Meaning
A phrase indicating something's location further away.
Cultural Background
When pointing to something and saying 'آنجاست', it is polite to use your whole hand rather than just one finger, especially when speaking to elders. Tehranis almost exclusively use 'اونجاست' (Unjāst). Using 'آنجاست' (Ānjāst) in a taxi might mark you as a tourist or someone being very formal. In poetry, 'آنجا' (there) often represents the 'Beloved's street' or a spiritual destination that the soul longs for. In Dari, the pronunciation remains closer to 'Ānjāst' and the 'u' shift is less common than in Iran.
Use your eyes
When saying 'آنجاست', Iranians often slightly tilt their head or look toward the object to help the listener.
Don't forget the 'st'
Just saying 'آنجا' means 'there'. You need the 'st' to make it a full sentence: 'It is there'.
Meaning
A phrase indicating something's location further away.
Use your eyes
When saying 'آنجاست', Iranians often slightly tilt their head or look toward the object to help the listener.
Don't forget the 'st'
Just saying 'آنجا' means 'there'. You need the 'st' to make it a full sentence: 'It is there'.
The 'Un' shift
If you want to sound like a native Tehrani, always use 'اونجاست' (Unjāst) in casual settings.
Politeness
Add 'بفرمایید' (Befarmāyid) before the phrase to be extra polite when giving directions.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct word for 'there is'.
مدرسه ________.
If you are pointing to a school in the distance, 'آنجاست' is the correct choice.
Which one is the informal/spoken version of 'آنجاست'?
Spoken version:
In spoken Persian, 'ā' often changes to 'u', making 'ānjāst' become 'unjāst'.
Complete the dialogue.
شخص اول: ببخشید، ایستگاه مترو کجاست؟ شخص دوم: ________، کنار پارک.
The person is asking for directions, so you point and say 'It is there'.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are holding your phone in your hand.
Since you are holding it, it is 'here' (اینجا), not 'there' (آنجا).
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Near vs. Far in Persian
Common Uses of آنجاست
Places
- • Bank
- • Hotel
- • Park
People
- • Friend
- • Teacher
- • Ali
Objects
- • Keys
- • Book
- • Car
Practice Bank
4 exercisesمدرسه ________.
If you are pointing to a school in the distance, 'آنجاست' is the correct choice.
Spoken version:
In spoken Persian, 'ā' often changes to 'u', making 'ānjāst' become 'unjāst'.
شخص اول: ببخشید، ایستگاه مترو کجاست؟ شخص دوم: ________، کنار پارک.
The person is asking for directions, so you point and say 'It is there'.
You are holding your phone in your hand.
Since you are holding it, it is 'here' (اینجا), not 'there' (آنجا).
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes! You can use it for objects, people, and places. E.g., 'علی آنجاست' (Ali is there).
They mean the same thing. 'آنجاست' is the contracted, more natural version. 'آنجا است' is very formal and rare in speech.
In Iran, pointing with one finger can be seen as slightly aggressive. It's better to gesture with an open palm.
Use 'آنجا نیست' (Ānjā nist).
That is the informal, spoken version of 'Ānjāst'. It's very common in cities like Tehran.
No. For things in your hand, use 'اینجاست' (Injāst).
Yes. If there are multiple things, say 'آنجا هستند' (Ānjā hastand).
Yes, it's very common in classical poetry to denote a distant goal or the home of the beloved.
This is a fundamental A1 phrase.
Yes, it is a neutral phrase appropriate for all professional settings.
Related Phrases
اینجاست
contrastIt is here
کجاست؟
similarWhere is it?
همانجاست
specialized formIt's in that very place
اوناهاش
slangThere it is!
آنجاها
builds onAround there
