What it means
ریش (rish) is the native Persian word for beard. It refers to the facial hair growing on the chin and jaw, and is distinct from سبیل (sibil), which refers to the mustache above the upper lip. ریش appears throughout classical Persian poetry and literature, often as a symbol of dignity, old age, or masculinity. In spoken Persian, ریش is also used in colloquial expressions and idioms beyond its literal meaning.
How to use it
- ریشمو تراشیدم. (Risham-o tarâshidam.) “I shaved off my beard.”
- ریشش خیلی بلند شده. (Rishash kheyli boland shode.) “His beard has grown very long.”
- میخوام ریش بذارم. (Mikhâm rish bezâram.) “I want to grow a beard.”
- ریشو سبیلشو زد. (Risho-sibil-ash-o zad.) “He trimmed his beard and mustache.”
Cultural note
In Iranian culture, ریش carries layered social meaning. In classical Persian literature and miniature painting, a full beard often signals wisdom and seniority. In contemporary Iran, beard styles range from clean-shaven to full beard, with groomed stubble particularly fashionable among younger men. The compound phrase ریش و سبیل (rish o sibil, beard and mustache) is also used idiomatically to mean honor or reputation, as in the phrase آبروی ریش و سبیلم رفت (my honor is gone).