Meaning
Commenting on a high price.
Cultural Background
In the bazaar, saying 'In gerân ast' is the standard way to start a negotiation. It's expected that the first price is high. In modern shops with fixed price tags (Etiket), saying 'In gerân ast' is just a statement of fact and won't usually lead to a discount. If someone offers you a gift, never say 'In gerân ast' as it focuses on the money rather than the gesture. Say 'Dast-e shomâ dard nakone' instead. In some social circles, complaining about things being 'gerân' is seen as a sign of being 'khaki' (down to earth), while in others, it's avoided to maintain an image of wealth.
The 'U' Shift
If you want to sound like a local in Tehran, change the 'â' to 'u'. Say 'gerun' instead of 'gerân'.
Don't be too blunt
In high-end shops, saying 'In gerân ast' can sometimes sound a bit too aggressive. Try 'Gheymatesh ye kam balast' (The price is a bit high) for a softer touch.
Meaning
Commenting on a high price.
The 'U' Shift
If you want to sound like a local in Tehran, change the 'â' to 'u'. Say 'gerun' instead of 'gerân'.
Don't be too blunt
In high-end shops, saying 'In gerân ast' can sometimes sound a bit too aggressive. Try 'Gheymatesh ye kam balast' (The price is a bit high) for a softer touch.
Bargaining is a game
When you say it's expensive, the seller will likely explain why it's high quality. This is part of the fun!
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing word to say 'This is expensive'.
این ____ است.
'Gerân' is the Persian word for expensive.
Which one is the informal/spoken version of 'In gerân ast'?
Choose the best option:
In spoken Persian, 'ast' becomes 'e' and 'â' often becomes 'u'.
Complete the dialogue in the bazaar.
Seller: 'In 100 toman ast.' Customer: 'Ooh! In ____ ____!'
The customer is reacting to a price, so 'very expensive' is the logical response.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: You see a beautiful car but look at your empty wallet.
If you can't afford it, it's 'gerân'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Formal vs Informal
Practice Bank
4 exercisesاین ____ است.
'Gerân' is the Persian word for expensive.
Choose the best option:
In spoken Persian, 'ast' becomes 'e' and 'â' often becomes 'u'.
Seller: 'In 100 toman ast.' Customer: 'Ooh! In ____ ____!'
The customer is reacting to a price, so 'very expensive' is the logical response.
Situation: You see a beautiful car but look at your empty wallet.
If you can't afford it, it's 'gerân'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsRarely. In classical Persian, it could mean a 'heavy' or 'annoying' person, but in modern Persian, it's strictly for prices. Use 'gerâmi' for 'dear' people.
Add 'bis-az-had' or just emphasize 'kheyli'. 'In kheyli kheyli gerâne!'
The opposite is 'arzân' (ارزان).
Yes, you can say 'In tamâm shodan-e in kâr barâye man gerân tamâm shod' (Finishing this work cost me dearly).
It's the colloquial accent of Tehran and many other cities where 'ân' shifts to 'un'.
No, it's a standard part of commerce in Iran.
Write it as 'این گرونه'.
No. 'Inha gerân hastand' (These are expensive). The adjective stays 'gerân'.
'Gerân' is the adjective 'expensive'. 'Bâlâ' means 'high'. You say 'Gheymat bâlâst' (The price is high).
Yes, absolutely. 'In ghazâ gerân ast.'
Related Phrases
ارزان است
contrastIt is cheap
قیمتش بالاست
similarIts price is high
مفت است
specialized formIt's a steal / free
گرونفروشی
builds onOvercharging
باارزش
similarValuable
