Meaning
Used to describe something with a low price.
Cultural Background
Bargaining (Choneh zadan) is expected. Even if something is 'arzan', a local might still try to get it cheaper. The word 'arzan' is used identically in Dari. In Kabul bazaars, you will hear this constantly. In Tajik (Cyrillic: арзон), the word is the same but the 'ast' is often replaced by 'ast' or 'hay'. In places like 'Tehrangeles' (LA), 'arzan' is used to compare prices between US stores and Iranian markets.
Use the informal form
In 90% of conversations, say 'Arzoone' instead of 'Arzan ast' to sound more natural.
Quality Warning
If you say 'Arzan ast' with a frown, people will think you mean 'It's low quality'.
Meaning
Used to describe something with a low price.
Use the informal form
In 90% of conversations, say 'Arzoone' instead of 'Arzan ast' to sound more natural.
Quality Warning
If you say 'Arzan ast' with a frown, people will think you mean 'It's low quality'.
Bargaining Power
When bargaining, never say 'Arzan ast' first. Always say 'Geran ast' (It's expensive) to get a better price!
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct word for 'cheap'.
این سیبها خیلی ____ است.
The sentence means 'These apples are very cheap'.
Which sentence means 'Is the hotel cheap?'
Select the correct translation:
'Arzan' means cheap, and the question mark indicates a query.
Match the Persian word to its English meaning.
Match the following:
Basic vocabulary matching.
Complete the dialogue.
A: این پیرهن ۱۰۰ تومان است. B: واقعاً؟ خیلی ____ است!
Surprise at a low price (100 tomans) suggests it is cheap.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are at a bazaar and find a very low price.
Expressing surprise at a bargain.
🎉 Score: /5
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
5 exercisesاین سیبها خیلی ____ است.
The sentence means 'These apples are very cheap'.
Select the correct translation:
'Arzan' means cheap, and the question mark indicates a query.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Basic vocabulary matching.
A: این پیرهن ۱۰۰ تومان است. B: واقعاً؟ خیلی ____ است!
Surprise at a low price (100 tomans) suggests it is cheap.
You are at a bazaar and find a very low price.
Expressing surprise at a bargain.
🎉 Score: /5
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, it is a neutral word. However, for high-end services, 'gheymat-e monaseb' is more sophisticated.
Use 'kheyli arzan' or 'besyar arzan'.
The opposite is 'geran' (expensive).
No, using 'arzan' for people is highly insulting, implying they have no dignity.
Usually 'ارزونه' (Arzoone).
Yes, 'arzan hastand' or informally 'arzan-an'.
'Moft' is much stronger, like saying 'it's a steal' or 'practically free'.
No, for discount use 'takhfif'.
Yes, often to contrast worldly goods with spiritual values.
Chera arzan ast? (چرا ارزان است؟)
Related Phrases
گران است
contrastIt is expensive
مفت است
specialized formIt is a steal/free
قیمت مناسب
similarReasonable price
تخفیف دارد؟
builds onDoes it have a discount?
ارزانسرا
specialized formDiscount house/store
