makes it much more polite and affectionate.
Historically, cousin marriage was common and even encouraged in some traditional circles, but it is becoming much less common in modern urban Iran due to genetic awareness and changing social norms.
Add 'hā' to the end: 'دخترداییها' (dokhtar-dāyi-hā).
The daughters of both brothers are called 'dokhtar-dāyi'. To specify, you would use their father's name: 'دختردایی مریم' (the daughter of uncle Maryam's brother).
No, there is no common abbreviation. You must say the full word.
Rarely. It sounds very formal or like something from a 19th-century novel. Stick to 'dokhtar-dāyi' for daily life.
Ponte a prueba 180 preguntas
Translate to Persian: 'My maternal cousin is a teacher.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate to Persian: 'I love my maternal cousin.'
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Translate to Persian: 'Where is your maternal cousin?'
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Translate to Persian: 'She is my eldest maternal cousin.'
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Translate to Persian: 'We went to my maternal cousin's house.'
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Translate to Persian: 'My maternal cousin has two cats.'
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Translate to Persian: 'I bought this for my maternal cousin.'
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Translate to Persian: 'My maternal cousin lives in London.'
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Translate to Persian: 'Hello dear maternal cousin!'
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Translate to Persian: 'Are you Sara's maternal cousin?'
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Translate to Persian: 'My maternal cousin speaks English well.'
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Translate to Persian: 'I have three maternal cousins.'
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Translate to Persian: 'My maternal cousin is very beautiful.'
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Translate to Persian: 'I saw her with her maternal cousin.'
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Translate to Persian: 'My maternal cousin's name is Maryam.'
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Translate to Persian: 'She is coming tomorrow.' (referring to dokhtar-dāyi)
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Translate to Persian: 'My maternal cousin is younger than me.'
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Translate to Persian: 'We are maternal cousins.'
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Translate to Persian: 'Which one is your maternal cousin?'
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Translate to Persian: 'I will call my maternal cousin tonight.'
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Describe your 'dokhtar-dāyi' in three sentences.
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Introduce your 'dokhtar-dāyi' to a friend.
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Ask someone if they have a 'dokhtar-dāyi'.
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Tell a short story about a trip with your 'dokhtar-dāyi'.
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Explain the difference between 'dokhtar-dāyi' and 'dokhtar-amou'.
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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What is your 'dokhtar-dāyi's' job?
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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How often do you see your 'dokhtar-dāyi'?
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Invite your 'dokhtar-dāyi' to a party.
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Compare your 'dokhtar-dāyi' with your sister.
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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What does your 'dokhtar-dāyi' look like?
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Ask your 'dokhtar-dāyi' for help.
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Congratulate your 'dokhtar-dāyi' on her birthday.
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Talk about your 'dokhtar-dāyi's' favorite food.
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Ask your mother about your 'dokhtar-dāyi'.
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Say 'I have many maternal cousins' in Persian.
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Describe a gift you bought for your 'dokhtar-dāyi'.
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Ask: 'Is she your maternal cousin?'
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Talk about her children (if any).
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Where does she live?
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Is she older or younger than you?
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Listen and identify the relation: 'Zahra is the daughter of my mother's brother.'
Transcript: 'Emrouz bā dokhtar-dāyi-am raftim shopping.' -> Who did they go with?
Transcript: 'Dokhtar-dāyi-ye man dar Tehrān ast.' -> Where is she?
Transcript: 'In hediye barāye dokhtar-dāyi-ye bozorgam ast.' -> Who is the gift for?
Transcript: 'Dokhtar-dāyi-am parastār ast.' -> What is her job?
Identify the word: 'D-O-KH-T-A-R D-A-Y-I'
Transcript: 'Man se tā dokhtar-dāyi dāram.' -> How many?
Transcript: 'Dokhtar-dāyi-ye Maryam kheyli bāhoush ast.' -> Who is smart?
Transcript: 'Be dokhtar-dāyi-at salām beresān.' -> What is the request?
Transcript: 'Dokhtar-dāyi-am fardā miāyad.' -> When is she coming?
Transcript: 'Dokhtar-dāyi-am dāneshjouye honar ast.' -> What does she study?
Transcript: 'In aks-e dokhtar-dāyi-ye man ast.' -> What is being shown?
Transcript: 'Man va dokhtar-dāyi-am ham-sen hastim.' -> What is the similarity?
Transcript: 'Dokhtar-dāyi-am dar mourede safarash goft.' -> What did she talk about?
Transcript: 'Dokhtar-dāyi-am fārgh-ot-tahsil shod.' -> What happened?
/ 180 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
The word 'dokhtar-dāyi' is more than just 'cousin'; it identifies a specific branch of your family. Remember: Mother's Brother's Daughter. Example: 'Maryam is my dokhtar-dāyi because she is the daughter of my uncle (my mother's brother).'
- A specific term for your maternal uncle's daughter.
- Formed from 'dokhtar' (daughter) and 'dāyi' (maternal uncle).
- Essential for distinguishing between different types of cousins in Persian.
- Commonly used in both formal and informal family contexts.
Suffix Placement
Always attach possessive suffixes like '-am' or '-at' to the very end of the word, after the 'i' of 'dāyi'.
The 'Jan' Factor
Using 'Jan' after 'dokhtar-dāyi' is a quick way to sound like a native speaker who understands Iranian warmth.
The Family Tree
Learn all four female cousin terms at once to avoid mixing them up later.
The 'KH' Sound
Don't be afraid of the 'kh' in 'dokhtar'. It's a soft, breathy sound from the back of the throat.
Ejemplo
دخترداییام با من همکلاس است.
Contenido relacionado
Gramática relacionada
Más palabras de family
عاقد
B1El oficiante de bodas que realiza la ceremonia legal.
عضو بودن
B1Ser miembro de una familia o un grupo.
عقد
B1Marriage contract; formal engagement ceremony.
عقد کردن
B1Casarse oficialmente mediante la firma de un contrato de matrimonio.
عمه
A1La palabra 'عمه' se refiere a la tía paterna, la hermana del padre.
عمه زاده
B1Primo paterno (hijo de la tía paterna).
عمهزاده
B1Paternal aunt's child (cousin).
عمو
A1Tío paterno; el hermano del padre. Mi tío paterno me dio un regalo.
عموزاده
A2Un primo paterno (el hijo o hija del hermano del padre). 'Mi amuzāde vive en Madrid.'
عنایت
B1Care; attention; favor; consideration.
