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A2 noun #1,200 most common 13 min read

عید

eyd Top 1,200

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips عید in 30 Seconds

Explanation عید in your Level:

At the A1 level, learning the word عید (Eid) is essential because it is one of the most common and joyful words in the Persian language. For a beginner, this word simply means 'holiday' or 'festival'. You will hear it most often when people are talking about Nowruz, which is the Persian New Year in the spring. At this level, you only need to know how to recognize the word and use it in very simple greetings. The most important phrase to learn is 'Eid-e shoma mobarak', which means 'Happy Holiday to you'. You can use this phrase to be polite and friendly during any major festival. You might also learn that during this time, people do not go to work or school. You can use simple verbs with it, like 'ast' (is). For example, 'Farda Eid ast' means 'Tomorrow is a holiday'. You will also see this word on signs in shops or hear it on television when the holiday is near. It is a happy word that brings a smile to people's faces. Learning this word helps you connect with Persian speakers because holidays are a very important part of their lives and culture. You do not need to worry about complex grammar yet; just knowing the word and the basic greeting is a great start for a beginner.

At the A2 level, your understanding of the word عید expands beyond just knowing it means 'holiday'. You start to learn about the activities and traditions associated with it. You will learn the word 'Eidi', which is the gift, usually money, given to children and younger family members during the festival. You will also learn how to talk about your plans for the holiday. For example, you can use the future tense or present continuous to say 'Man baraye Eid be Shiraz miravam' (I am going to Shiraz for the holiday). At this stage, you should understand that Eid is not just a single day off, but often a period of celebration, especially Nowruz which lasts for 13 days. You will learn vocabulary related to preparation, such as 'kharid-e Eid' (holiday shopping) and 'khaneh-tekani' (spring cleaning). You will also learn the compound verb 'Eid gereftan' (to celebrate the holiday). You can ask simple questions to your friends, like 'Eid koja miravid?' (Where are you going for the holiday?). Understanding these basic cultural practices and the vocabulary surrounding them allows you to have short, meaningful conversations about one of the most important topics in Persian culture, making your interactions much more natural and engaging.

At the B1 level, you are expected to understand the distinction between different types of holidays and use the word عید in more complex sentence structures. You should know that while Nowruz is the biggest Eid, the term is also used for major Islamic holidays like Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. You can now discuss the cultural differences between these events. You will learn to use the word in conjunction with other nouns to form descriptive phrases, such as 'ta'tilat-e Eid' (holiday vacations) or 'did-o-bazdid-e Eid' (the tradition of visiting relatives). At this level, you can express your opinions and feelings about the holiday season. You might say, 'Man ashegh-e havay-e Eid hastam' (I love the atmosphere of the holiday). You should also be able to understand and use the word in past tense narratives, describing what you did last year: 'Sal-e gozashteh baraye Eid be khaneh-ye madar-bozorgam raftim' (Last year for the holiday, we went to my grandmother's house). Furthermore, you will recognize the word in authentic materials like simple news articles or social media posts discussing holiday traffic, shopping prices, or television programs. Your vocabulary is broad enough to describe the social customs, the food, and the general mood of the country during these festive times.

At the B2 level, your grasp of the word عید becomes highly nuanced, allowing you to discuss its sociological and economic impacts. You can read and understand articles about the inflation of prices during 'kharid-e Eid' or the environmental impact of holiday travel. You are comfortable using idiomatic expressions and proverbs related to the holiday. For instance, you understand the metaphorical use of the word to describe a state of extreme happiness or relief, even when it is not a literal holiday. You can engage in debates or detailed discussions about how traditional Eid customs are changing in modern Iranian society. You can express complex thoughts, such as 'Ba vojud-e moshkelat-e eghtesadi, mardom hamchenan say mikonand sonnat-ha-ye Eid ra hefz konand' (Despite economic problems, people still try to preserve the holiday traditions). You are also familiar with the literary and historical context of the word, recognizing it in contemporary poetry or literature where it symbolizes hope, renewal, or spiritual awakening. Your listening skills allow you to follow fast-paced, native-level conversations about holiday plans, complaints about the stress of hosting guests, and the nostalgic memories of Eids past. You use the word effortlessly in both formal and informal registers.

At the C1 level, you possess a near-native understanding of the word عید and its profound cultural resonance. You can analyze its usage in classical Persian literature, understanding how poets like Hafez or Rumi use the concept of Eid to represent the ultimate spiritual union or the joy of encountering the divine beloved. You are adept at using highly formal and polite language associated with the holiday in professional or official settings, such as drafting formal holiday greeting letters (payam-e tabrik) to colleagues or business partners. You understand the subtle socio-political dimensions of how different Eids (national vs. religious) are celebrated and represented in Iranian media. You can articulate complex arguments about the commercialization of Nowruz or the shifting demographics of holiday travel. Your vocabulary includes rare or highly specific terms related to the festival's rituals. When speaking, you naturally employ the rhythmic and poetic cadences that native speakers use when exchanging elaborate holiday greetings, going far beyond the simple 'Eid-e shoma mobarak' to include wishes for health, prosperity, and success in the coming year. You can seamlessly integrate the concept of Eid into abstract discussions about Iranian identity, cultural continuity, and the psychological resilience of the people.

At the C2 level, your mastery of the word عید is absolute, encompassing its etymological roots, its evolution over centuries, and its deepest symbolic meanings in the Persian-speaking world. You can effortlessly navigate the most complex literary texts, historical documents, and philosophical treatises that discuss the concept of the festival. You understand the Arabic origins of the word (meaning 'to return') and how it was adopted and adapted into Persian to encompass the ancient Zoroastrian celebrations of Nowruz. You can deliver sophisticated speeches or write academic essays on the role of Eid in shaping the collective memory and social cohesion of Iranian society. You are intimately familiar with the regional variations in how the holiday is celebrated across different provinces of Iran, Afghanistan, and Tajikistan, and you can adjust your vocabulary and dialect accordingly. You can play with the word linguistically, creating puns, metaphors, and rhetorical devices in your speech and writing. Your understanding of Eid is not just linguistic; it is profoundly cultural and emotional, allowing you to connect with native speakers on the deepest possible level, sharing in their collective joy, nostalgia, and cultural pride with complete authenticity and eloquence.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

عید in 30 Seconds

Refers to major cultural or religious festivals, primarily the Persian New Year (Nowruz) and Islamic holidays like Eid al-Fitr.
Associated with specific traditions such as spring cleaning, buying new clothes, and visiting relatives (Eid-didani).
Involves the giving of a specific monetary gift called 'Eidi' from elders to younger family members.
Distinct from general vacations or weekends, which are called 'Ta'tilat', carrying a much deeper emotional and cultural weight.

The Persian word عید (Eid) is one of the most culturally significant and emotionally resonant terms in the Persian language, carrying a weight that goes far beyond the simple English translation of 'holiday' or 'festival'. When Persian speakers use this word, they are invoking a deep sense of renewal, joy, family connection, and cultural heritage. The concept of Eid is deeply embedded in the Iranian psyche, primarily associated with Nowruz, the Persian New Year, which marks the beginning of spring and the rebirth of nature. However, the term is also used for major Islamic holidays, such as Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of the holy fasting month of Ramadan, and Eid al-Adha, the festival of sacrifice. Understanding how and when people use this word requires a deep dive into the social fabric of Persian-speaking societies.

Nowruz: The most prominent use of the word refers to the Persian New Year, a time of massive national celebration, spring cleaning, and family visits.
Religious Eids: Used for Islamic festivals, bringing a sense of spiritual completion and communal prayer, followed by feasts and charity.
Personal Joy: Metaphorically, it can be used to describe any day of immense personal happiness or reunion with a loved one.

When approaching the holiday season, the atmosphere in cities like Tehran, Isfahan, or Shiraz completely transforms. The streets become bustling with people buying new clothes, fresh nuts, sweets, and items for the Haft-Sin table. This period of preparation is often referred to as the 'smell of Eid' (buy-e eyd).

امسال برای عید لباس نو خریدم.

During the actual days of the festival, a massive cultural practice known as 'Eyd-didani' takes place. This involves visiting older relatives first, paying respects, and then progressively visiting younger family members and friends. The phrase 'Eid-e shoma mobarak' (Happy Eid to you) echoes in every home, shop, and street corner. It is a time when grievances are meant to be forgotten, and relationships are renewed. The linguistic versatility of the word allows it to be combined with various verbs. For instance, 'Eid gereftan' means to celebrate the holiday, while 'Eid tabrik goftan' means to wish someone a happy holiday.

ما هر سال عید به خانه پدربزرگ می‌رویم.

Furthermore, the concept extends into literature and poetry, where it often symbolizes the arrival of a beloved or the awakening of the soul, much like spring awakens the earth. To truly grasp what this word means, one must experience the sheer scale of the Nowruz exodus, where millions of Iranians travel across the country, turning the two-week holiday into a nationwide movement of joy and connection.

تعطیلات عید بهترین زمان برای مسافرت است.

The word is not just a noun; it is an event, a feeling, and a cultural anchor. Whether it is the anticipation of the countdown to the exact second of the vernal equinox (Tahvil-e Saal) or the communal prayers of Eid al-Fitr, the word encapsulates the highest peaks of communal joy in the Persian-speaking world.

بوی عید در همه کوچه‌ها می‌آید.

امیدوارم عید خوبی داشته باشید.

Therefore, when a Persian speaker talks about this word, they are inviting you into a world of ancient traditions, warm hospitality, and a profound appreciation for the cycles of nature and spirituality. The word bridges the gap between the ancient Zoroastrian roots of Iranian culture and its Islamic traditions, serving as a unifying concept that brings everyone together regardless of their background. It is a time for forgiveness, for looking forward to the future with optimism, and for cherishing the bonds of family and friendship that sustain the community throughout the rest of the year.

Using the word عید in Persian sentences involves understanding a variety of common verbs and prepositions that naturally collocate with it. Unlike English, where you might simply say 'I am celebrating the holiday', Persian uses specific compound verbs and idiomatic structures to convey the nuances of holiday activities. The most fundamental verb used with this word is 'gereftan' (to take), forming the compound 'eid gereftan', which means to celebrate the holiday. However, the usage extends far beyond this simple construction.

Greeting: When wishing someone a happy holiday, the phrase 'Eid tabrik goftan' is used, meaning to offer holiday congratulations.
Visiting: The act of visiting people during the holiday is encapsulated in the compound noun 'eid-didani', which is often used with the verb 'raftan' (to go).
Gifting: Giving a holiday gift, usually money, uses the derived word 'eidi' with the verb 'dadan' (to give).

Let us explore how these concepts are applied in everyday conversation. When the holiday is approaching, you might hear people discussing their preparations. They will use the word in conjunction with shopping, cleaning, and traveling.

ما برای عید در حال خانه تکانی هستیم.

This sentence translates to 'We are doing spring cleaning for the holiday', highlighting the preposition 'baraye' (for) which frequently precedes the word. During the holiday itself, the focus shifts to social interactions. When you visit someone's house, you might say:

آمدیم عید دیدنی.

This means 'We have come for a holiday visit'. The host might then offer sweets and tea, and eventually, the older members of the family will distribute the 'eidi'.

پدربزرگ به همه بچه‌ها عیدی داد.

Another common structure involves discussing the duration or the specific days of the holiday. The phrase 'ta'tilat-e eid' refers specifically to the holiday vacation period. You might ask a colleague about their plans:

برنامه شما برای تعطیلات عید چیست؟

Furthermore, the word can be used as an adjective modifier in compound nouns, such as 'lebas-e eid' (holiday clothes) or 'shirini-e eid' (holiday sweets). This demonstrates the pervasive nature of the holiday in consumer habits and daily life.

شیرینی عید را از کدام قنادی خریدید؟

Mastering these sentence structures allows a learner to participate fully in the rich social rituals of Persian culture. It is not just about knowing the vocabulary; it is about understanding the rhythm of the interactions, the expected polite inquiries about family, and the joyous expressions that accompany the season. By practicing these specific collocations and phrases, you will sound much more natural and culturally aware when speaking with native Persian speakers during their most cherished times of the year.

The word عید permeates almost every aspect of Iranian public and private life, especially in the weeks leading up to and during the major festivals. If you are in a Persian-speaking environment, you will encounter this word in a multitude of contexts, ranging from casual street conversations to formal television broadcasts. Understanding where and how this word appears will give you a profound insight into the cultural heartbeat of the society.

Bazaars and Markets: In the bustling traditional bazaars and modern shopping malls, the word is ubiquitous as vendors advertise their holiday goods.
Media and Television: Special holiday programming, countdowns to the New Year, and official government greetings heavily feature the term.
Family Gatherings: The most intimate and frequent use occurs within the home, among relatives exchanging greetings and gifts.

Let us start with the commercial environment. In the month of Esfand, the last month of the Persian calendar, the streets of Tehran and other major cities are transformed. You will hear shopkeepers shouting phrases to attract customers buying their 'kharid-e eid' (holiday shopping).

حراج ویژه عید نوروز آغاز شد.

This translates to 'The special Nowruz holiday sale has begun'. You will also see signs everywhere advertising 'shirini-e eid' (holiday sweets) and 'ajil-e eid' (holiday mixed nuts). Moving to the media landscape, television and radio stations shift their entire broadcasting schedule to accommodate the festive mood. Special comedy shows, movies, and musical performances are aired, often referred to as 'vijeh-barnameh-ye eid' (special holiday programs).

تلویزیون برنامه‌های شاد برای عید پخش می‌کند.

During the exact moment of the vernal equinox, known as 'Tahvil-e Saal', families gather around the Haft-Sin table and the television or radio to hear the traditional announcement and the firing of the cannon, followed by the joyful declaration of the new year. In the workplace, the atmosphere also changes. Colleagues will ask each other about their travel plans using the word.

شما عید کجا می‌روید؟

And on the last working day before the holidays, there is a flurry of handshakes, hugs, and the exchange of 'پیشاپیش عید شما مبارک' (Happy holiday in advance).

پیشاپیش عید شما مبارک.

Finally, in religious contexts, such as mosques during Eid al-Fitr or Eid al-Adha, the word takes on a solemn yet joyful spiritual tone. The Imam will deliver a sermon (khotbeh) specifically addressing the significance of the religious Eid, and the congregation will perform the special Eid prayer (Namaz-e Eid).

نماز عید فطر بسیار شلوغ بود.

In all these environments, the word serves as a focal point for communal activity, shared joy, and cultural continuity, making it an indispensable part of the Persian vocabulary.

When learning to use the word عید, English speakers often encounter a few specific pitfalls due to cultural and linguistic differences. The concept of a 'holiday' in English is quite broad, encompassing everything from a religious festival to a personal vacation or a simple weekend day off. In Persian, however, the vocabulary is more compartmentalized, and using the wrong word can lead to confusion or sound unnatural to a native speaker.

Confusing Eid with Ta'tilat: The most common mistake is using Eid to mean any day off from work. For general vacations or weekends, the word 'ta'tilat' should be used.
Incorrect Verb Collocations: Learners often try to directly translate 'to have a holiday' or 'to make a holiday', which results in awkward Persian phrasing.
Misunderstanding Eidi: Using the word 'eidi' for any type of gift, rather than specifically the monetary gift given during the holiday season.

Let us examine the first major mistake: confusing Eid with a general vacation. If you want to say 'I am going on holiday next week' (meaning a personal trip to the beach), you should not use Eid unless it is actually the time of Nowruz or a religious festival.

Wrong: من هفته آینده عید می‌روم.

Right: من هفته آینده به تعطیلات می‌روم.

The word Eid is reserved for culturally or religiously significant festivals. Another frequent error involves the verbs used with the word. In English, you might say 'We are doing Eid' or 'We are making a festival'. In Persian, the correct compound verb is 'eid gereftan' (literally: to take Eid) when referring to observing or celebrating the day.

ما امسال در خانه عید می‌گیریم.

Additionally, when wishing someone well, learners sometimes translate 'Happy Holiday' word-for-word as 'Eid-e shad' or 'Eid-e khosh'. While understood, it is not the idiomatic way native speakers express this sentiment. The correct and universally used phrase is 'Eid-e shoma mobarak' (May your Eid be blessed/happy). Furthermore, there is a subtle distinction between 'Eid' and 'Jashn'. 'Jashn' means a party or a celebration (like a wedding celebration or a graduation party). You would not invite someone to your house for a 'jashn' if you mean you are hosting an Eid gathering; you would invite them for 'eid-didani'.

برای عید دیدنی منتظر شما هستیم.

Lastly, regarding the gift 'eidi', it is almost exclusively used for the crisp banknotes given by elders to younger people during Nowruz or religious Eids. If you buy your mother a necklace for Nowruz, it is better described as a 'hediyeh' (gift) for Eid, rather than 'eidi', which strongly implies the traditional monetary gift.

من به عنوان هدیه عید برای مادرم گل خریدم.

By paying attention to these nuances, learners can avoid common traps and speak Persian with much greater cultural accuracy and natural flow.

While عید is the premier word for major cultural and religious festivals in Persian, the language possesses a rich vocabulary for various types of celebrations, days off, and ceremonies. Knowing the distinctions between these similar words is crucial for precise communication and demonstrates a higher level of fluency. The Persian vocabulary distinguishes clearly between a national festival, a personal party, a public holiday, and a formal ceremony.

جشن (Jashn): This word translates to 'celebration' or 'party'. It is used for events like birthdays, weddings, or national celebrations that are not necessarily Eids.
تعطیلات (Ta'tilat): Meaning 'holidays' or 'vacations' in the sense of days off from work or school. It lacks the festive or religious connotation of Eid.
مراسم (Marasem): This refers to a 'ceremony' or 'ritual', which can be joyful, formal, or even mournful, such as a graduation ceremony or a memorial.

Let us delve deeper into 'Jashn'. If you are organizing a birthday party, you would use this word.

فردا شب به جشن تولد دوستم می‌روم.

There are also ancient Persian festivals that are called 'Jashn' rather than 'Eid', such as Jashn-e Mehregan (the autumn festival) or Jashn-e Sadeh (the mid-winter festival of fire). These are cultural celebrations but do not carry the specific modern holiday weight of Nowruz. Next, consider 'Ta'tilat'. This is the word you need when discussing your annual leave from work or the summer break for students.

من در تعطیلات تابستان به شمال می‌روم.

You can combine the two concepts: 'ta'tilat-e eid' refers to the specific days off granted for the Eid festival.

مدارس در تعطیلات نوروز بسته هستند.

The word 'Marasem' is more formal. You would use it for an official event, such as an opening ceremony or a religious ritual.

رئیس جمهور در مراسم افتتاحیه سخنرانی کرد.

Another related term is 'Ruz-e Melli' (National Day), which is used for state holidays, such as the anniversary of the revolution or independence days of other countries. Finally, there is the word 'Surg', which is the antonym of celebration, meaning mourning. Iran has several public holidays dedicated to mourning religious figures, and these are absolutely never called Eid; they are referred to as 'Ruz-e Azadari' (Day of Mourning) or simply by the name of the event, like Ashura.

امروز به دلیل عزاداری تعطیل است.

Understanding this spectrum of words—from the joyous Eid and Jashn to the neutral Ta'tilat and formal Marasem—equips a learner to navigate the complex calendar of Iranian social and public life with precision and cultural sensitivity.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"فرارسیدن عید سعید باستانی را به شما تبریک عرض می‌نمایم."

Neutral

"عید شما مبارک، امیدوارم سال خوبی داشته باشید."

Informal

"عیدت مبارک عزیزم، امسال عید کجا می‌ری؟"

Child friendly

"عید اومده! بریم لباسای نوت رو بپوش تا عیدی بگیریم."

Slang

"شب عیده، بازار بدجوری کیپه."

Fun Fact

Despite its Arabic origins, in Iran, the word 'Eid' is most strongly associated with Nowruz, an ancient Zoroastrian festival that predates Islam by over a millennium. The Arabic word was adopted to describe the Persian celebration!

Pronunciation Guide

UK /eɪd/ or /iːd/

US /eɪd/ or /iːd/

The word is a single syllable, so the stress is on the entire word. In compound phrases like 'Eid-e Norouz', the stress falls on the second word (Norouz).

Rhymes With

صید (Seyd - prey/hunt) قید (Gheyd - condition/constraint) زید (Zeyd - a name) شید (Sheyd - light/fascination) نوید (Navid - good news - partial rhyme) سفید (Sefid - white - partial rhyme) امید (Omid - hope - partial rhyme) کلید (Kelid - key - partial rhyme)

Common Errors

Pronouncing it as 'eed' (rhyming with seed). While this is correct for Arabic, the Persian pronunciation uses an 'ey' sound (rhyming with fade).
Adding a glottal stop before the word if it follows a vowel.
Mispronouncing the compound 'Eidi' as 'ee-dee' instead of 'ey-dee'.
Failing to link the word to the following word with the 'e' (ezfeh) sound, e.g., saying 'Eid shoma' instead of 'Eid-e shoma'.
Confusing the pronunciation with the English word 'aid' by making the diphthong too long.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

Very easy to read, only three letters (ع-ی-د).

Writing 1/5

Simple spelling, no complex letter combinations.

Speaking 2/5

The 'ey' sound might be slightly tricky for those used to the Arabic 'ee' pronunciation.

Listening 1/5

Highly recognizable and frequently used.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

روز (day) سال (year) جشن (celebration) مبارک (blessed/happy) تعطیل (closed/off)

Learn Next

نوروز (Nowruz) عیدی (holiday gift) بهار (spring) مسافرت (travel) تبریک (congratulation)

Advanced

باستانی (ancient) رسوم (customs) دید و بازدید (visiting) تحویل سال (turn of the year) اعیاد (holidays - plural)

Grammar to Know

Ezafeh (اضافه)

لباسِ عید (Lebas-e Eid) - The 'e' connects the noun to its modifier.

Compound Verbs

عید گرفتن (Eid gereftan) - Persian uses light verbs like 'gereftan' (to take) to create actions.

Prepositions of Time

در عید (Dar Eid) - Using 'dar' (in) to specify when an action happens.

Pluralization

عیدها (Eid-ha) - Adding 'ha' to make the noun plural.

Direct Object Marker (را)

عید را دوست دارم (Eid ra dust daram) - Using 'ra' because Eid is a specific object being liked.

Examples by Level

فردا عید است.

Tomorrow is a holiday.

'ast' is the simple present tense of 'to be'.

عید شما مبارک.

Happy holiday to you.

A standard greeting phrase, literally 'Your holiday blessed'.

من عید را دوست دارم.

I like the holiday.

'ra' is the specific direct object marker.

ما برای عید لباس می‌خریم.

We buy clothes for the holiday.

'baraye' means 'for'.

عید نوروز در بهار است.

The Nowruz holiday is in spring.

'dar' means 'in'.

آنها روز عید خانه هستند.

They are at home on the holiday.

'ruz-e' means 'day of'.

پدرم به من عیدی داد.

My father gave me a holiday gift (money).

'eidi' is the specific noun for a holiday monetary gift.

عید نزدیک است.

The holiday is near.

'nazdik' means 'near' or 'close'.

ما هر سال عید به مسافرت می‌رویم.

We go on a trip every year for the holiday.

'har sal' means 'every year', indicating a habit.

مادرم برای عید شیرینی پخت.

My mother baked sweets for the holiday.

'pokht' is the past tense of 'pokhtan' (to bake/cook).

تعطیلات عید سیزده روز است.

The holiday vacation is thirteen days.

'ta'tilat' means vacations/holidays in general.

امشب شب عید است و خیابان‌ها شلوغ هستند.

Tonight is the eve of the holiday and the streets are crowded.

'shab-e eid' refers to the night before the holiday.

بچه‌ها از گرفتن عیدی خیلی خوشحال می‌شوند.

Children become very happy from receiving holiday money.

'gereftan' means 'to take' or 'to receive'.

ما باید قبل از عید خانه تکانی کنیم.

We must do spring cleaning before the holiday.

'bayad' means 'must' or 'should'.

دوستم برای عید دیدنی به خانه ما آمد.

My friend came to our house for a holiday visit.

'eid-didani' is the compound noun for holiday visiting.

بازار در روزهای نزدیک به عید بسیار زیباست.

The market is very beautiful in the days close to the holiday.

'ruz-ha-ye' is the plural form of 'day'.

مردم ایران عید نوروز را با شکوه زیادی جشن می‌گیرند.

The people of Iran celebrate the Nowruz holiday with great magnificence.

'jashn migirand' is the present continuous/habitual of 'to celebrate'.

ترافیک جاده‌ها در ایام عید بسیار سنگین می‌شود.

Road traffic becomes very heavy during the holiday period.

'ayyam' is the Arabic broken plural for 'days', often used formally.

خرید لباس نو یکی از سنت‌های قدیمی عید است.

Buying new clothes is one of the old traditions of the holiday.

'yeki az' means 'one of'.

تلویزیون برنامه‌های ویژه و کمدی برای عید پخش می‌کند.

The television broadcasts special and comedy programs for the holiday.

'pakhsh mikonad' means 'broadcasts' or 'plays'.

نماز عید فطر با حضور هزاران نفر برگزار شد.

The Eid al-Fitr prayer was held with the presence of thousands of people.

'bargozar shod' is the passive voice meaning 'was held'.

بوی عید و بهار در تمام شهر احساس می‌شود.

The smell of the holiday and spring is felt in the whole city.

'ehsas mishavad' is the passive voice meaning 'is felt'.

امیدوارم سال جدید برای شما پر از موفقیت و عیدتان مبارک باشد.

I hope the new year is full of success for you and may your holiday be blessed.

'eid-e-tan' uses the attached pronoun '-tan' for 'your' (formal/plural).

بسیاری از مغازه‌ها در روز اول عید تعطیل هستند.

Many shops are closed on the first day of the holiday.

'besyari az' means 'many of'.

با وجود تورم، خانواده‌ها همچنان سعی می‌کنند رسوم عید را به جا بیاورند.

Despite inflation, families still try to perform the holiday customs.

'be ja biavarand' is a compound verb meaning 'to perform' or 'to fulfill'.

دید و بازدیدهای عید فرصت مناسبی برای رفع کدورت‌هاست.

Holiday visits are a suitable opportunity to resolve misunderstandings/grudges.

'raf-e kodurat' is a formal phrase for clearing up bad feelings.

اقتصاد کشور در ماه‌های منتهی به عید رونق خاصی می‌گیرد.

The country's economy gains a special boom in the months leading up to the holiday.

'ronagh migirad' means 'booms' or 'flourishes'.

پیام تبریک عید رئیس جمهور از شبکه‌های سراسری پخش شد.

The president's holiday congratulatory message was broadcast from national networks.

'payam-e tabrik' means 'congratulatory message'.

عیدی دادن به کوچکترها ریشه‌ای عمیق در فرهنگ ایرانی دارد.

Giving holiday money to younger ones has a deep root in Iranian culture.

'risheh-i amigh' means 'a deep root'.

مسافرت‌های نوروزی گاهی باعث آسیب به محیط زیست در ایام عید می‌شود.

Nowruz travels sometimes cause damage to the environment during the holiday period.

'ba'es-e ... mishavad' means 'causes ...'.

شوق و ذوق کودکان برای رسیدن عید غیرقابل وصف است.

The enthusiasm and excitement of children for the arrival of the holiday is indescribable.

'gheyr-e-ghabel-e vasf' means 'indescribable'.

در ادبیات فارسی، عید نماد بیداری طبیعت و تحول درون انسان است.

In Persian literature, the holiday is a symbol of nature's awakening and human inner transformation.

'namad-e' means 'symbol of'.

تجاری‌سازی بیش از حد، تا حدودی از اصالت معنوی عید کاسته است.

Excessive commercialization has, to some extent, diminished the spiritual authenticity of the holiday.

'kasteh ast' is the present perfect of 'kastan' (to decrease/diminish).

مفهوم عید در اشعار حافظ، فراتر از یک زمان تقویمی، به معنای وصال یار است.

The concept of the holiday in Hafez's poems, beyond a calendar time, means union with the beloved.

'faratar az' means 'beyond'.

نوسانات ارزی تاثیر چشمگیری بر قدرت خرید مردم در آستانه عید گذاشته است.

Currency fluctuations have had a significant impact on people's purchasing power on the eve of the holiday.

'dar astaneh-ye' means 'on the eve of' or 'on the threshold of'.

مراسم عید قربان با تاکید بر ایثار و کمک به نیازمندان تجلی می‌یابد.

The Eid al-Adha ceremony is manifested with an emphasis on sacrifice and helping the needy.

'tajalli miyabad' is a highly formal verb meaning 'is manifested'.

تعطیلات طولانی عید، شمشیر دو لبه‌ای برای سیستم آموزشی کشور محسوب می‌شود.

The long holiday vacations are considered a double-edged sword for the country's educational system.

'shamshir-e do labeh' is an idiom meaning 'double-edged sword'.

پویایی اجتماعی در ایام عید به بالاترین سطح خود در طول سال می‌رسد.

Social dynamism reaches its highest level during the year in the holiday period.

'pouyayi-e ejtemaei' means 'social dynamism'.

بسیاری از مهاجران ایرانی، دلتنگی عمیقی را در زمان تحویل سال و عید تجربه می‌کنند.

Many Iranian immigrants experience a deep nostalgia at the time of the year transition and the holiday.

'deltangi' means 'nostalgia' or 'homesickness'.

تلفیق سنت‌های باستانی و باورهای مذهبی در برگزاری عید، نشان‌دهنده غنای فرهنگی ایران است.

The synthesis of ancient traditions and religious beliefs in celebrating the holiday demonstrates the cultural richness of Iran.

'talfigh' means 'synthesis' or 'integration'.

واکاوی ریشه‌های زبان‌شناختی واژه عید، ما را به پیوندهای عمیق فرهنگی میان اقوام سامی و آریایی رهنمون می‌سازد.

Analyzing the linguistic roots of the word Eid guides us to the deep cultural bonds between Semitic and Aryan peoples.

'rahnamoun misazad' is a highly literary causative structure meaning 'guides' or 'leads'.

در گفتمان جامعه‌شناختی معاصر، عید به مثابه یک کاتالیزور برای بازتولید سرمایه اجتماعی عمل می‌کند.

In contemporary sociological discourse, the holiday acts as a catalyst for the reproduction of social capital.

'be masabeh-ye' is a formal preposition meaning 'as' or 'like'.

نوستالژی مستتر در بوی عید، محرک قدرتمندی برای احضار خاطرات جمعی یک ملت است.

The nostalgia hidden in the smell of the holiday is a powerful stimulus for summoning the collective memories of a nation.

'mostatar' means 'hidden' or 'latent'.

دیوان‌سالاری دولتی در روزهای واپسین منتهی به عید، دچار نوعی فلج موضعی و رخوت اداری می‌گردد.

The state bureaucracy in the final days leading up to the holiday suffers from a kind of localized paralysis and administrative lethargy.

'rekhoat-e edari' means 'administrative lethargy'.

تجلی عرفانی عید در ادبیات صوفیه، عبور از کثرت به وحدت و فنای فی الله را تداعی می‌کند.

The mystical manifestation of the holiday in Sufi literature evokes the passage from multiplicity to unity and annihilation in God.

'tada'i mikonad' means 'evokes' or 'brings to mind'.

مناسک گذار در ایام عید، ساختارهای سلسله‌مراتبی خانواده را به طور موقت بازتعریف و تثبیت می‌نماید.

The rites of passage during the holiday period temporarily redefine and consolidate the hierarchical structures of the family.

'manasek-e gozar' translates to 'rites of passage'.

هژمونی رسانه‌ای در بازنمایی عید، غالباً تصویری تقلیل‌گرایانه و مصرف‌گرایانه از این پدیده چندوجهی ارائه می‌دهد.

Media hegemony in representing the holiday often presents a reductionist and consumerist image of this multifaceted phenomenon.

'taghlil-gerayaneh' means 'reductionist'.

استمرار تاریخی جشن‌های عید، علی‌رغم تلاطم‌های سیاسی، گواه صادقی بر تاب‌آوری شگرف فرهنگ ایرانی است.

The historical continuity of holiday celebrations, despite political turbulences, is a true testament to the immense resilience of Iranian culture.

'govah-e sadeghi' means 'a true testament/witness'.

Common Collocations

عید نوروز

عید فطر

عید دیدنی

عید گرفتن

تبریک عید

لباس عید

خرید عید

تعطیلات عید

شب عید

بوی عید

Common Phrases

عید شما مبارک

— Happy holiday to you. The most standard and universal greeting for any Eid.

سال نو شد، عید شما مبارک!

عیدت مبارک

— Happy holiday to you (informal/singular). Used with friends and close family.

سلام دوست من، عیدت مبارک.

صد سال به از این سال‌ها

— May you have a hundred years better than this one. A traditional blessing given during Eid.

عید مبارک، صد سال به از این سال‌ها.

عیدی دادن

— To give a holiday gift (usually crisp money).

پدربزرگ همیشه به ما عیدی می‌دهد.

عیدی گرفتن

— To receive a holiday gift.

بچه‌ها عاشق عیدی گرفتن هستند.

پیشاپیش عید مبارک

— Happy holiday in advance. Said in the days leading up to the festival.

فردا آخرین روز کاری است، پیشاپیش عید مبارک.

عیدانه

— A bonus or special gift given for the holiday, often used in corporate contexts for holiday bonuses.

شرکت به کارمندان عیدانه پرداخت کرد.

ایام عید

— The days of the holiday. Used to refer to the entire period of the festival.

در ایام عید جاده‌ها شلوغ است.

حال و هوای عید

— The atmosphere or mood of the holiday.

شهر پر از حال و هوای عید شده است.

عیدتون مبارک

— Happy holiday to you all (colloquial plural/formal).

بچه‌ها، عیدتون مبارک!

Often Confused With

عید vs تعطیلات (Ta'tilat)

Ta'tilat means any vacation or days off. Eid is a specific cultural or religious festival.

عید vs جشن (Jashn)

Jashn is a party or celebration (like a birthday). Eid is a recognized calendar holiday.

عید vs عیدی (Eidi)

Eidi is the gift (usually money) given during the holiday, not the holiday itself.

Idioms & Expressions

"مثل شب عید"

— Like the night before Eid. Used to describe a place that is extremely busy, chaotic, or bustling with activity.

بازار این روزها مثل شب عید شلوغ است.

Informal

"عید کسی را عزا کردن"

— To turn someone's Eid into mourning. To ruin someone's happiness or spoil a special occasion.

با این خبر بد، عید ما را عزا کردی.

Informal

"نوبرش را آوردن (مثل میوه عید)"

— To bring the first fruits of the season. Sometimes used sarcastically when someone does something unexpectedly early or inappropriate.

هنوز زمستان است، تو نوبر عید را آوردی!

Colloquial

"لباس پلوخوری (لباس عید)"

— One's best clothes, reserved for special occasions like Eid or eating rice (which used to be a luxury).

لباس پلوخوری‌ات را بپوش، مهمان داریم.

Colloquial

"حاجی فیروز عید"

— The herald of Eid. Used to describe someone who brings good news or is always happy and entertaining.

او مثل حاجی فیروز عید همیشه خندان است.

Informal

"عید به خانه کسی آمدن"

— For Eid to come to someone's house. Meaning to experience great joy or a stroke of luck.

با قبول شدن در دانشگاه، انگار عید به خانه ما آمد.

Literary/Poetic

"بوی عید آمدن"

— To smell Eid. Meaning that the signs of an approaching happy event or spring are evident.

هوا گرم شده، بوی عید می‌آید.

Neutral

"عیدی گرفتن از روزگار"

— To receive a gift from fate/time. To have an unexpected stroke of good fortune.

امسال از روزگار عیدی خوبی گرفتم.

Literary

"سبزه گره زدن"

— To tie grass. A specific Nowruz tradition on the 13th day to make a wish, often used idiomatically to mean hoping for a good marriage or fortune.

دخترها روز سیزده بدر سبزه گره می‌زنند.

Cultural Idiom

"سالی که نکوست از بهارش پیداست"

— A good year is evident from its spring. Used during Nowruz to predict that a good start means a good outcome.

امسال خیلی خوب شروع شد، سالی که نکوست از بهارش پیداست.

Proverb

Easily Confused

عید vs عید (Eid) vs. تعطیلات (Ta'tilat)

Both involve not going to work or school.

Eid has cultural, historical, or religious significance (like Nowruz or Christmas). Ta'tilat just means you have time off (like a summer break or a weekend). You can have ta'tilat without an Eid, but an Eid usually includes ta'tilat.

جمعه‌ها تعطیل است، اما عید نیست. (Fridays are days off, but not a holiday.)

عید vs عید (Eid) vs. جشن (Jashn)

Both involve celebrating and being happy.

Jashn is the act of celebrating or a specific party event (e.g., a wedding celebration). Eid is the actual day or festival on the calendar. You hold a jashn for an Eid.

ما برای عید یک جشن بزرگ گرفتیم. (We threw a big party for the holiday.)

عید vs عید (Eid) vs. عیدی (Eidi)

They look and sound almost identical.

Eid is the festival itself. Eidi is the physical gift (usually money) that elders give to younger people during the festival.

روز عید، پدربزرگ به من عیدی داد. (On the day of the holiday, grandfather gave me a holiday gift.)

عید vs عید گرفتن (Eid gereftan) vs. عید دیدنی (Eid-didani)

Both are compound verbs/nouns using the word Eid.

Eid gereftan means to observe or celebrate the holiday in general. Eid-didani specifically refers to the tradition of visiting relatives' houses during the holiday.

ما عید می‌گیریم و به عید دیدنی می‌رویم. (We celebrate the holiday and go on holiday visits.)

عید vs عید نوروز (Eid-e Nowruz) vs. سال نو (Sal-e No)

Both refer to the New Year.

Sal-e No literally means 'New Year' and can be used for any calendar (e.g., Gregorian New Year). Eid-e Nowruz specifically refers to the Persian New Year festival and its associated traditions.

سال نو میلادی عید ما نیست. (The Gregorian New Year is not our holiday.)

Sentence Patterns

[Subject] + عید + است.

فردا عید است. (Tomorrow is a holiday.)

عید + [Pronoun] + مبارک.

عید شما مبارک. (Happy holiday to you.)

برای + عید + [Verb].

برای عید لباس خریدم. (I bought clothes for the holiday.)

در + تعطیلات عید + [Verb].

در تعطیلات عید مسافرت می‌رویم. (We go traveling during the holiday vacation.)

[Subject] + عید را + [Adjective] + جشن می‌گیرند.

مردم عید را باشکوه جشن می‌گیرند. (People celebrate the holiday magnificently.)

یکی از رسوم عید + [Noun Phrase] + است.

یکی از رسوم عید عیدی دادن است. (One of the customs of the holiday is giving gifts.)

با نزدیک شدن به عید + [Clause].

با نزدیک شدن به عید، بازار شلوغ می‌شود. (With the holiday approaching, the market becomes crowded.)

عید نه تنها [Phrase 1]، بلکه [Phrase 2] نیز هست.

عید نه تنها یک زمان تقویمی، بلکه نماد تجدید حیات نیز هست. (The holiday is not only a calendar time, but also a symbol of rebirth.)

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high, especially in the months of Esfand and Farvardin (around March/April).

Common Mistakes

Saying 'من برای عید به ساحل می‌روم' when referring to a random summer weekend. → من برای تعطیلات به ساحل می‌روم.
Using 'Eid' for a regular weekend or personal vacation is incorrect. 'Eid' is only for official calendar festivals. Use 'Ta'tilat' for general time off.
Pronouncing the word as 'Eed' (rhyming with seed). → Pronouncing it as 'Eyd' (rhyming with fade).
While 'Eed' is the Arabic pronunciation, Persian speakers use the 'ey' diphthong. Pronouncing it the Arabic way sounds unnatural in a Persian sentence.
Saying 'عید من مبارک' to mean 'I am having a happy holiday'. → عید به من خوش می‌گذرد.
'Eid mobarak' is strictly a greeting meant for others (Happy holiday to you). You cannot use it to describe your own state of happiness.
Using 'عیدی' to mean the holiday itself. → استفاده از 'عید' برای روز جشن و 'عیدی' برای هدیه.
'Eidi' specifically refers to the gift (usually money) given during the holiday. 'Eid' is the day or the festival itself.
Saying 'عید کردن' to mean celebrating the holiday. → عید گرفتن (Eid gereftan)
In English, you might 'do' or 'make' a holiday, but in Persian, the correct compound verb is 'gereftan' (to take).

Tips

The Art of Eidi

When giving 'Eidi' (the monetary gift), it is customary to use brand new, unwrinkled banknotes. Many people go to the bank specifically to get crisp bills before the holiday.

Pronunciation Matters

Make sure to pronounce Eid as 'Eyd' (rhyming with fade). Pronouncing it as 'Eed' will make you sound like you are speaking Arabic, not Persian.

Visiting Hierarchy

During 'Eid-didani', always plan to visit the oldest members of the family (grandparents) on the very first day. It is considered disrespectful if younger people expect elders to visit them first.

Using the Ezafeh

When combining Eid with another word, don't forget the 'e' sound (Ezafeh). It is 'Eid-e Nowruz', not 'Eid Nowruz'.

Eid vs Ta'tilat

Remember the golden rule: Eid is the festival, Ta'tilat is the time off. You can have Ta'tilat without an Eid, but an Eid usually brings Ta'tilat.

The Haft-Sin Table

For Nowruz, the 'Haft-Sin' table is the center of the Eid celebration. It contains seven items starting with the Persian letter 'S', symbolizing life, wealth, health, and love.

Advance Greetings

In the week before the holiday, it is polite to say 'Pishapish Eid-e shoma mobarak' (Happy holiday in advance) to colleagues or people you won't see during the break.

Smelling the Eid

Use the phrase 'Buy-e Eid miayad' (The smell of Eid is coming) in late winter when the weather gets warmer and people start shopping. It shows great cultural fluency.

Hosting Guests

If you are hosting 'Eid-didani', you must have tea, fresh fruit, mixed nuts (ajil), and sweets (shirini) ready. Guests usually only stay for 30-45 minutes before moving to the next house.

Spelling Ayn

The word starts with the letter Ayn (ع). Even though it sounds like an Alef (ا) to English speakers, spelling it 'اید' is incorrect and changes the meaning.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of the English word 'AID'. During the holiday, you give financial 'AID' (Eidi) to children to make them happy.

Visual Association

Imagine a giant, colorful gift box with the letters E-I-D written on it, bursting open with spring flowers, new clothes, and crisp banknotes.

Word Web

عید (Eid) نوروز (Nowruz) عیدی (Eidi) تبریک (Tabrik) تعطیلات (Ta'tilat) بهار (Bahar) خرید (Kharid) شیرینی (Shirini)

Challenge

Next time you see a calendar, point to a major holiday and say 'In ruz Eid ast' (This day is a holiday). Try to remember the phrase 'Eid-e shoma mobarak'.

Word Origin

The word عید comes from the Arabic root ع-و-د (ʿ-w-d), which means 'to return', 'to repeat', or 'to recur'. It entered the Persian language after the Islamic conquest of Iran.

Original meaning: In its original Arabic context, it referred to a day that returns or recurs regularly, specifically a day of gathering or festivity. It was primarily used for the two major Islamic festivals.

Afroasiatic > Semitic > Arabic (borrowed into Indo-European > Indo-Iranian > Persian).

Cultural Context

Be aware that while Nowruz is celebrated by almost all Iranians, religious Eids (Fitr, Adha) hold deep spiritual significance for practicing Muslims. Always use respectful greetings ('Eid-e shoma mobarak') for both types of festivals.

English speakers often equate 'holiday' with a personal vacation (e.g., going to Hawaii). In Persian, 'Eid' is strictly a culturally or religiously shared festival. You cannot take an 'Eid' whenever you want; it is dictated by the calendar.

Hafez's Poetry: Hafez frequently uses Eid to symbolize the arrival of the beloved or spiritual awakening. The movie 'The White Balloon' (Badkonak-e Sefid): A famous Iranian film centered around a little girl trying to buy a goldfish just hours before the Nowruz Eid. The song 'Bood-o Nabood' by various artists, which talks about the smell of Eid and spring.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Greeting someone during a festival

عید شما مبارک
عیدت مبارک
سال نو مبارک
صد سال به از این سال‌ها

Discussing holiday plans

تعطیلات عید
مسافرت عید
برنامه عید
عید کجا می‌روید

Shopping for the festival

خرید عید
لباس عید
شیرینی عید
آجیل عید

Visiting family

عید دیدنی
عیدی دادن
عیدی گرفتن
خانه پدربزرگ

Religious observances

عید فطر
عید قربان
نماز عید
روزه‌داری

Conversation Starters

"شما معمولاً تعطیلات عید را چگونه می‌گذرانید؟ (How do you usually spend your holiday vacations?)"

"بهترین خاطره شما از عید نوروز در دوران کودکی چیست؟ (What is your best memory of the Nowruz holiday from childhood?)"

"آیا امسال برای عید برنامه مسافرت دارید؟ (Do you have travel plans for the holiday this year?)"

"به نظر شما مهم‌ترین سنت عید در فرهنگ ایرانی چیست؟ (In your opinion, what is the most important holiday tradition in Iranian culture?)"

"شما ترجیح می‌دهید عید را در خانه بمانید یا به دید و بازدید بروید؟ (Do you prefer to stay home for the holiday or go visiting?)"

Journal Prompts

Write about your favorite holiday (عید) and describe the traditions you follow with your family.

Describe the atmosphere of your city or town in the days leading up to a major عید.

Write a short story about a child receiving their first عیدی (holiday gift) and what they buy with it.

Compare the way عید نوروز is celebrated in Iran with a major holiday in your own culture.

Reflect on the meaning of 'spring cleaning' (خانه تکانی) before عید and how it affects your mood.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No. While 'Eid' is an Arabic word used for Islamic holidays (like Eid al-Fitr), in Iran, its most common and popular usage is for 'Eid-e Nowruz', the ancient Persian New Year. It is a universal term for any major cultural or religious festival.

The most common and universally understood phrase is 'Eid-e shoma mobarak' (عید شما مبارک). You can use this for Nowruz, Eid al-Fitr, or any other major festival. For close friends, you can say 'Eidet mobarak'.

'Eidi' (عیدی) is a specific tradition where older family members give crisp, new banknotes to younger family members and children during the holiday. It is a highly anticipated part of the Eid celebrations.

No. For a summer vacation or a general trip, you should use the word 'Ta'tilat' (تعطیلات). 'Eid' is reserved for specific calendar festivals like Nowruz.

'Eid-didani' (عید دیدنی) is the tradition of visiting family and friends during the holiday. There is a strict protocol where younger people must visit the homes of the older relatives first to pay their respects.

The Nowruz holiday period officially lasts for 13 days in Iran. Schools and many businesses are closed during this time. The 13th day is called 'Sizdah Bedar', where everyone goes out into nature.

Iranian Christians (Armenians and Assyrians) celebrate Christmas, and they refer to it as 'Eid-e Krismas' or 'Eid-e Pak' (Easter). However, it is not a public national Eid for the majority Muslim population.

'Khaneh-tekani' literally means 'shaking the house'. It is the rigorous spring cleaning that every Iranian household undergoes in the weeks leading up to Eid-e Nowruz to prepare for the new year and incoming guests.

Yes, very frequently. Poets like Hafez and Rumi use 'Eid' as a metaphor for spiritual awakening, the joy of union with God, or the arrival of a beloved, showing the word's deep emotional resonance.

You can simply repeat the phrase back: 'Eid-e shoma ham mobarak' (Happy holiday to you too). You can also add wishes for their health, such as 'Salamat bashid' (Be healthy) or 'Sal-e khubi dashteh bashid' (Have a good year).