Signification
To speak without substance, to utter meaningless or idle words.
Contexte culturel
In Tehran, 'harf-e moft' is often used as a defense mechanism against 'Laf-zani' (boasting). It's a way for people to stay grounded in a city where social status is often exaggerated. In Afghanistan, the phrase is also used but sometimes 'gap-e moft' (گپ مفت) is preferred, as 'gap' is the more common word for 'talk' in Dari. Filmmakers like Abbas Kiarostami or Jafar Panahi use this idiom to show the 'real' language of the streets, contrasting it with the formal language used in state media. Classical poets like Rumi often warned against 'idle talk.' While they didn't use this exact slang, the cultural root of hating 'worthless speech' is centuries old.
Watch your tone
Depending on how you say it, this can be a joke or a reason for a fight. Smile if you're joking!
The 'Nazan' shortcut
Just saying 'Harf-e moft nazan!' is the most natural way to use this in an argument.
Signification
To speak without substance, to utter meaningless or idle words.
Watch your tone
Depending on how you say it, this can be a joke or a reason for a fight. Smile if you're joking!
The 'Nazan' shortcut
Just saying 'Harf-e moft nazan!' is the most natural way to use this in an argument.
Social Media
You will see this everywhere on Iranian Twitter. It's the go-to response for 'fake news'.
Teste-toi
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the verb.
دیروز علی خیلی ______ مفت زد.
The sentence starts with 'Dirooz' (Yesterday), so we need the simple past form 'zad'.
Which situation is appropriate for using 'Harf-e moft nazan!'?
In which scenario can you say this?
It is an informal phrase used to call out nonsense among peers.
Match the Persian phrase with its English equivalent.
Match the following:
Harf-e moft zadan specifically means talking nonsense/rubbish.
Choose the best response for Sarah.
Ali: 'I will buy a Ferrari tomorrow!' Sarah: '__________'
The second option correctly uses the idiom to dismiss Ali's unrealistic claim.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Register Scale
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesدیروز علی خیلی ______ مفت زد.
The sentence starts with 'Dirooz' (Yesterday), so we need the simple past form 'zad'.
In which scenario can you say this?
It is an informal phrase used to call out nonsense among peers.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
Harf-e moft zadan specifically means talking nonsense/rubbish.
Ali: 'I will buy a Ferrari tomorrow!' Sarah: '__________'
The second option correctly uses the idiom to dismiss Ali's unrealistic claim.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
14 questionsNo, but it is rude. It's like saying 'BS' in English. Not a curse, but not polite.
Generally, no. It would be considered very disrespectful ('bi-adabi').
You can say 'Sokhan-e bi-payeh' or 'Harf-e bi-asas'.
Not always. 'Moft' can mean 'a great deal' when buying something, but with 'harf', it's always negative.
You can say 'On faghat harf-e moft mizane' (He only talks nonsense).
'Chort-o-pert' is more about 'rubbish/gibberish', while 'Harf-e moft' is more about 'worthless/untrue claims'.
Absolutely not. You will likely be fired or lose the client.
Yes, though 'Gap-e moft' is more common there.
Always use 'Zadan' (to strike).
Yes, that means 'Your nonsense talk'.
Yes, it is gender-neutral, though men might use it more aggressively.
The phrase 'Zar zadan' is the vulgar version.
Usually, it's used in the singular, but 'Harf-haye moft' is possible.
It's a very short 'e' sound, like the 'e' in 'pet'.
Expressions liées
چرت و پرت گفتن
synonymTo talk rubbish
خزعبلات گفتن
similarTo speak absurdities
لاف زدن
similarTo boast/brag
سخنوری
contrastEloquence
زر زدن
specialized formTo talk shit (vulgar)
