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Where does the word "shah" come from? It comes from Persian shah, and was adopted directly into English (1500s).
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Where does the word "shah" come from? It comes from Persian shah, and was adopted directly into English (1500s).
Shah’s story begins in Persian: shah meant “king, emperor.” The title for the king or emperor of Persia. It reached English by 1500s as shah. Persian 'king'; 'checkmate' comes from Persian 'shāh māt', the king is helpless. Today, shah means the traditional title of the king or monarch of Iran.
- Stage 1 · Persian · ancient shah "king, emperor", the title for the king or emperor of Persia.
- Stage 2 · English · 1500s shah "the title of the former monarch of Iran", Persian 'king'; 'checkmate' comes from Persian 'shāh māt', the king is helpless.