Definition

Noun: 1. An Iranian language: Pashtu (also spelled Pashto) is an Eastern Iranian language. It is one of the two official languages of Afghanistan and is also widely spoken in parts of Pakistan.

Usage

• Pashtu is used as the name of the language itself. It refers to the linguistic system, including its grammar, vocabulary, and scripts (it is typically written in a modified Arabic script).

Examples

• Noun:
  • She is learning to speak Pashtu.
  • Pashtu has a rich tradition of poetry and folklore.
  • The government issued the statement in both Dari and Pashtu.

Advanced Usage

• "Pashtu-speaking": Used as a compound adjective to describe people or regions.
  • He comes from a Pashtu-speaking province.

Variants and Related Words

• Pashto: The most common alternate spelling for the language.
• Afghani: This is not a synonym for the Pashtu language. "Afghani" primarily refers to the currency of Afghanistan. The demonym for a person from Afghanistan is "Afghan."
• Pashtun (noun), Pashtun (adj): Refers to the ethnic group who are the primary native speakers of Pashtu. The language is named after this group.
  • The Pashtun people have a strong cultural identity.

Synonyms

• Pashto: The direct synonym and alternate name for the language.
• Afghan Persian: This is incorrect and a common misconception. "Afghan Persian" typically refers to Dari, the other official language of Afghanistan, not Pashtu.

Notes on Meaning

• It is important to distinguish Pashtu (the language) from Pashtun (the ethnic group). While closely related, they are different words.
• Pashtu is not mutually intelligible with Dari (Afghan Persian), though many Afghans are bilingual.

Noun

1. an Iranian language spoken in Afghanistan and Pakistan; the official language of Afghanistan