Expert: Behzad - 5/1/2009

Question
Greetings Behzad,

I should like to ask about two Persian words which I am in great danger of confusing as both seem to be spelt الو.

One means “flame” and the other means “plum”. Perhaps the one meaning “plum” has a madde (long mark) on it, but I'm really not sure. Please give the exact spelling and pronunciation in both cases.

All the best, and many thanks,

Simon

Answer
Hello,
Plum is آلو pronounced a:lo:. Both vowels are long.
Flame is الو pronounced alo. Both vowels are short.
In fact, الو is not commonly used anymore; I have heard it mostly from old people. Besides, it is not very correct. Its correct form is الاو pronounced ela:v meaning a flaming fire. I have never seen anybody using it.
The commonly used word for flame is شعله pronounced sho’le.
Best regards,
behzad