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پرتکالری

B1 adjective #8,000 most common 6 min read

پرتکالری

Q: How do I say 'low-calorie'?

The opposite is 'کمکالری' (kam-kālori). You just swap the prefix 'por' (high) with 'kam' (low).

Q: How do I use it in a comparison?

Add '-tar' to the end: 'پرتکالریتر' (por-kāloritar), meaning 'higher in calories'.

por calorie Top 8,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips پرتکالری in 30 Seconds

Explanation پرتکالری in your Level:

In A1, we learn simple words for food. 'Por-kalori' is a bit advanced, but you can think of it as 'Big Food' or 'Lots of energy'. It comes from 'Por' (Full) and 'Kalori' (Calorie). Use it to say a food has a lot of energy. For example: 'This cake is por-kalori.' It is a useful word when you talk about what you like to eat and what is healthy.

At the A2 level, you can start using compound adjectives. 'Por-kalori' is made of two parts. You use it with the 'e' sound (Ezafe) after a noun. 'Ghazaye por-kalori' means 'high-calorie food'. You will hear this in restaurants or when talking to friends about snacks like pizza or chocolate. It is the opposite of 'kam-kalori' (low-calorie).

For B1 learners, 'پرتکالری' is a standard term for discussing health and lifestyle. You should be able to use it in comparative sentences, like 'This dish is higher in calories than that one.' You will encounter it in health blogs, on food packaging, and in conversations about dieting or fitness. It is a neutral, scientific term compared to the more informal 'chagh-konandeh' (fattening).

At B2, you should understand the nuance between 'پرتکالری' (high-calorie) and 'مقوی' (nutritious). You can use it to describe complex dietary needs or discuss the nutritional profile of different cuisines. You might use it in a debate about fast food or school lunches. You should also be comfortable using it in formal writing, such as an essay about public health in Iran.

In C1, 'پرتکالری' is used in specialized contexts like sports science, medicine, or sociology. You might discuss the 'por-kalori' nature of modern diets and its link to sedentary lifestyles. You should be able to use it fluently in academic discussions and understand its role in Persian medical terminology. You will also recognize it in sophisticated media reports about the global obesity crisis.

For C2 mastery, you understand the linguistic evolution of 'پرتکالری' as a loan-blend. You can use it in high-level policy discussions regarding food labeling laws or metabolic health research. You can distinguish between its literal meaning and its metaphorical use in social commentary. You are also aware of how it contrasts with more traditional Persian ways of describing food richness.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

پرتکالری in 30 Seconds

Means 'high-calorie' in Persian.
Formed from 'por' (full) + 'kalori'.
Used in health, fitness, and cooking contexts.
Essential for understanding Iranian diet culture.

The Persian word پرتکالری (pronounced 'por-kālori') is a compound adjective used to describe food, drinks, or diets that contain a high density of energy. In linguistic terms, it is formed by the Persian prefix por- (meaning 'full' or 'high') and the loanword kālori (calorie), which entered Persian through French. This word is essential for anyone navigating modern Iranian life, especially in contexts involving health, fitness, or dining. While traditional Persian cuisine is often celebrated for its rich flavors, the modern health-conscious movement in Iran has brought this specific term into the daily lexicon of urban dwellers, nutritionists, and athletes.

Nutritional Density: When a food item is labeled as پرتکالری, it implies that even a small portion provides a significant amount of energy, often from fats or sugars.

مصرف بیش از حد غذاهای پرتکالری باعث افزایش وزن می‌شود.
(Excessive consumption of high-calorie foods causes weight gain.)

In a social context, you might hear this word at a dinner table where a guest is politely declining a second helping of Tahdig (the crispy bottom of the rice pot) or a rich stew like Fesenjan. It carries a slightly technical but very common weight. Unlike the word charb (fatty), پرتکالری specifically refers to the energy content, making it a favorite among the younger, health-literate generation. It is not necessarily a negative term; for an athlete or someone looking to gain weight, a پرتکالری snack is a positive necessity.

Medical Context: Doctors often use this term when prescribing diets for patients with malnutrition or specific metabolic needs.

آجیل یک میان‌وعده پرتکالری و سالم است.
(Nuts are a high-calorie and healthy snack.)

Furthermore, the word is frequently used in marketing. On food labels in Iranian supermarkets, you will see 'kam-kalori' (low calorie) or 'por-kalori' descriptors to help consumers make choices. Understanding this word helps you navigate menus, talk to doctors, and discuss fitness goals in Persian-speaking environments. It bridges the gap between traditional food culture and modern scientific understanding of nutrition.

Using پرتکالری correctly requires understanding its role as an adjective. In Persian, adjectives usually follow the noun they modify, connected by the Ezafe (a short 'e' sound). For example, 'high-calorie food' is ghazā-ye por-kālori. This section explores various grammatical structures where this word appears, from simple descriptions to complex comparative sentences.

Basic Attributive Use: Placed after the noun: [Noun] + -e + پرتکالری.

شکلات یک خوراکی پرتکالری است.
(Chocolate is a high-calorie treat.)

When making comparisons, you can add the suffix -tar to create 'higher calorie' (por-kāloritar). This is useful when choosing between two menu items. For instance, 'Fast food is higher in calories than home cooking' would be Fāst fūd az ghazā-ye khānegi por-kāloritar ast. This comparative form is very common in health blogs and fitness magazines in Iran.

In Negative Sentences: Using 'nist' (is not) to describe light meals.

این سالاد اصلاً پرتکالری نیست.
(This salad is not high-calorie at all.)

In formal writing, such as a medical report or a scientific article, you might see it used to describe a 'regime' or 'diet'. The phrase regim-e ghazāyi-ye por-kālori (high-calorie diet) is a standard medical term. In colloquial speech, people might shorten the concept and just say 'por-kāloriye' (it's high-calorie) when pointing at a decadent dessert like Zoolbia Bamieh during Ramadan.

You will encounter پرتکالری in several distinct environments in Iran. First and foremost is the fitness and gym culture. With the rise of bodybuilding and yoga in major cities like Tehran and Isfahan, discussions about 'bulking' (hajm-giri) involve identifying por-kālori foods that are also healthy. Trainers often provide lists of high-calorie foods for those needing to build muscle mass.

In the Gym: Athletes discussing meal prep often use this term to describe their 'cheat meals' or bulk-phase diets.

برای افزایش وزن، باید وعده‌های پرتکالری بخوری.
(To gain weight, you must eat high-calorie meals.)

Second, you'll hear it in medical settings. Dietitians (kār-shenās-e taghziye) use this word constantly when advising patients. Whether a patient is diabetic, obese, or underweight, the calorie density of their food is the primary topic of conversation. In these settings, the word is used with clinical precision, often accompanied by specific numbers.

Third, the grocery store and restaurant scene. Modern cafes in North Tehran often print calorie counts on their menus. You might hear a group of friends debating whether to share a por-kālori dessert or opt for a fruit platter. In supermarkets, labels like 'bedūn-e qand' (sugar-free) are often seen alongside warnings or descriptions of calorie content. Understanding this word is therefore a gateway to understanding the modern Iranian lifestyle, which balances a love for rich traditional foods with a contemporary focus on wellness.

The most common mistake learners make with پرتکالری is confusing it with other adjectives related to food quality or quantity. For instance, many beginners confuse 'high-calorie' with 'fatty' (charb) or 'heavy' (sangin). While a high-calorie food can be fatty, they are not synonyms. A sugary drink is por-kālori but not charb.

Confusion with 'Sangin': 'Sangin' refers to how a food feels in the stomach (heavy/hard to digest), while 'por-kālori' is a scientific measure of energy.

اشتباه: این آبمیوه خیلی سنگین است.
درست: این آبمیوه خیلی پرتکالری است.
(Mistake: This juice is very heavy. Correct: This juice is very high-calorie.)

Another error involves the placement of the word in a sentence. Because it is a compound adjective, learners sometimes try to split it or misplace the Ezafe. Remember that por-kālori acts as a single unit. You cannot say ghazā-ye por az kālori in standard conversation, even though it's technically 'food full of calories'. It sounds unnatural and archaic.

Lastly, learners often forget the antonym. If you want to say 'low-calorie', use kam-kālori. Mixing these up can lead to significant misunderstandings, especially if you are ordering food based on a diet. A 'por-kālori' meal is exactly what a weight-watcher wants to avoid, so clarity is key!

To truly master Persian, you need to know the nuances between پرتکالری and its related terms. Depending on the context—whether you are talking about health, taste, or the physical sensation of eating—different words might be more appropriate.

پرتکالری vs. مقوی (Moqavvi): Moqavvi means 'strengthening' or 'nutritious'. A food can be por-kālori but not moqavvi (like soda), or moqavvi but not extremely high in calories (like spinach).
پرتکالری vs. چاق‌کننده (Chāq-konande): Chāq-konande literally means 'fattening'. This is a more colloquial and judgmental term often used in casual conversation about weight gain.

گردو هم پرتکالری است و هم مقوی.
(Walnuts are both high-calorie and nutritious.)

In formal nutritional science, you might also encounter the term enerzhi-zā (energy-producing). While por-kālori is about the content, enerzhi-zā is about the effect. Energy drinks are often marketed as enerzhi-zā. Understanding these distinctions allows you to express yourself more precisely. For instance, if you want to praise a meal for being healthy and filling, moqavvi is a better choice than por-kālori, which sounds more like a warning about energy density.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"مصرف اغذیه پرتکالری در جوامع شهری رو به افزایش است."

Neutral

"این شیرینی خیلی پرتکالری است."

Informal

"داداش، این پیتزا خیلی پرتکالریه، نخور!"

Child friendly

"این شکلات بهت کلی انرژی می‌ده چون پرتکالریه."

Slang

"عجب بمب پرتکالری‌ایه این ساندویچ!"

Fun Fact

The word 'calorie' comes from the Latin 'calor', meaning heat. In Persian, the word 'por' is thousands of years older than the word 'kalori', making this a linguistic marriage of ancient Iranian roots and modern European science.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /poɾ.kɒ.lo.ɾiː/

US /pɔːr.kɑː.lə.ri/

The primary stress is on the final syllable '-ri'. The secondary stress is on 'por-'.

Rhymes With

ضروری (Zaruri) نوری (Nuri) دوری (Duri) منصوری (Mansuri) بلوری (Boluri) صبوری (Saburi) تنوری (Tanuri) حضوری (Hozuri)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'kālori' like the English 'calorie' (kal-uh-ree) instead of the Persian kā-lo-ri.
Dropping the 'r' in 'por'.
Misplacing the stress on the first syllable.
Merging the two words without the vowel connection in fast speech.
Over-emphasizing the 'o' in 'por' like a long 'oo'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to recognize if you know 'por' and the loanword 'kalori'.

Writing 4/5

Requires correct spelling of the loanword part 'kalori'.

Speaking 3/5

Natural flow of compound adjectives takes a bit of practice.

Listening 2/5

Very distinct sound, easy to pick out in conversation.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

پر (Full) غذا (Food) خوردن (To eat) سالم (Healthy) چاق (Fat)

Learn Next

متابولیسم (Metabolism) کربوهیدرات (Carbohydrate) چربی (Fat) پروتئین (Protein) ویتامین (Vitamin)

Advanced

تراکم انرژی (Energy density) شاخص گلوکز (Glycemic index) سوخت‌وساز (Metabolism/Burn and build) ارزش غذایی (Nutritional value) تغذیه بالینی (Clinical nutrition)

Grammar to Know

Ezafe Construction

غذا (Ghazā) + -ye + پرتکالری (Por-kālori) = غذای پرتکالری

Comparative Suffix -tar

این پیتزا از آن ساندویچ پرتکالری‌تر است.

Superlative Suffix -tarin

این پرتکالری‌ترین غذای منو است.

Compound Adjective Formation

Prefix 'por-' (full) combined with a noun 'kālori' to create an adjective.

Adjective Placement

In Persian, the adjective 'پرتکالری' follows the noun 'شکلات'.

Examples by Level

این بستنی پرتکالری است.

This ice cream is high-calorie.

Simple Subject + Adjective + Verb (ast).

کیک پرتکالری نخور.

Don't eat high-calorie cake.

Imperative negative verb.

پنیر پرتکالری است؟

Is cheese high-calorie?

Simple question structure.

من غذای پرتکالری دوست دارم.

I like high-calorie food.

Direct object with Ezafe.

سیب‌زمینی پرتکالری است.

Potatoes are high-calorie.

Noun + Adjective + Verb.

آیا این شیر پرتکالری است؟

Is this milk high-calorie?

Question with 'aya'.

شکلات خیلی پرتکالری است.

Chocolate is very high-calorie.

Adverb 'kheyli' modifying the adjective.

نان پرتکالری نیست.

Bread is not high-calorie.

Negative verb 'nist'.

من همیشه غذاهای پرتکالری می‌خورم.

I always eat high-calorie foods.

Present continuous/habitual tense.

این ساندویچ خیلی پرتکالری به نظر می‌رسد.

This sandwich looks very high-calorie.

Compound verb 'be nazar residan'.

آیا میوه‌ها هم پرتکالری هستند؟

Are fruits also high-calorie?

Plural subject and verb.

پیتزا یک غذای پرتکالری و خوشمزه است.

Pizza is a high-calorie and delicious food.

Two adjectives connected by 'va'.

نباید میان‌وعده‌های پرتکالری بخوریم.

We shouldn't eat high-calorie snacks.

Modal verb 'nabāyad'.

کره یک ماده غذایی پرتکالری است.

Butter is a high-calorie food item.

Formal noun phrase.

این نوشابه اصلاً پرتکالری نیست.

This soda is not high-calorie at all.

Adverb 'aslan' with negative verb.

چرا این غذا اینقدر پرتکالری است؟

Why is this food so high-calorie?

Question word 'cherā'.

بسیاری از غذاهای سنتی ایرانی پرتکالری هستند.

Many traditional Iranian foods are high-calorie.

Subject-verb agreement with plural noun.

ورزشکاران به رژیم‌های غذایی پرتکالری نیاز دارند.

Athletes need high-calorie diets.

Preposition 'be' used with 'niyāz dāštan'.

اگر می‌خواهید وزن کم کنید، از مصرف مواد پرتکالری پرهیز کنید.

If you want to lose weight, avoid consuming high-calorie substances.

Conditional sentence with imperative.

آجیل‌ها با وجود اینکه پرتکالری هستند، برای سلامتی مفیدند.

Nuts, despite being high-calorie, are beneficial for health.

Concessive clause with 'bā vojud-e inke'.

این دسر از آن چیزی که فکر می‌کردم پرتکالری‌تر است.

This dessert is higher in calories than I thought.

Comparative form with '-tar'.

متخصص تغذیه به من گفت که غذاهای پرتکالری نخورم.

The nutritionist told me not to eat high-calorie foods.

Subjunctive mood in reported speech.

روغن‌های گیاهی هم می‌توانند پرتکالری باشند.

Vegetable oils can also be high-calorie.

Modal verb 'tavānestan'.

او به دنبال یک جایگزین برای تنقلات پرتکالری است.

She is looking for a substitute for high-calorie snacks.

Present progressive tense.

مصرف مداوم نوشیدنی‌های پرتکالری ریسک دیابت را افزایش می‌دهد.

Constant consumption of high-calorie drinks increases the risk of diabetes.

Formal vocabulary and complex subject.

در دوران حجم، بدنسازان از مکمل‌های پرتکالری استفاده می‌کنند.

During the bulking phase, bodybuilders use high-calorie supplements.

Technical terminology (bulking).

این رستوران گزینه‌های پرتکالری زیادی در منوی خود دارد.

This restaurant has many high-calorie options on its menu.

Possessive structure 'dar menu-ye khod'.

والدین باید مراقب مصرف خوراکی‌های پرتکالری توسط کودکان باشند.

Parents should be careful about the consumption of high-calorie snacks by children.

Passive-like construction with 'tavasot-e'.

آیا می‌دانستید که برخی سبزیجات نشاسته‌ای پرتکالری هستند؟

Did you know that some starchy vegetables are high-calorie?

Interrogative with past tense 'midānestid'.

غذاهای فرآوری شده معمولاً بسیار پرتکالری و کم‌ارزش هستند.

Processed foods are usually very high-calorie and low-value.

Adverb 'ma'mulan' and compound adjectives.

او ترجیح می‌دهد به جای وعده‌های پرتکالری، سالاد بخورد.

He prefers to eat salad instead of high-calorie meals.

Preference structure 'tarjih dādan be jā-ye'.

برچسب‌های مواد غذایی باید میزان پرتکالری بودن محصول را نشان دهند.

Food labels should show how high-calorie the product is.

Abstract noun formation with '-budan'.

رابطه مستقیمی بین فقر و مصرف کربوهیدرات‌های پرتکالری وجود دارد.

There is a direct relationship between poverty and the consumption of high-calorie carbohydrates.

Academic register and abstract concepts.

تغییر سبک زندگی به سمت غذاهای پرتکالری یک بحران جهانی است.

The lifestyle shift towards high-calorie foods is a global crisis.

Complex noun phrase as subject.

پژوهش‌ها نشان می‌دهند که رژیم‌های پرتکالری بر عملکرد مغز تأثیر می‌گذارند.

Research shows that high-calorie diets affect brain function.

Scientific reporting style.

بسیاری از سس‌های تجاری به طرز فریبنده‌ای پرتکالری هستند.

Many commercial sauces are deceptively high-calorie.

Adverbial phrase 'be tarz-e faribandeh-i'.

دسترسی آسان به فست‌فودهای پرتکالری منجر به چاقی مفرط شده است.

Easy access to high-calorie fast foods has led to morbid obesity.

Resultative structure 'monjar be ... šode ast'.

در جوامع مدرن، غذاهای پرتکالری ارزان‌تر از مواد غذایی تازه هستند.

In modern societies, high-calorie foods are cheaper than fresh produce.

Comparative adjectives in social context.

تعدیل مصرف چربی‌های پرتکالری برای بیماران قلبی حیاتی است.

Moderating the intake of high-calorie fats is vital for heart patients.

Gerund-like noun 'ta'dil' (moderating).

این مقاله به بررسی اثرات فیزیولوژیک مواد پرتکالری می‌پردازد.

This article examines the physiological effects of high-calorie substances.

Formal verb 'be barresi pardākhtan'.

تبلیغات هوشمندانه، کالاهای پرتکالری را به عنوان نمادهای شادی معرفی می‌کنند.

Clever advertising presents high-calorie goods as symbols of happiness.

Sociopolitical analysis register.

پارادوکس وفور نعمت در عصر حاضر، در دسترس بودن بی‌حد غذاهای پرتکالری است.

The paradox of plenty in the present era is the unlimited availability of high-calorie foods.

Philosophical/Abstract terminology.

سیاست‌های مالیاتی بر محصولات پرتکالری می‌تواند به سلامت عمومی کمک کند.

Tax policies on high-calorie products can aid public health.

Policy-oriented language.

تراکم بالای انرژی در مواد پرتکالری، سیستم پاداش مغز را تحریک می‌کند.

The high energy density in high-calorie substances stimulates the brain's reward system.

Neuroscientific terminology.

چالش اصلی، جایگزینی عادات غذایی پرتکالری با الگوهای پایدارتر است.

The main challenge is replacing high-calorie eating habits with more sustainable patterns.

Infinitive as subject/complement.

صنعت غذا با مهندسی معکوس، محصولات پرتکالری اعتیادآوری تولید کرده است.

The food industry has produced addictive high-calorie products through reverse engineering.

Advanced industrial vocabulary.

پیامدهای اپیدمیولوژیک رژیم‌های پرتکالری در کشورهای در حال توسعه مشهود است.

The epidemiological consequences of high-calorie diets are evident in developing countries.

High-level medical/social register.

ضرورت بازنگری در استانداردهای تولید مواد پرتکالری بیش از پیش احساس می‌شود.

The necessity of revising high-calorie production standards is felt more than ever.

Passive construction with 'ehsās šodan'.

Common Collocations

غذای پرتکالری

رژیم پرتکالری

میان‌وعده پرتکالری

نوشیدنی پرتکالری

بسیار پرتکالری

مواد پرتکالری

خوراکی‌های پرتکالری

بیش از حد پرتکالری

بمب پرتکالری

ترکیبات پرتکالری

Common Phrases

دوری از غذاهای پرتکالری

— Avoiding high-calorie foods. Common advice in health blogs.

دوری از غذاهای پرتکالری اولین قدم برای لاغری است.

جایگزین کردن مواد پرتکالری

— Replacing high-calorie ingredients. Used in cooking tips.

او شروع به جایگزین کردن مواد پرتکالری کرد.

عوارض رژیم پرتکالری

— Side effects of a high-calorie diet. Medical context.

عوارض رژیم پرتکالری برای کبد مضر است.

لیست غذاهای پرتکالری

— List of high-calorie foods. Found in fitness plans.

یک لیست از غذاهای پرتکالری تهیه کردم.

فریب غذاهای پرتکالری را نخورید

— Don't be fooled by high-calorie foods. Advertising warning.

فریب ظاهر خوشمزه غذاهای پرتکالری را نخورید.

پرتکالری اما سالم

— High-calorie but healthy. Used for things like avocado or nuts.

روغن زیتون پرتکالری اما سالم است.

کنترل کالری‌های پرتکالری

— Controlling high calories. Common in weight management.

او در کنترل کالری‌های پرتکالری مهارت دارد.

وعده غذایی پرتکالری

— A high-calorie meal. Standard description.

شام یک وعده غذایی پرتکالری بود.

مصرف تنقلات پرتکالری

— Consuming high-calorie snacks. Behavioral health context.

مصرف تنقلات پرتکالری در شب مضر است.

شناخت مواد پرتکالری

— Recognizing high-calorie substances. Educational context.

شناخت مواد پرتکالری برای بیماران ضروری است.

Often Confused With

پرتکالری vs چرب (Charb)

Charb means fatty. While many high-calorie foods are fatty, some (like sugary drinks) are high-calorie but not fatty.

پرتکالری vs سنگین (Sangin)

Sangin means heavy. It describes how you feel after eating. A high-calorie snack like a handful of nuts is not 'sangin' but it is 'por-kālori'.

پرتکالری vs مقوی (Moqavvi)

Moqavvi means nutritious. High-calorie junk food is NOT moqavvi, but high-calorie nuts ARE moqavvi.

Idioms & Expressions

"شکم‌چرانی با غذاهای پرتکالری"

— Feasting or overindulging on rich foods.

آنها تمام شب را به شکم‌چرانی با غذاهای پرتکالری گذراندند.

Informal

"بمب انرژی"

— Literal 'energy bomb', often used for very high-calorie snacks that give a quick boost.

این خرما و ارده یک بمب انرژی است.

Colloquial

"چاق و چله شدن"

— To become plump/fat, often linked to eating high-calorie food.

با این غذاهای پرتکالری، داری چاق و چله می‌شوی!

Informal

"دل را زدن"

— When something is so rich/high-calorie that it makes you feel slightly nauseous or tired of it.

این شیرینی خیلی پرتکالری است و زود دل را می‌زند.

Colloquial

"آب هم می‌خورد چاق می‌شود"

— Used for someone who gains weight easily, even without high-calorie food.

بیچاره حتی اگر غذاهای پرتکالری هم نخورد، باز چاق می‌شود.

Informal

"پوست و استخوان"

— Skin and bones; someone who needs a high-calorie diet.

او پوست و استخوان شده، باید غذاهای پرتکالری بخورد.

Informal

"سفره رنگین"

— A colorful/rich table, usually implying many high-calorie traditional dishes.

سفره رنگین ایرانی همیشه پر از غذاهای پرتکالری است.

Literary

"از دهان افتادن"

— To lose its appeal (usually because it got cold), often said of high-calorie fried foods.

سیب‌زمینی پرتکالری اگر سرد شود از دهان می‌افتد.

Colloquial

"دستی دستی خود را چاق کردن"

— To intentionally or carelessly make oneself fat by eating high-calorie food.

با خوردن این همه سس، داری دستی دستی خودت را چاق می‌کنی.

Informal

"جون گرفتن"

— To regain strength/weight, usually by eating high-calorie food.

باید کمی غذای پرتکالری بخوری تا جون بگیری.

Colloquial

Easily Confused

پرتکالری vs پرانرژی

Both words relate to energy.

Por-enerzhi is often used for people or the 'vibe' of a food, while por-kalori is a technical measure of heat energy.

او یک آدم پرانرژی است. (He is an energetic person.)

پرتکالری vs چاق‌کننده

High calories lead to weight gain.

Chāq-konande is a colloquial observation of the result, while por-kalori is the scientific cause.

این نان خیلی چاق‌کننده است.

پرتکالری vs شیرین

Sweets are usually high in calories.

Shirin refers to taste (sweet), whereas por-kalori refers to energy density.

این خرما هم شیرین است و هم پرتکالری.

پرتکالری vs حجیم

Large meals are often high-calorie.

Hajim means voluminous. You can have a hajim salad that is low-calorie.

این سالاد خیلی حجیم اما کم‌کالری است.

پرتکالری vs غنی

Both imply 'having a lot of'.

Ghani (rich) usually refers to vitamins or minerals, while por-kalori refers specifically to calories.

شیر غنی از کلسیم است.

Sentence Patterns

[Noun] [Adjective] ast.

این کیک پرتکالری است.

Man [Noun]-e [Adjective] mikhoram.

من غذای پرتکالری می‌خورم.

[Noun] az [Noun] [Adjective]-tar ast.

کره از شیر پرتکالری‌تر است.

Nabāyad [Noun]-e [Adjective] masraf kard.

نباید مواد پرتکالری مصرف کرد.

Masraf-e [Adjective] monjar be [Noun] mišavad.

مصرف غذاهای پرتکالری منجر به چاقی می‌شود.

Payaamad-haye [Adjective] dar derāz-moddat...

پیامدهای رژیم‌های پرتکالری در درازمدت نگران‌کننده است.

Ba vojud-e inke [Adjective] ast, [Adjective] ast.

با وجود اینکه پرتکالری است، مفید است.

In [Noun] [Adverb] [Adjective] ast.

این ساندویچ خیلی پرتکالری است.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Common in urban settings, health media, and fitness circles.

Common Mistakes

Saying 'Ghazā-ye por az kālori'. → Ghazā-ye por-kālori.
While 'por az' means 'full of', 'por-kālori' is the standard compound adjective for 'high-calorie'.
Using 'por-kālori' to describe an energetic person. → Por-enerzhi.
'Por-kālori' refers strictly to nutritional energy density, not human personality or activity levels.
Spelling 'kalori' as 'qālori'. → کالری (kālori).
Loanwords from French/English starting with 'C' are almost always spelled with 'Kāf' (ک) in Persian, not 'Qāf' (ق).
Confusing 'por-kālori' with 'moqavvi'. → Depends on context.
A 'por-kālori' food like soda is not 'moqavvi' (nutritious). Don't use them interchangeably.
Misplacing the stress on 'POR-kalori'. → por-kalo-RI.
Persian word stress is typically on the final syllable of the adjective.

Tips

Using the Ezafe

Always remember the short 'e' sound when putting 'por-kālori' after a noun. Say 'ghazā-ye por-kālori', not 'ghazā por-kālori'.

The Power of 'Por-'

Learn the prefix 'por-'. It will help you understand dozens of other words like 'por-vitamin', 'por-rang' (colorful/dark), and 'por-shur' (salty).

Cultural Nuance

In Iran, calling a host's food 'por-kālori' might be seen as a slight critique of its healthiness. Use 'moqavvi' (nutritious) to be safer.

Stress the End

The stress in Persian adjectives is almost always on the last syllable. Practice saying 'por-ka-lo-RI'.

Healthy vs. Unhealthy

You can use 'por-kālori' for both. To specify, add 'salem' (healthy) or 'mozerr' (harmful).

Listen for 'Kam'

Speakers often compare 'por-kālori' with 'kam-kālori'. Training your ear to hear the difference between 'p' and 'k' at the start of these words is vital.

Loanword Spelling

The word 'kalori' is spelled with 'kāf' (ک), 'ālef' (ا), 'lām' (ل), 're' (ر), and 'ye' (ی). It's very consistent.

Comparative Form

Use 'por-kāloritar' when you are at a restaurant trying to decide between two dishes. It sounds very natural.

The 'Pour' Mnemonic

Associate 'por' with 'pouring' a lot of energy into a dish. It makes the connection to 'high' or 'full' easy.

Fitness Slang

If you are in a gym, you might hear 'hajm-giri' (bulking). 'Por-kālori' is the most important word in that context.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'POUR' of 'CALORIES'. When you POUR too much oil or sugar, the food becomes POR-KALORI.

Visual Association

Imagine a giant battery (energy) overflowing with butter and sugar. The battery is 'por' (full) of 'kalori'.

Word Web

Ghazā (Food) Charbi (Fat) Shirin (Sweet) Varzesh (Exercise) Vazn (Weight) Salamati (Health) Dastur-e Pokht (Recipe) Resturān (Restaurant)

Challenge

Try to label five items in your fridge today as 'por-kālori' or 'kam-kālori'. Say the Persian word out loud each time you open the door.

Word Origin

A compound of the Persian word 'por' (full/much) and the loanword 'kalori' (calorie). 'Por' has roots in Middle Persian 'purr' and Old Persian 'paru-', cognate with English 'full'. 'Kalori' entered Persian via French 'calorie' in the 20th century.

Original meaning: Full of units of heat energy.

Indo-European (Persian) + Romance/Latin (French/Calorie).

Cultural Context

Be careful when using this word to describe someone's home cooking; it might be interpreted as a criticism of their health standards. Use 'moqavvi' (nutritious) instead to be polite.

In English, 'high-calorie' often has a negative 'junk food' connotation. In Persian, it is more neutral and can be used for healthy but dense foods like nuts.

Health segments on 'Salamat' TV channel. Persian fitness influencers on Instagram discussing 'hajm' (bulk). Nutrition labels mandated by the Iranian Food and Drug Administration.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At a Restaurant

کدام غذا کم‌کالری است؟
این سس پرتکالری است؟
من غذای پرتکالری نمی‌خورم.
لطفاً یک گزینه کم‌کالری پیشنهاد دهید.

At the Gym

برای حجم چی بخورم؟
یک معجون پرتکالری می‌خوام.
کالری این پروتئین چقدره؟
غذاهای پرتکالری برای عضله‌سازی.

Medical Checkup

رژیم غذایی من باید چطور باشد؟
از مواد پرتکالری پرهیز کنید.
قند خونم با غذاهای پرتکالری بالا می‌رود.
آیا این دارو با غذای پرتکالری تداخل دارد؟

Grocery Shopping

روی برچسب چی نوشته؟
این پنیر خیلی پرتکالریه.
دنبال شیر کم‌کالری می‌گردم.
ترکیبات پرتکالری‌اش زیاده.

Cooking at Home

چطور کالری غذا را کم کنیم؟
این روغن خیلی پرتکالریه.
می‌خوام یک شام سبک درست کنم.
جایگزین پرتکالری برای خامه چیه؟

Conversation Starters

"آیا به نظرت غذاهای ایرانی خیلی پرتکالری هستند؟ (Do you think Iranian foods are very high-calorie?)"

"تو ترجیح می‌دی غذای خوشمزه و پرتکالری بخوری یا غذای سالم و کم‌کالری؟ (Do you prefer delicious high-calorie food or healthy low-calorie food?)"

"بهترین میان‌وعده پرتکالری برای قبل از ورزش چیه؟ (What is the best high-calorie snack for before exercise?)"

"چطور می‌شه توی رستوران از خوردن غذاهای خیلی پرتکالری جلوگیری کرد؟ (How can one avoid eating very high-calorie foods in a restaurant?)"

"آیا بچه‌ها باید مواد غذایی پرتکالری مصرف کنند؟ (Should children consume high-calorie food items?)"

Journal Prompts

امروز چه غذاهای پرتکالری‌ای خوردی؟ بنویس که آیا از خوردنشان پشیمانی یا نه. (What high-calorie foods did you eat today? Write about whether you regret it or not.)

درباره تفاوت نگاه نسل قدیم و جدید ایران به غذاهای پرتکالری تحقیق کن و بنویس. (Research and write about the difference in perspective between the old and new generations in Iran regarding high-calorie foods.)

اگر بخواهی یک رژیم غذایی سالم اما پرتکالری برای یک ورزشکار بنویسی، چه غذاهایی را انتخاب می‌کنی؟ (If you wanted to write a healthy but high-calorie diet for an athlete, what foods would you choose?)

توصیف کن که یک روز بدون هیچ غذای پرتکالری چطور خواهد بود. (Describe what a day without any high-calorie food would be like.)

آیا فکر می‌کنی دولت باید بر روی محصولات پرتکالری مالیات بیشتری وضع کند؟ چرا؟ (Do you think the government should impose more taxes on high-calorie products? Why?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, it depends on the context. For athletes or people who are underweight, 'por-kālori' foods are necessary and beneficial. For someone trying to lose weight, they should be limited.

The opposite is 'کم‌کالری' (kam-kālori). You just swap the prefix 'por' (high) with 'kam' (low).

No, it is only used for food, drinks, or diets. To describe an energetic person, use 'پرانرژی' (por-enerzhi).

It is neutral. You can use it in a scientific paper, a doctor's office, or with friends at a cafe.

'Por-kālori' measures energy, while 'charb' measures fat content. A soda is high-calorie but not fatty.

Yes, it's a compound of the Persian 'por' and the French loanword 'kalori'.

It is spelled 'پرتکالری'. Make sure not to put a space between 'por' and 'kalori', though sometimes you might see a half-space (z-v-n-j).

As an adjective, no. But if you use it as a noun (meaning 'high-calorie things'), you can say 'پرتکالری‌ها'.

Yes! Foods like walnuts, avocados, and olive oil are often described as 'پرتکالری و سالم' (high-calorie and healthy).

Add '-tar' to the end: 'پرتکالری‌تر' (por-kāloritar), meaning 'higher in calories'.