Meaning
Commenting on a low price.
Cultural Background
In the bazaar, 'arzan' is the start of a negotiation. Even if it's cheap, a buyer might still ask for a 'takhfif' (discount). The word 'arzan' is also used in Dari Persian, but the pronunciation of 'ast' is often clearer and more formal than the Tehrani 'e'. Tajik speakers use 'arzon' (арзон). The Cyrillic script changes the look, but the sound and meaning remain identical. On apps like 'Divar' (similar to Craigslist), 'arzan' is a common search filter to find used goods at low prices.
Use 'Arzoone' for friends
If you want to sound like a local, always use the 'oon' ending in casual settings.
Avoid 'Arzan' for people
Never call a person 'arzan'. It implies they are 'cheap' in a moral sense.
Meaning
Commenting on a low price.
Use 'Arzoone' for friends
If you want to sound like a local, always use the 'oon' ending in casual settings.
Avoid 'Arzan' for people
Never call a person 'arzan'. It implies they are 'cheap' in a moral sense.
The 'Moft' factor
If something is incredibly cheap, use 'Mofte!' to show your surprise.
Bargaining
Even if you say 'In arzan ast', the seller might still expect you to haggle a bit!
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct verb.
این کتاب ارزان ______.
The subject 'In ketab' (This book) is third-person singular, so it requires 'ast'.
Which one is the informal (spoken) version of 'این ارزان است'?
Select the correct option:
In spoken Persian, 'an' becomes 'oon' and 'ast' becomes 'e'.
Match the Persian phrase to its English translation.
Match the following:
These are the core vocabulary pairs for price.
Complete the dialogue.
A: این پیراهن چند است؟ B: فقط صد هزار تومان. A: اوه، _________!
Based on the context of 'only' (faghat), the buyer thinks it is a good price.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Formal vs Informal
Practice Bank
4 exercisesاین کتاب ارزان ______.
The subject 'In ketab' (This book) is third-person singular, so it requires 'ast'.
Select the correct option:
In spoken Persian, 'an' becomes 'oon' and 'ast' becomes 'e'.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are the core vocabulary pairs for price.
A: این پیراهن چند است؟ B: فقط صد هزار تومان. A: اوه، _________!
Based on the context of 'only' (faghat), the buyer thinks it is a good price.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsNo, it is a neutral word for 'cheap'. However, like in English, it can sometimes imply low quality.
Add '-tar' to the end: 'arzan-tar'.
Yes, you can say 'In servis arzan ast'.
The opposite is 'Gerān' (expensive).
Yes, it is a normal observation. It is not rude.
Related Phrases
این گران است
contrastThis is expensive.
قیمت مناسب
similarReasonable price.
مفت
specialized formDirt cheap / Free.
تخفیف
builds onDiscount.
