Meaning
To take a book with the intention of returning it later.
Cultural Background
The concept of 'Amanat' (trust) is central. If you borrow a book, you are an 'Amanat-dar'. Returning it late is seen as a minor breach of social trust. In universities, borrowing a book from a professor is a sign of being a 'favorite' or a dedicated student. It often comes with a long discussion about the book's contents. With the rise of 'Book Cafes', borrowing has shifted to 'reading while drinking coffee', but the phrase 'qarz gereftan' remains for taking books home. Poets often spoke of 'borrowing' metaphors or styles from predecessors, using the same linguistic logic.
Use 'Az'
Always remember to use the preposition 'az' (from) to indicate the person you are borrowing from.
Don't say 'Qarz kardan'
While grammatically possible, 'qarz kardan' is mostly for money. Stick to 'gereftan' for books.
Meaning
To take a book with the intention of returning it later.
Use 'Az'
Always remember to use the preposition 'az' (from) to indicate the person you are borrowing from.
Don't say 'Qarz kardan'
While grammatically possible, 'qarz kardan' is mostly for money. Stick to 'gereftan' for books.
The 'Ra' Marker
If you are borrowing a *specific* book, don't forget the 'ra' (or 'o' in informal speech).
Returning with a treat
If you borrow a book from an Iranian friend for a long time, returning it with a small chocolate or a nice note is a 'Pro' cultural move.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'gereftan'.
من دیروز از کتابخانه کتاب قرض _____.
The sentence uses 'diruz' (yesterday), so the past tense 'gereftam' is required.
Which sentence means 'Can I borrow your book?'
Choose the correct translation:
'Qarz begiram' means borrow. 'Qarz bedaham' means lend. 'Bekharam' means buy. 'Bekhanam' means read.
Match the Persian phrase to its English meaning.
Match the following:
These are the core vocabulary items for this topic.
Complete the dialogue.
سارا: این کتاب خیلی جالب است. علی: واقعاً؟ میخواهی آن را _____؟
Ali is asking Sara if she wants to borrow the book she finds interesting.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Borrow vs Lend
Practice Bank
4 exercisesمن دیروز از کتابخانه کتاب قرض _____.
The sentence uses 'diruz' (yesterday), so the past tense 'gereftam' is required.
Choose the correct translation:
'Qarz begiram' means borrow. 'Qarz bedaham' means lend. 'Bekharam' means buy. 'Bekhanam' means read.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are the core vocabulary items for this topic.
سارا: این کتاب خیلی جالب است. علی: واقعاً؟ میخواهی آن را _____؟
Ali is asking Sara if she wants to borrow the book she finds interesting.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, it is perfectly fine for digital lending.
'Qarz' is general borrowing; 'amanat' implies a trust or institutional borrowing (like a library).
Use 'qarz dadam' (قرض دادم).
No, it's actually a compliment to the owner's taste, but be prepared for some 'Ta'arof'.
Usually 2 weeks for libraries, but for friends, it depends on your relationship!
You should say 'Ketab ra gom kardam' and offer to buy a new one immediately.
Yes, if it's a specific book: 'Ketab ra qarz gereftam'.
Yes, 'qarz gereftan' works for most small physical objects.
Not really a common one, but 'gereftan' alone often suffices in context.
Yes, it's an Arabic loanword meaning debt.
Related Phrases
کتاب قرض دادن
contrastTo lend a book
امانت گرفتن
similarTo take as a trust
پس دادن کتاب
builds onTo return a book
کتابخانه
specialized formLibrary
کتابخوان
similarBook reader
