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B1 adjective #6,000 le plus courant 8 min de lecture

کم آب

Q: How do I say 'drought-tolerant'?

The word is 'kam-āb-talab' (کمآبطلب). It literally means 'seeking little water'.

kam ab Top 6,000

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces کم آب en 30 secondes

Explication کم آب in your Level:

At the A1 level, you learn the most basic building blocks of Persian. 'Kam-āb' is a compound word made of 'Kam' (little) and 'Ab' (water). Think of it like a simple puzzle. When you see a glass with only a tiny bit of water, or a plant that looks sad because it hasn't rained, you can use this word. At this stage, just focus on the literal meaning: 'little water'. You can use it in very simple sentences like 'The water is little' (Ab kam ast) or 'This is a low-water place'. It helps you describe the world around you in a simple way. You don't need to worry about complex grammar yet; just remember that 'Kam' comes before 'Ab' to make the new word 'Kam-āb'. It is one of the first compound adjectives you will learn because 'Ab' is one of the first words every student learns. It's a great way to start expanding your vocabulary from single words to combined concepts.

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At the A2 level, you start connecting words using the 'Ezafe' (the '-e' sound). Now, instead of just saying 'The water is little', you can describe things more specifically. You can say 'a low-water river' (roudkhāne-ye kam-āb) or 'a low-water fruit' (mive-ye kam-āb). You should also notice that 'kam-āb' is the opposite of 'por-āb' (full of water). In A2, you might use this word to talk about your garden or the weather. For example, 'This summer is kam-āb'. You are beginning to see how Persian adjectives follow the noun. This word is very useful for basic conversations about the environment or food. You might also start to hear it in simple news headlines. Remember, at this level, you are building the habit of putting the adjective after the noun with that small connecting vowel. It’s a key step in sounding more natural in Persian.

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At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'kam-āb' in various contexts, from environmental issues to cooking. You understand that it’s an adjective and can distinguish it from the noun 'kam-ābi' (water scarcity). You can use it to discuss more complex topics like 'the problems of water-scarce regions' (moshkelāt-e manātegh-e kam-āb). You also start learning related compounds like 'kam-āb-talab' (drought-tolerant) for plants. This is the level where you move beyond just 'little water' and start understanding the implications of the word—how it affects farming, life in the city, and the economy. You can participate in a discussion about why certain fruits are more expensive because the year was 'kam-āb'. Your ability to use the word in both literal and slightly more abstract (but still physical) contexts is what defines this level. You are also more aware of the semi-space (Z-vaneh) in writing.

At the B2 level, you use 'kam-āb' with nuance. You can compare it with synonyms like 'khoshk' (dry) or 'bi-āb' (waterless) and choose the right one for the situation. You might use it in a formal presentation about climate change or in a detailed recipe description. You understand the socio-environmental weight the word carries in Iran. You can talk about the 'kam-āb' period of a river's cycle or the 'kam-āb' nature of certain industries. Your sentences are more complex: 'Due to the kam-āb nature of the central plateau, ancient Iranians invented the Qanat system.' You are also able to use it in the passive voice or within relative clauses. At this stage, the word isn't just a vocabulary item; it's a tool for analyzing and describing the challenges of a specific geography. You also recognize it in more formal literature and academic articles.

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At the C1 level, you are exploring the deeper stylistic and technical uses of 'kam-āb'. You might encounter it in technical reports on hydrology or in sophisticated journalistic pieces about 'hydro-politics'. You understand its role in metaphors, perhaps describing a 'kam-āb' (thin or lacking) argument or a 'kam-āb' period in history, though these are rare and highly stylistic. You can switch between 'kam-āb' and more technical terms like 'xerophytic' (in Persian terms related to low-water plants) or 'arid' effortlessly. You are aware of the historical etymology and how the concept of water scarcity has shaped Persian culture and law (like the 'Hagh-ābe' or water rights). You can write a detailed essay on the 'kam-āb' crisis using this word as a pivot for your arguments. Your usage is indistinguishable from a native speaker, showing sensitivity to tone and context.

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At the C2 level, 'kam-āb' is a word you master in all its dimensions—scientific, poetic, and colloquial. You can appreciate its use in contemporary Persian poetry where it might symbolize a spiritual drought or a lack of emotional depth. You can participate in high-level debates about national security and water, using 'kam-āb' to describe strategic vulnerabilities. You understand the subtle differences in regional dialects where 'kam-āb' might be replaced by local terms, yet you maintain the standard usage. You can critique a piece of writing for its use of 'kam-āb' versus 'khoshk', explaining the subtle semantic shifts each one creates in the reader's mind. For you, the word is part of a vast web of interconnected concepts involving life, survival, and the Iranian identity. You use it with perfect precision, whether you are discussing the flow rate of a specific dam or the mouthfeel of a traditional Persian dish.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

کم آب en 30 secondes

Kam-ab is a Persian adjective meaning 'low on water' or 'water-scarce'.
It is a compound of 'kam' (little) and 'ab' (water), used for regions, plants, and food.
Culturally significant in Iran due to the arid climate and ongoing water management issues.
Grammatically, it follows the noun with an Ezafe (e.g., mantaghe-ye kam-ab).

The Persian compound adjective کم آب (kam-āb) is a fundamental descriptor in the Persian language, particularly significant given the geographical and climatic context of the Iranian plateau. At its most literal level, it combines kam (little/low/few) and āb (water) to describe anything characterized by a deficiency or scarcity of water. However, its usage extends far beyond simple thirst or a dry glass. It is a vital term in environmental science, agriculture, household management, and even culinary arts. When you describe a region as kam-āb, you are often making a statement about its ecology, sustainability, and the lifestyle of the people living there. In the context of modern Iran, this word carries a heavy sociopolitical weight due to ongoing droughts and water management challenges.

Literal Meaning: Low water; scarce in water; dehydrated; arid.
Environmental Context: Used to describe rivers that have run dry, regions with low rainfall, or aquifers that are depleted.
Agricultural Usage: Refers to crops or plants that require very little irrigation to survive, such as saffron or certain types of cacti.

ایران کشوری کم آب است و ما باید در مصرف آب صرفه‌جویی کنیم.

Translation: Iran is a water-scarce country, and we must save water consumption.

In a domestic setting, you might hear a mother tell her child that a certain fruit is kam-āb (not juicy) or a cook mentioning that a stew has become too kam-āb (thick/reduced). The versatility of the word allows it to shift from a macro-level environmental crisis to a micro-level kitchen observation. Understanding this word is essential for anyone wanting to discuss the climate of the Middle East or engage in daily life in an Iranian household where water conservation is often a cultural priority.

این گیاه برای مناطق کم آب بسیار مناسب است.

Translation: This plant is very suitable for low-water regions.

Culturally, the concept of being kam-āb is often contrasted with being por-āb (full of water/lush). In Persian poetry and classical literature, water is a symbol of life, purity, and light (rowshanāyi). Therefore, describing a land as kam-āb often carries a melancholy tone, suggesting a struggle for survival or a need for resilience. Modern activists use the term to highlight the urgency of environmental protection.

Common Collocations: مناطق کم‌آب (Arid regions), گیاهان کم‌آب‌طلب (Drought-resistant plants), سال‌های کم‌آب (Dry years).

Using کم آب correctly in a sentence requires an understanding of Persian adjective placement and the 'Ezafe' construction. In Persian, the adjective usually follows the noun it modifies, connected by a short vowel sound '-e'. For example, to say 'a water-scarce village,' you would say roustā-ye kam-āb. This structural rule is the backbone of most descriptive sentences involving this word.

Attributive Usage: Noun + Ezafe + کم آب. Example: استان‌های کم‌آب (Water-scarce provinces).
Predicative Usage: Noun + کم آب + Verb. Example: این رودخانه امسال خیلی کم آب است (This river is very low on water this year).

در سال‌های کم آب، کشاورزان با مشکلات زیادی روبرو می‌شوند.

Translation: In dry years, farmers face many problems.

When describing plants, a specific compound is often used: kam-āb-talab. This literally means 'water-seeking-little' or drought-tolerant. If you are at a garden center in Tehran, you might ask for giyāhān-e kam-āb-talab to ensure your garden survives the hot summer. Similarly, in culinary contexts, if a sauce has thickened perfectly, a chef might say ghazā kam-āb shode (the food has become low-water/thickened).

خورشت باید بجوشد تا کم آب و غلیظ شود.

Translation: The stew must boil until it becomes low in water and thick.

One nuance to watch for is the difference between kam-āb (the adjective) and kam-ābi (the noun meaning water scarcity). You use the adjective to describe a state or a thing, while the noun is used to discuss the phenomenon. For instance, 'The region is kam-āb' versus 'The region suffers from kam-ābi'. Confusing these two is a common mistake for B1 learners.

بدن من به دلیل ورزش زیاد کم آب شده است.

Translation: My body has become dehydrated due to excessive exercise.

In more advanced contexts, you might see it used metaphorically. While less common than literal usage, someone might describe a 'dry' or 'lifeless' performance as kam-āb, though words like bi-ruh (soulless) are more standard. Stick to literal scarcity for now to be safe. Remember that in Persian, adjectives come after the noun, so always look for the noun first!

If you turn on the news in Iran, especially during the summer months, کم آب is a word you will hear almost daily. News anchors frequently report on manātegh-e kam-āb (water-scarce regions) or the dorān-e kam-ābi (period of water scarcity). It is a central term in the national conversation about climate change and environmental management. Environmentalists use it to sound the alarm about the shrinking of lakes like Lake Urmia or the drying up of the Zayandehrud river in Isfahan.

News & Media: Frequent reports on drought, dam levels, and agricultural crises.
Daily Life: Conversations about gardening, car washing restrictions, or the quality of fruit.

اخبار گفت که امسال با یک تابستان بسیار کم آب روبرو هستیم.

Translation: The news said we are facing a very water-scarce summer this year.

In the bazaar or supermarket, you might hear customers complaining that the watermelons are kam-āb this year, meaning they aren't as juicy as they should be. In Persian culture, the juiciness of fruit is a mark of quality, so calling a fruit kam-āb is a criticism. Conversely, in a kitchen, a grandmother might instruct a younger cook to let the Ghormeh Sabzi simmer until it is kam-āb, which in this context is a sign of a well-prepared, thick stew where the oil has separated (jā oftādan).

این هندوانه خیلی کم آب و بی‌مزه است.

Translation: This watermelon is very dry and tasteless.

You will also encounter this word in educational settings. Geography textbooks in Iran dedicate entire chapters to the manātegh-e kam-āb-e markazi (the water-scarce central regions). If you visit historical sites like the 'Qanats' (ancient underground water systems) in Yazd, the guides will use this word to explain why such complex engineering was necessary: because the land was kam-āb. It is a word that bridges the gap between ancient history and modern survival.

یزد یکی از شهرهای کم آب اما تاریخی ایران است.

Translation: Yazd is one of the water-scarce but historical cities of Iran.

One of the most frequent errors English speakers make when using کم آب is confusing it with the noun کم‌آبی (kam-ābi). Remember: kam-āb is an adjective (low-water), while kam-ābi is a noun (water scarcity/dehydration). You cannot say 'The drought is kam-āb'; you must say 'The region is kam-āb' or 'There is kam-ābi'.

Mistake 1: Adjective vs. Noun: Incorrect: مشکل ما کم‌ آب است (Our problem is low-water). Correct: مشکل ما کم‌ آبی است (Our problem is water scarcity).
Mistake 2: Word Order: Incorrect: کم‌ آب زمین (Low-water land). Correct: زمینِ کم‌ آب (Land [e] low-water).

اشتباه: من احساس کم آب می‌کنم. درست: من احساس تشنگی می‌کنم.

Explanation: You don't 'feel kam-ab'; you 'feel thirst' (teshnegi) or you 'have become dehydrated' (kam-ābi peydā kardam).

Another mistake involves intensity. In English, we might say 'very dry' for a desert. In Persian, while you can say kheyli kam-āb, it specifically refers to the water content. If you want to describe a desert's lack of humidity or rain, words like khoshk (dry) are often more appropriate. Kam-āb is more about the *supply* or *presence* of water in a system (a pipe, a river, a fruit, a body).

اشتباه: کویر لوت یک جای کم آب است. (Technically okay, but 'khoshk' is better).

Explanation: While 'kam-ab' isn't wrong, 'khoshk' (dry/arid) is the standard descriptor for deserts.

Finally, learners often forget the semi-space (Z-vaneh) when writing. While کم آب with a full space is legible, modern Persian writing prefers the semi-space کم‌آب because it is a single compound adjective. Using a full space can sometimes make the sentence look like two separate words ('little' and 'water') rather than a single concept.

Common Confusion: Don't confuse 'kam-ab' with 'bi-ab' (waterless). 'Kam-ab' implies there is some water, just not enough. 'Bi-ab' implies a total lack of water.

To truly master Persian, you need to know when to use کم آب and when to reach for a synonym that might be more precise. The most common alternative is khoshk (dry). While kam-āb refers specifically to the quantity of water, khoshk can refer to humidity, texture, or even personality.

کم آب vs. خشک (Khoshk): Kam-āb: Quantitative (less water). Used for rivers, fruits, regions.
Khoshk: Qualitative (dry). Used for bread, climate, skin, or a 'dry' person.
کم آب vs. بی‌آب (Bi-āb): Kam-āb: Scarce water (e.g., 20% capacity).
Bi-āb: No water (e.g., 0% capacity). Used for a desert or a person dying of thirst.

این چشمه کم آب شده است اما هنوز خشک نشده.

Translation: This spring has become low in water but hasn't dried up yet.

In academic or formal writing, you might encounter kam-bāresh (low-rainfall). This is a more specific term used in meteorology. If you are talking about a person's body, dehiderāte (dehydrated) is a direct loanword often used in medical contexts, though kam-ābi-ye badan is the more Persian way to express it.

گیاهان کم آب‌طلب برای صرفه‌جویی در مصرف آب عالی هستند.

Translation: Drought-tolerant plants are excellent for saving water consumption.

Another related term is atshān (thirsty/parched), which is more poetic and usually refers to people or 'thirsty' land in a literary sense. For everyday B1 Persian, kam-āb remains your most versatile and reliable word for describing any situation where water is lacking but not entirely gone.

Register Differences: Standard: کم‌آب | Formal/Scientific: کم‌بارش، خشک‌سالی | Poetic: عطشان، تشنه.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

The root 'Ab' is related to the 'ap' in the English word 'aquarium' (via Latin) and the 'Sanskrit' word 'ap'.

Guide de prononciation

UK /kæm ɒːb/

US /kæm ɑːb/

The stress is equal on both syllables, but slightly more emphasis on 'āb'.

Rime avec

پرآب (por-āb) ناب (nāb) خواب (khāb) کمیاب (kamyāb) آفتاب (āftāb) مهتاب (mahtāb) شتاب (shetāb) نقاب (neghāb)

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing 'kam' like 'come' (it should be 'æ' as in 'can').
Pronouncing 'ab' with a short 'a' (it must be long and deep).
Merging the two words into 'kab' (keep the 'm' distinct).
Using a hard 'b' at the end; in Persian, final 'b' is soft.
Forgetting the pause or semi-space in writing.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 3/5

Easy to recognize the two parts (Kam + Ab).

Écriture 4/5

Requires remembering the semi-space (Z-vaneh).

Expression orale 3/5

Simple pronunciation, but must get the 'Ab' length right.

Écoute 3/5

Clear sound, but can be confused with 'kam-abi'.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

آب (Water) کم (Little) زیاد (Much) خشک (Dry)

Apprends ensuite

خشکسالی (Drought) صرفه‌جویی (Conservation) آبیاری (Irrigation)

Avancé

آبخوان (Aquifer) فرونشست (Subsidence) تنش آبی (Water stress)

Grammaire à connaître

Compound Adjectives

کم + آب = کم‌آب (Little + Water = Low-water)

Ezafe Construction

زمینِ کم‌آب (The land [of] low-water)

Adjective Comparison

کم‌آب‌تر (More water-scarce)

Noun Formation from Adjectives

کم‌آب + ی = کم‌آبی (The state of being low-water)

Predicative Adjectives

این رودخانه کم‌آب است. (No Ezafe needed here).

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Exemples par niveau

این لیوان کم آب است.

This glass has little water.

Simple Subject + Adjective + Verb 'to be'.

گل کم آب می‌خواهد.

The flower wants (needs) little water.

Direct object placement.

آنجا کم آب است.

There is low on water.

Locative subject.

غذا کم آب است.

The food has little water (is dry).

Describing food texture.

تابستان کم آب است.

Summer is low on water.

Time as subject.

این رودخانه کم آب است.

This river is low on water.

Demonstrative adjective 'in'.

ما در جای کم آب هستیم.

We are in a low-water place.

Prepositional phrase.

درخت کم آب است.

The tree is low on water.

Simple description.

میوه‌های کم آب ارزان‌تر هستند.

Low-water fruits are cheaper.

Plural noun with Ezafe.

او در یک روستای کم آب زندگی می‌کند.

He lives in a water-scarce village.

Adjective modifying a noun in a prepositional phrase.

این زمین برای کشاورزی کم آب است.

This land is too low on water for farming.

Adjective with a 'for' (barāye) phrase.

خورشت باید کم آب باشد.

The stew should be low on water (thick).

Modal verb 'bāyad' with adjective.

چرا این چاه کم آب شده است؟

Why has this well become low on water?

Present perfect tense with 'shodan'.

گیاهان کم آب در کویر می‌رویند.

Low-water plants grow in the desert.

Subject-verb agreement.

امسال یک سال کم آب بود.

This year was a low-water year.

Past tense of 'to be'.

این هندوانه خیلی کم آب و خشک است.

This watermelon is very low on water and dry.

Using 'kheyli' for emphasis.

مدیریت در مناطق کم آب بسیار سخت است.

Management in water-scarce regions is very difficult.

Gerund subject (modiriyat).

باید گیاهان کم آب‌طلب را در باغچه بکاریم.

We should plant drought-tolerant plants in the garden.

Compound adjective 'kam-āb-talab'.

بدن شما بعد از دویدن کم آب می‌شود.

Your body becomes dehydrated after running.

Process verb 'kam-āb shodan'.

رودخانه‌های کم آب باعث خشک شدن تالاب‌ها می‌شوند.

Low-water rivers cause wetlands to dry up.

Cause and effect sentence structure.

در فصل‌های کم آب، جیره‌بندی شروع می‌شود.

In low-water seasons, rationing begins.

Plural noun with Ezafe.

این میوه به اندازه کافی آب ندارد و کم آب است.

This fruit doesn't have enough water and is dry.

Compound sentence with 'va' (and).

کشاورزان از چاه‌های کم آب شکایت دارند.

Farmers have complaints about low-water wells.

Preposition 'az' (from/about).

آیا این منطقه همیشه اینقدر کم آب بوده است؟

Has this region always been this water-scarce?

Question in present perfect.

بحران در استان‌های کم آب به یک مسئله امنیتی تبدیل شده است.

The crisis in water-scarce provinces has turned into a security issue.

Complex subject with prepositional phrases.

صنایع نباید در مناطق کم آب احداث شوند.

Industries should not be established in water-scarce regions.

Passive voice with 'shodan'.

تغییر اقلیم باعث شده که بسیاری از چشمه‌ها کم آب شوند.

Climate change has caused many springs to become low on water.

Subordinate clause with 'ke'.

استفاده از روش‌های آبیاری نوین برای زمین‌های کم آب ضروری است.

Using modern irrigation methods for low-water lands is essential.

Formal vocabulary (zaruri, nevin).

این سد در سال‌های کم آب نمی‌تواند برق کافی تولید کند.

This dam cannot produce enough electricity in dry years.

Negative modal 'nemituānad'.

بافت این پارچه به گونه‌ای است که کم آب جذب می‌کند.

The texture of this fabric is such that it absorbs little water.

Describing physical properties metaphorically.

برخی از گونه‌های جانوری با محیط‌های کم آب سازگار شده‌اند.

Some animal species have adapted to low-water environments.

Scientific context.

گزارش‌ها نشان می‌دهند که سفره‌های زیرزمینی به شدت کم آب شده‌اند.

Reports show that underground aquifers have become severely depleted.

Adverbial phrase 'be sheddat' (severely).

توزیع ناعادلانه منابع در مناطق کم آب منجر به تنش‌های اجتماعی می‌گردد.

Unjust distribution of resources in water-scarce regions leads to social tensions.

Academic verb 'manjar be ... gardidan'.

معماری سنتی ایران پاسخی هوشمندانه به اقلیم کم آب این سرزمین بود.

Traditional Iranian architecture was an intelligent response to the water-scarce climate of this land.

Historical/Cultural analysis.

در متون کلاسیک، سرزمین‌های کم آب نمادی از آزمایش‌های الهی تلقی می‌شدند.

In classical texts, water-scarce lands were considered symbols of divine trials.

Literary context.

کاهش دبی رودخانه‌ها و کم آب شدن آن‌ها پیامدهای زیست‌محیطی ناگواری دارد.

The decrease in river discharge and their becoming low on water has dire environmental consequences.

Technical term 'debi' (discharge).

سیاست‌گذاران باید اولویت را به کشت محصولات کم آب‌بر بدهند.

Policymakers must prioritize the cultivation of low-water-consuming products.

Compound adjective 'kam-āb-bar'.

شدت یافتن پدیده خشکسالی، حتی مناطق پرآب را نیز کم آب کرده است.

The intensification of the drought phenomenon has made even water-rich regions low on water.

Contrast between 'por-āb' and 'kam-āb'.

تحلیل هیدرولوژیکی نشان‌دهنده روند نگران‌کننده کم آب شدن تالاب‌های بین‌المللی است.

Hydrological analysis indicates a worrying trend of international wetlands becoming low on water.

Complex noun phrase as subject.

فرهنگ صرفه‌جویی در جوامع کم آب به صورت یک هنجار درآمده است.

The culture of conservation has become a norm in water-scarce societies.

Sociological context.

واکاوی پیوند میان فرونشست زمین و کم آب شدن آبخوان‌ها امری حیاتی است.

Analyzing the link between land subsidence and the depletion (low-water status) of aquifers is vital.

Highly formal/technical vocabulary (vākāvi, forouneshash).

دیپلماسی آب در حوضه‌های آبریز مشترک و کم آب، نیازمند رویکردی چندجانبه است.

Water diplomacy in shared and water-scarce drainage basins requires a multilateral approach.

Geopolitical terminology.

تطبیق اکولوژیک گیاهان با شرایط کم آب، از طریق مکانیسم‌های پیچیده فیزیولوژیک صورت می‌پذیرد.

Ecological adaptation of plants to low-water conditions takes place through complex physiological mechanisms.

Scientific/Biological register.

در قرائت‌های عرفانی، جانِ کم آب و تشنه، استعاره‌ای از اشتیاق به وصال است.

In mystical interpretations, the low-water and thirsty soul is a metaphor for the longing for union.

Metaphorical/Poetic register.

بحران کم آب شدن رودخانه‌های مرزی می‌تواند به مناقشات ژئوپلیتیک دامن بزند.

The crisis of border rivers becoming low on water can fuel geopolitical disputes.

Advanced idiom 'dāman zadan' (to fuel/fan).

گذار از کشاورزی سنتی به صنعتی در مناطق کم آب، مستلزم بازنگری در ساختارهای کلان است.

The transition from traditional to industrial agriculture in water-scarce regions necessitates a revision of macro-structures.

Abstract nouns and complex syntax.

تراژدی منابع مشترک در مناطق کم آب، چالشی بنیادین برای نظریه‌های اقتصادی است.

The tragedy of the commons in water-scarce regions is a fundamental challenge for economic theories.

Theoretical/Academic context.

پایداری زیست‌بوم در فلات ایران همواره در گرو همزیستی با اقلیم کم آب بوده است.

Ecosystem sustainability on the Iranian plateau has always been dependent on coexistence with the water-scarce climate.

Philosophical/Environmental statement.

Collocations courantes

منطقه کم آب

گیاه کم آب‌طلب

سال کم آب

رودخانه کم آب

محصولات کم آب‌بر

بافت کم آب

چاه کم آب

بدن کم آب

دوره کم آب

غذای کم آب

Phrases Courantes

کم آب و علف

— Lacking water and vegetation; barren.

این بیابان بسیار کم آب و علف است.

دچار کم‌آبی شدن

— To become dehydrated or suffer from water shortage.

بسیاری از شهرها دچار کم‌آبی شده‌اند.

بحران کم‌آبی

— The water crisis.

بحران کم‌آبی جدی است.

تنش کم‌آبی

— Water stress (technical term).

تنش کم‌آبی در گیاهان دیده می‌شود.

کم آب شدن رودخانه

— The receding of a river's water level.

کم آب شدن رودخانه باعث مرگ ماهی‌ها شد.

کشور کم آب

— A water-scarce country.

ایران یک کشور کم آب محسوب می‌شود.

باغبانی کم آب

— Xeriscaping or water-wise gardening.

باغبانی کم آب در شهرهای کویری رایج است.

آبیاری در زمین کم آب

— Irrigation in water-scarce land.

آبیاری در زمین کم آب باید با دقت انجام شود.

میوه کم آب

— A fruit that is not juicy.

این پرتقال خیلی کم آب است.

خورشت کم آب

— A stew that has been reduced/thickened.

خورشت کم آب خوشمزه‌تر است.

Souvent confondu avec

کم آب vs کم‌آبی

This is the noun (scarcity). Use 'kam-ab' to describe the thing, 'kam-abi' to name the problem.

کم آب vs خشک

Means 'dry'. A 'kam-ab' river still has water; a 'khoshk' river might be totally dry.

کم آب vs بی‌آب

Means 'waterless'. Much more extreme than 'kam-ab'.

Expressions idiomatiques

"آب از سرش گذشته"

— He is in over his head / It's too late (not directly using kam-ab but related to water status).

دیگر فرقی نمی‌کند، آب از سرش گذشته.

Informal

"آب در هاون کوبیدن"

— To beat water in a mortar (to do something useless).

حرف زدن با او مثل آب در هاون کوبیدن است.

Colloquial

"مثل ماهی دور از آب"

— Like a fish out of water (extremely uncomfortable/struggling).

او در این شهر مثل ماهی دور از آب است.

Neutral

"آب خوش از گلو پایین نرفتن"

— To not have a moment of peace/comfort.

از وقتی او رفت، آب خوش از گلویم پایین نرفته.

Idiomatic

"آب زیر کاه"

— Water under the straw (sneaky/deceptive person).

مواظب باش، او خیلی آب زیر کاه است.

Informal

"آب پاکی روی دست کسی ریختن"

— To give someone a final 'no' / to dash someone's hopes.

رئیس آب پاکی را روی دستم ریخت و گفت استخدام نمی‌شوی.

Common

"آب از آب تکان نخوردن"

— Not a ripple in the water (everything remained calm/unchanged despite an event).

اتفاق بزرگی افتاد اما آب از آب تکان نخورد.

Neutral

"آب به آسیاب کسی ریختن"

— To play into someone's hands / to help an opponent.

با این کار فقط آب به آسیاب دشمن می‌ریزی.

Political/Common

"از آب کره گرفتن"

— To get butter from water (to make a profit out of nothing/to be very resourceful).

او آنقدر زرنگ است که از آب هم کره می‌گیرد.

Colloquial

"آبشان در یک جوی نمی‌رود"

— Their water doesn't flow in the same stream (they cannot get along).

آن دو نفر هیچ‌وقت با هم کنار نمی‌آیند، آبشان در یک جوی نمی‌رود.

Informal

Facile à confondre

کم آب vs کمیاب

Sounds similar (kam-yab).

Kamyab means 'rare' or 'scarce' (for objects like gold), not necessarily related to water.

این تمبر خیلی کمیاب است.

کم آب vs کم‌عمق

Related concepts in rivers.

Kam-omgh means 'shallow'. A river can be kam-omgh but still have plenty of water flow.

آب اینجا کم‌عمق است.

کم آب vs کم‌بارش

Both relate to water scarcity.

Kam-baresh is specifically about the amount of rain falling.

امسال سال کم‌بارشی بود.

کم آب vs تشنه

Both involve lack of water.

Teshne is the feeling of thirst (usually for living beings).

من خیلی تشنه هستم.

کم آب vs خشک‌سالی

Often used in the same context.

Khoshksali is the noun for 'drought' (the event).

خشک‌سالی باعث فقر شد.

Structures de phrases

[Noun] [Adjective] ast.

آب کم است.

[Noun]-e [Adjective] [Verb].

میوه کم آب ارزان است.

[Noun] به دلیل [Reason] کم آب شده است.

رودخانه به دلیل خشکسالی کم آب شده است.

در مناطق [Adjective]، باید [Action].

در مناطق کم آب، باید صرفه‌جویی کرد.

با توجه به [Noun] کم آب، [Result].

با توجه به اقلیم کم آب، کشاورزی دشوار است.

پیامدهای [Noun] کم آب شدن [Noun]...

پیامدهای زیست‌محیطی کم آب شدن تالاب‌ها جبران‌ناپذیر است.

آیا [Noun] کم آب است یا پرآب؟

آیا این چاه کم آب است یا پرآب؟

من [Noun]-e کم آب را دوست دارم.

من خورشت کم آب را دوست دارم.

Famille de mots

Noms

کم‌آبی (Water scarcity)

بی‌آبی (Waterlessness)

آب (Water)

آب‌انبار (Water cistern)

آبخوان (Aquifer)

Verbes

آب دادن (To water)

آب کشیدن (To rinse/extract water)

کم‌ آب شدن (To become low on water)

آبیاری کردن (To irrigate)

Adjectifs

کم‌آب (Low-water)

پرآب (High-water)

بی‌آب (Waterless)

آبدار (Juicy)

کم‌آب‌طلب (Drought-tolerant)

Apparenté

خشکسالی (Drought)

کویر (Desert)

صرفه‌جویی (Conservation)

قنات (Ancient water system)

بارندگی (Rainfall)

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Very high, especially in Iranian media and daily conversations about weather and food.

Erreurs courantes

Using 'kam-ab' instead of 'kam-abi' for a noun. → مشکل ما کم‌آبی است.
You need the noun form (ending in -i) to say 'The problem is water scarcity'.
Putting the adjective before the noun. → منطقه کم‌آب
In Persian, adjectives usually follow the noun.
Pronouncing 'Ab' like 'ebb'. → آب (Long A)
The 'a' must be long. 'Ebb' is not a Persian sound in this context.
Using 'kam-ab' for a desert without context. → کویر خشک است.
While deserts are kam-ab, the standard word to describe their climate is 'khoshk' (dry).
Confusing 'kam-ab' with 'kamyab'. → این چاه کم‌آب است.
'Kamyab' means rare. 'Kam-ab' means low water. Don't mix them up!

Astuces

Placement

Remember to place 'kam-ab' after the noun with an Ezafe sound: 'Roudkhāne-ye kam-āb'.

Environmental Awareness

Using this word correctly shows you understand one of Iran's biggest current challenges.

Stew Mastery

If someone says the food is 'kam-ab', they usually mean it's delicious and well-reduced!

Compound Power

Mastering 'kam-' compounds (like kam-rang, kam-nur) will quickly boost your Persian level.

Semi-space Matters

Using the Z-vaneh (semi-space) makes your writing look professional and native-like.

Vowel Length

Don't rush the 'Ab'. It's a long vowel. Think of the 'a' in 'father'.

Contrast

Learn 'kam-ab' and 'por-ab' together as a pair to remember them better.

Fruit Quality

Check if a melon is 'kam-ab' before buying—nobody likes a dry melon!

Dehydration

Use 'badan-am kam-ab shode' if you feel lightheaded after a workout.

Technical Usage

In reports, look for 'manategh-e kam-ab' to identify drought zones.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of a 'CAMera' (Kam) that takes photos of a dry 'ABbey' (Ab). The camera captures the 'kam-ab' (low water) situation.

Association visuelle

Imagine a river bed where you can see the stones at the bottom because the water is so low. That is a 'kam-ab' river.

Word Web

Ab (Water) Kam (Little) Khoshk (Dry) Kavir (Desert) Giyah (Plant) Roud (River) Chah (Well) Teshne (Thirsty)

Défi

Try to find three things in your house that are 'kam-ab' (like a dry sponge or a thick soup) and name them in Persian.

Origine du mot

A compound of Middle Persian (Pahlavi) roots. 'Kam' comes from 'kamak' (little/small) and 'Ab' comes from Old Persian 'āpi' (water).

Sens originel : Literally 'little water'.

Indo-European (Indo-Iranian branch).

Contexte culturel

Be sensitive when discussing water in Iran, as it is a major political and environmental crisis point.

English speakers might just say 'dry', but Persian uses 'kam-ab' to be more specific about the water quantity.

The drying of Lake Urmia (Daryache-ye Orumiye) The Zayandehrud River in Isfahan The 'Qanats of Persia' (UNESCO World Heritage)

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Agriculture

کشت دیم
آبیاری قطره‌ای
خاک خشک
کم‌آبی محصول

Climate News

کاهش بارندگی
سطح آب سدها
هشدار خشکسالی
مناطق بحرانی

Kitchen/Cooking

ته‌گرفتن غذا
غلیظ شدن
آب ریختن
کم‌آب شدن خورشت

Health

تشنگی شدید
نوشیدن آب
کم‌آبی بدن
گرمازدگی

Gardening

گل‌های مقاوم
خاک گلدان
زمان آبیاری
گیاه تشنه

Amorces de conversation

"آیا شهر شما هم مثل تهران کم آب است؟ (Is your city also water-scarce like Tehran?)"

"کدام گیاهان کم آب‌طلب برای این حیاط مناسب هستند؟ (Which drought-tolerant plants are suitable for this yard?)"

"شنیده‌اید که امسال خیلی سال کم آبی خواهد بود؟ (Have you heard that this year will be a very dry year?)"

"چطور می‌توانیم در این منطقه کم آب در مصرف آب صرفه‌جویی کنیم؟ (How can we save water in this water-scarce region?)"

"چرا خورشت اینقدر کم آب و غلیظ شده است؟ (Why has the stew become so thick and low on water?)"

Sujets d'écriture

Write about a time you visited a 'kam-ab' region and how it felt.

Describe your favorite 'kam-ab' (thick) Persian stew and why you like it.

Discuss the importance of planting 'kam-ab-talab' plants in modern cities.

Reflect on how your daily life would change if your city became 'kam-ab'.

Imagine a future where technology solves the 'kam-ab' crisis in the Middle East.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

Yes, you can say 'badan-am kam-ab shode' (my body has become low on water/dehydrated), but it's more common to say 'teshne-am' (I'm thirsty) or 'd دچار کم‌آبی شدم' (I've become dehydrated).

Both are correct, but in modern Persian writing, the semi-space (kam-āb) is preferred because it treats the two words as a single adjective.

'Kam-ab' means there is still some water, just not much. 'Khoshk' means it is dry. For example, a 'kam-ab' orange is still edible but not juicy, whereas 'khoshk' might mean it's completely dried out.

The word is 'kam-āb-talab' (کم‌آب‌طلب). It literally means 'seeking little water'.

It is neutral. It is used in both casual conversations (about food or gardens) and very formal news reports or scientific papers.

Yes! In fact, it's a compliment for many Persian stews. 'Khoresht kam-ab shode' means it's thick and well-cooked, not watery.

The opposite is 'por-āb' (پرآب), which means 'full of water' or 'lush'.

Not directly for the weather itself (you'd use 'khoshk' or 'kam-baresh'), but you use it for the *result* of the weather, like 'a kam-ab summer'.

Sometimes it's used that way for rivers, but 'kam-omgh' is the more accurate word for shallow.

Yes, though 'teshne' (thirsty) is more common in classical poetry, 'kam-ab' appears in modern environmental poetry.

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