Signification
A common quantity of water for drinking.
Contexte culturel
Offering water is the absolute minimum for any guest. Even if you are a stranger asking for directions, a shopkeeper might offer you a glass of water if it's a hot day. Public water stations in bazaars are often decorated with religious symbols. Drinking from them is free, and it's customary to send a blessing (Salavāt) to the thirsty martyrs of Karbala. If someone accidentally knocks over a glass of water, Iranians don't get angry. They say 'Water is light,' believing it brings good luck or clarity to a situation. When offered water, you should initially decline politely before accepting on the second or third offer, unless you are visibly distressed by thirst.
The 'Ye' Shortcut
In 90% of conversations, say 'ye' instead of 'yek'. It sounds much more natural.
Tap Water Caution
In some parts of Iran, tap water is for washing only. Always ask 'Āb-e shir ghot-e?' (Is tap water drinkable?) before drinking a glass of it.
Signification
A common quantity of water for drinking.
The 'Ye' Shortcut
In 90% of conversations, say 'ye' instead of 'yek'. It sounds much more natural.
Tap Water Caution
In some parts of Iran, tap water is for washing only. Always ask 'Āb-e shir ghot-e?' (Is tap water drinkable?) before drinking a glass of it.
Adding 'Lotfan'
Always add 'lotfan' (please) at the end of the phrase to sound like a polite, well-educated learner.
The 'Salavāt' Tradition
If you drink water in a religious setting, saying 'Salavāt' or 'Ya Hussain' is a deep cultural touch that locals will appreciate.
Teste-toi
How do you say 'A glass of water' in Persian?
Select the correct phrase:
Persian measure phrases do not use 'az' (of) and follow the Number-Measure-Noun order.
Complete the sentence to ask for water politely.
لطفاً یک _____ آب بیاورید.
'Livān' means glass, which is the standard container for water.
Complete the restaurant dialogue.
Customer: تشنهام. ______. Waiter: حتماً، الان میآورم.
If you are thirsty (tashne-am), you want a glass of water.
Match the Persian phrase to its English meaning.
Match the following:
These are common variations of water-related quantities.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Formal vs Informal Water Request
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesSelect the correct phrase:
Persian measure phrases do not use 'az' (of) and follow the Number-Measure-Noun order.
لطفاً یک _____ آب بیاورید.
'Livān' means glass, which is the standard container for water.
Customer: تشنهام. ______. Waiter: حتماً، الان میآورم.
If you are thirsty (tashne-am), you want a glass of water.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
These are common variations of water-related quantities.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsA 'stekān' is specifically a small tea glass. For water, always use 'livān' (a standard glass).
Not at all. Most shopkeepers will happily give you a glass of water for free.
Ask for 'āb-e gāz-dār'. Note that it's less common in traditional homes.
Persian uses a direct measure-noun construction. Adding 'of' (az) is a common English-speaker mistake.
You would say 'yek fenjān āb', but water is rarely served in a 'fenjān' (cup/teacup).
Yes, 'āb' is the base for many words like 'āb-miveh' (juice) or 'āb-limu' (lemon juice).
You can, and people will understand, but it sounds slightly more formal or 'textbook' than the standard 'yek livān āb'.
It means 'cool water'. It's the most desired form of 'yek livān āb' in the summer.
No. Say 'do livān āb'. The number makes it plural, the noun stays singular.
Usually, a glass of tap water is free, but bottled 'āb-e madani' will be charged.
Expressions liées
تشنه بودن
similarTo be thirsty
آب خوردن
builds onTo drink water
یک بطری آب
variationA bottle of water
آب معدنی
specialized formMineral water
گوارا
similarWholesome/Pleasant to drink
