What it means
آفتابه (âftâbe) is a spouted vessel, typically made of plastic or metal, kept in the bathroom and used for pouring water during personal hygiene. The word is native Persian; the exact composition of the word is debated among etymologists, but both major elements are of Persian stock. It is one of the most everyday objects in an Iranian home and carries no formal register: everyone says آفتابه. A close functional contrast is دوش (dush), the shower head, which replaces the âftâbe in more modernized bathrooms, though many households keep both.
How to use it
- آفتابه رو بیار اینجا. (âftâbe ro biâr injâ.) “Bring the ewer here.”
- آفتابه پر نیست. (âftâbe por nist.) “The ewer is not full.”
- یه آفتابه نو خریدم. (ye âftâbe-ye no kharidám.) “I bought a new ewer.”
- آفتابه رو گذاشتم کنار توالت. (âftâbe ro gozâshtam kenâr-e tavâlet.) “I put the ewer next to the toilet.”
Cultural note
The âftâbe has been central to Iranian bathroom culture for centuries, long before running water reached most homes. It is used for ritual purity (tahârat) in Islamic practice, which is why it remains standard even in homes with modern plumbing. Plastic versions in bright colors are sold in every Iranian household goods shop and bazaar.