Persian Words Borrowed from Turkish
Languages evolve through centuries of cultural exchange, trade, and historical interactions. Persian and Turkish, two influential languages of the Middle East and Central Asia, have shaped one another over time. This article explores common Persian words borrowed from Turkish and explains how they entered everyday Persian usage.
The Influence of Turkish on Persian
Persian–Turkish interaction intensified during the Seljuk, Ottoman, and Qajar periods. Turkish dynasties ruled Persian-speaking regions for centuries, resulting in extensive linguistic exchange. Many Turkish words entered Persian through administration, military life, clothing, and daily conversation.
Common Persian Words Borrowed from Turkish
Below are well-known Turkish-origin words that became part of modern Persian vocabulary.
آقا (Āghā) – “Mister / Sir”
Derived from the Turkish word Ağa, meaning “chief” or “lord,” this term is widely used in Persian today as a respectful form of address.
چاپ (Chāp) – “Print”
From Turkish çap, this word entered Persian with the spread of printing and publishing.
پالتو (Pālto) – “Overcoat”
Borrowed via Turkish palto, the word is commonly used in Persian to describe winter coats.
قیچی (Gheychi) – “Scissors”
This everyday Persian word comes from Turkish qayçı and refers to cutting tools.
اردک (Ordak) – “Duck”
A Turkish-origin term used in Persian to name the aquatic bird.
Persian vs Turkish Loanwords Comparison
The table below compares common Turkish words with their Persian borrowed forms to show how meaning and usage evolved.
| English Meaning | Turkish (Original) | Persian (Borrowed) | Usage in Persian |
| Mister / Sir | Ağa | آقا (Āghā) | Formal & informal address |
| Overcoat | Palto | پالتو (Pālto) | Clothing & daily use |
| Scissors | Qayçı | قیچی (Gheychi) | Household item |
| Duck | Ördek | اردک (Ordak) | Food & animals |
| Çap | چاپ (Chāp) | Publishing & media |
The Role of Turkish Loanwords in Persian
Turkish loanwords in Persian mainly reflect historical power structures, social interaction, and cultural exchange. Many of these words remain active in modern Persian, particularly in informal speech.
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Conclusion
Persian has absorbed many Turkish words through centuries of coexistence and cultural exchange. These loanwords offer valuable insight into the shared history of Persian and Turkish societies and remain an essential part of modern Persian vocabulary.
FAQs
- Why does Persian have Turkish words? Due to centuries of political rule, trade, and cultural contact.
- Are Turkish loanwords still used in Persian? Yes, many are still common in everyday speech.
- Has Persian influenced Turkish as well? Yes, Persian heavily influenced Turkish literature and administration.
- Where can I learn Persian properly? At Danaa School through structured online courses.
