کف دست in 30 Seconds
- The inner surface of the hand.
- Used for clapping and holding.
- A common metaphor for flatness.
- Essential for the idiom 'knowing like a palm'.
The Persian term کف دست (Kaf-e Dast) is a compound noun that literally translates to the 'sole of the hand,' but in English, it is universally understood as the palm. Anatomically, it refers to the ventral surface of the human hand, located between the wrist and the base of the fingers. In Persian culture and language, this body part is not just a physical entity but a canvas for idioms, cultural practices like palmistry (fāl-e kaf-e dast), and everyday metaphors for transparency and knowledge.
- Anatomical Precision
- In medical or descriptive contexts, it specifically identifies the area that touches objects when you grasp them. It is distinct from the 'posht-e dast' (back of the hand).
Beyond the physical, 'Kaf-e Dast' is used to describe flat, barren landscapes. If a piece of land has no trees or buildings, a Persian speaker might say it is 'mesle kaf-e dast' (like the palm of a hand), implying total flatness and lack of obstruction. This highlights the Persian linguistic tendency to use body parts to describe geographical features, much like 'dāmaneh' (skirt) for the foot of a mountain.
او تمام سکهها را در کف دست خود جمع کرد تا آنها را بشمارد.
- Idiomatic Depth
- The palm is seen as a symbol of honesty. Showing one's palm implies having nothing to hide. Conversely, an empty palm 'kaf-e dast-e khāli' is a common metaphor for poverty or lack of resources.
When you use this word, remember that it is a 'pish-e-zāfe' construction. The 'e' sound (ezāfe) connects 'Kaf' and 'Dast'. Without this connection, the words remain separate and lose their specific meaning as 'palm'. In poetic Persian, the palm is often compared to a bowl (pyāleh) that catches the wine of life or the blessings of the heavens, showing the deep aesthetic value placed on this part of the hand.
فالگیر با دقت به خطوط کف دست من نگاه کرد.
In summary, 'Kaf-e Dast' is a versatile B1-level term. It bridges the gap between basic anatomical vocabulary and more complex idiomatic Persian. Whether you are describing a physical sensation, a barren desert, or a fortune-telling session, this phrase is indispensable for a natural-sounding Persian speaker.
Using کف دست correctly requires understanding its role as a noun in various grammatical structures. Most commonly, it acts as the object of a preposition like 'dar' (in) or 'rū-ye' (on). For example, 'Dar kaf-e dastam' (In my palm). Note how the possessive suffix '-am' attaches to the end of 'dast', not 'kaf'.
- Physical Actions
- Sentences involving 'zadan' (hitting/striking) often use this word. 'Kaf zadan' is the standard verb for 'to clap', literally meaning 'to hit the palms together'.
بچهها برای برنده مسابقه کف زدند.
Another common usage is with the verb 'nehadan' (to place) or 'gozāshtan' (to put) in formal contexts. 'Sar bar kaf-e dast nehadan' (to put one's head in the palm of the hand) is a poetic way to describe being ready for sacrifice or deep devotion. In everyday speech, you might use it to describe an itch: 'Kaf-e dastam mikhārad' (My palm itches), which in Iranian folklore suggests that money is coming your way.
In descriptive writing, 'Kaf-e Dast' can be used as a simile. 'In shahr rā mesle kaf-e dastam mishnāsam' (I know this city like the palm of my hand). This is a direct equivalent to the English idiom 'to know something like the back of my hand', but Iranians use the palm instead. This is a crucial distinction for learners to avoid using 'posht-e dast' (back of hand) in this context.
او یک قطره روغن در کف دستش ریخت و آن را به صورتش مالید.
Finally, consider the use of the word in medical or biological descriptions. 'Pūst-e kaf-e dast' (the skin of the palm) is noted for being thicker than other areas. When discussing health, you might say 'Kaf-e dastam aragh mikonad' (My palms are sweating), a common symptom of anxiety or heat. By mastering these varied sentence structures, you move from simple labeling to expressive communication.
You will encounter کف دست in a variety of real-life settings in Iran and Persian-speaking communities. One of the most common places is at the doctor's office or pharmacy. If you have a rash or an injury, the doctor will ask to see your 'kaf-e dast'. Similarly, in traditional medicine (Teb-e Sonnati), the temperature and color of the palm are used as diagnostic tools.
- The Bazaar and Shopping
- In the bazaar, you might hear a merchant say, 'In rā kaf-e dastat bogzār' (Place this in your palm) to show the weight or quality of a fabric or a handful of nuts (ājīl).
مادربزرگ همیشه میگفت اگر کف دستت بخارد، پول به دستت میرسد.
In social gatherings, the phrase is heard during celebrations. 'Kaf zadan' (clapping) is a staple of Iranian weddings and birthdays. You’ll hear people shout 'Kaf! Kaf!' to encourage the crowd to clap along to the music. It’s an energetic, communal sound that defines the atmosphere of 'shādi' (joy).
In literature and media, especially in crime dramas or mystery novels, you might hear the idiom 'Kaf-e dastam rā bū nakarde būdam' (I hadn't smelled my palm). This is a very common way for a character to say 'How was I supposed to know?' or 'I'm not a psychic.' It implies that the answer wasn't written on their palm for them to know beforehand. Hearing this in a movie is a great sign that you are moving toward an upper-intermediate understanding of the language.
من این محله را مثل کف دستم میشناسم، نگران نباش!
Lastly, in educational settings, teachers use the term when instructing students on how to hold a pen or how to position their hands during prayer (Ghonūt). It is a fundamental word that appears early in life and remains relevant through adulthood in both formal and informal registers.
For English speakers learning Persian, the most frequent mistake involves the 'back of the hand' idiom. In English, we say 'I know it like the back of my hand.' If you translate this literally into Persian as 'Mesle posht-e dastam mishnāsam,' it will sound very strange to a native speaker. The correct Persian equivalent is mesle kaf-e dastam (like my palm). Using the 'back' instead of the 'palm' is a classic 'false friend' in terms of idiomatic usage.
- Confusion with 'Kaf-e Pā'
- Because 'Kaf' means the flat surface or sole, beginners often mix up 'Kaf-e Dast' (palm) and 'Kaf-e Pā' (sole of the foot). Ensure you are paying attention to the second word in the compound.
Another common error is the omission of the Ezāfe. Persian is a language of connections. Saying 'Kaf Dast' without the short 'e' sound in between is grammatically incorrect and makes your speech sound disjointed. It must be 'Kaf-e Dast'. In writing, this is often not shown (as short vowels are omitted), but in speaking, it is essential.
Incorrect: من شهر را مثل پشت دستم میشناسم.
Correct: من شهر را مثل کف دستم میشناسم.
Learners also sometimes struggle with the possessive. Remember that when you say 'my palm', the suffix '-am' goes on 'dast', not 'kaf'. It is 'Kaf-e dastam', not 'Kafam-e dast'. This follows the standard rule for noun-noun compounds where the possession applies to the entire unit, represented by the final word.
Finally, don't confuse 'Kaf' with 'Kafi' (enough). While they look similar in script (کف vs کافی), they are unrelated. 'Kaf-e dast' is always about the physical palm or its metaphorical extensions. By avoiding these pitfalls, your Persian will sound much more authentic and precise.
While کف دست is the most common term for the palm, there are other words related to the hand and its surfaces that you should know to enrich your vocabulary. Understanding the nuances between these terms will help you choose the right word for the right context.
- Dast (Hand)
- The general term for the whole hand. If you aren't sure about the specific part, 'Dast' is always a safe bet, though less precise than 'Kaf-e Dast'.
- Panjeh (Claw/Paw/Grip)
- This refers to the hand as a gripping tool, including the fingers. It is often used for animals (paws) but can be used for humans in a more powerful or aggressive sense.
او با پنجههایش توپ را گرفت، اما توپ در کف دستش جا نگرفت.
In more literary or old-fashioned Persian, you might encounter the word rahat (palm). This is rare in modern speech but appears in classical poetry. Today, 'Kaf-e Dast' has almost entirely replaced it in daily life. For the back of the hand, the term is posht-e dast. These two are opposites in anatomical descriptions.
- Kaf-e Pā (Sole of the foot)
- The structural equivalent for the lower limb. Knowing one helps you remember the other due to the shared 'Kaf' (base/sole) component.
When talking about a handful of something, you might use 'mosht' (fist/handful). While 'Kaf-e Dast' is the open surface, 'mosht' is the closed hand. For example, 'yek mosht berenj' (a handful of rice). Using these synonyms and related words correctly will make your Persian descriptions more vivid and accurate.
How Formal Is It?
"پژوهشها نشان میدهد که حساسیت در کف دست بسیار بالاست."
"او سکه را در کف دستش گذاشت."
"کف دستم رو بو نکرده بودم که میای!"
"بیا با هم کف بزنیم!"
"(Avoid 'Kaf-e dasti' unless in specific peer groups)."
Fun Fact
The word 'Kaf' is used for both the palm of the hand and the foam on top of a coffee or the sea, highlighting the concept of a 'top surface' or 'flat layer'.
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing 'Kaf' like 'Cough' (incorrect).
- Omitting the linking 'e' (Ezāfe).
- Pronouncing 'Dast' as 'Dust'.
Difficulty Rating
Easy to recognize once the components 'Kaf' and 'Dast' are known.
Requires correct use of the Ezāfe (linking 'e').
Requires correct pronunciation and idiomatic awareness.
Commonly heard in daily life and media.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Ezāfe Construction
کفِ دست (Linking two nouns with 'e')
Possessive Suffixes
کف دستم (Kaf-e dast + am)
Compound Verbs
کف زدن (Noun + Verb to create a new meaning)
Similes with 'Mesle'
مثل کف دست (Using 'mesle' for comparisons)
Pluralization of Compounds
کف دستها (Pluralizing the second noun)
Examples by Level
این کف دست من است.
This is my palm.
Simple 'this is' structure with possessive 'man'.
کف دستت را بشور.
Wash your palm.
Imperative verb 'beshur' (wash).
مداد روی کف دست اوست.
The pencil is on his palm.
Preposition 'rū-ye' (on).
کف دست او بزرگ است.
His palm is big.
Adjective 'bozorg' (big) following the noun.
یک سکه در کف دستم دارم.
I have a coin in my palm.
Verb 'dāram' (I have).
کف دستت را باز کن.
Open your palm.
Compound imperative 'bāz kon'.
رنگ کف دست او قرمز است.
The color of his palm is red.
Possessive 'e' linking color and body part.
کف دست من تمیز است.
My palm is clean.
Adjective 'tamiz' (clean).
بچهها خوشحال بودند و کف میزدند.
The children were happy and were clapping.
Past continuous context with 'kaf zadan'.
کف دستم خیلی میخارد.
My palm itches a lot.
Present tense 'mikhārad' (it itches).
کمی کرم در کف دستت بریز.
Pour a little cream in your palm.
Quantity 'kami' (a little).
او با کف دست به در زد.
He knocked on the door with his palm.
Preposition 'bā' (with).
کف دستهایش از ترس عرق کرده بود.
His palms were sweating from fear.
Past perfect 'aragh karde būd'.
توپ کوچک در کف دستش جا شد.
The small ball fit in his palm.
Verb 'jā shodan' (to fit).
او یک نقاشی کوچک روی کف دستش کشید.
He drew a small painting on his palm.
Simple past 'keshid'.
مادرم کف دستم را بوسید.
My mother kissed my palm.
Direct object with 'rā'.
من این خیابانها را مثل کف دستم میشناسم.
I know these streets like the palm of my hand.
Idiomatic use of 'mesle kaf-e dast'.
فالگیر به خطوط کف دست من نگاه کرد.
The fortune teller looked at the lines of my palm.
Noun-noun compound 'khotūt-e kaf-e dast'.
او تمام مدارک را کف دست من گذاشت.
He put all the documents in my hand (palm).
Metaphorical 'putting in the palm' for giving control.
زمینهای این منطقه مثل کف دست صاف هستند.
The lands in this area are flat like the palm of a hand.
Simile for flatness.
کف دستم را بو نکرده بودم که تو میآیی.
I hadn't smelled my palm (I didn't know) that you were coming.
Common idiom for lack of foreknowledge.
او از شدت عصبانیت با کف دست روی میز کوبید.
He slammed his palm on the table out of anger.
Prepositional phrase 'az sheddat-e...'.
جای زخم کوچکی در مرکز کف دستش دیده میشد.
A small scar was visible in the center of his palm.
Passive voice 'dide mishod'.
او سعی کرد آب را با کف دستهایش جمع کند.
He tried to collect water with his palms.
Plural 'kaf-e dast-hā'.
در طب سنتی، گرمای کف دست نشانهی سلامت است.
In traditional medicine, the warmth of the palm is a sign of health.
Formal academic structure.
او با یک حرکت سریع، سکه را در کف دستش غیب کرد.
With a quick move, he made the coin disappear in his palm.
Compound verb 'gheyb kardan'.
پوست کف دست نسبت به پشت دست ضخیمتر است.
The skin of the palm is thicker compared to the back of the hand.
Comparative 'zakham-tar'.
او با التماس، کف دستهایش را به هم مالید.
He rubbed his palms together in plea.
Adverbial phrase 'bā eltemās'.
این بیابان وسیع، خشک و مثل کف دست بیآب و علف است.
This vast desert is dry and barren like a palm.
Descriptive adjectives.
او تمام داراییاش را کف دست گرفت و به سفر رفت.
He took all his possessions in his palm (risked everything) and went on a journey.
Metaphor for risk-taking.
اثر کف دست او روی شیشه باقی مانده بود.
The print of his palm remained on the glass.
Noun 'asar' (effect/print).
او با ضربهی کف دست، حریف را به عقب راند.
He pushed the opponent back with a palm strike.
Technical martial arts context.
شاعر، دنیا را به مثابه خطوط پیچیدهی کف دست میبیند.
The poet sees the world as the complex lines of a palm.
Literary preposition 'be masābe-ye'.
او چنان با اخلاص عمل کرد که گویی جانش را کف دست نهاده است.
He acted with such sincerity as if he had placed his soul in his palm.
Idiom for total devotion/sacrifice.
تحلیلگر معتقد است که نقشهی سیاسی منطقه مثل کف دست روشن است.
The analyst believes the region's political map is as clear as a palm.
Metaphor for clarity and transparency.
او بدون هیچ واهمهای، حقیقت را کف دست آنها گذاشت.
Without any fear, he laid the truth bare in their hands.
Idiom for blunt honesty.
در متون کهن، 'راحت' واژهای مترادف برای کف دست بود.
In ancient texts, 'rahat' was a synonymous word for palm.
Linguistic historical reference.
او با نگاهی به کف دستش، گویی تمام سرنوشتش را مرور میکرد.
With a look at his palm, it was as if he was reviewing his entire destiny.
Complex 'gūyi' (as if) clause.
تغییرات فیزیولوژیک در کف دست میتواند نشانگر استرس مزمن باشد.
Physiological changes in the palm can indicate chronic stress.
Formal scientific terminology.
او با مهارتی بینظیر، رنگ را با کف دست روی بوم پخش کرد.
With unparalleled skill, he spread the paint on the canvas using his palm.
Adjective 'bi-nazir' (unparalleled).
عارف، کائنات را در گودی کف دست خویش مستتر میبیند.
The mystic sees the universe hidden within the hollow of his own palm.
Highly formal/mystical vocabulary.
سخنان او چنان صریح بود که گویی تیغی بر کف دست من کشیده است.
His words were so blunt it was as if he had drawn a blade across my palm.
Simile for painful honesty.
او در برابر تقدیر، کف دستهایش را به نشانهی تسلیم بالا برد.
In the face of fate, he raised his palms in a gesture of surrender.
Philosophical context.
گسترهی کویر، عریان و بیانتها، همچون کف دستِ خدا مینمود.
The expanse of the desert, naked and endless, appeared like the palm of God.
Poetic personification.
او با مداقّه در جزئیات، ساختار سلولی پوست کف دست را واکاوی کرد.
With careful scrutiny of details, he analyzed the cellular structure of the palm skin.
Academic/Scientific register.
در این برهوت، حتی یک بوته هم یافت نمیشد؛ زمین مثل کف دست بود.
In this wilderness, not even a single bush could be found; the ground was like a palm.
Archaic/Literary 'barahūt'.
او میراث پدر را کف دست گرفت و در پی آرزوهایش روانه شد.
He took his father's heritage in his palm (risked it all) and set out after his dreams.
Metaphorical usage of physical action.
شفافیت عملکرد او، کف دستِ بازی بود که هیچ نقطهی تاریکی نداشت.
The transparency of his performance was an open palm with no dark spots.
Abstract metaphor for integrity.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— I didn't have a crystal ball / How was I supposed to know?
کف دستم را بو نکرده بودم که تصادف میکنی.
— To give something freely or to reveal a secret bluntly.
او تمام نقشهاش را کف دست رقیب گذاشت.
— Ready to sacrifice one's life (literally: life on the palm).
سربازان جان بر کف از میهن دفاع کردند.
Often Confused With
Means 'sole of the foot'. Both start with 'Kaf' (base/sole).
Means 'back of the hand'. Opposite surface.
Means 'enough'. Looks similar in script but unrelated.
Idioms & Expressions
— Expresses surprise at an unpredictable event.
از کجا میدانستم؟ کف دستم را بو نکرده بودم!
Informal/Common— Describing something completely flat or someone very honest.
این جاده مثل کف دست صاف است.
Neutral— Used to say someone has nothing left to give or is completely broke.
از او پول نخواه، کف دستش مو ندارد!
Informal— To have the world at one's feet or under control.
او فکر میکند دنیا را در کف دستش دارد.
Literary— To be anxious or to plot something.
او با بدجنسی کف دستهایش را به هم مالید.
Neutral— To tell someone the truth directly, often unpleasantly.
بالاخره حقیقت را کف دستش گذاشتم.
InformalEasily Confused
Can mean foam or palm.
Use 'kaf-e dast' for clarity unless context is obvious.
کف صابون (Soap foam) vs کف دست (Palm).
Both involve the hand.
'Kaf' is open, 'Mosht' is a closed fist.
مشتش را گره کرد.
Both refer to parts of the hand.
'Panjeh' focuses on fingers/grip, 'Kaf' on the flat surface.
پنجهی گربه.
The general vs. the specific.
'Dast' is the whole arm/hand, 'Kaf-e dast' is just the palm.
دستم درد میکند.
Archaic synonym.
'Rahat' is only for old poetry; 'Kaf-e dast' is for modern life.
راحتِ جان (Soul's rest - pun on palm).
Sentence Patterns
این [body part] من است.
این کف دست من است.
[Body part] من [verb].
کف دست من میخارد.
من [place] را مثل کف دستم میشناسم.
من پاریس را مثل کف دستم میشناسم.
[Something] در کف دست اوست.
پول در کف دست اوست.
[Action] با کف دست.
او با کف دست به در کوبید.
[Abstract concept] را کف دست کسی گذاشتن.
او حقیقت را کف دست من گذاشت.
گویی جان را بر کف نهاده است.
او برای وطنش جان بر کف نهاد.
[Complex description] همچون کف دست.
دشت پهناور همچون کف دستِ خدا مینمود.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
High (Essential vocabulary)
-
من این شهر را مثل پشت دستم میشناسم.
→
من این شهر را مثل کف دستم میشناسم.
Iranians use 'palm' for the familiarity idiom, not 'back of the hand'.
-
کف دست خارش میکند.
→
کف دستم میخارد.
The verb 'khāridan' is used directly, and the possessive is needed for 'my palm'.
-
کف دست من تمیز هستند.
→
کف دست من تمیز است.
Subject-verb agreement; 'Kaf-e dast' is singular.
-
او کف زد برای من.
→
او برای من کف زد.
Correct word order for compound verbs.
-
کفِ من درد میکند.
→
کفِ دستم درد میکند.
'Kaf' alone is too vague; specify 'dast'.
Tips
The Itch Myth
If your 'Kaf-e Dast' itches, Iranians believe you will get money. If the left one itches, you might lose money!
The Linking 'e'
Never forget the Ezāfe. It is 'Kaf-e Dast', not 'Kaf Dast'.
Familiarity
Use 'mesle kaf-e dast' to describe how well you know your hometown.
Sole vs Palm
Remember 'Kaf-e Dast' is hand, 'Kaf-e Pā' is foot. Easy to group together.
Clapping
'Kaf zadan' is essential for parties. Don't just say 'dast zadan' (which can mean touching).
Short Vowels
The 'a' in both words is short. Avoid long 'aa' sounds.
Compound Nouns
Treat it as a single unit of meaning when translating.
Doctor Visits
If you have a hand injury, specify 'Kaf' or 'Posht' to be precise.
Warning
Be careful with 'Kaf-e dasti' in informal male groups; it has a sexual connotation.
Visual Aid
Imagine your palm is a 'Café' (Kaf) where your fingers go to drink.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of a 'CALF' (Kaf) standing on your 'HAND' (Dast). The calf is standing right on your palm!
Visual Association
Imagine a map of a city drawn perfectly on someone's palm to remember the idiom 'knowing like a palm'.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to describe three things you know 'like your palm' using the Persian idiom.
Word Origin
'Kaf' comes from Middle Persian 'kaf' (meaning palm or foam). 'Dast' comes from Old Persian 'dasta'.
Original meaning: The flat base of the hand.
Indo-European (Indo-Iranian branch).Cultural Context
Be aware that 'Kaf-e dasti' is a slang term for masturbation and should be avoided in formal or polite settings.
English speakers use 'back of the hand' for familiarity; Persians use 'palm'.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Medical
- خارش کف دست
- عرق کردن کف دست
- درد در کف دست
- پوست کف دست
Social
- کف زدن
- فال کف دست
- تبریک گفتن
- هدیه دادن
Navigation
- مثل کف دست شناختن
- زمین صاف
- بدون پستی و بلندی
- راه مستقیم
Financial
- پول در کف دست
- کف دست خالی
- بخشندگی
- خسیس بودن
Daily Life
- شستن دست
- کرم زدن
- سکه شمردن
- گرفتن چیزی
Conversation Starters
"آیا تا به حال کسی فال کف دست شما را گرفته است؟"
"کدام شهر را مثل کف دستتان میشناسید؟"
"آیا وقتی استرس دارید، کف دستتان عرق میکند؟"
"به نظر شما چرا ایرانیها میگویند 'مثل کف دست' اما انگلیسیها میگویند 'پشت دست'؟"
"وقتی بچهها کف میزنند چه حسی دارید؟"
Journal Prompts
درباره مکانی بنویسید که آن را مثل کف دستتان میشناسید.
یک خاطره از مراسمی بنویسید که در آن همه با هم کف میزدند.
اگر یک فالگیر به کف دست شما نگاه کند، دوست دارید چه چیزی به شما بگوید؟
تفاوتهای فرهنگی در استفاده از اعضای بدن در ضربالمثلها را توصیف کنید.
اهمیت دستها در کارهای روزمره خود را بنویسید.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, in an anatomical context. However, it can also be used metaphorically to describe flat land or transparency.
You use the compound verb 'Kaf zadan', which literally means 'striking the palms'.
It's a cultural difference. Persians view the palm as something you look at and know intimately (lines of fate, etc.), whereas English speakers use the back of the hand.
It is neutral and suitable for all registers, from medical textbooks to street slang.
It means 'I didn't know' or 'I'm not a psychic.' Literally: 'I hadn't smelled my palm.'
Yes, if you are already talking about hands, 'Kaf' is often understood as the palm.
Yes, 'Kaf-e dast-hā' refers to multiple palms.
Anatomically, it is 'Posht-e Dast' (back of the hand).
In 'Ghonūt' (a part of prayer), the palms are held upward, so 'Kaf-e Dast' is mentioned in religious instructions.
Associate it with 'Caffè' - the foam on top of a coffee is also called 'Kaf'.
Test Yourself 180 questions
Translate: 'My palm is clean.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'Wash your palm.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence with 'Kaf zadan'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'My palms are sweating.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'I know this city like the palm of my hand.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence about palmistry using 'fāl'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Describe a flat road using 'kaf-e dast'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'The skin of the palm is thick.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Use the idiom 'kaf-e dastam rā bū nakarde būdam' in a sentence.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'He sacrificed his life for his country (using jān bar kaf).'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'The coin is in my palm.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'Why are you clapping?'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'He has a scar on his palm.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'He put the truth in my hand (palm).'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a poetic sentence using 'rahat' instead of 'kaf-e dast'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'Open your hand.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'My palm itches.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'The lines of the palm are interesting.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'He rubbed his palms together.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'The political map is clear like a palm.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Say 'This is my palm' in Persian.
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Ask someone to open their hand.
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Tell someone that your palm itches.
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Ask people to clap for a friend.
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Explain that you know your city very well using the palm idiom.
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Ask a fortune teller to look at your palm.
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Describe a very flat piece of land.
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Tell someone their palms are sweaty.
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Express surprise at a situation using 'smelling the palm'.
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Describe someone who is very brave using 'jān bar kaf'.
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Point to your palm and name it.
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say 'The children are clapping.'
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say 'Put the money in my palm.'
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say 'The palm skin is thick.'
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say 'He told me the whole truth plainly.'
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say 'Wash your hands.'
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say 'My palms are hot.'
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say 'I saw the lines on his hand.'
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say 'He slammed his palm on the table.'
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say 'I had no idea this would happen.'
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Listen to: 'کف دستت کثیف است.' What is dirty?
Listen to: 'همه با هم کف بزنید!' What should everyone do?
Listen to: 'او تمام خیابانهای تهران را مثل کف دستش میشناسد.' How well does he know Tehran?
Listen to: 'پزشک به بیمار گفت: کف دستت را نشان بده.' What did the doctor ask for?
Listen to: 'کف دستم را بو نکرده بودم که امتحان امروز لغو میشود.' Was the exam cancellation expected?
Listen to: 'یک سیب در کف دست اوست.' What is in the hand?
Listen to: 'کف دستم خیلی میخارد.' What sensation is described?
Listen to: 'فالگیر خطوط کف دستش را خواند.' What did the fortune teller read?
Listen to: 'این جاده مثل کف دست صاف است.' Is the road bumpy?
Listen to: 'او تمام اطلاعات را کف دست پلیس گذاشت.' What did he do with the information?
Listen to: 'کف دستت را باز کن.' What is the command?
Listen to: 'صدای کف زدن میآید.' What sound is heard?
Listen to: 'او سکهها را در کف دستش شمرد.' What was he counting?
Listen to: 'اثر کف دست روی دیوار بود.' What was on the wall?
Listen to: 'سرباز جان بر کف از وطن دفاع کرد.' Who defended the country?
/ 180 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
'Kaf-e Dast' means palm. In Persian, the idiom for knowing something perfectly uses the palm (mesle kaf-e dast), unlike English which uses the back of the hand.
- The inner surface of the hand.
- Used for clapping and holding.
- A common metaphor for flatness.
- Essential for the idiom 'knowing like a palm'.
The Itch Myth
If your 'Kaf-e Dast' itches, Iranians believe you will get money. If the left one itches, you might lose money!
The Linking 'e'
Never forget the Ezāfe. It is 'Kaf-e Dast', not 'Kaf Dast'.
Familiarity
Use 'mesle kaf-e dast' to describe how well you know your hometown.
Sole vs Palm
Remember 'Kaf-e Dast' is hand, 'Kaf-e Pā' is foot. Easy to group together.
Example
او کف دستش را با چاقو برید.
Related Content
Related Phrases
More body words
عضلانی
B1Muscular; having well-developed muscles.
عضلهسازی
B1The process of building or developing muscles.
عفونی
B1Infected; affected by infection.
عمودی
B1In a vertical direction or position.
عنبیه
B1The colored part of the eye that surrounds the pupil.
عرق کرده
B1Covered in sweat; sweaty.
افقی
B1In a horizontal direction or position.
آه
B1Ouch / Oh; an exclamation of pain or distress.
اخم کردن
B1To frown; to furrow one's brows in an expression of disapproval, displeasure, or concentration.
انعطاف پذیر
B1Flexible; capable of bending without breaking.
