Phrase in 30 Seconds
Use 'کم' (kam) to describe a small quantity or amount of something.
- Means: A small amount, few, or little.
- Used in: Ordering food, discussing prices, or describing time.
- Don't confuse: 'کم' (quantity) with 'کمتر' (less/comparative).
Explanation at your level:
Meaning
A small amount or quantity.
Cultural Background
Used to show modesty.
Use it often
It is a high-frequency word.
Use it often
It is a high-frequency word.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank.
آب ____ است.
Kam means little.
🎉 Score: /1
Practice Bank
2 exercisesآب ____ است.
Kam means little.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
1 questionsIt is neutral.
Related Phrases
کمکم
builds onLittle by little
Where to Use It
Restaurant
Customer: نمک غذا کم است
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'Kam' as 'Calm' - when you have a little, you stay calm.
Visual Association
A small cup with a tiny bit of tea.
Rhyme
Kam, Jam (a lot/crowd) - opposites.
Story
Ali went to the market. He asked for a little bread. 'کم نان بده' he said. The baker smiled.
In Other Languages
Similar to 'poco' in Spanish or 'peu' in French.
Word Web
Challenge
Use 'کم' in 5 sentences today.
Review in 1, 3, 7, 14, 30 days.
Pronunciation
Like 'cam' in camera.
Formality Spectrum
موجودی اندک است. (Financial)
پول کم است. (Financial)
پول کمه. (Financial)
پول ته کشیده. (Financial)
From Avestan 'kamna'.
Fun Fact
It is one of the shortest words in Persian.
Cultural Notes
Used to show modesty.
“کملطفی نکنید.”
Conversation Starters
آیا وقت داری؟
Common Mistakes
کم قد
کوتاه قد
L1 Interference
In Other Languages
poco
Poco changes gender/number; Kam does not.
peu
Peu requires 'de' before nouns.
wenig
Wenig inflects for case.
sukoshi
Sukoshi is more adverbial.
qaleel
Qaleel is more formal.
shao
Shao is a verb/adjective hybrid.
jogeum
Jogeum is strictly adverbial.
pouco
Pouco inflects.
Spotted in the Real World
“وقت کم است”
A stressful scene.
Easily Confused
Comparative form
Use for comparisons.
Frequently Asked Questions (1)
It is neutral.
basic understanding
