Fan in Different Languages
Discover 'Fan' in 134 Languages: Dive into Translations, Hear Pronunciations, and Uncover Cultural Insights.
Updated on March 6, 2024
The word 'fan' holds a significant place in our daily lives, often representing our passions and interests. From sports to entertainment, fans are the driving force behind the energy and excitement that fuels our favorite pastimes. But did you know that the word 'fan' has been adopted by many cultures and languages around the world?
In Spanish, for example, the word for fan is 'ventilador,' which literally translates to 'air mover.' In French, it's 'ventilateur' as well, reflecting the language's similarities with Spanish. Meanwhile, in German, the word for fan is 'Ventilator,' which is almost identical to its English counterpart.
Understanding the translation of the word 'fan' in different languages can provide insight into the cultural nuances and linguistic differences that make each language unique. It can also help facilitate communication and connection with people from different backgrounds and cultures.
So, whether you're a sports fanatic, a music enthusiast, or simply curious about language and culture, exploring the translations of the word 'fan' is a fascinating journey that can lead to a greater appreciation for the world around us.
Fan
Fan in Sub-Saharan African Languages
| Afrikaans | waaier | ||
| Despite sharing an origin with the English word "wafer," "waaier" also refers to a fan-like palm leaf in Afrikaans. | |||
| Amharic | አድናቂ | ||
| The word "አድናቂ" also means "disciple" or "follower" in certain contexts. | |||
| Hausa | fan | ||
| In Hausa, "fan" can also refer to a broom, whisk, or the leaf of a fan palm. | |||
| Igbo | onye ofufe | ||
| The Igbo word "onye ofufe" literally translates to "one who moves air." | |||
| Malagasy | mpankafy | ||
| "Mpankafy" is also used to refer to a group of people who share a common interest or goal. | |||
| Nyanja (Chichewa) | zimakupiza | ||
| The word "zimakupiza" is also used informally to refer to the act of moving back and forth. | |||
| Shona | fan | ||
| In Shona, the word "fan" can also mean "a person who is devoted to a particular activity or person" or "a group of people who share a common interest". | |||
| Somali | taageere | ||
| This word is also used metaphorically to mean 'supporter' (of a political party, sports team, etc.) | |||
| Sesotho | fene | ||
| "Fene" also means "to flutter" and derives from the Proto-Bantu word "*pun-kɔ, to blow on" | |||
| Swahili | shabiki | ||
| The word "shabiki" in Swahili also means "one who supports" or "a follower". | |||
| Xhosa | fan | ||
| The Xhosa word "fan" can also mean "love" or "crush". | |||
| Yoruba | alafẹfẹ | ||
| In Ijebu Yoruba, the word "alafẹfẹ" also means "the wind that blows". | |||
| Zulu | fan | ||
| In Zulu, "fan" refers not only to a device that generates air flow, but also to a type of bird. | |||
| Bambara | fifalan | ||
| Ewe | papa | ||
| Kinyarwanda | umufana | ||
| Lingala | ventilateur | ||
| Luganda | ekiwujjo | ||
| Sepedi | mothekgi | ||
| Twi (Akan) | papa | ||
Fan in North African & Middle Eastern Languages
| Arabic | معجب | ||
| The Arabic word "معجب" (fan) has the alternate meaning of "one who is arrogant and self-satisfied." | |||
| Hebrew | אוהד | ||
| The word "אוהד" in Hebrew can share its root with the word "אוהד" meaning "to help" while also having the connotation of "loving" from the word "אהבה." | |||
| Pashto | فین | ||
| The Pashto word "فین" also means "wing" or "feather". | |||
| Arabic | معجب | ||
| The Arabic word "معجب" (fan) has the alternate meaning of "one who is arrogant and self-satisfied." | |||
Fan in Western European Languages
| Albanian | tifoz | ||
| The word "tifoz" derives from Italian "tifosi" and was brought to Albania by Italian immigrants in the 20th century. | |||
| Basque | zalea | ||
| The Basque word "zalea" is derived from the verb "zale" meaning to like or to be fond of, and is related to the word "zaila" meaning difficult or hard to please. | |||
| Catalan | ventilador | ||
| Catalan word "ventilador" is also used figuratively to mean a gossipy person. | |||
| Croatian | ventilator | ||
| The Croatian word ventilator (fan) comes from the Latin word ventilare, which means "to fan" or "to winnow." | |||
| Danish | ventilator | ||
| In Danish, "ventilator" refers to a mechanical device used for artificial respiration, while "fan" translates to "vifte" or "blæser". | |||
| Dutch | ventilator | ||
| In Dutch, "ventilator" can also mean a "respirator", a device that helps people breathe. | |||
| English | fan | ||
| The word 'fan' initially described an object that served to cool or fan air, derived from the Latin word 'vannus' meaning 'winnowing basket'. | |||
| French | ventilateur | ||
| The French word for fan, ventilateur comes from Latin and can also refer to something that provides fresh or cool breath, like a respirator | |||
| Frisian | fan | ||
| The Frisian word "fan" is cognate with the English word "fang" and originally meant "to catch" or "to grip". | |||
| Galician | abanico | ||
| The Galician word "abanico" also means "window" and is related to the Spanish word "abanico" (fan) in both etymology and meaning. | |||
| German | ventilator | ||
| In German, "Ventilator" also means "respirator" in a medical context. | |||
| Icelandic | aðdáandi | ||
| The Icelandic word 'aðdáandi' has its roots in the word 'aðdá,' which meant 'admiration' or 'adoration' in Old Norse. | |||
| Irish | lucht leanúna | ||
| The word "lucht leanúna" also means "followers" or "supporters" in more general terms. | |||
| Italian | fan | ||
| In Italian, "fan" can also mean "mud" or "slurry," derived from the Latin word "fannum." | |||
| Luxembourgish | fan | ||
| The word "Fan" in Luxembourgish can also refer to the "van" of a car or truck. | |||
| Maltese | fann | ||
| Fann is related to 'fin' in Dutch and German, and it used to mean 'fin' or 'tail' in Maltese. | |||
| Norwegian | fan | ||
| In Norwegian, "fan" can also mean "devil". | |||
| Portuguese (Portugal, Brazil) | ventilador | ||
| The word "ventilador" in Portuguese can also refer to a ventilator or respirator, a device used to assist breathing. | |||
| Scots Gaelic | fan | ||
| The Scots Gaelic word "fan" is derived from "fanasg" or "fanas", both meaning "a shelter". | |||
| Spanish | ventilador | ||
| "Ventilador" means "fan" in Spanish, but it also means "ventilator" in the medical context. | |||
| Swedish | fläkt | ||
| It is etymologically related to the German word "flackern" which means "to flicker" and the English word "flutter". | |||
| Welsh | ffan | ||
| The word "ffan" can also refer to a "vane" or a "flag" in Welsh. | |||
Fan in Eastern European Languages
| Belarusian | вентылятар | ||
| In Belarusian, the word "вентылятар" (fan) originated from the Latin word "ventus" (wind), implying the device's purpose of circulating air. | |||
| Bosnian | ventilator | ||
| In Bosnian, the word “ventilator” also refers to a device that provides mechanical ventilation to patients who cannot breathe on their own. | |||
| Bulgarian | вентилатор | ||
| The word "вентилатор" in Bulgarian can also mean a "respirator" or "ventilator" in the medical sense. | |||
| Czech | fanoušek | ||
| The word "fanoušek" is derived from the word "fanta" (phantasm) and originally referred to a person who was prone to daydreaming or idle chatter. | |||
| Estonian | fänn | ||
| "Fänn" is also used to refer to a person who is enthusiastic about something, such as a hobby, activity, or sports team. | |||
| Finnish | tuuletin | ||
| "Tuuletin" can also mean a "ventilator". | |||
| Hungarian | ventilátor | ||
| The Hungarian word "ventilátor" originally meant "wind wheel". | |||
| Latvian | ventilators | ||
| The Latvian word "ventilators" originates from the German "Ventilator" and has the same meaning in both languages. | |||
| Lithuanian | ventiliatorius | ||
| In Latin, "ventiliatorius" primarily refers to a fan or a winnowing fan used for separating grain from chaff. | |||
| Macedonian | вентилатор | ||
| The word "вентилатор" is derived from the Latin word "ventus", meaning "wind". It can also refer to a type of musical instrument, such as an accordion. | |||
| Polish | wentylator | ||
| Wentylator derives from Latin "ventus" (wind) or "ventilabrum" (winnowing fan). | |||
| Romanian | ventilator | ||
| The Romanian word "ventilator" derives from the French "ventilateur", both ultimately from the Latin "ventus" (wind), suggesting its original meaning of "air circulator". | |||
| Russian | поклонник | ||
| "Поклонник" also means "admirer", "supporter" or "worshipper" and can be used in non-entertainment contexts | |||
| Serbian | лепеза | ||
| The Serbian word "лепеза" (fan) also means "beautiful woman" in Turkish and Persian. | |||
| Slovak | ventilátor | ||
| In Slovak, "ventilátor" derives from Latin word "ventus" and originally meant "window opening," later "opening that allows fresh air in", and only with time its meaning narrowed to "fan". | |||
| Slovenian | ventilator | ||
| "Ventilator" can also refer to a "respirator" in Slovenian. | |||
| Ukrainian | вентилятор | ||
| The word "вентилятор" in Ukrainian is a cognate of the Latin word "ventus" meaning "wind" and also has the alternate meaning of "ventilate". | |||
Fan in South Asian Languages
| Bengali | ফ্যান | ||
| Did you know that the word ফ্যান (fan) can also mean 'enthusiast' or 'admirer' in English? | |||
| Gujarati | ચાહક | ||
| In Gujarati, 'ચાહક' not only means 'fan' but also refer to 'adherent', 'enthusiast', 'admirer', or 'follower'. | |||
| Hindi | पंखा | ||
| The Hindi word "पंखा" (fan) is derived from the Sanskrit word "पतितः" (fallen), referring to the falling motion of the fan's blades. | |||
| Kannada | ಅಭಿಮಾನಿ | ||
| ಅಭಿಮಾನಿ is derived from the Sanskrit word 'abhimana' meaning 'pride', 'devotion', or 'worship'. | |||
| Malayalam | ഫാൻ | ||
| The word 'ഫാൻ' can also mean 'favourite' or, in a more modern context, 'fanatic' in Malayalam. | |||
| Marathi | चाहता | ||
| The word "चाहता" also means "lover" or "admirer" in Marathi. | |||
| Nepali | प्रशंसक | ||
| In Nepali, 'प्रशंसक' can also mean 'fanatic' or 'admirer' | |||
| Punjabi | ਪੱਖਾ | ||
| The word "ਪੱਖਾ" (pakhkā) in Punjabi also means "side" or "wing" of a bird or animal. | |||
| Sinhala (Sinhalese) | රසිකයෙක් | ||
| "රසිකයෙක්" is derived from the Sanskrit word "रसिक" (rasika), meaning "one who relishes" or "one who appreciates." | |||
| Tamil | விசிறி | ||
| The word "விசிறி" also means "palm leaf" in Tamil, referring to the traditional hand-held fans made from palm leaves. | |||
| Telugu | అభిమాని | ||
| Urdu | پرستار | ||
| The word "پرستار" in Urdu can also mean "admirer" or "worshipper." | |||
Fan in East Asian Languages
| Chinese (Simplified) | 风扇 | ||
| "风扇" (fan) derives from "风" (wind) and "扇" (to move or shake), originally referring to a hand-held fan. | |||
| Chinese (Traditional) | 風扇 | ||
| The Chinese character '風' in '風扇' (fan) originally represented wind or air currents. | |||
| Japanese | ファン | ||
| The word "fan" in Japanese also means "supporter" and is used to refer to fans of sports teams, celebrities, or other groups. | |||
| Korean | 부채 | ||
| In Korean, '부채' (fan) also means a debt, originating from folding paper slips used in ancient accounting. | |||
| Mongolian | фен | ||
| The Mongolian word "фен" (fan) can also refer to a type of wind instrument, similar to a flute. | |||
| Myanmar (Burmese) | ပန်ကာ | ||
| The word "ပန်ကာ" (fan) in Myanmar (Burmese) is derived from the Sanskrit word "पङ्कः" (wheel or circle), and also means "disk", "disc", and "wheel" in Burmese. | |||
Fan in South East Asian Languages
| Indonesian | kipas | ||
| "Kipas" is the Indonesian word for "fan", but it can also refer to the traditional dance from Aceh, Indonesia. | |||
| Javanese | kipas angin | ||
| In the Javanese language, "kipas angin" also refers to a manual fan made of woven bamboo or palm leaves, traditionally used to provide relief from heat. | |||
| Khmer | កង្ហារ | ||
| The word "កង្ហារ" can also refer to a "throne" or "palanquin" in Khmer. | |||
| Lao | ພັດລົມ | ||
| Malay | kipas | ||
| "Kipas" has Javanese origins and denotes an implement for fanning that's manually operated by hand. | |||
| Thai | พัดลม | ||
| The word "พัดลม" can also refer to a type of palm-leaf fan used for traditional Thai dance performances. | |||
| Vietnamese | quạt | ||
| "Quạt" also refers to the act of using a fan and the fan-shaped part in a palm tree | |||
| Filipino (Tagalog) | tagahanga | ||
Fan in Central Asian Languages
| Azerbaijani | azarkeş | ||
| "Azarkeş" also means the one who makes you sad, disturbs you or causes trouble | |||
| Kazakh | желдеткіш | ||
| The word "желдеткіш" can also refer to a ventilation device, a bellows, or a turbine. | |||
| Kyrgyz | күйөрман | ||
| The word "күйөрман" also means "supporter" and "adherent" in Kyrgyz. | |||
| Tajik | мухлиси | ||
| The Tajik word "мухлиси" can also refer to a disciple or follower of a religious leader or teacher. | |||
| Turkmen | janköýer | ||
| Uzbek | muxlis | ||
| The word "muxlis" in Uzbek can also refer to a supporter, enthusiast, or follower specifically in a religious or cultural context. | |||
| Uyghur | مەستانى | ||
Fan in Pacific Languages
| Hawaiian | kānana | ||
| Hawaiian word "kānana" also means "to spread out" and is the likely root of "kanaka". | |||
| Maori | pā | ||
| The word "pā" in Maori can also mean a fortified village or a place of refuge. | |||
| Samoan | ili | ||
| "Ili" can also mean "wing" or "sail" | |||
| Tagalog (Filipino) | tagahanga | ||
| "Tagahanga" means both "admirer" and "fan," deriving from the verb "hangà." Its original meaning was "a person who admires someone." | |||
Fan in American Indigenous Languages
| Aymara | munataja | ||
| Guarani | pejuha | ||
Fan in International Languages
| Esperanto | ventumilo | ||
| The Esperanto word "ventumilo" originally meant "that which makes wind", but came to also mean "fan". | |||
| Latin | fan | ||
| The Latin word "fan" means "a temple" or "sacred place". | |||
Fan in Others Languages
| Greek | ανεμιστήρας | ||
| The term ανεμιστήρας also refers to a windlass (in a sailing ship) or to a windmill. From ἀνεμος meaning 'wind'. | |||
| Hmong | ntxuam | ||
| The word "ntxuam" can also refer to "wing" in Hmong. | |||
| Kurdish | perwane | ||
| The Kurdish word "perwane" is thought to be related to the Persian word "parvān" meaning "butterfly" or "moth." | |||
| Turkish | hayran | ||
| "Hayran" also means "amazed" or "surprised" and derives from the Persian word "heyran" meaning "distracted" or "bewildered". | |||
| Xhosa | fan | ||
| The Xhosa word "fan" can also mean "love" or "crush". | |||
| Yiddish | פאָכער | ||
| The Yiddish word פאָכער means 'tail' of a bird or peacock, and in the past was a synonym of 'fan' | |||
| Zulu | fan | ||
| In Zulu, "fan" refers not only to a device that generates air flow, but also to a type of bird. | |||
| Assamese | পাংখা | ||
| Aymara | munataja | ||
| Bhojpuri | पंखा | ||
| Dhivehi | ފަންކާ | ||
| Dogri | पक्खा | ||
| Filipino (Tagalog) | tagahanga | ||
| Guarani | pejuha | ||
| Ilocano | paypay | ||
| Krio | fan | ||
| Kurdish (Sorani) | هەوادار | ||
| Maithili | पंखा | ||
| Meiteilon (Manipuri) | ꯍꯨꯃꯥꯏ | ||
| Mizo | fan | ||
| Oromo | deeggaraa | ||
| Odia (Oriya) | ପ୍ରଶଂସକ | | ||
| Quechua | qatiq | ||
| Sanskrit | व्यजनम् | ||
| Tatar | җанатар | ||
| Tigrinya | ኣድናቂ | ||
| Tsonga | xiphyuphyisi | ||