At the A1 level, you don't need to use the word 'nahif' yourself, but you might see it in simple stories. It just means 'very thin.' Imagine a person who is so thin that they look weak. Usually, at this level, you learn the word 'laqar' (لاغر) for thin. Think of 'nahif' as a special version of 'laqar' for when someone looks a bit sick or very, very old. In English, it is like saying 'frail.' If you see a picture of a tiny, thin kitten, you can say it is 'nahif.' It is a word that helps you describe things that are small and not very strong. You don't need to worry about the grammar too much; it just comes after the noun, like 'gorbeh-ye nahif' (frail cat).
For A2 learners, 'nahif' is a useful word to expand your vocabulary beyond basic adjectives. While 'laqar' is the word for someone who is thin because they exercise or eat less, 'nahif' is for someone who is thin and looks like they might get hurt easily. You can use it to describe physical things like 'dast-haye nahif' (frail hands) or 'shaneh-haye nahif' (frail shoulders). It is a good word to use when you are reading simple Persian poems or children's stories where characters are often described with more detail. Remember, it's not a word for 'skinny' in a cool way; it's more about being 'slight' or 'delicate.'
At the B1 level, you should start using 'nahif' to add variety to your descriptions. This is the level where you distinguish between neutral words and words with emotional 'coloring.' When you use 'nahif,' you are showing the listener that you understand the person or object is not just thin, but also fragile. It's an excellent word for writing essays or stories. For example, instead of saying 'the plant was small,' you can say 'the plant was nahif,' which tells the reader it might die if not cared for. You will also start to notice it in news reports about health or social issues. It is a key word for reaching an intermediate level of expression.
At the B2 level, you should be comfortable with the metaphorical uses of 'nahif.' You might describe a 'frail hope' (omidi nahif) or a 'weak argument' (estedlali nahif). At this stage, you understand that the word isn't just about physical bodies, but about anything that lacks strength or substance. You can use it in debates or formal writing to describe something that is precarious. You should also be able to recognize the difference between 'nahif' and its more literary cousins like 'nazar.' Using 'nahif' in your speech will make you sound more like a native speaker who has a good command of descriptive Persian.
For C1 learners, 'nahif' is a tool for precision. You use it to create specific moods in your writing. You might use it to describe the 'frail light of dawn' or the 'frail sound of a flute' in a poem. At this level, you are aware of the word's Arabic roots and how it has been used throughout the history of Persian literature. You can discuss the nuances between 'nahif,' 'za'if,' and 'nazar' in a literary analysis. You use the word to evoke pathos and to draw attention to the vulnerability of your subject. It becomes part of your 'literary' vocabulary, used to elevate the register of your communication.
At the C2 level, 'nahif' is used with total mastery of its connotations and historical weight. You can use it in academic papers on sociology to describe 'frail social structures' or in high-level political analysis to describe 'frail diplomatic ties.' You understand its use in classical poetry (Sufi literature) where physical thinness was a sign of spiritual intensity. You can play with the word, using it ironically or in complex metaphors. For a C2 speaker, 'nahif' is not just an adjective; it is a brushstroke that adds a specific texture of fragility and temporal beauty to their linguistic output.

نحیف em 30 segundos

  • Nahif means frail or very thin, implying a lack of physical strength or vitality.
  • It is more formal and empathetic than the common word 'laqar' (thin).
  • Commonly used to describe the elderly, sick individuals, or delicate objects like candle flames.
  • It carries a poetic and literary tone, often used to evoke sympathy in the reader.

The Persian word نحیف (pronounced as 'nahif') is a sophisticated adjective primarily used to describe someone or something that is exceptionally thin, frail, or emaciated. While the word 'laqar' (لاغر) is the standard everyday term for 'thin,' nahif carries a much deeper emotional and descriptive weight. It suggests a level of thinness that borders on fragility, often implying that the person or object is delicate, weak, or perhaps suffering from a lack of nourishment or health. In the tapestry of the Persian language, choosing nahif over 'laqar' signals to the listener that you are not just describing a physical state, but also perhaps expressing sympathy, concern, or a poetic observation of vulnerability.

Physical Description
When used for humans, it often describes the elderly or children who appear physically small and weak. It highlights the visible bones or the lack of muscle mass, creating a mental image of someone who might be easily knocked over by a strong wind.
Metaphorical Usage
Beyond the physical body, nahif can describe abstract concepts like a 'frail hope' (امیدی نحیف) or a 'weak voice' (صدایی نحیف). In these contexts, it emphasizes the precarious nature of the subject, suggesting it is on the verge of disappearing or breaking.

پیرمرد با دستانی نحیف عصایش را گرفت.
(The old man grasped his cane with frail hands.)

Historically, this word has deep roots in Persian literature. Poets often used it to describe the 'lover' who has become thin and wasted away due to the pain of separation from the beloved. In this classical context, being nahif was almost a badge of honor, representing the physical toll of spiritual or romantic devotion. In modern Iranian society, you might hear it in medical contexts, news reports about famine or poverty, or in high-quality literature and cinema where the author wants to evoke a specific sense of pathos. It is a B1 level word because while it is common enough to be recognized, its usage requires an understanding of nuance and register that goes beyond basic survival Persian.

نور نحیف شمع در باد می‌لرزید.
(The frail light of the candle flickered in the wind.)

Emotional Resonance
The word evokes a sense of protection. When we call a kitten nahif, we are signaling that it needs care and warmth. It is rarely used as an insult, unlike some other words for thinness which might imply a lack of attractiveness.

صدای نحیف کودک به سختی شنیده می‌شد.
(The child's frail voice could hardly be heard.)

گیاه نحیف در گلدان کوچک پژمرده بود.
(The frail plant had withered in the small pot.)

Using نحیف correctly involves understanding its position as an adjective in Persian grammar. Like most Persian adjectives, it typically follows the noun it modifies, connected by the 'Ezafe' (the short -e sound). For example, 'the frail body' becomes 'badan-e nahif' (بدنِ نحیف). Because it is a formal and descriptive word, it is often found in written narratives, biographies, and poetic descriptions. However, it is perfectly acceptable in spoken Persian when the speaker wants to be more precise or empathetic than the more common 'laqar'.

Attributive Usage
This is when the adjective follows the noun directly. Example: 'shakh-e nahif' (شاخه نحیف - the frail branch). This is the most common way to use the word to build a vivid image in the reader's mind.

گربه نحیف زیر باران پناه گرفته بود.
(The frail cat had taken shelter under the rain.)

Predicative Usage
When the word acts as the complement of a verb like 'to be' (budan). Example: 'U nahif ast' (او نحیف است - He is frail). This is used for making direct statements about someone's condition.

One interesting aspect of nahif is its compatibility with body parts. You will frequently see it paired with 'shaneh-ha' (shoulders), 'dast-ha' (hands), and 'chehreh' (face). A 'chehreh-ye nahif' (چهره نحیف) suggests a face that has become thin due to age or sorrow. When describing objects, it is often paired with things that are naturally thin but should be stronger, like 'sagheh' (stem) or 'tanab' (rope). If a rope is nahif, it implies it might snap at any moment.

شانه‌های نحیف او زیر بار سنگین خم شده بود.
(His frail shoulders were bent under the heavy load.)

Comparative and Superlative
While possible (nahiftar, nahiftarin), these forms are rare. Usually, if someone is 'more frail,' we might use different words or descriptive phrases, as nahif itself often implies an extreme state.

در میان کودکان، او از همه نحیف‌تر به نظر می‌رسید.
(Among the children, he seemed the most frail.)

ساقه‌های نحیف گل‌ها در طوفان شکستند.
(The frail stems of the flowers broke in the storm.)

In contemporary Iran, you are most likely to encounter نحیف in environments where language is used with precision or emotional depth. While you might not hear a teenager using it to describe a friend's new diet, you will certainly hear it on the evening news, in a doctor's office, or during a literature class. It is a word that commands a certain level of respect and attention. For instance, in social documentaries or news segments discussing humanitarian crises, reporters use nahif to describe the victims, emphasizing their vulnerability to evoke a sense of urgency and compassion in the audience.

Literature and Arts
In modern Persian novels, such as those by Sadegh Hedayat or Mahmoud Dowlatabadi, nahif is used to paint vivid portraits of characters who are beaten down by life. It serves as a visual shorthand for a character's internal struggle or social status.

نویسنده با کلماتی نحیف، دردهای بزرگ را توصیف می‌کرد.
(The writer described great pains with frail words.)

Medical and Health Contexts
Doctors and nurses use the term when discussing patients who have lost significant weight due to chronic illness. It is a more formal and clinical term than 'laqar', which can sometimes sound too casual or even insensitive in a professional setting.

Furthermore, in the world of Persian calligraphy and traditional arts, a very thin and delicate line might be described as nahif. This usage highlights the skill required to produce something so fine and fragile without breaking it. In radio broadcasts or podcasts that discuss history or philosophy, you might hear about 'the frail thread of peace' (رشته نحیف صلح) or 'the frail foundations of an empire.' In these cases, the word adds a layer of intellectual sophistication to the discourse, moving the conversation from the physical to the metaphysical.

گوینده با صدایی نحیف خبر را اعلام کرد.
(The announcer announced the news with a frail voice.)

Social Media and Blogs
While less common in casual tweets, you will find it in longer 'caption' style posts on Instagram where users share poetic reflections or personal stories about overcoming illness or observing the beauty in small, fragile things.

نوزاد نحیف در آغوش مادرش آرام گرفت.
(The frail infant found peace in its mother's arms.)

سایه نحیف درخت بر روی دیوار افتاده بود.
(The tree's frail shadow had fallen on the wall.)

One of the most common mistakes for learners of Persian is using نحیف as a direct synonym for 'laqar' (thin) in all situations. While they are related, they are not interchangeable. Using nahif to describe someone who is thin but fit and athletic would be incorrect and confusing. For example, you wouldn't call a marathon runner nahif; you would call them 'laqar' or 'tarkeh-i' (lithe). Nahif implies a lack of strength or vitality, so using it for someone healthy might sound like you are suggesting they are sickly.

Confusing with 'Barik' (باریک)
Another mistake is confusing it with 'barik', which means 'narrow' or 'slender'. 'Barik' is often used for objects like a road or a pencil, or positively for a person's waist. Nahif is almost never used as a compliment for physical beauty, whereas 'barik' can be.

غلط: او کمر نحیفی دارد (اشتباه در تمجید).
درست: او کمر باریکی دارد.
(Wrong: He/She has a frail waist. Correct: He/She has a slender waist.)

Overusing in Informal Speech
Using nahif in a casual conversation with friends might make you sound overly formal or like you are reading from a book. If you are just talking about a friend who lost a bit of weight, stick to 'laqar shodi' (you've become thin).

Learners also sometimes confuse nahif with 'za'if' (ضعیف), which means 'weak.' While they are often found together (a person can be both nahif and 'za'if'), 'za'if' refers to a lack of power or strength, while nahif refers specifically to the physical appearance of thinness and fragility. You can have a strong person who is 'za'if' in spirit, but you cannot be nahif without it being a physical or visible quality. Understanding this distinction is key to reaching a B2/C1 level of proficiency.

اشتباه: صدای او نحیف بود (وقتی منظور فقط کم‌قدرت است).
بهتر: صدای او ضعیف بود.
(Note: Use 'za'if' for volume, 'nahif' for a voice that sounds physically thin or shaky.)

Gender and Agreement
In Persian, adjectives don't change for gender, so that's easy! But remember that nahif is an Arabic loanword, and in very formal Arabic-influenced Persian, you might see plural forms, though in 99% of cases, nahif stays the same regardless of the subject.

آن‌ها بدنی نحیف داشتند.
(They had a frail body - grammatically correct in Persian.)

رنگ نحیف غروب در آسمان پیدا بود.
(The frail color of the sunset was visible in the sky.)

To truly master the concept of 'thinness' in Persian, it is helpful to compare نحیف with its synonyms and related terms. Each word has its own 'flavor' and is used in specific contexts. By understanding these differences, you can choose the exact word that fits your meaning, making your Persian sound more natural and expressive.

نحیف (Nahif) vs. لاغر (Laqar)
'Laqar' is neutral. It just means thin. 'Nahif' is emotional and descriptive. You call a diet-conscious person 'laqar,' but you call a starving child 'nahif.'
نحیف (Nahif) vs. نزار (Nazar)
'Nazar' is even more extreme and literary than 'nahif.' It often describes someone who is wasted away by sickness or grief. If 'nahif' is 'frail,' 'nazar' is 'haggard' or 'wasted.'
نحیف (Nahif) vs. استخوانی (Ostokhvani)
'Ostokhvani' literally means 'bony.' It is more of a cold, physical observation. 'Nahif' is more about the state of being, while 'ostokhvani' is about the structure of the body.

In some literary contexts, you might also see laghar-mordani (لاغرمردنی), which is a more colloquial and sometimes slightly insulting way to say someone is 'skinny and weak.' It's like saying 'scrawny' in English. Nahif, on the other hand, is always dignified. In poetry, you might encounter 'za'if-ol-bonyeh' (ضعیف‌البنیه), which is a formal compound meaning 'of weak constitution.' While nahif describes the appearance, 'za'if-ol-bonyeh' describes the underlying health condition.

او بدنی نحیف اما روحی بزرگ داشت.
(He had a frail body but a great soul.)

گلبرگ‌های نحیف در دستش پودر شدند.
(The frail petals turned to powder in his hand.)

قایق نحیف در برابر امواج تاب نیاورد.
(The frail boat could not withstand the waves.)

How Formal Is It?

Curiosidade

While many Arabic loanwords in Persian have changed meaning, 'nahif' has remained very close to its original sense, though Persian has added a layer of poetic 'pathos' to it that isn't always present in the original Arabic medical sense.

Guia de pronúncia

UK /næˈhiːf/
US /næˈhif/
The stress is on the second syllable: na-HIF.
Rima com
Latif (لطیف) Sharif (شریف) Kafif (خفیف) Zarif (ظریف) Radif (ردیف) Hanif (حنیف) Nazif (نظیف) Kasif (کثیف)
Erros comuns
  • Pronouncing the 'h' too harshly like the Persian 'kh'. It should be a soft 'h'.
  • Shortening the final 'i' sound. It must be a long 'ee' sound.
  • Putting the stress on the first syllable.
  • Confusing the 'a' sound with 'o'.
  • Missing the 'f' sound at the end.

Nível de dificuldade

Leitura 3/5

Easy to recognize in texts, but requires understanding context to differentiate from 'laqar'.

Escrita 4/5

Needs care to use in the correct formal/literary register.

Expressão oral 3/5

Not common in very casual slang, but very useful for descriptive speech.

Audição 3/5

Distinct pronunciation makes it relatively easy to catch in formal broadcasts.

O que aprender depois

Pré-requisitos

لاغر ضعیف بدن پیر بیمار

Aprenda a seguir

نزار رنجور ظریف لطیف منحط

Avançado

اضمحلال فرسودگی شکنندگی نحافت استسقاء

Gramática essencial

Ezafe Construction

بدنِ نحیف (badan-e nahif) - The frail body.

Adjective Placement

او نحیف است (u nahif ast) - Adjective comes before the verb 'to be'.

Intensifiers

بسیار نحیف (besyar nahif) - Using 'besyar' for formal intensity.

Comparative Suffix

نحیف‌تر (nahiftar) - Frailer.

Superlative Suffix

نحیف‌ترین (nahiftarin) - Frailest.

Exemplos por nível

1

او یک گربه نحیف دارد.

He has a frail cat.

Adjective follows the noun with 'e' (gorbeh-ye nahif).

2

پیرمرد نحیف است.

The old man is frail.

Predicative use with the verb 'ast' (is).

3

دستان او نحیف هستند.

His/her hands are frail.

Plural subject (dastan) with plural verb (hastand).

4

این گیاه خیلی نحیف است.

This plant is very frail.

Use of 'kheyli' (very) to modify the adjective.

5

صدای نحیف کودک را شنیدم.

I heard the child's frail voice.

Adjective modifying 'seda' (voice).

6

او بدنی نحیف دارد.

He has a frail body.

Standard noun-adjective structure.

7

پرنده نحیف در قفس بود.

The frail bird was in the cage.

Definite noun phrase.

8

شاخه نحیف درخت شکست.

The frail branch of the tree broke.

Subject of the sentence.

1

کودک نحیف به غذا نیاز داشت.

The frail child needed food.

Simple past tense verb (niyaz dasht).

2

او با انگشتان نحیفش نوشت.

He wrote with his frail fingers.

Use of possessive suffix (-ash) on the noun.

3

خرگوش نحیف در چمنزار می‌دوید.

The frail rabbit was running in the meadow.

Past progressive tense.

4

صورت او زرد و نحیف بود.

His face was pale and frail.

Two adjectives connected by 'va' (and).

5

یک سایه نحیف روی زمین بود.

There was a frail shadow on the ground.

Indefinite noun phrase (yek sayeh-ye nahif).

6

او از بیماری نحیف شده است.

He has become frail from illness.

Present perfect tense (nahif shodeh ast).

7

این طناب برای این کار نحیف است.

This rope is too frail for this job.

Prepositional phrase (baraye in kar).

8

پاهای نحیف او می‌لرزید.

His frail legs were shaking.

Plural subject with imperfect verb.

1

او با وجود جثه نحیفش، بسیار قوی بود.

Despite his frail build, he was very strong.

Use of 'ba vojud-e' (despite).

2

نور نحیف ماه راه را روشن نمی‌کرد.

The frail light of the moon didn't light the way.

Negative past tense.

3

او همیشه نگران فرزند نحیفش بود.

She was always worried about her frail child.

Adjective in a prepositional phrase.

4

پیرزن با صدایی نحیف دعا می‌کرد.

The old woman was praying with a frail voice.

Adverbial phrase of manner.

5

او در آن لباس‌های گشاد، نحیف‌تر به نظر می‌رسید.

He looked even more frail in those loose clothes.

Comparative form (nahiftar).

6

ساقه‌های نحیف گندم در باد می‌رقصیدند.

The frail stalks of wheat were dancing in the wind.

Personification in description.

7

او با دستان نحیفش گره را باز کرد.

He untied the knot with his frail hands.

Instrumental use of 'ba' (with).

8

گوزن نحیف از گله عقب مانده بود.

The frail deer had fallen behind the herd.

Past perfect tense.

1

امیدی نحیف در دلش زنده شد.

A frail hope came alive in his heart.

Metaphorical use of the adjective.

2

او با منطقی نحیف سعی در توجیه کارش داشت.

He tried to justify his action with frail logic.

Abstract noun modification.

3

ساختار نحیف این ساختمان در زلزله فرو ریخت.

The frail structure of this building collapsed in the earthquake.

Subject of a complex sentence.

4

او با صدایی نحیف اما قاطع سخن گفت.

He spoke with a frail but firm voice.

Contrast between two adjectives.

5

رشته نحیف دوستی آن‌ها به راحتی گسست.

The frail thread of their friendship broke easily.

Genitive construction (reshteh-ye nahif-e dusti).

6

او در یادداشت‌هایش از روزهای نحیف بیماری نوشت.

In his notes, he wrote about the frail days of illness.

Adjective modifying 'ruzhaye' (days).

7

شعله نحیف شمع در برابر طوفان دوام نیاورد.

The candle's frail flame did not last against the storm.

Subject in a negative sentence.

8

او با قامتی نحیف در برابر ظلم ایستاد.

With a frail stature, he stood against oppression.

Literary description of courage.

1

نویسنده با ظرافتی خاص، تنهایی نحیف قهرمان داستان را ترسیم می‌کند.

The writer, with a specific delicacy, portrays the protagonist's frail loneliness.

Complex noun phrase with abstract meaning.

2

در پس آن لبخند، حزنی نحیف و پنهان نهفته بود.

Behind that smile lay a frail and hidden sadness.

Literary word order.

3

او با انگشتانی نحیف، تار و پود خاطرات را می‌بافت.

With frail fingers, he wove the warp and weft of memories.

Highly metaphorical language.

4

پرتوی نحیف از خورشید از میان ابرها می‌گذشت.

A frail ray of sun was passing through the clouds.

Subject of a descriptive sentence.

5

او از آن حادثه، تنها جانی نحیف به در برد.

He barely escaped that incident with a frail life (barely alive).

Idiomatic expression 'jan be dar bordan'.

6

صدای نحیف نی در فضای غم‌آلود اتاق می‌پیچید.

The frail sound of the reed flute echoed in the room's sorrowful atmosphere.

Sensory description.

7

او با استدلالی نحیف سعی در فریب افکار عمومی داشت.

He tried to deceive public opinion with a frail argument.

Political/Formal context.

8

پیرمرد با گام‌هایی نحیف به سمت افق می‌رفت.

The old man was walking towards the horizon with frail steps.

Descriptive adverbial phrase.

1

در دیالکتیک قدرت، گاهی صدای نحیف حق زیر چرخ‌های استبداد له می‌شود.

In the dialectic of power, sometimes the frail voice of truth is crushed under the wheels of tyranny.

Highly academic and philosophical register.

2

او تجسم عینی یک هستی نحیف در جهان بی‌کران بود.

He was the objective embodiment of a frail existence in the infinite universe.

Existentialist terminology.

3

شاعر با استفاده از واژه «نحیف»، پارادوکسی میان ضعف جسمانی و قدرت روحانی ایجاد می‌کند.

The poet uses the word 'nahif' to create a paradox between physical weakness and spiritual power.

Literary criticism context.

4

رشته‌های نحیف همبستگی اجتماعی در بوته آزمایش قرار گرفتند.

The frail threads of social solidarity were put to the test.

Sociological metaphor.

5

او با قلمی نحیف، اما برنده، به نقد سنت‌های پوسیده پرداخت.

With a frail but sharp pen, he began to criticize decayed traditions.

Metaphor for writing style.

6

تلالو نحیف ستاره‌ای دوردست در پهنه تاریک شب می‌درخشید.

The frail shimmer of a distant star shone in the dark expanse of the night.

Astronomical/Poetic description.

7

او در میان هیاهوی جمعیت، با وقاری نحیف راه خود را می‌گشود.

Amidst the clamor of the crowd, he made his way with a frail dignity.

Complex characterization.

8

این نظریه بر پایه‌هایی نحیف و لرزان استوار است.

This theory is built on frail and shaky foundations.

Critical academic evaluation.

Sinônimos

لاغر نزار ضعیف استخوانی باریک تاریک رنجور کم‌بنیه

Antônimos

چاق تنومند قوی فربه

Colocações comuns

بدن نحیف
صدای نحیف
دستان نحیف
نور نحیف
گیاه نحیف
شاخه‌های نحیف
کودک نحیف
جثه نحیف
امید نحیف
چهره نحیف

Frases Comuns

بسیار نحیف

— Extremely frail. Used to emphasize the severity of someone's condition.

بیمار بسیار نحیف شده بود.

نحیف و رنجور

— Frail and sickly. A common pair of adjectives in literature.

او نحیف و رنجور به خانه بازگشت.

نحیف و ضعیف

— Frail and weak. Used to describe a total lack of physical power.

کودک نحیف و ضعیف بود.

با جثه‌ای نحیف

— With a frail build. Used as a descriptive phrase for characters.

مردی با جثه‌ای نحیف وارد اتاق شد.

نحیف به نظر رسیدن

— To appear frail. Used for observations.

او در آن عکس خیلی نحیف به نظر می‌رسید.

نحیف شدن

— To become frail. Describes a process of losing weight or strength.

او پس از عمل جراحی خیلی نحیف شد.

بیش از حد نحیف

— Excessively frail. Implies a dangerous level of thinness.

او بیش از حد نحیف بود.

نحیف اما مقاوم

— Frail but resilient. Used to describe inner strength.

او نحیف اما مقاوم بود.

نحیف و استخوانی

— Frail and bony. Focuses on the skeletal appearance.

پاهای نحیف و استخوانی داشت.

نحیف ماندن

— To remain frail. Used when someone doesn't gain weight or strength.

او علیرغم تغذیه خوب، نحیف ماند.

Frequentemente confundido com

نحیف vs باریک

Barik means slender or narrow. Use it for positive beauty or narrow objects. Nahif is for frailty.

نحیف vs ضعیف

Za'if means weak. You can be weak without being thin, but 'nahif' always implies thinness.

نحیف vs خفیف

Khafif means mild or slight (like a fever). It sounds similar but is used for intensity, not physical bodies.

Expressões idiomáticas

"جانِ نحیف"

— Literally 'frail soul/life'. Refers to someone who is barely hanging on to life.

او با جانی نحیف از آن معرکه گریخت.

Literary
"رشته نحیف حیات"

— The frail thread of life. A poetic way to describe the fragility of existence.

رشته نحیف حیات او در حال گسستن بود.

Poetic
"صدای نحیف وجدان"

— The frail voice of conscience. Refers to a small, ignored sense of morality.

صدای نحیف وجدانش را نشنیده گرفت.

Philosophical
"نحیف چون مو"

— As thin as a hair. Used to describe something extremely fine or precarious.

صبر او نحیف چون مو شده بود.

Literary
"نحیف و نزار گشتن"

— To become completely wasted away. Often used in classical love stories.

در فراق یار نحیف و نزار گشت.

Classical Poetry
"بنیه نحیف"

— A weak constitution. Refers to a natural tendency towards illness or fragility.

او با بنیه نحیفش نمی‌توانست کوهنوردی کند.

Formal
"نور نحیف حقیقت"

— The frail light of truth. Used when truth is hard to find or easily obscured.

در میان دروغ‌ها، نور نحیف حقیقت می‌درخشید.

Literary
"سایه نحیف از خویش"

— A frail shadow of oneself. Used when someone has changed drastically due to hardship.

او اکنون تنها سایه‌ای نحیف از خویش است.

Metaphorical
"نحیف‌دل"

— Frail-hearted. Sometimes used for someone who is emotionally delicate or easily hurt.

او انسانی نحیف‌دل و مهربان بود.

Rare/Literary
"رشته نحیف امید"

— The frail thread of hope. Similar to English 'a glimmer of hope'.

به رشته نحیف امید چنگ زده بود.

Common Literary

Fácil de confundir

نحیف vs نظیف

Sounds similar.

Nazif means 'clean' or 'neat'. Nahif means 'frail'.

لباس او نظیف بود، اما خودش نحیف به نظر می‌رسید.

نحیف vs حنیف

Rhymes perfectly.

Hanif is a name or means 'true believer'. It has nothing to do with body weight.

نام او حنیف است.

نحیف vs ظریف

Both imply delicacy.

Zarif means 'elegant', 'fine', or 'witty'. Nahif is 'frail'. You can be zarif (elegant) without being nahif (sickly thin).

او یک بشقاب ظریف چینی را با دستان نحیفش گرفت.

نحیف vs لطیف

Both imply softness/delicacy.

Latif means 'soft', 'gentle', or 'subtle'. Nahif is specifically about being thin and weak.

نسیم لطیف بر صورت نحیف او وزید.

نحیف vs لاغر

Direct synonyms in some contexts.

Laqar is the basic word for thin. Nahif adds the meaning of 'frail'.

او لاغر است (He is thin). او نحیف است (He is frail).

Padrões de frases

A2

[Noun] + [Ezafe] + نحیف + [Verb]

گربه نحیف آمد.

B1

[Subject] + خیلی + نحیف + به نظر می‌رسد

او خیلی نحیف به نظر می‌رسد.

B1

با + [Possessive Noun] + نحیف + [Verb]

با دستان نحیفش کار می‌کرد.

B2

[Abstract Noun] + [Ezafe] + نحیف

نور نحیف امید.

B2

علیرغم + [Noun] + نحیف + ...

علیرغم بدن نحیف، او شجاع بود.

C1

[Noun] + ای + نحیف + و + [Adjective]

صدایی نحیف و لرزان.

C1

در پس + [Noun] + ، + [Noun] + ای + نحیف ...

در پس خنده، غمی نحیف بود.

C2

[Metaphorical Subject] + نحیف + در برابر + ...

عدالت نحیف در برابر قدرت.

Família de palavras

Substantivos

نحافت (nahafat) - Thinness/Frailty (rarely used in common speech, mostly medical/literary).

Verbos

نحیف شدن (nahif shodan) - To become frail.
نحیف کردن (nahif kardan) - To make someone frail (rare).

Adjetivos

نحیف (nahif) - Frail/Thin.
نحیف‌تر (nahiftar) - Frailer.
نحیف‌ترین (nahiftarin) - Frailest.

Relacionado

لاغر
ضعیف
نزار
باریک
استخوانی

Como usar

frequency

Common in literature, news, and formal speech; rare in slang.

Erros comuns
  • Using 'nahif' for a slender, beautiful model. Using 'barik' or 'khosh-andām'.

    'Nahif' implies a lack of health or strength, which isn't usually the goal in fashion descriptions.

  • Pronouncing it as 'na-khif'. 'Na-hif' (soft h).

    Persian has two 'h' sounds that are pronounced similarly (soft), but 'kh' (like in Bach) is a different letter entirely.

  • Using 'nahif' to describe a small but heavy object. Using 'kuchak' (small).

    'Nahif' must imply thinness and fragility, not just small size.

  • Using 'nahif' for a person's character (e.g., a 'frail' personality). Using 'za'if-ol-nafs' or 'sost-onsor'.

    'Nahif' is almost always physical. For personality, use words related to weakness of will.

  • Confusing 'nahif' with 'khafif'. 'Nahif' for body, 'khafif' for intensity.

    You can have a 'khafif' (mild) fever, but a 'nahif' (frail) body.

Dicas

Use it in Stories

When writing a story in Persian, use 'nahif' to describe a character you want the reader to feel sorry for.

Ezafe Connection

Don't forget the 'e' sound (Ezafe) when connecting 'nahif' to a noun, like 'dast-e nahif'.

Soft H

Keep the 'h' in 'nahif' soft. If you make it too scratchy, it will sound like a different word.

Medical Use

If you are in a hospital in Iran, you might hear doctors use this word to describe patients.

Poetry Reading

When you see 'nahif' in a poem, look for themes of longing, age, or spiritual devotion nearby.

Nahif vs Nazar

Use 'nahif' for general frailty and 'nazar' for extreme, sickly wasting away.

Abstract Use

Try using 'nahif' for abstract things like 'voice' or 'hope' to sound more poetic.

Visual Cues

Associate the word with the image of a dry, thin twig that snaps easily.

Empathy

Remember that 'nahif' carries a tone of compassion, so use it when you want to be kind.

Not for Fitness

Avoid using 'nahif' for someone who is thin but athletic; use 'tarkeh-i' instead.

Memorize

Mnemônico

Think of the 'h' in 'nahif' as a sigh of a weak, 'frail' person. 'Nahif' sounds a bit like 'No-Beef'—someone who is thin because they have 'no beef' (meat) on their bones!

Associação visual

Imagine a tiny, thin leaf (which sounds like the 'if' in nahif) trembling in the wind. That trembling, thin leaf is 'nahif'.

Word Web

Frail Thin Delicate Weak Sickly Old Small Vulnerable

Desafio

Try to describe three things in your room that are 'nahif' (maybe a thread, a thin plant, or a faint light) and write a sentence for each.

Origem da palavra

The word 'نحیف' is of Arabic origin (ن ح ف). It was borrowed into Persian centuries ago and has been fully integrated into the language's literary and formal registers.

Significado original: In Arabic, 'nahif' literally means thin, slender, or lean. It specifically referred to the physical build of an animal or person.

Semitic (Arabic) borrowed into Indo-European (Persian).

Contexto cultural

While 'nahif' is respectful, always use it with empathy. Calling someone 'nahif' to their face might still be sensitive if they are struggling with their body image.

The word 'frail' is the best equivalent. 'Skinny' is too informal and can be rude, whereas 'nahif' is respectful and descriptive.

Used frequently in the works of Saadi Shirazi to describe the humble and the suffering. Appears in modern Iranian cinema (e.g., films by Abbas Kiarostami) to describe rural characters. Commonly found in the 'Shahnameh' when describing the physical toll of age on great heroes.

Pratique na vida real

Contextos reais

Medical/Health

  • بیمار نحیف
  • کاهش وزن شدید
  • ضعف جسمانی
  • تغذیه نامناسب

Literature/Poetry

  • پیکر نحیف
  • صدای نحیف نی
  • رخسار نحیف
  • امید نحیف

Nature Description

  • ساقه نحیف
  • نور نحیف خورشید
  • شاخه‌های نحیف
  • گیاه نحیف

Social Issues/News

  • کودکان نحیف
  • قحطی و گرسنگی
  • شرایط دشوار زندگی
  • کمک‌های بشردوستانه

Character Description in Stories

  • مردی نحیف و بلندقد
  • دستان نحیف و لرزان
  • چشمانی گودافتاده و صورتی نحیف
  • قامتی نحیف

Iniciadores de conversa

"آیا تا به حال کسی را دیده‌ای که خیلی نحیف باشد؟"

"به نظر تو چرا بعضی از گیاهان در آپارتمان نحیف می‌شوند؟"

"تفاوت بین 'لاغر' و 'نحیف' در چیست؟"

"چگونه می‌توان به یک کودک نحیف کمک کرد تا قوی شود؟"

"آیا در داستان‌های فارسی شخصیتی را می‌شناسی که نحیف توصیف شده باشد؟"

Temas para diário

درباره زمانی بنویس که بعد از یک بیماری احساس نحیف بودن می‌کردی.

یک پیرمرد یا پیرزن نحیف را توصیف کن که در پارک روی نیمکت نشسته است.

چگونه یک امید نحیف می‌تواند در قلب انسان زنده بماند؟

توصیفی از یک باغچه قدیمی با گل‌های نحیف بنویس.

آیا نحیف بودن همیشه به معنای ضعیف بودن است؟ نظر خود را بنویس.

Perguntas frequentes

10 perguntas

خیر، 'نحیف' کلمه‌ای توصیفی و محترمانه است. برخلاف برخی کلمات عامیانه برای لاغری، این کلمه بیشتر حس دلسوزی و مراقبت را منتقل می‌کند.

'نزار' بسیار ادبی‌تر و شدیدتر از 'نحیف' است. 'نزار' معمولاً برای کسی به کار می‌رود که از شدت بیماری یا غصه در حال از بین رفتن است.

بله، برای اشیائی که نازک و شکننده هستند، مثل 'ساقه گل' یا 'نور شمع' می‌توان از این کلمه استفاده کرد.

خیر، این کلمه ریشه عربی دارد اما قرن‌هاست که در زبان فارسی به طور گسترده استفاده می‌شود.

متضادهای اصلی آن 'تنومند'، 'قوی' و 'چاق' هستند.

تلفظ صحیح آن (na-hif) است با تأکید بر بخش دوم کلمه.

بله، اما کمتر از 'لاغر'. معمولاً وقتی می‌خواهیم بر ضعف یا ظرافت کسی تأکید کنیم از آن استفاده می‌کنیم.

معمولاً خیر. برای زیبایی از کلمات 'باریک' یا 'ظریف' استفاده می‌شود. 'نحیف' بیشتر جنبه ضعف یا شکنندگی دارد.

بله، به خصوص برای نوزاد حیوانات یا حیواناتی که مریض و ضعیف هستند.

'نحیف' به ظاهر فیزیکی (لاغری) اشاره دارد، اما 'ضعیف' به نداشتن قدرت (چه فیزیکی و چه روحی).

Teste-se 200 perguntas

writing

یک جمله بنویسید و در آن از کلمه 'نحیف' برای توصیف یک گربه استفاده کنید.

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writing

تفاوت 'لاغر' و 'نحیف' را در دو جمله توضیح دهید.

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writing

یک پاراگراف کوتاه درباره یک پیرمرد نحیف بنویسید.

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writing

چگونه می‌توان از 'نحیف' برای توصیف 'نور' استفاده کرد؟ یک مثال بنویسید.

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writing

یک جمله بنویسید که در آن 'نحیف' صفت برای 'امید' باشد.

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writing

توصیفی از یک گیاه نحیف بنویسید که به آب نیاز دارد.

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writing

جمله‌ای بنویسید که در آن 'نحیف' و 'قوی' در تضاد با هم باشند.

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writing

یک نامه کوتاه به یک دوست بنویسید و در آن از وضعیت یک حیوان نحیف بگویید.

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writing

عبارت 'رشته نحیف دوستی' را در یک جمله به کار ببرید.

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writing

یک توصیف ادبی از 'صدای نحیف' بنویسید.

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writing

جمله‌ای بنویسید که در آن شخصی به دلیل بیماری نحیف شده باشد.

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writing

از کلمه 'نحیف' برای توصیف دستان یک هنرمند استفاده کنید.

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writing

یک جمله درباره 'نور نحیف ماه' بنویسید.

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چرا نویسندگان از واژه 'نحیف' استفاده می‌کنند؟ (در یک جمله)

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یک جمله با 'نحیف‌ترین' بنویسید.

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توصیفی از 'چهره نحیف' یک شخصیت داستانی بنویسید.

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writing

جمله‌ای بنویسید که در آن 'نحیف' برای توصیف 'سایه' به کار رود.

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writing

یک جمله درباره 'نوزاد نحیف' بنویسید.

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عبارت 'قامتی نحیف' را در یک جمله به کار ببرید.

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writing

یک جمله با ترکیب 'نحیف و ضعیف' بنویسید.

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speaking

یک پیرمرد نحیف را توصیف کنید که در حال پیاده‌روی است.

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درباره اهمیت کمک به کودکان نحیف در جهان صحبت کنید.

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speaking

تفاوت بین 'لاغر' و 'نحیف' را برای یک زبان‌آموز دیگر توضیح دهید.

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speaking

یک خاطره کوتاه از زمانی که یک حیوان نحیف را نجات دادید تعریف کنید.

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speaking

چرا در شعر فارسی از کلمه 'نحیف' استفاده می‌شود؟

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speaking

توصیف کنید که یک 'نور نحیف' در تاریکی چه شکلی است.

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speaking

اگر کسی را ببینید که خیلی نحیف شده، به او چه می‌گویید؟

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speaking

درباره یک گیاه نحیف که در خانه دارید صحبت کنید.

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چگونه 'نحیف' بودن می‌تواند نشان‌دهنده پیری باشد؟

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speaking

یک جمله ادبی درباره 'صدای نحیف' بگویید.

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آیا نحیف بودن یک ویژگی مثبت است یا منفی؟ بحث کنید.

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توصیف دستان یک پیانیست پیر با کلمه 'نحیف'.

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در مورد 'امید نحیف' در شرایط سخت صحبت کنید.

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توصیف یک گربه نحیف در باران.

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speaking

چرا واژه 'نحیف' برای 'نور ماه' مناسب است؟

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جمله‌ای درباره 'سایه نحیف' یک درخت خشکیده بگویید.

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speaking

در مورد 'جثه نحیف' و 'اراده قوی' یک مثال بزنید.

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چگونه می‌توان به کسی که بدنی نحیف دارد کمک کرد؟

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speaking

یک عبارت با 'نحیف' بگویید که حس آرامش بدهد.

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توصیف 'صدای نحیف وجدان' در یک موقعیت اخلاقی.

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listening

اگر بشنوید 'او جثه نحیفی دارد'، چه تصویری در ذهن شما ساخته می‌شود؟

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listening

در یک پادکست ادبی، گوینده می‌گوید: 'امیدی نحیف'. منظور او چیست؟

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listening

اگر در اخبار بشنوید 'کودکان نحیف در قحطی'، چه واکنشی انتظار می‌رود؟

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listening

تفاوت تلفظ 'نحیف' و 'نظیف' در چیست؟

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listening

در یک فیلم، شخصیت می‌گوید: 'صدای نحیفش را شنیدم'. این صدا چگونه است؟

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listening

معنای 'نحیف' در جمله 'شاخه نحیف شکست' چیست؟

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listening

اگر پزشکی بگوید 'بیمار نحیف شده'، چه تغییری در بیمار رخ داده؟

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listening

عبارت 'نور نحیف' معمولاً برای چه زمانی از روز به کار می‌رود؟

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Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
listening

در یک شعر، 'تن نحیف' نشان‌دهنده چیست؟

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Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
listening

وقتی کسی با لحن غمگین می‌گوید 'دستان نحیفش'، چه حسی دارد؟

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Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
listening

اگر بشنوید 'رشته نحیف حیات'، یعنی چه؟

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Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
listening

کدام کلمه در جمله 'او نحیف اما مقاوم بود' تضاد ایجاد می‌کند؟

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Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
listening

منظور از 'سایه نحیف' در یک توصیف رادیویی چیست؟

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Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
listening

تفاوت 'نحیف' و 'نزار' در شنیدن چیست؟

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Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
listening

جمله 'او با قامتی نحیف ایستاد' چه چیزی را در ذهن تداعی می‌کند؟

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Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:

/ 200 correct

Perfect score!

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