Meaning
A casual farewell.
Cultural Background
In the capital, 'Ta ba'd' is often shortened even further in fast speech to sound almost like 'Taba'd' as one word. It's the hallmark of the busy Tehrani lifestyle. In places like 'Tehrangeles' (Los Angeles), you'll often hear 'Finglish' where 'Ta ba'd' is mixed with English. Even in casual families, a younger person might wait for the elder to initiate the goodbye before using a phrase as casual as 'Ta ba'd.' On Iranian social media, 'Ta ba'd' is sometimes written in 'Pinglish' (Persian using Latin alphabet) as 'ta bad' or 'ta b'ad'.
The 'Felan' Sandwich
To sound 100% native, put 'Felan' before 'Ta ba'd'. It's the most natural way to exit a conversation.
Don't over-Ta'arof
If you use 'Ta ba'd' with someone you should be Ta'arof-ing with, you might seem cold. If in doubt, use 'Khodafez'.
Meaning
A casual farewell.
The 'Felan' Sandwich
To sound 100% native, put 'Felan' before 'Ta ba'd'. It's the most natural way to exit a conversation.
Don't over-Ta'arof
If you use 'Ta ba'd' with someone you should be Ta'arof-ing with, you might seem cold. If in doubt, use 'Khodafez'.
The Hand Wave
Iranians often accompany 'Ta ba'd' with a small, quick hand wave or a slight nod of the head.
Test Yourself
Complete the farewell with the correct word.
خیلی خب، من باید برم. ______ بعد!
The phrase 'Ta ba'd' always starts with 'Ta' (until).
Which phrase is most appropriate for leaving a close friend?
Leaving your best friend after watching a movie.
'Ta ba'd' is the most casual and friendly option here.
Choose the best response for Speaker B.
Speaker A: فردا میبینمت. (I'll see you tomorrow.) Speaker B: ________
'Okay, see you later' is a natural response to 'I'll see you tomorrow.'
Which of these is NOT a common way to say 'See you later'?
Select the incorrect phrase.
'Ba'd ta' is incorrect word order.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
When to use 'Ta ba'd'
Friends
- • Coffee
- • Movies
- • Hangouts
Family
- • Siblings
- • Cousins
- • Daily life
Work
- • Lunch break
- • Errands
- • End of day
Practice Bank
4 exercisesخیلی خب، من باید برم. ______ بعد!
The phrase 'Ta ba'd' always starts with 'Ta' (until).
Leaving your best friend after watching a movie.
'Ta ba'd' is the most casual and friendly option here.
Speaker A: فردا میبینمت. (I'll see you tomorrow.) Speaker B: ________
'Okay, see you later' is a natural response to 'I'll see you tomorrow.'
Select the incorrect phrase.
'Ba'd ta' is incorrect word order.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsGenerally, no. Use 'Khodafez' or 'Ba ejaze' (with your permission) to show respect to a teacher.
They are interchangeable, but 'Ta ba'dan' is slightly more formal or emphatic.
Yes! It's like 'See you later'—it doesn't have to be literally today. It just implies you are in each other's lives.
Not exactly. 'Goodbye' is 'Khodafez.' 'Ta ba'd' is specifically 'Until later.'
Only in informal writing like texts, emails to friends, or dialogue in novels.
'Felan' means 'for now.' Saying 'For now, until later' is a very common rhythmic habit in Persian.
In casual speech, no. It just sounds like a short 'a' sound. In very formal speech, you might hear a tiny catch in the throat.
Yes, but 'Ta farda' (Until tomorrow) or 'Shab khosh' (Goodnight) might be more common if you're going to sleep.
No, it's just informal. It's not 'street talk,' just everyday language.
You can say 'Ta ba'd,' 'Khodafez,' or just 'Ghorbanet' (Your sacrifice/Thanks).
Related Phrases
فعلاً
similarFor now
تا فردا
specialized formUntil tomorrow
میبینمت
synonymI'll see you
خداحافظ
similarGoodbye
به امید دیدار
formalHope to see you
