afghani
noun
a coin and monetary unit of Afghanistan, equal to 100 puls. Agh.
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Afghani
1
British
/ æfˈɡɑːnɪ /
noun
afghani
2
British
/ æfˈɡɑːnɪ /
noun
Usage
Afghan is the proper term for a native or inhabitant of Afghanistan. The use of Afghani in this meaning is considered to be incorrect and is sometimes perceived as offensive. The -i in Afghani is a suffix used in the names of certain peoples in southwest and central Asia: for example, an Israeli lives in Israel; a Pakistani lives in Pakistan. However, the bordering countries of Afghanistan and Pakistan have a history of strained diplomatic relations. Therefore, objection to the use of Afghani (to refer to a person) may be explained by the word’s similarity to Pakistani, and to Paki, a synonymous but highly offensive term.
Etymology
Origin of afghani
First recorded in 1820–30; Afghan ( def. ) + -ī a suffix indicating relationship or origin
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
It took 77 afghanis to buy $1 in early 2021, but now it takes about 88 — a smaller depreciation of the afghani than expected.
From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 27, 2022
About $760 million has come from the international community, according to the Afghan central bank, which says it uses the money to support the local currency, the afghani.
From New York Times • Aug. 17, 2022
In early August, the afghani was trading at around 80 to the dollar, jumping to around 90 in October.
From Seattle Times • Dec. 16, 2021
When it comes to the local afghani currency, al Dardari said that while there is about $4 billion worth of afghanis in the economy, only about $500,000 worth is in circulation.
From Reuters • Nov. 22, 2021
The local currency, the afghani, has depreciated since the Taliban took over Afghanistan in August.
From Washington Post • Nov. 3, 2021
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
