B1 Expression Informal

چه عجب!

che ajab!

What a surprise! / It's rare!

Meaning

Expressing astonishment or that something is unusual.

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Cultural Background

It is a staple of Persian social interaction, often used to tease friends about their lack of punctuality. Widely understood and used in the same context as in Iran. Used similarly, though the pronunciation might vary slightly. Used by Iranians abroad to maintain a sense of cultural connection through humor.

💡

Tone matters

Say it with a smile to avoid sounding rude.

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Social context

Only use with people you know well.

Meaning

Expressing astonishment or that something is unusual.

💡

Tone matters

Say it with a smile to avoid sounding rude.

💬

Social context

Only use with people you know well.

Test Yourself

Fill in the blank with the correct phrase.

______! بالاخره زنگ زدی.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: چه عجب

The phrase 'چه عجب' fits the context of someone finally calling.

Choose the most appropriate response to a friend arriving 1 hour late.

Friend: 'Sorry I'm late!' You: ...

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: چه عجب!

It's the most natural way to acknowledge the delay playfully.

Complete the dialogue.

A: بالاخره اینترنت وصل شد. B: ______!

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: چه عجب

It expresses relief that the internet is finally working.

🎉 Score: /3

Visual Learning Aids

Practice Bank

3 exercises
Fill in the blank with the correct phrase. Fill Blank A1

______! بالاخره زنگ زدی.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: چه عجب

The phrase 'چه عجب' fits the context of someone finally calling.

Choose the most appropriate response to a friend arriving 1 hour late. Choose B1

Friend: 'Sorry I'm late!' You: ...

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: چه عجب!

It's the most natural way to acknowledge the delay playfully.

Complete the dialogue. dialogue_completion A2

A: بالاخره اینترنت وصل شد. B: ______!

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: چه عجب

It expresses relief that the internet is finally working.

🎉 Score: /3

Frequently Asked Questions

2 questions

Only if said to a stranger or in a formal setting.

Yes, if the good news was long-awaited.

Related Phrases

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عجب!

synonym

Wow!

🔗

بالاخره

builds on

Finally

🔗

به به

similar

Bravo!

🔗

خسته نباشی

contrast

Don't be tired

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