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A1 noun #8,000 most common 7 min read

کتف

ktof Top 8,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips کتف in 30 Seconds

Explanation کتف in your Level:

At the A1 level, you only need to know 'ketf' as a basic body part. It is one of the words you learn when identifying parts of the human body, similar to 'head' (sar) or 'hand' (dast). You will mostly use it in very simple sentences to describe where you feel pain or to identify a piece of chicken. Focus on the singular form and basic possessives like 'ketf-am' (my shoulder). You don't need to worry about the medical or poetic nuances yet. Just remember: if you point to your shoulder blade and say 'ketf', people will understand you. In a restaurant, 'ketf' is a useful word to know if you want to order grilled chicken pieces that aren't just the breast or leg.

At A2, you start using 'ketf' in more descriptive contexts. You might describe someone's appearance (e.g., 'he has wide shoulders') or talk about a minor sports injury. You should be able to use 'ketf' with basic adjectives like 'bozorg' (big) or 'dardnak' (painful). You will also encounter 'ketf' more frequently in shopping scenarios, especially at the butcher. You should begin to notice the difference between 'ketf' and 'shaneh'—use 'shaneh' for things like carrying a bag and 'ketf' for the physical bone or the back of the shoulder area. You can also start using it in the plural: 'ketf-ha'.

By B1, you should be comfortable using 'ketf' in compound sentences and specific contexts like fitness or cooking instructions. You might explain a recipe that requires 'ketf-e bareh' (lamb shoulder) or describe a workout routine for 'azolat-e ketf' (shoulder muscles). You should also be aware of common phrases like 'ketf-o-bal' as a set pair in food. Your grammar should allow you to use 'ketf' as a subject in passive sentences (e.g., 'his shoulder was injured') and you should be able to distinguish between the anatomical 'ketf' and the more general 'shaneh' in most situations without confusion.

At the B2 level, you can use 'ketf' in professional or technical discussions. If you are talking about health, you might use it to describe the 'rotator cuff' area or discuss 'scapular' movement in a sports science context. You should also be familiar with some idiomatic uses, such as 'zir-e ketf-e kasi ra gereftan' (to help someone up physically, or metaphorically help them through a tough time). You are expected to understand the word in news reports (e.g., reporting an athlete's injury) and in more detailed literary descriptions of a character's physical presence.

At C1, you understand the nuances of 'ketf' in classical and modern Persian literature. You can appreciate how authors use 'ketf' to convey a sense of burden, strength, or physical vulnerability. You should be able to use the word in formal medical or biological writing if needed. You also understand the cultural weight of the 'shoulder' in Iranian traditions, such as in wrestling or in the way people physically support each other. Your usage should be indistinguishable from a native speaker, knowing exactly when 'dush' is too poetic and 'ketf' is just right.

At the C2 level, 'ketf' is a tool for precise and evocative communication. You can engage in deep anatomical discussions, culinary critiques of specific meat textures, or literary analysis of poems where the shoulder blade is mentioned. You understand the etymological roots (Arabic 'katif') and how it has evolved in Persian compared to other related languages. You can use the word in complex metaphors and understand its role in regional dialects or specialized jargon (like that of traditional butchers or old-school wrestlers in a 'Zurkhaneh').

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

کتف in 30 Seconds

Ketf means shoulder blade or scapula in Persian, used for anatomy and meat.
It differs from 'shaneh', which is more general and used for clothing or carrying.
Commonly heard in gyms, doctor offices, and at the butcher or BBQ shops.
Grammatically simple, it takes standard possessive suffixes and Ezafe constructions.

The Persian word کتف (pronounced 'ketf') primarily refers to the anatomical shoulder, specifically focusing on the shoulder blade or the scapula region. While English often uses 'shoulder' as a catch-all term, Persian distinguishes between the general area, the joint, and the bone. Understanding ketf is essential for anyone navigating medical situations, sports, or even culinary contexts in Iran. It is a noun of Arabic origin that has been fully integrated into the Persian lexicon for centuries, appearing in everything from classical poetry to modern medical journals.

Anatomical Precision: In a strict medical or biological sense, کتف refers to the scapula. However, in daily conversation, it is used interchangeably with 'shaneh' (شانه) to describe the upper back and shoulder area where the arm meets the torso. If someone says their ketf hurts, they are likely pointing to the back of the shoulder or the shoulder blade.

پزشک استخوان کتف بیمار را معاینه کرد.

The doctor examined the patient's shoulder blade.

Beyond human anatomy, this word is extremely common in the culinary world. When visiting a butcher or ordering at a restaurant, you will often see 'ketf' mentioned in relation to lamb or chicken. For instance, 'ketf-e morgh' refers to the chicken drumette or the shoulder part of the wing, which is a popular grilled item in Persian BBQ (Joojeh Kabab).

Culinary Usage: In the context of food, کتف is a specific cut of meat. It is considered tender and flavorful, often roasted or grilled. It is distinct from 'ran' (thigh) or 'sineh' (breast).

دو کیلو کتف و بال مرغ خریدم.

In metaphorical language, the shoulder represents strength and the ability to carry burdens. While 'shaneh' is more often used in poetic metaphors about leaning on someone, 'ketf' appears in idioms related to physical support or lifting weights. It implies a structural robustness.

Physicality and Strength: Because the ketf is the anchor of the arm, it symbolizes the foundation of physical work. In wrestling (Iran's national sport), the 'ketf' is a key area for grips and maneuvers.

کشتی‌گیر حریف را از ناحیه کتف خاک کرد.

بار سنگین باعث درد در کتف او شده است.

Using کتف correctly requires understanding its grammatical placement as a standard noun. It can take the Ezafe construction to show possession or description, and it can be the subject or object of a sentence. Because it is a body part, it is frequently used with verbs of sensation, injury, or movement.

Describing Pain: The most common way to use ketf is in the context of health. 'Ketf-am dard mikonad' (My shoulder hurts). Here, the possessive suffix '-am' is attached directly to the word.

از دیروز تا حالا کتف راستم به شدت تیر می‌کشد.

Since yesterday, my right shoulder blade has been sharpely aching.

In a shopping or dining context, ketf acts as a descriptor for the type of meat. It usually appears alongside 'bal' (wing). Note how the plural is often avoided if the context implies a portion, but 'ketf-ha' is used for multiple shoulder bones.

Culinary Orders: When ordering, you might say: 'Yek pors ketf-o-bal lotfan' (One portion of shoulder and wings, please). This is a staple of Iranian fast food and BBQ culture.

ما برای شام کتف مرغ سوخاری سفارش دادیم.

In more advanced usage, such as literature or formal reporting, ketf might describe the physical build of a person. 'Chahar-shaneh' is a common term for broad-shouldered, but 'ketf-haye pahn' (wide shoulders) is also used for descriptive emphasis.

Descriptive Usage: Adjectives follow the noun with an Ezafe: 'Ketf-e ghavi' (Strong shoulder), 'Ketf-e shekasteh' (Broken shoulder blade).

او با آن کتف‌های پهن، شبیه ورزشکاران بود.

ضربه به کتف او آسیب جدی وارد کرد.

The word کتف is ubiquitous in daily Iranian life, though its frequency shifts depending on the environment. You are most likely to hear it in three primary settings: the gym/sports arena, the doctor's office, and the kitchen or restaurant.

In the Gym (Bordybuilding & Wrestling): In Persian fitness culture, training the 'ketf' is a major focus. Trainers will often say 'Emruz ruye ketf kar mikonim' (Today we work on the shoulders). It's also vital in wrestling commentary.

برای تقویت عضلات کتف، این تمرین را انجام بده.

Do this exercise to strengthen your shoulder muscles.

In a medical context, patients use ketf to be more precise than 'shaneh'. While 'shaneh' might mean the shirt's shoulder or the general area, 'ketf' usually signals a deeper bone or muscle issue. Doctors will use it when referring to the scapula or the rotator cuff area.

Medical Consultations: If you go to a physiotherapist in Iran, you will hear terms like 'fasaleh-ye ketf' (shoulder blade gap) or 'eltehab-e ketf' (shoulder inflammation).

عکس رادیولوژی هیچ شکستگی در کتف نشان نمی‌دهد.

Finally, the 'Kababi' (Kebab shop) is where the word is most 'deliciously' used. 'Ketf-e kababi' is a specific menu item. If you're at a BBQ with Iranian friends, someone will inevitably ask 'Ketf mikhori ya bal?' (Do you eat the shoulder or the wing?).

At the Butcher Shop: A common request: 'Agha, yek ketf-e bareh lotfan' (Sir, one lamb shoulder please). The lamb shoulder is a prized cut for stews like 'Ghormeh Sabzi'.

گوشت کتف گوسفند برای پختن آبگوشت عالی است.

ببخشید، کتف مرغ تازه دارید؟

For English speakers, the biggest challenge with کتف is distinguishing it from its synonyms, primarily shaneh (شانه) and dush (دوش). While all three can be translated as 'shoulder' in English, they are not always interchangeable in Persian.

Ketf vs. Shaneh: Mistake: Using 'Shaneh' when referring to the bone.
Correction: Use کتف for the anatomical bone (scapula) or meat cuts. Use 'Shaneh' for the general area where you carry a bag or the part of a garment.

اشتباه: لباسم از روی کتف پاره شد. (Wrong context for clothing)
درست: لباسم از روی شانه پاره شد.

Another common mistake is pronunciation. The 't' and 'f' are clustered together (ketf). Beginners often try to insert a vowel between them (like 'ket-ef'), which is incorrect. It should be a crisp, single-syllable sound ending in a consonant cluster.

Ketf vs. Dush: 'Dush' is often poetic or used in the context of 'carrying a burden' or 'showering' (dush gereftan). You wouldn't use کتف to say 'I took a shower' or in high-flown poetry about leaning on a lover's shoulder.

اشتباه: او سرش را روی کتف من گذاشت.
درست: او سرش را روی شانه من گذاشت.

'Ketf' sounds too clinical for a romantic or comforting gesture.

A subtle mistake involves the plural. In English, we say 'my shoulders hurt' (plural). In Persian, if the pain is general, people often use the singular 'ketfam' to refer to the area, or specify 'ketf-hayam' if they specifically mean both blades. Using the plural unnecessarily can sometimes sound slightly unnatural in casual speech.

Pluralization Error: Avoid 'Ketf-ha-yam' unless you are specifically discussing both anatomical shoulder blades. In most cases of general pain, the singular + possessive is preferred.

سعی نکن کلمه کتف را با کسره بین ت و ف تلفظ کنی.

در آشپزی، کتف را با بال اشتباه نگیر؛ این‌ها دو قطعه متفاوت هستند.

Persian has several words that translate to 'shoulder' or nearby regions. Choosing the right one depends on whether you are being medical, poetic, or casual. Here is how کتف compares to its neighbors.

کتف (Ketf) vs. شانه (Shāneh): Ketf: Anatomical, back-focused, used for meat cuts.
Shāneh: General, top-focused, used for clothing, carrying bags, and leaning on someone. 'Shāneh' also means 'comb'!

او کوله‌پشتی را روی شانه‌اش انداخت، اما درد را در کتفش حس کرد.

He threw the backpack on his shoulder (shaneh), but felt the pain in his shoulder blade (ketf).

Then there is Dush. This word is often used in literature and formal settings. It carries a sense of responsibility or a physical platform. For example, 'bar dush keshidan' (to carry on one's shoulders) usually refers to a heavy responsibility or a coffin during a funeral.

کتف (Ketf) vs. دوش (Dush): Ketf: Physical/Biological.
Dush: Poetic/Metaphorical. Also used for 'shower'.

وظیفه سنگینی بر دوش اوست.

A heavy duty is on his shoulders (dush).

In a culinary context, Ketf is often paired with Bal (wing) or Gardan (neck). If you don't want the shoulder, you might ask for 'Sineh' (breast) or 'Ran' (leg/thigh).

Anatomical Neighbors

Tarku (ترقوه): Collarbone.
Posht (پشت): Back.
Gardan (گردن): Neck.

پزشک فاصله بین گردن و کتف را ماساژ داد.

در این تمرین، هم کتف و هم بازو درگیر می‌شوند.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

In ancient divination practices, some cultures used the shoulder blades of sheep (scapulimancy) to predict the future. This was known as 'ketf-shinas' in some Persian-influenced regions.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ketf/

US /ketf/

The stress is on the only syllable.

Rhymes With

چفت (cheft) سفت (seft) خفت (khoft - near rhyme) گفت (goft - near rhyme) نفت (naft - near rhyme) رفت (raft - near rhyme) هفت (haft - near rhyme) جفت (joft - near rhyme)

Common Errors

Pronouncing it as 'ke-tef' (adding a vowel between t and f).
Pronouncing 'k' as 'g'.
Softening the 't' too much.
Stretching the 'e' into an 'ee' sound.
Confusing it with the English word 'kept'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

Very easy to read as it is a short, common word.

Writing 2/5

Simple spelling, but don't forget the 't' before the 'f'.

Speaking 3/5

The consonant cluster 'tf' can be tricky for some beginners.

Listening 2/5

Easily recognizable in context.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

دست بدن گوشت درد مرغ

Learn Next

ترقوه آرنج مچ ستون فقرات فیزیوتراپی

Advanced

آناتومی مفصل تاندون کشکک غضروف

Grammar to Know

Ezafe Construction

کتفِ من (My shoulder)

Possessive Suffixes

کتفم، کتفت، کتفش

Pluralization with -ha

کتف‌ها (Shoulders)

Compound Verbs with 'Shodan'

کتفش مرخص شد (His shoulder was finished/destroyed - slang)

Object Marker 'ra'

کتفش را عمل کرد.

Examples by Level

کتف من درد می‌کند.

My shoulder hurts.

Simple subject + possessive suffix + verb.

این کتف مرغ است.

This is a chicken shoulder.

Demonstrative pronoun + noun + verb 'to be'.

کتف چپ یا راست؟

Left or right shoulder?

Noun + adjectives (left/right).

او کتف بزرگی دارد.

He has a big shoulder.

Subject + noun + adjective + verb 'to have'.

کتف کجاست؟

Where is the shoulder?

Noun + interrogative.

کتف و بال می‌خواهم.

I want shoulder and wing.

Noun + conjunction + noun + verb.

دستت را روی کتفم بگذار.

Put your hand on my shoulder.

Imperative verb + preposition + noun.

کتف او زخمی است.

His shoulder is injured.

Noun + possessive + adjective + verb 'to be'.

دیروز در ورزش کتفم آسیب دید.

Yesterday, my shoulder was injured during exercise.

Time adverb + preposition + noun + compound verb.

کتف گوسفند برای این غذا خوب است.

Lamb shoulder is good for this dish.

Noun + Ezafe + noun.

او کتف‌های پهنی دارد.

He has broad shoulders.

Plural noun + adjective.

پزشک کتف او را معاینه کرد.

The doctor examined his shoulder.

Subject + object + marker 'ra' + verb.

آیا کتف تو هم درد می‌کند؟

Does your shoulder hurt too?

Interrogative + noun + possessive + adverb + verb.

من کتف مرغ سوخاری دوست دارم.

I like fried chicken shoulders.

Subject + noun + adjective + verb.

استخوان کتف او شکسته است.

His shoulder bone (scapula) is broken.

Noun (bone) + Ezafe + noun.

روی کتفش یک خال دارد.

He has a mole on his shoulder.

Preposition + noun + possessive + object + verb.

برای درمان درد کتف باید فیزیوتراپی بروی.

For treating shoulder pain, you must go to physiotherapy.

Prepositional phrase + modal verb + infinitive.

کتف و بال‌های این رستوران خیلی معروف است.

The shoulders and wings of this restaurant are very famous.

Compound subject + Ezafe + adjective.

او با کتفش به در ضربه زد تا باز شود.

He hit the door with his shoulder to open it.

Preposition + noun + possessive + verb.

عضلات کتف در این حرکت ورزشی تقویت می‌شوند.

The shoulder muscles are strengthened in this exercise move.

Noun + Ezafe + noun + passive verb.

کیف سنگین باعث افتادگی کتف می‌شود.

A heavy bag causes shoulder drooping.

Subject + noun (cause) + verb.

او مدال را روی کتف خود حس کرد.

He felt the medal on his shoulder.

Object + preposition + noun + reflexive pronoun.

کتف گوسفند را باید با حرارت ملایم پخت.

Lamb shoulder should be cooked with gentle heat.

Object marker 'ra' + modal 'bayad' + short infinitive.

درد از گردن به سمت کتفش می‌رفت.

The pain was traveling from the neck towards his shoulder.

Preposition 'az' ... 'be samt-e'.

جراح برای ترمیم تاندون‌های کتف عمل سختی انجام داد.

The surgeon performed a difficult operation to repair the shoulder tendons.

Complex subject + purpose clause + compound verb.

او با مهارتی خاص، زیر کتف پیرمرد را گرفت و او را بلند کرد.

With special skill, he supported the old man's shoulder and lifted him.

Idiomatic use of 'zir-e ketf gereftan'.

عدم تعادل در کتف‌ها می‌تواند نشانه مشکلات ستون فقرات باشد.

Imbalance in the shoulders can be a sign of spinal problems.

Abstract noun + preposition + noun.

کتف مرغ را در سس مخصوص بخوابانید تا ترد شود.

Marinate the chicken shoulder in the special sauce to make it tender.

Imperative verb + conditional clause.

او کوله‌اش را از روی یک کتف به کتف دیگر جابجا کرد.

He shifted his bag from one shoulder to the other.

Prepositional phrases showing movement.

در کشتی، فشار روی کتف حریف یک تاکتیک کلیدی است.

In wrestling, pressure on the opponent's shoulder is a key tactic.

Prepositional phrase as a subject.

شکستگی استخوان کتف معمولاً دیر بهبود می‌یابد.

A fracture of the shoulder bone usually heals slowly.

Noun phrase + adverb + verb.

او همیشه کتف‌هایش را از خستگی بالا می‌کشید.

He always shrugged his shoulders from tiredness.

Habitual past / continuous present.

نویسنده با ظرافت، لرزش کتف‌های قهرمان داستان را هنگام گریه توصیف کرد.

The author delicately described the shaking of the protagonist's shoulders while crying.

Complex object with Ezafe chains.

کتف در اسطوره‌شناسی برخی اقوام، نماد تحمل بارهای هستی است.

In the mythology of some peoples, the shoulder is a symbol of bearing the burdens of existence.

Academic register.

او چنان با غرور راه می‌رفت که کتف‌هایش گویی آسمان را لمس می‌کردند.

He walked with such pride that his shoulders seemed to touch the sky.

Simile with 'gouyi'.

بررسی‌های تبارشناسی نشان می‌دهد که واژه کتف ریشه‌های عمیقی در زبان‌های سامی دارد.

Etymological studies show that the word 'ketf' has deep roots in Semitic languages.

Formal research language.

درد کتف او ناشی از فشار عصبی مزمن تشخیص داده شد.

His shoulder pain was diagnosed as resulting from chronic nervous pressure.

Passive construction with 'tashkhis dade shod'.

او بار سنگین گناه را بر کتف‌های نحیف خود احساس می‌کرد.

He felt the heavy burden of guilt on his frail shoulders.

Metaphorical usage.

زره جنگجو دقیقاً بر روی کتف‌هایش چفت شده بود.

The warrior's armor was perfectly fitted over his shoulders.

Detailed descriptive language.

پیروزی در این میدان، نیازمند کتف‌هایی ستبر و اراده‌ای پولادین است.

Victory in this field requires broad shoulders and a steely will.

Literary adjectives like 'setabr'.

در متون طب سنتی، مالیدن روغن‌های گرم بر کتف برای دفع اخلاط فاسد توصیه شده است.

In traditional medicine texts, rubbing warm oils on the shoulder is recommended to expel corrupt humors.

Highly formal/archaic medical terminology.

هنرمند با سایه‌روشن‌های دقیق، برجستگی استخوان کتف را در فیگور نمایان ساخت.

The artist, with precise chiaroscuro, made the prominence of the shoulder bone visible in the figure.

Art criticism register.

واکاوی ساختاری مفصل کتف نشان‌دهنده پیچیدگی‌های تکاملی در پستانداران است.

Structural analysis of the shoulder joint indicates evolutionary complexities in mammals.

Scientific/Academic register.

او در سکوت، سنگینی نگاه‌های ملامت‌گر را بر کتف‌هایش حس می‌کرد.

In silence, he felt the weight of reproachful glances on his shoulders.

Abstract metaphor.

کتف‌های او، گویی تکیه‌گاهی برای تمام دردهای جهان بودند.

His shoulders were as if a support for all the pains of the world.

Poetic hyperbole.

در برخی آیین‌های باستانی، بر کتف‌های برگزیدگان نشان‌هایی حک می‌کردند.

In some ancient rituals, they would engrave marks on the shoulders of the chosen ones.

Historical/Anthropological register.

انقباض ناگهانی عضلات کتف، مانع از ادامه حرکت پرتابی دیسک شد.

Sudden contraction of the shoulder muscles prevented the continuation of the discus throw.

Technical sports terminology.

او با کتف‌هایی افراشته، به استقبال سرنوشت محتوم خود رفت.

With shoulders held high, he went to meet his inevitable fate.

Epic/Narrative register.

Common Collocations

کتف درد

استخوان کتف

کتف و بال

عضلات کتف

کتف پهن

کتف گوسفند

ناحیه کتف

ماساژ کتف

کتف مرغ

تیغه کتف

Common Phrases

کتفم گرفت

— My shoulder muscle cramped or got stiff.

بعد از کار زیاد، کتفم گرفت.

کتف انداختن

— To shrug or move shoulders in a specific way (sometimes in dance or posture).

او با هر آهنگ کتف می‌انداخت.

کتف بسته

— Hands tied behind the back (literal or metaphorical).

او را کتف بسته آوردند.

از ناحیه کتف

— From the shoulder area (used in injury reports).

او از ناحیه کتف مجروح شد.

کتف و کول

— Shoulders and upper back (informal).

کتف و کولش خیلی پهن است.

کتف زدن

— To hit or nudge with the shoulder.

در شلوغی به هم کتف می‌زدند.

روی کتف بردن

— To carry on the shoulder.

بچه را روی کتفش برد.

کتف چاق

— Strong/fleshy shoulder (often used for livestock).

این گوسفند کتف چاقی دارد.

درد لای دو کتف

— Pain between the two shoulder blades.

همیشه درد لای دو کتف دارم.

کتف خالی کردن

— A specific wrestling move or a physical failure of the joint.

کتفش در حین مسابقه خالی کرد.

Often Confused With

کتف vs شانه (Shaneh)

Shaneh is more general and also means 'comb'.

کتف vs دوش (Dush)

Dush is poetic and also means 'shower'.

کتف vs کف (Kaf)

Kaf means 'palm' or 'foam'; sounds similar to 'ketf' if not pronounced clearly.

Idioms & Expressions

"زیر کتف کسی را گرفتن"

— To help someone who is falling or to support someone in a difficult situation.

در آن روزهای سخت، او زیر کتف مرا گرفت.

Informal/Neutral

"کتف کسی را بستن"

— To restrict someone's power or to literally tie their hands.

با این قوانین، کتف ما را بسته‌اند.

Metaphorical

"کتف کلفت"

— Someone powerful, influential, or physically very strong (sometimes derogatory).

او با آدم‌های کتف کلفت رفت و آمد دارد.

Slang

"کتف زدن (در رقص)"

— A specific rhythmic shoulder movement in Iranian traditional dance.

او خیلی خوب کتف می‌زند.

Cultural

"بار بر کتف داشتن"

— To carry a heavy responsibility.

او بار غم بزرگی بر کتف دارد.

Literary

"کتف از کار افتاده"

— Someone who can no longer work or is physically disabled.

بعد از آن حادثه، کتفش از کار افتاد.

Neutral

"کتف به کتف"

— Side by side, working closely together.

آن‌ها کتف به کتف هم جنگیدند.

Formal

"کتف انداختن برای کسی"

— To ignore someone or show indifference (rare/slang).

هر چه گفتم، فقط کتف انداخت.

Slang

"استخوان کتف جنباندن"

— To start moving or to show signs of life/activity.

بالاخره استخوان کتفی جنباند و بلند شد.

Informal

"زیر کتف زدن"

— To encourage or push someone forward.

دوستانش زیر کتفش زدند تا در کنکور موفق شود.

Informal

Easily Confused

کتف vs شانه

Both mean 'shoulder' in English.

Ketf is the bone/back; Shaneh is the top/general area/clothing part.

شانه برای لباس است، کتف برای استخوان.

کتف vs دوش

Both refer to the shoulder area.

Dush is used for carrying burdens or taking a shower; Ketf is anatomical.

او دوش گرفت، اما کتفش هنوز درد می‌کرد.

کتف vs کف

Similar sound.

Kaf is palm; Ketf is shoulder.

کف دست و کتف پشت.

کتف vs کتف‌بند

Related to the word.

Ketf is the body part; Ketf-band is the brace/accessory.

برای حمایت از کتف، کتف‌بند ببند.

کتف vs بازو

Physically close.

Bazu is the arm/bicep; Ketf is the shoulder blade.

بازو به کتف وصل است.

Sentence Patterns

[Possessive] + ketf + dard mikonad.

Ketfam dard mikonad.

Man + [Meat Type] + ketf + mikhoram.

Man ketf-e morgh mikhoram.

Baraye [Action], bayad ketf ra [Verb].

Baraye varzesh, bayad ketf ra ghavi kard.

Zir-e ketf-e [Person] ra gereftan.

Zir-e ketf-e madaram ra gereftam.

Ketf-haye [Adjective] neshane-ye [Quality] ast.

Ketf-haye setabr neshane-ye ghodrat ast.

Dar [Source], ketf be عنوان [Symbol] ast.

Dar adabiyat, ketf be onvan-e takiyegah ast.

Any

Ostokhan-e ketf-e [Possessive] shekaste.

Ostokhan-e ketf-e u shekaste.

Any

Ketf va bal-e [Adjective].

Ketf va bal-e zaferani.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Very common in specific domains (food, health, sports).

Common Mistakes

Ketef → Ketf
Adding a vowel between 't' and 'f' is a common pronunciation error.
Using ketf for 'comb' → Shaneh
Ketf only means the body part; shaneh has the double meaning of comb.
Ketf-e lebas → Shane-ye lebas
For clothing parts, 'shaneh' is the correct term.
Dush gereftan (meaning shoulder) → Ketf
Dush gereftan means 'to take a shower', not 'to take a shoulder'.
Ketf-hayam (for general pain) → Ketfam
Singular possessive is more natural for general shoulder area pain.

Tips

At the Restaurant

If you want the most tender part of the chicken wing, ask for 'ketf'. It's the meaty drumette part.

Being Precise

If you have back-shoulder pain, tell the doctor 'ketfam dard mikone'. If it's the top of the shoulder, say 'shane-am'.

Possessives

Remember: Ketf-am (mine), Ketf-at (yours), Ketf-ash (his/hers).

Don't confuse with Shaneh

Shaneh = Comb or general shoulder. Ketf = Shoulder blade or meat.

No extra vowels

Avoid saying 'ke-tef'. Keep it one syllable: Ketf.

Ketf-Koloft

If someone calls a person 'ketf-koloft', they mean they are a big shot or very powerful.

The Bone

When referring to the actual bone, 'ostokhan-e ketf' is the correct phrase.

Sports Talk

In wrestling, 'ketf' is the target for pinning someone to the mat.

Butcher Shop

Ask for 'ketf-e bareh' for a great roast or stew meat.

Kite-Fly

A Kite (Ket) Flies (f) from your shoulder blade!

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'Kite' (Ket) Flying (f) off your shoulder blade. Ket + f = Ketf.

Visual Association

Imagine a chicken wing where the drumette (the 'ketf') is highlighted in a bright color.

Word Web

Anatomy Meat Shoulder Blade Scapula Chicken Wing Wrestling Pain Back

Challenge

Try to use 'ketf' in three different ways today: describing a pain, ordering food, and describing someone's physical appearance.

Word Origin

The word 'ketf' originates from the Arabic word 'katif' (كتف), which means shoulder. It was borrowed into Persian along with thousands of other Arabic terms during the Islamic period.

Original meaning: Shoulder / Scapula.

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

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities; it is a neutral anatomical and culinary term.

English speakers tend to just say 'shoulder' for everything, so they must learn to be more specific in Persian to avoid sounding vague.

Mentioned in various poems by Rumi and Hafez regarding burdens. Commonly used in sports broadcasts for Iranian Olympic wrestlers. Appears in the titles of various Persian BBQ menu items.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Medical/Health

کتفم تیر می‌کشد.
کتفم در رفته است.
باید از کتفت عکس بگیری.
کتف‌بند طبی ببند.

Cooking/Butchery

کتف گوسفندی چرب است.
کتف مرغ را کبابی کن.
گوشت کتف برای خورشت عالی است.
کتف و بال فراوان بخرید.

Fitness/Gym

امروز تمرین کتف داریم.
دمبل را تا سطح کتف بالا بیاور.
عضلات پشت کتف را تقویت کن.
کتفت را منقبض نکن.

Wrestling/Sports

کتفش را به خاک چسباند.
حریف را از کتف گرفت.
کتفش در حین مسابقه آسیب دید.
قدرت کتف‌هایش بی‌نظیر است.

Daily Life/Idioms

زیر کتفش را بگیر بلند شود.
کوله را روی یک کتف ننداز.
کتفم از خستگی افتاده.
چرا کتف می‌اندازی؟

Conversation Starters

"آیا تا به حال دچار کتف‌درد شده‌اید؟"

"در کباب‌فروشی، کتف و بال را ترجیح می‌دهید یا کوبیده؟"

"به نظر شما بهترین ورزش برای تقویت کتف چیست؟"

"آیا می‌دانستید گوشت کتف گوسفند برای آبگوشت بهترین است؟"

"در عکس‌های رادیولوژی، استخوان کتف را چگونه تشخیص می‌دهید؟"

Journal Prompts

درباره زمانی بنویسید که به کسی کمک کردید و 'زیر کتفش را گرفتید'.

توصیف کنید که یک ورزشکار با کتف‌های قوی چه ویژگی‌های ظاهری دیگری دارد.

یک دستور پخت برای کتف مرغ کبابی بنویسید.

اگر پزشک بودید، چگونه به بیماری که کتفش شکسته است دلداری می‌دادید؟

تفاوت‌های حسی بین درد در گردن و درد در کتف را شرح دهید.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, 'ketf' is used for animals as well, especially in butchery for lamb and chicken.

No, that is 'shaneh'. 'Ketf' only refers to the body part or meat cut.

You say 'ketf-hayam', but often 'ketfam' (singular) is used if the context is general pain.

It is a popular Iranian dish consisting of grilled chicken shoulders and wings.

It is neutral. It is used in both medical textbooks and at the local BBQ joint.

Primarily no, it is quite specific to the shoulder/scapula region.

'Ketf' is the common Persian word, while 'scapula' is the technical Latin/English medical term.

It is a quick transition from the 't' to the 'f' without any vowel sound.

Yes, but 'dush' or 'shaneh' are more common in classical Persian poetry.

Yes, it is of Arabic origin but is fully integrated into Persian.