Meaning
Describing something as being of poor quality or undesirable.
Cultural Background
In Iran, using 'خیلی بد' for a person's character is considered quite harsh and is usually avoided in polite company. Similar to other cultures in the region, indirectness is preferred. 'خیلی بد' is acceptable for objects but sensitive for people. The phrase is a universal negative marker. It is understood across all Persian-speaking regions (Iran, Afghanistan, Tajikistan).
Word Order
Always keep the intensifier before the adjective. It makes your Persian sound natural.
Politeness
Be careful using this to describe people. It can sound very aggressive.
Meaning
Describing something as being of poor quality or undesirable.
Word Order
Always keep the intensifier before the adjective. It makes your Persian sound natural.
Politeness
Be careful using this to describe people. It can sound very aggressive.
Contractions
Use 'بده' instead of 'بد است' when texting friends to sound like a local.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct phrase.
این غذا ______ است.
The intensifier 'خیلی' must come before the adjective 'بد'.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Choose the correct option.
Standard Persian word order is Subject-Adverb-Adjective-Verb.
Match the phrase with its meaning.
Match 'خیلی بد' to its English equivalent.
خیلی means very, بد means bad.
Complete the dialogue.
A: فیلم چطور بود؟ B: ____.
Since the question is in the past tense (بود), the answer should also be in the past tense.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesاین غذا ______ است.
The intensifier 'خیلی' must come before the adjective 'بد'.
Choose the correct option.
Standard Persian word order is Subject-Adverb-Adjective-Verb.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
خیلی means very, بد means bad.
A: فیلم چطور بود؟ B: ____.
Since the question is in the past tense (بود), the answer should also be in the past tense.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsYes, it is very versatile, but try to use synonyms if you want to sound more advanced.
It depends on the context. For things, it's fine. For people, it's rude.
Use 'بسیار نامطلوب' instead.
No, 'خیلی بد' is invariant.
The latter is just the informal, contracted version.
Only if you are describing a process or a situation, not a person.
Yes, it is standard across all regions.
Use 'افتضاح' (eftezah).
Related Phrases
خیلی خوب
contrastVery good
خیلی افتضاح
similarVery terrible
بد نیست
contrastNot bad
