Meaning
Stating that a location is not far or is easily accessible.
Cultural Background
In Tehran, 'nazdik' is a relative term. Because of traffic, a place 5km away is 'far', but a place 1km away is 'near'. Always ask 'How many minutes?' rather than 'How many kilometers?'. When invited to a home, the host might say 'We are near' (Ma nazdikim) to encourage you to come, even if they live on the other side of town. It's a way of saying 'You are welcome anytime'. The concept of 'Qurb' (closeness) is central to Persian poetry. Poets like Rumi use 'nazdik' to describe the relationship between the lover and the beloved (God). With the rise of apps like Snapp (Iran's Uber), 'nazdik' is now most commonly seen on smartphone screens indicating the driver's distance.
Sound like a local
Always use 'nazdike' instead of 'nazdik ast' in shops or taxis. It sounds much more natural.
The 'Be' Preposition
Don't forget the 'be' (به) when comparing two things. 'A be B nazdik ast'.
Meaning
Stating that a location is not far or is easily accessible.
Sound like a local
Always use 'nazdike' instead of 'nazdik ast' in shops or taxis. It sounds much more natural.
The 'Be' Preposition
Don't forget the 'be' (به) when comparing two things. 'A be B nazdik ast'.
Ta'arof Distance
If someone says 'nazdike' and you've been walking for 10 minutes, don't worry. They are just being polite!
Time vs Space
Use this phrase for both! 'Vaght nazdike' (Time is near/short) is very common.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'to be' (informal).
ایستگاه مترو خیلی نزدیک ___.
In informal speech, 'ast' becomes 'e'.
Which sentence correctly says 'The bank is near the park'?
Select the correct sentence:
The preposition 'be' is required to say 'near to'.
Match the Persian phrase with its English meaning.
Match the following:
Matching basic variations of the phrase.
Complete the dialogue.
A: ببخشید، نانوایی کجاست؟ B: _________.
This is the most natural way to answer a direction question.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Formal vs Informal
Practice Bank
4 exercisesایستگاه مترو خیلی نزدیک ___.
In informal speech, 'ast' becomes 'e'.
Select the correct sentence:
The preposition 'be' is required to say 'near to'.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Matching basic variations of the phrase.
A: ببخشید، نانوایی کجاست؟ B: _________.
This is the most natural way to answer a direction question.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsYes, but usually to mean physical proximity. For emotional closeness, say 'dust-e nazdik' (close friend).
The opposite is 'dur' (دور), meaning far.
Add 'kheyli' before it: 'kheyli nazdik'.
The word itself is neutral. The verb 'ast' makes it formal, while the suffix '-e' makes it informal.
Not directly. You wouldn't say 'The rain is near'. You'd say 'Rain is coming' (Baran dar rah ast).
It means 'right around here' or 'in this general area'.
Yes, 'nazdik hastand' (they are near).
Yes, 'deadline nazdike' is very common in modern Persian offices.
Simply say 'Nazdike?' with a rising intonation.
No, Persian has no grammatical gender.
Yes, 'nazdik bud [verb]' means 'I almost [did something]'.
Extensively, to describe the closeness of the lover to the beloved.
Related Phrases
دور است
contrastIt is far
کنار است
similarIt is beside
همینجاست
builds onIt is right here
در دسترس
specialized formAccessible / Within reach
قریبالوقوع
formalImminent
