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B1 noun #3,500 most common 7 min read

پلک

palk
Practice it Examples Notes & Tips پلک in 30 Seconds
Explanation پلک in your Level:
At the A1 level, 'pelk' is a basic noun to learn as part of body parts. You should know that 'pelk' means 'eyelid'. At this stage, you focus on simple identification. For example, 'این پلک است' (This is an eyelid). You might use it to describe a simple problem, like 'پلکم درد می‌کند' (My eyelid hurts). You should also learn the very common verb 'pelk zadan' (to blink) because it is a basic human action. Don't worry about complex idioms yet; just focus on the physical object. You might see it in a picture of a face in your textbook. Remember the plural is 'pelkhā' (eyelids). It's a short, easy word to remember. Try to point to your eyelid and say 'pelk' five times to lock it in. You can also associate it with 'cheshm' (eye) which you likely already know. In simple Persian stories for children, 'pelk' might be used to describe someone falling asleep: 'او پلک‌هایش را بست' (He closed his eyelids). This is a great way to start building your vocabulary around daily routines and physical descriptions. Keep it simple and focus on the noun-verb connection with 'zadan'.
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At the A2 level, you can start using 'pelk' in more descriptive sentences and learn a few more common phrases. You might describe someone's appearance: 'او پلک‌های بزرگی دارد' (She has big eyelids). You can also use it to talk about health in a basic way, like telling a doctor 'پلک من قرمز شده است' (My eyelid has become red). You should be comfortable using possessive suffixes with it: 'pelkam' (my eyelid), 'pelkat' (your eyelid). At this level, you should also understand the difference between 'pelk' (eyelid) and 'mje' (eyelash), as these are often confused. You might encounter the word in a beauty context, such as 'sāye-ye pelk' (eyeshadow). If you are describing a tired person, you can say 'pelkhāyash sangin ast' (his/her eyelids are heavy). This is a slightly more advanced way of saying someone is sleepy. You are moving beyond just naming the part to describing its state or action. Practice using it in the past tense too: 'دیروز پلکم می‌پرید' (Yesterday my eyelid was twitching). This helps you integrate the word into natural conversations about your day and physical well-being.
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At the B1 level, you should be able to use 'pelk' in idiomatic expressions and more complex grammatical structures. The most important idiom at this level is 'pelk ru-ye ham nagozāshtan' (to not put eyelids on each other), which means to not sleep at all. For example: 'دیشب از نگرانی پلک روی هم نگذاشتم' (Last night, out of worry, I didn't sleep a wink). You should also understand 'pelk nazadan' as a way to describe someone who is very focused or shocked. At this stage, you can use 'pelk' in the context of more detailed medical or cosmetic descriptions. For instance, you might discuss 'pelk-e oftāde' (droopy eyelids) and how it affects someone's vision or appearance. You should also be familiar with the verb 'paridan' (to jump/twitch) used with 'pelk' to describe a nervous tic. Your ability to use 'pelk' should now extend to more abstract or literary contexts, such as in a simple poem or a descriptive piece of writing. You can use it to create atmosphere: 'در تاریکی، فقط صدای پلک زدنش را می‌شنیدم' (In the darkness, I could only hear the sound of his blinking). This level requires a blend of physical description and idiomatic mastery.
At the B2 level, your use of 'pelk' should reflect a deeper understanding of Persian nuances and registers. You can use 'pelk' in academic or professional discussions, perhaps in a medical or psychological context. You should be able to explain the cultural significance of certain eyelid movements or conditions, such as the superstition surrounding a twitching eyelid ('pelk paridan'). You can use the word in complex sentences with multiple clauses: 'با اینکه پلک‌هایش از خستگی به شدت سنگین شده بود، اما همچنان به مطالعه ادامه داد' (Even though his eyelids had become very heavy from fatigue, he still continued studying). You should also be aware of the more formal synonym 'jafn' and when it might be used in literature or medical reports, though you would still primarily use 'pelk'. At this level, you can appreciate the use of 'pelk' in modern Persian literature and cinema to convey subtle emotions. You should be able to use it in metaphors: 'پلک‌های شب کم‌کم بسته می‌شد' (The eyelids of the night were slowly closing). This shows a high level of linguistic flexibility and an ability to use the word beyond its literal anatomical meaning.
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At the C1 level, you should have a sophisticated command of 'pelk' and its related imagery in Persian. You can analyze the use of 'pelk' in classical poetry, such as the works of Hafez or Saadi, where the eyelid is often a metaphor for a barrier between the lover and the beloved. You should be able to use 'pelk' in highly formal writing and understand the subtle differences between 'pelk' and its Arabic-derived counterparts in various contexts. You can discuss the word's etymology, tracing it back to Middle Persian 'palk'. Your usage should be flawless in both colloquial and formal registers. For example, you might use 'pelk' in a philosophical discussion about perception: 'حقیقت گاهی پشت پلک‌های بسته ما پنهان است' (Truth is sometimes hidden behind our closed eyelids). You are also expected to know rare idioms or technical terms associated with the eye and eyelid. Your ability to use 'pelk' should allow for creative expression, enabling you to write poetry or advanced prose that utilizes the word's full range of physical and metaphorical meanings. You should be able to distinguish between the physical act of blinking and the existential concept of a 'blink of an eye' (dar yek pelk zadan).
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At the C2 level, you possess a native-like mastery of 'pelk'. You can use the word with total precision in any context, from a highly technical medical dissertation to a complex piece of literary criticism. You understand the historical evolution of the word and its place within the broader Indo-European language family. You can effortlessly switch between the most colloquial uses of 'pelk' and the most archaic, poetic forms. You are aware of all regional variations in the Persian-speaking world (Iran, Afghanistan, Tajikistan) and how 'pelk' might be used or pronounced differently. You can use 'pelk' to create intricate wordplay or puns in literature. Your understanding includes the deep psychological and cultural associations of the eyelid in Persian thought—how it represents the threshold between the internal and external worlds. You can critique the translation of 'pelk' in Persian versions of world literature, noting where the nuance of an idiom might be lost or gained. At this level, 'pelk' is not just a word for a body part, but a versatile tool in your vast linguistic repertoire, used to convey the finest shades of meaning and emotion.
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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

پلک in 30 Seconds

  • Pelk means eyelid in Persian.
  • Commonly used in 'pelk zadan' (to blink).
  • Used in idioms about not sleeping.
  • Important in medical and beauty contexts.
The Persian word پلک (pelk) is a fundamental anatomical term referring to the eyelid. In the physical sense, it denotes the thin folds of skin that cover and protect the eyes. However, in Persian culture and linguistics, the eyelid is far more than just a biological barrier. It is often used as a metonym for sleep, alertness, and even emotional states. When you are learning Persian, understanding 'pelk' involves mastering its primary physical meaning as well as its deep integration into idiomatic expressions.
Anatomical Context
In a medical or descriptive context, you might distinguish between the 'pelk-e bālā' (upper eyelid) and 'pelk-e pāyin' (lower eyelid). For example, a doctor might ask if your 'pelk' is swollen.

او حتی یک پلک هم نزد وقتی خبر را شنید. (He didn't even blink an eyelid when he heard the news.)

Beyond the physical, the act of 'pelk zadan' (blinking) is a common verb phrase. If someone says they didn't 'pelk' all night, they are using a common Persian hyperbole for insomnia or extreme vigilance.
Pluralization
The plural is 'pelkhā'. While English often uses 'eyelids' collectively, Persian speakers frequently use the singular 'pelk' when referring to the general action of blinking or the state of the eye covering.

آرایش روی پلک او بسیار زیبا بود. (The makeup on her eyelid was very beautiful.)

خستگی باعث شده بود پلک‌هایش سنگین شوند. (Fatigue had caused his eyelids to become heavy.)

یک ذره گرد و غبار زیر پلکم رفته است. (A bit of dust has gone under my eyelid.)

Common Usage
You will hear this word in beauty salons (concerning eyeshadow or eyeliner), in hospitals (concerning infections like styes), and in literature. It is a versatile word that bridges the gap between scientific precision and poetic metaphor.
Understanding 'pelk' is essential for describing physical sensations and mastering common Persian idioms regarding sleep and focus.
Using 'pelk' in a sentence requires an understanding of its role as a noun and its common verbal pairings. The most frequent verb associated with 'pelk' is 'zadan' (to hit/strike), forming the compound verb 'pelk zadan' which means 'to blink'. Another crucial construction is 'pelk ru-ye ham gozāshtan' (to put eyelids on each other), which is the standard way to say 'to sleep' or 'to close one's eyes' in a more descriptive sense.
Descriptive Use
When describing someone's appearance, you might use adjectives like 'sangin' (heavy), 'varam-karde' (swollen), or 'nazok' (thin) with 'pelk'.

او با پلک‌های نیمه‌باز به من نگاه کرد. (He looked at me with half-open eyelids.)

In negative sentences, 'pelk nazadan' implies intense focus or shock. If a movie is very exciting, a Persian speaker might say, 'Man hata yek pelk ham nazadam' (I didn't even blink once).
Action-Oriented Use
To describe an involuntary action, you use 'pelkam miparad' (my eyelid is twitching). This is a common phrase used when someone experiences a nervous tic.

از استرس زیاد، پلک چشم چپم می‌پرد. (Due to high stress, my left eye's eyelid is twitching.)

باید پلک‌هایت را تمیز نگه داری. (You must keep your eyelids clean.)

او پلک‌هایش را بست و به خواب رفت. (He closed his eyelids and went to sleep.)

Formal vs. Informal
In formal writing, you might see 'jafn' (the Arabic loanword), but in 99% of spoken and written Persian, 'pelk' is the standard term. Using it correctly shows a natural grasp of the language.
In summary, 'pelk' is used similarly to 'eyelid' in English, but its compound verb forms are essential for expressing everyday actions like blinking or sleeping.
You will encounter the word 'pelk' in a variety of real-world settings in Iran and Persian-speaking communities. One of the most common places is in a medical or health context. If you visit an ophthalmologist (cheshm-pezeshk), they will use 'pelk' to describe issues like blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelid) or a stye (gol-mje).
Beauty and Fashion
In the bustling beauty industry of Iran, 'pelk' is a keyword. Makeup artists discuss 'sāye-ye pelk' (eyeshadow) and techniques for 'pelk-e oftāde' (hooded eyelids/droopy eyelids).

این کرم برای رفع تیرگی دور پلک عالی است. (This cream is excellent for removing darkness around the eyelid.)

In daily conversation, the word often comes up when discussing tiredness. If a friend looks exhausted, you might say, 'Pelkhāyat sangin shode' (Your eyelids have become heavy), suggesting they need rest.
Literature and Song Lyrics
Persian poetry, both classical and modern, uses 'pelk' to evoke imagery of waiting or sorrow. A poet might describe 'pelk-haye khis' (wet eyelids) to imply someone has been crying.

پشت پلک‌هایم همیشه تصویر توست. (Behind my eyelids, your image is always there.)

وقتی می‌خندی، پلک‌هایت کمی جمع می‌شوند. (When you laugh, your eyelids wrinkle a bit.)

جراحی زیبایی پلک در ایران بسیار رایج است. (Eyelid plastic surgery is very common in Iran.)

Idiomatic Hearing
You will also hear it in idioms like 'pelk ru-ye ham nazadan' (not closing one's eyes/not sleeping) during late-night study sessions or vigils.
Whether you are at a doctor's office, a makeup counter, or reading a novel, 'pelk' is a word that appears frequently across all registers of Persian life.
For English speakers learning Persian, the most common mistake with 'pelk' is confusing it with other related eye parts, specifically 'mje' (eyelash) or 'abru' (eyebrow). While they are anatomically close, they are never interchangeable in Persian.
Pelk vs. Mje
Many learners accidentally say 'mje' when they mean the skin of the eyelid. Remember: 'pelk' is the skin fold, 'mje' is the hair growing from it.

اشتباه: مژه من قرمز شده است. (Wrong: My eyelash is red - when you mean the lid is inflamed.)

Another mistake is the literal translation of English idioms. In English, we say 'to not bat an eyelid'. While Persian has a similar idiom 'pelk nazadan', you cannot use verbs like 'kūbidan' (to bat/hit) with 'pelk' in this context. You must use 'nazadan' (not hitting/striking).
Verb Agreement
When talking about twitching, learners often use the verb for 'shaking' (tekan khordan). The correct idiomatic verb for an eyelid twitch is 'paridan' (to jump/fly).

درست: پلکم می‌پرد. (Correct: My eyelid is jumping/twitching.)

اشتباه: پلکم تکان می‌خورد. (Incorrect: My eyelid is moving/shaking.)

اشتباه: پلک زدن برای خوابیدن. (Incorrect: Blinking for sleeping - use 'pelk ru-ye ham gozāshtan'.)

Pluralization Errors
While 'pelkhā' is correct, Persian often uses the singular 'pelk' in a generic sense. Over-pluralizing can sometimes sound unnatural in specific idioms.
Avoiding these common pitfalls will make your Persian sound much more authentic and precise.
While 'pelk' is the most common word for eyelid, there are a few alternatives and related terms you should know to enrich your vocabulary and understand different registers of Persian.
Jafn (جفن)
This is an Arabic loanword used almost exclusively in formal, medical, or classical literary contexts. You won't hear it in a grocery store, but you might see it in an anatomy textbook.

التهاب جفن می‌تواند باعث درد شود. (Inflammation of the eyelid [formal] can cause pain.)

Another related word is 'mje' (eyelash). While not a synonym, they are frequently used together. In poetry, the 'mje' is the arrow and the 'pelk' is the bow or the curtain.
Palk (Middle Persian)
In some dialects or older texts, you might see variations, but 'pelk' is the standard modern form.

او پلک بر هم نهاد و مرد. (He closed his eyelids and died - a literary way of saying 'passed away'.)

سایه پلک او بر گونه‌اش افتاده بود. (The shadow of her eyelid had fallen on her cheek.)

از شدت گریه، پلک‌هایش پف کرده بود. (From the intensity of crying, her eyelids were puffed up.)

Verb Alternatives
Instead of 'pelk zadan' (blinking), you might use 'chashmak zadan' (winking), though this involves a different intent. 'Bastan-e cheshm' (closing the eye) is a more general alternative to 'pelk ru-ye ham gozāshtan'.
By understanding these nuances, you can choose the right word for the right situation, whether you are writing a poem or describing a medical symptom.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The word 'pelk' is related to the idea of a 'fold' or 'leaf', similar to how an eyelid folds over the eye.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /pelk/
US /pelk/
On the only syllable (monosyllabic).
Rhymes With
ملک (melk) فلک (falak - in some dialects) کلک (kelk) نمک (namak - partial) کمک (komak - partial) سرک (sarak) چک (chak) تک (tak)
Common Errors
  • Pronouncing it as 'palk' (with an 'a' sound).
  • Pronouncing it as 'pelek' (adding an extra vowel).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to read, short word.

Writing 3/5

Simple spelling, but remember the 'e' sound.

Speaking 2/5

Easy to pronounce.

Listening 3/5

Can be confused with 'pelle' or 'pelak' by beginners.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

چشم (eye) صورت (face) مو (hair) درد (pain) خواب (sleep)

Learn Next

مژه (eyelash) ابرو (eyebrow) قرنیه (cornea) مردمک (pupil) اشک (tear)

Advanced

بلفاریت (blepharitis) پتوز (ptosis) جراحی پلاستیک (plastic surgery) استعاره (metaphor)

Grammar to Know

Compound Verbs with 'Zadan'

پلک + زدن = پلک زدن (to blink)

Possessive Suffixes

پلک + ـَم = پلکم (my eyelid)

Pluralization with 'Hā'

پلک + ها = پلک‌ها (eyelids)

Prepositions with Body Parts

روی پلک (on the eyelid)

Adjective Placement

پلکِ سنگین (heavy eyelid)

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Examples by Level

1

این پلک من است.

This is my eyelid.

Simple demonstrative sentence with possessive suffix 'am'.

2

پلک بزن.

Blink.

Imperative form of the compound verb 'pelk zadan'.

3

او دو پلک دارد.

He has two eyelids.

Basic subject-verb-object structure.

4

پلک او قرمز است.

His eyelid is red.

Adjective 'qermez' describing the noun 'pelk'.

5

چرا پلک می‌زنی؟

Why are you blinking?

Present continuous question form.

6

پلکم درد می‌کند.

My eyelid hurts.

Verb 'dard kardan' (to hurt) used with the subject 'pelkam'.

7

پلک بالا.

Upper eyelid.

Noun-adjective phrase.

8

پلک پایین.

Lower eyelid.

Noun-adjective phrase.

1

پلک‌هایش خیلی سنگین بودند.

His eyelids were very heavy.

Plural noun with possessive suffix and past tense plural verb.

2

او روی پلکش سایه زد.

She put eyeshadow on her eyelid.

Compound verb 'sāye zadan' (to apply shadow).

3

یک چیزی زیر پلکم رفته است.

Something has gone under my eyelid.

Prepositional phrase 'zir-e pelkam'.

4

او پلک‌هایش را بست و خوابید.

He closed his eyelids and slept.

Compound sentence with two past tense verbs.

5

پلک چشم چپم می‌پرد.

My left eye's eyelid is twitching.

The verb 'paridan' used idiomatically for twitching.

6

دکتر پلک مرا معاینه کرد.

The doctor examined my eyelid.

Object marker 'rā' used after 'pelk-e man'.

7

پلک‌هایت را باز کن.

Open your eyelids.

Imperative plural form.

8

او با هر پلک زدن، اشک می‌ریخت.

With every blink, she shed tears.

Using the gerund form 'pelk zadan' as a noun.

1

دیشب تا صبح پلک روی هم نگذاشتم.

I didn't sleep a wink from last night until morning.

Common idiom for not sleeping.

2

او حتی یک پلک هم نزد وقتی من آمدم.

He didn't even blink an eyelid when I came.

Idiom for being very focused or unaffected.

3

جراحی پلک می‌تواند دید را بهتر کند.

Eyelid surgery can improve vision.

Medical context usage.

4

سایه بنفش روی پلک‌هایش می‌درخشید.

Purple shadow was shining on her eyelids.

Descriptive literary style.

5

پلک‌هایش از شدت گریه پف کرده بود.

Her eyelids were swollen from intense crying.

Using 'pof kardan' for swelling.

6

او پشت پلک‌های بسته‌اش رویا می‌دید.

He was dreaming behind his closed eyelids.

Prepositional phrase with adjective.

7

بیماری باعث افتادگی پلک او شده است.

The illness has caused his eyelid to droop.

Noun 'oftādegi' (drooping).

8

او با ظرافت پلک‌هایش را ریمل زد.

She delicately applied mascara to her eyelids (meaning lashes).

Note: sometimes 'pelk' is used loosely in beauty contexts.

1

در یک پلک زدن، همه چیز ناپدید شد.

In the blink of an eye, everything disappeared.

Idiom for a very short duration.

2

پلک‌های سنگینش نشان از شب‌زنده‌داری داشت.

His heavy eyelids were a sign of staying up all night.

Formal descriptive sentence.

3

او با مهارتی خاص، خط چشمی باریک روی پلکش کشید.

With special skill, she drew a thin eyeliner on her eyelid.

Complex sentence with adverbial phrase.

4

پلک زدن مداوم می‌تواند نشانه استرس باشد.

Constant blinking can be a sign of stress.

Gerund as the subject of the sentence.

5

او سعی کرد با مالیدن پلک‌هایش، خواب را از سر بپراند.

He tried to shake off sleep by rubbing his eyelids.

Using 'mālidan' (to rub).

6

لرزش خفیف پلک او از چشمان تیزبین من دور نماند.

The slight tremor of his eyelid did not escape my sharp eyes.

Literary and sophisticated structure.

7

پلک‌هایش را به آرامی روی هم فشرد تا تمرکز کند.

He gently pressed his eyelids together to focus.

Using 'feshordan' (to press).

8

پوست پلک بسیار حساس و نازک است.

The skin of the eyelid is very sensitive and thin.

General factual statement.

1

شاعر در اشعارش، پلک را به پرده‌ای تشبیه کرده است.

The poet, in his poems, has likened the eyelid to a curtain.

Literary analysis context.

2

در متون طب سنتی، از واژه 'جفن' به جای 'پلک' استفاده می‌شد.

In traditional medical texts, the word 'jafn' was used instead of 'pelk'.

Historical linguistic context.

3

او با پلک‌های نیمه‌باز، گویی در خلسه‌ای عمیق فرو رفته بود.

With half-open eyelids, it was as if he had fallen into a deep trance.

Highly descriptive and formal.

4

انقباض غیرارادی پلک معمولاً به دلیل کمبود منیزیم است.

Involuntary contraction of the eyelid is usually due to magnesium deficiency.

Technical/scientific register.

5

او بدون اینکه پلک بزند، به شعله شمع خیره شده بود.

Without blinking, he was staring at the candle flame.

Using 'bedun-e inke' (without).

6

پلک‌هایش چون صدف، مروارید چشمانش را در بر گرفته بود.

Her eyelids, like shells, embraced the pearls of her eyes.

Simile and metaphorical language.

7

خون‌مردگی زیر پلک می‌تواند ناشی از ضربه باشد.

Bruising under the eyelid can be caused by trauma.

Clinical description.

8

او با هر بار پلک زدن، گویی جهان را از نو می‌دید.

With every blink, it was as if he saw the world anew.

Philosophical/literary tone.

1

او در نقد خود، بر استعاره 'پلک فرو بستن' به مثابه مرگ تاکید ورزید.

In his critique, he emphasized the metaphor of 'closing the eyelids' as death.

Academic literary criticism.

2

ظرافت ساختاری پلک، گواهی بر پیچیدگی تکاملی بینایی است.

The structural delicacy of the eyelid is a testament to the evolutionary complexity of vision.

Advanced scientific/philosophical register.

3

وی با پلک نزدنی که حاکی از صلابت رای بود، سخنش را به پایان برد.

He finished his speech with a lack of blinking that indicated firmness of opinion.

High-level political/rhetorical description.

4

در این اثر هنری، پلک‌ها نمادی از مرز میان خودآگاه و ناخودآگاه هستند.

In this artwork, the eyelids are a symbol of the boundary between the conscious and the unconscious.

Art theory and psychological context.

5

تغییرات پاتولوژیک در بافت پلک نیازمند بررسی‌های میکروسکوپی است.

Pathological changes in the eyelid tissue require microscopic examinations.

Formal medical/pathological register.

6

او چنان در تفکر غرق بود که گویی پلک‌هایش جهان بیرون را انکار می‌کردند.

He was so drowned in thought as if his eyelids were denying the outside world.

Abstract and complex metaphorical usage.

7

واژه‌گزینی دقیق او، حتی تفاوت میان 'جفن' و 'پلک' را در نظر می‌گرفت.

His precise word choice even considered the difference between 'jafn' and 'pelk'.

Metalinguistic discussion.

8

پلک‌های فروافتاده‌اش، حکایت از باری سنگین بر دوش روحش داشت.

His fallen eyelids told a tale of a heavy burden on his soul.

Poetic and evocative language.

Common Collocations

پلک زدن
پلک بالا
پلک پایین
جراحی پلک
سایه پلک
پلک سنگین
پرش پلک
پلک باز
شکاف پلک
لبه پلک

Common Phrases

پلک روی هم گذاشتن

— To sleep or close one's eyes for rest.

کمی پلک روی هم بگذار.

پلک نزدن

— To be very attentive or shocked; to not blink.

او حتی یک پلک هم نزد.

پشت پلک

— The area behind the eyelid; often used in beauty or spiritual contexts.

پشت پلکش را سیاه کرد.

پلک‌های افتاده

— Droopy or hooded eyelids.

پلک‌های افتاده‌اش را عمل کرد.

پلک زدن مداوم

— Frequent blinking, often due to a tic or dryness.

پلک زدن مداوم نشانه خشکی چشم است.

زیر پلک

— The area beneath the eyelid.

زیر پلکم یک جوش زده.

پلک بر هم نهادن

— To close one's eyes (often used for dying or sleeping in literature).

او پلک بر هم نهاد و رفت.

پلک پریدن

— Eyelid twitching.

پلک چشم راستم می‌پرد.

پلک‌های خیس

— Wet eyelids (usually from crying).

با پلک‌های خیس به من نگاه کرد.

بستن پلک

— Closing the eyelid.

بستن پلک‌ها به تمرکز کمک می‌کند.

Often Confused With

پلک vs مژه

Eyelash vs Eyelid; skin vs hair.

پلک vs پله

Stair vs Eyelid; sounds similar.

پلک vs پلاک

License plate vs Eyelid; sounds similar.

Idioms & Expressions

"پلک روی هم نگذاشتن"

— To not sleep at all during the night.

دیشب از درد پلک روی هم نگذاشتم.

informal/common
"در یک پلک زدن"

— In the blink of an eye; very quickly.

در یک پلک زدن کیفم را دزدیدند.

informal/common
"پلک نزدن"

— To show no reaction or to be extremely focused.

وقتی پلیس را دید، پلک نزد.

informal/common
"پلک بر هم زدن"

— A very short moment.

عمر مثل یک پلک بر هم زدن می‌گذرد.

literary
"پلک‌هایش سنگین شده"

— He/she is very sleepy.

برو بخواب، پلک‌هایت سنگین شده.

informal
"پشت پلک نازک بودن"

— To be sensitive or easily brought to tears (rare/metaphorical).

او پشت پلکش نازک است.

literary
"پلک گشودن"

— To wake up or to start seeing reality.

او به حقیقت پلک گشود.

literary
"پلک فرو بستن"

— To die or to ignore something intentionally.

او بر تمام گناهان پلک فرو بست.

literary
"پلک‌های پف‌آلود"

— Indicating someone has just woken up or been crying.

با پلک‌های پف‌آلود آمد سر کار.

informal
"پلک زدن با شک"

— To blink in disbelief.

با شک به من پلک زد.

informal

Easily Confused

پلک vs مژه

Both are part of the eye.

Pelk is the skin fold, mje is the hair.

مژه روی پلک رشد می‌کند.

پلک vs ابرو

Nearby facial feature.

Abru is the eyebrow above the eye socket.

ابرو بالای پلک قرار دارد.

پلک vs پله

Phonetic similarity.

Pelle means step/stair.

از پله بالا رفتم.

پلک vs پلاک

Phonetic similarity.

Pelak means plate or plaque.

پلاک ماشین را دیدم.

پلک vs چشم

Part vs Whole.

Cheshm is the whole eye, pelk is just the lid.

پلک بخشی از چشم است.

Sentence Patterns

A1

این [noun] است.

این پلک است.

A2

[noun] من [adjective] است.

پلک من قرمز است.

B1

از [noun]، پلک روی هم نگذاشتم.

از نگرانی، پلک روی هم نگذاشتم.

B2

با اینکه [clause]، اما پلک‌هایم سنگین بود.

با اینکه قهوه خوردم، اما پلک‌هایم سنگین بود.

C1

گویی [clause]، پلک‌هایش را بست.

گویی دعا می‌کرد، پلک‌هایش را بست.

C2

استعاره [noun] در این متن...

استعاره پلک در این متن بسیار عمیق است.

B1

در یک پلک زدن، [verb].

در یک پلک زدن، او رفت.

A2

چرا [verb phrase]؟

چرا پلک می‌زنی؟

Word Family

Nouns

پلک (eyelid)
پلک‌زنی (blinking action)
پلک‌بند (eyelid support)

Verbs

پلک زدن (to blink)
پلک فشردن (to press eyelids)

Adjectives

پلکی (palpebral/related to eyelid)
پلک‌افتاده (with droopy eyelids)

Related

چشم (eye)
مژه (eyelash)
ابرو (eyebrow)
خواب (sleep)
بینایی (vision)
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How to Use It

frequency

Common in daily speech and literature.

Common Mistakes
  • Using 'mje' for eyelid. → pelk

    Mje is the hair (eyelash), pelk is the skin (eyelid).

  • Saying 'pelk khordan' for blinking. → pelk zadan

    The correct auxiliary verb is 'zadan'.

  • Pronouncing it as 'palk'. → pelk

    The vowel is 'e', not 'a'.

  • Using 'pelk' to mean the whole eye. → cheshm

    Pelk is only a part of the eye.

  • Saying 'pelkam tekan mikhorad' for twitching. → pelkam miparad

    Twitching is idiomatically 'jumping' (paridan).

Tips

Body Parts

Learn 'pelk' along with 'cheshm' (eye) and 'mje' (eyelash).

Sleep Idiom

Use 'pelk ru-ye ham nagozāshtan' when you're very tired from a sleepless night.

Verbs

Remember the verb for blinking is 'zadan'.

Short Vowel

The 'e' in 'pelk' is short, like in 'bed'.

Superstition

If your 'pelk' twitches, Iranians might say something is going to happen!

Health

If you have a stye, it's 'gol-mje', but it affects the 'pelk'.

Makeup

In makeup tutorials, 'pelk' is the word for where you apply shadow.

Spelling

The 'k' at the end is 'kāf' (ک).

Poetry

Think of 'pelk' as a curtain for the soul's window.

Daily Use

Try saying 'pelk' every time you blink for one minute to remember it.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a 'pelican' (pelk) closing its big eyes with its large 'eyelids'.

Visual Association

Visualize a curtain closing over a window; the curtain is the 'pelk' and the window is the eye.

Word Web

eye blink sleep eyelash makeup surgery tired vision

Challenge

Try to use 'pelk' in three different sentences today: one about being tired, one about makeup, and one about a doctor.

Word Origin

Derived from Middle Persian 'palk'.

Original meaning: Eyelid or a small piece/fold.

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

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities, but be careful when discussing 'pelk-e oftāde' as it can be a sensitive topic regarding aging.

In English, we 'bat' an eyelid, but in Persian, we 'hit' (zadan) it.

Used in various poems by Rumi and Hafez. Commonly heard in Iranian pop songs about 'heavy eyelids' and longing. A famous Iranian movie might use a close-up of a 'pelk' for dramatic effect.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At the Doctor

  • پلکم ورم کرده.
  • پلکم می‌خارد.
  • پلکم می‌پرد.
  • زیر پلکم چیزی رفته.

At the Beauty Salon

  • سایه پشت پلک.
  • خط چشم روی پلک.
  • پلک‌های افتاده.
  • پاک کردن آرایش پلک.

Talking about Sleep

  • پلک روی هم نگذاشتم.
  • پلک‌هایم سنگین شده.
  • پلک‌هایم را بستم.
  • پلک زدن از خستگی.

In Literature

  • پلک بر هم نهادن.
  • پشت پلک‌های بسته.
  • پلک گشودن به جهان.
  • پرده پلک.

Everyday Observation

  • چرا پلک نمی‌زنی؟
  • زیاد پلک می‌زنی.
  • پلکت قرمز است.
  • پلکت را نمال.

Conversation Starters

"آیا تا به حال پلک شما بی‌دلیل پریده است؟ (Has your eyelid ever twitched for no reason?)"

"بهترین درمان برای پلک‌های پف‌کرده چیست؟ (What is the best treatment for puffy eyelids?)"

"چرا بعضی‌ها موقع دروغ گفتن زیاد پلک می‌زنند؟ (Why do some people blink a lot when lying?)"

"آیا دیشب توانستی پلک روی هم بگذاری؟ (Were you able to sleep a wink last night?)"

"نظر شما درباره جراحی زیبایی پلک چیست؟ (What is your opinion on eyelid plastic surgery?)"

Journal Prompts

درباره زمانی بنویسید که از شدت خستگی پلک‌هایتان سنگین شده بود. (Write about a time when your eyelids were heavy from fatigue.)

توصیف کنید که وقتی پلک‌هایتان را می‌بندید، چه تصاویری می‌بینید. (Describe what images you see when you close your eyelids.)

یک داستان کوتاه درباره کسی بنویسید که هرگز پلک نمی‌زند. (Write a short story about someone who never blinks.)

درباره اهمیت پلک در محافظت از چشم‌ها بنویسید. (Write about the importance of the eyelid in protecting the eyes.)

احساس خود را وقتی از نگرانی پلک روی هم نمی‌گذارید، توصیف کنید. (Describe your feeling when you don't sleep out of worry.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

The most common way is 'pelk zadan'.

Persian does not have grammatical gender, so 'pelk' is neutral.

It means to not sleep at all, literally 'to not put eyelids on each other'.

No, 'pelk' is eyelid. 'Mje' is eyelash.

No, 'jafn' is very formal and mostly used in medical or old literary contexts.

You say 'pelkam miparad'.

The plural is 'pelkhā'.

You say 'sāye-ye pelk' or just 'sāye'.

Yes, it is very common in Persian poetry as a metaphor for a curtain or barrier.

It is pronounced like 'neck' but with a 'p' and an 'l' in the middle: p-e-l-k.

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Test Yourself 112 questions

writing

Write a sentence using 'pelk' and 'sangin'.

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writing

Translate: 'I didn't sleep a wink last night.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

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speaking

Say 'My left eyelid is twitching' in Persian.

Read this aloud:

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listening

Listen to the word 'pelk' and identify its meaning.

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