Bedeutung
Used to express disapproval of something's appearance.
Kultureller Hintergrund
The concept of 'Zesht' is a pillar of 'Adab' (etiquette). It is the primary way children are taught to consider others before themselves. In Tehran, 'Zeshte' is often used ironically among friends to mock someone who is being overly formal or 'trying too hard'. Second-generation Iranians often use 'Zesht' as a loanword in English ('That's so zesht!') to describe something cringe-worthy. In business, calling a proposal 'zesht' is a very strong rejection, implying it is not just bad, but insulting or unfair.
The 'Zeshte' Warning
If an Iranian friend says 'zeshte' when you try to pay for dinner, they are performing Ta'arof. They don't actually think you are being rude; they are saying 'I should pay'.
Directness
Be careful calling someone's gift 'zesht'. Even if you mean it as Ta'arof, it can be misunderstood if your tone isn't perfect.
Bedeutung
Used to express disapproval of something's appearance.
The 'Zeshte' Warning
If an Iranian friend says 'zeshte' when you try to pay for dinner, they are performing Ta'arof. They don't actually think you are being rude; they are saying 'I should pay'.
Directness
Be careful calling someone's gift 'zesht'. Even if you mean it as Ta'arof, it can be misunderstood if your tone isn't perfect.
Spoken vs Written
Always use 'zeshte' in texts and calls. 'Zesht ast' sounds like a 19th-century poem.
Children
This is the #1 word used to discipline children in Iran. It's more effective than 'no'.
Teste dich selbst
Which situation is the most appropriate for saying 'خیلی زشته'?
You see a friend wearing a shirt with a giant hole in it at a wedding.
'Zeshte' is used for aesthetic disapproval, especially if it's inappropriate for the venue.
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the phrase.
سلام نکردن به پدربزرگ کار _______ است.
Not saying hello to a grandfather is considered 'zesht' (rude) in Persian culture.
Match the phrase to the context.
Context: Someone is shouting in a quiet hospital.
Shouting in a hospital is socially unacceptable behavior.
What would the mother say?
Child: (Takes the biggest piece of pizza without asking anyone else). Mother: ________!
Taking the best piece without offering is a classic 'zesht' moment in Iranian families.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
When to say 'Zeshte!'
Manners
- • No 'Hello'
- • Eating first
- • Shouting
Looks
- • Bad color
- • Messy room
- • Ugly hat
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenYou see a friend wearing a shirt with a giant hole in it at a wedding.
'Zeshte' is used for aesthetic disapproval, especially if it's inappropriate for the venue.
سلام نکردن به پدربزرگ کار _______ است.
Not saying hello to a grandfather is considered 'zesht' (rude) in Persian culture.
Context: Someone is shouting in a quiet hospital.
Shouting in a hospital is socially unacceptable behavior.
Child: (Takes the biggest piece of pizza without asking anyone else). Mother: ________!
Taking the best piece without offering is a classic 'zesht' moment in Iranian families.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenTechnically yes, but it is extremely offensive. Use 'khosh-gel nist' (not beautiful) instead.
Yes, because 'zesht' implies a violation of social or aesthetic standards, whereas 'bad' is more general.
You can say 'Kheili ghashang nist' (It's not very pretty/nice).
No, for smells use 'booye bad' (bad smell).
Only if you are describing a behavior you find unprofessional, but use the formal 'zesht ast'.
The opposite is 'ziba' (formal) or 'ghashang' (informal).
It's close, but 'sharm' or 'khejalat' are the words for the feeling of shame. 'Zesht' is the quality of the act.
Yes, if the plot is poorly written or morally offensive.
This is Ta'arof. They are saying it's 'improper' for them to take your money because they want to be hospitable.
Yes, 'zaye' (pronounced zye-eh) is the most common slang equivalent.
Verwandte Redewendungen
بیادبی
similarImpoliteness
ضایع
specialized formLame/Embarrassing
ناپسند
synonymUnpleasant/Disapproved
قشنگ
contrastBeautiful/Nice
زننده
builds onOffensive/Garish
