Meaning
A phrase to express the desire for food.
Cultural Background
The 'Sofreh' is the heart of the home. Even if you say you want food, a host will likely bring much more than you asked for. In the fast-paced life of Tehran, 'Ghazā mikhām' is often replaced by 'Ye chizi bezanim' (Let's hit/eat something) among youth. In Afghanistan, 'Nan' (bread) is often used as a synonym for 'food' in general. Tajik Persian uses 'khurok' more often than 'ghazā' for food.
Drop the 'Man'
You don't need to say 'Man' (I). Just say 'Ghazā mikhāham'. It sounds more native.
The 'Kh' Sound
Don't pronounce 'kh' as 'k'. It's a raspy sound from the throat.
Meaning
A phrase to express the desire for food.
Drop the 'Man'
You don't need to say 'Man' (I). Just say 'Ghazā mikhāham'. It sounds more native.
The 'Kh' Sound
Don't pronounce 'kh' as 'k'. It's a raspy sound from the throat.
Be Polite
Add 'Lotfan' (Please) at the end to sound much nicer.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'to want' (present tense, 'I' form).
من الان غذا _______.
The subject is 'من' (I), so the verb must end in '-am'.
Which sentence is the most natural spoken way to say 'I want food'?
Choose the best option:
'Ghazā mikhām' is the standard spoken contraction.
Match the Persian phrase with its English meaning.
Match the following:
'Ghazā' specifically means food.
Complete the dialogue.
Person A: گرسنه هستی؟ (Are you hungry?) Person B: بله، _______.
If you are hungry, the logical response is that you want food.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesمن الان غذا _______.
The subject is 'من' (I), so the verb must end in '-am'.
Choose the best option:
'Ghazā mikhām' is the standard spoken contraction.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
'Ghazā' specifically means food.
Person A: گرسنه هستی؟ (Are you hungry?) Person B: بله، _______.
If you are hungry, the logical response is that you want food.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt's not rude, but it's very direct. With friends it's fine; with strangers, add 'lotfan' (please).
Yes, but 'ghazā' usually implies a meal. For snacks, you might say 'khōrāki'.
'Mikhāham' is written/formal; 'mikhām' is spoken/casual.
Replace 'ghazā' with 'āb': 'Āb mikhāham'.
In Persian, 'h' between two vowels is often dropped in casual speech.
It's originally Arabic but has been used in Persian for centuries.
It's better to say 'I want to order' (Mikhāham sefāresh bedam).
Add 'ne' to the verb: 'Ghazā nemikhāham'.
It's 'ghazā-hā', but we usually use the singular for the general concept of food.
Yes, but it can also mean 'I am going to' when used as a future auxiliary.
Related Phrases
گشنمه
similarI'm hungry
غذا میخورم
builds onI am eating food
بسیار گرسنه هستم
specialized formI am very hungry
چیزی برای خوردن
similarSomething to eat
