Meaning
To avoid someone or something, often by giving the slip or making excuses.
Cultural Background
In Tehran, 'Pichundan' is almost a survival skill. With heavy traffic and constant social invitations, young people use it to manage their time without offending others too directly. Sometimes, government employees might 'pichundan' citizens by sending them from one room to another to avoid doing paperwork. This is a more negative use of the term. Because you can't say 'No' easily in Iran, 'Pichundan' serves as a necessary social lubricant. It allows people to maintain the illusion of politeness while still doing what they want. On dating apps in Iran, 'Pichundan' is the local term for 'ghosting.' If someone stops replying, they have 'pichundan.'
Watch your audience
Never use this with your Persian in-laws or your boss unless you want to sound like a rebellious teenager.
The 'Ro' Rule
Always remember to use 'ro' after the person you are ditching. 'Ali-ro pichundam.'
Meaning
To avoid someone or something, often by giving the slip or making excuses.
Watch your audience
Never use this with your Persian in-laws or your boss unless you want to sound like a rebellious teenager.
The 'Ro' Rule
Always remember to use 'ro' after the person you are ditching. 'Ali-ro pichundam.'
The Traffic Excuse
In Tehran, traffic is the most acceptable way to 'pichundan' a meeting. Even if you just woke up, say you're in traffic!
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'Pichundan'.
دیروز خیلی خسته بودم، برای همین کلاس زبان رو _________.
The sentence is in the past tense ('Dirooz' - yesterday), and 'Pichundan' is the correct slang form for skipping a class.
Which situation is appropriate for using 'Pichundan'?
In which of these scenarios can you use the word 'Pichundan'?
Pichundan is slang and should only be used in informal social contexts with peers.
Complete the dialogue.
A: چرا جواب تلفنم رو نمیدی؟ B: ببخشید، درگیر بودم. A: دروغ نگو، داری منو _________!
The present continuous 'mipichuni' (you are dodging me) fits the context of an ongoing suspicion.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercisesدیروز خیلی خسته بودم، برای همین کلاس زبان رو _________.
The sentence is in the past tense ('Dirooz' - yesterday), and 'Pichundan' is the correct slang form for skipping a class.
In which of these scenarios can you use the word 'Pichundan'?
Pichundan is slang and should only be used in informal social contexts with peers.
A: چرا جواب تلفنم رو نمیدی؟ B: ببخشید، درگیر بودم. A: دروغ نگو، داری منو _________!
The present continuous 'mipichuni' (you are dodging me) fits the context of an ongoing suspicion.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsNo, it's not a swear word. It's just very informal slang. It's like saying 'to flake' in English.
Yes, you can 'pichundan' a class, a meeting, or a task. It means you skipped it.
The formal version is 'اجتناب کردن' (ejtenāb kardan - to avoid) or 'حاضر نشدن' (hāzer nashodan - to not show up).
Usually, it implies a bit of an excuse or a 'twist' of the truth, but sometimes it just means skipping something without a deep lie.
You say: 'Oon mano pichund.' (اون منو پیچوند).
Related Phrases
جیم شدن
similarTo sneak away quietly.
دک کردن
similarTo get rid of someone.
پیچ دادن
builds onTo give a twist.
پیچوندنِ گوش
specialized formTo pull/twist someone's ear.
