At the A1 level, you only need to know the two most common meanings of 'shir': milk and lion. You should be able to use it in simple sentences like 'I drink milk' or 'The lion is big.' At this stage, don't worry about the 'faucet' meaning unless you are living in an apartment in Iran and need to talk to a landlord. Focus on the spelling (Shin-Ye-Re) and the basic pronunciation. Remember that 'shir' is a noun and usually comes after the verb in English but before the verb in Persian. For example, 'I milk drink' (Man shir mikhoram). This is the foundation of your Persian vocabulary.
At the A2 level, you should begin to distinguish between the three meanings using context clues. You will learn to use 'shir' in the context of shopping (buying a bottle of milk) and basic household maintenance (the tap is open). You should also be familiar with the 'Ezafe' construction, such as 'shir-e sard' (cold milk) or 'shir-e ab' (water tap). You might start to see 'shir' in simple children's stories where lions are characters. You should also be able to pluralize it correctly as 'shir-ha' when talking about multiple lions at the zoo.
At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'shir' in more complex daily interactions. You can discuss the health benefits of milk or describe a documentary about lions in the African savanna. You will also encounter compound words like 'shir-e-khoshk' (powdered milk) and 'shir-e-kaka'o' (chocolate milk). In terms of grammar, you should be able to use 'shir' as the subject or object in various tenses. You will also learn the common idiom 'shir-e-morgh ta jan-e-adamizad,' which refers to having everything one could possibly need.
At the B2 level, you will explore the metaphorical and cultural significance of 'shir.' You will learn about the 'Lion and Sun' symbol and its historical importance. You should be able to understand news reports or articles that use 'shir' as a metaphor for bravery or national strength. You will also learn more technical terms related to plumbing and industry where 'shir' refers to various types of valves (e.g., shir-e-atash-neshani for a fire hydrant). Your ability to switch between the three meanings based on a professional or academic context should be fluid.
At the C1 level, you will encounter 'shir' in classical Persian literature and poetry. You will study how poets like Hafez or Saadi use the lion as a symbol of the ego or the divine. You will also learn about the linguistic history of the word and how the Middle Persian 'shēr' (lion) and 'shīr' (milk) eventually merged into a single sound in modern Tehrani Persian. You should be able to participate in deep discussions about Persian idioms and proverbs that involve 'shir,' explaining their nuances and origins to others.
At the C2 level, you have a masterly grasp of all nuances of 'shir.' You can appreciate the wordplay in Sufi texts where 'shir' (milk) might represent spiritual nourishment while 'shir' (lion) represents the fierce guardian of truth. You can use the word in high-level academic writing, technical engineering contexts (fluid dynamics and valves), and creative literature. You understand regional dialectal differences in the pronunciation of 'shir' across the Persian-speaking world (Iran, Afghanistan, Tajikistan) and can adapt your usage accordingly.

شیر 30초 만에

  • Shir means milk, lion, or faucet depending on the context of the sentence.
  • It is a very common word used daily in kitchens, zoos, and bathrooms.
  • In Persian culture, the lion (shir) is a symbol of great bravery and power.
  • To specify 'faucet', Iranians often say 'shir-e ab' to avoid any confusion.

The Persian word شیر (shir) is one of the most fascinating examples of homonymy in the Persian language. For an English speaker, it is the equivalent of having the words 'milk', 'lion', and 'faucet' (or tap) all represented by a single three-letter word. This linguistic phenomenon requires the listener or reader to rely heavily on context to determine the intended meaning. Whether you are in a grocery store, at a zoo, or calling a plumber, you will find yourself using this exact same word. The versatility of shir makes it an essential part of the foundational vocabulary for any learner of Persian, spanning from basic survival needs to complex literary metaphors.

The Culinary Context
In the kitchen or at a café, شیر refers exclusively to milk. It is the primary ingredient for breakfast and various traditional Persian desserts. When you ask for a glass of milk, you are using the most common daily application of the word.

من هر صبح یک لیوان شیر گرم می‌نوشم تا انرژی داشته باشم.

Translation: I drink a glass of warm milk every morning to have energy.
The Biological Context
In the animal kingdom, شیر represents the lion, the king of the jungle. Historically, the lion has been a symbol of Iranian royalty and strength, appearing on the national flag for centuries. In literature, it symbolizes bravery and ferocity.

شیر به عنوان نماد قدرت و شجاعت در تاریخ ایران شناخته می‌شود.

Translation: The lion is known as a symbol of power and courage in Iranian history.
The Mechanical Context
In a domestic setting, شیر refers to a faucet, tap, or valve. If your sink is leaking, you are dealing with a problem involving the shir-e ab (water tap). This usage is incredibly common in modern Iranian households.

لطفاً شیر آب را ببند چون آب هدر می‌رود.

Translation: Please close the water tap because water is being wasted.

Understanding the triple meaning of shir is a rite of passage for Persian learners. It teaches you to look beyond the individual word and perceive the entire sentence. If someone says 'The shir is in the fridge,' it is almost certainly milk. If they say 'The shir is in the cage,' it is a lion. If they say 'The shir is broken,' it is a faucet. This word encapsulates the efficiency and poetic ambiguity of the Persian language, where a single sound can evoke the nourishment of a mother, the roar of a predator, or the flow of life-giving water.

Using شیر correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical role as a noun and its ability to form compound verbs and descriptive phrases. Because it has three distinct meanings, the verbs that accompany it often serve as the primary clue for the listener. For instance, verbs like 'drinking' (نوشیدن), 'roaring' (غریدن), and 'turning' (باز کردن/بستن) are the keys to unlocking which shir is being discussed.

مادرم برای درست کردن فرنی به دو پیمانه شیر تازه نیاز دارد.

Translation: My mother needs two cups of fresh milk to make pudding.

When discussing the animal, shir is often used in metaphors for bravery. In Persian culture, calling someone a 'lion' is a high compliment, suggesting they are fearless and noble. This is frequently seen in epic poetry like the Shahnameh, where heroes are compared to lions in battle.

رستم مانند یک شیر گرسنه به قلب سپاه دشمن زد.

Translation: Rostam struck the heart of the enemy army like a hungry lion.
Pluralization
The plural of shir is usually شیرها (shir-ha). However, when referring to milk in a general sense, it is uncountable. You only pluralize it when referring to different types of milk (e.g., soy milk, almond milk) or multiple lions/faucets.

همه شیرهای این ساختمان قدیمی چکه می‌کنند.

Translation: All the faucets in this old building are dripping.

Furthermore, the word is used in various technical and compound forms. For example, 'shir-e khorshid' (Lion and Sun) is a historical emblem. 'Shir-e khoshk' (dry milk) refers to powdered infant formula. 'Shir-e ghavah' (milk coffee) is a common drink order. Mastering these combinations allows you to navigate daily life in Iran with ease, whether you are ordering a latte or fixing a plumbing issue.

The word شیر is ubiquitous in Iranian life, but the setting determines which version you are hearing. In the morning, you will hear it in the kitchen or at the breakfast table. Parents often tell their children, 'Drink your shir so you grow up big and strong.' In this context, it is the fundamental nourishment of childhood.

In the Bazaar and Shops
When shopping, you will see 'شیر تازه' (fresh milk) or 'شیر پاستوریزه' (pasteurized milk) on labels. If you go to a hardware store (abzar-forushi), you will hear people asking for 'شیر آلات' (plumbing fixtures/faucets).

ببخشید، شیر کم‌چرب دارید؟

Translation: Excuse me, do you have low-fat milk?

In the realm of sports and national pride, you will hear 'Shir-haye Iran' (The Lions of Iran), which is a common nickname for national sports teams, particularly the national football team. Here, the word evokes the majesty and ferocity of the Persian lion, an animal that once roamed the Iranian plateau and remains a potent national symbol.

گزارشگر فوتبال فریاد زد: شیرهای ایران به میدان می‌آیند!

Translation: The football commentator shouted: The lions of Iran are entering the field!

In literature and mystical poetry, such as the works of Rumi (Molana), shir is used in profound allegories. Rumi famously wrote about a lion painted on a carpet that looks real but has no life, comparing it to people who have the appearance of faith but no spiritual substance. You will hear these verses recited in academic circles or during cultural festivals, showcasing the word's journey from the grocery list to the heights of spiritual philosophy.

The most common mistake for beginners is the fear of ambiguity. Many students hesitate to use شیر because they worry they will be misunderstood. However, in Persian, context is king. You will rarely find a situation where 'milk' and 'lion' are truly interchangeable. Another common error is failing to use the correct 'Ezafe' construction when specifying the type of shir.

The Ezafe Error
When you want to say 'water tap', you must say shir-e ab. Forgetting the 'e' sound (the Ezafe) makes the phrase sound like two disconnected words rather than a single concept.

اشتباه: من شیر آب می‌خواهم. (Correct: شیرِ آب)

Note: Always ensure the linking vowel is audible when connecting 'shir' to its modifier.

Another mistake involves the confusion between shir (milk) and shirin (sweet). While they sound similar and share a historical root (as milk is naturally slightly sweet), they are different parts of speech. Shir is a noun, while shirin is an adjective. Don't say 'In shir ast' when you mean 'This is sweet'—you would be saying 'This is a lion/milk/faucet'.

چای من خیلی شیرین است، نه شیر!

Translation: My tea is very sweet, not milk!

Finally, learners sometimes confuse shir with sir (garlic/full). The 'sh' sound is distinct. Saying 'I am shir' (Man shir hastam) means 'I am a lion' (brave) or 'I am milk' (nonsensical), whereas 'Man sir hastam' means 'I am full' (after a meal). While being a lion is a great compliment, saying it after a dinner party might lead to some confused smiles from your hosts!

Because شیر covers so much ground, there are several words you can use to be more specific or to provide variety in your speech. Depending on whether you mean the liquid, the animal, or the hardware, your alternatives will vary significantly.

Alternatives for 'Milk'
While shir is the standard word, in more formal or religious contexts, you might encounter the Arabic-derived word لبن (laban), though this is rare in daily Iranian Persian. For dairy products in general, use لبنیات (labaniyat).
Alternatives for 'Lion'
In literature, you might see اسد (asad), which is the Arabic word for lion. It is often used in names (like Ali Asad) or formal titles. Another word is ضرغام (zargham), which refers to a fierce lion.

نام او اسدالله است که به معنای شیر خدا می‌باشد.

Translation: His name is Asadullah, which means the Lion of God.
Alternatives for 'Faucet'
To be technical, you can use شیرآلات (shir-alat) to refer to the whole category of taps and valves. For a large valve, like on a gas line, the word فلکه (falakeh) is often used.

برای قطع کردن گاز، باید فلکه اصلی را ببندید.

Translation: To cut off the gas, you must close the main valve.

In summary, while shir is the most versatile and common choice, knowing these alternatives helps you understand more formal texts and technical manuals. It also allows you to appreciate the richness of Persian synonyms, which often draw from both native Iranian roots and centuries of Arabic influence.

How Formal Is It?

재미있는 사실

In the 13th-century poetry of Rumi, he often uses the homonymy of 'shir' to create puns, contrasting the physical nourishment of milk with the spiritual strength of a lion.

발음 가이드

UK /ʃiːr/
US /ʃir/
The stress is on the single syllable of the word.
라임이 맞는 단어
پیر (pir - old) سیر (sir - full/garlic) دیر (dir - late) تیر (tir - arrow/July) امیر (amir - prince) پنیر (panir - cheese) وزیر (vazir - minister) کویر (kavir - desert)
자주 하는 실수
  • Pronouncing it like 'shear' with a dipthong.
  • Making the 'r' too soft like an English 'r'.
  • Confusing it with 'sir' (garlic).
  • Shortening the vowel to sound like 'ship'.
  • Over-aspirating the 'sh' sound.

난이도

독해 1/5

Very easy to read, only three letters.

쓰기 1/5

Simple characters, no complex connectors.

말하기 2/5

Requires clear 'sh' and 'r' sounds.

듣기 3/5

Requires context to distinguish meanings.

다음에 무엇을 배울까

선수 학습

آب (Water) حیوان (Animal) خوردن (To eat/drink)

다음에 배울 것

پنیر (Cheese) پلنگ (Leopard) لوله (Pipe)

고급

شیرآلات (Fixtures) استعاره (Metaphor) نمادگرایی (Symbolism)

알아야 할 문법

Ezafe Construction

شیرِ تازه (Fresh milk) - The 'e' links the noun and adjective.

Object Marker 'ra'

شیر را خوردم (I drank the milk) - 'ra' marks the specific object.

Compound Verbs

شیر دادن (To give milk/breastfeed) - Noun + Verb.

Pluralization with -ha

شیرها (Lions/Faucets) - Standard plural suffix.

Uncountable Nouns

شیر (Milk) is usually treated as uncountable in general contexts.

수준별 예문

1

من شیر می‌خورم.

I drink milk.

Simple present tense with 'shir' as the object.

2

شیر بزرگ است.

The lion is big.

Subject-Adjective sentence.

3

این شیر است.

This is milk.

Demonstrative pronoun with 'shir'.

4

شیر کجاست؟

Where is the milk?

Interrogative sentence.

5

من شیر دوست دارم.

I like milk.

Expressing preference.

6

شیر جنگل زیباست.

The lion of the forest is beautiful.

Ezafe construction linking lion and forest.

7

یک لیوان شیر، لطفا.

One glass of milk, please.

Ordering in a café.

8

شیر زرد است.

The lion is yellow.

Color adjective.

1

شیر آب را ببند.

Close the water tap.

Imperative mood.

2

من از مغازه شیر خریدم.

I bought milk from the shop.

Past tense.

3

شیر در قفس است.

The lion is in the cage.

Prepositional phrase.

4

آیا شیر تازه داری؟

Do you have fresh milk?

Question with adjective.

5

شیر حمام خراب است.

The bathroom faucet is broken.

Describing a household problem.

6

بچه شیر خیلی ناز است.

The lion cub is very cute.

Compound noun (baby lion).

7

شیر گرم برای خواب خوب است.

Warm milk is good for sleep.

General statement.

8

او مثل شیر شجاع است.

He is brave like a lion.

Simile using 'mesle' (like).

1

شیر گاو پروتئین زیادی دارد.

Cow's milk has a lot of protein.

Possessive Ezafe.

2

شیرهای آفریقا در گله زندگی می‌کنند.

African lions live in prides.

Plural subject.

3

تعمیرکار شیر آشپزخانه را درست کرد.

The repairman fixed the kitchen tap.

Compound subject and object.

4

من شیر سویا را به شیر معمولی ترجیح می‌دهم.

I prefer soy milk to regular milk.

Comparative preference.

5

صدای غرش شیر از دور شنیده می‌شد.

The sound of the lion's roar could be heard from afar.

Passive construction.

6

باید شیر اصلی گاز را در زمستان چک کنید.

You should check the main gas valve in winter.

Modal verb 'bayad' (must/should).

7

شیر مادر بهترین غذا برای نوزاد است.

Mother's milk is the best food for a baby.

Superlative adjective.

8

او با شجاعتِ یک شیر از خانواده‌اش دفاع کرد.

He defended his family with the courage of a lion.

Abstract noun with Ezafe.

1

نماد شیر و خورشید ریشه در باستان دارد.

The Lion and Sun symbol has roots in antiquity.

Historical terminology.

2

شیرهای هیدرولیک در صنایع سنگین کاربرد دارند.

Hydraulic valves are used in heavy industries.

Technical vocabulary.

3

مصرف شیر در ایران نسبت به میانگین جهانی کمتر است.

Milk consumption in Iran is lower than the global average.

Statistical comparison.

4

شیر خفته را بیدار نکن.

Do not wake a sleeping lion.

Proverbial usage.

5

این شیر آب مجهز به سنسور حرکتی است.

This faucet is equipped with a motion sensor.

Advanced descriptive phrase.

6

شیر پاستوریزه باید در دمای یخچال نگهداری شود.

Pasteurized milk must be kept at refrigerator temperature.

Passive voice with 'shodan'.

7

داستان‌های مثنوی پر از تمثیل‌های شیر و نخجیر است.

The stories of Masnavi are full of allegories of the lion and the prey.

Literary context.

8

شیرجه زدن در استخر بدون آب خطرناک است.

Diving into a pool without water is dangerous.

Note: 'Shir-je' (dive) is related to 'shir' (lion).

1

تقابل شیر و اژدها در هنر ساسانی مشهود است.

The confrontation between the lion and the dragon is evident in Sassanid art.

Academic art history terms.

2

شیرِ سماور را کمی باز کن تا قوری گرم شود.

Open the samovar tap a little so the teapot gets warm.

Cultural specific object.

3

در این آزمایش، دبی خروجی از شیر کنترل می‌شود.

In this experiment, the discharge flow from the valve is controlled.

Scientific/Engineering register.

4

مولانا در اشعارش شیر را مظهر روح الهی می‌داند.

Rumi considers the lion a manifestation of the divine spirit in his poems.

Literary analysis.

5

شیر خشک صنعتی در تولید بیسکویت به کار می‌رود.

Industrial powdered milk is used in biscuit production.

Industrial terminology.

6

او چنان با ابهت صحبت می‌کرد که گویی شیری در بیشه می‌غرید.

He spoke with such majesty as if a lion were roaring in the thicket.

Complex conditional simile.

7

شیر اطمینان دیگ بخار باید به طور منظم تست شود.

The boiler's safety valve must be tested regularly.

Technical safety terminology.

8

فرآیند هموژنیزه کردن شیر باعث بهبود کیفیت آن می‌شود.

The process of homogenizing milk improves its quality.

Gerund construction.

1

هرگز نباید هیبت شیر را با ناتوانی سگ مقایسه کرد.

One should never compare the majesty of a lion with the weakness of a dog.

Philosophical comparison.

2

شیرِ سپهر در اصطلاحات نجومی قدیم به برج اسد اشاره داشت.

The 'Lion of the Firmament' in ancient astronomical terms referred to the constellation Leo.

Archaic/Astronomical register.

3

ترکیب شیر و عسل در طب سنتی برای تقویت بنیه توصیه می‌شود.

The combination of milk and honey is recommended in traditional medicine for strengthening the constitution.

Medical/Traditional register.

4

شیرِ بیشه تحقیق، هرگز از مواجهه با حقیقت نمی‌هراسد.

The lion of the thicket of research never fears facing the truth.

High-level metaphorical prose.

5

نوسانات قیمت شیر خام بر کل زنجیره لبنیات اثرگذار است.

Fluctuations in the price of raw milk affect the entire dairy chain.

Economic/Formal register.

6

شیرِ هیدرولیکی خودکار، جریان سیال را بر اساس فشار تنظیم می‌کند.

The automatic hydraulic valve adjusts the fluid flow based on pressure.

Advanced engineering terminology.

7

در متون پهلوی، تمایز میان شیر (حیوان) و شیر (خوراکی) با واژگان متفاوتی بود.

In Pahlavi texts, the distinction between lion and milk was made with different words.

Philological/Linguistic note.

8

او با شیردلی تمام، در برابر ظلم ایستادگی کرد.

With total lion-heartedness, he stood up against oppression.

Compound adjective 'shir-deli'.

자주 쓰는 조합

شیر گرم
شیر آب
شیر جنگل
شیر خشک
شیر کاکائو
شیر سماور
شیر پاستوریزه
شیر و خورشید
شیر مادر
شیر اطمینان

자주 쓰는 구문

شیر تو شیر

— A chaotic or messy situation where everything is mixed up.

اوضاع شرکت واقعاً شیر تو شیر شده است.

مثل شیر

— Bravely or strongly; acting with courage.

او مثل شیر از حقش دفاع کرد.

شیرت را حلال کن

— A phrase used by children to mothers, asking for forgiveness and blessing.

مادر، قبل از رفتنم شیرت را حلالم کن.

شیر یا خط

— Heads or tails (coin toss).

بیا شیر یا خط بیندازیم تا تصمیم بگیریم.

شیر پاک خورده

— A person of noble character or good upbringing.

او جوانی شیر پاک خورده و درستکار است.

شیر فله‌ای

— Bulk milk (unpasteurized milk sold directly from farms).

شیر فله‌ای را باید قبل از مصرف جوشاند.

شیر برنج

— A traditional Persian rice pudding.

افطار شیر برنج خوردیم.

شیر دادن

— To breastfeed or to give milk to an animal.

ماده شیر به توله‌هایش شیر می‌دهد.

شیر سماور

— The tap of a samovar.

شیر سماور را ببند.

شیرجه زدن

— To dive (literally 'lion-jump').

او در آب شیرجه زد.

자주 혼동되는 단어

شیر vs سیر (sir)

Means 'garlic' or 'full'. The only difference is the first letter (S vs Sh).

شیر vs شیرین (shirin)

Means 'sweet'. It's an adjective, while 'shir' is a noun.

شیر vs تیر (tir)

Means 'arrow' or the month of 'July'. Rhymes with 'shir'.

관용어 및 표현

"شیر مرغ تا جان آدمیزاد"

— From the milk of a bird to the soul of a human; meaning everything imaginable is available.

در این بازار از شیر مرغ تا جان آدمیزاد پیدا می‌شود.

Colloquial
"شیر را در قفس کردن"

— To imprison a brave or powerful person.

آن‌ها می‌خواهند شیر را در قفس کنند اما موفق نمی‌شوند.

Literary
"شیر شدن"

— To become emboldened or arrogant (often used negatively).

چون کسی به او چیزی نگفت، خیلی شیر شده است.

Informal
"شیر به شیر"

— Back to back or in quick succession.

اتفاقات شیر به شیر برایمان افتاد.

Informal
"شیرِ بیشه تحقیق"

— A metaphor for a master or expert in a specific field.

او شیر بیشه تحقیق در تاریخ است.

Academic
"شیر و شکر"

— Milk and sugar; refers to a harmonious blend or a specific type of fabric/pattern.

رابطه آن‌ها مثل شیر و شکر است.

Literary
"شیرِ بی یال و دم و اشکم"

— A lion without a mane, tail, or belly; refers to something that is a shadow of its former self or poorly made.

این قانون جدید مثل شیر بی یال و دم است.

Literary/Rumi
"شیر کردن کسی"

— To encourage or egg someone on to do something brave or risky.

دوستانش او را شیر کردند که با مدیر بحث کند.

Informal
"شیرِ پیر"

— An old lion; refers to an experienced but aging leader.

او هنوز مثل یک شیر پیر باهوش است.

Poetic
"شیرِ آب را بستن روی کسی"

— To cut off someone's resources or benefits.

رئیس شیر آب بودجه را روی پروژه ما بست.

Informal/Metaphorical

혼동하기 쉬운

شیر vs پنیر (panir)

Both are dairy products starting with a similar sound structure.

Panir is cheese, Shir is milk. You drink Shir, you eat Panir.

من پنیر را با نان می‌خورم و شیر را می‌نوشم.

شیر vs پلنگ (palang)

Both are big cats.

Palang is a leopard (spotted), Shir is a lion (maned).

پلنگ خال‌خالی است اما شیر یال دارد.

شیر vs لوله (looleh)

Both related to plumbing.

Looleh is the pipe, Shir is the faucet/valve at the end of the pipe.

آب از لوله به شیر می‌رسد.

شیر vs دوغ (dough)

Both are white Iranian drinks.

Dough is a salty yogurt drink, Shir is plain milk.

دوغ شور است اما شیر مزه ملایمی دارد.

شیر vs ببر (babr)

Both are powerful wild cats.

Babr is a tiger (striped), Shir is a lion.

ببر خط‌خطی است اما شیر ساده است.

문장 패턴

A1

من [Noun] دوست دارم.

من شیر دوست دارم.

A2

[Noun] را ببند.

شیر را ببند.

B1

او مثل یک [Noun] است.

او مثل یک شیر است.

B2

[Noun] برای [Purpose] مفید است.

شیر برای استخوان مفید است.

C1

در [Source]، [Noun] نماد [Concept] است.

در ادبیات، شیر نماد شجاعت است.

C2

هرچه [Noun] بیشتر باشد، [Result] بهتر است.

هرچه شیر تازه‌تر باشد، ماست بهتر است.

A1

این [Noun] است.

این شیر است.

A2

آیا [Noun] داری؟

آیا شیر داری؟

어휘 가족

명사

شیردهی (lactation)
شیرخوارگاه (nursery)
شیرینی (sweets)
شیرآلات (fixtures)
شیردوش (milking machine)

동사

شیر دادن (to breastfeed/milk)
شیر دوشیدن (to milk an animal)
شیرجه زدن (to dive)

형용사

شیرین (sweet)
شیروار (lion-like)
شیرده (lactating)
شیرخوار (nursing)

관련

پنیر (cheese)
ماست (yogurt)
بیشه (thicket)
جنگل (forest)
آب (water)

사용법

frequency

Extremely high; used multiple times daily in various contexts.

자주 하는 실수
  • Using 'shir' for 'sweet'. shirin

    Shir is the noun (milk/lion), shirin is the adjective (sweet).

  • Confusing 'shir' with 'sir'. sir

    Sir means garlic or full. The 'sh' sound is crucial.

  • Forgetting 'ab' when meaning faucet. shir-e ab

    While 'shir' can mean faucet, adding 'ab' makes it much clearer in ambiguous settings.

  • Pluralizing milk as 'shir-ha' for quantity. meghdari shir

    Milk is uncountable. Use 'shir-ha' only for different types or for lions/faucets.

  • Mispronouncing the 'r'. Tapped/Rolled R

    An English-style 'r' can make the word hard to understand for native speakers.

The Thirsty Lion

Remember: A Lion (shir) drinks Milk (shir) from a Faucet (shir). Visualize this crazy scene to never forget the three meanings.

The Ezafe Connection

Always use the Ezafe 'e' when describing 'shir'. 'Shire-e-sard' (cold milk) sounds much more natural than just saying the words separately.

National Symbol

When you see a lion statue in Iran, it's not just an animal; it's a historical symbol of the country's strength and heritage.

Dairy Basics

If you learn 'shir', you should also learn 'panir' (cheese) and 'mast' (yogurt) to complete your basic dairy vocabulary.

Simple Spelling

The word is only three letters: ش (sh), ی (i), ر (r). It's one of the easiest words to practice your Persian handwriting.

Verb Clues

Train your ears to catch the verb at the end of the sentence. 'Khord' means milk was consumed; 'gharid' means a lion roared.

Plumbing Help

If you need a plumber, the word you need is 'luleh-kesh', but the part you'll talk about most is the 'shir'.

Chaos Phrase

Use 'shir to shir' when a situation is totally disorganized. It's a very common and expressive colloquialism.

Gas Safety

In an emergency, knowing 'shir-e gaz' (gas valve) is actually a safety requirement for living in an Iranian home.

암기하기

기억법

Imagine a LION drinking MILK from a FAUCET. This single image combines all three meanings of 'shir'.

시각적 연상

Picture the 'sh' (ش) looking like the three prongs of a fork or a faucet handle.

Word Web

Milk Lion Faucet Bravery White Water Jungle Kitchen

챌린지

Try to write a sentence that uses 'shir' twice with two different meanings. For example: 'The lion drank milk.'

어원

The word has two distinct Indo-European origins that merged. 'Shir' (milk) comes from Middle Persian 'shīr', related to Sanskrit 'kshira'. 'Shir' (lion) comes from Middle Persian 'shēr', related to Old Persian 'sharg'.

원래 의미: White liquid / Predatory beast.

Indo-European -> Indo-Iranian -> Iranian -> Persian.

문화적 맥락

Be careful when using 'shir' (lion) as a compliment; ensure the context is clear so it doesn't sound like you're calling someone a 'milk' (which makes no sense) or a 'faucet'.

English speakers find it strange that one word covers three unrelated things, similar to how 'trunk' can mean a car part, an elephant's nose, or a storage box.

The Lion and Sun (Shir-o-Khorshid) emblem Rumi's poem about the Lion in the Carpet The 'Lions of Iran' national football team

실생활에서 연습하기

실제 사용 상황

Breakfast

  • شیر داغ
  • شیر و عسل
  • کورن‌فلکس با شیر
  • شیر قهوه

Zoo

  • قفس شیر
  • غذای شیر
  • بچه شیر
  • غرش شیر

Plumbing

  • شیر خراب
  • تعویض شیر
  • شیر فلکه
  • چکه کردن شیر

Sports

  • شیرهای ایران
  • قلب شیر
  • شیرجه عالی
  • مثل شیر جنگیدن

Parenting

  • شیر مادر
  • شیر خشک
  • شیر خوردن نوزاد
  • شیشه شیر

대화 시작하기

"آیا شما هر روز شیر می‌نوشید؟ (Do you drink milk every day?)"

"به نظر شما شیر سلطان جنگل است یا ببر؟ (Do you think the lion is the king of the jungle or the tiger?)"

"شیر آب خانه شما هم چکه می‌کند؟ (Is your house's faucet dripping too?)"

"آخرین بار کی به باغ‌وحش رفتید و شیر دیدید؟ (When was the last time you went to the zoo and saw a lion?)"

"شیر کاکائو دوست دارید یا شیر موز؟ (Do you like chocolate milk or banana milk?)"

일기 주제

امروز چند لیوان شیر خوردم و چه احساسی داشتم؟ (How many glasses of milk did I drink today and how did I feel?)

اگر یک شیر بودم، در جنگل چه کار می‌کردم؟ (If I were a lion, what would I do in the forest?)

توصیف کنید که چگونه یک شیر آب خراب را تعمیر می‌کنید. (Describe how you fix a broken faucet.)

چرا شیر در فرهنگ ایران یک نماد مهم است؟ (Why is the lion an important symbol in Iranian culture?)

خاطره‌ای از خوردن شیر و کلوچه در دوران کودکی بنویسید. (Write a memory of eating milk and cookies in childhood.)

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

Context is the only way. If they are in a kitchen or talking about food, it is milk. If they are at a zoo or talking about bravery, it is a lion. Persian speakers never find this confusing because the situations are so different.

Yes, it is used for kitchen sinks, bathroom taps, shower heads, and even gas valves. To be specific, you say 'shir-e ab' (water) or 'shir-e gaz' (gas).

No, 'shir' is specifically a lion. The word for tiger is 'babr'. However, in some old poems, 'shir' was used more generally for big cats, but today it is strictly a lion.

Persian does not have grammatical gender. So 'shir' is the same whether the lion is male or female. To specify a female lion, you can say 'shir-e maddeh'.

The lion has been a symbol of Iranian identity since ancient times, representing the sun, royalty, and the Shia Imam Ali (known as the Lion of God).

You say 'shir kaka'o'. It is a very popular drink for children and adults in Iran.

It literally means 'dry milk'. It is the term used for powdered infant formula or powdered milk used in baking.

In some very specific technical contexts, it can refer to a 'valve' in an engine or a 'shutter' in old photography, but milk, lion, and faucet are the main three.

Yes, like most Persian 'r' sounds, it is a slight tap or roll of the tongue against the roof of the mouth, not the soft English 'r'.

You usually say 'mesle shir' (like a lion) or 'shir-del' (lion-hearted). Just calling someone 'shir' might be understood, but it's more common as a comparison.

셀프 테스트 180 질문

writing

Write a sentence using 'شیر' to mean milk.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a sentence using 'شیر' to mean lion.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a sentence using 'شیر' to mean faucet.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Describe a lion using the word 'شیر'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Ask if someone has milk in their fridge.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Explain that the bathroom tap is leaking.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a short metaphor comparing a hero to a lion.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a sentence about buying chocolate milk.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Describe the historical symbol 'Lion and Sun'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a sentence using 'شیر خشک'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Explain why milk is good for bones.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a sentence about a lion roaring.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Tell someone to turn off the main gas valve.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Use the idiom 'شیر تو شیر' in a sentence.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a sentence about a mother breastfeeding.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Describe a 'شیر برنج' (rice pudding).

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a sentence about a 'شیرجه' (dive).

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Compare 'شیر' and 'پلنگ'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a formal sentence about milk production.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Use 'شیر پاک خورده' to describe a good person.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Pronounce 'شیر' correctly.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'I drink milk' in Persian.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'The lion is strong' in Persian.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'Close the tap' in Persian.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Ask 'Do you have milk?' in Persian.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'I like chocolate milk' in Persian.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'The lion is the king of the jungle' in Persian.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'The faucet is leaking' in Persian.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'He is brave like a lion' in Persian.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'I need powdered milk' in Persian.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'The main valve is closed' in Persian.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'I want a glass of warm milk' in Persian.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'The lion cub is playing' in Persian.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'Turn on the tap' in Persian.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'Milk is good for children' in Persian.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'The lion roared loudly' in Persian.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'I bought fresh milk' in Persian.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'Everything is chaotic' using the idiom.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'He is a noble person' using the idiom.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'I prefer soy milk' in Persian.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen to: 'شیر در قفس است.' What is in the cage?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen to: 'شیر را در یخچال بگذار.' Where should you put the milk?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen to: 'شیر آب را باز نکن.' What should you not open?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen to: 'صدای غرش شیر می‌آید.' What sound is heard?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen to: 'شیر کاکائو تمام شده است.' What is finished?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen to: 'شیر سماور داغ است.' What is hot?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen to: 'او مثل شیر جنگید.' How did he fight?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen to: 'شیر خشک بخریم؟' What is the question asking to buy?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen to: 'شیر فلکه را ببند.' What should be closed?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen to: 'شیر برنج خیلی شیرین است.' How is the rice pudding?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen to: 'بچه شیر گرسنه است.' Who is hungry?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen to: 'شیر پاستوریزه بخرید.' What kind of milk should be bought?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen to: 'شیرجه زدن ممنوع است.' What is forbidden?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen to: 'شیر مادر برای نوزاد عالی است.' What is great for the baby?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen to: 'شیر آب چکه می‌کند.' What is the faucet doing?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:

/ 180 correct

Perfect score!

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