Meaning
Describing something that has existed for a long time.
Cultural Background
Being a 'Dust-e Qadim' (old friend) grants you a special status in an Iranian home. It implies you are 'Mahram' (like family) and don't need to follow strict 'Taarof' (etiquette). Tehran-e Qadim refers to the city before the 1979 revolution or the mid-century modernization. It is a massive theme in Iranian pop culture, music, and cafes. In the Bazaar, 'Qadim' is a mark of quality. A 'Kasabe Qadim' (old tradesman) is someone trusted by the whole community for their honesty and long history.
The 'Y' Rule
If you are describing a specific object (like a car), use 'Qadimi'. If you are describing a concept or relationship, use 'Qadim'.
Age Gap
Calling a person 'Qadim' makes them sound like a museum exhibit. Stick to 'Pir'!
Meaning
Describing something that has existed for a long time.
The 'Y' Rule
If you are describing a specific object (like a car), use 'Qadimi'. If you are describing a concept or relationship, use 'Qadim'.
Age Gap
Calling a person 'Qadim' makes them sound like a museum exhibit. Stick to 'Pir'!
Test Yourself
Which word should you use to describe an old grandfather?
پدربزرگ من _______ است.
Use 'Pir' for people and 'Qadim' for things/eras.
Complete the sentence to say 'In the old days'.
در زمان _______ تلویزیون نبود.
'Zaman-e qadim' is the standard phrase for 'the old days'.
Match the Persian phrase to its English meaning.
1. دوست قدیم, 2. کتاب قدیم, 3. زمان قدیم
Qadim modifies each noun to indicate long-standing status or age.
Complete the dialogue.
A: این خانه جدید است؟ B: نه، این خانه _______ است.
The opposite of 'Jadid' (new) is 'Qadim' (old).
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Qadim vs. Pir
Practice Bank
4 exercisesپدربزرگ من _______ است.
Use 'Pir' for people and 'Qadim' for things/eras.
در زمان _______ تلویزیون نبود.
'Zaman-e qadim' is the standard phrase for 'the old days'.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Qadim modifies each noun to indicate long-standing status or age.
A: این خانه جدید است؟ B: نه، این خانه _______ است.
The opposite of 'Jadid' (new) is 'Qadim' (old).
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
2 questionsYes, 'Mashin-e qadimi' is the perfect way to say vintage or old car.
Yes, it is a very neutral and respectful word.
Related Phrases
قدیمی
similarOld (adjective for objects)
باستانی
specialized formAncient/Archaeological
کهنه
similarWorn out
