جهیزیه
جهیزیه in 30 Seconds
- Jahiziye is the Persian word for a bridal trousseau, consisting of all household items provided by the bride's family for the new marital home.
- It is a significant cultural tradition in Iran, often involving major financial investment and serving as a symbol of familial support and social status.
- Legally, these items remain the property of the wife, and an inventory called a 'siyaha' is often kept to document the specific belongings brought.
- In modern times, the high cost of jahiziye has become a topic of social debate, leading some couples to move toward more shared financial models.
The word جهیزیه (pronounced jahiziye) is a cornerstone of Iranian matrimonial culture. It refers to the bridal trousseau—a comprehensive collection of household goods, furniture, appliances, and personal items that a bride brings into her new marital home. Historically and traditionally, the responsibility for providing these items falls upon the bride's father and family. This isn't just a simple set of linens; in modern Iran, it often encompasses everything from high-end kitchen electronics and hand-woven Persian carpets to silver tea sets and bedroom furniture. The concept is deeply rooted in the idea of helping the new couple establish a comfortable life without immediate financial strain, though in practice, it has evolved into a significant social and economic phenomenon.
- Cultural Weight
- The quality and quantity of the jahiziye are often seen as a reflection of the bride's family's social standing and their love for their daughter. This can lead to immense social pressure, known as 'cheshm-o-ham-cheshmi' (keeping up with the Joneses).
- Etymological Root
- Derived from the Arabic root 'J-H-Z' (جهاز), which relates to preparation or equipping. In Persian, it is localized and expanded to specifically mean the bridal equipment.
- Modern Shift
- While the tradition remains strong, many modern urban couples are moving toward a 'shared' approach where both families contribute, or the couple buys the items together to alleviate the burden on the bride's parents.
خانواده عروس ماهها برای خرید جهیزیه وقت صرف کردند تا بهترین وسایل را تهیه کنند.
In conversation, you will hear this word most frequently when a wedding is approaching. People might ask, "Did you finish the jahiziye?" or "Where did you buy your jahiziye from?" It is a topic of intense discussion among female relatives and friends. There is even a ceremony called 'Jahiz-binun' where female relatives from both sides are invited to the couple's new home to view the arranged items before the wedding ceremony takes place. This practice, while controversial for its materialistic nature, serves as a formal introduction of the bride's contribution to the household.
امروزه قیمت بالای جهیزیه به یکی از دغدغههای اصلی خانوادهها تبدیل شده است.
Beyond the physical items, the word carries an emotional weight. It represents a father's final major gift to his daughter as she leaves his home. For the bride, it represents her autonomy in her new kitchen and living space. In literature and cinema, the struggle to afford a 'jahiziye' is a frequent theme used to highlight economic disparities and the clash between tradition and modern financial realities. It is not merely a list of goods; it is a social contract and a symbol of familial duty that has persisted for centuries in various forms across the Iranian plateau.
لیست جهیزیه شامل یخچال، فرش، و ظروف آشپزخانه بود.
Using the word جهیزیه requires understanding its role as a collective noun for household items. It is most commonly used with verbs like 'kharidan' (to buy), 'chidan' (to arrange/set up), and 'tahiyye kardan' (to prepare). Because it is a physical entity, you can talk about moving it, displaying it, or the cost associated with it. It is always a singular noun in form but represents a vast collection of objects.
- Purchasing
- When talking about buying the trousseau, use: 'برای دخترم جهیزیه خریدم' (I bought a trousseau for my daughter).
- Arranging
- Setting up the new home is: 'چیدن جهیزیه' (Arranging the trousseau). This is a major event involving friends and family.
آنها کل روز را صرف چیدن جهیزیه در خانه جدید کردند.
The word is often used in the context of economic discussions. For instance, 'گرانی جهیزیه' (the high cost of the trousseau) is a common phrase in news reports. You can also use it to describe the items themselves: 'جهیزیه مفصل' (a lavish/detailed trousseau) or 'جهیزیه ساده' (a simple trousseau). In a sentence, it often functions as the direct object of a verb or the subject of a sentence describing a state.
جهیزیه او بسیار مدرن و شیک است.
When discussing the components, you might say 'اقلام جهیزیه' (the items of the trousseau). This is common in checklists or commercial contexts. Another important usage is in the context of 'Siyaha' (سیاهه), which is the formal list of all items in the jahiziye, often signed by witnesses from the groom's family to acknowledge receipt and ensure the items return to the bride in case of divorce.
پدرش از دو سال پیش شروع به جمعآوری جهیزیه کرده بود.
آیا تمام جهیزیه به خانه جدید منتقل شد؟
- Formal Usage
- 'استرداد جهیزیه' (Restitution of the trousseau) is a legal term used during divorce proceedings.
You will hear جهیزیه in several distinct environments. The most common is the domestic sphere, particularly among families with daughters of marriageable age. In the 'Bazaar' or shopping malls, especially those specializing in home appliances (like Tehran's Amin-Hozur neighborhood), the word is ubiquitous. Salespeople will often offer 'Paket-e Jahiziye' (trousseau packages) which include a discount if you buy multiple appliances together.
فروشگاههای لوازم خانگی تخفیفهای ویژهای برای خرید جهیزیه دارند.
In Iranian media, 'jahiziye' is a recurring theme in TV dramas (Serial-ha) and movies. Often, the plot revolves around a poor father's struggle to provide a respectable jahiziye for his daughter, highlighting themes of honor, poverty, and social expectation. News programs also frequently discuss the inflation rate of 'jahiziye' items as a metric for the cost of living and the difficulties young people face when trying to marry.
در این فیلم، قهرمان داستان برای تامین جهیزیه دخترش دو شغل دارد.
Social media, particularly Instagram and Pinterest, has also become a place where the word is common. Brides-to-be share photos of their 'jahiziye' layout, from perfectly organized kitchen cabinets to aesthetically pleasing living rooms. This has created a new digital culture around the word, where 'jahiziye' is associated with interior design and lifestyle blogging. You might see hashtags like #جهیزیه_عروس (bride's trousseau) or #چیدمان_جهیزیه (trousseau arrangement).
خیریه برای ده عروس نیازمند جهیزیه تهیه کرد.
Lastly, you will hear it in legal and religious counseling. When couples discuss their 'Mahr' (dowry) and 'Jahiziye', religious authorities and lawyers use the term to define the ownership of assets. If a woman brings a 'jahiziye' into a marriage, it is legally hers. If she leaves, she has the right to take her 'jahiziye' with her. This legal protection makes the word a standard part of matrimonial law discussions.
- Daily Life
- Hearing it at the dinner table: "Mother, we need to go and look at curtains for my jahiziye tomorrow."
One of the most frequent mistakes for English speakers is confusing جهیزیه with 'Mehriye' (dowry). In English, 'dowry' can mean many things, but in Persian, these are two distinct concepts. 'Mehriye' is the gift or financial commitment the *groom* makes to the bride. 'Jahiziye' is the set of items the *bride* brings to the home. Using one for the other is a major cultural and linguistic error.
اشتباه: داماد باید جهیزیه بدهد. (غلط)
Another mistake is pronunciation. The 'h' (ه) in the middle is audible but soft. Some learners might skip it and say 'jaziye' or 'jayziye', which is incorrect. It should be 'ja-hi-zi-ye'. Also, ensure you don't confuse it with 'Jazireh' (island), which sounds somewhat similar but has a completely different meaning and spelling (جزیره).
Learners also struggle with the verb 'to give' in this context. While you can say 'جهیزیه دادن', it sounds a bit like a transaction. It is more natural to say 'جهیزیه خریدن' (to buy) or 'جهیزیه تهیه کردن' (to prepare). Using 'kardan' (to do) as a general auxiliary verb doesn't work here; you must specify the action (buying, preparing, or taking).
درست: او برای ازدواج جهیزیه تهیه کرد.
Finally, avoid using the plural 'جهیزیهها' unless you are specifically talking about several different trousseaus for several different weddings. Even if there are hundreds of items (pots, pans, chairs), it is still referred to in the singular as 'the jahiziye'. It is a collective noun. Thinking of it as 'the set' or 'the collection' helps in keeping the grammar correct.
- Vocabulary Mix-up
- Don't confuse 'Jahiziye' with 'Jashn' (celebration). While they happen around the same time, one is the stuff, the other is the party.
While جهیزیه is the most precise and formal term, there are several related words that you might encounter depending on the context and the speaker's age or region. Understanding these nuances will make your Persian sound more natural and sophisticated.
- جهاز (Jahaz)
- This is the shorter, more traditional version of the word. It is very common in spoken Persian. It sounds a bit more 'old-school' but is perfectly acceptable. Example: 'جهاز را بردند' (They took the trousseau).
- وسایل خانه (Vasayel-e Khane)
- Literally 'home items'. This is a neutral, non-cultural way to describe the contents. You might use this if you want to avoid the cultural weight of the word 'jahiziye' or if you are just talking about shopping for furniture in general.
- سیسمونی (Sismuni)
- Often confused by beginners, 'Sismuni' is the baby equivalent of jahiziye. It is the collection of items (crib, clothes, toys) provided by the maternal grandparents for the first child. It follows the same cultural logic but for a different life stage.
In some regional dialects, you might hear different terms. For example, in some parts of Afghanistan (Dari), the word 'Pishkash' or 'Takhon' might be used in related contexts, though 'Jahaz' is widely understood. In Tajikistan, 'Tughuz' refers to a similar tradition of gifts, though the specific cultural practice differs.
تفاوت اصلی جهیزیه و مهریه در این است که یکی را خانواده عروس میدهد و دیگری را داماد تعهد میکند.
When comparing 'Jahiziye' to 'Kado' (gift), remember that a 'Kado' is a general gift for any occasion, while 'Jahiziye' is a specific, functional collection for a marriage. You wouldn't call a birthday present 'jahiziye'. Similarly, 'Asasiyye' (furniture/essentials) is a more technical term used by moving companies or in legal documents to describe household items, but it lacks the wedding-specific connotation of 'jahiziye'.
How Formal Is It?
Fun Fact
While 'Jahaz' in Arabic can mean a ship or an airplane in modern contexts, in Persian, its most culturally significant meaning remains tied to weddings.
Pronunciation Guide
- Skipping the 'h' sound and saying 'jazieh'.
- Pronouncing the final 'e' as a hard 'ay' like 'jahizi-YAY'. It should be a short 'eh'.
- Confusing the 'z' with a 'j' sound.
- Dropping the 'i' after 'h'.
- Stress on the first syllable.
Difficulty Rating
Easy to read but requires understanding of its specific cultural meaning.
Spelling the 'h' and 'z' correctly can be tricky for beginners.
Pronunciation is straightforward once you master the soft 'h'.
Easily recognized in wedding contexts.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Ezafe Construction
جهیزیه یِ مریم (Maryam's trousseau) - connecting nouns.
Compound Verbs with 'Kardan'
تهیه کردن جهیزیه (To prepare the trousseau).
Direct Object Marker 'Ra'
او جهیزیه را آورد (He brought the trousseau).
Adjective Placement
جهیزیه یِ کامل (A complete trousseau) - adjective follows noun.
Pluralization of Collective Nouns
Jahiziye is treated as singular even if it has many items.
Examples by Level
او برای خانه جدید جهیزیه خرید.
She bought a trousseau for the new house.
Simple past tense: 'kharid' (bought).
جهیزیه شامل یخچال و فرش است.
The trousseau includes a fridge and a carpet.
The word 'shamel' (including) is used to list components.
مادرم جهیزیه را دوست دارد.
My mother likes the trousseau.
Direct object 'jahiziye' followed by the marker 'ra'.
آیا جهیزیه گران است؟
Is the trousseau expensive?
Simple question structure.
من جهیزیه ندارم.
I don't have a trousseau.
Negative form 'nadaram'.
این جهیزیه زیبا است.
This trousseau is beautiful.
Adjective 'ziba' (beautiful) following the noun.
خواهرم جهیزیه میخرد.
My sister is buying a trousseau.
Present continuous sense using 'mi-kharad'.
کجا جهیزیه میفروشند؟
Where do they sell trousseaus?
Question word 'koja' (where).
خانواده عروس جهیزیه را تهیه میکنند.
The bride's family prepares the trousseau.
Subject-verb agreement: 'khanvadeh' (family) takes a plural verb here.
آنها برای خرید جهیزیه به بازار رفتند.
They went to the bazaar to buy the trousseau.
Compound sentence with 'baraye' (for/to).
جهیزیه او در ده کارتن بزرگ بود.
Her trousseau was in ten large boxes.
Use of numbers and measure words ('karton').
ما باید جهیزیه را به خانه جدید ببریم.
We must take the trousseau to the new house.
Modal verb 'bayad' (must).
آیا شما جهیزیه مدرن را میپسندید؟
Do you like modern trousseaus?
Formal 'shoma' usage.
او تمام پولش را صرف جهیزیه کرد.
He spent all his money on the trousseau.
Verb 'sarf kardan' (to spend/consume).
این جهیزیه خیلی کامل است.
This trousseau is very complete.
Adverb 'kheyli' (very) modifying 'kamel'.
چرا جهیزیه اینقدر مهم است؟
Why is the trousseau so important?
Question word 'chera' (why).
مراسم جهیزیهبینون یک سنت قدیمی در ایران است.
The Jahiziye-binun ceremony is an old tradition in Iran.
Compound noun 'jahiziye-binun'.
او سعی میکند جهیزیهای آبرومند تهیه کند.
He is trying to prepare a respectable trousseau.
Adjective 'abrumand' (respectable/honorable).
لیست جهیزیه شامل تمام وسایل ضروری آشپزخانه بود.
The trousseau list included all essential kitchen items.
Noun phrase 'list-e jahiziye'.
بسیاری از جوانان به دلیل گرانی جهیزیه نمیتوانند ازدواج کنند.
Many young people cannot marry because of the high cost of the trousseau.
Reasoning with 'be dalil-e' (because of).
او جهیزیهاش را با سلیقه خودش چید.
She arranged her trousseau according to her own taste.
Possessive suffix '-ash' and preposition 'ba salighe-ye'.
والدین از سالها قبل برای جهیزیه دخترشان پسانداز میکنند.
Parents save for their daughter's trousseau from years before.
Present continuous 'pas-andaz mikonand'.
در گذشته، جهیزیه شامل وسایل سادهتری بود.
In the past, the trousseau included simpler items.
Comparative 'sadetar' (simpler).
آیا داماد هم باید در تهیه جهیزیه کمک کند؟
Should the groom also help in preparing the trousseau?
Interrogative with 'aya'.
چشم و همچشمی در خرید جهیزیه باعث مشکلات مالی فراوانی میشود.
Keeping up with the Joneses in buying a trousseau causes many financial problems.
Idiomatic expression 'cheshm-o-ham-cheshmi'.
طبق قانون، مالکیت جهیزیه متعلق به زوجه است.
According to the law, the ownership of the trousseau belongs to the wife.
Legal term 'zowje' (wife/spouse).
سیاهه جهیزیه توسط خانواده داماد امضا شد.
The trousseau inventory was signed by the groom's family.
Passive voice 'emza shod'.
برخی معتقدند که سنت جهیزیه باید با شرایط اقتصادی روز تغییر کند.
Some believe that the trousseau tradition should change with today's economic conditions.
Complex sentence with 'mo'taghedand ke' (believe that).
او جهیزیهاش را به دلیل فضای کم آپارتمان بسیار مختصر انتخاب کرد.
She chose her trousseau very briefly (minimally) due to the small space of the apartment.
Adverbial phrase 'be dalil-e fazaye kam'.
نمایش جهیزیه در برخی فرهنگها نوعی فخرفروشی تلقی میشود.
Displaying the trousseau is considered a type of showing off in some cultures.
Passive verb 'talaghi mishavad' (is considered).
خیرین برای خانوادههای بیبضاعت جهیزیه تهیه میکنند.
Benefactors prepare trousseaus for underprivileged families.
Plural noun 'khayerin' (benefactors).
تورم شدید باعث شده که خرید یک جهیزیه کامل برای بسیاری غیرممکن شود.
Severe inflation has made buying a complete trousseau impossible for many.
Present perfect 'ba'es shode ast' (has caused).
تحلیل جامعهشناختی پدیده جهیزیه نشاندهنده فشارهای طبقاتی است.
A sociological analysis of the trousseau phenomenon indicates class pressures.
Academic register: 'tahlil-e jame'e-shenakhti'.
در صورت بروز اختلاف، استرداد جهیزیه مستلزم ارائه سیاهه معتبر است.
In case of dispute, the restitution of the trousseau requires presenting a valid inventory.
Formal conditional 'dar surat-e boruz-e ekhtelaf'.
این فیلم به نقد سنتهای دست و پاگیر مانند جهیزیههای سنگین میپردازد.
This film critiques cumbersome traditions like heavy (lavish) trousseaus.
Idiom 'dast-o-pa-gir' (cumbersome/hindering).
تغییر الگوی مصرف در میان نسل جوان بر ترکیب جهیزیه اثر گذاشته است.
The change in consumption patterns among the younger generation has affected the composition of the trousseau.
Abstract noun 'olgu-ye masraf' (consumption pattern).
او با رویکردی مینیمالیستی، از خرید جهیزیه غیرضروری خودداری کرد.
With a minimalist approach, she refrained from buying an unnecessary trousseau.
Verb 'khoddari kardan' (to refrain/abstain).
مفهوم جهیزیه در ادبیات کلاسیک فارسی با تعابیر متفاوتی آمده است.
The concept of the trousseau has appeared with different interpretations in classical Persian literature.
Prepositional phrase 'ba ta'abir-e motafavet'.
دولت برای تسهیل ازدواج، وامهای مخصوص خرید جهیزیه اعطا میکند.
To facilitate marriage, the government grants special loans for purchasing trousseaus.
Formal verb 'ata kardan' (to grant/bestow).
فشار روانی ناشی از تامین جهیزیه میتواند بر سلامت روان والدین اثر بگذارد.
The psychological pressure resulting from providing a trousseau can affect parents' mental health.
Complex subject 'feshar-e ravani-ye nashi az...'.
تقابل میان مدرنیته و سنت در بازتعریف کارکرد جهیزیه در جامعه معاصر ایران مشهود است.
The contrast between modernity and tradition is evident in redefining the function of the trousseau in contemporary Iranian society.
High-level vocabulary: 'taghabol', 'baz-ta'rif', 'moshohud'.
برخی حقوقدانان معتقدند که قوانین مربوط به جهیزیه نیازمند بازنگری بنیادین هستند تا با عدالت جنسیتی همسو شوند.
Some legal experts believe that laws related to the trousseau require a fundamental review to align with gender justice.
Subjunctive 'ham-su shavand'.
تجملگرایی افراطی در تهیه جهیزیه، این سنت حمایتی را به ابزاری برای تمایز طبقاتی بدل کرده است.
Extreme luxury-seeking in preparing the trousseau has turned this supportive tradition into a tool for class distinction.
Literary construction 'be... badal kardan'.
واکاوی ریشههای تاریخی جهیزیه نشاندهنده پیوند عمیق آن با ساختارهای اقتصادی خانوادههای کشاورز است.
An investigation of the historical roots of the trousseau indicates its deep link with the economic structures of farming families.
Academic term 'vakavi' (probing/investigation).
گفتمان حاکم بر فضای مجازی، استانداردهای کاذبی را برای جهیزیه ایدهآل القا میکند.
The dominant discourse in cyberspace instills false standards for the ideal trousseau.
Advanced term 'gofteman' (discourse).
در این پژوهش، تاثیر جهیزیه بر پایداری روابط زناشویی در دهههای اخیر مورد بررسی قرار گرفته است.
In this research, the impact of the trousseau on the stability of marital relations in recent decades has been examined.
Passive construction 'mored-e barrasi gharar gerefte ast'.
عدم تناسب میان درآمدها و هزینههای سرسامآور جهیزیه، به یک بحران اجتماعی خاموش تبدیل شده است.
The disproportion between incomes and the staggering costs of the trousseau has turned into a silent social crisis.
Adjective 'sarsam-avar' (staggering/mind-boggling).
تحولات فرهنگی باعث شده تا برخی زوجها به جای جهیزیه سنتی، بر سرمایهگذاریهای مشترک تمرکز کنند.
Cultural shifts have caused some couples to focus on joint investments instead of a traditional trousseau.
Prepositional phrase 'be jaye' (instead of).
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— A complete set of household items covering every need.
او با یک جهیزیه کامل به خانه بخت رفت.
— Specifically referring to the items belonging to the bride.
جهیزیه عروس را با کامیون آوردند.
— Financial aid or subsidy given to help buy the trousseau.
خیریه کمکهزینه جهیزیه پرداخت کرد.
— The main market or center where these items are sold.
خیابان امینحضور بورس جهیزیه در تهران است.
— The individual items that make up the trousseau.
اقلام جهیزیه باید با دقت انتخاب شوند.
— A trousseau consisting of contemporary/high-tech items.
او به دنبال خرید یک جهیزیه مدرن بود.
Often Confused With
Mehriye is the groom's gift/pledge; Jahiziye is the bride's household items.
Jazireh means 'island'; it sounds similar but is spelled and used differently.
Sismuni is the baby's layette/items; Jahiziye is the bride's items.
Idioms & Expressions
— To go and inspect/view the bride's trousseau.
همه فامیل برای جهاز دیدن دعوت شده بودند.
Informal— Competing with others to have a better trousseau.
این چشم و همچشمی در جهیزیه زندگیها را خراب میکند.
Neutral— To bring a very expensive and extensive trousseau to the marriage.
او جهیزیه سنگینی برد تا دهان مردم را ببندد.
Neutral— The act of decorating and organizing the new home with the trousseau.
تا صبح مشغول جهاز چیدن بودیم.
Informal— To not have a trousseau (often used to imply difficulty in marrying).
دختر بیچاره نباید بیجهاز بماند.
Informal— To make a formal list of all items for legal protection.
پدرش اصرار داشت که حتماً جهاز را سیاهه کنند.
Neutral— To make a big deal or fuss about the trousseau.
انگار فقط او جهاز آورده، آن را روی سرش برده است.
Slang/Sarcastic— The noisy and public transport of the items to the new house.
صدای بوق ماشینها برای جهاز کشون میآمد.
Informal— The physical load or the metaphorical burden of the trousseau.
بار جهیزیه بر دوش پدر سنگینی میکرد.
Literary— To manage or scrape together the items for a trousseau.
با هر سختی بود، برایش جهاز جور کردیم.
InformalEasily Confused
It is the same word but shortened.
Jahaz is more colloquial; Jahiziye is more formal and standard.
جهاز او خیلی ساده بود. / جهیزیه ایشان بسیار کامل است.
Both refer to furniture.
Asasiye is general furniture; Jahiziye is specifically for a bride's new home.
اثاثیه را فروختیم. / جهیزیه را خریدیم.
Both can be items given to a couple.
Kado is a gift from guests; Jahiziye is the essential setup from the family.
کادوهای عروسی زیاد بود. / جهیزیه عروس کم بود.
Both involve money/goods in marriage.
Shirbaha is cash from groom to bride's father; Jahiziye is goods from bride's father to the couple.
پدر عروس شیربها گرفت تا جهیزیه بخرد.
Same root.
Tajhizat is technical equipment (like for a lab); Jahiziye is for a home.
تجهیزات بیمارستان نو است. / جهیزیه خانه نو است.
Sentence Patterns
[Subject] [Jahiziye] [Verb].
من جهیزیه خریدم.
[Subject] برای [Person] [Jahiziye] [Verb].
مادر برای دخترش جهیزیه تهیه کرد.
[Jahiziye] شامل [Item 1] و [Item 2] است.
جهیزیه شامل یخچال و تلویزیون است.
به دلیل [Reason], خرید [Jahiziye] [Adjective] است.
به دلیل تورم، خرید جهیزیه دشوار است.
سنت [Jahiziye] در جامعه [Verb].
سنت جهیزیه در جامعه در حال تغییر است.
واکاوی [Jahiziye] نشاندهنده [Concept] است.
واکاوی ریشههای جهیزیه نشاندهنده ساختار خانواده است.
آیا [Jahiziye] را [Verb]؟
آیا جهیزیه را چیدید؟
[Jahiziye] متعلق به [Person] است.
جهیزیه متعلق به عروس است.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
Very high during wedding seasons (Spring and late Summer).
-
Saying 'Man jahiziye dadam' when you mean you bought it.
→
Man jahiziye kharidam.
'Dadan' (giving) is usually used for the father/family's act of giving it to the couple. If you are the one who went to the store, 'kharidan' is better.
-
Confusing 'Jahiziye' with 'Mehriye'.
→
Jahiziye (Bride's items), Mehriye (Groom's gift).
This is a fundamental cultural mistake. The two represent opposite flows of wealth.
-
Using the plural 'Jahiziye-ha' for one set of items.
→
Jahiziye (singular).
Like 'furniture' in English, 'jahiziye' is a collective noun and doesn't need a plural marker for one bride's stuff.
-
Pronouncing it 'Jaziye'.
→
Ja-hi-zi-ye.
The 'h' is important. Without it, the word sounds incomplete or like a different word.
-
Using 'Jahiziye' for a birthday gift.
→
Kado / Hedye.
'Jahiziye' is strictly for the marriage context. You cannot use it for other gifts.
Tips
Don't judge the plastic
If you visit a new bride's home and see plastic covers on the chairs or ribbons on the blender, it's because it's part of the new 'jahiziye' display. It's polite to compliment the items.
Use 'Jahaz' for brevity
In fast-paced spoken Persian, 'jahiziye' can feel like a mouthful. Use 'jahaz' when talking to close friends to sound more natural.
Look for 'Paket' deals
In Iran, appliance stores offer 'jahiziye packages' that bundle items for a lower price. This is a great context to use the word.
Keep the receipts
In the context of Iranian law, the person who holds the receipt or has the item listed in the 'siyaha' is the legal owner of the jahiziye.
Gift giving
If you are invited to a 'Jahiz-binun', it's customary to bring a small gift for the home, even though the main trousseau is already there.
Singular vs Plural
Always treat 'jahiziye' as a singular concept. Say 'Jahiziye-ash ghashang ast' (Her trousseau is pretty), not 'Jahiziye-hayash'.
Root connection
Remember the root J-H-Z. Words like 'mojahhaz' (equipped) will help you remember that 'jahiziye' is about 'equipping' a home.
Financial tact
Avoid asking exactly how much someone's jahiziye cost. Instead, use general praise like 'Che jahiziye-ye kameli!' (What a complete trousseau!).
Watch Serial-ha
Iranian TV shows are great for hearing 'jahiziye' used in emotional and dramatic contexts, which helps with retention.
Jahiziye vs Sismuni
Remember: Jahiziye is for the bride; Sismuni is for the baby. Both are 'starter kits' provided by the woman's family.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'Jahiziye' as 'The Joy of the House'. The 'J' is for Joy, and it fills the 'House' (which sounds a bit like the 'h' and 'z' in the middle).
Visual Association
Imagine a giant truck filled with a refrigerator, a washing machine, and a rolled-up Persian carpet, all decorated with a big pink ribbon for a bride.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to list five items that would be in a 'modern jahiziye' versus five items in a 'traditional jahiziye' using the word in each sentence.
Word Origin
The word comes from the Arabic root 'J-H-Z' (ج-ه-ز), which means to prepare, to fit out, or to equip. In Arabic, 'Jahaz' can refer to any equipment, including a ship's gear or a traveler's supplies.
Original meaning: Preparation or equipment for a journey or task.
Semitic root (Arabic) adopted into Indo-European (Persian).Cultural Context
Be careful when discussing the cost of jahiziye with Iranians, as it can be a source of significant stress or financial embarrassment for some families.
In the West, this is similar to a 'hope chest' or a 'bridal shower' where guests give gifts, but in Iran, the family provides the bulk of the items themselves.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
At a furniture store
- این مبل برای جهیزیه مناسب است؟
- تخفیف جهیزیه دارید؟
- لیست جهیزیه را دارید؟
- بهترین مارک برای جهیزیه چیست؟
Family gathering
- جهاز دخترت مبارک باشد.
- کی جهاز را میچینید؟
- جهاز دیدن کی است؟
- جهاز خیلی خوبی تهیه کردهاید.
Legal discussion
- سیاهه جهیزیه را امضا کنید.
- مالکیت جهیزیه با کیست؟
- دادخواست استرداد جهیزیه.
- لیست اموال جهیزیه.
Shopping with a friend
- بیا برویم برای جهازم پرده بخریم.
- این ظرفها خیلی برای جهاز شیک هستند.
- جهاز خریدن خیلی خستهکننده است.
- پول جهازم تمام شد!
News/Radio
- افزایش قیمت جهیزیه.
- تسهیلات بانکی برای جهیزیه.
- کمپین خرید جهیزیه ساده.
- مشکلات جوانان در تامین جهیزیه.
Conversation Starters
"به نظر شما در دنیای امروز هنوز هم خرید جهیزیه وظیفه خانواده عروس است؟"
"در فرهنگ شما، آیا سنتی مشابه جهیزیه ایرانی وجود دارد؟"
"گرانترین وسیلهای که معمولاً در یک جهیزیه ایرانی پیدا میشود چیست؟"
"آیا موافق هستید که به جای جهیزیه، پول آن را برای سرمایهگذاری به زوجها بدهند؟"
"تجربه شما از مراسم 'جهاز بران' یا 'جهاز دیدن' چیست؟"
Journal Prompts
درباره تفاوتهای جهیزیه در گذشته و امروز یک متن کوتاه بنویسید.
اگر بخواهید یک جهیزیه مینیمال تهیه کنید، چه وسایلی را حذف میکنید؟
تاثیر فشارهای اجتماعی بر خانوادهها برای خرید جهیزیه گرانقیمت را تحلیل کنید.
یک خاطره (واقعی یا خیالی) از روز چیدن جهیزیه در خانه جدید بنویسید.
چرا در قانون ایران، مالکیت جهیزیه متعلق به زن است؟ نظر خود را بنویسید.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsTraditionally, the bride's father and her family are responsible for purchasing the jahiziye. However, in recent years, due to economic pressure, many couples share the cost or the groom's family helps with large appliances like the refrigerator or TV.
Under Iranian law, the jahiziye belongs to the wife. If she has a signed inventory (siyaha) or receipts, she can legally reclaim all the items she brought into the marital home. It is considered her personal property.
It is a social gathering where female relatives and friends are invited to the couple's new home to see the arranged jahiziye before the wedding. It is a time for celebration but can also involve social competition.
Jahiziye is more of a cultural custom (urf) than a strict religious requirement. While Islam encourages helping a new couple, the specific burden on the bride's family is a local tradition in Iran and some other countries.
The cost varies wildly depending on social class. It can range from a few thousand dollars to hundreds of thousands for luxury sets. It is often one of the biggest expenses a family will ever face.
The 'big four' are usually the refrigerator, washing machine, stove, and a Persian carpet. Kitchenware, bedding, and a sofa set are also considered fundamental.
Legally, anyone can buy the items, but if the groom buys them, they are usually not called 'jahiziye' in the traditional sense; they are just 'household items'. Culturally, it might be seen as the groom helping out.
The siyaha is a legal safeguard. Without it, it can be difficult for a woman to prove which items she brought into the house if a dispute arises. It is usually signed by the groom and his male relatives.
It is evolving but not dying. While some modern couples prefer simplicity, the social expectation remains very strong in most parts of Iranian society.
Many poor families rely on charities (Khaireh), community donations, or government loans. Providing jahiziye for the needy is considered a very noble act in Iran.
Test Yourself 180 questions
Write a sentence in Persian using 'jahiziye' and 'kharidan'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Describe three items that are usually in a 'jahiziye'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Explain why 'jahiziye' is important in Iranian culture (in Persian).
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a short paragraph about 'Jahiz-binun'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Compare 'Jahiziye' and 'Mehriye' in two sentences.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a formal request for a 'trousseau loan' (Vam-e jahiziye).
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Discuss the pros and cons of the jahiziye tradition.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write an advertisement for a home appliance store targeting brides.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Imagine you are a bride. Write a list of 5 items for your jahiziye.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence using 'siyaha' and 'jahiziye'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Describe the 'Jahaz-keshun' atmosphere.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
How has inflation affected jahiziye? (One paragraph).
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a dialogue between a mother and daughter about shopping for jahiziye.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Explain the legal ownership of jahiziye in Persian.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a poem or creative sentence about a 'simple jahiziye'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
What is 'cheshm-o-ham-cheshmi' in the context of jahiziye?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence with 'mojahhaz kardan' (to equip).
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Describe a 'modern jahiziye' versus a 'traditional' one.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a caption for an Instagram post showing a new jahiziye layout.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Draft a short 'siyaha' for a fridge and a sofa.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Pronounce 'جهیزیه' correctly.
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say 'I bought a trousseau' in Persian.
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Describe the contents of your kitchen jahiziye in three sentences.
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Explain the 'Jahiz-binun' ceremony to a friend.
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Discuss the financial burden of jahiziye on families.
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Talk about the differences between 'Jahiziye' and 'Mehriye'.
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Roleplay: You are at an appliance store asking for a 'jahiziye discount'.
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Explain the legal rights of a woman regarding her jahiziye.
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Give your opinion on 'social competition' (cheshm-o-ham-cheshmi) in weddings.
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Describe a 'traditional' Iranian trousseau item like a samovar.
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Tell a short story about a father who finally finished buying the jahiziye.
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Explain what a 'Siyaha' is and why it's signed.
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Discuss how modern technology has changed the jahiziye list.
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
What would you include in a 'minimalist jahiziye'?
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Describe the 'Jahaz-keshun' parade with trucks and decorations.
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
How do charities help with jahiziye? Talk about it.
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Use the word 'mojahhaz' to describe a house.
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Talk about the emotional aspect of leaving home with a jahiziye.
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Explain the term 'Bourse-e jahiziye'.
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Summarize the history of jahiziye in one minute.
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Audio: 'فردا برای خرید یخچال جهیزیه به بازار میرویم.' Where are they going?
Audio: 'جهاز مریم خیلی شیک و مدرن بود.' How was Maryam's trousseau described?
Audio: 'داماد لیست سیاهه را امضا کرد.' What did the groom sign?
Audio: 'مراسم جهیزیهبینون ساعت چهار شروع میشود.' What time does the ceremony start?
Audio: 'قیمت جهیزیه امسال دو برابر شده است.' What happened to the price of the trousseau this year?
Audio: 'او برای جهازش از برندهای خارجی استفاده نکرد.' Did she use foreign brands?
Audio: 'کامیون جهیزیه در راه است.' What is on the way?
Audio: 'مادرش برای او یک سرویس چینی گران خرید.' What did her mother buy for her?
Audio: 'استرداد جهیزیه حق قانونی زن است.' What is the woman's legal right?
Audio: 'آنها جهیزیه را در پذیرایی چیده بودند.' Where was the trousseau arranged?
Audio: 'وام جهیزیه به او تعلق گرفت.' Did he get the trousseau loan?
Audio: 'جهاز بران یکی از شادترین لحظات عروسی است.' How is 'Jahaz-keshun' described?
Audio: 'او به دنبال یک جهیزیه مختصر و مفید است.' What kind of trousseau is she looking for?
Audio: 'فاکتورهای جهیزیه را در گاوصندوق گذاشت.' Where did he put the receipts?
Audio: 'چشم و همچشمی در جهیزیه باعث بدهکاری میشود.' What does social competition in trousseaus cause?
/ 180 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
Jahiziye (جهیزیه) is the essential collection of household goods a bride brings to her marriage in Iran. For example, 'خرید جهیزیه برای او سخت بود' (Buying the trousseau was hard for him) highlights the cultural and financial weight this word carries.
- Jahiziye is the Persian word for a bridal trousseau, consisting of all household items provided by the bride's family for the new marital home.
- It is a significant cultural tradition in Iran, often involving major financial investment and serving as a symbol of familial support and social status.
- Legally, these items remain the property of the wife, and an inventory called a 'siyaha' is often kept to document the specific belongings brought.
- In modern times, the high cost of jahiziye has become a topic of social debate, leading some couples to move toward more shared financial models.
Don't judge the plastic
If you visit a new bride's home and see plastic covers on the chairs or ribbons on the blender, it's because it's part of the new 'jahiziye' display. It's polite to compliment the items.
Use 'Jahaz' for brevity
In fast-paced spoken Persian, 'jahiziye' can feel like a mouthful. Use 'jahaz' when talking to close friends to sound more natural.
Look for 'Paket' deals
In Iran, appliance stores offer 'jahiziye packages' that bundle items for a lower price. This is a great context to use the word.
Keep the receipts
In the context of Iranian law, the person who holds the receipt or has the item listed in the 'siyaha' is the legal owner of the jahiziye.
Example
خرید جهیزیه عروس زمانبر و پرهزینه است.
Related Content
More family words
عاقد
B1Marriage officiant.
عضو بودن
B1To be a member (of a family).
عقد
B1Marriage contract; formal engagement ceremony.
عقد کردن
B1To get married; to formalize a marriage contract.
عمه
A1Paternal aunt; the sister of one's father.
عمه زاده
B1Paternal cousin (child of paternal aunt).
عمهزاده
B1Paternal aunt's child (cousin).
عمو
A1Paternal uncle; the brother of one's father.
عموزاده
A2A cousin (child of one's paternal uncle).
عنایت
B1Care; attention; favor; consideration.