dokhtar

Dokhtar is a Persian word meaning daughter. It is used across Persian-speaking communities, including Iran, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, and in the diaspora, as a common noun for a daughter or young woman. Beyond everyday speech, the term appears in poetry, folk songs, and literature, often conveying kinship, youth, or feminine imagery. It can also function as a component in given names and in the titles of works in Persian-language contexts.

Etymology and pronunciation: The term is native to Persian and has cognates in related Iranian languages. In Persian script it is written as دختر and transliterated as dokhtar; pronunciation is roughly dokh-tar, with the 'kh' sound represented by the letter خ. Variants in transliteration exist, including forms that indicate a long vowel.

Cultural and media usage: In modern media and art, dokhtar appears in titles of films, songs, and literary works, typically signaling themes related to women, family, or youth. In everyday use it remains a standard, affectionate term rather than a formal title, and its connotations can vary with context.

Name and toponym use: Dokhtar is also found as a component in personal names and may occur in place or organizational names within Persian-speaking regions or communities, reflecting its cultural resonance.

See also: Persian language, Iranian culture, Persian poetry, daughter.