Meaning
The action of going out specifically to buy things.
Cultural Background
Shopping in Iran often involves 'Ta'arof'. Even if a price is fixed, the shopkeeper might initially refuse payment as a sign of respect. You must insist on paying. Tehran has a mix of traditional bazaars (like the Grand Bazaar) and ultra-modern malls. 'Kharid raftan' can mean a trip to either, but the experience is vastly different. For Iranians abroad, 'Kharid raftan' to Persian grocery stores is a weekend ritual to find ingredients like 'Kashk' or 'Ghormeh Sabzi' herbs. In the bazaar, 'Kharid raftan' is a sensory experience involving the smell of spices and the sound of copper smiths. It's more than just a transaction.
Drop the 'Be'
To sound more like a native, drop the 'be' (to). Say 'Miram kharid' instead of 'Be kharid miram'.
Verb Position
Always keep 'raftan' at the very end of your sentence.
Meaning
The action of going out specifically to buy things.
Drop the 'Be'
To sound more like a native, drop the 'be' (to). Say 'Miram kharid' instead of 'Be kharid miram'.
Verb Position
Always keep 'raftan' at the very end of your sentence.
Ta'arof in Shops
Expect the shopkeeper to say 'Ghabli nadare'. Just say 'Mersi' and ask for the price again.
Use with 'Bia'
Use 'Bia berim kharid' to invite someone. It's the most natural invitation.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'raftan'.
من دیروز با دوستم به خرید _______.
The sentence uses 'diruz' (yesterday), so the past tense 'raftam' is required.
Which sentence is the most natural way to say 'Let's go shopping'?
کدام جمله درست است؟
'Bia berim kharid' is the standard colloquial way to invite someone.
Complete the dialogue.
سارا: فردا چه کار میکنی؟ علی: میخواهم برای برادرم هدیه بخرم، پس ________.
Buying a gift (hedye kharidan) is logically followed by 'going shopping'.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are leaving the house and want to tell your roommate you are going to buy groceries.
'Daram miram kharid' is the correct way to say you are going shopping.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Kharid Raftan vs. Kharid Kardan
Practice Bank
4 exercisesمن دیروز با دوستم به خرید _______.
The sentence uses 'diruz' (yesterday), so the past tense 'raftam' is required.
کدام جمله درست است؟
'Bia berim kharid' is the standard colloquial way to invite someone.
سارا: فردا چه کار میکنی؟ علی: میخواهم برای برادرم هدیه بخرم، پس ________.
Buying a gift (hedye kharidan) is logically followed by 'going shopping'.
You are leaving the house and want to tell your roommate you are going to buy groceries.
'Daram miram kharid' is the correct way to say you are going shopping.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questions'Kharid raftan' emphasizes the trip/outing, while 'Kharid kardan' emphasizes the act of purchasing.
Not really. For online shopping, use 'Kharid-e online kardan'. 'Raftan' implies physical movement.
It's neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
You say 'Man kharid raftan ra doost daram'.
In writing, yes. In speaking, it's almost always omitted.
You can use 'Passage-gardi' (mall-wandering).
Ma mirim kharid (We are going shopping).
It's a noun meaning 'purchase' or 'shopping'.
Yes, it's perfect for groceries too.
It's the specific shopping trip people take before the Persian New Year.
Man diruz raftam kharid.
People might say 'Berim ye dori bezanim' (Let's go for a turn/round), implying shopping.
Related Phrases
خرید کردن
synonymTo shop / To buy
پاساژگردی
specialized formWindow shopping / Mall wandering
لیست خرید
builds onShopping list
مرکز خرید
similarShopping center / Mall
خرید عید
specialized formNew Year shopping
