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اشتها

B1 noun #3,500 most common 8 min read

اشتها

ashtahaa Top 3,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips اشتها in 30 Seconds

Explanation اشتها in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should learn 'eshtehā' as a basic word for 'appetite'. You will mostly use it in simple sentences like 'I have an appetite' or 'I don't have an appetite'. It is useful when you are at a restaurant or talking to a doctor. You can think of it as the 'wanting' part of eating. Even if you don't know many verbs, just saying 'Eshtehā nadāram' (I don't have an appetite) is very helpful when you are sick. Focus on the pronunciation: Esh-te-hā. The 'h' at the end is pronounced softly. This word helps you describe how you feel about food beyond just being 'hungry'.

At the A2 level, you start using 'eshtehā' with common adjectives and in social settings. You should learn the phrase 'Bā eshtehā' (With appetite/gusto). You might say 'Ghazā rā bā eshtehā khordam' (I ate the food with gusto). You also learn that 'eshtehā' is different from 'gorosnegi' (hunger). You might be hungry but have no appetite because the food looks bad. At this level, you can also use it to describe others: 'U eshtehā-ye khubi dārad' (He has a good appetite). You are beginning to see how it fits into daily conversations about health and eating habits.

As a B1 learner, you should be comfortable using 'eshtehā' in more complex structures and idiomatic expressions. You should learn 'eshtehā-āvar' (appetizing) and 'eshtehā-bar-angiz' (appetite-stimulating). This is also the stage to learn the idiom 'Eshtehā-yam kur shod' (I lost my appetite/my appetite became blind). You can use 'eshtehā' to talk about health in more detail, such as 'Varzesh eshtehā rā ziād mikonad' (Exercise increases appetite). You are now moving from simple possession ('I have') to cause and effect ('this causes appetite').

At the B2 level, you can use 'eshtehā' in metaphorical contexts. You might talk about someone's 'appetite for power' or 'appetite for learning'. You understand the nuance between 'eshtehā' and 'meyl' (inclination) and can choose the right one based on how formal the situation is. You can discuss social issues, like how advertising affects children's appetite. You also use the word in the passive or more complex grammatical forms, such as 'Eshtehā-ye kāzeb' (false appetite/cravings), which is a common topic in health and wellness discussions in Iran.

At the C1 level, your use of 'eshtehā' includes literary and academic contexts. You can analyze how the concept of 'appetite' is used in Persian poetry or philosophical texts to represent human desire. You are familiar with compound adjectives like 'sir-nā-pazir' (insatiable) used alongside 'eshtehā'. You can participate in complex debates about consumerism and the 'unending appetite' of modern society. Your vocabulary includes rare synonyms and you can explain the etymological roots of the word and its connection to Arabic 'Ishtihā'.

At the C2 level, you have a native-like grasp of 'eshtehā'. You can use it with perfect precision in high-level diplomatic, medical, or literary Persian. You understand the subtle irony when someone uses 'eshtehā' in a sarcastic way. You can write essays or give presentations where 'eshtehā' is a central theme, exploring its psychological, physiological, and sociological dimensions. You are also aware of regional variations in how the word might be used across different Persian-speaking countries like Afghanistan (Dari) or Tajikistan.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

اشتها in 30 Seconds

The Persian word 'اشتها' (eshtehā) means 'appetite' and describes the psychological desire for food or a strong inclination toward something abstract.
It is a noun frequently paired with light verbs like 'dāshtan' (to have) or idioms like 'kur shodan' (to lose appetite).
Culturally, having a good appetite is seen as a sign of health and vitality in Iranian society, especially during social gatherings.
Metaphorically, it can represent a hunger for knowledge, power, or success, making it a versatile word in both casual and formal Persian.

The Persian word اشتها (pronounced 'eshtehā') is a versatile noun that primarily translates to 'appetite' in English. While its most immediate application is in the realm of food and dining, its semantic range in Persian culture extends into psychological desire, metaphorical hunger for success, and even general inclination. Understanding اشتها is essential for anyone moving beyond basic Persian, as it appears in medical consultations, social dinner settings, and literary descriptions of human longing.

The Physical Dimension: In its most literal sense, it refers to the physiological desire to eat. Unlike 'gorosnegi' (hunger), which is a physical necessity, eshtehā is the pleasure-seeking or psychological aspect of wanting food. You might not be hungry (gorosne), but you can still have an appetite (eshtehā) for a delicious dessert.
The Metaphorical Dimension: In Persian literature and formal speech, the word is used to describe a 'thirst' or 'hunger' for abstract concepts like power, knowledge, or love. For instance, 'eshtehā-ye dānestan' refers to an appetite for knowing or curiosity.

بوی نان تازه اشتهای مرا باز کرد.
Translation: The smell of fresh bread opened my appetite.

In Iranian social etiquette (Ta'arof), discussing appetite is common. A host might say 'Bā eshtehā bokhorid' (Eat with appetite), which is a warmer way of saying 'Enjoy your meal.' Conversely, if someone is feeling unwell or sad, they might say 'Eshtehā nadāram' (I have no appetite), which serves as a common idiom for being distressed or physically sick.

او همیشه با اشتها غذا می‌خورد.
Translation: He always eats food with appetite (gusto).

Medical Usage: Doctors frequently ask about 'kam-eshtehāyi' (low appetite) or 'por-eshtehāyi' (excessive appetite) as symptoms for various conditions. It is a standard term in clinical Persian.

داروهای جدید باعث کاهش اشتها می‌شوند.
Translation: New medications cause a decrease in appetite.

The word's versatility allows it to function as a core noun around which many compound verbs and adjectives are built. For example, 'eshtehā-āvar' means appetizing or something that induces appetite, often used to describe starters or garnishes like pickles (torshi) in Iranian cuisine. Understanding the nuances of this word allows you to navigate both the kitchen and the clinic with confidence.

Using اشتها correctly requires an understanding of its common verb pairings. In Persian, nouns often combine with 'light verbs' to create meaning. For 'appetite', the most common verbs are 'dāshtan' (to have), 'shodan' (to become/to be), and 'kardan' (to do - though less common for the state of having an appetite).

Standard Possession: To express that you have or don't have an appetite, use 'dāshtan'. Example: 'Man eshtehā dāram' (I have an appetite). This is the most direct way to speak about your current state.
The 'Opening' of Appetite: Persian uses the verb 'bāz shodan' (to be opened) to describe how an appetite is stimulated. 'Eshtehāyam bāz shod' means 'My appetite was whetted' or 'I started feeling hungry' after seeing or smelling something good.

ورزش کردن باعث می‌شود اشتهای شما زیاد شود.
Translation: Exercising causes your appetite to increase.

When describing someone else's eating habits, you can use اشتها as a modifier. 'Kosh-eshtehā' is a lovely adjective meaning 'someone who enjoys their food' or 'has a good appetite'. It is generally a positive trait in Iranian culture, suggesting a zest for life.

او با اشتهای تمام کباب را خورد.
Translation: He ate the kebab with full appetite.

In negative contexts, 'kur shodan' (to become blind) is used idiomatically with appetite. 'Eshtehāyam kur shod' means 'I lost my appetite', usually because of something disgusting, a piece of bad news, or an unpleasant sight. This is a very common idiomatic expression you will hear in daily life.

حرف‌های تو اشتهای مرا کور کرد.
Translation: Your words ruined (blinded) my appetite.

Lastly, for more formal or literary contexts, 'eshtehā' can be used to describe the 'desire' for non-food items. 'Eshtehā-ye sir-nā-pazir' refers to an insatiable appetite, often used in political or social critiques regarding greed or the quest for power.

The word اشتها is omnipresent in Iranian life, but its tone changes depending on the setting. From the bustling kitchens of Tehran to the sterile environment of a hospital, here is where you will encounter it most frequently.

At the Dinner Table (Mehmāni): This is the most common place. Hosts will use it to encourage guests: 'Befarmāyid, bā eshtehā bokhorid!' (Please, eat with appetite!). Guests might use it to compliment the food: 'In ghazā khayli eshtehā-āvar ast' (This food is very appetizing).
In the Doctor's Office: If you visit a Persian-speaking doctor, one of the first questions regarding general health is often: 'Eshtehā-yat chetor ast?' (How is your appetite?). It is considered a primary indicator of physical and mental well-being.

مادرم همیشه نگران اشتهای کم من است.
Translation: My mother is always worried about my low appetite.

You will also hear it in television commercials, especially those for snacks, restaurants, or health supplements. Advertisements for vitamins often claim to 'increase appetite' (afzāyesh-e eshtehā) in growing children, a common concern for Iranian parents.

این پیش‌غذا واقعاً اشتها‌برانگیز است.
Translation: This appetizer is truly appetizing.

In literature and poetry, اشتها takes on a more philosophical tone. Rumi and other poets sometimes use the concept of appetite to discuss the soul's hunger for the divine. While the word itself is Arabic in origin, it has been fully integrated into the Persian poetic tradition for centuries to describe the nature of human desire.

While اشتها is a straightforward noun, English speakers often make specific errors when translating the concept of 'hunger' versus 'appetite' or when choosing the wrong verb to accompany it.

Confusing 'Eshtehā' with 'Gorosnegi': Mistake: Saying 'Eshtehā dāram' when you mean 'I am hungry' (physically needing food). Correct: Use 'Gorosne-am' for physical hunger. Use 'Eshtehā dāram' to describe the desire or capacity to eat.
Using the Wrong Light Verb: Mistake: 'Eshtehā kardan'. While 'kardan' is the most common light verb in Persian, it sounds unnatural with 'eshtehā' in most contexts. Correct: Use 'dāshtan' (to have) or 'bāz shodan' (to open/increase).

Incorrect: من خیلی اشتها می‌کنم.
Correct: من خیلی اشتها دارم.

Another common mistake is the misuse of 'kur shodan' (losing appetite). Some learners try to say 'Eshtehā-yam rā gom kardam' (I lost my appetite - direct translation from English). While understandable, it sounds very foreign. Iranians always say 'Eshtehā-yam kur shod' (My appetite became blind).

Incorrect: غذای اشتها!
Correct: غذای اشتهاآور (Appetizing food).

Lastly, be careful with the word 'Meyl'. While 'Meyl' also means desire/appetite, it is more formal. Using 'Eshtehā' in a very formal setting where 'Meyl' is expected (like 'Meyl dārid?' for 'Would you like some?') isn't 'wrong', but it’s less sophisticated than the alternative.

Persian has several words that overlap with اشتها. Knowing which one to use can significantly elevate your fluency and help you express subtle differences in meaning.

Meyl (میل): Meyl is more polite and formal than eshtehā. It translates to 'inclination' or 'desire'. While 'eshtehā' is mostly about the physical urge to eat, 'meyl' is used in Ta'arof: 'Meyl dārid?' (Do you have an inclination/would you like some?).
Vala' (ولع): Vala' translates to 'greed' or 'voracity'. It is a much stronger word than eshtehā. If someone eats with vala', they are eating greedily or uncontrollably.
Raghbat (رغبت): Raghbat is 'enthusiasm' or 'tendency'. It is often used in the context of having an 'appetite' for a specific task or activity, rather than food.

او هیچ رغبتی به ادامه تحصیل ندارد.
Translation: He has no inclination/appetite to continue his studies.

When comparing Eshtehā and Gorosnegi, remember that Gorosnegi is a state of being (Hunger), whereas Eshtehā is a capacity or desire (Appetite). You can be hungry but have no appetite if you are sick.

با دیدن کباب، میل من به غذا بیشتر شد.
Translation: Upon seeing the kebab, my desire for food increased. (More formal than 'eshtehā').

In summary, while 'eshtehā' is the standard word for appetite, Persian speakers use 'meyl' to be polite, 'vala' to describe greed, and 'gorosnegi' to describe the physical pangs of hunger. Mastering these distinctions will make your Persian sound much more natural.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"بیمار با کاهش شدید اشتها مواجه است."

Neutral

"من امروز اصلاً اشتها ندارم."

Informal

"بابا چه اشتهایی داری تو!"

Child friendly

"بخور عزیزم، این غذا خیلی اشتهاآوره."

Slang

"طرف اشتهای سگ داره!"

Fun Fact

The root 'sh-h-w' is also the source of the word 'Shahvat' (lust/passion) in Persian, showing the deep connection between appetite for food and physical desire.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /eʃtehɒː/

US /eʃtehɑː/

The stress is typically on the final syllable: eshtehĀ.

Rhymes With

رها (Rahā) جفا (Jafā) غذا (Ghazā) وفا (Vafā) اداء (Adā) نوا (Navā) صدا (Sedā) هوا (Havā)

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'h' too harshly like a German 'ch'. It should be a soft breathy 'h'.
Ignoring the 'h' at the end completely.
Stress on the first syllable.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize once the root is known.

Writing 3/5

The 'h' at the end can be tricky for beginners.

Speaking 2/5

Pronunciation is rhythmic and simple.

Listening 2/5

Commonly used in clear contexts like dining.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

غذا خوردن گرسنه سیر میل

Learn Next

هضم گوارش چاشنی ذائقه لذیذ

Advanced

نفس اماره امساک تجوع تلذذ اشتیاق

Grammar to Know

Ezafe Construction

اشتهایِ من (Eshtehā-ye man)

Compound Adjectives

اشتها + آور = اشتهاآور

Light Verb Construction

اشتها داشتن (Noun + Verb)

Negative Imperative

اشتهایم را کور نکن! (Do not blind my appetite!)

Suffix Pronouns

اشتهایم (My appetite)

Examples by Level

من اشتها دارم.

I have an appetite.

Simple present tense with 'dāshtan'.

آیا شما اشتها دارید؟

Do you have an appetite?

Question form using 'āyā'.

او اشتها ندارد.

He doesn't have an appetite.

Negative form of 'dāshtan'.

اشتهای من خوب است.

My appetite is good.

Possessive Ezafe construction.

این سیب اشتها دارد؟

Does this apple have appetite? (Incorrect usage to show learning)

Note: Only living things usually have 'eshtehā'.

من امروز اشتها ندارم.

I don't have an appetite today.

Adding time adverbs like 'emruz'.

اشتها یعنی چه؟

What does 'eshtehā' mean?

Asking for definitions.

کمی اشتها دارم.

I have a little appetite.

Using 'kami' (a little) as a quantifier.

او با اشتها غذا می‌خورد.

He eats food with appetite.

Using 'bā' (with) to create an adverbial phrase.

بوی غذا اشتهای مرا باز کرد.

The smell of food opened my appetite.

Compound verb 'bāz kardan'.

بچه‌ها معمولاً اشتها دارند.

Children usually have an appetite.

Plural subject with 'ma'mulan' (usually).

او اشتهای زیادی دارد.

He has a lot of appetite.

Adjective 'ziād' (much/a lot) modifying the noun.

من برای دسر اشتها دارم.

I have an appetite for dessert.

Preposition 'barāye' (for).

اشتهای شما چطور است؟

How is your appetite?

Interrogative 'chetor' (how).

این شربت اشتها را زیاد می‌کند.

This syrup increases the appetite.

Transitive verb phrase 'ziād kardan'.

او خیلی خوش‌اشتها است.

He is very 'good-appetited' (enjoys food).

Compound adjective 'khosh-eshtehā'.

دیدن آن صحنه اشتهایم را کور کرد.

Seeing that scene ruined (blinded) my appetite.

Idiomatic use of 'kur kardan'.

این پیش‌غذا خیلی اشتهاآور است.

This appetizer is very appetizing.

Adjective 'eshtehā-āvar' (appetite-bringing).

به دلیل بیماری، اشتهایم را از دست دادم.

Due to illness, I lost my appetite.

Formal phrase 'az dast dādan' (to lose).

او اشتهای عجیبی به مطالعه دارد.

He has a strange appetite for studying.

Metaphorical use for non-food items.

آیا قرصی برای افزایش اشتها وجود دارد؟

Is there a pill for increasing appetite?

Noun 'afzāyesh' (increase) in a compound phrase.

با اشتها خوردن نشانه سلامتی است.

Eating with appetite is a sign of health.

Gerund-like use of 'khordan' as a subject.

او همیشه با اشتهای تمام صحبت می‌کند.

He always speaks with full 'appetite' (enthusiasm).

Using 'eshtehā' to mean enthusiasm.

اشتهای کاذب باعث چاقی می‌شود.

False appetite leads to obesity.

Technical term 'eshtehā-ye kāzeb' (cravings).

سیاستمداران اغلب اشتهای سیری‌ناپذیری برای قدرت دارند.

Politicians often have an insatiable appetite for power.

Complex adjective 'siri-nā-pazir' (insatiable).

این فیلم اشتهای مخاطب را برای دیدن ادامه داستان برمی‌انگیزد.

This movie whets the audience's appetite to see the rest of the story.

Verb 'bar-angikhtan' (to stimulate/whet).

او هیچ اشتهایی برای ریسک کردن ندارد.

He has no appetite for taking risks.

Abstract usage in business/decision making.

کاهش اشتها می‌تواند یکی از علائم افسردگی باشد.

Loss of appetite can be one of the symptoms of depression.

Medical/Psychological context.

او با چنان اشتهایی کار می‌کند که همه را متعجب کرده است.

He works with such appetite (vigor) that he has surprised everyone.

Using 'eshtehā' as a synonym for vigor/passion.

برخی داروها اشتهای فرد را سرکوب می‌کنند.

Some drugs suppress a person's appetite.

Formal verb 'sarkub kardan' (to suppress).

این موفقیت کوچک، اشتهای او را برای پیروزی‌های بزرگتر باز کرد.

This small success whetted his appetite for bigger victories.

Metaphorical 'bāz kardan'.

اشتهای زیاد به مصرف‌گرایی از ویژگی‌های دنیای مدرن است.

A high appetite for consumerism is a feature of the modern world.

Sociological context.

در متون کلاسیک، اشتها غالباً به عنوان نمادی از نفس اماره به کار می‌رود.

In classical texts, appetite is often used as a symbol of the 'commanding self'.

Academic/Literary terminology.

اشتهای مفرط به اندوختن ثروت، او را از ارزش‌های اخلاقی دور کرد.

An excessive appetite for accumulating wealth distanced him from moral values.

Formal adjective 'mofrat' (excessive).

نویسنده با مهارتی خاص، اشتهای سیری‌ناپذیر قهرمان داستان را توصیف می‌کند.

The author describes the protagonist's insatiable appetite with particular skill.

Literary analysis context.

فقدان اشتها در بیماران سالخورده باید جدی گرفته شود.

The lack of appetite in elderly patients should be taken seriously.

Formal noun 'faghdān' (lack/absence).

او اشتهایی وافر به یادگیری زبان‌های باستانی دارد.

He has a profound appetite for learning ancient languages.

High-level adjective 'vāfar' (abundant/profound).

این اصلاحات اقتصادی، اشتهای سرمایه‌گذاران خارجی را تحریک کرد.

These economic reforms stimulated the appetite of foreign investors.

Economic/Business context; 'tahrik kardan'.

او از چنان اشتهای کلامی برخوردار است که ساعت‌ها می‌تواند سخنرانی کند.

He possesses such a verbal appetite that he can lecture for hours.

Abstract metaphorical usage 'eshtehā-ye kalāmi'.

بی‌اشتهایی عصبی یکی از اختلالات رایج در جوامع امروزی است.

Anorexia nervosa is one of the common disorders in today's societies.

Technical medical term 'bi-eshtehāyi-ye asabi'.

اشتهای سیری‌ناپذیر بشر برای استیلا بر طبیعت، پیامدهای جبران‌ناپذیری داشته است.

Humanity's insatiable appetite for dominating nature has had irreversible consequences.

Philosophical/Environmental discourse.

او در نقد خود، اشتهای کاذب جامعه به تجمل‌گرایی را به چالش کشید.

In his critique, he challenged society's false appetite for luxury.

Social critique terminology.

مولوی در مثنوی، اشتها را مرتبه‌ای از مراتب نفس حیوانی می‌داند.

Rumi, in the Masnavi, considers appetite to be a level among the levels of the animalistic soul.

Theological/Mystical context.

سیاست‌های انبساطی، اشتهای بازار را برای استقراض افزایش داد.

Expansionary policies increased the market's appetite for borrowing.

Macroeconomic terminology.

او با اشتهایی وصف‌ناپذیر به کاوش در لایه‌های پنهان تاریخ می‌پردازد.

With an indescribable appetite, he explores the hidden layers of history.

Formal adjective 'vasf-nā-pazir' (indescribable).

برخی منتقدان، اشتهای مفرط این کارگردان به خشونت را تقبیح می‌کنند.

Some critics denounce this director's excessive appetite for violence.

Arts criticism; 'taghbih kardan'.

این رویکرد، اشتهای نهادهای مدنی را برای مشارکت در حاکمیت برانگیخت.

This approach whetted the appetite of civil institutions for participation in governance.

Political science context.

او در مقام یک فیلسوف، به کالبدشکافی مفهوم اشتها در اندیشه مدرن پرداخت.

As a philosopher, he engaged in the dissection of the concept of appetite in modern thought.

Highest academic register; 'kālbod-shekāfi' (dissection/analysis).

Common Collocations

اشتهای کاذب

اشتهای زیاد

کاهش اشتها

افزایش اشتها

اشتهای سیری‌ناپذیر

با اشتها

اشتهاآور

کور شدن اشتها

باز شدن اشتها

فقدان اشتها

Common Phrases

با اشتها بخورید

— Eat with gusto. A common polite phrase from a host.

بفرمایید شام، با اشتها بخورید!

اشتها ندارم

— I have no appetite. Used when sick or upset.

ببخشید، من فعلاً اشتها ندارم.

اشتها باز کن

— Appetizer. Something that stimulates hunger.

این سالاد یک اشتها باز کن عالی است.

اشتهایم را کور نکن

— Don't ruin my appetite. Said when someone says something gross.

وسط غذا این حرف‌ها را نزن، اشتهایم را کور نکن.

خوش‌اشتها بودن

— To have a good appetite. Often used as a compliment.

ماشاالله، چقدر خوش‌اشتها هستی!

اشتهای عجیبی داشتن

— To have a strange appetite. Can be literal or metaphorical.

او اشتهای عجیبی به فیلم‌های ترسناک دارد.

از اشتها افتادن

— To lose one's appetite suddenly.

بعد از شنیدن خبر بد، از اشتها افتادم.

اشتهای سیری‌ناپذیر

— Insatiable appetite. Used for greed.

او اشتهای سیری‌ناپذیری برای جمع‌آوری عتیقه دارد.

اشتها برانگیز

— Mouth-watering or stimulating appetite.

تزیین غذا بسیار اشتها برانگیز است.

بدون اشتها

— Without appetite. Eating mechanically.

غذا را بدون اشتها و از روی اجبار خورد.

Often Confused With

اشتها vs گرسنگی

Gorosnegi is physical hunger; Eshtehā is psychological desire.

اشتها vs میل

Meyl is more formal and general; Eshtehā is specific to food/appetite.

اشتها vs شهوت

Shahvat is carnal lust; Eshtehā is appetite (though they share a root).

Idioms & Expressions

"اشتها را کور کردن"

— To completely ruin someone's desire to eat.

دعوای آن‌ها اشتهای همه را کور کرد.

Informal

"اشتها باز شدن"

— To suddenly feel hungry or interested in something.

با دیدن حقوق جدید، اشتهایش برای کار باز شد.

Informal

"با اشتهای تمام"

— With full heart and soul; with total gusto.

او با اشتهای تمام به استقبال خطر رفت.

Neutral

"اشتهای سگ داشتن"

— To have a very large appetite (can be slightly rude).

او اشتهای سگ دارد، هر چه می‌خورد سیر نمی‌شود.

Slang

"اشتهای کور"

— A state where one wants to eat but cannot due to psychological reasons.

غم و غصه باعث اشتهای کور او شده است.

Neutral

"اشتهایش به دهنش است"

— Someone whose appetite is easily influenced by the first bite.

او اولش می‌گفت گرسنه نیست، ولی اشتهایش به دهنش است.

Informal

"اشتهای کاذب داشتن"

— To feel hungry when the body doesn't actually need food.

این قرص‌ها باعث می‌شوند اشتهای کاذب داشته باشی.

Neutral

"اشتهای گرگی"

— To be famished or eat like a wolf.

بعد از کوهنوردی، اشتهای گرگی داشتیم.

Informal

"سد اشتها"

— Something that blocks or stops appetite.

این خبر سد اشتهای من شد.

Literary

"اشتهایش به کوه می‌ماند"

— His appetite is like a mountain (enormous).

اشتهایش به کوه می‌ماند، کل دیگ را خورد.

Informal

Easily Confused

اشتها vs اشتبا

Looks similar to اشتها.

Eshtebā means 'mistake'. Eshtehā means 'appetite'.

این یک اشتباه بزرگ است.

اشتها vs اشتیاق

Starts with 'Eshti-'.

Eshtiāgh means 'eagerness' or 'longing'.

من اشتیاق زیادی برای دیدن تو دارم.

اشتها vs اشتهار

Very similar spelling.

Eshtehār means 'fame' or 'notoriety'.

او به اشتهار جهانی رسید.

اشتها vs انگیزه

Both relate to drive.

Angize means 'motivation'.

انگیزه من برای درس خواندن زیاد است.

اشتها vs هوس

Both are desires.

Havas is a temporary craving or whim.

هوس فالوده کردم.

Sentence Patterns

من [Noun] اشتها دارم.

من به سیب اشتها دارم.

[Subject] با اشتها [Verb].

او با اشتها نان می‌خورد.

[Something] اشتهایم را [Verb].

بوی غذا اشتهایم را باز کرد.

[Medicine/Situation] باعث [Noun] اشتها می‌شود.

استرس باعث کاهش اشتها می‌شود.

اشتهای [Adjective] به [Concept].

اشتهای وافر به دانش.

کالبدشکافی مفهوم اشتها در [Context].

کالبدشکافی مفهوم اشتها در اشعار مولانا.

این [Food] خیلی اشتهاآور است.

این کباب خیلی اشتهاآور است.

اشتهای تو [Adjective] است.

اشتهای تو عالی است.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Very common in daily life, especially regarding health and hospitality.

Common Mistakes

Saying 'Eshtehā kardan' for 'to have an appetite'. → Eshtehā dāshtan.
Persian uses 'dāshtan' for states of being/possession of feelings.
Using 'eshtehā' when you mean 'hunger' (physical pain). → Gorosnegi.
Eshtehā is about desire; Gorosnegi is about physical need.
Translating 'I lost my appetite' as 'Eshtehā-yam rā gom kardam'. → Eshtehā-yam kur shod.
Persian uses the idiom 'blinded' for losing appetite.
Spelling it 'اشتبا' (Eshtebā). → اشتها (Eshtehā).
Eshtebā means 'mistake'.
Using 'eshtehā' in very formal Ta'arof settings where 'meyl' is better. → Meyl dāshtan.
Meyl is the polite, formal equivalent.

Tips

Host Etiquette

Always tell your Iranian host that the food is 'eshtehā-āvar'. They will love it!

Verb Pairing

Stick to 'dāshtan' for having an appetite. 'Kardan' sounds weird here.

Idiom Alert

Use 'eshtehā-yam kur shod' if someone tells a gross story at dinner.

Soft H

Make sure the final 'h' is a gentle breath, not a hard click.

Politeness

If you are full, say 'Sير شدم' (Sir shodam) rather than just 'Eshtehā nadāram'.

Doctor Visits

If you feel weak, tell the doctor about your 'eshtehā'.

Poetic Use

Look for 'eshtehā' in Rumi's poems to see it used for spiritual longing.

Appetizers

In Iran, 'torshi' (pickles) are considered the ultimate 'eshtehā-āvar'.

Root Study

Learning the root 'sh-h-w' will help you recognize 'shahvat' and 'ishtiāgh'.

Spelling

The word starts with 'Alef-Shin-Te-He-Alef'. Don't forget the 'He'!

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Esh-te-hā' as 'Eat-Stay-Happy'. You need an appetite (Eshtehā) to Eat and Stay Happy!

Visual Association

Imagine a giant 'E' (for Eshtehā) shaped like a fork and spoon ready to dive into a bowl of steaming saffron rice.

Word Web

Food Health Hunger Desire Cooking Restaurant Doctor Pleasure

Challenge

Try to use 'eshtehā' in three different sentences today: one about yourself, one about a friend, and one about a delicious smell.

Word Origin

Borrowed from Arabic 'Ishtihā' (اشتهاء), which is the verbal noun of the eighth form of the root 'sh-h-w' (ش-ه-و).

Original meaning: To desire, to long for, or to crave something.

Semitic (root), used in Indo-European (Persian).

Cultural Context

Be careful when commenting on someone's appetite. While 'khosh-eshtehā' is usually a compliment, in some contexts it could imply someone eats too much.

In English, we say 'Bon appétit' (French) before a meal. In Persian, we say 'Bā eshtehā bokhorid' or 'Noosh-e jan'.

Saadi's poems on the dangers of over-appetite. Modern Iranian medical journals discussing 'Bi-eshtehāyi' (Anorexia). Traditional Persian medicine (Tebb-e Sonnati) categorizing foods by how they affect appetite.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Restaurant

منوی اشتهاآور
اشتها باز کن
با اشتها میل کنید
اشتها ندارم

Hospital

کاهش اشتها
بی‌اشتهایی عصبی
قرص اشتهاآور
وضعیت اشتها

Home/Family

بچه‌ام اشتها ندارد
خوش‌اشتها باشی
اشتهام باز شد
غذای با اشتها

Business/Success

اشتهای ریسک
اشتهای بازار
اشتهای سیری‌ناپذیر
تحریک اشتها

Fitness/Gym

افزایش اشتها بعد از تمرین
مکمل اشتهاآور
کنترل اشتها
اشتهای کاذب

Conversation Starters

"امروز اشتهایت چطور است؟ (How is your appetite today?)"

"چه چیزی اشتهای شما را باز می‌کند؟ (What whets your appetite?)"

"آیا تا به حال اشتهای کاذب داشته‌اید؟ (Have you ever had false appetite/cravings?)"

"به نظر شما بهترین پیش‌غذا برای باز کردن اشتها چیست؟ (What do you think is the best appetizer to open the appetite?)"

"آیا وقتی ناراحت هستید، اشتهایتان را از دست می‌دهید؟ (Do you lose your appetite when you are upset?)"

Journal Prompts

درباره زمانی بنویسید که یک غذای بسیار اشتهاآور خوردید. (Write about a time you ate a very appetizing meal.)

چگونه استرس بر اشتهای شما تأثیر می‌گذارد؟ (How does stress affect your appetite?)

آیا به جز غذا، برای چیز دیگری اشتها دارید؟ (Do you have an appetite for anything other than food?)

تفاوت بین گرسنگی و اشتها را از نظر خودتان توضیح دهید. (Explain the difference between hunger and appetite in your opinion.)

نقش اشتها در سلامتی انسان چیست؟ (What is the role of appetite in human health?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Gorosnegi is the physical need for food (hunger), whereas eshtehā is the psychological desire to eat (appetite). You can be hungry but have no appetite, or have an appetite even if you aren't hungry.

The most common idiomatic way is 'Eshtehā-yam kur shod' (My appetite became blind).

Yes, in formal or literary Persian, it can mean a strong desire for power, knowledge, or success, similar to the English 'appetite for destruction'.

It is an Arabic loanword (Ishtihā) that has been completely integrated into Persian vocabulary for centuries.

It means 'appetizing' or literally 'appetite-bringing'. It's often used for starters or tasty-looking dishes.

Yes, usually! It means someone enjoys their food and has a healthy appetite, which is seen as a positive trait in Iranian culture.

You can say 'Eshtehā-yat chetor ast?' or more formally 'Eshtehā-ye shomā chetor ast?'

It translates to 'false appetite' and refers to cravings or the feeling of wanting to eat when your body doesn't actually need energy.

No, it is a noun. You must use it with a verb like 'dāshtan' (to have).

The direct opposite is 'bi-eshtehāyi' (lack of appetite).