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چرب و چیلی

B1 adjective #7,000 most common 10 min read

چرب و چیلی

charb o chili Top 7,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips چرب و چیلی in 30 Seconds

Explanation چرب و چیلی in your Level:

At the A1 level, you only need to know the first part of this word: 'Charb' (چرب). 'Charb' means 'oily' or 'fatty.' You use it to talk about food like pizza or butter. 'Charb o chili' is a more advanced, 'fun' way to say 'VERY oily.' Imagine you are eating a big burger and oil is on your hands. You can say 'Charb o chili.' It is a very common word in Iranian kitchens. Don't worry about the grammar too much yet; just remember it's for food that has a lot of oil. You will hear it when people talk about delicious but unhealthy food. It's an informal word, like saying 'greasy' instead of 'fatty' in English.

At the A2 level, you can start using compound words like 'Charb o Chili.' In Persian, we often repeat sounds to make a word stronger. 'Charb' is 'oily,' and 'Chili' is just a rhyming sound that makes it sound more intense and informal. You can use it to describe a meal that is very heavy. For example, 'In ghazâ charb o chili-ye' (This food is very greasy). You can also use it to describe your hands if you have been eating chicken with your fingers. It's a great word to use with friends because it sounds very natural and 'native.' Just remember to pronounce the 'va' (and) as a short 'o' sound.

At the B1 level, you should understand the cultural nuance of 'Charb o Chili.' It is not just a description of oil; it's a description of a specific *kind* of eating experience. In Iran, traditional food is often quite rich. Using 'charb o chili' can be a compliment to a cook, suggesting the food is hearty and traditional. However, it can also be used as a warning for someone with a stomach ache or a diet. You should be able to use it in sentences with the Ezafe, like 'yek ghazâ-ye charb o chili' (a greasy food). You should also recognize that it's a 'reduplicative' phrase, common in colloquial Persian to add a sense of messiness or excess.

At the B2 level, you should be comfortable using 'Charb o Chili' in various contexts beyond just food. For instance, you could describe a mechanic's workspace or a neglected kitchen stove as 'charb o chili.' You should also be aware of the register: it is strictly informal. If you were writing a health article, you would use 'por-charbi' (high fat) or 'ashbâ' (saturated). Using 'charb o chili' in a formal context would be a stylistic error. You can also start using it in more complex sentence structures, such as 'Bejâye in ghazâhâ-ye charb o chili, ye zare salâd bokhor' (Instead of these greasy foods, eat a bit of salad).

At the C1 level, you should analyze 'Charb o Chili' as a linguistic phenomenon called 'moshabbah-e-lafzi' or 'mohmal.' The second part, 'chili,' is a 'mohmal' word—it has no meaning on its own but exists to provide a phonetic echo. This is a deep part of Persian morphology. You should also understand the social implications. In modern Iranian society, there is a tension between the traditional love for 'charb o chili' food and modern health trends. Using this word can signal a specific cultural stance—either an embrace of traditional 'Luti' culture or a modern, health-conscious critique. You should be able to use it sarcastically or emphatically in nuanced conversations.

At the C2 level, you should be able to use 'Charb o Chili' with full mastery of its idiomatic weight. You can use it to describe not just physical grease, but metaphorically to describe something 'over-the-top' or 'slick' in a messy way (though this is less common than the literal use). You should be able to discuss the evolution of the term from a pure compliment in classical times (where fat was a sign of wealth) to its current status as a colloquialism that often implies a 'guilty pleasure' or a lack of hygiene. You should also be able to compare it to other reduplicative forms like 'shol o vel' or 'ghati pati' and explain the rhythmic function of the 'o' (vav-e-atf) in these specific compounds.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

چرب و چیلی in 30 Seconds

Informal term for very greasy or oily food or surfaces.
Combines 'charb' (oily) with a rhyming echo word 'chili' for emphasis.
Commonly used in Iranian kitchens and street food contexts.
Can be a compliment (rich) or a criticism (unhealthy/messy).

The Persian term چرب و چیلی (Charb o Chili) is a quintessential example of Persian reduplication, a linguistic feature where a word is followed by a rhyming counterpart to add emphasis, flavor, or a sense of abundance—often with a slightly informal or messy connotation. In its most literal sense, it translates to 'very oily' or 'greasy.' However, its usage goes far beyond a simple nutritional observation. When a Persian speaker describes food as charb o chili, they are often describing something that is heavy, dripping with oil, and perhaps traditionally indulgent. It is the linguistic equivalent of describing a burger as 'dripping with grease' but with a cultural nuance that can range from appetizing to health-conscious criticism. The word چرب (Charb) means 'fat' or 'oily,' while چیلی (Chili) is an 'echo word' that has no independent meaning but serves to intensify the first word. This pattern is common in Persian (like ghati pati for 'mixed up').

The Culinary Context: In the world of Persian cuisine, oil and animal fat (like donbeh) have historically been signs of prosperity and hearty cooking. A 'charb o chili' meal, such as a traditional Abgoosht or a street-side Sosis Bandari, is one that satisfies a deep hunger but leaves your fingers shiny and your plate covered in a golden sheen. It is rarely used for a light salad or a steamed dish.
The Social Register: This is an informal term. You would use it with friends while eating fast food or at a family gathering when joking about the richness of the stew. You would likely avoid it in a formal nutritional report or a high-end culinary review, where more technical terms like por-charbi (high fat) would be preferred.

دیشب یه همبرگر چرب و چیلی خوردم که هنوز سنگینیش رو حس می‌کنم.
(Last night I ate such a greasy burger that I still feel the heaviness.)

Historically, Persian culture valued high-calorie foods because they provided the energy needed for manual labor and harsh winters. Therefore, calling a dish charb o chili was once a high compliment, suggesting the host was generous and the food was nourishing. In modern urban Iran, with rising health consciousness, the term has taken on a more ambivalent tone. It can be a 'guilty pleasure' or a warning. If someone says, 'Don't eat there, the food is too charb o chili,' they are warning you about poor quality or indigestion. Conversely, if a group of teenagers is looking for 'dirty' street food (known as kasif), they are specifically looking for something charb o chili.

دستات رو بشور، همش چرب و چیلی شده.
(Wash your hands; they are all greasy/oily.)

Beyond food, the term can describe anything covered in oil or grease. A mechanic's hands after working on an engine are charb o chili. A kitchen vent that hasn't been cleaned in months is charb o chili. It implies a physical state of being coated in a thick, viscous layer of fat or oil that is difficult to wash off. It evokes a tactile sensation of stickiness and slipperiness. Using this word correctly requires understanding that it is more descriptive and evocative than the plain adjective charb. It paints a picture of the excess.

Using چرب و چیلی (Charb o Chili) correctly involves placing it as an adjective after a noun or using it as a predicate adjective after the verb 'to be' (بودن). Because it is an informal, compound adjective, it follows the standard rules of Persian grammar but carries a specific rhythmic weight. To master its use, one must understand the 'Ezafe' construction—the short 'e' sound that links a noun to its adjective. For example, 'Greasy food' becomes ghazâ-ye charb o chili.

As a Direct Adjective: When modifying a noun directly, you add the Ezafe.
Example: من عاشق پیتزاهای چرب و چیلی هستم.
(Man âshagh-e pitza-hâ-ye charb o chili hastam.)
'I love greasy pizzas.'
As a Predicate Adjective: When describing the state of something.
Example: این کباب خیلی چرب و چیلیه.
(In kabâb kheyli charb o chili-ye.)
'This kebab is very greasy.'

مراقب باش لباسم رو چرب و چیلی نکنی.
(Be careful not to get my clothes all greasy.)

In colloquial Persian, we often use the verb کردن (Kardan - to do/make) to describe the act of making something greasy. If you are eating fried chicken and touch your phone, your friend might say 'گوشیت رو چرب و چیلی کردی' (You made your phone all greasy). Notice how the reduplication adds a sense of 'messiness' that the single word charb lacks. If you just said 'charb kardi,' it sounds like you applied oil intentionally, like for a massage. Charb o chili kardan implies a mess.

Another common structure is using it with شدن (Shodan - to become). 'ظرف‌ها چرب و چیلی شدن' (The dishes have become greasy). This is often used when complaining about the need to wash up after a big meal. It emphasizes the effort required to clean the oil. You can also use it to describe the atmosphere of a place. A 'charb o chili' restaurant (ساندویچی چرب و چیلی) is usually a small, local spot where the focus is on heavy, flavorful food rather than health or decor. It's the Persian equivalent of a 'greasy spoon' diner.

بعد از تعمیر ماشین، کل دست و بالم چرب و چیلی بود.
(After fixing the car, my whole hands and arms were greasy.)

If you walk through the bustling streets of Tehran, specifically around areas like Naser Khosrow or near universities where 'student food' is prevalent, you will hear چرب و چیلی (Charb o Chili) constantly. It is the language of the street, the kitchen, and the dinner table. It’s a word that lives in the steam of a giant pot of Ghormeh Sabzi or the sizzle of a falafel stand.

At the Dinner Table: Imagine a grandmother serving a rich stew. A family member might say, 'به‌به، چه خورش چرب و چیلی‌ای!' (Wow, what a rich and greasy stew!). Here, it is a compliment to the richness of the food. It suggests the food isn't 'watery' or 'thin.'
In Fast Food Shops (Sandwichis): Customers often use it to describe the kind of 'indulgent' food they are craving. 'یه پیتزای چرب و چیلی می‌خوام' (I want a greasy pizza). It implies they aren't looking for a diet option.

تلویزیون داشت یه برنامه آشپزی نشون می‌داد که غذاهاش خیلی چرب و چیلی بود.
(The TV was showing a cooking program where the dishes were very greasy.)

You will also hear it in the context of health and dieting. Doctors or health-conscious relatives might use it as a warning. 'غذاهای چرب و چیلی نخور، برای کبدت ضرر داره' (Don't eat greasy foods, it's bad for your liver). In this context, the reduplication emphasizes the 'unhealthiness' of the fat. It’s not just 'fatty' food; it's that *excessively* fatty stuff that clogs arteries. It is a very effective word for shaming someone's poor dietary choices in a lighthearted way.

Social media, especially Iranian 'foodie' Instagram accounts (known as 'Food Tasters' or Tester-hâ), use this word to describe the 'food porn' aspect of their meals. When they squeeze a burger and the juices run out, the caption will almost certainly include charb o chili. It has become a marketing buzzword for 'satisfying' food. If you see a video of a giant kebab dripping in butter, the comments will be full of people saying 'Vay, che charb o chili-ye!' (Wow, how greasy and delicious!).

همه ظرف‌ها رو چرب و چیلی گذاشته توی سینک و رفته.
(He left all the greasy dishes in the sink and left.)

While چرب و چیلی (Charb o Chili) seems straightforward, learners often make a few key errors in register, pronunciation, and context. The most common mistake is using it in a formal setting where it might sound unrefined or overly casual. Because it is a reduplicative slang-adjacent term, it doesn't belong in a business meeting or a formal essay unless you are quoting someone.

Mistake 1: Over-formalizing the Pronunciation: Pronouncing the 'و' as 'va' (Charb va Chili) makes you sound like a textbook. This phrase is a cohesive unit of spoken Persian. Always use the 'o' sound. It’s like saying 'Rock and Roll'—if you say 'Rock and also Roll,' it loses its identity.
Mistake 2: Confusing it with 'Charb' (Oily): Use 'Charb' for neutral descriptions (e.g., 'oily skin' is pust-e charb). Never say pust-e charb o chili unless the person literally has cooking oil dripping off their face. Charb o chili implies an external, often messy coating of oil.

❌ پوست صورتش چرب و چیلی است.
(Incorrect: Her facial skin is 'greasy-messy'.)
✅ پوست صورتش چرب است.
(Correct: Her facial skin is oily.)

Another mistake is using it for 'healthy' oils. You wouldn't usually call an avocado or a high-quality olive oil charb o chili. Those are 'charb' (fatty/oily) in a nutritional sense, but charb o chili carries a connotation of 'heavy' fat, like butter, lard, or frying oil. It's about the *viscosity* and the *mess*. If you use it for an expensive salad dressing, it might sound like a criticism of the chef's heavy-handedness rather than a description of the ingredients.

Finally, don't forget the 'i' at the end of 'chili.' Some learners try to shorten it back to 'chil' thinking it's more 'correct' or 'root-based.' It isn't. The 'i' suffix is part of what makes the echo word work rhythmically. Without it, the phrase feels incomplete and lacks the colloquial 'swing' that native speakers expect.

Persian has a rich vocabulary for describing food and textures. Depending on whether you want to be more formal, more negative, or more descriptive, you might choose an alternative to چرب و چیلی (Charb o Chili). Understanding these nuances will help you move from a B1 level to more advanced fluency.

پرچرب (Por-charb): Meaning 'high-fat.' This is the standard, neutral, and more formal term. You see it on milk cartons (شیر پرچرب) or in medical advice. It lacks the 'messy' or 'indulgent' connotation of charb o chili.
روغنی (Roghani): Meaning 'oily' or 'buttery.' This specifically refers to vegetable oil or butter (roghan). If a dish has a lot of liquid oil on top, it's roghani. Charb o chili is broader and includes animal fats.
نرب و نرم (Narb o Narm): A more poetic/archaic way to describe rich, soft food. It implies something is fatty in a good, succulent way. It's much rarer than charb o chili but shares the reduplicative feel.

این غذا خیلی سنگین است.
(This food is very 'heavy' - a common way to describe charb o chili food after you've eaten it.)

If you want to describe something that is greasy in a disgusting way, you might use lezaj (viscous/slimy) or kasif (dirty). Street food is often called falafel-e kasif (dirty falafel), but this is actually a term of endearment for very greasy, flavorful street food. In that context, charb o chili and kasif are almost synonyms. However, if you are complaining about a dirty kitchen, charb o chili describes the grease buildup specifically, while kasif is general dirt.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

Persian is famous for these 'mohmal' words. For almost any adjective, you can create a rhyming partner to make it sound more colloquial. It's a linguistic tool that adds a sense of 'and all that mess' to the original word.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /tʃærb oʊ tʃiːliː/

US /tʃɑːrb oʊ tʃiːliː/

The primary stress is on the first syllable of the first word (CHARB) and the first syllable of the second word (CHI-li).

Rhymes With

Khili (خیلی) Phili (فیلی) Nili (نیلی) Sili (سیلی) Gili (گیلی) Mili (میلی) Vili (ویلی) Bili (بیلی)

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'و' as 'va' instead of 'o'.
Dropping the final 'i' in 'chili'.
Over-emphasizing the 'r' in 'charb' like an American 'r' if not careful.
Misplacing the stress on the last syllable of 'chili'.
Treating 'charb' and 'chili' as two separate sentences instead of one rhythmic unit.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to read but requires knowing the colloquial 'o' sound.

Writing 4/5

The compound nature and the echo word 'chili' can be tricky for beginners.

Speaking 2/5

Very easy and satisfying to say once you get the rhythm.

Listening 3/5

Common in fast speech, might sound like one long word.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

چرب روغن غذا دست زیاد

Learn Next

غاطی پاتی شلوغ پلوغ کثیف سنگین

Advanced

مشبه لفظی ادبیات عامیانه ساختار صوتی

Grammar to Know

Reduplication (Mohmal)

چرب و چیلی، غاطی پاتی

Ezafe Construction

غذایِ چرب و چیلی

Colloquial 'o' for 'va'

چرب و چیلی (pronounced charb-o-chili)

Predicate Adjective Agreement

غذاها چرب و چیلی هستند.

Intensification with 'kheyli'

خیلی چرب و چیلی

Examples by Level

این پیتزا چرب است.

This pizza is oily.

Simple adjective use.

غذا چرب و چیلی بود.

The food was very greasy.

Past tense of 'to be'.

دست من چرب است.

My hand is oily.

Subject-Adjective-Verb.

کباب چرب و چیلی دوست داری؟

Do you like greasy kebab?

Question form.

این خیلی چرب و چیلیه!

This is very greasy!

Colloquial 'e' for 'ast'.

سیب‌زمینی چرب و چیلی.

Greasy potatoes.

Noun-Adjective phrase.

او غذای چرب نمی‌خورد.

He doesn't eat oily food.

Negative verb.

بشقاب چرب و چیلی است.

The plate is greasy.

Simple sentence.

همبرگر خیلی چرب و چیلی بود، نتوانستم بخورم.

The burger was very greasy, I couldn't eat it.

Compound sentence with 'and'.

چرا انقدر دستات چرب و چیلیه؟

Why are your hands so greasy?

Interrogative with 'chera'.

مادرم غذای چرب و چیلی درست نمی‌کند.

My mother doesn't cook greasy food.

Present continuous negative.

این ساندویچ خیلی چرب و چیلیه، دستمال داری؟

This sandwich is very greasy, do you have a tissue?

Informal request.

لباسش چرب و چیلی شد.

His clothes got all greasy.

Using 'shodan' (to become).

ما همیشه کباب چرب و چیلی می‌خوریم.

We always eat greasy kebab.

Adverb 'hamishe'.

آشپزخانه خیلی چرب و چیلی شده است.

The kitchen has become very greasy.

Present perfect.

این رستوران غذاهای چرب و چیلی دارد.

This restaurant has greasy foods.

Verb 'dashtan'.

دکتر گفت از خوردن غذاهای چرب و چیلی پرهیز کن.

The doctor said to avoid eating greasy foods.

Reported speech.

بعد از پختن کتلت، تمام اجاق گاز چرب و چیلی شد.

After cooking cutlets, the whole stove became greasy.

Time clause with 'ba'd az'.

من ترغیب شدم که آن پیتزای چرب و چیلی را امتحان کنم.

I was tempted to try that greasy pizza.

Passive construction 'targhib shodan'.

هیچ‌کس دوست ندارد ظرف‌های چرب و چیلی را بشوید.

Nobody likes to wash greasy dishes.

Indefinite pronoun 'hich-kas'.

این کباب‌ها بیش از حد چرب و چیلی هستند.

These kebabs are excessively greasy.

Adverbial phrase 'bish az had'.

او با دست‌های چرب و چیلی به کتابم دست زد.

He touched my book with greasy hands.

Prepositional phrase.

غذاهای چرب و چیلی باعث سنگینی معده می‌شوند.

Greasy foods cause stomach heaviness.

Causal verb 'ba'es shodan'.

در هوای گرم، غذای چرب و چیلی نچسب است.

In hot weather, greasy food is unappealing.

Adjective 'nachasb'.

اگرچه خوشمزه است، اما این مقدار روغن آن را بیش از حد چرب و چیلی کرده است.

Although it's delicious, this much oil has made it excessively greasy.

Concessive clause 'agarche'.

بوی آن غذای چرب و چیلی تمام فضای خانه را پر کرده بود.

The smell of that greasy food had filled the entire house.

Past perfect tense.

او همیشه به دنبال ساندویچی‌های چرب و چیلی در مرکز شهر است.

He is always looking for greasy sandwich shops downtown.

Continuous present.

تمیز کردن این هود چرب و چیلی کار راحتی نیست.

Cleaning this greasy range hood is not an easy task.

Gerund as subject.

نباید اجازه دهی بچه‌ها مدام خوراکی‌های چرب و چیلی بخورند.

You shouldn't let the kids constantly eat greasy snacks.

Modal verb 'nabâyad'.

این روزها مردم کمتر به سراغ غذاهای چرب و چیلی می‌روند.

These days, people go for greasy foods less often.

Comparative 'kamtar'.

کف تعمیرگاه همیشه چرب و چیلی و لغزنده است.

The garage floor is always greasy and slippery.

Multiple adjectives.

او با لحنی طنزآمیز از شام چرب و چیلی دیشب تعریف کرد.

He described last night's greasy dinner in a humorous tone.

Adverbial phrase of manner.

لذت خوردن یک دیزی چرب و چیلی در یک قهوه‌خانه قدیمی وصف‌ناپذیر است.

The pleasure of eating a greasy Dizi in an old coffeehouse is indescribable.

Complex noun phrase.

فرهنگ غذایی ما با این اصطلاحات چرب و چیلی عجین شده است.

Our food culture is intertwined with these 'greasy' terms.

Passive participle 'ajin shode'.

منتقد غذا معتقد بود که افراط در چرب و چیلی بودن، طعم اصلی گوشت را از بین برده است.

The food critic believed that the excessive greasiness had ruined the original taste of the meat.

Subordinate clause with 'ke'.

نباید ظاهر چرب و چیلی این کباب تو را فریب دهد؛ کیفیت گوشتش عالی است.

Don't let the greasy appearance of this kebab deceive you; the meat quality is excellent.

Imperative with 'nabâyad'.

او با بی‌میلی به ظرف‌های چرب و چیلی انباشته شده در ظرفشویی نگریست.

He looked reluctantly at the greasy dishes piled up in the sink.

Adverb 'bâ bi-meyli'.

تبلیغات فست‌فودها بر روی تصاویر چرب و چیلی و وسوسه‌انگیز تمرکز دارند.

Fast food advertisements focus on greasy and tempting images.

Plural collective noun.

در ادبیات عامیانه، کلمه چرب و چیلی گاهی نشانگر وفور و برکت بود.

In folk literature, the word 'charb o chili' sometimes indicated abundance and blessing.

Historical context usage.

او سعی کرد با یک شوخی چرب و چیلی فضای سنگین جلسه را عوض کند.

He tried to change the heavy atmosphere of the meeting with a 'greasy' (rich/colorful) joke.

Metaphorical usage.

استفاده از واژگان مضاعف نظیر چرب و چیلی، غنای صوتی زبان فارسی را نشان می‌دهد.

The use of reduplicative words like 'charb o chili' demonstrates the phonetic richness of the Persian language.

Academic register.

پدیده چرب و چیلی شدن سطوح در آشپزخانه‌های صنعتی یک چالش جدی برای بهداشت است.

The phenomenon of surfaces becoming greasy in industrial kitchens is a serious hygiene challenge.

Nominalization of the phrase.

او با مهارتی خاص، از توصیف چرب و چیلی برای القای حس نوستالژی استفاده کرد.

With a particular skill, he used the 'greasy' description to instill a sense of nostalgia.

Abstract prepositional phrase.

رابطه دیالکتیکی بین لذت آنی غذای چرب و چیلی و پیامدهای بلندمدت آن بر سلامتی قابل تامل است.

The dialectical relationship between the instant pleasure of greasy food and its long-term health consequences is worth contemplating.

Philosophical register.

در متون کلاسیک، معادل‌های دقیق‌تری برای چرب و چیلی وجود داشت که امروزه به حاشیه رفته‌اند.

In classical texts, there were more precise equivalents for 'charb o chili' that have been marginalized today.

Complex comparative structure.

نویسنده با استفاده از صفت چرب و چیلی، ابتذال و مادی‌گرایی شخصیت داستان را برجسته کرد.

The author highlighted the character's vulgarity and materialism by using the adjective 'charb o chili'.

Literary analysis.

این اصطلاح، فارغ از بار معنایی منفی‌اش، بخشی جدایی‌ناپذیر از هویت زبانی کوچه و بازار است.

This idiom, regardless of its negative connotation, is an inseparable part of the linguistic identity of the streets and markets.

Appositive phrase 'fâregh az'.

توالی واج‌های چ و ل در چرب و چیلی، نوعی لغزندگی صوتی ایجاد می‌کند که با معنای آن همسو است.

The sequence of phonemes 'ch' and 'l' in 'charb o chili' creates a kind of phonetic slipperiness that aligns with its meaning.

Linguistic observation.

Synonyms

پرچرب روغنی چرب دسم سنگین بسیار چرب چرب‌ونرم لغزنده

Antonyms

کم‌چرب بدون چربی خشک رژیمی

Common Collocations

غذای چرب و چیلی

دست‌های چرب و چیلی

ظرف‌های چرب و چیلی

کباب چرب و چیلی

پیتزای چرب و چیلی

آشپزخانه چرب و چیلی

خورش چرب و چیلی

لباس چرب و چیلی

انگشت‌های چرب و چیلی

ساندویچی چرب و چیلی

Common Phrases

چرب و چیلی کردن

— To make something greasy or oily by touching it with oily hands.

گوشیم رو چرب و چیلی کردی!

چرب و چیلی شدن

— To become greasy or oily.

همه جا چرب و چیلی شده.

یک غذای چرب و چیلی مشتی

— A very satisfying, high-quality greasy meal (slang 'mashti').

یه دیزی چرب و چیلی مشتی زدیم بر بدن.

بوی چرب و چیلی

— The heavy smell of frying or fat.

بوی چرب و چیلی راه انداختی.

رژیم و غذای چرب و چیلی

— The conflict between a diet and greasy food.

با این رژیم، غذای چرب و چیلی ممنوعه.

تمیز کردن لکه‌های چرب و چیلی

— Cleaning greasy stains.

این لکه‌های چرب و چیلی پاک نمی‌شن.

عاشق چرب و چیلی

— Someone who loves greasy food.

داداشم عاشق غذاهای چرب و چیلیه.

دل و روده چرب و چیلی

— Describing the internal feeling after a heavy meal.

دل و روده‌ام چرب و چیلی شد.

بساط چرب و چیلی

— A setup or spread of greasy food.

بساط چرب و چیلی‌شون همیشه به راهه.

حس چرب و چیلی

— The physical sensation of oiliness.

از این حس چرب و چیلی بدم میاد.

Often Confused With

چرب و چیلی vs چربی

Chabi is the noun (fat), while charb o chili is the adjective (greasy).

چرب و چیلی vs روغنی

Roghani specifically implies liquid oil, while charb o chili is more general.

چرب و چیلی vs کثیف

Kasif means dirty; something can be charb o chili but not necessarily kasif (like a fresh burger).

Idioms & Expressions

"چرب و نرم"

— Something that is both fatty and soft; also used to describe someone who is wealthy or a situation that is profitable.

یه لقمه چرب و نرم پیدا کرده.

Semi-formal

"زبون چرب و نرم"

— To have a 'greasy tongue' (flattery or being persuasive).

با زبون چرب و نرمش همه رو راضی کرد.

Informal

"سیبیل کسی را چرب کردن"

— To grease someone's mustache (to bribe someone).

باید سیبیلش رو چرب کنی تا کارت راه بیفته.

Slang

"نانش تو روغن است"

— His bread is in the oil (He is doing very well financially).

وضعش عالیه، نونش تو روغنه.

Informal

"چرب‌زبانی"

— Flattery or smooth-talking.

چرب‌زبانی نکن، حقیقت رو بگو.

Neutral

"گوشت چرب و استخوان"

— A mix of good and bad; reality.

زندگی همینه، گوشت چرب و استخون با همه‌.

Literary

"روغن ریخته را نذر امامزاده کردن"

— To offer something worthless as a gift or charity.

این که بخشش نیست، روغن ریخته رو نذر امامزاده کردی.

Informal

"مثل روغن تو آب"

— To not mix well; to be out of place.

توی اون جمع مثل روغن تو آب بود.

Informal

"روغن داغش را زیاد کردن"

— To exaggerate something.

خیلی روغن داغش رو زیاد نکن، باور نمی‌کنیم.

Informal

"چربی خون داشتن"

— To have high cholesterol.

بابام چربی خون داره، نباید چرب و چیلی بخوره.

Neutral

Easily Confused

چرب و چیلی vs چاق

Both relate to fat.

Châgh is for people (overweight), charb o chili is for objects/food (greasy).

او چاق است (He is fat). این غذا چرب و چیلی است (This food is greasy).

چرب و چیلی vs غنی

Both can mean 'rich'.

Ghani is for nutrients or wealth; charb o chili is specifically for oil/fat content.

این خاک غنی است (This soil is rich).

چرب و چیلی vs لیز

Oil makes things slippery.

Liz is the result (slippery); charb o chili is the cause (greasy).

زمین لیز است چون چرب و چیلی شده.

چرب و چیلی vs نرم

Fatty food is often soft.

Narm is soft; charb o chili is greasy.

این نان نرم است.

چرب و چیلی vs کره‌ای

Butter is a type of fat.

Kore-i means buttery; charb o chili is generally greasy.

طعم کره‌ای دارد.

Sentence Patterns

[Noun] [Adjective] ast.

این پیتزا چرب است.

[Noun] kheyli [Adjective] ast.

این کباب خیلی چرب و چیلی است.

[Noun] + e + [Adjective] + [Verb].

غذای چرب و چیلی نخور.

[Subject] [Noun] râ [Adjective] kard.

او دستش را چرب و چیلی کرد.

Ba'd az [Activity], [Subject] [Adjective] shod.

بعد از آشپزی، آشپزخانه چرب و چیلی شد.

Agarche [Clause], ammâ [Adjective] ast.

اگرچه خوشمزه است، اما چرب و چیلی است.

[Gerund] + e + [Noun-Adjective] [Verb].

خوردنِ کبابِ چرب و چیلی لذت‌بخش است.

[Abstract Noun] + e + [Adjective] [Verb].

ظاهرِ چرب و چیلیِ غذا وسوسه‌انگیز بود.

Word Family

Nouns

چربی (Fat/Oiliness)

روغن (Oil)

چرب‌زبانی (Flattery)

Verbs

چرب کردن (To grease/oil)

چرب شدن (To become oily)

Adjectives

چرب (Oily)

پرچرب (High-fat)

کم‌چرب (Low-fat)

روغنی (Oily)

گوشت (Meat)

دنبه (Tail fat)

کره (Butter)

سرخ‌کردنی (Fried food)

سنگین (Heavy)

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely common in daily spoken Persian.

Common Mistakes

Using 'chili' to mean spicy. → Tond (تند)
In 'charb o chili', 'chili' is just a rhyme, not a flavor.
Writing 'charb va chili' in a text message. → چرب و چیلی
Even in writing, the 'o' sound is so dominant that the full 'va' sounds weird.
Describing a person's weight as 'charb o chili'. → Châgh (چاق)
This describes the texture of oil, not body mass.
Using it in a doctor's appointment. → Ghazâ-ye por-charbi
It is too informal for a medical context.
Forgetting the 'i' at the end of 'chili'. → Charb o chili
Without the 'i', the rhyme is broken and the word is incorrect.

Tips

Kebab Etiquette

When eating 'charb o chili' kebab, it's common to use bread to soak up the extra oil. This is considered the best part by many!

Echo Words

Persian loves rhyming. If you learn 'charb o chili,' try to find others like 'shol o vel' (loose) or 'ghati pati' (mixed).

The Ezafe

Always remember the 'e' sound: 'Ghazâ-ye charb o chili'. Without the 'e', it's grammatically incomplete.

Register

Use this word to sound more like a native in casual settings. It shows you understand the 'flavor' of the language.

Health Warning

If someone says 'charbi-ye khoon dâram' (I have blood fat/cholesterol), do NOT offer them 'charb o chili' food.

Cleaning

To clean 'charb o chili' dishes, Iranians often use very hot water and plenty of 'mâye-ye zarfshooyi' (dish soap).

With Friends

Use it when you are about to indulge in a big cheat meal. It signals that you are ready to enjoy the food regardless of the calories.

Street Food

Don't be afraid of 'charb o chili' street food in Iran; it's often the most authentic and delicious, just carry tissues!

Metaphorical Use

Sometimes used to describe a 'juicy' or 'rich' story or joke, though this is less common than the literal meaning.

Joking

You can joke about your own hands being 'charb o chili' to explain why you can't shake someone's hand.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'CHarbroiled' burger that is so 'CHILI' (greasy) it drips on your 'CHIn'. CHarb-o-CHili.

Visual Association

Imagine a shiny, golden-brown chicken leg dripping with clear oil onto a white plate, leaving a translucent stain.

Word Web

Food Oil Grease Kebab Hands Kitchen Unhealthy Delicious

Challenge

Try to describe the last fast food meal you ate using 'charb o chili' and explain why you liked or disliked the oiliness.

Word Origin

The word 'Charb' comes from Middle Persian 'charp', meaning fat or oily. The 'o' is the colloquial contraction of 'va' (and), which originates from Old Persian 'utā'. The word 'Chili' is a classic Persian 'mohmal' or echo-word, likely developed through centuries of colloquial speech to provide a rhythmic balance to 'Charb'.

Original meaning: Fatty and its rhythmic counterpart.

Indo-European -> Indo-Iranian -> Iranian -> West Iranian -> Persian.

Cultural Context

Be careful when using it to describe someone's cooking; if they are sensitive about health, they might take it as a criticism of their cooking being unhealthy.

Similar to 'greasy spoon' or 'comfort food,' but with a stronger focus on the physical presence of oil.

Used in many Iranian 'Food Taster' videos on Instagram. Commonly found in the dialogue of 'Kolah Ghermezi' (popular puppet show). Often mentioned in lyrics of 'Kooche-Bazaari' music.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Eating at a restaurant

این پیتزا چرب و چیلیه.
یه چیز چرب و چیلی می‌خوام.
غذای چرب و چیلی ندارین؟
خیلی چرب و چیلی بود.

In the kitchen

گاز چرب و چیلی شده.
ظرف‌ها چرب و چیلی موندن.
هود رو تمیز کن، چرب و چیلیه.
مایع ظرفشویی برای این چرب و چیلی‌ها خوبه.

Talking to children

دستات رو چرب و چیلی نکن.
صورتت چرب و چیلی شده.
با دست چرب و چیلی به دیوار نزن.
بیا بشورمت، همه‌جات چرب و چیلیه.

At a mechanic shop

دستام چرب و چیلیه، دست نزن.
لباس کارم چرب و چیلی شده.
کف گاراژ چرب و چیلیه، لیز نخوری.
همه ابزارها چرب و چیلی شدن.

Health discussions

چرب و چیلی برای قلب بده.
کمتر چرب و چیلی بخور.
چربی خونت میره بالا با این چرب و چیلی‌ها.
غذای چرب و چیلی هضمش سخته.

Conversation Starters

"تو غذای چرب و چیلی دوست داری یا رژیمی؟ (Do you like greasy food or diet food?)"

"بهترین ساندویچی چرب و چیلی شهر کجاست؟ (Where is the best greasy sandwich shop in town?)"

"چرا بعضی‌ها فکر می‌کنن هرچی غذا چرب و چیلی‌تر باشه خوشمزه‌تره؟ (Why do some people think the greasier the food, the tastier it is?)"

"آخرین بار کی یه غذای خیلی چرب و چیلی خوردی؟ (When was the last time you ate a very greasy food?)"

"چطوری ظرف‌های خیلی چرب و چیلی رو تمیز می‌کنی؟ (How do you clean very greasy dishes?)"

Journal Prompts

توصیف یک تجربه غذا خوردن در یک رستوران سنتی که در آن غذاها بسیار چرب و چیلی بودند. (Describe a dining experience in a traditional restaurant where the food was very greasy.)

آیا فکر می‌کنید غذاهای چرب و چیلی بخشی از هویت فرهنگی ایران هستند؟ چرا؟ (Do you think greasy foods are part of Iran's cultural identity? Why?)

درباره زمانی بنویسید که مجبور شدید یک جای خیلی چرب و چیلی را تمیز کنید. (Write about a time you had to clean a very greasy place.)

رابطه بین لذت خوردن و سلامتی را با توجه به غذاهای چرب و چیلی بررسی کنید. (Examine the relationship between the pleasure of eating and health regarding greasy foods.)

یک داستان کوتاه درباره کسی بنویسید که به خاطر دست‌های چرب و چیلی‌اش دچار دردسر شد. (Write a short story about someone who got into trouble because of their greasy hands.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, it's not a swear word or offensive, but it is very informal. You shouldn't use it in a formal essay or a professional medical setting.

Usually, no. It carries a connotation of 'heavy' or 'messy' oil. For avocados, just use 'charb' (fatty/oily).

In formal writing, you would write 'چرب و چیل' or 'بسیار چرب', but the phrase 'چرب و چیلی' is almost always kept for speech.

No! This is a common confusion for English speakers. 'Chili' here is just a rhyming sound and has nothing to do with chili peppers or spiciness.

Generally, no. It describes surfaces, food, or hands. If you call a person 'charb o chili,' it sounds like they are literally covered in cooking oil.

The most common opposite for food is 'kam-charb' (low fat) or 'khoshk' (dry).

It depends! If you are at a kebab shop, it's a compliment. If you are on a diet, it's a complaint.

In spoken Persian, the conjunction 'va' (and) almost always turns into a short 'o' sound when connecting words.

You could, but 'moo-ye charb' (oily hair) is more common. 'Charb o chili' would imply the hair is extremely and messily greasy.

Yes, 'kasif pasif' is a similar reduplicative phrase for 'dirty'.