At the A1 level, 'عجیب' (ajib) is a simple adjective used to say something is 'strange' or 'weird.' You use it to describe things that are not what you expected. For example, if you see a cat with two different colored eyes, you can say 'In gorbe ajib ast' (This cat is strange). It is a very useful word for beginners because it allows you to react to the world around you. You will mostly use it with the verb 'to be' (ast/hast) or as a one-word reaction: 'Ajib!' (Strange!). It helps you express that you don't understand something or that something is new to you. At this stage, don't worry about the complex literary meanings; just use it for anything that makes you go 'Huh?'
At the A2 level, you start using 'عجیب' to describe people's actions and simple situations. You might say 'U ajib harf mizanad' (He talks strangely) or 'In ghazā ajib ast' (This food is strange). You also learn to use the intensifier 'kheyli' (very) with it: 'Kheyli ajibe!' (It's very strange!). You begin to notice the Ezafe construction more clearly, like 'māshin-e ajib' (strange car). You also start using 'Che ajib!' as a standard response in conversations to show you are listening and are surprised by what the other person is saying. It becomes a tool for social interaction, not just a descriptive label.
At the B1 level, you use 'عجیب' to describe more abstract concepts and feelings. You can talk about 'khāb-e ajib' (a strange dream) or 'hes-e ajib' (a strange feeling). You also start using the adverbial form 'be-tore ajibi' (strangely). For example, 'Be-tore ajibi, emruz hava garm ast' (Strangely, the weather is hot today). You understand that 'ajib' can have a slightly negative connotation, implying that something is 'off' or 'suspicious.' You can also use it to describe plot twists in books or movies. Your vocabulary expands to include 'ajib o gharib' to describe things that are truly bizarre or outlandish, showing a higher level of fluency.
At the B2 level, you understand the nuances between 'عجیب' and its synonyms like 'gheyr-e ādi' (unusual) or 'shegeft-angiz' (wonderful). You can use 'ajib' in more complex sentence structures, such as 'Ajib ast ke u nayāmad' (It is strange that he didn't come). You also recognize 'ajib' in idiomatic expressions and can use it to express irony or sarcasm. For instance, if someone who is always late arrives early, you might say 'Ajibe!' with a specific tone to imply sarcasm. You are also comfortable using the plural 'ajāyeb' when discussing history or nature, such as 'ajāyeb-e jahān' (wonders of the world).
At the C1 level, 'عجیب' becomes a word you use to analyze literature, politics, and social trends. You can discuss 'padide-hā-ye ajib' (strange phenomena) in society. You understand the philosophical implications of 'ta'ajjob' (wonder) in Persian thought. You can use 'ajib' to describe complex human behaviors or paradoxical situations. Your usage is precise; you know when to use 'ajib' versus 'marmuz' (mysterious) or 'mubham' (ambiguous). You can write essays where 'ajib' is used to critique or highlight the absurdity of a situation. You also recognize the word's roots in classical poetry and how its meaning has shifted over centuries.
At the C2 level, you have a complete mastery of 'عجیب' and its entire word family. You can use it with total native-like precision, including its most subtle connotations in formal rhetoric or high literature. You understand how the word functions in the 'Sabk-e Hendi' (Indian Style) of Persian poetry, where 'ajib' and 'bikāne' (strange/alien) are central themes. You can engage in deep discussions about the 'Aesthetics of the Strange' in Persian art. You use the word effortlessly in any register, from street slang to academic discourse, and you can play with its meaning to create puns or sophisticated metaphors. It is no longer just a word for 'strange'; it is a tool for expressing the complexity of existence.

عجیب 30초 만에

  • Ajib is the primary Persian word for 'strange' or 'surprising,' used in both casual and formal settings to describe anything out of the ordinary.
  • It functions as an adjective following a noun with an Ezafe, or as a standalone exclamation to express shock or disbelief in conversation.
  • While often neutral, it can imply eccentricity in people or mystery in situations, and is frequently paired with 'gharib' for emphasis.
  • The word has deep roots in Arabic and appears frequently in Persian literature to describe the wonders of the world and divine mysteries.

The Persian word عجیب (Ajib) is a cornerstone of daily conversation, serving as the primary adjective to describe anything that deviates from the norm. At its core, it translates to 'strange,' 'unusual,' or 'surprising.' However, its semantic range is much broader than its English counterparts. In Persian, عجیب can describe a peculiar smell, an unexpected turn of events, a person's eccentric behavior, or even a breathtakingly beautiful sunset that defies description. It is derived from the Arabic root (ع-ج-ب), which relates to wonder and astonishment. In the A1 level, learners use it to express simple surprise, but as one progresses, the word takes on layers of irony, skepticism, or profound awe.

Primary Meaning
Something that is not ordinary or expected.
Emotional Range
Can range from mild curiosity to intense shock or admiration.
Grammatical Role
An adjective that typically follows the noun using the Ezafe construction (e.g., آدمِ عجیب).

"این فیلم خیلی عجیب بود؛ اصلاً انتظار نداشتم اینطور تمام شود." (This movie was very strange; I didn't expect it to end like this at all.)

In technical contexts, عجیب can also imply 'anomalous.' If a scientist finds a data point that doesn't fit the curve, they would call it 'ajib.' In literature, it is often paired with 'gharib' (غریب) to form the compound 'ajib o gharib,' which intensifies the sense of weirdness or exoticism. Understanding 'ajib' is about understanding the Persian threshold for the 'ordinary.' Because Persian culture values poetic expression, 'ajib' is often the first word used to react to the world's mysteries.

"او رفتارهای عجیبی دارد که هیچ‌کس درک نمی‌کند." (He has strange behaviors that no one understands.)

Synonym Nuance
Unlike 'gharib' (which can mean 'stranger' or 'lonely'), 'ajib' focuses on the quality of the thing itself being surprising.

"یک اتفاق عجیب در بازار افتاد." (A strange event happened in the bazaar.)

Ultimately, 'ajib' is a bridge between the known and the unknown. Whether you are looking at a modern art piece or hearing a tall tale from a friend, 'ajib' is your go-to descriptor for the unexpected. It is a word that invites further questioning: 'Chera ajib?' (Why is it strange?). By mastering this word, you gain the ability to comment on the complexities of life in Iran and beyond.

Using عجیب correctly requires an understanding of Persian adjective placement and the Ezafe (the short 'e' sound connecting nouns and adjectives). In its simplest form, it follows the noun: کتابِ عجیب (ketāb-e ajib - strange book). However, its usage evolves significantly as you move from simple descriptions to complex emotional expressions.

1. Basic Adjectival Use

In everyday speech, 'ajib' is used to describe physical objects or situations. For example, 'لباسِ عجیب' (strange clothes) or 'صدایِ عجیب' (strange sound). It is often intensified with 'kheyli' (very) or 'vaghe'an' (really).

"این غذا طعم عجیبی دارد." (This food has a strange taste.)

2. The Exclamatory Form

One of the most common ways to hear this word is as a standalone exclamation: "Ajib!" or "Che ajib!" (How strange!). This is used when someone tells you a piece of news that is hard to believe or when you see something unexpected. It serves a similar function to 'Wow' or 'That's weird' in English.

3. Adverbial Function

While 'ajib' is an adjective, it can function adverbially when paired with 'be-tore' (in a way). به‌طورِ عجیبی (be-tore ajibi) means 'strangely' or 'unusually.' For example: "او به‌طور عجیبی مهربان شده است" (He has become strangely kind).

4. The Plural 'Ajāyeb'

In more formal or literary contexts, the Arabic broken plural عجایب (Ajāyeb) is used to mean 'wonders' or 'marvels.' The famous 'Seven Wonders of the World' is translated as 'Ajāyeb-e Haft-gāne-ye Jahān.'

When describing people, calling someone 'ādam-e ajib' (a strange person) can be neutral or slightly negative, depending on the tone. It suggests they are eccentric or unpredictable. If you want to be more positive, you might use 'motafāvet' (different) instead. However, in artistic circles, 'ajib' is often a compliment, implying originality.

The word عجیب is ubiquitous in Persian media, literature, and daily life. You will encounter it in various registers, from the most formal news broadcasts to the most casual street slang.

1. In Daily Conversation

Iranians use 'ajib' constantly to react to gossip or news. If a friend tells you they saw a celebrity at a local grocery store, the natural response is "Ajib!" or "Vaghe'an ajibe!" (It's really strange!). It's a filler word that shows engagement and surprise.

2. In News and Journalism

Headlines often use 'ajib' to grab attention. Phrases like "Etefāgh-e ajib dar Tehrān" (Strange event in Tehran) or "Tasmim-e ajib-e dowlāt" (The government's strange decision) are common. Here, it implies that the event is controversial or highly unusual.

3. In Persian Literature and Poetry

Classical poets like Rumi or Hafez use the root of 'ajib' to describe the wonders of the divine or the mysteries of love. In this context, it isn't 'weird'—it's 'miraculous.' The feeling of ta'ajjob (wonderment) is a key stage in the Sufi path.

"عالم پر از عجایب است." (The world is full of wonders.)

4. In Movies and TV Shows

In Iranian cinema, especially in the 'social realism' genre, characters often use 'ajib' to comment on the absurdity of their social circumstances. A character might look at a bureaucratic hurdle and mutter, "Ajibe, vaghe'an ajibe..." expressing a mix of frustration and disbelief.

Finally, in the digital world, 'ajib' is a common tag for viral videos or 'clickbait' content. If you see a YouTube thumbnail with 'Kār-e ajib' (Strange act), it's designed to make you click to see something out of the ordinary.

While عجیب is a relatively straightforward word, there are several pitfalls that English speakers and new learners often fall into. Understanding these nuances will help you sound more like a native speaker.

1. Confusing 'Ajib' with 'Ajab'

This is the most frequent error. Ajib is an adjective (strange). Ajab is an exclamatory particle used to express surprise or to emphasize a noun.
❌ *Ajib barfi! (Wrong)
Ajab barfi! (What a snow!)
✅ In barf ajib ast. (This snow is strange.)

2. Overusing 'Ajib' for 'New' or 'Different'

Learners often use 'ajib' when they simply mean 'new' (tāze) or 'different' (motafāvet). 'Ajib' implies a level of abnormality or shock. If you say a new restaurant is 'ajib,' people might think the food is weird or the decor is bizarre, rather than just being a new place.

3. Misplacing the Ezafe

Remember that when 'ajib' modifies a noun, the noun must have the Ezafe.
❌ Ādam ajib (Wrong)
✅ Ādam-e ajib (Correct)

4. Confusion with 'Gharib'

While 'ajib o gharib' is a common pair, 'gharib' on its own often means 'stranger' or 'unfamiliar.' If you say "In jā gharib ast," it means "This place is unfamiliar/lonely," whereas "In jā ajib ast" means "This place is strange/weird."

5. Intensity Levels

Sometimes learners use 'ajib' for something that is only slightly unusual. For minor things, 'kam-i gheyr-e ādi' (a bit unusual) might be more precise. 'Ajib' carries a stronger weight of surprise.

To truly master Persian, you need to know the synonyms and related words that orbit عجیب. Each has a specific nuance that 'ajib' might not fully capture.

غریب (Gharib)
Often translated as 'strange,' but carries a connotation of being 'unfamiliar' or 'alien.' It is also the word for 'stranger.'
شگفت‌انگیز (Shegeft-angiz)
Translates to 'wonderful' or 'amazing.' While 'ajib' can be negative or neutral, 'shegeft-angiz' is almost always positive and full of awe.
غیرعادی (Gheyr-e ādi)
Literally 'un-ordinary.' This is a more clinical or formal way to say something is unusual. Used in news or technical reports.
نادر (Nāder)
Means 'rare.' Something might be 'ajib' because it's 'nāder,' but they are not identical. A rare diamond is 'nāder,' but not necessarily 'ajib.'

"این یک پدیده شگفت‌انگیز است، نه فقط عجیب." (This is an amazing phenomenon, not just a strange one.)

There is also the word متحیر (Motahayyer), which describes the person who is surprised, rather than the thing that is surprising. If you see something 'ajib,' you become 'motahayyer' (astonished). Another useful word is مرموز (Marmuz), which means 'mysterious.' If something is 'ajib' in a way that suggests a hidden secret, 'marmuz' is the better choice.

In summary, while 'ajib' is the 'Swiss Army knife' of surprise, using these synonyms will make your Persian sound more sophisticated and precise.

How Formal Is It?

난이도

알아야 할 문법

Ezafe construction

Adjective-Noun agreement

Exclamatory sentences with 'Che'

Indefinite 'i' with adjectives

Adverb formation with 'be-tore'

수준별 예문

1

این گربه عجیب است.

This cat is strange.

Simple adjective with 'ast'.

2

او یک ماشین عجیب دارد.

He has a strange car.

Ezafe construction: māshin-e ajib.

3

چه عجیب!

How strange!

Exclamatory 'che' + adjective.

4

اسم او عجیب است.

His/her name is strange.

Subject + Adjective.

5

این میوه عجیب است.

This fruit is strange.

Demonstrative 'in' + noun.

6

صدای عجیبی می‌آید.

A strange sound is coming.

Indefinite 'i' added to 'ajib'.

7

او آدم عجیبی است.

He is a strange person.

Noun + Ezafe + Adjective + Indefinite 'i'.

8

امروز هوا عجیب است.

The weather is strange today.

Adverb of time 'emruz'.

1

خیلی عجیب است که او اینجا نیست.

It is very strange that he is not here.

Use of 'kheyli' for intensity.

2

من یک خواب عجیب دیدم.

I saw (had) a strange dream.

Verb 'didam' (saw) used for dreams.

3

این لباس برای این مهمانی عجیب است.

This clothing is strange for this party.

Preposition 'barāye' (for).

4

چرا اینقدر عجیب نگاه می‌کنی؟

Why are you looking so strangely?

Adverbial use of 'ajib' in a question.

5

داستان عجیبی بود.

It was a strange story.

Past tense 'bud' (was).

6

او رفتارهای عجیبی دارد.

He has strange behaviors.

Plural noun 'raftārhā'.

7

این یک اتفاق عجیب بود.

This was a strange event.

Noun 'etefāgh' (event/accident).

8

واقعاً عجیبه!

It's really strange!

Colloquial 'e' instead of 'ast'.

1

به‌طور عجیبی، همه چیز درست شد.

Strangely, everything worked out.

Adverbial 'be-tore ajibi'.

2

او همیشه سوالات عجیبی می‌پرسد.

He always asks strange questions.

Present continuous habit.

3

این موضوع خیلی عجیب و غریب است.

This subject is very bizarre.

Compound adjective 'ajib o gharib'.

4

حس عجیبی به این مکان دارم.

I have a strange feeling about this place.

Noun 'hes' (feeling).

5

عجیب نیست که او زنگ نزد؟

Isn't it strange that he didn't call?

Negative question 'ajib nist?'.

6

او با لحن عجیبی صحبت کرد.

He spoke with a strange tone.

Noun 'lahn' (tone).

7

یک چیز عجیب در این نامه هست.

There is something strange in this letter.

Indefinite 'chiz' (thing).

8

او به طرز عجیبی ساکت بود.

He was strangely silent.

Adverbial 'be tarze ajibi'.

1

عجیب است که هیچ‌کس متوجه نشد.

It's strange that no one noticed.

Subordinate clause with 'ke'.

2

او در شرایط عجیبی قرار گرفته است.

He is in a strange situation.

Present perfect 'gharār gerefte ast'.

3

این پیشنهاد کمی عجیب به نظر می‌رسد.

This proposal seems a bit strange.

Verb 'be nazar residan' (to seem).

4

او قدرت عجیبی در متقاعد کردن دیگران دارد.

He has a strange power in persuading others.

Abstract noun 'ghodrat' (power).

5

عجایب هفت‌گانه جهان را می‌شناسی؟

Do you know the seven wonders of the world?

Plural 'ajāyeb'.

6

او با یک لبخند عجیب اتاق را ترک کرد.

He left the room with a strange smile.

Prepositional phrase 'bā yek labkhand'.

7

این تصادف عجیبی بود که جان سالم به در برد.

It was a strange accident that he survived.

Relative clause.

8

او همیشه به دنبال چیزهای عجیب و غریب است.

He is always looking for bizarre things.

Preposition 'be donbāl-e'.

1

در این کتاب، نویسنده دنیای عجیبی را خلق کرده است.

In this book, the author has created a strange world.

Literary context.

2

عجیب است که چگونه تاریخ تکرار می‌شود.

It is strange how history repeats itself.

Philosophical observation.

3

او با مهارتی عجیب از پاسخ دادن طفره رفت.

With a strange skill, he evaded answering.

Abstract usage.

4

این یک تناقض عجیب در رفتار اوست.

This is a strange contradiction in his behavior.

Noun 'tanāghoz' (contradiction).

5

او به شکلی عجیب به این موضوع واکنش نشان داد.

He reacted to this matter in a strange way.

Formal adverbial 'be shekli ajib'.

6

عجیب‌ترین بخش ماجرا هنوز باقی مانده است.

The strangest part of the story is yet to come.

Superlative 'ajib-tarin'.

7

او در میان جمع، احساس عجیبی از تنهایی داشت.

In the crowd, he had a strange feeling of loneliness.

Psychological depth.

8

این کشف علمی، حقایق عجیبی را آشکار کرد.

This scientific discovery revealed strange truths.

Formal/Academic context.

1

او در ورطه عجیبی از تردید و یقین گرفتار شده بود.

He was caught in a strange abyss of doubt and certainty.

Metaphorical usage.

2

عجیب نیست که هنر، بازتابی از دردهای بشری است.

It is not strange that art is a reflection of human suffering.

Rhetorical statement.

3

او با ظرافتی عجیب، مرز بین واقعیت و خیال را محو کرد.

With a strange delicacy, he blurred the line between reality and fantasy.

High literary style.

4

این همزمانیِ عجیب، نمی‌تواند صرفاً یک تصادف باشد.

This strange synchronicity cannot be merely a coincidence.

Complex noun phrase.

5

او در سکوتی عجیب، به تماشای زوالِ امپراتوری نشست.

In a strange silence, he sat watching the decline of the empire.

Poetic/Historical context.

6

عجیب‌ترین وجهِ شخصیتِ او، تواضعِ بی‌حدش بود.

The strangest aspect of his character was his limitless humility.

Superlative with Ezafe.

7

او به طرز عجیبی با سرنوشتِ خود کنار آمده بود.

He had strangely come to terms with his fate.

Idiomatic 'kenār āmadan'.

8

در آن لحظه، زمان به شکلی عجیب متوقف شده بود.

At that moment, time had strangely stopped.

Abstract temporal description.

자주 쓰는 조합

اتفاق عجیب
آدم عجیب
صدای عجیب
خواب عجیب
رفتار عجیب
احساس عجیب
داستان عجیب
پیشنهاد عجیب
قدرت عجیب
تغییر عجیب

자주 혼동되는 단어

عجیب vs عجب

عجیب vs غریب

عجیب vs عجله

혼동하기 쉬운

عجیب vs

عجیب vs

عجیب vs

عجیب vs

عجیب vs

문장 패턴

어휘 가족

명사

تعجب
عجایب
اعجاب

동사

تعجب کردن
متعجب ساختن

형용사

عجیب
متعجب
اعجاب‌انگیز

사용법

nuance

Ajib can be positive (wonderful) or negative (weird) depending on context.

frequency

Very high frequency in daily Persian.

자주 하는 실수
  • Saying 'Ajib barf' instead of 'Ajab barfi'.
  • Forgetting the Ezafe: 'Ādam ajib' instead of 'Ādam-e ajib'.
  • Using 'ajib' for 'new' when there is no surprise involved.
  • Confusing 'ajib' with 'gharib' (unfamiliar).
  • Using 'ajib' as a verb.

Reaction

Use 'Ajib!' as a quick way to react to any surprising news.

Ezafe

Always remember the Ezafe: 'Ghazzā-ye ajib' (Strange food).

Intensity

Add 'vaghe'an' (really) before 'ajib' for more emphasis.

Pairing

Use 'ajib o gharib' to describe something truly outlandish.

Politeness

Be careful when calling someone 'ajib' to their face; it might be taken as 'weird'.

Shortening

In speech, 'Ajib ast' often becomes 'Ajibe'.

Superlatives

Use 'ajib-tarin' to start a story about a strange experience.

Formal

In formal writing, use 'gheyr-e ādi' for 'unusual' if 'ajib' feels too emotional.

Mnemonic

Remember 'A Jeep' in a 'Strange' place.

Engagement

Asking 'Chera ajib?' is a great way to keep a conversation going.

암기하기

어원

Arabic

문화적 맥락

Using 'ajib' for a person's behavior can be a subtle way to criticize without being direct.

Strange events are sometimes seen as omens in traditional folklore.

실생활에서 연습하기

실제 사용 상황

대화 시작하기

"عجیب‌ترین اتفاقی که برایت افتاده چیست؟"

"آیا تا به حال خواب عجیبی دیده‌ای؟"

"به نظر تو عجیب‌ترین حیوان دنیا کدام است؟"

"چرا بعضی آدم‌ها اینقدر عجیب رفتار می‌کنند؟"

"عجیب‌ترین غذایی که خورده‌ای چه بود؟"

일기 주제

امروز چه چیز عجیبی دیدی؟

یک داستان درباره یک ماشین عجیب بنویس.

اگر یک قدرت عجیب داشتی، چه بود؟

چرا دنیا گاهی اوقات عجیب به نظر می‌رسد؟

درباره یک آدم عجیب که می‌شناسی بنویس.

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

Ajib is an adjective meaning 'strange.' Ajab is an exclamation like 'What a...!' or 'Wow!'

Yes, 'ādam-e ajib' means a strange or eccentric person.

You can say 'be-tore ajibi' or 'be shekli ajib'.

It is neutral. It depends on the tone and what you are describing.

It is a common phrase meaning 'very strange' or 'bizarre.'

The plural is 'ajāyeb,' which usually means 'wonders.'

Yes, it is used in all registers from slang to academic writing.

Yes, especially in literary contexts or when describing nature.

It comes from the Arabic root (ع-ج-ب) meaning wonder.

Ajāyeb-e Haft-gāne.

셀프 테스트 180 질문

/ 180 correct

Perfect score!

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