This page in your language

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

A1 noun #1,000 most common 9 min read

عشق

ʼishq Top 1,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips عشق in 30 Seconds

Explanation عشق in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should learn 'Eshgh' as the basic word for 'love'. You will mostly see it in simple phrases like 'Eshgham' (my love) or 'Eshgh-e man' (my love). At this stage, you don't need to worry about the deep mystical meanings. Just understand that it is a noun and it represents a very strong feeling. You might use it to talk about your favorite things in a slightly exaggerated way, or to understand when someone is talking about their partner. Focus on the pronunciation: 'Eshgh'. The 'gh' sound is like the French 'r' or a gargling sound. Practice saying 'Man be to eshgh daram' (I have love for you) as a set phrase. You will also see it on greeting cards or in simple song titles. It is one of the first 500 words most learners encounter because of its high frequency in music and media.

At the A2 level, you begin to distinguish between 'Eshgh' (the noun) and 'Ashegh' (the adjective/person). You should learn the common compound 'Ashegh shodan' (to fall in love). You will also start to see 'Eshgh' used with the preposition 'be'. For example, 'Eshgh be madar' (love for mother). You can start using it to describe your passions, like 'Eshgh be musighi' (love for music). You should also be aware that 'Eshgh' is more intense than 'Dust dashtan'. If you say you have 'Eshgh' for a hobby, it means you are very serious about it. You might encounter this word in simple stories or elementary level reading passages about family and relationships. You should be able to answer simple questions like 'Eshgh chist?' (What is love?) with basic sentences.

At the B1 level, you should understand the role of 'Eshgh' in Iranian pop culture. You will encounter it in almost every Persian song you listen to. You should be comfortable using it in various sentence structures, including 'Eshgh varzidan' (to show love) in slightly more formal contexts. You will also learn common idioms like 'Eshgh-e dorooghaki' (fake love) or 'Eshgh-e pak' (pure love). You should be able to discuss the concept of love in a conversation, explaining why someone might be 'Ashegh' or what 'Eshgh' means to you. Your understanding of the word should move beyond just 'romantic love' to include 'love for one's country' (Eshgh be vatan) or 'love for humanity'. You will also start to notice how 'Eshgh' is used in social media captions and informal digital communication.

At the B2 level, you are ready to explore the literary and historical nuances of 'Eshgh'. You will start reading short poems or excerpts from classical literature where 'Eshgh' is a central theme. You should understand the difference between 'Eshgh-e majazi' (earthly/metaphorical love) and 'Eshgh-e haghighi' (true/divine love). You will also encounter more complex grammatical structures involving 'Eshgh', such as using it as a subject in abstract sentences: 'Eshgh ensan ra taghyir midahad' (Love changes a person). You should be able to compare 'Eshgh' with other emotional terms like 'Mohabbat' or 'Alagheh' in a detailed discussion. Your vocabulary will expand to include related terms like 'Ma'shough' (the beloved) and 'Eshgh-bazi' (flirtation/love-play).

At the C1 level, you should have a deep appreciation for the philosophical and mystical implications of 'Eshgh'. You will study the works of Rumi, Hafez, and Saadi, where 'Eshgh' is the primary mechanism for spiritual growth. You should be able to analyze how the concept of 'Eshgh' has evolved from classical poetry to modern Persian prose. You will understand the subtle connotations of 'Eshgh' in political discourse or high-level academic writing. You should be able to write an essay or give a presentation on the 'Concept of Love in Persian Literature'. You will also be familiar with archaic or highly formal synonyms and how they differ from the standard 'Eshgh'. Your use of the word will be precise, reflecting an understanding of register, tone, and cultural history.

At the C2 level, you possess a native-like grasp of 'Eshgh' in all its complexity. You can interpret the most obscure poetic references to 'Eshgh' and understand the word's role in the 'Erfan' (Gnosticism) tradition. You can engage in deep philosophical debates about the nature of 'Eshgh' versus 'Aghl' (Reason), a classic trope in Persian thought. You understand the word's etymological roots and its relationship to similar concepts in Arabic and other regional languages. You can use 'Eshgh' in creative writing to evoke specific emotional atmospheres, from the tragic to the sublime. You are also aware of the most subtle slang or contemporary shifts in how the word is used by the younger generation in Iran today. For you, 'Eshgh' is not just a word, but a vast cultural landscape.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

عشق in 30 Seconds

Eshgh is the Persian word for 'love', implying high intensity.
It is a noun and often used with the verb 'dashtan' (to have).
It is central to Persian poetry, music, and cultural identity.
Stronger than 'dust dashtan', it can be romantic or divine.

The word عشق (Eshgh) is perhaps the most profound and culturally significant noun in the Persian language. While it is commonly translated as 'love' in English, its weight in Persian culture, literature, and daily life is significantly more intense than the standard English equivalent. In its most basic form, it refers to a deep, passionate affection for another person, a concept, or a divine entity. However, unlike the more common and casual word for liking or loving, dust dashtan, عشق implies a level of devotion that often borders on obsession or self-sacrifice. It is the fuel of Persian poetry and the cornerstone of Iranian identity.

The Romantic Context: In modern daily life, Iranians use this word to describe romantic relationships that are serious and deeply felt. It is not a word used lightly for a new crush or a casual date. When someone says they have عشق for someone, they are declaring a soul-level connection. It is the 'true love' of fairy tales and tragic dramas alike.

او با عشق به همسرش نگاه کرد.
(He looked at his wife with love.)

The Mystical and Divine Context: In the realm of Persian Sufism and classical poetry (like that of Rumi and Hafez), عشق is the bridge between the human and the divine. It is the 'Eshgh-e Erfani' (Mystical Love) that seeks to dissolve the ego in the presence of the Creator. In this context, the word represents the ultimate truth of the universe.

عشق صیدیست که کس را به کمندش نرسد.
(Love is a prey that no one can catch with a lasso - Hafez.)

Passionate Interests: Beyond people, عشق is used to describe an intense passion for a craft, a hobby, or a career. If a musician lives for their music, they have an عشق for the violin. It implies that the activity is not just a job, but a vital part of their existence.

او عشق عجیبی به نقاشی دارد.
(He has a strange love for painting.)

سلام عشقم، چطوری؟
(Hello my love, how are you?)

بدون عشق، زندگی معنایی ندارد.
(Without love, life has no meaning.)

To summarize, عشق is a high-energy, high-stakes word. It spans from the romantic to the divine, from the personal to the universal. It is the core of Persian lyricism and the highest emotion one can express. Whether you are reading the 14th-century ghazals of Shiraz or watching a modern Iranian drama in Tehran, this word will be the gravitational center of the narrative. It represents an intensity that transcends mere 'liking' and enters the territory of the soul's deep yearning.

Using عشق (Eshgh) correctly requires understanding its grammatical role as a noun and how it interacts with verbs to form compound meanings. In Persian, nouns often combine with 'light verbs' to create actions. For عشق, the most common companion is the verb dashtan (to have) or varzidan (to practice/show). Understanding these patterns is essential for moving beyond simple vocabulary to fluent expression.

The 'Have' Construction: The most common way to say 'I love [something/someone]' using this noun is to say 'I have love for [something/someone]'. The preposition به (be - to/towards) is almost always used here. Structure: [Subject] + [Preposition 'be'] + [Object] + [Eshgh] + [Verb 'dashtan'].

من به تو عشق دارم.
(I have love for you / I love you deeply.)

Falling in Love: To describe the process of falling in love, we use the adjective form عاشق (Ashegh - lover/in love) with the verb shodan (to become). While 'Eshgh' is the noun, 'Ashegh' is the state of being. You 'become' an 'Ashegh' of someone.

او عاشق برادرش است.
(He is in love with his brother - Note: usually used for romantic love, but can be familial in high literature.)

عشق در نگاه اول اتفاق افتاد.
(Love happened at first sight.)

Formal Usage: Eshgh Varzidan: In literature or formal speeches, the verb varzidan (to exercise/practice) is used. This sounds very poetic and sophisticated. It implies an active, ongoing expression of love rather than just a feeling.

آن‌ها به یکدیگر عشق می‌ورزند.
(They express love to one another.)

داستان عشق آن‌ها زبانزد خاص و عام است.
(The story of their love is known by everyone.)

In conclusion, while the word itself is simple, its application varies from the everyday 'Eshgham' to the complex 'Eshgh varzidan'. By mastering the preposition 'be' and the light verbs 'dashtan' and 'shodan', you can express a wide range of emotional depths. Remember that in Persian, love is often something you 'have' or 'become', emphasizing the state of the soul rather than just a transitive action.

If you spend any time in an Iranian environment, you will hear the word عشق (Eshgh) constantly. It permeates every level of society, from the most intellectual academic circles to the most casual street conversations. Its ubiquity is a testament to the emotional nature of the Persian language and the high value placed on sentiment and connection in Iranian culture.

In Music and Pop Culture: Persian music, whether it is traditional 'Sonati' or modern 'Pop', is almost entirely centered around the theme of love. You will hear 'Eshgh' in the lyrics of every major artist. It is often portrayed as a powerful, sometimes painful force that defines the singer's life. In movies and TV series (often called 'Serial'), the plot almost always revolves around an 'Eshgh-e Mamnou' (Forbidden Love) or a 'Shak-e Eshghi' (Love Triangle).

این آهنگ درباره عشق گمشده است.
(This song is about a lost love.)

In Daily Conversation: Beyond romantic contexts, you'll hear people say 'Eshgh-e mani' (You are my love) to friends as a way of saying 'You're the best' or 'I really appreciate you'. It's also used to describe things people are obsessed with. For example, a football fan might say 'Eshgham faghat Perspolis' (My only love is Perspolis - a famous Iranian soccer team).

داداش، تو عشق منی!
(Bro, you are my love! / You're the best!)

او با عشق برای بچه‌ها غذا می‌پزد.
(She cooks for the children with love.)

In Literature and Poetry: Iran is a nation of poets. Even taxi drivers might quote a line of poetry containing 'Eshgh'. In this context, the word often carries a philosophical weight, discussing the nature of existence and the longing for the beloved (Yar).

هرگز نمیرد آن که دلش زنده شد به عشق.
(He whose heart is revived by love shall never die - Hafez.)

او عشق به وطن را در دل دارد.
(He has love for his homeland in his heart.)

Whether you are listening to a soulful ballad, reading a classic poem, or just chatting with a friend over tea, 'Eshgh' is the word that connects the mundane to the extraordinary. It is the most vital word for understanding the emotional landscape of the Persian-speaking world.

While عشق (Eshgh) is a foundational word, English speakers often struggle with its specific nuances and grammatical requirements. Persian is a language of 'registers' and 'light verbs', and using 'Eshgh' like the English word 'love' can sometimes lead to awkward or even misunderstood sentences.

Mistake 1: Overusing it for inanimate objects: In English, we say 'I love this pizza' or 'I love your shoes'. In Persian, using عشق for these things sounds extremely dramatic and usually incorrect. For likes and preferences, use dust dashtan (to like/love) or ashegh-e ... budan (to be a lover of...). Using 'Eshgh' as a standalone noun for pizza implies a spiritual devotion to the food.

❌ من به پیتزا عشق دارم.
✅ من پیتزا دوست دارم.
(I like/love pizza.)

Mistake 2: Incorrect Prepositions: English speakers often want to use 'with' (ba) because we say 'in love WITH someone'. In Persian, when using the noun عشق with the verb dashtan, you must use be (to/towards). If you use the adjective ashegh, you use the 'ezafe' (the 'of' sound).

❌ من با تو عشق دارم.
✅ من به تو عشق دارم.
(I have love for you.)

❌ من عشق او هستم.
✅ من عاشق او هستم.
(I am in love with her.)

Mistake 3: Confusing Register: Using 'Eshgh varzidan' in a casual text message to a friend can sound like you are reciting 13th-century poetry. It's too formal. Conversely, calling a boss 'Eshgham' is a major social faux pas. Understanding the social boundaries of this powerful word is key.

❌ (To a boss) سلام عشقم.
✅ سلام جناب رئیس.
(Hello Mr. Boss.)

❌ عشق من برای تو زیاد است.
✅ خیلی دوستت دارم.
(I love you very much - more natural.)

By avoiding these common pitfalls—over-dramatization, preposition errors, and register mismatches—you will be able to use 'Eshgh' with the same grace and precision as a native speaker. Remember: 'Eshgh' is a heavy word; use it where it counts!

Persian is a language incredibly rich in emotional vocabulary. While عشق (Eshgh) is the most famous word for love, it is by no means the only one. Depending on the intensity, the object of affection, and the context, you might choose a different word to be more precise.

1. دوست داشتن (Dust Dashtan): This is the most common way to say 'to love' or 'to like'. It is safer and more versatile than عشق. You use it for friends, family, food, and hobbies. It lacks the 'obsessive' or 'divine' quality of عشق.

من مادرم را دوست دارم.
(I love my mother.)

2. محبت (Mohabbat): This word translates to 'affection' or 'kindness'. It is a warmer, gentler form of love. It is often used to describe the kindness shown between people or the benevolent love of a parent or a teacher. It is less passionate than عشق but very positive.

او با محبت با من صحبت کرد.
(He spoke to me with affection/kindness.)

3. علاقه (Alagheh): This means 'interest' or 'attachment'. It is often used for hobbies, academic subjects, or a developing romantic interest. It is much more clinical and less emotional than عشق.

من به تاریخ علاقه دارم.
(I have an interest in history.)

4. شیدایی (Sheydaei): This is a literary term for 'madness' or 'frenzy' caused by love. It is even more intense than عشق and is almost exclusively found in poetry or high-level literature to describe a lover who has lost their mind in devotion.

او در شیدایی غرق شده است.
(He is drowned in the madness of love.)

مهر و عشق در این خانه جاری است.
(Kindness and love flow in this house.)

Understanding these distinctions allows you to navigate the complex emotional waters of Persian communication. Whether you want to express a simple preference or a life-altering passion, there is a specific word waiting for you.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

Despite being an Arabic loanword, 'Eshgh' is more central to Persian literature than almost any native Persian word. Some early Persian purists tried to replace it with 'Mehr' or 'Dust dashtan', but 'Eshgh' was too powerful to be removed.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ɛʃɡ/

US /ɛʃɡ/

The stress is on the single syllable of the word.

Rhymes With

مشق (Mashgh - Homework) نقش (Naghsh - Role/Pattern) رشک (Rashk - Envy) اشک (Ashk - Tear) دشت (Dasht - Plain) گشت (Gasht - Patrol) هشت (Hasht - Eight) مشت (Mosht - Fist)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'gh' as a hard English 'g'.
Pronouncing 'e' as a long 'ee' sound.
Dropping the 'sh' sound in rapid speech.
Confusing it with the word 'Ash' (soup).
Not vibrating the vocal cords for the 'gh' sound.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

The word itself is easy to recognize, but its meaning in poetry can be very complex.

Writing 3/5

Requires mastering the 'gh' (ق) character and the 'Ezafe' connection.

Speaking 3/5

The 'gh' sound is difficult for many English speakers to master.

Listening 1/5

Very easy to hear as it is used constantly in songs and movies.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

دوست داشتن دل خوب زیبا داشتن

Learn Next

عاشق معشوق محبت نفرت احساس

Advanced

عرفان سلوک فنا وصال هجران

Grammar to Know

Compound Verbs with 'Eshgh'

عشق ورزیدن (Eshgh + Varzidan)

Preposition 'be' for Object of Love

عشق به وطن

Possessive Suffixes with 'Eshgh'

عشقم (Eshgh + am)

Ezafe Construction

عشقِ من (Eshgh-e man)

Adjective formation with '-aneh'

عاشقانه (Ashegh + aneh)

Examples by Level

عشق زیبا است.

Love is beautiful.

Simple Subject + Adjective + Verb 'to be'.

سلام عشقم.

Hello my love.

Noun + possessive suffix '-am'.

من به تو عشق دارم.

I have love for you.

Using 'be' (to) with 'dashtan' (to have).

عشق من کجاست؟

Where is my love?

Possessive 'man' used for emphasis.

او عشق من است.

He/She is my love.

Third person singular 'ast'.

عشق یعنی زندگی.

Love means life.

'Ya'ni' is used for definitions.

کتاب عشق.

The book of love.

Simple Ezafe construction (Noun-e Noun).

یک عشق بزرگ.

A big love.

Noun + Adjective with Ezafe.

او عاشق برادرش است.

He loves his brother (familial love).

Using the adjective 'Ashegh'.

آن‌ها در عشق موفق هستند.

They are successful in love.

Preposition 'dar' (in).

عشق اول هیچ‌وقت فراموش نمی‌شود.

First love is never forgotten.

Passive voice 'faramosh nemishavad'.

او به گربه‌اش عشق می‌ورزد.

She shows love to her cat.

Compound verb 'Eshgh varzidan'.

داستان عشق آن‌ها جالب است.

Their love story is interesting.

Possessive plural 'anha'.

آیا تو به عشق در نگاه اول باور داری؟

Do you believe in love at first sight?

Question form with 'aya'.

او با عشق نقاشی می‌کند.

He paints with love.

Adverbial use 'ba eshgh'.

عشق واقعی پیدا نمی‌شود.

True love is not found (easily).

Negative passive voice.

عشق می‌تواند کوه‌ها را جابجا کند.

Love can move mountains.

Modal verb 'tavanestan'.

او تمام زندگی‌اش را وقف عشق کرد.

He dedicated his whole life to love.

Verb 'vaghf kardan'.

عشق او به وطن ستودنی است.

His love for the homeland is admirable.

Adjective 'sotoudani'.

بدون عشق، هنر بی‌روح است.

Without love, art is soulless.

Preposition 'bedun' (without).

او در جستجوی عشق واقعی به سفر رفت.

He went on a journey in search of true love.

Compound preposition 'dar jostojuye'.

عشق پنهان او بالاخره آشکار شد.

His hidden love was finally revealed.

Adjective 'penhan' (hidden).

او به موسیقی عشق می‌ورزد و هر روز تمرین می‌کند.

He loves music and practices every day.

Coordinating conjunction 'va'.

عشق میان آن‌ها هر روز بیشتر می‌شود.

The love between them grows every day.

Comparative 'bishtar'.

عشق، نیرویی است که جهان را به هم پیوند می‌دهد.

Love is the force that binds the world together.

Relative clause starting with 'ke'.

او میان عقل و عشق سرگردان بود.

He was wandering between reason and love.

Contrast between 'Aghl' and 'Eshgh'.

عشق افلاطونی، عشقی فراتر از جسم است.

Platonic love is a love beyond the body.

Adjective 'Aflatouni'.

او با زبانی سرشار از عشق سخن می‌گفت.

He spoke with a language full of love.

Adjective 'sarshar' (overflowing).

عشق، دردهای بسیاری را درمان می‌کند.

Love heals many pains.

Plural noun 'dard-ha'.

او به دنبال عشقی بود که در کتاب‌ها خوانده بود.

He was looking for the love he had read about in books.

Past perfect in a relative clause.

عشق مادری، فداکارانه‌ترین نوع عشق است.

Motherly love is the most selfless type of love.

Superlative adjective 'fadakaranetarin'.

او عشق را در کوچکترین چیزها می‌دید.

He saw love in the smallest things.

Imperfect tense 'midid'.

عشق در اشعار حافظ، رمزی از وحدت وجود است.

Love in Hafez's poems is a symbol of the unity of existence.

Complex noun phrase 'vahdat-e vojud'.

او از عشق به مثابه ابزاری برای تعالی روح یاد کرد.

He spoke of love as a tool for the transcendence of the soul.

Formal phrase 'be masabeh' (as/in the capacity of).

تجلی عشق در هنر اسلامی، در نقوش اسلیمی هویداست.

The manifestation of love in Islamic art is evident in Arabesque patterns.

Abstract noun 'tajalli' (manifestation).

عشق، غایتی است که سالک در پی آن است.

Love is the ultimate goal that the seeker pursues.

Sufi terminology 'salek' (seeker).

او عشق را فراتر از مرزهای زمان و مکان می‌دانست.

He considered love to be beyond the boundaries of time and space.

Compound noun 'zaman va makan'.

پارادوکس عشق، در هم‌آمیختگی لذت و رنج نهفته است.

The paradox of love lies in the intermingling of pleasure and pain.

Complex subject 'paradox-e eshgh'.

عشق، کیمیایی است که مس وجود را به طلا بدل می‌کند.

Love is the alchemy that turns the copper of existence into gold.

Metaphorical language common in C1.

او در رساله‌ی خود، به تبیین ماهیت عشق پرداخت.

In his treatise, he proceeded to explain the nature of love.

Formal verb 'be ... pardakhtan'.

عشق، آن آتش سوزنده‌ای است که خرمن هستی را به باد می‌دهد.

Love is that burning fire that casts the harvest of existence to the wind.

Highly metaphorical and archaic phrasing.

در ساحت عشق، منیت رخت برمی‌بندد و تویی جلوه‌گر می‌شود.

In the realm of love, ego departs and 'Thou' becomes manifest.

Mystical vocabulary 'sahat', 'maniyat'.

عشق، نه یک عاطفه، بلکه یک ضرورت هستی‌شناختی است.

Love is not an emotion, but an ontological necessity.

Philosophical term 'hasti-shenakhti'.

او عشق را یگانه راه رهایی از زندان تن می‌پنداشت.

He considered love the sole way to escape the prison of the body.

Literary verb 'pendashtan'.

عشق، در تلاطم امواج جنون، ساحل آرامش را می‌جوید.

Love, in the turbulence of the waves of madness, seeks the shore of peace.

Complex imagery and personification.

او به واکاوی لایه‌های پنهان عشق در تراژدی‌های کلاسیک مبادرت ورزید.

He undertook an analysis of the hidden layers of love in classical tragedies.

High-level academic verb 'mobadarat varzidan'.

عشق، آن نقطه پرگار است که دایره وجود بر گرد آن می‌چرخد.

Love is that compass point around which the circle of existence revolves.

Sufi metaphor of the 'pargar'.

او در جذبه‌ی عشق، از خود بیخود گشته و به فنا رسید.

In the ecstasy of love, he lost himself and reached annihilation (in God).

Technical Sufi term 'fana'.

Common Collocations

عشق واقعی

عشق در نگاه اول

عشق مادری

عشق به وطن

عشق افلاطونی

عشق ممنوع

عشق پاک

ابراز عشق

شکست عشقی

عشق ابدی

Common Phrases

عشقم

— My love. Used as a term of endearment for partners and close friends.

سلام عشقم، خوبی؟

با عشق

— With love. Often used when giving a gift or doing something carefully.

این هدیه را با عشق به تو می‌دهم.

عشق منی

— You are my love. A common way to express deep appreciation to someone.

خیلی کمکم کردی، عشق منی!

از روی عشق

— Out of love. Doing something because of the feeling, not duty.

او این کار را فقط از روی عشق انجام داد.

عشق و حال

— Fun and enjoyment. A slangy way to talk about having a good time.

رفتیم شمال برای عشق و حال.

به عشقِ ...

— For the sake of / For the love of. Used to show motivation.

به عشقِ تو آمدم.

عشقِ کتاب

— Book lover. Someone who is obsessed with books.

برادرم یک عشقِ کتاب واقعی است.

عشقِ سرعت

— Speed lover. Someone who loves driving fast.

او عشقِ سرعت است و همیشه تند می‌راند.

یک دل نه صد دل عاشق شدن

— To fall deeply in love. Literally: to fall in love with not one heart but a hundred.

او یک دل نه صد دل عاشق او شد.

عشق پیری

— Love in old age. Often used with the proverb 'Eshgh-e piri gar بجنبد (bojonbad) sar be rosvaei zanad'.

عشق پیری خیلی عجیب است.

Often Confused With

عشق vs Ashegh (عاشق)

Ashegh is the person (lover), Eshgh is the feeling (love). You can't say 'I am Eshgh' to mean 'I am in love'.

عشق vs Ash (آش)

Ash is a type of thick soup. The pronunciation is similar but 'Ash' ends in 'sh' and 'Eshgh' ends in 'sh-gh'.

عشق vs Dust dashtan (دوست داشتن)

This is 'to like/love'. It is less intense than Eshgh. Use this for pizza, use Eshgh for your soulmate.

Idioms & Expressions

"عشق کور است"

— Love is blind. Meaning people don't see the faults of those they love.

همه می‌دانند او آدم بدی است، اما عشق کور است.

Common

"عشق و عاشقی"

— Love affairs or the general state of being in love.

او وقتش را صرف عشق و عاشقی می‌کند.

Informal

"عشقش می‌کشد"

— He/She feels like it / It's their whim. Used when someone does something just because they want to.

چرا نرفتی؟ چون عشقم نکشید!

Slang/Informal

"با یک مویز گرمی‌اش می‌کند و با یک غوره سردی‌اش"

— Someone whose 'love' or mood changes very quickly with small things.

به حرفش گوش نده، او با یک مویز گرمی‌اش می‌کند.

Idiomatic

"عشق پیری گر بجنبد سر به رسوایی زند"

— If love stirs in old age, it leads to scandal.

بیچاره پیرمرد، عشق پیری گر بجنبد...

Proverbial

"در هفت آسمان یک ستاره نداشتن"

— To be very poor/unlucky, often used in love stories where the lover has nothing but his love.

او عاشق شد در حالی که در هفت آسمان یک ستاره نداشت.

Literary/Informal

"عشقِ کشکی"

— Fake or meaningless love. 'Kashki' implies something trivial or nonsense.

این‌ها همه‌اش عشقِ کشکی است.

Slang

"جانش برای کسی در رفتن"

— To love someone so much you would die for them.

جانش برای بچه‌هایش در می‌رود.

Informal

"دل باختن"

— To lose one's heart; to fall in love.

او در اولین دیدار دل باخت.

Poetic/Neutral

"عشقِ لاتی"

— A tough, street-style way of showing affection or loyalty.

مرام و عشقِ لاتی عجیبی دارد.

Slang

Easily Confused

عشق vs عطش

Similar sound and both relate to intense desire.

Atash means 'thirst', while Eshgh means 'love'. Atash is often used metaphorically for a 'thirst for knowledge'.

او عطش یادگیری دارد.

عشق vs عیش

Similar spelling and sound.

Eysh means 'pleasure' or 'luxury', often in a physical or hedonistic sense, whereas Eshgh is emotional/spiritual.

آن‌ها به عیش و نوش مشغولند.

عشق vs عکس

Visual similarity in the first letter.

Aks means 'photo' or 'opposite'. It has nothing to do with emotion.

این عکس زیباست.

عشق vs عقل

Often paired together as opposites in literature.

Aghl means 'reason' or 'intellect'. In Persian poetry, Aghl and Eshgh are often at war.

عقل می‌گوید نرو، اما عشق می‌گوید برو.

عشق vs عشرت

Similar root-like sound.

Eshrat means 'pleasure-seeking' or 'merriment', often used in a slightly negative or worldly context.

او اهل عشرت است.

Sentence Patterns

[Subject] [Eshgh]-e man ast.

او عشق من است.

من به [Noun] عشق دارم.

من به گربه عشق دارم.

او با عشق [Verb].

او با عشق کار می‌کند.

عشق به [Noun] باعث [Noun] شد.

عشق به وطن باعث پیروزی شد.

تجلیِ عشق در [Noun]...

تجلیِ عشق در هنر...

عشق، آن [Noun] است که...

عشق، آن آتشی است که...

سلام [Eshgh]-am.

سلام عشقم.

داستانِ [Eshgh]-e آن‌ها...

داستانِ عشقِ آن‌ها...

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely High. It is in the top 100 most used nouns in Persian media and literature.

Common Mistakes

Saying 'Man Eshgh hastam' for 'I am in love'. → Man ashegh hastam.
Eshgh is the noun (love), Ashegh is the adjective (in love). You can't be the noun itself.
Using 'ba' instead of 'be'. → من به تو عشق دارم.
In Persian, you have love 'to' someone, not 'with' someone when using the noun Eshgh.
Spelling it as اشق. → عشق
The word must start with the letter 'Ayn' (ع), as it is of Arabic origin.
Using 'Eshgh' for every minor like. → من این کتاب را دوست دارم.
Eshgh is too strong for casual likes. Use 'dust dashtan' for everyday preferences.
Pronouncing it like 'Esh-guh'. → Eshgh (one syllable).
It is a single syllable word. Don't add a vowel sound at the end.

Tips

Use it for Passions

If you really love a hobby, like 'Eshgh be akasi' (love for photography), it shows you are dedicated.

Remember 'Be'

Always use the preposition 'be' when saying you have love for something. 'Eshgh be...' is the standard pattern.

Term of Endearment

Use 'Eshgham' with your partner to sound more natural and romantic in Persian.

Poetry Context

When reading poetry, remember that 'Eshgh' often refers to God, not just a human lover.

Don't skip the 'gh'

The 'gh' sound is what makes the word 'Eshgh'. Without it, you might be saying 'Ash' (soup) or 'Esh' (nothing).

Spelling Check

The letter 'Ayn' (ع) is silent but essential for the correct spelling of 'Eshgh'.

Universal Love

Persian doesn't use 'he' or 'she', so 'Eshgh' is a beautifully universal word for everyone.

Learn the Family

Learning 'Ashegh' and 'Ma'shough' along with 'Eshgh' will triple your expressive power.

Eshgh-o-Hal

Use 'Eshgh-o-hal' when talking about going out and having a great time with friends.

Intensity Matters

Only use 'Eshgh' when you mean it. It's a high-intensity word that carries a lot of weight.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of the 'sh' in 'Eshgh' as the sound of a 'shushing' lover, and the 'gh' as the deep 'gargle' of a heart overflowing with emotion.

Visual Association

Imagine an ivy plant (the original meaning) wrapping itself around a red heart until they become one.

Word Web

Heart (Del) Poetry (Sher) Beloved (Yar) Soul (Jan) Passion (Shour) Pain (Dard) Union (Vasl) Separation (Hejr)

Challenge

Try to use 'Eshgh' in three different ways today: once for a person, once for a hobby, and once as a term of endearment.

Word Origin

The word 'Eshgh' is derived from the Arabic root 'A-Sh-Q' (عشق). In Arabic, it originally referred to a type of ivy called 'ashaqah' that wraps itself tightly around a tree, eventually causing it to wither. This metaphor was used to describe how love wraps around the heart and consumes the lover.

Original meaning: To bind, to wrap around like ivy, intense passion.

Semitic (Arabic root) adopted into Indo-European (Persian).

Cultural Context

Be careful using 'Eshgham' in formal settings or with people you don't know well, as it is very intimate.

English speakers often find the intensity of 'Eshgh' surprising. While 'I love you' can be casual in English, 'Eshgh' in Persian is usually a heavy, serious declaration.

The Ghazals of Hafez (where Eshgh is the main theme). The Masnavi of Rumi (exploring Divine Eshgh). The movie 'Eshgh-e Taher' (a classic of Iranian cinema).

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Romantic Relationship

عاشقت هستم
عشق زندگی من
با تمام عشق
عشق من

Poetry/Literature

درد عشق
آتش عشق
سلطان عشق
کیمیای عشق

Hobbies/Passions

عشق به هنر
عشق به سفر
عشق به کار
عشق به یادگیری

Family

عشق مادری
عشق پدری
عشق به فرزند
کانون عشق

Daily Slang

عشق منی
عشق و حال
عشقی (as an adjective for a person)
دمت گرم عشقی

Conversation Starters

"تعریف تو از عشق چیست؟ (What is your definition of love?)"

"آیا به عشق در نگاه اول باور داری؟ (Do you believe in love at first sight?)"

"عشق مهم‌تر است یا ثروت؟ (Is love more important or wealth?)"

"اولین بار کی عاشق شدی؟ (When did you first fall in love?)"

"چطور می‌توان عشق را ابراز کرد؟ (How can one express love?)"

Journal Prompts

درباره بزرگترین عشق زندگی‌ات بنویس. (Write about the greatest love of your life.)

عشق چگونه می‌تواند دنیا را تغییر دهد؟ (How can love change the world?)

تفاوت بین دوست داشتن و عشق چیست؟ (What is the difference between liking and loving?)

یک خاطره که در آن عشق را حس کردی توصیف کن. (Describe a memory where you felt love.)

آیا عشق همیشه با رنج همراه است؟ چرا؟ (Is love always accompanied by suffering? Why?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, you can! Iranians are very affectionate with pets. Saying 'Eshgh-e man' to your dog is very common and sweet.

It is not typically used as a first name in Iran, though 'Ashegh' can be a surname. However, 'Eshgh' is a common theme in names like 'Eshgh-Ali'.

You say 'Ashegh shodam' (عاشق شدم). You use the adjective 'Ashegh' with the verb 'shodan' (to become).

'Azizam' means 'my dear' and is very common for everyone. 'Eshgham' is 'my love' and is much more intimate and intense.

Yes, it has an Arabic root, but it has been fully integrated into Persian for over a thousand years and is central to its identity.

Only if you are being very dramatic or humorous. Usually, 'Dust dashtan' is better for food.

It's a voiced uvular sound. Imagine you are gargling water at the very back of your throat. It's similar to the French 'r'.

It means 'My love'. It can be used to refer to a person or to the feeling itself.

Almost never. In business, you would use words like 'Alagheh' (interest) or 'Hamkari' (cooperation).

It means 'Forbidden Love'. It's a very popular term used for soap operas and dramatic stories.