Meaning
A portable electronic device used for communication and various other functions.
Cultural Background
In cities like Tehran, the 'گوشی همراه' is a vital tool for bypassing internet censorship. Almost every phone has multiple 'Filter-shekans' (VPNs) installed. It is considered rude to look at your 'گوشی همراه' while someone is performing 'Taarof' or during a formal greeting. Many small businesses in Iran operate entirely through Instagram on their 'گوشی همراه', as it's easier than setting up a traditional website. In mosques and holy shrines, there are often signs asking visitors to turn off their 'گوشی همراه' or put them on silent.
Sound like a native
Use 'گوشی' (gooshi) in 90% of your conversations. Save 'گوشی همراه' for when you're filling out forms or talking to your boss.
The Ezafe
Don't forget the 'ye' sound between the two words. Without it, it sounds like two separate, unrelated words.
Meaning
A portable electronic device used for communication and various other functions.
Sound like a native
Use 'گوشی' (gooshi) in 90% of your conversations. Save 'گوشی همراه' for when you're filling out forms or talking to your boss.
The Ezafe
Don't forget the 'ye' sound between the two words. Without it, it sounds like two separate, unrelated words.
Phone Etiquette
In Iran, it's common to answer the phone with 'Baleh?' (Yes?) or 'Alo?' (Hello?).
Plurals
When talking about multiple phones, only pluralize the first word: 'گوشیهای همراه'.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the phrase.
من دیروز یک ________ جدید خریدم.
The sentence requires a singular noun as the direct object.
Which sentence is the most formal?
How would a news anchor say 'Mobile phones are expensive'?
This uses the plural formal form and the formal 'hastand' verb.
Complete the dialogue in a polite register.
شخص الف: ببخشید، میتوانم از ________ شما استفاده کنم؟ شخص ب: بله، بفرمایید.
The use of 'میتوانم' and 'بفرمایید' indicates a formal register where 'گوشی همراه' is most appropriate.
Match the phrase variation to the situation.
Match 'تلفن همراه' with its best context.
'تلفن همراه' is the most formal and legalistic variation.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Formal vs. Informal
Practice Bank
4 exercisesمن دیروز یک ________ جدید خریدم.
The sentence requires a singular noun as the direct object.
How would a news anchor say 'Mobile phones are expensive'?
This uses the plural formal form and the formal 'hastand' verb.
شخص الف: ببخشید، میتوانم از ________ شما استفاده کنم؟ شخص ب: بله، بفرمایید.
The use of 'میتوانم' and 'بفرمایید' indicates a formal register where 'گوشی همراه' is most appropriate.
Match 'تلفن همراه' with its best context.
'تلفن همراه' is the most formal and legalistic variation.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsNot at all! It's very common. 'گوشی همراه' is just the more formal, 'proper' Persian term.
You can say 'گوشی هوشمند' (gooshi-ye hooshmand).
The most common verb is 'زنگ زدن' (zang zadan).
No, 'hamrah' alone means companion. You must say 'gooshi' or 'gooshi-ye hamrah'.
You say 'گوشیم خاموش شده' (my phone has turned off) or 'شارژ نداره' (it has no charge).
'تلفن همراه' is slightly more formal and often used in legal or technical documents.
You can say 'پیامک دادن' or 'پیام دادن'.
It's exactly the same: 'سیمکارت' (sim-card).
Yes, iPhones are very popular status symbols in Iran, despite being expensive.
Say 'گوشیم رو گم کردم' (Gooshi-m ro gom kardam).
It refers to the handset of the landline, but not the whole system.
It is 'حالت پرواز' (halat-e parvaz).
Related Phrases
گوشی هوشمند
specialized formSmartphone
تلفن ثابت
contrastLandline phone
سیمکارت
builds onSIM card
شارژر
similarCharger
پیامک
similarSMS / Text message
