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بد مزه

A2 adjective #5,500 most common 10 min read

بد مزه

bad mazze Top 5,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips بد مزه in 30 Seconds

Explanation بد مزه in your Level:

At the A1 level, learners should understand 'bad mazzeh' as a simple way to say 'not good' regarding food. It is one of the first adjectives related to food that you will learn, alongside 'khoshmazzeh' (delicious) and 'garm' (hot) or 'sard' (cold). At this stage, you don't need to worry about the deep cultural nuances of Ta'arof; just focus on the basic structure: 'In ghaza bad mazzeh ast' (This food is bad-tasting). Think of it as a label for things you don't like to eat, like bitter vegetables or medicine. You should practice linking it to nouns like 'āsh' (soup), 'nān' (bread), and 'shir' (milk). The goal is to recognize the word when someone describes a flavor they dislike and to be able to state your own basic preferences using this simple compound word. Remember, 'bad' in Persian sounds almost exactly like 'bad' in English, which makes it very easy to memorize!

At the A2 level, you begin to use 'bad mazzeh' in more varied sentence structures. You should be able to use the Ezafe construction correctly (e.g., 'ghaza-ye bad mazzeh') and use basic adverbs like 'kheyli' (very) to modify it. You are also introduced to the distinction between 'bad mazzeh' (bad tasting) and 'bi-mazzeh' (bland/tasteless). At A2, you might use this word to talk about health, such as explaining why you don't like a certain medicine, or describing a bad experience at a fast-food restaurant. You should also start to recognize the contracted spoken form 'bad mazze-ye' (it is bad-tasting). This level focuses on practical communication, so knowing how to express that food has gone bad or is unpleasant is a key survival skill for traveling in Iran or speaking with Persian-speaking friends.

At the B1 level, you move beyond simple descriptions and start to use 'bad mazzeh' to discuss preferences and experiences in more detail. You can use it in the past tense ('bad mazzeh bud' - it was bad tasting) and with conditional sentences (e.g., 'If it is bad tasting, don't eat it'). You should also understand the social implications of using such a direct word. At this intermediate stage, you learn that 'bad mazzeh' is a strong term and might start using softer alternatives like 'khoshmazzeh nist' (it's not delicious) in social situations to be more polite. You will also encounter 'bad mazzeh' in short stories or news clips about food safety or health. Your vocabulary expands to include related terms like 'talkh' (bitter) and 'shur' (salty), allowing you to explain *why* something is 'bad mazzeh.'

At the B2 level, your understanding of 'bad mazzeh' becomes more nuanced, especially regarding its usage in different registers. You can identify when the word is being used for comedic effect in media or when it is being used clinically in a medical context. You should be comfortable using it in complex sentences, such as 'Even though the medicine was bad-tasting, I felt better after taking it.' You also begin to understand the metaphorical 'bad taste' in a person's mouth after an argument, though this is less common than the literal meaning. At B2, you are expected to handle the social nuances of Persian hospitality (Ta'arof) flawlessly, knowing that while 'bad mazzeh' is a valid word, it is rarely the right word to use when you are a guest. You can discuss culinary traditions and how certain 'bad mazzeh' ingredients are transformed into 'khoshmazzeh' dishes through specific cooking techniques.

At the C1 level, you have a deep appreciation for the linguistic roots and cultural baggage of 'bad mazzeh.' You can analyze the word's role in Persian literature or film as a symbol of dissatisfaction or poor quality. You understand the historical evolution of the word and its cognates in other Indo-European languages. Your usage is precise; you can distinguish between 'bad mazzeh,' 'na-govar,' 'na-khoshayand,' and 'gandideh' with ease. You can participate in sophisticated debates about food culture, health, and the sensory experience of eating, using 'bad mazzeh' as a starting point for deeper descriptions. You also recognize how the word is used in regional dialects or older forms of the language. At this level, you can use the word with irony or sarcasm, a common feature of advanced Persian conversation.

At the C2 level, you possess a native-like grasp of 'bad mazzeh' and its place within the vast tapestry of the Persian language. You can use the word in any context—from high-level academic discussions about sensory perception to the most informal street slang. You are aware of the subtle phonetic shifts in various Iranian accents when pronouncing the word. You can write eloquent critiques or creative stories where 'bad mazzeh' is used as a motif to describe broader themes of disappointment or failure. Your understanding of the word is integrated with a comprehensive knowledge of Persian idioms and proverbs. You can navigate the most complex social interactions involving food with perfect etiquette, using 'bad mazzeh' only when it is strategically appropriate. For a C2 learner, the word is not just a vocabulary item but a tool for expressive and culturally-attuned communication.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

بد مزه in 30 Seconds

Means 'bad tasting' or 'unpalatable'.
Opposite of 'khoshmazzeh' (delicious).
Used for food, medicine, or spoiled items.
Culturally sensitive; avoid using it to a host.

The Persian word بد مزه (bad mazzeh) is a fundamental adjective used to describe anything that has an unpleasant, disagreeable, or off-putting taste. Linguistically, it is a compound adjective formed by the word bad (meaning 'bad' or 'evil'—a direct cognate to the English 'bad') and mazzeh (meaning 'taste' or 'flavor'). Together, they create a literal translation of 'bad-taste.' In the spectrum of Persian culinary vocabulary, this word sits at the opposite end of خوشمزه (khosh-mazzeh), which means delicious. While English speakers might use a variety of words like 'yucky,' 'gross,' 'unpalatable,' or 'nasty,' Persian speakers frequently rely on bad mazzeh as the primary descriptor for negative gustatory experiences. It is used for food that was cooked poorly, ingredients that have spoiled, or substances that are naturally bitter, like medicine.

Literal Meaning: Bad taste / Bad flavored.
Usage Frequency: Extremely common in daily conversation, particularly in domestic and dining contexts.
Morphology: Compound adjective: Adjective (bad) + Noun (mazzeh).

Understanding when to use this word requires a grasp of Persian social etiquette. In Iranian culture, which is deeply rooted in hospitality and Ta'arof (a complex system of ritualized politeness), calling a host's food bad mazzeh is considered extremely rude and offensive. Even if a dish is objectively terrible, a guest would likely use euphemisms or simply eat a small portion while offering polite praise for the effort. You will most often hear this word used among close family members, when describing medicine to children, or when complaining about commercial products or restaurants where the social bond of hospitality is absent. It conveys a visceral reaction to flavor, ranging from 'this needs more salt' to 'this is completely inedible.'

این دارو خیلی بد مزه است، اما باید آن را بخوری. (This medicine is very bad tasting, but you must take it.)

Beyond literal food, the concept of 'mazzeh' is central to Persian life. It refers not just to the five basic tastes but to the soul of the food. Therefore, bad mazzeh implies a failure in the preparation or the essence of the dish. It is a harsh critique. In modern slang, it is occasionally extended to describe situations that 'leave a bad taste in one's mouth,' though its primary application remains strictly culinary. When learning this word, it is helpful to visualize the 'bad' and 'mazzeh' as two puzzle pieces that fit together to describe any culinary disappointment.

پنیر مانده و بد مزه شده است. (The cheese has become stale and bad-tasting.)

Using بد مزه in a sentence follows the standard rules of Persian grammar for adjectives. Most commonly, it is linked to the noun it describes using the Ezafe construction (the short '-e' or '-ye' sound). For example, 'bad tasting food' is ghazā-ye bad mazzeh. Because it is a compound adjective, it remains as a single unit; you do not split 'bad' and 'mazzeh' when modifying a noun. In a predicate position (following a verb like 'to be'), it stands alone: In ghazā bad mazzeh ast (This food is bad-tasting).

Attributive Use: Noun + Ezafe + بد مزه (e.g., سوپِ بد مزه - bad tasting soup)
Predicative Use: Subject + بد مزه + Verb (e.g., این شیر بد مزه است - This milk is bad-tasting)

It is important to note the degree of intensity. You can modify bad mazzeh with adverbs like kheyli (very) or vaghe'an (really). For instance, In ghazā kheyli bad mazzeh ast means 'This food is very bad tasting.' In more formal or literary Persian, you might see it written as bad-mazag in older texts, but in contemporary Iranian Persian, bad mazzeh is the universal standard. When describing a specific flavor profile that is bad, such as bitterness, you might say talkh o bad mazzeh (bitter and bad tasting).

من هیچوقت غذای بد مزه نمی‌خورم. (I never eat bad-tasting food.)

Another grammatical nuance involves the negation of 'tastiness.' While khoshmazzeh nist (is not delicious) is a softer way to criticize food, bad mazzeh ast is a direct assertion of poor quality. In spoken Persian, the 'ast' is often shortened to a simple '-e' sound attached to the word: bad mazze-ye. This contraction is vital for learners to recognize in listening exercises. Furthermore, when used with the verb shodan (to become), it indicates a change in state: Ghazā bad mazzeh shod (The food became bad-tasting/spoiled).

چرا این چای اینقدر بد مزه است؟ (Why is this tea so bad-tasting?)

The context in which you hear بد مزه significantly changes its social weight. In a domestic Iranian setting, the kitchen is the heart of the home. A child might complain to their mother that the spinach is bad mazzeh, leading to a typical parental response about health and vitamins. In this context, it is a simple expression of preference. However, in a formal dinner party (Mehmāni), you will almost never hear this word. Instead, guests will use subtle cues if they dislike something. If you do hear it in a formal setting, it is usually the host themselves being humble, saying 'Bebakhshid, bad mazzeh shode' (Sorry, it turned out bad-tasting), to which the guests are expected to vehemently disagree.

The Pharmacy/Doctor's Office: Doctors often warn patients that a syrup or pill might be 'bad mazzeh' to prepare them for the bitterness.
Restaurant Reviews: On apps like SnappFood (the Iranian equivalent of UberEats), you will see 'bad mazzeh' used in negative reviews to warn other customers.

In the media, such as Iranian TV comedies (Serial-hā), bad mazzeh is often used for comedic effect. A character might be a terrible cook, and other characters will make exaggerated faces while calling the food bad mazzeh behind their back. It is also common in advertisements for cleaning products or water filters, where the 'bad taste' of tap water or the 'bad taste' of unwashed vegetables is highlighted as a problem to be solved. In these commercial contexts, the word is used clinically to identify a quality issue.

این آب به خاطر کلر، بد مزه شده است. (This water has become bad-tasting because of chlorine.)

Interestingly, you might also hear this word in the context of traditional medicine (Tebb-e Sonnati). Practitioners might describe certain herbs or mixtures as bad mazzeh but 'garm' (hot) or 'sard' (cold) in nature, emphasizing that the health benefits outweigh the unpleasant taste. For a language learner, hearing bad mazzeh is a clear signal of dissatisfaction. It is a 'high-signal' word that leaves little room for ambiguity, unlike more nuanced critiques like 'too salty' or 'too sour.'

شربت سرفه معمولاً بد مزه است. (Cough syrup is usually bad-tasting.)

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make when learning Persian is confusing بد مزه (bad mazzeh) with بی‌مزه (bi-mazzeh). While they might seem similar because they both describe negative food experiences, they have very different meanings and social applications. Bad mazzeh means the taste is actively unpleasant (bitter, spoiled, wrong). Bi-mazzeh literally means 'without taste' or 'tasteless/bland.' In English, we might use 'bland' to mean 'not good,' but in Persian, bi-mazzeh is a much broader term. Crucially, bi-mazzeh is also used to describe a person who tells bad jokes or lacks a sense of humor. Calling a person bad mazzeh would make no sense; calling them bi-mazzeh is a common insult.

The 'Bi-mazzeh' Trap: Mistake: Calling a bad person 'bad mazzeh'. Correct: Use 'bi-mazzeh' for a person with no humor.
Ezafe Omission: Mistake: 'Ghazā bad mazzeh' (without the 'ye'). Correct: 'Ghazā-ye bad mazzeh' when modifying the noun.

Another common error is related to word order. Since English puts adjectives before nouns ('bad food'), learners often try to say 'bad mazzeh ghazā.' In Persian, the adjective almost always follows the noun. You must say ghazā-ye bad mazzeh. Additionally, learners sometimes try to pluralize the adjective when describing multiple items. For example, they might try to say 'ghazā-hā-ye bad mazzeh-hā.' This is incorrect. Adjectives in Persian are invariant; they do not take plural endings. The plurality is shown only on the noun: ghazā-hā-ye bad mazzeh.

اشتباه: این سیب‌ها بد مزه‌ها هستند. (Wrong: These apples are bad-tastings.)

Finally, there is the nuance of intensity. Some learners use bad mazzeh for food that is just 'okay' or 'uninspiring.' In Persian, bad mazzeh is quite strong. If a dish is just mediocre, it is better to say ma'muli (ordinary) or na khoshmazzeh nist (it's not delicious). Using bad mazzeh too lightly can make you seem overly critical or difficult to please. Understanding the 'temperature' of the word helps in navigating social situations without causing unintended offense.

درست: این سیب‌ها بد مزه هستند. (Correct: These apples are bad-tasting.)

While بد مزه is the most common way to say something tastes bad, Persian offers several alternatives depending on the specific reason the taste is unpleasant. Understanding these synonyms allows for more precise communication. If the food is bad because it is bitter, you use talkh. If it is bad because it is too sour or has gone off, you might use torsh (sour) or gandideh (rotten/spoiled). For something that is physically difficult to swallow or repulsive, the word na-govar (unpalatable/unpleasant) is used in more formal contexts.

Talkh (تلخ): Specifically 'bitter.' Used for coffee, medicine, or spoiled walnuts.
Bi-mazzeh (بی‌مزه): 'Bland' or 'tasteless.' Often used when salt or spices are missing.
Na-khoshāyand (ناخوشایند): A formal term for 'unpleasant' that can apply to tastes, smells, or experiences.

In contrast to bad mazzeh, the word شور (shur) means 'too salty.' If someone says a soup is shur, it's a specific critique. If they say it's bad mazzeh, it's a general condemnation. Another interesting word is زُهم (zohm) or bu-ye zohm, which specifically describes the unpleasant, 'fishy' or 'gamey' smell/taste of meat or eggs that haven't been cooked with enough spices. While zohm is a smell, it directly contributes to the food being perceived as bad mazzeh. In slang, young Iranians might use eftezāh (disastrous) to describe a meal that is beyond just bad-tasting.

این گوشت بوی زُهم می‌دهد و بد مزه است. (This meat smells gamey and is bad-tasting.)

When comparing bad mazzeh with its opposites, we find خوشمزه (khosh-mazzeh - delicious) and لذیذ (laziz - delectable/savory). Laziz is more formal and often used in literature or high-end food writing. If you want to say something is 'tasty' but in a simpler way, you can say bā-mazzeh (with taste), though as mentioned before, bā-mazzeh usually means 'cute' or 'funny' when applied to people or situations. Navigating these overlapping meanings is key to achieving fluency in Persian social and culinary life.

قهوه بدون شکر برای من بد مزه است. (Coffee without sugar is bad-tasting to me.)

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"طعم این معجون بسیار ناگوار و بد مزه است."

Neutral

"این غذا کمی بد مزه است."

Informal

"اه، این چقدر بد مزه است!"

Child friendly

"این دارو اصلاً بد مزه نیست، بخورش!"

Slang

"این پیتزا طعمش افتضاح و بد مزه است."

Fun Fact

The word 'bad' is one of the few words that sounds and means almost exactly the same in both English and Persian, as they share a distant common ancestor.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /bæd mæzeh/

US /bæd mæzeh/

The stress is typically on the second syllable of 'mazzeh'.

Rhymes With

ma'zeh haz-zeh lar-zeh sab-zeh ta-zeh ba-zeh kha-zeh va-zeh

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'bad' like 'bod' (incorrect).
Making the final 'h' silent (it should be a soft breath).
Putting stress on 'bad' instead of 'mazzeh'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize due to 'bad' cognate.

Writing 3/5

Requires correct placement after the noun.

Speaking 2/5

Simple pronunciation.

Listening 3/5

Must distinguish from 'bi-mazzeh' in fast speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

غذا (food) خوب (good) بد (bad) مزه (taste) است (is)

Learn Next

خوشمزه (delicious) بی‌مزه (bland) تلخ (bitter) شور (salty) ترش (sour)

Advanced

ناگوار (unpalatable) ذائقه (palate) چاشنی (seasoning) گوارا (refreshing) زُهم (gamey smell)

Grammar to Know

Ezafe construction for adjectives

غذا (ghaza) + -ye + بد مزه (bad mazzeh) = غذای بد مزه

Adjective invariance

سیب‌های بد مزه (Not بد مزه‌ها)

Predicate placement

این آب بد مزه است.

Adverb modification

خیلی بد مزه

Compound adjective structure

Bad + Mazzeh stays together.

Examples by Level

این غذا بد مزه است.

This food is bad-tasting.

Simple Subject + Adjective + Verb structure.

شیر بد مزه است؟

Is the milk bad-tasting?

Question formed by rising intonation.

من سیب بد مزه نمی‌خورم.

I don't eat bad-tasting apples.

Negative verb 'nemikhoram'.

این آب بد مزه است.

This water is bad-tasting.

'In' means 'this'.

سوپ بد مزه بود.

The soup was bad-tasting.

Past tense of 'to be' (bud).

چای بد مزه نخر.

Don't buy bad-tasting tea.

Imperative negative 'nakhar'.

گوشت بد مزه.

Bad-tasting meat.

Noun + Ezafe (unwritten) + Adjective.

آیا این دارو بد مزه است؟

Is this medicine bad-tasting?

Formal question using 'Āyā'.

این برنج کمی بد مزه شده است.

This rice has become a little bad-tasting.

Use of 'shodeh ast' for a change in state.

غذای بد مزه را دوست ندارم.

I don't like bad-tasting food.

Object marker 'ra' after the modified noun.

چرا این میوه اینقدر بد مزه است؟

Why is this fruit so bad-tasting?

'Inghadr' means 'so much' or 'this much'.

شکلات بد مزه نخور.

Don't eat bad-tasting chocolate.

Simple negative imperative.

این رستوران غذاهای بد مزه دارد.

This restaurant has bad-tasting foods.

Plural noun 'ghazā-hā'.

آب میوه بد مزه بود و آن را ریختم.

The fruit juice was bad-tasting and I poured it out.

Compound sentence with 'va' (and).

او همیشه از غذاهای بد مزه شکایت می‌کند.

He always complains about bad-tasting foods.

Present continuous 'shekāyat mikonad'.

این نان بیات و بد مزه است.

This bread is stale and bad-tasting.

Two adjectives connected by 'va' (and).

اگر غذا بد مزه باشد، من آن را نمی‌خورم.

If the food is bad-tasting, I won't eat it.

Conditional sentence with 'agar' and subjunctive 'bāshad'.

او فکر می‌کند که تمام سبزیجات بد مزه هستند.

He thinks that all vegetables are bad-tasting.

Subordinate clause starting with 'ke'.

این دارو آنقدر بد مزه بود که نتوانستم آن را بخورم.

This medicine was so bad-tasting that I couldn't take it.

'Ānghadr... ke' structure (so... that).

آیا تا به حال غذایی به این بد مزگی خورده‌ای؟

Have you ever eaten food this bad-tasting?

Noun form 'bad-mazgegi' (bad-tastiness).

فروشنده گفت که این پنیر بد مزه نیست.

The seller said that this cheese is not bad-tasting.

Reported speech.

من ترجیح می‌دهم گرسنه بمانم تا اینکه غذای بد مزه بخورم.

I prefer to stay hungry rather than eat bad-tasting food.

Comparison 'tarjih midaham... tā inke'.

طعم این نوشیدنی به نظر من بد مزه می‌رسد.

The taste of this drink seems bad-tasting to me.

Verb 'be nazar residan' (to seem).

او با اضافه کردن نمک، غذای بد مزه را بهتر کرد.

He made the bad-tasting food better by adding salt.

Gerund-like structure 'ba ezafe kardan' (by adding).

با وجود اینکه ظاهر غذا خوب بود، اما واقعاً بد مزه بود.

Despite the food's good appearance, it was really bad-tasting.

'Ba vojud-e inke' (despite).

هیچ کس دوست ندارد بابت غذای بد مزه پول پرداخت کند.

No one likes to pay money for bad-tasting food.

Negative subject 'hich kas'.

او ادعا کرد که بد مزه بودن غذا به خاطر کیفیت مواد اولیه است.

He claimed that the bad-tasting nature of the food is due to the quality of the ingredients.

'Be khāter-e' (because of).

بسیاری از کودکان به دلیل بد مزه بودن داروها، از خوردن آن‌ها خودداری می‌کنند.

Many children refuse to take medicines because of their bad taste.

'Khod-dari kardan' (to refrain/refuse).

این قهوه به قدری بد مزه است که حتی با شکر هم قابل خوردن نیست.

This coffee is so bad-tasting that it's not even edible with sugar.

'Be ghadri... ke' (to the extent that).

او همیشه سعی می‌کند با ادویه‌های مختلف، طعم‌های بد مزه را بپوشاند.

He always tries to mask bad-tasting flavors with various spices.

'Pushāndan' (to cover/mask).

در آن رستوران، کیفیت خدمات بدتر از غذای بد مزه‌شان بود.

In that restaurant, the quality of service was worse than their bad-tasting food.

Comparative 'bad-tar' (worse).

من نمی‌توانم تصور کنم که چطور کسی می‌تواند این غذای بد مزه را بخورد.

I can't imagine how anyone can eat this bad-tasting food.

'Tasavvor kardan' (to imagine).

تجربه آن شام بد مزه باعث شد که دیگر به آن رستوران نروم.

The experience of that bad-tasting dinner caused me to never go to that restaurant again.

Gerund subject 'tajrobe-ye...'.

برخی از گیاهان دارویی با وجود بد مزه بودن، خواص درمانی فوق‌العاده‌ای دارند.

Some medicinal plants, despite being bad-tasting, have extraordinary healing properties.

'Ba vojud-e' followed by a noun phrase.

او با مهارتی خاص، تلخی مواد را گرفت تا غذا بد مزه نشود.

With special skill, he removed the bitterness of the ingredients so the food wouldn't be bad-tasting.

Subjunctive purpose clause 'ta... nashavad'.

انتقاد او از غذای بد مزه، باعث ناراحتی میزبان شد.

His criticism of the bad-tasting food caused the host's distress.

Complex noun phrase 'enteghād-e u az...'.

در متون ادبی، گاهی از واژه بد مزه برای توصیف تجربیات ناگوار زندگی استفاده می‌شود.

In literary texts, the word 'bad mazzeh' is sometimes used to describe the unpleasant experiences of life.

Passive voice 'estefāde mishavad'.

طعم بد مزه دهانم ناشی از بیماری بود.

The bad taste in my mouth was due to illness.

'Nāshi az' (stemming from/due to).

او معتقد است که هیچ غذایی ذاتا بد مزه نیست، بلکه روش پخت آن غلط است.

He believes that no food is inherently bad-tasting, but rather the cooking method is wrong.

'Zātan' (inherently).

تلاش برای خوشمزه کردن یک ترکیب بد مزه، گاهی بی‌پایان به نظر می‌رسد.

The effort to make a bad-tasting combination delicious sometimes seems endless.

Complex subject phrase.

وقایع اخیر طعم بد مزه‌ای از بی‌عدالتی در کام جامعه باقی گذاشته است.

Recent events have left a bad taste of injustice in the palate of society.

Metaphorical use of 'tām-e bad mazzeh'.

او با چنان دقتی ترکیبات را انتخاب می‌کند که احتمال بروز هرگونه طعم بد مزه‌ای به حداقل برسد.

He selects ingredients with such precision that the possibility of any bad-tasting flavor is minimized.

'Be hagh-e aghall residan' (to be minimized).

تحلیلگران بر این باورند که این قرارداد بد مزه، پیامدهای اقتصادی ناگواری خواهد داشت.

Analysts believe that this 'bad-tasting' (unpleasant) contract will have unfortunate economic consequences.

Metaphorical use in a formal/political context.

درک تفاوت ظریف میان بی‌مزگی و بد مزه بودن، نشان‌دهنده بلوغ چشایی است.

Understanding the subtle difference between blandness and being bad-tasting indicates gustatory maturity.

Abstract noun 'bi-mazgegi'.

او در خاطراتش از دوران قحطی، به نان‌های سیاه و بد مزه‌ای اشاره می‌کند که تنها راه بقا بودند.

In his memoirs of the famine era, he refers to the black and bad-tasting breads that were the only means of survival.

Relative clause 'ke tanhā rāh-e baghā budand'.

تضاد میان بوی مطبوع و طعم بد مزه این میوه استوایی، همه را شگفت‌زده کرد.

The contrast between the pleasant smell and the bad taste of this tropical fruit surprised everyone.

'Tazād miyān... va...' (contrast between).

او با استفاده از استعاره 'غذای بد مزه'، به توصیف روابط زهرآگین انسانی پرداخت.

Using the metaphor of 'bad-tasting food', he proceeded to describe toxic human relationships.

'Be towsif... pardākht' (proceeded to describe).

فلسفه او این است که حتی تلخ‌ترین و بد مزه‌ترین حقایق، بهتر از دروغ‌های شیرین هستند.

His philosophy is that even the bitterest and worst-tasting truths are better than sweet lies.

Superlative '-tarin' attached to the compound adjective components.

Common Collocations

غذای بد مزه

داروی بد مزه

طعم بد مزه

خیلی بد مزه

واقعاً بد مزه

کمی بد مزه

بوی بد و مزه بد

بد مزه شدن

بد مزه بودن

ترکیب بد مزه

Common Phrases

بد مزه است.

— It tastes bad. Simple declaration of dislike.

این سوپ بد مزه است.

چقدر بد مزه!

— How bad-tasting! An exclamation of disgust.

اه! چقدر بد مزه!

بد مزه شده.

— It has become bad-tasting (implying it wasn't before).

شیر در یخچال بد مزه شده.

اصلاً بد مزه نیست.

— It's not bad-tasting at all. A defense of a flavor.

این دارو اصلاً بد مزه نیست.

یک چیز بد مزه

— Something bad-tasting.

من یک چیز بد مزه خوردم.

مزه بد دادن

— To give off/have a bad taste.

این گوشت مزه بدی می‌دهد.

به خاطر بد مزگی

— Because of the bad taste.

به خاطر بد مزگی، آن را دور ریختم.

بد مزه‌ترین غذا

— The worst-tasting food.

این بد مزه‌ترین غذایی است که خورده‌ام.

از بد مزگی‌اش

— From its bad taste (explaining a reaction).

از بد مزگی‌اش حالم بد شد.

با وجود بد مزه بودن

— Despite being bad-tasting.

با وجود بد مزه بودن، آن را تمام کرد.

Often Confused With

بد مزه vs بی‌مزه

Means 'bland' or 'not funny'. 'Bad mazzeh' means actively unpleasant taste.

بد مزه vs بد بو

Means 'bad smelling'. Often goes with 'bad mazzeh' but is different.

بد مزه vs تلخ

Means 'bitter'. Specific type of 'bad mazzeh'.

Idioms & Expressions

"مزه دهان کسی را فهمیدن"

— To find out what someone likes or what their intentions are. Not literal.

باید مزه دهان او را بفهمیم.

Informal

"مزه ریختن"

— To crack jokes or be witty (often used sarcastically).

بسه دیگه، انقدر مزه نریز!

Slang

"زیر زبان کسی مزه کردن"

— To really enjoy something and want more of it.

پول زیر زبانش مزه کرده.

Informal

"بی‌مزه بازی درآوردن"

— To act in an annoying or not-funny way.

انقدر بی‌مزه بازی درنیار!

Slang

"مزه چیزی از بین رفتن"

— For the joy or excitement of something to disappear.

با این خبر، مزه سفر از بین رفت.

Neutral

"مزه دهان تلخ شدن"

— To become bitter or disappointed.

مزه دهانم از این رفتار تلخ شد.

Literary

"به مزه چیزی عادت کردن"

— To get used to an unpleasant taste or situation.

کم‌کم به مزه بد این دارو عادت می‌کنی.

Neutral

"مزه پرانی کردن"

— To make annoying or sarcastic comments.

او همیشه در جلسات مزه پرانی می‌کند.

Informal

"مزه عشق"

— The 'taste' (experience) of love.

او بالاخره مزه عشق را چشید.

Poetic

"شور چیزی را درآوردن"

— To overdo something (literally 'to make it too salty').

دیگه شورش را درآوردی!

Informal

Easily Confused

بد مزه vs بی‌مزه

Both are negative about taste.

'Bi-mazzeh' is neutral/bland or refers to humor. 'Bad mazzeh' is actively bad taste.

این جوک بی‌مزه بود، اما این غذا بد مزه است.

بد مزه vs شور

Both describe bad food.

'Shur' is specific (salty). 'Bad mazzeh' is general.

سوپ بد مزه است چون خیلی شور است.

بد مزه vs ترش

Both can be negative.

'Torsh' can be good (like cherries) or bad (like spoiled milk).

این ماست ترش و بد مزه است.

بد مزه vs تند

Both can be overwhelming.

'Tond' is spicy. Some people find spicy food 'bad mazzeh', but they are different concepts.

فلفل تند است، نه بد مزه.

بد مزه vs گس

Unusual taste.

'Gas' is astringent (like unripe persimmons). It's a specific texture/taste, not always 'bad'.

خرمالوی نارس گس و کمی بد مزه است.

Sentence Patterns

این [اسم] بد مزه است.

این نان بد مزه است.

[اسم]ِ بد مزه

شیرِ بد مزه

من [اسم]ِ بد مزه نمی‌خورم.

من گوشتِ بد مزه نمی‌خورم.

این [اسم] خیلی بد مزه است.

این سوپ خیلی بد مزه است.

اگر [اسم] بد مزه باشد، ...

اگر چای بد مزه باشد، شکر می‌ریزم.

او گفت که این بد مزه است.

او گفت که این دارو بد مزه است.

با وجود بد مزه بودن [اسم]، ...

با وجود بد مزه بودن دارو، آن را خورد.

طعم بد مزه [اسم] ناشی از ... است.

طعم بد مزه شیر ناشی از گرما است.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

High in everyday life.

Common Mistakes

In ghaza bad mazzeh. → In ghaza bad mazzeh ast.
You must include the verb 'to be' (ast) to complete the sentence.
In mard bad mazzeh ast. → In mard bi-mazzeh ast.
Use 'bi-mazzeh' for people who aren't funny. 'Bad mazzeh' is only for food.
Ghaza-ha-ye bad mazzeh-ha. → Ghaza-ha-ye bad mazzeh.
Adjectives do not take plural endings in Persian. Only the noun is pluralized.
Bad mazzeh ghaza. → Ghaza-ye bad mazzeh.
Adjectives must follow the noun they describe in Persian.
Shokolat-e bad mazzeh ra khordam. (without ezafe) → Shokolat-e bad mazzeh ra khordam.
The Ezafe (short e) is mandatory between the noun and the adjective.

Tips

Cognate Alert

Use the fact that 'bad' means 'bad' in both languages to anchor this word in your memory instantly.

Ta'arof Warning

Never say 'bad mazzeh' at an Iranian's house. Use 'Sir shodam' (I'm full) as an excuse to stop eating instead.

Ezafe Rule

Always remember the '-e' or '-ye' sound when putting 'bad mazzeh' after a noun, e.g., 'shir-e bad mazzeh'.

Softer Alternatives

In a restaurant, if you want to complain politely, say 'In ghaza moshkel dareh' (This food has a problem) instead of 'bad mazzeh ast'.

Expanding Descriptors

Try to learn why the food is bad. Is it 'shur' (salty), 'talkh' (bitter), or 'torsh' (sour)? This makes you sound more fluent.

Catch the Contraction

Listen for 'bad mazze-ye' in spoken Persian. The 'ast' (is) often disappears into a tiny '-e' sound.

Spelling Nuance

In formal writing, keep 'bad' and 'mazzeh' as two separate words or use a half-space.

The Final H

Don't drop the 'h' at the end of 'mazzeh'. It's part of the word's character.

Bad Maze

Visualize being lost in a 'Bad Maze' where every wall is made of 'bad mazzeh' food.

Change of State

Use 'shodan' (to become) with 'bad mazzeh' to describe food that has spoiled over time.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Just think of 'Bad' (English) + 'Mazz' (like 'Ma's' cooking) + 'eh' (at the end). If Ma's cooking is 'bad', it's 'bad mazzeh'!

Visual Association

Imagine a person biting into a lemon and a rotten egg at the same time, with the word 'BAD' written in big red letters on their forehead.

Word Web

Food Taste Bad Medicine Spoiled Bitter Disgust Kitchen

Challenge

Try to name three things in your fridge right now that might be 'bad mazzeh' if you left them there for a month.

Word Origin

'Bad' comes from Middle Persian 'bad', ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *wed- (meaning bad/evil). 'Mazzeh' comes from Middle Persian 'mazag' (taste).

Original meaning: Bad flavor or evil taste.

Indo-European (Persian).

Cultural Context

Never use 'bad mazzeh' when invited to an Iranian home. It is a major social faux pas.

English speakers are generally more direct about food quality in restaurants than Iranians are in private homes.

Sadegh Hedayat's stories often use sensory details like 'bad' tastes to evoke atmosphere. Iranian comedy shows like 'Barareh' often feature 'bad mazzeh' food as a plot point.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At a restaurant

این غذا بد مزه است.
صورتحساب را بیاورید.
من این را دوست ندارم.
چرا اینقدر بد مزه است؟

Taking medicine

دارو بد مزه است؟
یک لیوان آب بده.
سریع بخورش.
مزه بدی دارد.

In the kitchen

غذا بد مزه شده.
نمک کم دارد.
بوی بدی می‌دهد.
آن را دور بریز.

Grocery shopping

این میوه بد مزه است.
تازه نیست.
پولم را پس بده.
شیر خراب شده.

Talking about health

دهانم مزه بدی می‌دهد.
اشتها ندارم.
حالم بد شد.
چیزی نمی‌توانم بخورم.

Conversation Starters

"آیا تا به حال در این رستوران غذای بد مزه خورده‌ای؟"

"به نظر تو بد مزه‌ترین سبزیجات کدام است؟"

"چرا بعضی از داروها اینقدر بد مزه هستند؟"

"اگر میزبان غذای بد مزه بیاورد، تو چه می‌کنی؟"

"آیا قهوه بدون شکر به نظر تو بد مزه است؟"

Journal Prompts

در مورد بد مزه‌ترین غذایی که تا به حال خورده‌اید بنویسید.

چرا بعضی از مردم غذاهای بد مزه را هم می‌خورند؟

آیا طعم بد مزه می‌تواند خاطره‌ای را زنده کند؟

تفاوت بین غذای بی‌مزه و بد مزه از نظر شما چیست؟

چگونه می‌توان یک داروی بد مزه را راحت‌تر خورد؟

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, 'bad mazzeh' is strictly for taste. If you want to say someone is not funny or boring, use 'bi-mazzeh'.

It is direct and can be impolite if said to a host. It is better to use 'khoshmazzeh nist' (it's not delicious) in polite company.

You can say 'kheyli bad mazzeh' or 'vaghe'an bad mazzeh'.

The direct opposite is 'khoshmazzeh' (delicious).

No, it's a cognate. Both Persian and English inherited it from a common Indo-European ancestor.

No, for a bad smell use 'bad bu'. However, bad smell often leads to a bad taste.

It is written as 'بد مزه'. Sometimes written with a half-space: 'بدمزه'.

Yes, it is very commonly used to describe the taste of bitter syrups or pills.

Yes, you can add '-tar' to make it comparative: 'bad mazzeh-tar'.

Yes, 'bad-mazgegi' means 'bad-tastiness' or 'unpleasantness of taste'.