Meaning
Used to indicate an alternative or substitute.
Cultural Background
When someone gives you a gift, it is common to say you will do something 'dar avaz' (in return) to show you appreciate the value and intend to reciprocate. Classical poets often use the concept of 'avaz' to discuss fate—how life takes youth but gives wisdom 'dar avaz'. In bargaining, 'dar avaz' is a power move. If you can't lower the price, you offer more quantity 'dar avaz' to keep the customer happy. Parents use 'dar avaz' to encourage children, focusing on their unique strengths rather than their weaknesses compared to others.
Use 'Avaz-esh' for Fluency
If you want to sound like a native, use 'avaz-esh' (عوضش) in the middle of your sentences instead of the full 'dar avaz'.
Avoid Double Negatives
Don't use 'dar avaz' to link two negative things unless you are being sarcastic. It's meant for balancing.
Meaning
Used to indicate an alternative or substitute.
Use 'Avaz-esh' for Fluency
If you want to sound like a native, use 'avaz-esh' (عوضش) in the middle of your sentences instead of the full 'dar avaz'.
Avoid Double Negatives
Don't use 'dar avaz' to link two negative things unless you are being sarcastic. It's meant for balancing.
The Silver Lining Rule
Iranians love using this phrase to stay positive. If you complain, always try to add a 'dar avaz' point to show you're not a pessimist.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with 'در عوض' or 'به جای'.
من امروز نان نخریدم، _______ بیسکویت خریدم.
Since it's a trade-off between two actions/clauses, 'در عوض' is more natural here.
Which sentence is more natural?
A) چای نداریم، در عوض قهوه داریم. B) چای نداریم، و قهوه داریم.
Sentence A uses 'dar avaz' to show that coffee is a substitute for the missing tea, which is more logical.
Complete the dialogue.
علی: این رستوران خیلی گران است! سارا: بله، ولی _______ غذاهایش عالی است.
Sara is providing a positive point to balance the negative point (expensive).
Match the situation to the correct use of 'dar avaz'.
You missed the bus, but you found a 50,000 Toman bill on the ground.
'Dar avaz' highlights the lucky compensation for the bad luck.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Dar Avaz vs. Be Jaye
Practice Bank
4 exercisesمن امروز نان نخریدم، _______ بیسکویت خریدم.
Since it's a trade-off between two actions/clauses, 'در عوض' is more natural here.
A) چای نداریم، در عوض قهوه داریم. B) چای نداریم، و قهوه داریم.
Sentence A uses 'dar avaz' to show that coffee is a substitute for the missing tea, which is more logical.
علی: این رستوران خیلی گران است! سارا: بله، ولی _______ غذاهایش عالی است.
Sara is providing a positive point to balance the negative point (expensive).
You missed the bus, but you found a 50,000 Toman bill on the ground.
'Dar avaz' highlights the lucky compensation for the bad luck.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend. However, 'avaz-esh' is strictly informal.
Yes, it is very common to start a new sentence with it to respond to what someone else just said.
'Dar avaz' implies a trade-off or compensation. 'Dar moghabel' is a more neutral 'in contrast' or 'on the other hand'.
Yes, to compare qualities. 'He is short, but in return (dar avaz) he is fast.'
Yes, frequently in journalism and essays to balance arguments.
No, it works with any tense—past, present, or future.
Yes, 'avaz-e an' (instead of that) is a common variation.
The verb 'avaz kardan' means to change (like changing clothes), but 'dar avaz' specifically means 'in return'.
Use 'be jaye man'. 'Dar avaz-e man' sounds like you are being traded.
Yes, if the contrary point is a compensation for the first point.
Related Phrases
به جای
similarInstead of
در مقابل
similarIn contrast / In return
در ازای
specialized formIn exchange for
عوضش
synonymIn return for it
جبران کردن
builds onTo compensate / To make up for
