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A1 noun #2,300 most common 12 min read

گوجه

goje Top 2,300

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips گوجه in 30 Seconds

Explanation گوجه in your Level:

At the A1 level, the word 'گوجه' (gojeh) is introduced as a basic, high-frequency noun related to food, shopping, and daily life. Learners at this stage are focusing on building a foundational vocabulary to navigate simple, everyday situations. 'Gojeh' is essential because it is one of the most common vegetables in the Iranian diet. A1 learners will practice using this word to identify the item, ask for it in a store, and state their preferences. They will learn to combine it with basic colors, primarily 'ghermez' (red), and simple numbers and quantities, such as 'yek kilo gojeh' (one kilo of tomatoes). The grammatical focus is on simple sentence structures, such as 'Man gojeh mikharam' (I buy tomatoes) or 'Man gojeh doost daram' (I like tomatoes). At this level, the distinction between 'gojeh' (tomato) and 'gojeh sabz' (green plum) might be briefly mentioned to avoid confusion, but the primary focus remains on the red vegetable. Learners will also encounter the word in basic reading exercises, such as simple menus or grocery lists. Mastery of 'gojeh' at the A1 level provides a crucial building block for engaging in basic transactional conversations in Persian-speaking environments, allowing learners to successfully purchase food and understand simple culinary descriptions.

As learners progress to the A2 level, their use of the word 'گوجه' becomes more contextualized and integrated into broader conversational topics. At this stage, students are learning to describe routines, give simple instructions, and talk about their daily lives in more detail. 'Gojeh' appears frequently in lessons about cooking, recipes, and dining out. Learners will practice using the word with a wider variety of verbs, such as 'khord kardan' (to chop), 'shostan' (to wash), and 'pokhtan' (to cook). They will learn to form more complex sentences, such as 'Lotfan gojeh-ha ra beshooyid' (Please wash the tomatoes) or 'Baraye salad, gojeh niaz darim' (We need tomatoes for the salad). The A2 level also introduces essential compound words like 'rob-e gojeh' (tomato paste) and 'sos-e gojeh' (ketchup), which are vital for understanding Persian recipes and ordering fast food. Furthermore, learners will practice using the ezafe construction more naturally to describe the tomatoes, such as 'gojeh-ye taze' (fresh tomato) or 'gojeh-ye gande' (rotten tomato). By the end of the A2 level, students should feel comfortable using 'gojeh' in a variety of practical, everyday scenarios, from writing a shopping list to explaining how to make a simple Salad Shirazi.

At the B1 level, learners are expected to handle more complex interactions and express opinions, preferences, and cultural observations. The word 'گوجه' is used to discuss Iranian cuisine in depth. Students will learn how to explain traditional recipes like Omelet Irani, Mirza Ghasemi, or Dizi, where tomatoes or tomato paste play a central role. They will use 'gojeh' in conditional sentences and complex structures, such as 'Agar gojeh nadarim, nemitavanim omelet dorost konim' (If we don't have tomatoes, we can't make an omelet). At this level, learners also explore the cultural significance of food in Iran. They might discuss the difference between greenhouse tomatoes (gojeh golkhaneh-i) and field-grown tomatoes, expressing preferences for taste and quality. The vocabulary expands to include terms like 'gojeh kababi' (grilled tomato), an essential part of the Chelo Kebab experience. B1 learners will also encounter regional variations in vocabulary, such as learning that 'pamador' is used in the north of Iran. They will be able to read and understand authentic Persian recipes online or in cookbooks, where 'gojeh' and its derivatives are frequently listed. The focus shifts from simple transactions to cultural fluency and detailed description.

At the B2 level, learners engage with the language on a more abstract and analytical level. The word 'گوجه' is no longer just a culinary term; it becomes a subject of economic, agricultural, and social discussion. Students might read news articles or listen to reports about the agricultural sector in Iran, where the export and import of tomatoes, or the price fluctuations of 'rob-e gojeh' (tomato paste), are significant topics. They will learn vocabulary related to farming, such as 'kesht-e gojeh' (tomato cultivation), 'bardasht' (harvest), and 'saderat' (export). Discussions might revolve around how the price of tomatoes acts as an informal indicator of inflation for the average Iranian family. B2 learners will be able to express complex opinions on these matters, using advanced grammar and linking words. For example, they might say, 'Ba vojood-e afzayesh-e gheimat-e gojeh, mardom hamchenan an ra mikharand' (Despite the increase in the price of tomatoes, people still buy them). Furthermore, they will understand idiomatic or metaphorical uses of the word, such as describing someone turning 'gojehi' (tomato-red) out of embarrassment. The word serves as a bridge to understanding broader socio-economic realities in Persian-speaking societies.

At the C1 level, learners possess an advanced, nuanced understanding of the Persian language. The word 'گوجه' is understood not only in its modern context but also through its historical and linguistic evolution. C1 students will be aware of the etymology of the word, understanding how 'gojeh farangi' (foreign plum) reflects the historical introduction of the tomato to Iran during the Qajar era and the subsequent linguistic simplification to just 'gojeh'. They can read historical texts, literature, or advanced cultural critiques where the introduction of the tomato is discussed as a turning point in Iranian gastronomy, replacing traditional souring agents like pomegranate paste or dried limes in certain dishes. At this level, learners can effortlessly navigate regional dialects, fully understanding when a southern Iranian uses 'tamate' or a northern Iranian uses 'pamador', and can adapt their own speech if necessary. They can engage in highly descriptive and evocative writing, using 'gojeh' in literary or poetic contexts to describe colors, scents, or memories associated with Iranian domestic life. The mastery of the word at C1 involves a deep cultural resonance, recognizing the tomato as a symbol of the blending of foreign influence and traditional Persian identity.

At the C2 level, learners have a near-native command of Persian. The word 'گوجه' is utilized with absolute precision, encompassing all its socio-linguistic, historical, and economic dimensions. C2 speakers can engage in academic or highly specialized discourse regarding the tomato. This might involve discussing the genetic modification of 'gojeh farangi', the environmental impact of water-intensive tomato farming in arid regions of Iran, or the intricate economics of the tomato paste cartel. They can effortlessly employ the word in complex, spontaneous debates, using subtle irony or humor. For instance, they might use the fluctuating price of 'gojeh' as a satirical metaphor for broader political or economic instability in a sophisticated op-ed or essay. At this level, the learner intuitively understands the exact register required—knowing when to use the formal 'gojeh farangi' in a botanical research paper versus the colloquial 'gojeh' in a casual, yet intellectually rigorous, conversation. The word is fully integrated into their extensive vocabulary, allowing them to manipulate it for rhetorical effect, demonstrating a profound, native-like grasp of Iranian culture, history, and contemporary society.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

گوجه in 30 Seconds

Meaning: Tomato (noun).
Pronunciation: go-jeh (stress on the second syllable).
Usage: Used in cooking, shopping, and describing colors.
Important Note: Do not confuse with 'gojeh sabz' (green plum).

The Persian word گوجه (gojeh), most commonly referring to the tomato, is a fundamental vocabulary item for any learner of the Persian language. Originally, the word 'gojeh' referred to a type of plum. When the tomato was introduced to Iran during the Qajar dynasty, it was called 'gojeh farangi' (گوجه‌فرنگی), which literally translates to 'foreign plum' due to its visual resemblance to local plums and its exotic origin. Over time, in everyday spoken Persian, the modifier 'farangi' was dropped, and today, 'gojeh' almost exclusively means tomato in standard contexts, unless specified otherwise (such as 'gojeh sabz' for greengage). Understanding this word is crucial because the tomato is an absolute cornerstone of Iranian cuisine, appearing in everything from the national dish of Chelo Kebab (where grilled tomatoes are a mandatory accompaniment) to everyday stews (khoresh), salads (like Salad Shirazi), and breakfasts (like Omelet Irani). The word functions primarily as a noun and is categorized at the CEFR A1 level, making it one of the first food-related words a student will encounter.

Botanical vs Culinary Meaning: Botanically, a tomato is a fruit (berry), but culinarily, it is treated as a vegetable. In Persian, it is grouped under 'seyfijat' (صیفی‌جات), which refers to summer crops.

من برای سالاد گوجه خریدم.

When navigating Iranian markets, you will hear this word constantly. Vendors shout the prices of 'gojeh', and recipes heavily rely on 'rob-e gojeh' (tomato paste), which is a concentrated form used to add color and umami to dishes. The linguistic evolution of the word highlights a common pattern in Persian where foreign introductions are named by comparing them to familiar local items, followed by a linguistic simplification over decades. For a beginner, mastering 'gojeh' opens the door to a vast array of culinary vocabulary.

Compound Forms: The word is highly productive, forming compounds like 'gojeh-gilasi' (cherry tomato) and 'ab-gojeh' (tomato juice).

این گوجه خیلی قرمز و رسیده است.

Furthermore, the cultural weight of the tomato cannot be overstated. It is a symbol of freshness in the Iranian diet. The vibrant red color is often referenced in daily life, and the agricultural economy of several Iranian provinces relies heavily on tomato farming. Whether you are ordering food in a restaurant in Tehran or buying groceries in a local bazaar, 'gojeh' is indispensable.

Historical Context: Introduced in the 19th century, it quickly replaced other souring agents in many traditional recipes, fundamentally altering the flavor profile of Persian stews.

بدون گوجه، املت مزه نمی‌دهد.

In terms of pronunciation, it is a simple two-syllable word: go-jeh. The stress falls on the second syllable, as is typical for Persian nouns. The 'g' is hard, like in 'go', and the 'j' is like in 'jump'. The final 'eh' is a short vowel sound. Practicing this pronunciation will help you sound natural when ordering your next meal.

قیمت یک کیلو گوجه چقدر است؟

لطفاً دو عدد گوجه کباب کنید.

Using the word گوجه correctly in Persian involves understanding its grammatical properties, its role in compound nouns, and its typical collocations. As a regular noun, it follows standard Persian grammar rules. To make it plural, you simply add the suffix '-ha' (ها) to form 'gojeh-ha' (گوجه‌ها), meaning tomatoes. It can take the indefinite article 'yek' (یک) or the enclitic '-i' (ی) to mean 'a tomato' (یک گوجه or گوجه‌ای). When describing a tomato, the adjective follows the noun and is connected by the ezafe vowel '-e'. For example, 'gojeh-ye ghermez' (گوجه‌ی قرمز) means 'red tomato', and 'gojeh-ye taze' (گوجه‌ی تازه) means 'fresh tomato'.

Ezafe Construction: Because 'gojeh' ends in a silent 'h' (ه), the ezafe takes the form of 'ye' (ی) in writing and pronunciation, bridging the noun and its modifier.

من یک گوجه‌ی بزرگ می‌خواهم.

One of the most common ways you will use this word is in the context of cooking and food preparation. Persian cuisine relies heavily on tomato derivatives. The most important of these is 'rob-e gojeh' (رب گوجه), which means tomato paste. This is a staple in almost every Iranian kitchen, used as the base for stews like Gheymeh and Abgoosht. You will also frequently encounter 'sos-e gojeh' (سس گوجه) for ketchup or tomato sauce, and 'ab-gojeh' (آب گوجه) for tomato juice.

Verbs Associated with Gojeh: Common verbs used with this noun include 'kharidan' (to buy), 'khordan' (to eat), 'kard kardan' (to chop), and 'sorkh kardan' (to fry).

مادرم گوجه‌ها را خرد کرد.

In conversational Persian, 'gojeh' is often used as an adjective to describe a specific shade of red. If someone says a shirt is 'gojehi' (گوجه‌ای), they mean it is tomato-red, a bright, vibrant crimson. This demonstrates the word's integration into the broader descriptive language beyond just the culinary sphere. When shopping, you will use specific units of measurement. Tomatoes are typically bought by the 'kilo' (کیلو). You would say 'do kilo gojeh be-din' (دو کیلو گوجه بدین), meaning 'give me two kilos of tomatoes'.

Shopping Vocabulary: Combine 'gojeh' with words like 'kilo', 'gheimat' (price), and 'taze' (fresh) for effective grocery shopping.

رنگ ماشین او گوجه‌ای است.

It is also important to note the distinction in formal writing. While 'gojeh' is perfectly acceptable in all spoken contexts, formal recipes, botanical texts, or official agricultural reports will often use the full term 'gojeh farangi' (گوجه‌فرنگی) to avoid any ambiguity. However, as a learner, using 'gojeh' in 99% of your daily interactions will sound natural and fluent.

ما در باغچه گوجه کاشتیم.

سالاد شیرازی با خیار و گوجه درست می‌شود.

The word گوجه is ubiquitous in Persian-speaking environments. You will hear it in a wide variety of contexts, from the bustling traditional bazaars to modern supermarkets, in family kitchens, and on television cooking shows. One of the most iconic places you will hear this word is at the 'meydareh-tar-o-bar' (میدان تره‌بار), the local fruit and vegetable markets found in every Iranian city. Here, vendors loudly advertise the quality and price of their produce, often shouting phrases like 'Gojeh-ye taze darim!' (We have fresh tomatoes!) or 'Gojeh-ye shirin!' (Sweet tomatoes!). The auditory landscape of an Iranian market is incomplete without the frequent mention of this essential vegetable.

Restaurants and Cafes: In eateries, 'gojeh' is frequently discussed when customizing orders, especially for traditional dishes like kebabs and dizi.

آقا، یک سیخ گوجه هم بیارید.

In the domestic sphere, the kitchen is the primary domain of the word 'gojeh'. Iranian cooking is highly communal and communicative. You will hear family members asking each other to pass the tomatoes, chop the tomatoes for the salad, or check if there is enough tomato paste for the stew. The phrase 'rob-e gojeh nadarim' (we don't have tomato paste) is a common catalyst for a quick trip to the local grocery store. Furthermore, the preparation of 'Salad Shirazi', a staple side dish made of finely diced cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions, guarantees the daily usage of the word in millions of households.

Media and Television: Cooking shows, agricultural news, and even economic reports frequently mention 'gojeh', especially regarding market prices and inflation.

امروز در اخبار درباره قیمت گوجه صحبت کردند.

Another interesting context where you might hear 'gojeh' is in discussions about agriculture and the economy. The price of tomatoes and tomato paste is often considered an informal indicator of inflation and the cost of living in Iran. Therefore, you might hear taxi drivers or people on the bus complaining about how expensive 'gojeh' has become. This elevates the word from a simple culinary term to a subject of everyday socio-economic discourse. In agricultural regions like Fars or Khuzestan, discussions about the 'gojeh' harvest are a major part of local life.

Idiomatic and Slang Usage: While not extremely common, you might hear someone say a person turned 'gojeh' (red as a tomato) when embarrassed or sunburned.

از خجالت مثل گوجه سرخ شد.

Finally, in the context of fast food, which is very popular in Iran, you will constantly hear requests for 'sos-e gojeh' (ketchup). Whether ordering a pizza, a hot dog, or falafel, ketchup is a standard condiment, and knowing how to ask for it is essential for any visitor or learner. The versatility of the tomato ensures that the word 'gojeh' is woven into the fabric of daily Iranian life, making it an unavoidable and highly useful piece of vocabulary.

ساندویچ من بدون گوجه باشد، لطفا.

بوی گوجه کباب شده در حیاط پیچیده است.

When learning the word گوجه, beginners often make a few predictable mistakes, mostly related to context, pronunciation, and the ezafe grammatical construction. The most significant contextual mistake is confusing 'gojeh' (tomato) with 'gojeh sabz' (greengage/sour green plum). Because 'gojeh' originally meant plum, 'gojeh sabz' literally means 'green plum'. A learner might ask for 'gojeh' at a fruit stand in the spring, expecting the popular sour green plums, but will be handed regular red tomatoes instead. It is crucial to always add 'sabz' when you want the fruit, and just use 'gojeh' (or 'gojeh farangi') when you want the vegetable.

Pronunciation Errors: Learners sometimes mispronounce the final 'eh' sound, either dropping it completely or pronouncing it as a hard 'a', which can cause confusion.

من گوجه سبز دوست دارم، نه گوجه فرنگی.

Another common grammatical mistake involves the ezafe construction. Because 'gojeh' ends in a silent 'h' (ه), it requires the 'ye' (ی) consonant to connect to an adjective or a possessive pronoun. Beginners often say 'gojeh ghermez' instead of the correct 'gojeh-ye ghermez' (گوجه‌ی قرمز). Failing to use the correct ezafe form makes the speech sound broken and unnatural. Similarly, when saying 'my tomato', it should be 'gojeh-am' (گوجه‌ام), blending the sounds, rather than a disjointed pronunciation.

Overusing 'Farangi': While 'gojeh farangi' is the full, correct term, using it constantly in casual conversation sounds overly formal and slightly archaic to native speakers.

این گوجه‌ی من است.

Learners also sometimes struggle with the pluralization. While 'gojeh-ha' (گوجه‌ها) is the standard plural, in very formal or written contexts, you might occasionally see Arabic-style plurals for other vegetables, but 'gojeh' strictly takes the Persian '-ha' suffix. Never try to apply Arabic plural rules to this word. Additionally, when talking about tomato paste, beginners might just say 'gojeh' instead of 'rob-e gojeh' (رب گوجه). If a recipe calls for paste and you use fresh tomatoes because of this vocabulary mix-up, the dish will turn out completely different!

Confusing Ketchup and Paste: Do not confuse 'rob-e gojeh' (paste used for cooking) with 'sos-e gojeh' (ketchup used as a condiment).

برای این غذا باید رب گوجه بخریم.

Finally, a minor but notable mistake is related to cultural expectations. In Iran, tomatoes served with kebabs are almost always grilled whole on a skewer. A foreigner might expect raw, sliced tomatoes with their hot rice and meat, and might be surprised when handed a charred, hot tomato. Knowing the culinary context of 'gojeh-ye kababi' (grilled tomato) prevents dining surprises. By paying attention to these nuances—distinguishing it from green plums, mastering the ezafe, and using the right compound words for paste and sauce—learners can use 'gojeh' flawlessly.

من سس گوجه روی سیب‌زمینی می‌ریزم.

لطفاً گوجه‌ها را بشویید.

When expanding your Persian vocabulary around the word گوجه, it is helpful to learn words that belong to the same semantic field, such as other vegetables, related culinary terms, and regional synonyms. The most direct synonym, though considered a regional dialect or an older loanword, is 'pamador' (پامادور). This word, derived from Russian (which in turn comes from Italian 'pomodoro'), is still used in the northern provinces of Iran, particularly in Gilan and Mazandaran. If you travel to the Caspian Sea region and order a local dish like Mirza Ghasemi, you might hear the locals refer to the tomatoes as 'pamador'. Another regional variation is 'tamate' (تماته), used in the southern provinces like Khuzestan and Bushehr, which is a direct adaptation of the English/Spanish word for tomato.

Vegetable Category: Tomatoes belong to the category of 'seyfijat' (صیفی‌جات), which encompasses summer vegetables like cucumbers, eggplants, and peppers.

در شمال ایران به گوجه، پامادور می‌گویند.

In terms of related vocabulary, 'khiyar' (خیار - cucumber) and 'piyaz' (پیاز - onion) are the most frequent companions to 'gojeh'. These three ingredients form the holy trinity of the famous 'Salad Shirazi'. Learning them together is highly recommended for any beginner. Another closely related word is 'bademjan' (بادمجان - eggplant). Tomatoes and eggplants are frequently cooked together in Iranian stews, such as Khoresh-e Bademjan or the aforementioned Mirza Ghasemi. Knowing these words allows you to navigate a Persian menu with ease.

Derivatives: Words like 'rob' (paste) and 'sos' (sauce) are essential to learn alongside 'gojeh' to specify the form of the tomato you need.

من گوجه و خیار برای سالاد خریدم.

It is also useful to know the word 'meyveh' (میوه - fruit) and 'sabzijat' (سبزیجات - vegetables/herbs). While 'gojeh' is scientifically a 'meyveh', in the supermarket it is sold alongside the 'seyfijat' and 'sabzijat'. If you are looking for tomatoes in a store, you would ask for the vegetable section, not the fruit section. Furthermore, understanding the word 'sabz' (green) is vital, as it differentiates the red tomato from the 'gojeh sabz' (sour green plum), which is a completely different culinary experience, eaten raw with salt as a spring snack.

Descriptive Adjectives: Learn adjectives like 'ghermez' (red), 'resideh' (ripe), and 'kal' (unripe) to accurately describe the tomatoes you want.

این گوجه هنوز کال است و قرمز نشده.

By associating 'gojeh' with these similar and related words, learners can build a robust mental map of Persian food vocabulary. Instead of learning the word in isolation, understanding its relationship to 'khiyar', 'rob', 'pamador', and 'seyfijat' provides a comprehensive understanding of how Iranians talk about, shop for, and cook with this essential ingredient. This interconnected learning approach significantly accelerates fluency and cultural comprehension.

ترکیب بادمجان و گوجه بسیار خوشمزه است.

ما در سبد، سیب، پرتقال و گوجه داریم.

How Formal Is It?

Difficulty Rating

Grammar to Know

The Ezafe construction with words ending in silent 'h' (ی).

Pluralizing nouns with 'ها'.

Using measure words (کیلو).

Forming compound nouns (رب گوجه).

Adjective placement after nouns.

Examples by Level

من گوجه دوست دارم.

I like tomatoes.

Simple subject-object-verb structure. 'Gojeh' acts as the direct object.

این گوجه قرمز است.

This tomato is red.

Using a demonstrative pronoun (این) and a simple adjective (قرمز).

یک کیلو گوجه لطفا.

One kilo of tomatoes, please.

Basic transactional phrase using a unit of measurement (کیلو).

گوجه کجاست؟

Where is the tomato?

Question formation using 'kojast' (where is).

من گوجه می‌خرم.

I am buying tomatoes.

Present continuous/simple present tense of the verb 'kharidan' (to buy).

او گوجه می‌خورد.

He/She is eating a tomato.

Third-person singular present tense of 'khordan' (to eat).

ما گوجه داریم.

We have tomatoes.

First-person plural present tense of 'dashtan' (to have).

گوجه بزرگ است.

The tomato is big.

Simple descriptive sentence using the adjective 'bozorg' (big).

لطفاً گوجه‌ها را بشویید.

Please wash the tomatoes.

Imperative form of the verb 'shostan' (to wash) with the plural marker 'ha' and object marker 'ra'.

من برای سالاد گوجه نیاز دارم.

I need tomatoes for the salad.

Using the preposition 'baraye' (for) and the compound verb 'niaz dashtan' (to need).

قیمت این گوجه‌ها چقدر است؟

How much is the price of these tomatoes?

Asking for prices using 'gheimat' (price) and 'cheghadr' (how much).

مادرم گوجه خرد می‌کند.

My mother is chopping tomatoes.

Using the compound verb 'khord kardan' (to chop/dice).

من سس گوجه می‌خواهم.

I want ketchup (tomato sauce).

Introduction of the compound noun 'sos-e gojeh'.

گوجه فرنگی در یخچال است.

The tomato is in the fridge.

Using prepositions of place 'dar' (in) and the formal term 'gojeh farangi'.

آیا شما گوجه کباب شده دوست دارید؟

Do you like grilled tomatoes?

Forming a yes/no question with 'aya' and using a past participle as an adjective (kabab shodeh).

دیروز دو کیلو گوجه خریدم.

Yesterday I bought two kilos of tomatoes.

Simple past tense of 'kharidan' (to buy) with a time marker 'dirooz'.

برای پختن املت، اول باید گوجه‌ها را رنده کنیم.

To cook an omelet, first we must grate the tomatoes.

Using an infinitive phrase (baraye pokhtan) and the subjunctive mood (rande konim).

رب گوجه رنگ غذا را بهتر می‌کند.

Tomato paste makes the color of the food better.

Using the compound noun 'rob-e gojeh' and a comparative adjective 'behtar' (better).

اگر گوجه تازه نداریم، از رب استفاده کن.

If we don't have fresh tomatoes, use paste.

First conditional sentence structure using 'agar' (if) and the imperative 'estefadeh kon'.

گوجه‌های گلخانه‌ای طعم گوجه‌های محلی را ندارند.

Greenhouse tomatoes don't have the taste of local tomatoes.

Comparing two types of nouns using ezafe and the negative verb 'nadarand'.

در شمال ایران به گوجه، پامادور می‌گویند.

In the north of Iran, they call tomatoes 'pamador'.

Expressing regional habits using the third-person plural 'migooyand' (they say/call).

من همیشه آب گوجه فرنگی با نمک می‌نوشم.

I always drink tomato juice with salt.

Using adverbs of frequency 'hamisheh' (always) and the compound 'ab gojeh farangi'.

سالاد شیرازی بدون گوجه ریز شده معنی ندارد.

Shirazi salad without finely chopped tomatoes has no meaning.

Using 'bedoon-e' (without) and an idiomatic expression 'mani nadarad' (has no meaning/is pointless).

او به گوجه حساسیت دارد و نمی‌تواند آن را بخورد.

He is allergic to tomatoes and cannot eat them.

Expressing medical conditions using 'hasasiyat dashtan' (to have an allergy) and the modal verb 'tavanestan' (can) in the negative.

افزایش قیمت گوجه فرنگی تاثیر زیادی بر تورم داشته است.

The increase in the price of tomatoes has had a significant impact on inflation.

Present perfect tense 'dashteh ast' and advanced vocabulary related to economics (tavarrom, afzayesh).

کشاورزان استان فارس امسال محصول گوجه فراوانی برداشت کردند.

Farmers in Fars province harvested an abundant tomato crop this year.

Using specific agricultural vocabulary (keshavarzan, mahsool, bardasht kardan).

صادرات رب گوجه به کشورهای همسایه سودآور است.

Exporting tomato paste to neighboring countries is profitable.

Using gerund-like structures (saderat) and business terminology (sood-avar).

گوجه سرشار از ویتامین ث و آنتی‌اکسیدان است که برای سلامتی مفیدند.

Tomatoes are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, which are beneficial for health.

Using 'sarshar az' (rich in) and a relative clause introduced by 'keh' (which).

به دلیل کم‌آبی، کشت گوجه در برخی مناطق محدود شده است.

Due to water shortages, tomato cultivation has been restricted in some areas.

Passive voice in the present perfect 'mahdood shodeh ast' and causal conjunctions 'be dalil-e'.

او از خجالت صورتش مثل گوجه سرخ شد.

His face turned red as a tomato out of embarrassment.

Using a simile 'mesl-e gojeh' (like a tomato) to describe an emotional physical reaction.

کارخانه جدیدی برای فرآوری گوجه و تولید سس افتتاح شد.

A new factory for processing tomatoes and producing sauce was opened.

Passive voice 'eftetah shod' and industrial vocabulary (faravari, tolid).

مصرف روزانه گوجه می‌تواند خطر ابتلا به بیماری‌های قلبی را کاهش دهد.

Daily consumption of tomatoes can reduce the risk of heart disease.

Using modal verbs 'mitavanad' with the subjunctive 'kahesh dahad' in a medical context.

ورود گوجه فرنگی به ایران در دوره قاجار، تحولی شگرف در آشپزی ایرانی ایجاد کرد.

The introduction of the tomato to Iran during the Qajar period created a profound transformation in Iranian cooking.

Complex sentence structure using historical context and advanced vocabulary (tahavvol-e shegarf).

حذف تدریجی پسوند «فرنگی» از کلمه گوجه، نشان‌دهنده بومی‌سازی کامل این محصول است.

The gradual elimination of the suffix 'farangi' from the word 'gojeh' indicates the complete localization of this product.

Academic phrasing using verbal nouns (hazf-e tadriji, neshan-dahandeh) and linguistic concepts.

نوسانات قیمت گوجه در بازار تره‌بار، دماسنجی برای سنجش وضعیت اقتصادی خانوارهاست.

Fluctuations in the price of tomatoes in the produce market are a thermometer for measuring the economic status of households.

Metaphorical usage ('damasanj' - thermometer) to describe socio-economic phenomena.

در متون قدیمی، از گوجه به عنوان بادمجان ارمنی نیز یاد شده است که نشان از مسیر ورود آن دارد.

In old texts, the tomato is also referred to as the 'Armenian eggplant', which indicates its route of entry.

Passive voice 'yad shodeh ast' and referencing historical literature and etymology.

استفاده بی‌رویه از سموم دفع آفات در مزارع گوجه، نگرانی‌های زیست‌محیطی جدی به همراه دارد.

The excessive use of pesticides in tomato fields brings serious environmental concerns.

Advanced environmental vocabulary (somoom-e daf-e afat, zist-mohiti) and formal syntax.

طعم گس و ترش گوجه‌های کال، در تهیه برخی ترشیجات سنتی کاربرد بی‌بدیلی دارد.

The astringent and sour taste of unripe tomatoes has an irreplaceable application in the preparation of certain traditional pickles.

Highly descriptive adjectives (gas, torsh, kal) and formal phrasing (karbord-e bi-badil).

انحصار در بازار رب گوجه می‌تواند به ورشکستگی کشاورزان خرد منجر شود.

Monopoly in the tomato paste market can lead to the bankruptcy of small-scale farmers.

Economic terminology (enhesar, varshekastegi, keshavarzan-e khord) and causal structures.

رنگ سرخ گوجه در ادبیات معاصر گاهی به عنوان نمادی از طراوت و زندگی روزمره روستایی به کار می‌رود.

The red color of the tomato is sometimes used in contemporary literature as a symbol of freshness and everyday rural life.

Literary analysis vocabulary (namad, taravat, adabiyat-e moaser) and passive voice.

دگردیسی معنایی واژه گوجه از یک میوه بومی به یک صیفی وارداتی، نمونه‌ای بارز از پویایی زبان فارسی در مواجهه با پدیده‌های نوظهور است.

The semantic metamorphosis of the word 'gojeh' from a native fruit to an imported vegetable is a clear example of the dynamism of the Persian language in the face of emerging phenomena.

Highly academic linguistic terminology (degardisi-ye manayi, pooyayi, padideh-haye no-zohoor).

سیاست‌گذاری‌های کلان در حوزه تخصیص آب، مستقیماً بر آمایش سرزمینی کشت گوجه‌فرنگی در فلات مرکزی ایران تأثیر می‌گذارد.

Macro-level policymaking in the area of water allocation directly impacts the territorial planning of tomato cultivation in the central Iranian plateau.

Advanced geopolitical and agricultural terminology (siyasat-gozari-haye kalan, amayesh-e sarzamini).

در تحلیل‌های اقتصاد خرد، کشش قیمتی تقاضا برای رب گوجه به دلیل فقدان کالای جانشین مناسب، نسبتاً پایین ارزیابی می‌شود.

In microeconomic analyses, the price elasticity of demand for tomato paste is evaluated as relatively low due to the lack of a suitable substitute good.

Specialized microeconomic jargon (keshesh-e gheimati-ye taghaza, kalay-e janeshin).

ردپای اکولوژیک تولید صنعتی گوجه‌فرنگی، نیازمند بازنگری بنیادین در الگوهای مصرف و زنجیره تأمین است.

The ecological footprint of industrial tomato production requires a fundamental revision in consumption patterns and the supply chain.

Advanced environmental and logistical vocabulary (rad-e pay-e ekolojikh, zanjireh-ye tamin).

نویسنده با استفاده از استعاره «گوجه‌های پلاسیده»، به نقد زوال ارزش‌های اخلاقی در طبقه متوسط شهری می‌پردازد.

By using the metaphor of 'wilted tomatoes', the author critiques the decline of moral values in the urban middle class.

Literary criticism syntax (este'areh, naghd-e zaval, tabagheh-ye motevaset).

اصلاح ژنتیکی بذور گوجه برای مقاومت در برابر تنش‌های شوری، از دستاوردهای نوین بیوتکنولوژی کشاورزی در کشور محسوب می‌شود.

The genetic modification of tomato seeds for resistance against salinity stress is considered one of the modern achievements of agricultural biotechnology in the country.

Scientific and biotechnological terminology (eslah-e zhenetiki, tanesh-haye shoori).

هژمونی فرهنگی غذاهای مبتنی بر گوجه، ذائقه سنتی ایرانیان را که پیش‌تر بر پایه چاشنی‌های ترش بومی استوار بود، کاملاً دگرگون ساخته است.

The cultural hegemony of tomato-based foods has completely transformed the traditional Iranian palate, which was previously founded on native sour condiments.

Sociological and anthropological vocabulary (hezhmoni-ye farhangi, za'egheh-ye sonnati).

کارتل‌های توزیع در میدان بزرگ تره‌بار، با ایجاد حباب‌های قیمتی کاذب در بازار گوجه، سوداگری را به اوج رسانده‌اند.

Distribution cartels in the main produce market, by creating false price bubbles in the tomato market, have brought speculation to its peak.

Advanced economic and journalistic terminology (kartel-ha, hobab-haye gheimati-ye kazeb, soodagari).

Common Collocations

رب گوجه

سس گوجه

آب گوجه

سوپ گوجه

سالاد گوجه

گوجه خرد شده

گوجه گیلاسی

گوجه گلخانه‌ای

گوجه کباب شده

پوست گوجه

Common Phrases

یک کیلو گوجه

گوجه و خیار

املت گوجه

گوجه فرنگی رنده شده

قیمت گوجه

گوجه گندیده

چیدن گوجه

گوجه سرخ کرده

رب گوجه خانگی

گوجه به شرط چاقو

Often Confused With

گوجه vs گوجه سبز (Greengage/Green plum)

گوجه vs آلو (Plum - the original meaning)

گوجه vs رب (Paste - often used interchangeably in lazy speech)

Idioms & Expressions

"رنگش مثل گوجه سرخ شد"

"مثل رب گوجه"

"گوجه شدن"

"خونش مثل آب گوجه است"

"گوجه فرنگی پلاسیده"

"سالاد شیرازی بدون گوجه نمی‌شه"

"ربش را زیاد کن"

"بادمجان بم آفت ندارد (related vegetable idiom)"

"گوجه سر گل"

"گوجه فرنگی بازار"

Easily Confused

گوجه vs

Sentence Patterns

How to Use It

nuance

Can be used as an adjective for a bright red color (gojehi).

formality

Gojeh is standard and informal. Gojeh-farangi is formal.

Common Mistakes

Saying 'gojeh' when you mean 'gojeh sabz' (green plum).
Forgetting the 'ye' in the ezafe: saying 'gojeh ghermez' instead of 'gojeh-ye ghermez'.
Using 'gojeh farangi' in casual speech, which sounds unnatural.
Confusing 'rob-e gojeh' (paste) with 'sos-e gojeh' (ketchup).
Pronouncing a hard 'h' at the end of the word instead of a soft 'e' sound.

Tips

The Ezafe Rule

Always remember the 'ye' sound when describing a tomato. It's 'gojeh-ye taze', not 'gojeh taze'. This makes your Persian sound much more fluent. The silent 'h' demands this connection.

Paste vs. Fresh

Never confuse 'gojeh' with 'rob-e gojeh'. One is fresh, one is paste. Using the wrong one will ruin your Persian recipe. Always specify 'rob' when you need the canned paste.

Grilled Tomatoes

When you order Chelo Kebab, it comes with a grilled tomato. It's meant to be mashed into the rice. Don't eat it whole like an apple. Mash it with your fork to flavor the rice.

Drop the Farangi

Don't say 'gojeh farangi' in casual conversation. It sounds like you are reading from a textbook. Just say 'gojeh'. Save 'farangi' for your written essays.

Buying by the Kilo

In Iran, you rarely buy a single tomato. You buy them by the kilo. Learn to say 'yek kilo' or 'nim kilo' (half a kilo). The vendor will weigh them for you.

Northern Dialect

If you visit the Caspian Sea, learn the word 'pamador'. The locals will appreciate it. It's used in famous local dishes like Mirza Ghasemi. It shows you know the local culture.

Green Plums

If you see small green things in spring called 'gojeh sabz', they are sour plums. Do not try to cook an omelet with them! They are eaten raw with salt as a snack.

Tomato Red

You can use 'gojehi' to describe a color. If a car is bright red, it is 'gojehi'. It's a fun, descriptive way to talk about colors like a native speaker.

Salad Shirazi

To make the perfect Salad Shirazi, the tomatoes must be chopped very, very small (negin-i). Big chunks are considered bad form. Practice your chopping skills!

Market Shouts

In the bazaar, vendors slur their words. 'Gojeh mikhay?' (Do you want tomatoes?) might sound like 'Gojemikhay?'. Listen for the 'goj' sound to identify the tomato seller.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a 'GO' sign made of red 'JEH'lly (jelly) that looks exactly like a tomato. GO-JEH.

Word Origin

Persian

Cultural Context

Replaced traditional souring agents in the 19th century.

Tomato prices are a colloquial measure of inflation.

Essential for stews (khoresh), omelets, and salads.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Conversation Starters

"گوجه کیلویی چند است؟ (How much is a kilo of tomatoes?)"

"آیا در این غذا گوجه هست؟ (Is there tomato in this food?)"

"من گوجه کباب شده خیلی دوست دارم. (I really like grilled tomatoes.)"

"برای سالاد گوجه خریدید؟ (Did you buy tomatoes for the salad?)"

"رب گوجه تمام شده است. (The tomato paste is finished.)"

Journal Prompts

Write a shopping list in Persian that includes tomatoes and other vegetables.

Describe your favorite recipe that uses tomatoes.

Write about a time you went to a fruit and vegetable market.

Explain the difference between 'gojeh' and 'gojeh sabz'.

Describe the colors of the vegetables in your fridge.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Botanically, it is known as a fruit (meyveh). However, in everyday Persian language and culinary contexts, it is treated as a vegetable. It is categorized under 'seyfijat' (summer crops). You will find it in the vegetable section of the market. No Iranian would put a tomato in a fruit bowl.

'Gojeh farangi' is the full, formal name, meaning 'foreign plum'. 'Gojeh' is the shortened, everyday version. In spoken Persian, everyone just says 'gojeh'. You only use 'gojeh farangi' in formal writing, botanical contexts, or official news. They refer to the exact same red tomato.

You must ask for 'rob-e gojeh' (رب گوجه). If you just ask for 'gojeh', they will give you fresh tomatoes. Sometimes people just say 'rob', but 'rob-e gojeh' is the most accurate. It is sold in cans or glass jars in every supermarket.

It literally translates to 'green tomato' or 'green plum'. In Iran, it specifically refers to a sour, unripe green plum (greengage) that is a very popular spring snack. It is eaten raw with salt. It is NOT an unripe red tomato.

The word ends in a silent 'h' (ه). The final sound is a short 'e' sound, like the 'e' in 'bed'. It is pronounced go-jeh. Do not pronounce a hard 'h' sound at the end.

Because it ends in a silent 'h', you must use the 'ye' (ی) sound for the ezafe. For example, 'red tomato' is 'gojeh-ye ghermez' (گوجه‌ی قرمز). In writing, you add the letter 'ی' or a small hamza over the 'ه'.

'Pamador' is a regional word for tomato used in the northern provinces of Iran, like Gilan and Mazandaran. It comes from the Russian word, which came from Italian. If you travel north, you will hear this instead of 'gojeh'. It means the exact same thing.

Yes, very commonly! The 'Omelet Irani' is a famous breakfast dish made by frying chopped tomatoes or tomato paste and then scrambling eggs into it. Sliced raw tomatoes are also often served with bread, feta cheese (panir), and walnuts for breakfast.

Ketchup is called 'sos-e gojeh' (سس گوجه), which literally means tomato sauce. If you are at a fast-food restaurant ordering a pizza or sandwich, you ask for 'sos-e gojeh'. Do not ask for 'rob', as that is cooking paste.

The price fluctuates based on the season and the economy. Historically, they are cheap and abundant. However, sudden spikes in the price of 'gojeh' are often used by people as a talking point to complain about inflation and the cost of living.