What it means
کمی (kami) is a native Persian word derived from کم (kam, ‘little/few’), which itself traces to Old Iranian roots. The suffix -ی (-i) here creates an adverb or noun of degree, so کمی means ‘a (small) amount of’ or ‘a little’. It works with both uncountable quantities, like کمی آب (kami âb, ‘a little water’), and as an adverb modifying adjectives or verbs, like کمی بهتره (kami behtare, ‘it’s a little better’). Its closest contrast is زیادی (ziâdi, ‘too much’) or خیلی (kheyli, ‘very/a lot’). In spoken Farsi, یه کم (ye kam) is the colloquial equivalent and is more common in casual conversation.
How to use it
- کمی صبر کن. (Kami sabr kon.) “Wait a little.”
- کمی نمک بریز. (Kami namak beriz.) “Add a little salt.”
- کمی خستهام. (Kami khastam.) “I’m a bit tired.”
- کمی گرمه اینجا. (Kami garme injâ.) “It’s a little warm here.”
Cultural note
کمی is a staple of Iranian politeness. Offering someone کمی چای (kami châi, ‘a little tea’) is a softer, more humble form of hospitality than a full pour, and declining with کمی (a little) rather than a flat refusal is considered more gracious. The word کم (kam) also appears in many Persian proverbs, reflecting a cultural appreciation for moderation, such as the saying کم بگو، درست بگو (kam begu, dorost begu, ‘say little, say it right’).