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کوتاهتر

A2 adjective #1,300 most common 10 min read

کوتاهتر

kotâhtâr Top 1,300

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips کوتاهتر in 30 Seconds

Explanation کوتاهتر in your Level:

At the A1 level, learners focus on basic descriptions. You might know 'kootāh' (short) to describe a person or a pencil. At this stage, you are just beginning to understand that adding '-tar' makes it 'shorter'. You use it in very simple sentences like 'This is shorter' (In kootāhtar ast). You don't yet need to worry about complex comparisons with 'az', but recognizing the word when you hear it at a barber shop or when looking at clothes is the goal. It's a physical word for physical things.

At A2, 'kootāhtar' becomes a tool for comparison. You learn the 'Subject + az + Object + kootāhtar + ast' structure. You can compare the heights of your friends, the lengths of two streets, or the duration of two movies. This is the level where you start using the word in daily life, such as asking for a shorter path or telling someone that a task took a shorter time than expected. You also learn the difference between 'kootāhtar' (shorter) and 'koochektar' (smaller).

By B1, you use 'kootāhtar' more abstractly. You might discuss a 'shorter life' (omr-e kootāhtar) in a conversation about health or nature. You understand how to use it as an attributive adjective with the Ezafe (e.g., rāh-e kootāhtar). You are also able to use it in more complex sentence structures, including subordinate clauses. You begin to notice the word in media and can understand its use in news reports or simple stories without needing a dictionary.

At the B2 level, you can distinguish between 'kootāhtar' and its more formal synonyms like 'mokhtasartar'. you use 'kootāhtar' fluently in debates and discussions. For example, you might argue that a shorter working week (hafteh-ye kāri-ye kootāhtar) is better for productivity. You are comfortable with the word's placement in varied syntactic structures and can use it in idiomatic expressions or proverbs where it might appear. Your pronunciation is natural, and you handle the 'az' preposition without hesitation.

At C1, you appreciate the stylistic choices involving 'kootāhtar'. You might choose it over a synonym to create a specific rhythm in your writing or speech. You understand the historical development of the word from Middle Persian 'kūdak' and how the comparative suffix '-tar' has remained stable for centuries. You can use the word in literary analysis, discussing how a poet uses 'shorter' days to symbolize mortality or the passage of time. You are also aware of regional variations in how the word is used across the Persian-speaking world.

At the C2 level, 'kootāhtar' is a word you use with complete mastery and nuance. You can use it in highly technical, legal, or poetic contexts. You might use it to describe the 'shorter' wavelength of light in a scientific discussion or the 'shorter' meter in a classical Persian poem (Aruz). You understand all its metaphorical implications and can play with the word in creative writing. You are indistinguishable from a native speaker in your use of this and other comparative adjectives.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

کوتاهتر in 30 Seconds

Kootāhtar means 'shorter' in Persian.
It is the comparative form of 'kootāh' (short).
It is used for height, length, and time.
It follows the 'az' (than) preposition in comparisons.

The Persian word کوتاهتر (pronounced kootāhtar) is the comparative form of the adjective کوتاه (kootāh), which means 'short'. In the Persian language, the comparative is almost universally formed by adding the suffix -tar (تر) to the base adjective. Therefore, کوتاهتر translates directly to 'shorter' in English. This word is fundamental for anyone reaching the A2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) because it allows for the comparison of physical dimensions, temporal durations, and even abstract concepts like paths or stories.

Physical Height: When comparing the stature of two people, 'کوتاهتر' is the standard term. For example, if you are describing siblings, you might say one is shorter than the other. It is used for humans, animals, and objects like buildings or trees.

قد برادرم از من کوتاهتر است.
(My brother's height is shorter than mine.)

Temporal Duration: Beyond physical height, this word is frequently used to describe time. A meeting might be 'shorter' than expected, or a film might be 'shorter' than the book it was based on. In this context, it functions similarly to 'shorter' or 'briefer' in English.

In everyday Persian life, you will hear this word in bazaars when comparing lengths of fabric, in schools when discussing the length of essays, and in casual conversation when talking about the changing seasons (e.g., days getting shorter in winter). It is a versatile, high-frequency word that lacks any specific negative or positive connotation on its own; its meaning is purely descriptive and relative. Interestingly, in the context of Persian literature and poetry, 'shorter' can sometimes imply a lack of longevity or a fleeting moment, adding a layer of depth to its mundane physical meaning. Whether you are ordering a shorter coffee (though 'small' is more common there) or asking for a shorter haircut, 'کوتاهتر' is your go-to comparative adjective.

Length of Objects: When dealing with horizontal length, such as a pencil, a rope, or a road, 'کوتاهتر' is used to indicate that one object does not extend as far as another. It is the direct opposite of 'derāztar' (longer).

این مداد از آن مداد کوتاهتر است.
(This pencil is shorter than that pencil.)

Culturally, Iranians might use 'shorter' to describe a path (rāh-e kootāhtar) when looking for a shortcut. Efficiency is highly valued in modern urban life in cities like Tehran, so knowing how to ask for the 'shorter way' is practically essential for navigation. Furthermore, in social etiquette, being 'shorter' in speech (speaking briefly) is often seen as a sign of respect or humility in certain formal settings, though the word 'mokhtasar' is often preferred for 'brief' in high-register speech.

Using کوتاهتر in a sentence follows the standard Persian syntax for comparative adjectives. The structure is typically: [Subject] + [Comparison Object] + [Preposition 'az'] + [Comparative Adjective] + [Verb]. Understanding this pattern is crucial for moving beyond simple descriptions to making active comparisons in your daily Persian interactions.

The 'Az' Construction: The most common way to use 'کوتاهتر' is with the preposition 'az' (from/than). Unlike English, where 'than' comes after the adjective (shorter than), in Persian, 'az' comes before the adjective. This can be a point of confusion for English speakers initially.

زمستان روزها کوتاهتر از تابستان هستند.
(In winter, days are shorter than in summer.)

Another important aspect is the placement of the adjective within the noun phrase. If you are using 'shorter' as an attributive adjective (e.g., 'the shorter man'), you use the Ezafe construction. The Ezafe is the short vowel 'e' that links a noun to its modifier. For example, 'the shorter man' becomes 'mard-e kootāhtar'. Note that the comparative suffix stays attached to the adjective regardless of its position in the sentence.

Attributive Usage: When modifying a noun directly, 'کوتاهتر' follows the noun and is connected by the Ezafe. This is common when choosing between two items.

من دیوار کوتاهتر را ترجیح می‌دهم.
(I prefer the shorter wall.)

In colloquial speech, you might hear the final 'r' in 'kootāhtar' slightly softened or, in some dialects, emphasized. However, in standard written and spoken Persian (Tehrani), the pronunciation is quite consistent. You can also use 'shorter' in a superlative sense by adding 'in' to make 'kootāhtarin' (the shortest), but for the comparative level, focus on the '-tar' suffix. It is also worth noting that 'kootāhtar' can be used adverbially in some contexts, though it usually functions as a predicate adjective following the verb 'to be' (ast/hastand).

Abstract Comparisons: You can use 'کوتاهتر' to compare non-physical things like life spans, patience, or explanations. This demonstrates a more advanced grasp of the word's utility.

عمر این گل کوتاهتر از بقیه است.
(The lifespan of this flower is shorter than the others.)

In the real world, کوتاهتر is a staple of everyday communication. If you find yourself in a hair salon (ārayeshgāh) in Iran, this is one of the most important words you'll need. You might tell the barber, 'Lotfan kootāhtar konid' (Please make it shorter). Here, it's used in a causative sense with the verb 'kardan' (to do/make). This specific usage is incredibly common and vital for personal grooming interactions.

At the Barber Shop: Requesting a specific length for hair or a beard often involves using the comparative to indicate you want it less than it currently is.

می‌خواهم موهایم کمی کوتاهتر شود.
(I want my hair to become a bit shorter.)

You will also hear this word frequently in educational settings. Teachers might ask students to write a 'shorter' summary of a long text, or students might complain that the break time was 'shorter' than usual. In the world of sports and fitness, coaches might instruct athletes to take 'shorter' steps or 'shorter' breaths during specific exercises. It is a word that permeates through various domains of life because comparison is a fundamental human cognitive process.

In the Kitchen: When preparing food, instructions might involve cutting vegetables into shorter pieces. 'In doreh-hā rā kootāhtar bebor' (Cut these pieces shorter).

هویج‌ها را کوتاهتر خرد کن.
(Chop the carrots shorter/into smaller lengths.)

In the news and media, 'shorter' is used to describe economic cycles, political terms, or the duration of events. For instance, a news anchor might mention that a diplomatic visit was 'shorter' than previously announced. Even in the digital age, we talk about 'shorter' links (link-hā-ye kootāhtar) or 'shorter' videos on social media platforms like Instagram or TikTok. The word is as modern as it is ancient, adapting to every new context where length or duration needs to be compared.

Navigation and Travel: When using a GPS or asking for directions, the concept of a 'shorter route' is paramount. It saves time and fuel, making it a frequent topic of conversation.

آیا راه کوتاهتری به مرکز شهر وجود دارد؟
(Is there a shorter way to the city center?)

Learning to use کوتاهتر correctly involves avoiding a few common pitfalls that English speakers often encounter. The most frequent error is related to the word order when using 'than'. In English, we say 'A is shorter than B'. A beginner might try to say 'A kootāhtar az B', which is actually correct, but they often get confused and put 'az' after the adjective like in English: 'A kootāhtar B az' (incorrect).

Incorrect Preposition Placement: Avoid placing 'az' after the comparative adjective. It must always precede the adjective or follow the subject of comparison immediately.

❌ علی کوتاهتر از رضا است. (This is correct!)
❌ علی کوتاهتر رضا از است. (Incorrect!)

Another mistake is confusing 'kootāh' (short) with 'kam' (little/few). While both can sometimes be translated as 'short' in English (e.g., 'short of time'), in Persian, they are distinct. 'Kootāh' refers to length and height, while 'kam' refers to quantity. If you say 'vaght-e kootāh', it means a short duration of time. If you say 'vaght-e kam', it means you have little time left. Using 'kootāhtar' when you mean 'less' (kamtar) is a common lexical error.

Confusing Length with Quantity: Do not use 'kootāhtar' to mean 'less' in terms of volume or amount. Use 'kamtar' for those situations.

❌ من کوتاهتر آب می‌خواهم. (Incorrect for 'I want less water')
✅ من کمتر آب می‌خواهم. (Correct: I want less water.)

Finally, some learners forget to use the Ezafe when the comparative adjective is used as a modifier. For example, saying 'shorter pencil' requires the 'e' sound: 'madād-e kootāhtar'. Without the Ezafe, the sentence sounds disjointed and grammatically incomplete. Also, be careful not to double the comparative. In English, we don't say 'more shorter', and in Persian, we don't say 'bishtar kootāhtar'. The '-tar' suffix already carries the 'more' meaning.

Double Comparatives: Avoid using 'bishtar' (more) with 'kootāhtar'. The suffix '-tar' is sufficient on its own.

❌ این راه بیشتر کوتاهتر است. (Incorrect)
✅ این راه کوتاهتر است. (Correct)

While کوتاهتر is the most common word for 'shorter', Persian offers several synonyms and related terms that can provide more precision depending on the context. Understanding these nuances will help you sound more like a native speaker and allow you to choose the most appropriate word for the situation.

Mokhtasartar (مختصرتر): This word means 'more brief' or 'more concise'. It is often used in formal or academic contexts when referring to speeches, writings, or explanations. While 'kootāhtar' can be used for a short story, 'mokhtasartar' emphasizes the brevity and lack of unnecessary detail.

لطفاً توضیحات مختصرتری بدهید.
(Please give more concise explanations.)

Another alternative is کم‌طول‌تر (kam-tool-tar), though this is much less common and sounds somewhat technical. It literally means 'of less length'. In most cases, 'kootāhtar' is preferred. When discussing height specifically, some might use پایین‌تر (pāyintar - lower) in specific contexts, like 'lower height', but 'kootāhtar' remains the standard for people and buildings.

Comparison: Kootāhtar vs. Kamtar: As mentioned in the mistakes section, 'kamtar' means 'less' (quantity). 'Kootāhtar' is strictly for length/height. You can have 'kamtar' (less) time, but a 'kootāhtar' (shorter) meeting.

In literary Persian, you might encounter the word قصیر (qasir), which is an Arabic loanword meaning 'short'. Its comparative form would be اقصر (aqsar), but these are extremely rare in modern spoken Persian and are mostly found in classical texts or specific religious contexts. For the modern learner, sticking to 'kootāhtar' is always the safest and most natural-sounding choice. Additionally, for 'shorter' in the sense of 'smaller' (size), 'koochektar' is the correct word. A 'shorter' shirt might be 'kootāhtar' in the sleeves, but 'koochektar' if it's overall too small.

Summary of Alternatives

Mokhtasartar: For briefness in speech/writing.
Koochektar: For overall smaller size.
Kamtar: For smaller quantity/amount.
Pāyintar: For lower position or level.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The root 'kootāh' is also related to the word 'koodak' (child) in modern Persian, reflecting the idea of being 'small' or 'short' in stature.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /kuːtɒːhˈtæɾ/

US /kutɑhˈtær/

The stress is on the final syllable '-tar'.

Rhymes With

Behtar (better) Badtar (worse) Bishtar (more) Kamtar (less) Durtar (farther) Sardtar (colder) Garmtar (warmer) Paktar (purer)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'h' as a hard 'k'.
Omitting the 'h' entirely.
Putting stress on the first syllable.
Pronouncing 'tar' like 'tar' (pitch) instead of 'tær'.
Merging the 'h' and 't' into a single sound.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize the root and suffix.

Writing 2/5

Simple spelling, no complex characters.

Speaking 3/5

The 'h' sound before 't' requires practice.

Listening 2/5

Clear pronunciation in most dialects.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

کوتاه تر از است قد

Learn Next

کوتاهترین بلندتر درازتر طولانی‌تر کمتر

Advanced

ایجاز مختصر تقلیل قصیر اقتباس

Grammar to Know

Comparative Suffix

Adding '-tar' to any adjective makes it comparative (e.g., bozorg -> bozorgtar).

Preposition 'Az'

Always use 'az' before the object of comparison.

Ezafe Construction

Use the 'e' sound to link nouns to 'kootāhtar' (e.g., mard-e kootāhtar).

No Plural Agreement

Adjectives like 'kootāhtar' do not change for plural nouns.

Predicate Position

When used after 'ast', no Ezafe is needed.

Examples by Level

این مداد کوتاهتر است.

This pencil is shorter.

Simple predicate adjective.

او کوتاهتر است.

He/She is shorter.

Subject + adjective + verb.

راه کوتاهتر کجاست؟

Where is the shorter way?

Interrogative sentence.

این فیلم کوتاهتر بود.

This movie was shorter.

Past tense of 'to be'.

من موی کوتاهتر می‌خواهم.

I want shorter hair.

Direct object with Ezafe.

این میز کوتاهتر است.

This table is shorter.

Describing furniture.

یک داستان کوتاهتر بخوان.

Read a shorter story.

Imperative mood.

روزها کوتاهتر می‌شوند.

The days are getting shorter.

Present continuous sense.

قد علی از رضا کوتاهتر است.

Ali's height is shorter than Reza's.

Standard comparison with 'az'.

این خیابان از آن خیابان کوتاهتر است.

This street is shorter than that street.

Comparing objects.

زمستان روزها کوتاهتر از تابستان است.

In winter, days are shorter than in summer.

Temporal comparison.

آیا این پیراهن کوتاهتر از آن یکی است؟

Is this shirt shorter than that one?

Question with comparison.

من راه کوتاهتر را انتخاب کردم.

I chose the shorter way.

Past tense with definite object.

این نردبان کمی کوتاهتر است.

This ladder is a bit shorter.

Using 'kami' (a bit) as a modifier.

داستان تو کوتاهتر از داستان من بود.

Your story was shorter than my story.

Comparing possessive nouns.

لطفاً این طناب را کوتاهتر کن.

Please make this rope shorter.

Causative with 'kardan'.

او به دنبال راهی کوتاهتر برای موفقیت است.

He is looking for a shorter way to success.

Abstract use of 'way'.

عمر گل‌ها کوتاهتر از آن است که فکر می‌کنیم.

The life of flowers is shorter than we think.

Complex comparison with a clause.

این متن باید کمی کوتاهتر شود تا در صفحه جا بگیرد.

This text must become a bit shorter to fit on the page.

Passive construction with 'shodan'.

فاصله این دو شهر کوتاهتر از چیزی است که روی نقشه دیده می‌شود.

The distance between these two cities is shorter than what is seen on the map.

Comparing perceived vs. actual distance.

او همیشه سخنرانی‌های کوتاهتر را ترجیح می‌دهد.

He always prefers shorter speeches.

Plural noun with comparative modifier.

آیا می‌توانید این شلوار را کمی کوتاهتر کنید؟

Can you make these pants a bit shorter?

Polite request in a shop.

زمان انتظار امروز کوتاهتر از دیروز بود.

The waiting time today was shorter than yesterday.

Comparing time intervals.

این مسیر برای پیاده‌روی کوتاهتر و زیباتر است.

This path is shorter and more beautiful for walking.

Compound adjectives.

برنامه‌های کوتاهتر معمولاً مخاطبان بیشتری جذب می‌کنند.

Shorter programs usually attract more audiences.

General statement about trends.

در مقایسه با سال گذشته، دوره آموزشی امسال کوتاهتر شده است.

Compared to last year, this year's training course has become shorter.

Using 'dar moghāyeseh bā' (in comparison with).

نویسنده ترجیح داد پایان‌بندی کوتاهتری برای کتاب بنویسد.

The author preferred to write a shorter ending for the book.

Infinitive phrase with comparative.

اگر راه کوتاهتری وجود داشت، حتماً از آن می‌رفتیم.

If there were a shorter way, we would have certainly taken it.

Conditional sentence (Type 2).

پاسخ‌های کوتاهتر همیشه به معنای بی‌ادبی نیستند.

Shorter answers do not always mean rudeness.

Abstract social concept.

این مدل جدید، طول عمر باتری کوتاهتری دارد.

This new model has a shorter battery life.

Technical comparison.

او با گام‌های کوتاهتر اما سریع‌تر حرکت می‌کرد.

He was moving with shorter but faster steps.

Contrastive adjectives.

گزارش نهایی باید بسیار کوتاهتر از پیش‌نویس اولیه باشد.

The final report must be much shorter than the initial draft.

Modal verb 'bāyad' with comparison.

فیلسوف معتقد بود که زندگی کوتاهتر از آن است که صرف کینه شود.

The philosopher believed that life is too short to be spent on grudges.

Philosophical usage.

ساختار این شعر به گونه‌ای است که مصراع‌های دوم کوتاهتر هستند.

The structure of this poem is such that the second hemistichs are shorter.

Literary analysis.

در این اقلیم، فصل رشد گیاهان به مراتب کوتاهتر است.

In this climate, the growing season for plants is significantly shorter.

Scientific/Environmental context.

او با استفاده از جملات کوتاهتر، تنش صحنه را افزایش داد.

By using shorter sentences, he increased the tension of the scene.

Stylistic analysis.

هر چه زمان کوتاهتر باشد، دقت در انجام کار حیاتی‌تر می‌شود.

The shorter the time, the more vital precision becomes.

Correlative comparison (The... the...).

این نسخه از نرم‌افزار، زمان پاسخگویی کوتاهتری را ارائه می‌دهد.

This version of the software offers a shorter response time.

Technical/IT terminology.

در متون کهن، گاهی واژگان به صورت کوتاهتر به کار می‌رفتند.

In ancient texts, words were sometimes used in shorter forms.

Linguistic observation.

او سعی کرد با بیانی کوتاهتر، عمق فاجعه را توصیف کند.

He tried to describe the depth of the tragedy with a briefer expression.

Nuanced emotional context.

تقلیل مفاهیم پیچیده به عبارات کوتاهتر، هنری است که او در آن استاد بود.

Reducing complex concepts to shorter phrases was an art he mastered.

Gerund phrase as subject.

نوسانات با دامنه کوتاهتر در این نمودار نشان‌دهنده ثبات نسبی است.

Shorter amplitude fluctuations in this chart indicate relative stability.

Advanced scientific/mathematical usage.

او در نقد خود، بر لزوم استفاده از فرم‌های کوتاهتر در ادبیات مدرن تاکید کرد.

In his critique, he emphasized the necessity of using shorter forms in modern literature.

Formal academic critique.

این فرآیند شیمیایی در دمای بالاتر، زمان واکنش کوتاهتری دارد.

This chemical process has a shorter reaction time at higher temperatures.

Technical scientific comparison.

او با ایجازی بی‌نظیر، داستانی بلند را در قالبی کوتاهتر گنجاند.

With unique conciseness, he fit a long story into a shorter format.

High literary register.

در تحلیل نهایی، مسیر کوتاهتر همیشه لزوماً بهترین مسیر نیست.

In the final analysis, the shorter path is not always necessarily the best path.

Philosophical/Analytical statement.

تفاوت‌های ظریف در طول موج‌های کوتاهتر، رنگ‌های متفاوتی را پدید می‌آورند.

Subtle differences in shorter wavelengths produce different colors.

Physics context.

او با گزینش واژگان کوتاهتر، ضرب‌آهنگ متن را تندتر کرد.

By selecting shorter words, he quickened the rhythm of the text.

Stylistic literary device.

Common Collocations

راه کوتاهتر

موی کوتاهتر

زمان کوتاهتر

قد کوتاهتر

داستان کوتاهتر

فاصله کوتاهتر

پاسخ کوتاهتر

عمر کوتاهتر

متن کوتاهتر

سایه کوتاهتر

Common Phrases

کمی کوتاهتر

— A bit shorter.

کمی کوتاهترش کن.

خیلی کوتاهتر

— Much shorter.

این یکی خیلی کوتاهتر است.

روز به روز کوتاهتر

— Shorter day by day.

روزها روز به روز کوتاهتر می‌شوند.

از همه کوتاهتر

— Shorter than everyone/everything (Superlative sense).

او از همه کوتاهتر است.

به مراتب کوتاهتر

— Significantly shorter.

این مسیر به مراتب کوتاهتر است.

هر چه کوتاهتر بهتر

— The shorter the better.

سخنرانی هر چه کوتاهتر بهتر.

کمی کوتاهتر از...

— A bit shorter than...

کمی کوتاهتر از برادرش است.

بسیار کوتاهتر

— Very much shorter.

این فیلم بسیار کوتاهتر بود.

نسبتاً کوتاهتر

— Relatively shorter.

این دیوار نسبتاً کوتاهتر است.

کدام کوتاهتر است؟

— Which one is shorter?

بین این دو، کدام کوتاهتر است؟

Often Confused With

کوتاهتر vs کوچکتر

Means 'smaller' in size/volume, not necessarily height/length.

کوتاهتر vs کمتر

Means 'less' in quantity, not length.

کوتاهتر vs پایین‌تر

Means 'lower' in position, not shorter in extent.

Idioms & Expressions

"دیوار کوتاهتر از من پیدا نکردی؟"

— Couldn't you find a shorter wall than mine? (Used when someone is being picked on or blamed because they are an easy target).

چرا سر من داد می‌زنی؟ دیوار کوتاهتر از من پیدا نکردی؟

Colloquial

"دستش کوتاهتر شد"

— His hand became shorter (He lost his influence or power).

بعد از اخراج، دستش از همه جا کوتاهتر شد.

Literary/Metaphorical

"سخن کوتاهتر کردن"

— To make the speech shorter (To wrap up or get to the point).

برای اینکه سخن را کوتاهتر کنم، فقط نتایج را می‌گویم.

Formal

"پا از گلیم کوتاهتر کردن"

— To make one's foot shorter than the rug (To act within one's limits/humility - a variation of the common idiom).

او همیشه سعی می‌کند پایش را از گلیمش کوتاهتر نگه دارد.

Idiomatic

"راه را کوتاهتر کردن"

— To make the way shorter (To find a shortcut or simplify a process).

تکنولوژی راه را برای ما کوتاهتر کرده است.

General

"عمر را کوتاهتر کردن"

— To make life shorter (To do something harmful to health).

استرس عمر را کوتاهتر می‌کند.

General

"فاصله را کوتاهتر کردن"

— To make the distance shorter (To bring people closer together).

اینترنت فاصله‌ها را کوتاهتر کرده است.

Metaphorical

"دست کوتاهتر و خرما بر نخیل"

— Shorter hand and dates on the palm tree (Desiring something out of reach).

آرزوهایش بزرگ است اما دستش کوتاهتر از آن.

Poetic/Proverbial

"قصه را کوتاهتر کن"

— Make the story shorter (Get to the point).

وقت نداریم، قصه را کوتاهتر کن.

Informal

"یک سر و گردن کوتاهتر"

— A head and neck shorter (Significantly shorter in height).

او یک سر و گردن از دوستش کوتاهتر است.

Informal

Easily Confused

کوتاهتر vs کمتر

Both can mean 'less' in English.

Kamtar is for quantity (less water), kootāhtar is for length (shorter rope).

Vaght-e kamtar (less time) vs. Rāh-e kootāhtar (shorter way).

کوتاهتر vs کوچکتر

Small and short are related.

Koochektar is for overall size (a small box), kootāhtar is for height/length (a short person).

Bache-ye koochektar (smaller child) vs. Bache-ye kootāhtar (shorter child).

کوتاهتر vs باریک‌تر

Both describe dimensions.

Bāriktar means 'narrower' or 'thinner'.

Kuche-ye bāriktar (narrower alley) vs. Kuche-ye kootāhtar (shorter alley).

کوتاهتر vs خلاصه‌تر

Both mean shorter in text.

Kholāsehtar specifically means 'more summarized'.

Dāstān-e kholāsehtar (a more summarized story).

کوتاهتر vs پایین‌تر

Both can refer to verticality.

Pāyintar is about location (lower floor), kootāhtar is about height (shorter building).

Tabaghe-ye pāyintar (lower floor).

Sentence Patterns

[Subject] kootāhtar ast.

In kootāhtar ast.

[A] az [B] kootāhtar ast.

Ali az Reza kootāhtar ast.

[Noun] + e + kootāhtar

Rāh-e kootāhtar.

Kootāhtar kardan [Object]

Moo rā kootāhtar kardan.

Har che kootāhtar, [Adjective]tar

Har che kootāhtar, behtar.

Ba'd az kootāhtar shodan-e [Noun]

Ba'd az kootāhtar shodan-e ruzhā.

Kami kootāhtar

In kami kootāhtar ast.

Kootāhtar az ham-e

In az ham-e kootāhtar ast.

Word Family

Nouns

کوتاهی (kootāhi - shortness/neglect)

کوتاه-نوشت (kootāh-nevesht - shorthand)

Verbs

کوتاه کردن (kootāh kardan - to shorten)

کوتاه آمدن (kootāh āmadan - to compromise/give in)

Adjectives

کوتاه (kootāh - short)

کوتاه-مدت (kootāh-moddat - short-term)

کم (kam)

کوچک (koochek)

مختصر (mokhtasar)

خلاصه (kholāseh)

اندک (andak)

How to Use It

frequency

Very High (Top 1000 words)

Common Mistakes

Using 'kamtar' for height. → Using 'kootāhtar'.
'Kamtar' means 'less' in quantity, not 'shorter' in height.
Omitting 'az' in comparisons. → Always include 'az' before the object.
Without 'az', the comparison is grammatically incomplete.
Writing 'kootātar' (dropping the h). → Writing 'kootāhtar'.
The 'h' is part of the root word and must be preserved.
Putting 'az' after the adjective. → Put 'az' before the adjective.
Persian syntax requires the preposition to precede the adjective in this structure.
Using 'kootāhtar' for 'small' (size). → Use 'koochektar'.
'Kootāhtar' is for length/height; 'koochektar' is for overall volume/size.

Tips

Preposition Order

Always remember that in Persian, you say 'from [thing] shorter' (az in kootāhtar) rather than 'shorter than [thing]'.

Height vs Length

Kootāhtar works for both height and length, making it more versatile than some English synonyms.

The Short Wall

Learn the idiom 'divār-e kootāh' to understand how Iranians talk about being an easy target.

The Silent H?

Don't make the 'h' silent. It's subtle but necessary for correct Persian phonology.

Suffix Attachment

The suffix '-tar' is usually written attached to the word 'kootāh' without a space.

At the Barber

Use 'kootāhtar' with the verb 'kardan' to ask for a shorter haircut.

Than who?

When comparing to 'me' or 'you', use 'az man' or 'az to' before 'kootāhtar'.

Poetic Brevity

In poetry, 'kootāh' often refers to the fleeting nature of life or joy.

Conciseness

In formal writing, use 'mokhtasartar' to describe a summary or a speech.

Visual Cues

Compare your fingers. Your pinky is 'kootāhtar' than your middle finger.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'COAT' that is 'AH' (too) 'TAR'-red. It's so dirty you have to cut it to make it 'KOOTĀHTAR' (shorter).

Visual Association

Visualize two pencils. One is a full pencil, the other is a stub. Point to the stub and say 'Kootāhtar'.

Word Web

Short Shorter Shortest Height Length Time Brief Concise

Challenge

Try to find three objects in your room and rank them by height using 'kootāhtar' and 'az'.

Word Origin

Derived from the Middle Persian (Pahlavi) word 'kūdak' or 'kūtak', which meant small or young. The '-tar' suffix is the standard Indo-European comparative marker, cognate with Greek '-teros' and English '-ther' (as in other).

Original meaning: Small, diminutive, or of limited extent.

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

Cultural Context

Be careful when comparing people's heights; like in many cultures, it can be a sensitive topic.

English speakers often use 'shorter' for both height and length, just like Persian. However, English uses 'brief' for time more often than Persian uses 'mokhtasar' in casual speech.

Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam (themes of short life) Modern Persian short stories (Dāstān-e Kootāh) Iranian cinema's 'Short Films' festivals

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Haircut

کمی کوتاهتر
خیلی کوتاهتر
کوتاهتر نکن
آیا کوتاهتر می‌شود؟

Travel

راه کوتاهتر
مسیر کوتاهتر
فاصله کوتاهتر
زمان کوتاهتر

Shopping

آستین کوتاهتر
شلوار کوتاهتر
قد کوتاهتر
سایز کوتاهتر

School

انشای کوتاهتر
متن کوتاهتر
داستان کوتاهتر
توضیح کوتاهتر

Time

روزهای کوتاهتر
جلسه کوتاهتر
عمر کوتاهتر
مدت کوتاهتر

Conversation Starters

"آیا فکر می‌کنی این راه کوتاهتر است؟ (Do you think this way is shorter?)"

"چرا روزها در زمستان کوتاهتر می‌شوند؟ (Why do days get shorter in winter?)"

"آیا می‌خواهی موهایت را کوتاهتر کنی؟ (Do you want to make your hair shorter?)"

"کدام فیلم کوتاهتر از بقیه بود؟ (Which movie was shorter than the others?)"

"آیا راه کوتاهتری برای یادگیری فارسی وجود دارد؟ (Is there a shorter way to learn Persian?)"

Journal Prompts

درباره زمانی بنویسید که یک راه کوتاهتر را انتخاب کردید اما گم شدید. (Write about a time you chose a shorter way but got lost.)

آیا ترجیح می‌دهید داستان‌های کوتاهتر بخوانید یا رمان‌های بلند؟ چرا؟ (Do you prefer reading shorter stories or long novels? Why?)

توصیف کنید که چگونه روزهای کوتاهتر زمستان بر روحیه شما تاثیر می‌گذارد. (Describe how the shorter days of winter affect your mood.)

اگر می‌توانستید یک کار خسته‌کننده را کوتاهتر کنید، آن چه بود؟ (If you could make one boring task shorter, what would it be?)

درباره اهمیت 'سخن کوتاهتر' در روابط اجتماعی بنویسید. (Write about the importance of 'shorter speech' in social relations.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, Persian adjectives are gender-neutral and do not change for male or female subjects.

Yes, 'ādam-e kootāhtar' or 'fard-e kootāhtar' is perfectly correct for comparing heights.

'Kootāhtar' is the general word for shorter. 'Mokhtasar' means brief or concise and is used mostly for communication.

Add '-in' to the end: 'kootāhtarin'.

Yes, you can say 'zamān-e kootāhtar' (shorter time) or 'moddat-e kootāhtar'.

No, that's like saying 'more short'. Use 'kootāhtar'.

It is neutral and can be used in any setting, from a casual chat to a formal report.

Depending on context, it is 'bolandtar' (taller) or 'derāztar' (longer).

It is a soft, breathy sound, similar to the 'h' in 'house', but it occurs before the 't'.

It is 'az [Object] kootāhtar'. The 'az' comes before the object you are comparing to.