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B1 noun 9 min read

حوض

hooz

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips حوض in 30 Seconds

Explanation حوض in your Level:

At the A1 level, you just need to know that 'Houz' (حوض) means a small pond or a basin of water. You can see it in pictures of old Persian houses. It is where goldfish (mahi) live. You can say 'Houz abi ast' (The pond is blue). It is a simple noun. Think of it as a small, pretty pool in a garden. You don't swim in it; you just look at it or wash your hands. Many Iranian children play near it. It is usually in the middle of the yard (hayat).

At the A2 level, you can start using 'Houz' in basic descriptions of places. You can use adjectives like 'bozorg' (big) or 'kuchak' (small). For example: 'In hayat yek houz-e firoozei darad' (This yard has a turquoise pond). You can also use verbs like 'didam' (I saw) or 'darad' (It has). You should know that it's a common place to put fruit like watermelons in the summer to keep them cold. It’s part of the 'traditional house' vocabulary. You might hear it when people talk about their grandparents' homes.

At the B1 level (Intermediate), you should understand the cultural importance of the 'Houz'. It's not just a pond; it's a cooling system for the house. You can describe its position using 'vasat-e hayat' (middle of the yard). You should be able to distinguish it from 'estakhr' (swimming pool) and 'berke' (natural pond). You can use it in sentences about architecture or travel. For example: 'Memari-ye Irani bedoone houz kamel nist' (Persian architecture is not complete without a pond). You also start to see it in simple idioms and stories.

At the B2 level, you can use 'Houz' in more complex discussions about urban planning, history, and literature. You should know terms like 'Houz-khaneh' (a room with a pond) and understand how it relates to the 'Qanat' system (underground water channels). You can talk about the reflection (en'ekas) of light and trees in the water. You should be comfortable using the word in metaphorical ways, such as discussing the 'purity' of the water or its role in ritual cleaning (Wudu). You can also discuss the film 'Houz-e Naghashi' and its themes.

At the C1 level, 'Houz' becomes a symbol in your vocabulary. You should recognize its use in classical and modern poetry (like Sepehri). You understand the philosophical connection between the 'Houz' and the concept of the 'Mirror' (Ayeneh). You can use technical terms like 'laveh-ye houz' (the rim/edge) or 'fawareh' (fountain) fluently. You are aware of the Arabic plural 'Ahvaz' and its occurrence in formal texts. You can participate in deep cultural discussions about the aesthetics of Persian gardens and why water is central to the Iranian psyche.

At the C2 level, you have a masterly grasp of all nuances. You can discuss the etymology of the word from Arabic roots and its evolution in Persian literature. You can analyze the 'Houz' as a socio-architectural element that defined private vs. public life. You can use rare idioms and literary references effortlessly. You understand the 'Houz' in the context of Islamic eschatology (Houz-e Kowsar). Your usage is indistinguishable from a highly educated native speaker, incorporating the word into complex critiques of art, architecture, and history.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

حوض in 30 Seconds

Houz is a traditional Persian courtyard pond used for cooling and aesthetics.
It is usually shallow, tiled in blue, and located in the center of the yard.
Culturally, it symbolizes purity and is often associated with goldfish and family gatherings.
It differs from 'estakhr' (swimming pool) and 'berke' (natural pond) in function and form.

The word حوض (pronounced 'houz') is a cornerstone of Persian architectural and cultural identity. At its most basic level, it refers to a small body of still water, typically a man-made basin or pond found in the center of a traditional Iranian courtyard. Unlike a modern swimming pool, which is called an estakhr, a حوض is primarily aesthetic, functional for cooling the air, and deeply symbolic. In the arid climate of the Iranian plateau, water is a precious commodity and a sign of life; therefore, placing a water feature at the heart of the home represents the presence of vitality and purity. These basins are often octagonal or rectangular and are frequently lined with turquoise tiles (firoozei), which make the water appear deeper and more vibrant.

Architectural Context: In traditional Persian architecture (memari-ye sonnati), the حوض serves as the focal point of the 'Hayat' (courtyard). It works in tandem with 'Badgirs' (windcatchers) to create a natural cooling system through evaporation.

مادربزرگ همیشه کنار حوض می‌نشست و هندوانه را در آب سرد آن می‌گذاشت.

Translation: Grandmother always sat by the pond and put the watermelon in its cold water.

Beyond the domestic sphere, حوض is used in public spaces like mosques and traditional bathhouses (hammams). In a mosque, the central basin is often used for Wudu (ablution), the ritual washing before prayer. Here, the word takes on a spiritual dimension, representing the transition from the mundane world to a state of spiritual readiness. In literature and poetry, the reflection of the moon in the حوض is a recurring motif used to describe clarity, introspection, and the mirroring of the divine. It is not just a container for water; it is a mirror for the soul. When you use this word, you aren't just talking about a puddle or a tank; you are invoking centuries of Persian garden design and the philosophy of 'Chahar Bagh' (Four Gardens).

Symbolism of Goldfish: The presence of 'Mahi-ye Ghermez' (goldfish) in the حوض is a classic image of Iranian childhood, especially during the Nowruz (New Year) season.

انعکاس درخت بید در آب حوض منظره زیبایی ساخته بود.

Translation: The reflection of the willow tree in the pond water had created a beautiful view.

Finally, the word is used in various idiomatic expressions to denote depth or lack thereof. For instance, 'Ab-e houz keshi' (emptying the pond water) was once a lowly job, and referring to it can highlight humble beginnings or tedious labor. In modern urban planning, even small decorative fountains in squares are sometimes colloquially referred to as a حوض or حوضچه (small pond). Understanding this word requires an appreciation for the 'Hayat'—the private courtyard that serves as the lungs of the Persian home.

Using حوض correctly depends on the context of the water's location and purpose. It is almost always a noun and frequently takes modifiers to describe its state—whether it is full (por), empty (khali), or turquoise (firoozei). Because it is a central feature of a space, it often appears with prepositions like 'vasat' (middle), 'kenar' (beside), or 'dakhel' (inside).

Descriptive Usage: When you want to describe a beautiful old house, you might say: 'این خانه یک حوض بزرگ در وسط حیاط دارد' (This house has a large pond in the middle of the courtyard).

بچه‌ها دور حوض می‌دویدند و بازی می‌کردند.

Translation: The children were running around the pond and playing.

In grammatical terms, حوض is a simple noun. Its plural is usually حوض‌ها, but in very formal or archaic texts, you might encounter the Arabic broken plural احواض. However, for 99% of modern conversations, stick to the former. It can also be part of a compound noun like حوضچه (houz-che), where the suffix '-che' acts as a diminutive, meaning 'small pond' or 'basin'. This is commonly used in technical contexts like plumbing or small garden features.

آب حوض به دلیل جلبک‌ها سبز شده بود.

Translation: The pond water had turned green because of algae.

In a more metaphorical or literary sense, حوض can be used to describe any basin-like structure. For example, in anatomy, the pelvic basin is sometimes referred to using related terms. However, in everyday speech, it remains firmly rooted in the imagery of the home and garden. You will often hear it in the context of nostalgia (nostalzhi). Many Iranians associate the حوض with their childhood summers, the smell of 'khak-e nam-khorde' (damp earth), and the sound of water splashing (shalaq-shaloogh).

Verbal Pairings: Common verbs used with it include: پر کردن (to fill), خالی کردن (to empty), لایروبی کردن (to dredge/clean), and نشستن کنار (to sit beside).

او لبه حوض نشست و پاهایش را در آب فرو برد.

Translation: He sat on the edge of the pond and dipped his feet into the water.

If you are traveling in Iran, specifically in historical cities like Kashan, Yazd, or Isfahan, you will hear the word حوض constantly. Tour guides will point out the intricate tile work of the central حوض in houses like 'Tabatabaei House' or 'Borujerdi House'. They might discuss the 'Houz-khaneh', which is a specific room in traditional mansions featuring a central pond, designed to keep the surrounding rooms cool during scorching summers. Here, the word is used with a sense of pride and historical appreciation.

In Modern Media: You'll hear it in movies set in old Tehran. Filmmakers like Ali Hatami or Majid Majidi often use the حوض as a visual element to evoke a sense of 'asalt' (authenticity) and peace.

فیلم 'نقاشی حوض' یکی از فیلم‌های معروف سینمای ایران است.

Translation: The movie 'The Painting Pool' (Painting of the Pond) is one of the famous films of Iranian cinema.

In literature, particularly modern Persian poetry, حوض is a heavy-hitter. Sohrab Sepehri, a beloved poet and painter, famously wrote about the 'Houz' in his poems, using it as a symbol of clarity and the reflection of the sky. When people read these poems, the word evokes a meditative state. You might also hear it in Sufi (mystical) discourses where the حوض represents the heart of the believer, which must be kept clean to reflect the light of God. Even in children's stories, the 'Mahi-ye Siyah-e Kuchulu' (The Little Black Fish) by Samad Behrangi begins its journey from a small stream, but many other tales involve a حوض as a safe but limited world that the protagonist must outgrow.

صدای فواره حوض آرامش خاصی به محیط می‌داد.

Translation: The sound of the pond's fountain gave a special peace to the environment.

Lastly, in religious contexts, specifically during the month of Muharram or at large shrines like the Imam Reza shrine in Mashhad, the large basins for washing are always called حوض. Pilgrims gather around them, and the atmosphere is one of communal ritual. If you are listening to a sermon or a 'rowzeh', the speaker might mention 'Houz-e Kowsar', a legendary pond in Paradise. This shows the word's range from a simple garden feature to a celestial reward. In summary, whether you are in a dusty village, a grand mosque, or reading a book of philosophy, حوض is a word that anchors the Persian experience to water.

For English speakers, the most common mistake is using حوض (houz) when they actually mean استخر (estakhr). While both hold water, their functions are entirely different. An estakhr is a swimming pool—it is deep, usually large, and designed for exercise or recreation. A حوض is typically shallow (often less than 50cm deep), decorative, and not meant for swimming. If you tell an Iranian friend 'I swam in the houz,' they will look at you very strangely, imagining you trying to paddle in a tiny, knee-deep garden pond!

Confusing with Natural Bodies: Another mistake is using حوض for a natural pond in the woods. That would be a 'berke' (برکه) or 'talab' (تالاب). حوض implies man-made construction, usually with stones, bricks, or tiles.

اشتباه: من در حوض شنا کردم. (غلط)

Note: This implies you swam in a decorative garden pond. Use 'استخر' for swimming.

Pronunciation is another pitfall. The 'H' in حوض is a 'heavy' H (ح), which in formal Persian is distinct from the 'soft' H (ه), though in modern Tehrani dialect, they sound the same. The real challenge is the 'ow' sound (vaw-ye majhul). It’s like the 'o' in 'boat' but slightly more open. Some learners pronounce it like 'hooz' (rhyming with 'choose'), which is incorrect. It should rhyme more closely with the English word 'hose' but with a shorter, crisper vowel. Also, the final 'z' is a 'Zad' (ض), which in Persian is pronounced exactly like a normal 'Z'. Don't try to make it a 'D' sound like in Arabic; in Persian, حوض is simply 'Houz'.

درست: ماهی‌ها در حوض هستند. (صحیح)

Translation: The fish are in the pond. (Correct usage).

Lastly, learners sometimes confuse حوض with حوزه (howzeh). While they look similar in script (only one letter difference), حوزه means 'field', 'sphere', or 'seminary' (like the Howzeh Elmiyeh in Qom). Mixing these up can lead to very confusing sentences, like saying 'I am studying in the pond' instead of 'I am studying in the seminary.' Always look for that final 'heh' (ه) to distinguish the two. Remember: حوض is for water; حوزه is for fields of study or areas.

Persian has a rich vocabulary for water features, and choosing the right one adds 'rang-o-booy' (color and scent) to your speech. While حوض is the standard for courtyard ponds, you might consider these alternatives depending on the scale and nature of the water.

حوض vs. استخر (Estakhr): حوض: Decorative, shallow, traditional, found in courtyards.
استخر: Large, deep, modern, used for swimming or industrial water storage.
حوض vs. برکه (Berke): حوض: Man-made, geometric, tiled.
برکه: Natural pond, often found in nature, irregular shape, may have reeds and frogs.
حوض vs. آب‌نما (Ab-nama): حوض: Focuses on the basin of water.
آب‌نما: Focuses on the fountain or the decorative display of moving water. An 'ab-nama' often sits inside a 'houz'.

تفاوت حوض و دریاچه در اندازه و طبیعی بودن آن‌هاست.

Translation: The difference between a pond and a lake is in their size and naturalness.

For technical or very small basins, you use حوضچه. For example, a 'houzche-ye ghaza-ghaza' is a catchment basin in engineering. If you are talking about a very large, open-air reservoir, you might use آب‌انبار (Ab-anbar), which is a traditional cistern. In poetry, you might see the word آبگیر (Ab-gir), which is a more general term for any place where water collects. However, none of these carry the same domestic warmth as حوض. It is the word that brings to mind a Persian 'Hayat' with pomegranate trees and the sound of the 'fawareh' (fountain).

در باغ فین کاشان، حوض‌های زیادی وجود دارد.

Translation: In Fin Garden of Kashan, there are many ponds.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The city of Ahvaz in southwestern Iran gets its name from the Arabic plural of this word, 'Ahwāz', referring to the water basins/districts in the area.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /hoʊz/

US /hoʊz/

Single syllable, equal stress on the vowel.

Rhymes With

موز (Mouz - Banana) روز (Rouz - Day - in some dialects) سوز (Souz - Burn) توز (Touz) قوز (Ghouz) دوز (Douz) پوز (Pouz) یوز (Youz)

Common Errors

Pronouncing it as 'Hooz' (like 'choose').
Pronouncing the 'z' like a 'd' (Arabic influence).
Making the 'o' too long like in 'howl'.
Dropping the 'h' sound.
Confusing it with 'Howzeh' (field/seminary).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

The word is short and easy to recognize in script.

Writing 3/5

The letter 'Zad' (ض) can be tricky for beginners to remember.

Speaking 2/5

Pronunciation is straightforward once the 'ow' sound is mastered.

Listening 2/5

Easily distinguishable from other words in context.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

آب حیاط خانه ماهی باغ

Learn Next

فواره کاشی معماری انعکاس سنتی

Advanced

آب‌انبار قنات مظهر وضوخانه تزکیه

Grammar to Know

Ezafe Construction with Nouns

آبِ حوض (Ab-e houz) - The water of the pond.

Pluralization with '-ha'

حوض‌ها (Houz-ha) - Ponds.

Compound Noun Formation

حوض‌خانه (Houz + khaneh) - Pond room.

Indefinite Suffix '-i'

حوضی در باغ بود (A pond was in the garden).

Prepositional Phrases of Location

در وسط حیاط (In the middle of the yard).

Examples by Level

این یک حوض است.

This is a pond.

Simple demonstrative sentence.

حوض آب دارد.

The pond has water.

Subject + Object + Verb.

ماهی در حوض است.

The fish is in the pond.

Preposition 'dar' (in).

حوض آبی است.

The pond is blue.

Adjective 'abi' (blue).

حیاط حوض دارد.

The yard has a pond.

Possessive structure.

من حوض را دوست دارم.

I like the pond.

Direct object with 'ra'.

حوض کوچک است.

The pond is small.

Adjective 'kuchak'.

آب حوض سرد است.

The pond water is cold.

Ezafe construction 'Ab-e houz'.

در وسط حیاط یک حوض بزرگ هست.

There is a large pond in the middle of the yard.

Locative phrase 'dar vasat-e'.

مادربزرگ کنار حوض نشست.

Grandmother sat by the pond.

Past tense 'neshast'.

ما در حوض سیب انداختیم.

We threw apples in the pond.

Past tense 'andakhtim'.

آیا حوض ماهی دارد؟

Does the pond have fish?

Question form.

او حوض را تمیز می‌کند.

He is cleaning the pond.

Present continuous/habitual.

فواره حوض کار نمی‌کند.

The pond's fountain isn't working.

Negative verb 'kar nemikonad'.

گل‌های شمعدانی دور حوض هستند.

Geranium flowers are around the pond.

Plural subject.

بچه‌ها لبه حوض بازی می‌کنند.

Children are playing on the edge of the pond.

Compound noun 'labe-ye houz'.

حوض‌های فیروزه‌ای نماد معماری ایرانی هستند.

Turquoise ponds are symbols of Persian architecture.

Plural with '-ha'.

آب حوض به آرامی از فواره می‌ریخت.

The pond water was slowly pouring from the fountain.

Adverbial phrase 'be arami'.

در تابستان، حوض هوای حیاط را خنک می‌کند.

In summer, the pond cools the air of the yard.

Functional description.

او خاطرات زیادی از بازی کنار حوض دارد.

He has many memories of playing by the pond.

Abstract noun 'khaterat'.

عمق این حوض فقط نیم متر است.

The depth of this pond is only half a meter.

Numerical description.

کبوترها برای خوردن آب به لبه حوض آمدند.

Pigeons came to the edge of the pond to drink water.

Purpose clause 'baraye khordan'.

خانه قدیمی ما یک حوض هشت‌ضلعی داشت.

Our old house had an octagonal pond.

Compound adjective 'hasht-zale'.

قبل از نماز، در حوض وضو گرفت.

Before prayer, he performed ablution in the pond.

Religious context.

انعکاس ماه در حوض، سوژه بسیاری از اشعار فارسی است.

The reflection of the moon in the pond is the subject of many Persian poems.

Complex subject 'en'ekas-e mah'.

معماران سنتی حوض را طوری می‌ساختند که آب در آن گردش داشته باشد.

Traditional architects built the pond in a way that water would circulate in it.

Subordinate clause with 'ke'.

حوض‌خانه در خانه‌های کویری فضایی برای استراحت در ظهر بود.

The pond-room in desert houses was a space for resting at noon.

Compound noun 'Houz-khaneh'.

او با دقت کاشی‌های شکسته حوض را ترمیم کرد.

He carefully repaired the broken tiles of the pond.

Adverbial phrase 'ba deghat'.

صدای آب حوض، هیاهوی خیابان را محو می‌کرد.

The sound of the pond water drowned out the street noise.

Metaphorical verb 'mahv kardan'.

در فلسفه اسلامی، حوض نمادی از پاکی و زلال بودن است.

In Islamic philosophy, the pond is a symbol of purity and clarity.

Prepositional phrase 'dar falsafeh'.

حوضچه ترسیب برای جدا کردن گل و لای از آب استفاده می‌شود.

The sedimentation basin is used to separate mud and silt from water.

Technical term 'houzche-ye tarsib'.

او به یاد روزهایی افتاد که حوض پر از ماهی‌های قرمز بود.

He remembered the days when the pond was full of goldfish.

Relative clause 'ke'.

شاعر با ظرافت، دلِ صاف را به آب حوض تشبیه کرده است.

The poet delicately compared a pure heart to pond water.

Literary comparison 'tashbih'.

ساختار هندسی حوض در باغ ایرانی، نشان‌دهنده نظم کیهانی است.

The geometric structure of the pond in the Persian garden represents cosmic order.

Philosophical vocabulary.

لایروبی حوض‌های قدیمی نیازمند مهارت و دانش خاصی است.

Dredging old ponds requires specific skill and knowledge.

Gerund/Noun 'Lay-rubi'.

در متون کهن، از 'حوض کوثر' به عنوان پاداش مومنان یاد شده است.

In ancient texts, 'Houz-e Kowsar' is mentioned as the reward for believers.

Passive voice 'yad shodeh ast'.

تلالو نور خورشید بر سطح مواج حوض، منظره‌ای بدیع خلق کرده بود.

The sparkle of sunlight on the wavy surface of the pond had created a unique sight.

Advanced descriptive adjectives.

او در رساله‌اش به بررسی نقش حوض در تهویه مطبوع سنتی پرداخت.

In his dissertation, he examined the role of the pond in traditional air conditioning.

Academic register.

وسعت حوض باید با ابعاد حیاط تناسب داشته باشد.

The size of the pond must be in proportion to the dimensions of the yard.

Noun 'tanasob' (proportion).

با گذشت زمان، سنگ‌های لبه حوض دچار فرسایش شده بودند.

Over time, the stones on the pond's edge had suffered erosion.

Perfect tense 'shodeh budand'.

استحاله مفهوم حوض از یک عنصر کاربردی به یک المان صرفاً تزئینی در شهرسازی مدرن مشهود است.

The transformation of the pond concept from a functional element to a purely decorative one is evident in modern urban planning.

Highly abstract/academic vocabulary.

تجلی وحدت در کثرت را می‌توان در تکثیر تصویر درختان در آب حوض مشاهده کرد.

The manifestation of unity in multiplicity can be observed in the multiplication of the trees' image in the pond water.

Sufi philosophical terminology.

حوض در فضای قدسی مسجد، واسطه‌ای میان عالم خاک و عالم افلاک تلقی می‌شود.

The pond in the sacred space of the mosque is considered a medium between the earthly world and the celestial realm.

Metaphysical register.

در بازخوانی متون صفوی، حوض به عنوان نمادی از جود و سخاوت حاکم بازنمایی شده است.

In the re-reading of Safavid texts, the pond is represented as a symbol of the ruler's bounty and generosity.

Literary criticism terminology.

ظرافت کاشی‌کاری‌های حوض، گویای ذوق سرشار هنرمندان آن مرز و بوم است.

The delicacy of the pond's tilework speaks of the overflowing taste of the artists of that land.

Idiomatic expression 'marz-o-bum'.

حوضچه‌های آرامش در سدسازی برای کاهش انرژی جنبشی آب تعبیه می‌شوند.

Stilling basins in dam construction are installed to reduce the kinetic energy of water.

Highly technical engineering term.

تطبیق کالبدی حوض با اقلیم‌های گوناگون ایران، از نبوغ معماران کهن حکایت دارد.

The physical adaptation of the pond to Iran's various climates tells of the genius of ancient architects.

Formal verb 'hekayat darad'.

فقدان حوض در آپارتمان‌های امروزی، منجر به گسست پیوند انسان با طبیعت شده است.

The absence of a pond in today's apartments has led to a break in the bond between man and nature.

Sociological critique.

Common Collocations

حوض فیروزه‌ای

لبه حوض

حوض ماهی

وسط حوض

آب حوض

پر کردن حوض

خالی کردن حوض

حوض سنگی

عکس در حوض

حوض کوثر

Common Phrases

آب حوض کشیدن

— To empty a pond manually, often implying a tedious or low-level job.

قدیما شغل بعضی‌ها آب حوض کشیدن بود.

حوض نقاشی

— Literally 'painting pond', refers to something idyllic or artistic.

زندگی مثل یک حوض نقاشی زیباست.

مثل ماهی در حوض

— To be in one's natural element, or conversely, to be trapped in a small space.

او در آن محیط کوچک مثل ماهی در حوض بود.

لبه حوض نشستن

— To relax or wait by the water, a common image of leisure.

بیا لبه حوض بنشینیم و چای بخوریم.

حوض خالی

— Used to describe something that lacks its core essence.

حیاط بدون آب، مثل حوض خالی است.

حوض پر از ماهی

— A symbol of abundance and life.

سفره هفت‌سین باید کنار حوض پر از ماهی باشد.

صدای فواره حوض

— A phrase used to describe peace and tranquility.

صدای فواره حوض آدم را آرام می‌کند.

حوض هشت‌ضلعی

— A specific architectural style common in Iran.

خانه پدری‌ام یک حوض هشت‌ضلعی داشت.

کاشی‌کاری حوض

— Refers to the intricate art on the pond's surface.

کاشی‌کاری حوض مسجد بسیار قدیمی است.

حوض وضو

— The specific basin used for ritual washing in mosques.

مردم دور حوض وضو جمع شده بودند.

Often Confused With

حوض vs حوزه

Means 'field' or 'seminary'. Very similar spelling but different meaning.

حوض vs استخر

A swimming pool. Much larger and deeper than a houz.

حوض vs برکه

A natural pond. Houz is always man-made.

Idioms & Expressions

"حوضش بزرگ است"

— He has a lot of capacity or influence (rare/metaphorical).

او حوضش بزرگ است و خیلی‌ها را حمایت می‌کند.

Colloquial

"آب در حوض داشتن"

— To have resources or something to offer.

تا وقتی آب در حوض داری، همه با تو دوست هستند.

Informal

"ماهی حوض دیگران شدن"

— To serve someone else's interests or be part of their world.

نمی‌خواست ماهی حوض دیگران باشد.

Literary

"حوض کوثر نوشیدن"

— To achieve ultimate salvation or peace (religious).

امیدوارم از حوض کوثر بنوشی.

Formal/Religious

"مثل حوض بی‌آب"

— Something useless or sad.

خنده بدون شادی مثل حوض بی‌آب است.

Poetic

"لب حوضی"

— A style of singing or entertainment that was popular in courtyards.

ترانه‌های لب حوضی خاطره‌انگیز هستند.

Cultural

"حوض را لجن گرفتن"

— For a situation to become stagnant or corrupt.

اگر مراقب نباشیم، حوض را لجن می‌گیرد.

Metaphorical

"در حوض خود شنا کردن"

— To stay within one's comfort zone or limits.

او ترجیح می‌دهد در حوض خود شنا کند تا دریای آزاد.

Informal

"حوض نقاشی کشیدن"

— To imagine or create a perfect, albeit small, world.

او برای خودش یک حوض نقاشی کشیده بود.

Artistic

"حوض‌خانه رفتن"

— To seek coolness or refuge.

در گرمای ظهر به حوض‌خانه رفتیم.

Historical

Easily Confused

حوض vs حوضچه

Looks like a diminutive form.

Houzche is more technical or refers to very small basins, while Houz is the standard garden feature.

حوضچه فاضلاب (sewage basin) vs حوض حیاط (garden pond).

حوض vs آب‌نما

Both involve water in a yard.

Ab-nama is the fountain/display; Houz is the actual basin holding the water.

آب‌نما در وسط حوض قرار دارد.

حوض vs تشت

Both hold water for washing.

Tasht is a portable tub; Houz is a permanent architectural structure.

میوه‌ها را در تشت بشور (Wash fruits in the tub).

Sentence Patterns

[Subject] [Noun] دارد.

حیاط حوض دارد.

[Noun] در [Location] است.

حوض در وسط حیاط است.

[Noun] پر از [Object] است.

حوض پر از ماهی است.

[Noun] باعث [Effect] می‌شود.

حوض باعث خنکی هوا می‌شود.

[Noun] نمادی از [Concept] است.

حوض نمادی از پاکی است.

استحاله [Noun] به [Concept]...

استحاله حوض به یک عنصر تزئینی...

Word Family

Nouns

حوضچه (small pond)

حوض‌خانه (pond room)

احواض (Arabic plural)

Verbs

حوض ساختن (to build a pond)

آب حوض کشیدن (to drain a pond)

Adjectives

حوضی (relating to a pond)

لب‌حوضی (pertaining to courtyard entertainment)

آب (water)

فواره (fountain)

کاشی (tile)

ماهی (fish)

حیاط (courtyard)

How to Use It

frequency

Common in architectural, poetic, and historical contexts; less common in modern apartment-based daily life.

Common Mistakes

Using 'Houz' for a swimming pool. → Use 'Estakhr'.
A Houz is too shallow for swimming and is primarily decorative.
Mispronouncing it as 'Hooz'. → Pronounce it 'Houz' (rhymes with 'hose').
The 'ow' sound is a diphthong in Persian.

Tips

Water and Nowruz

During the Persian New Year, the 'Houz' is a central part of the celebration. Cleaning it is a ritual of renewal.

Using the Ezafe

Remember to use the Ezafe (short 'e' sound) when describing the pond, like 'Houz-e ziba' (beautiful pond).

Diminutives

Add '-che' to 'Houz' to get 'Houzche', meaning a small basin. This is useful for technical descriptions.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'Hose' (حوض) filling up a small 'Houz'. The sounds are very similar!

Visual Association

Imagine a bright turquoise octagonal pool with one red goldfish in the center. The color turquoise (firoozei) is inseparable from the 'Houz'.

Word Web

Water Garden Blue Tiles Goldfish Cooling Courtyard Fountain Reflection

Challenge

Try to describe your dream garden in Persian using the word 'حوض' at least three times.

Word Origin

Borrowed from Arabic 'حوض' (hawḍ), which refers to a basin, tank, or cistern. It entered Persian early on and became a staple of architectural terminology.

Original meaning: A place where water collects; a reservoir.

Semitic (Arabic) origin, integrated into Indo-European (Persian).

Cultural Context

Be careful not to confuse the religious 'Houz-e Kowsar' with a mundane garden pond in spiritual discussions.

English speakers often think of 'ponds' as natural or messy. A Persian 'Houz' is the opposite: it's geometric, clean, and architectural.

The movie 'Houz-e Naghashi' (The Painting Pool) by Maziar Miri. Sohrab Sepehri's poem 'The Footsteps of Water' (Sedaye Paye Ab). The 'Houz-e Morvarid' (Pearl Pond) in Persian folklore.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Architecture

طراحی حوض
عمق حوض
کاشی‌کاری حوض
حوض هشت‌ضلعی

Gardening

آب دادن به گلدان‌های دور حوض
تمیز کردن لجن حوض
پر کردن حوض با شلنگ
گیاهان آبزی در حوض

Poetry

عکس ماه در حوض
زلال بودن آب حوض
حوضِ تنهایی
رقص نور بر حوض

Daily Life

نشستن کنار حوض
شستن میوه در حوض
غذای ماهی‌های حوض
خالی کردن آب حوض

Religion

وضو گرفتن کنار حوض
حوض بزرگ مسجد
آب مقدس حوض
طهارت در حوض

Conversation Starters

"آیا در خانه قدیمی‌تان حوض داشتید؟ (Did you have a pond in your old house?)"

"به نظر شما چرا حوض در معماری ایرانی مهم است؟ (Why do you think the pond is important in Persian architecture?)"

"بهترین خاطره شما از نشستن کنار حوض چیست؟ (What is your best memory of sitting by the pond?)"

"اگر یک حوض داشته باشید، چه ماهی‌هایی در آن می‌اندازید؟ (If you had a pond, what fish would you put in it?)"

"آیا حوض‌های فیروزه‌ای را به استخرهای مدرن ترجیح می‌دهید؟ (Do you prefer turquoise ponds over modern pools?)"

Journal Prompts

خاطره‌ای خیالی از یک عصر تابستانی کنار حوض بنویسید. (Write an imaginary memory of a summer evening by the pond.)

توصیف کنید که چگونه انعکاس آسمان در حوض می‌تواند به انسان آرامش دهد. (Describe how the reflection of the sky in the pond can bring peace to a person.)

نقش آب و حوض را در خانه‌های کویری ایران تحلیل کنید. (Analyze the role of water and the pond in Iran's desert houses.)

درباره تفاوت‌های احساسی بین یک حوض کوچک و یک دریای بزرگ بنویسید. (Write about the emotional differences between a small pond and a vast sea.)

داستانی کوتاه درباره ماهی قرمزی که می‌خواست از حوض به دریا برود بنویسید. (Write a short story about a goldfish that wanted to go from the pond to the sea.)

Frequently Asked Questions

5 questions

Generally, no. A Houz is typically very shallow (about 30-50 cm) and intended for decoration, cooling, or washing hands/fruit. For swimming, you would use an 'Estakhr'.

They are usually lined with turquoise (firoozei) tiles. This color makes the water look cleaner, deeper, and more refreshing, which is highly valued in the hot Iranian climate.

It is a specific room in traditional Iranian architecture that contains a central pond. It was used as a cool retreat during the hot summer months.

The word is originally Arabic but has been used in Persian for over a millennium. It is perfectly integrated into the Persian language and culture.

In modern apartments, it's rare due to space. However, in luxury villas or traditional-style renovations, people still build them to maintain the Persian aesthetic.