chadri: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowTechnical, Anthropological, Journalistic
Quick answer
What does “chadri” mean?
A full-length, full-body veil, worn by some Muslim women, covering the head, face and body, often with a mesh or crocheted screen over the eyes to see through.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A full-length, full-body veil, worn by some Muslim women, covering the head, face and body, often with a mesh or crocheted screen over the eyes to see through.
A specific, often blue, form of burqa prevalent in Afghanistan, representing a particular cultural and regional practice of female seclusion and modesty.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term 'chadri' is used almost exclusively in specialist contexts (anthropology, journalism on Afghanistan) in both varieties. It is not part of common vocabulary.
Connotations
Carries strong connotations of Afghan culture, the Taliban regime, and debates about women's rights and religious dress. In journalistic contexts, it is often used descriptively rather than pejoratively.
Frequency
Extremely rare in both British and American English outside specific reporting on Afghanistan or discussions of Islamic dress.
Grammar
How to Use “chadri” in a Sentence
to wear a chadrito be covered by a chadrithe imposition of the chadriVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “chadri” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The chadri-clad women moved through the market.
- It was a chadri society.
American English
- Chadri-wearing women were photographed from a distance.
- The chadri mandate was strictly enforced.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Used in anthropology, gender studies, Islamic studies, and political science papers discussing Afghan society.
Everyday
Virtually never used in casual conversation.
Technical
Precise term in dress ethnography and journalism to distinguish the Afghan garment from other veils.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “chadri”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “chadri”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “chadri”
- Using 'chadri' to refer to any headscarf or veil.
- Misspelling as 'chador' (which is a different Iranian garment).
- Pronouncing it with a /k/ sound (as in 'chart').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A hijab is a headscarf that covers the hair and neck, while a chadri is a full-body veil covering the entire figure and face.
It is most famously a light blue, though other colours exist. The blue version is strongly associated with Afghanistan.
Almost exclusively in the context of discussing Afghan culture, Islamic dress, and women's rights in Afghanistan.
Yes, particularly 'Afghan burqa'. 'Chadri' is a more precise, culture-specific term for that style of burqa.
A full-length, full-body veil, worn by some Muslim women, covering the head, face and body, often with a mesh or crocheted screen over the eyes to see through.
Chadri is usually technical, anthropological, journalistic in register.
Chadri: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtʃɑːdri/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtʃɑːdri/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'CHADri' is worn in AfghanistaD. The 'CHAD' part can be linked to a common male name, ironically highlighting it as a garment imposed *on* women.
Conceptual Metaphor
VEILING IS ENCLOSING / VEILING IS SEPARATING.
Practice
Quiz
What is a 'chadri' most specifically associated with?