Meaning
A well-written or interesting book.
Cultural Background
Books are often given as gifts during Nowruz (Persian New Year) or Yalda Night. A 'good book' of poetry by Hafez is a staple in every Iranian home. In Iranian schools, the 'Ketāb-e Khub' is often contrasted with 'Ketāb-e Darsi' (Textbook), implying that real wisdom comes from reading beyond the curriculum. The concept of a 'good book' is tied to 'Adab' (culture/etiquette). A book is considered good if it refines the reader's character.
The Ezafe Secret
If you forget the 'e' sound between 'ketab' and 'khub', Iranians will still understand you, but it will sound like 'Book. Good.' instead of 'Good book'.
Don't say 'Khub Ketab'
This is the #1 mistake for English speakers. Always noun first, adjective second!
Meaning
A well-written or interesting book.
The Ezafe Secret
If you forget the 'e' sound between 'ketab' and 'khub', Iranians will still understand you, but it will sound like 'Book. Good.' instead of 'Good book'.
Don't say 'Khub Ketab'
This is the #1 mistake for English speakers. Always noun first, adjective second!
Make it Indefinite
Add a small 'i' sound at the end (khubi) to say 'A good book' instead of 'The good book'.
Test Yourself
Complete the phrase with the correct adjective.
من یک _____ (good) خوب میخواهم.
The sentence asks for a 'good book' (کتاب خوب).
Which one is the correct way to say 'A good book'?
Select the correct Persian word order:
In Persian, the noun comes first, followed by the Ezafe link and the adjective.
Fill in the missing phrase.
دوست: این چیست؟ من: این یک ________ است.
The context implies identifying the object as a 'good book'.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are at a library and want to ask for a recommendation.
'Do you have a good book?' is the most natural way to ask for a recommendation.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
English vs Persian Order
Practice Bank
4 exercisesمن یک _____ (good) خوب میخواهم.
The sentence asks for a 'good book' (کتاب خوب).
Select the correct Persian word order:
In Persian, the noun comes first, followed by the Ezafe link and the adjective.
دوست: این چیست؟ من: این یک ________ است.
The context implies identifying the object as a 'good book'.
You are at a library and want to ask for a recommendation.
'Do you have a good book?' is the most natural way to ask for a recommendation.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
6 questionsIt is neutral and can be used in any context.
Add 'kheyli' before the adjective: 'کتابِ خیلی خوب' (ketāb-e kheyli khub).
Persian script usually omits short vowels. You just have to know it's there based on the grammar.
No, for a movie you would say 'فیلمِ خوب' (film-e khub).
کتابهایِ خوب (ketābhā-ye khub).
Yes, 'niku' (نیکو) is often used in poetry and classical literature.
Related Phrases
کتابخوان
builds onBookworm / Avid reader
اهلِ مطالعه
similarA person of study
شاهکار
specialized formMasterpiece
