AboutBehzad Expertise I can answer questions about the usage and meaning of Persian words, proverbs, and idioms asked in Persian or English. Controversial grammatical issues are beyond my knowledge. In addition, I cannot corroborate my answer to a question about newly coined slang words.
PLEASE do not ask me to translate more than 1 or 2 sentences.
Experience Persian language is my mother tongue; however, my knowledge is remarkably more than a mere native speaker.
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
