Meaning
To state that the current time is not yet advanced.
Cultural Background
Saying 'Zood vaght ast' is a key part of Ta'arof. Even if the host is tired, they will say it to be polite. As a guest, you should acknowledge it but still leave if it's actually late. In the fast-paced life of Tehran, 'Zood vaght ast' is often used sarcastically when someone arrives extremely late, implying 'Oh, you're so early!' (sarcasm). Persian poets like Khayyam often discuss 'Vaght' (the moment). While they don't use this exact phrase, the concept of it being 'early' or 'the right time' to enjoy life is a major theme. In Dari, 'Waqt ast' is used similarly, but you might also hear 'Waqt baki ast' (Time remains).
The 'Hanooz' Power-up
Always add 'Hanooz' (still) before the phrase to sound 10x more natural. 'Hanooz zoode' is the ultimate native-sounding phrase.
Don't over-Ta'arof
If someone looks truly exhausted and says they must leave, saying 'Zood vaght ast' more than twice might become annoying rather than polite.
Meaning
To state that the current time is not yet advanced.
The 'Hanooz' Power-up
Always add 'Hanooz' (still) before the phrase to sound 10x more natural. 'Hanooz zoode' is the ultimate native-sounding phrase.
Don't over-Ta'arof
If someone looks truly exhausted and says they must leave, saying 'Zood vaght ast' more than twice might become annoying rather than polite.
The Dinner Rule
In Iran, dinner is often served late (9 PM or 10 PM). If you arrive at 7 PM, it is definitely 'Zood vaght' for food!
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank to tell your guest it's still early.
کجا میروید؟ هنوز ________ است!
The context of 'Where are you going?' implies you want them to stay because it's early.
Which sentence is the most natural spoken (informal) version?
How do you say 'It's early' to a friend?
'Zoode' is the standard informal contraction of 'Zood ast'.
Match the response to the situation.
Situation: Someone asks if they should start the meeting 30 minutes before the scheduled time.
If it's 30 minutes before, it is indeed 'early time'.
Complete the dialogue with the correct form of the phrase.
مهمان: ساعت ۱۱ است، باید بروم. میزبان: نه بابا! ________. یک چای دیگر بخور.
The host is using Ta'arof to keep the guest longer.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Zood (Early) vs. Dir (Late)
When to say 'Zood Vaght Ast'
Social
- • Guests leaving
- • Starting a party
Daily
- • Waking up
- • Breakfast
Life
- • Marriage
- • Retirement
Practice Bank
4 exercisesکجا میروید؟ هنوز ________ است!
The context of 'Where are you going?' implies you want them to stay because it's early.
How do you say 'It's early' to a friend?
'Zoode' is the standard informal contraction of 'Zood ast'.
Situation: Someone asks if they should start the meeting 30 minutes before the scheduled time.
If it's 30 minutes before, it is indeed 'early time'.
مهمان: ساعت ۱۱ است، باید بروم. میزبان: نه بابا! ________. یک چای دیگر بخور.
The host is using Ta'arof to keep the guest longer.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo. While 'zood' can mean fast, 'zood vaght ast' only refers to time being early. To say 'He runs fast', use 'O tond midovad'.
Yes, 'zood ast' is the shortened version and is actually more common in daily speech.
Add 'kheili' (very). 'Kheili zood vaght ast'.
The version with 'ast' is neutral-formal. The version ending in 'e' (zoode) is informal.
The opposite is 'Dir vaght ast' (It is late).
Yes, you can say 'Baraye man zood ast' to mean 'It's too early in my life for this'.
Yes, but they might prefer 'Waqt ast' without the 'zood' if the context is clear.
This is 'Ta'arof'. It's a way to show you value the person's company more than sleep.
Yes, it is an Arabic loanword, but it is used universally in Persian.
Yes. 'Baraye parvaz hanooz zood vaght ast' (It's still early for the flight).
Related Phrases
دیر وقت است
contrastIt is late.
وقت داشتن
similarTo have time.
سر وقت
builds onOn time / Punctual.
به موقع
similarIn time / At the right moment.
