haft

Haft is a term with several distinct meanings in different languages and contexts. In Persian, haft (هفت) is the number seven and forms the semantic basis for seven-related expressions and numerals. In Turkish, hafta means a week and is commonly used in calendar and scheduling contexts. Although the two uses share a common root in the general seven-day cycle, they represent separate words with distinct meanings.

In English, haft refers to the handle of a blade or tool, such as the haft of a knife, axe, or spear. This noun comes from Old English haft, meaning the handle or grip, and is not related to the numerical senses found in Persian or Turkish.

Haft also appears as a proper name in various cultures. It can function as a surname or as part of transliterated place names in regions influenced by Persian, Turkish, or related linguistic traditions. As a term in English-language reference works, haft is typically defined by its meaning as a tool handle rather than as a geographic or cultural concept.

Because Haft encompasses multiple, unrelated meanings across languages, clarity in context is important when the term appears in text. See also related terms such as haft, haft-e, or hafta in different linguistic traditions to distinguish between the seven and the handle senses.