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A1 noun #1,000 most common 16 min read

خبر

Top 1,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips خبر in 30 Seconds

Explanation خبر in your Level:

At the A1 beginner level, the word 'خبر' (khabar) is introduced primarily as a core vocabulary item for basic social interactions and simple greetings. The most critical phrase for an A1 learner to master is 'چه خبر؟' (Che khabar?), which translates to 'What's up?' or 'What is the news?'. This phrase is used universally in informal settings to greet friends and ask how they are doing. A1 learners are taught to recognize this greeting and respond with simple, standard phrases such as 'سلامتی' (health/all is well) or 'خبری نیست' (there is no news/nothing much). At this stage, learners also begin to understand 'خبر' as a simple noun meaning 'news' in a literal sense. They might learn to say 'خبر خوب' (good news) or 'خبر بد' (bad news) to express basic emotions regarding an event. The grammar at this level is kept very simple. Learners are introduced to the verb 'داشتن' (to have) in conjunction with 'خبر', allowing them to form basic sentences like 'من خبر دارم' (I have news/I know) or 'من خبر ندارم' (I don't have news/I don't know). They are also taught that unlike in English, 'خبر' is countable, so they can say 'یک خبر' (one piece of news). The focus is entirely on practical, everyday communication, ensuring the learner can participate in basic introductory conversations and express simple states of awareness. Vocabulary lists at this level will pair 'خبر' with basic adjectives and simple verbs to build confidence in daily, repetitive interactions.

At the A2 elementary level, learners expand their use of 'خبر' (khabar) beyond simple greetings and begin incorporating it into more complex sentence structures involving past and future tenses. They are introduced to the essential compound verb 'خبر دادن' (to inform/to give news). This requires learning the prepositional rule that 'خبر دادن' must be followed by 'به' (to) to indicate the recipient of the news. For example, learners practice sentences like 'دیروز به دوستم خبر دادم' (Yesterday I informed my friend) or 'فردا به شما خبر می‌دهم' (Tomorrow I will let you know). This ability to discuss the transfer of information across different timeframes is a major milestone at the A2 level. Additionally, learners start to encounter the plural form 'اخبار' (akhbaar) in the context of media and daily routines. They learn to say 'من اخبار گوش می‌دهم' (I listen to the news) or 'اخبار تلویزیون' (television news), distinguishing between the singular informal 'خبر' and the plural formal 'اخبار'. The concept of asking for specific news using the preposition 'از' (from/about) is also introduced, allowing learners to ask 'از خانواده چه خبر؟' (What's the news from the family?). At this stage, the vocabulary surrounding 'خبر' grows to include related words like 'پیام' (message) and 'روزنامه' (newspaper). The goal at the A2 level is to enable learners to actively share and request information about specific events, plans, and people, making their conversational skills much more dynamic and practical for everyday life and travel.

At the B1 intermediate level, the usage of 'خبر' (khabar) becomes significantly more nuanced and integrated into broader conversational and narrative contexts. Learners are expected to comfortably use a variety of compound verbs related to 'خبر', such as 'باخبر شدن' (to become informed), 'بی‌خبر بودن' (to be unaware), and 'خبردار کردن' (to alert/notify). The grammar becomes more complex, involving subordinate clauses and conjunctions. For example, a B1 learner should be able to construct sentences like 'وقتی از این موضوع باخبر شدم، خیلی ناراحت شدم' (When I became informed of this matter, I became very sad). At this level, learners also begin to explore the cultural and idiomatic uses of the word. They learn phrases like 'خوش‌خبر باشی' (may you bring good news) and understand the social importance of 'خبر گرفتن' (checking in on someone's well-being). The distinction between 'خبر' and its synonyms like 'اطلاع' (information) and 'گزارش' (report) is explicitly taught, allowing learners to choose the appropriate word based on the formality of the situation. In reading and listening exercises, B1 students encounter 'خبر' in short news articles, podcasts, and stories, requiring them to extract main ideas and specific details. They practice summarizing news they have heard or read, saying things like 'در اخبار شنیدم که...' (I heard in the news that...). The focus shifts from merely exchanging pleasantries to actively discussing current events, personal narratives, and abstract concepts of awareness and ignorance.

At the B2 upper-intermediate level, learners are expected to handle 'خبر' (khabar) with a high degree of fluency, accuracy, and stylistic awareness. The focus shifts heavily toward formal, journalistic, and professional applications of the word. Learners delve into the vocabulary of the news industry, mastering terms such as 'خبرنگار' (journalist), 'خبرگزاری' (news agency), 'خبر فوری' (breaking news), and 'تیتر اخبار' (news headlines). They are trained to read authentic Persian newspapers and watch live news broadcasts, understanding complex political, economic, and social reports. Grammatically, B2 learners practice passive voice constructions frequently used in media, such as 'خبر داده شد که...' (It was announced that...) or 'گزارش‌ها حاکی از این خبر است' (Reports indicate this news). They also learn to express doubt, certainty, and opinion regarding news, using phrases like 'به نظر می‌رسد این خبر موثق نباشد' (It seems this news is not reliable) or 'این خبر شایعه‌ای بیش نیست' (This news is nothing more than a rumor). The ability to debate the validity of information and discuss media bias becomes a key component of their language practice. Furthermore, B2 learners refine their use of advanced idioms and expressions containing 'خبر', such as 'از دنیا بی‌خبر' (oblivious to the world). By the end of the B2 level, students can seamlessly transition between the highly informal 'چه خبر' of street slang and the sophisticated 'اخبار موثق' of academic and professional discourse, demonstrating a comprehensive grasp of the word's sociolinguistic dimensions.

At the C1 advanced level, the mastery of 'خبر' (khabar) involves a deep understanding of its subtle connotations, literary applications, and complex idiomatic usage. C1 learners engage with authentic, unsimplified Persian texts, including classic literature, modern poetry, editorial columns, and academic papers, where 'خبر' is often used metaphorically to represent spiritual awakening, existential awareness, or profound realization. They encounter the word in the poetry of Hafez and Rumi, understanding the contrast between the 'باخبر' (the spiritually enlightened) and the 'بی‌خبر' (the ignorant). In contemporary contexts, C1 learners can effortlessly navigate high-level political and social commentary, discussing the implications of 'اخبار جعلی' (fake news), 'سانسور خبری' (news censorship), and 'جنگ روانی' (psychological warfare) in the media. They possess the vocabulary to critique the tone and bias of a 'خبرگزاری' (news agency) and can articulate complex arguments about freedom of information. Grammatically, they use sophisticated structures to embed 'خبر' into long, persuasive arguments, employing advanced conjunctions and rhetorical devices. They also master highly specific and less common compound verbs and derived nouns, such as 'خبرچین' (informant/snitch) or 'خبررسانی' (information dissemination). At this level, the learner's use of 'خبر' is virtually indistinguishable from that of an educated native speaker, characterized by precision, cultural depth, and an intuitive grasp of register, allowing them to use the word effectively in diplomacy, advanced academia, or professional journalism.

At the C2 mastery level, the learner's command of 'خبر' (khabar) is absolute, encompassing its entire etymological, historical, and philosophical spectrum. C2 users do not just use the word correctly; they understand its roots in the Arabic language (خ ب ر) and how its morphological derivations have shaped Persian epistemology. They can engage in profound philosophical or theological discussions regarding the nature of 'خبر' (divine revelation or absolute truth) versus 'نظر' (opinion or human perspective) in classical Islamic and Persian thought. In literary analysis, they can dissect how different poets utilize 'خبر' to convey the ineffable nature of love or the divine, recognizing subtle intertextual references. In modern discourse, a C2 speaker can deconstruct the sociolinguistic impact of 'خبر' in the digital age, analyzing how social media algorithms manipulate 'اخبار' to shape public consciousness. They are capable of writing publishable articles, delivering keynote speeches, or conducting high-level negotiations where the precise control of information ('خبر') is paramount. They effortlessly invent or adapt metaphors involving 'خبر' to suit unique conversational needs, demonstrating a creative and fluid mastery of the language. At this pinnacle of proficiency, 'خبر' is no longer just a vocabulary word to be translated; it is a complex conceptual tool used to navigate and articulate the deepest layers of Persian culture, literature, and human interaction.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

خبر in 30 Seconds

Means 'news' or 'information'.
Used in the greeting 'چه خبر؟' (What's up?).
Countable in Persian (e.g., 'یک خبر' = one piece of news).
Combines with verbs like 'دادن' (to give) to mean 'to inform'.

The Persian word 'خبر' (khabar) is an incredibly versatile and essential noun that forms the bedrock of daily communication, social interaction, and media consumption in the Persian-speaking world. At its most fundamental level, it translates to 'news', 'information', 'report', or 'notice'. However, its application extends far beyond simply referring to the evening news broadcast. When you first embark on your journey of learning Persian, 'خبر' is frequently encountered in the ubiquitous and friendly greeting 'چه خبر؟' (Che khabar?). This phrase literally translates to 'What news?' but functions exactly like 'What's up?', 'How are things?', or 'What is going on?' in English. This simple yet profound phrase encapsulates the deep cultural importance of staying informed about the lives, health, and daily activities of friends, family members, and colleagues. The word originates from the Arabic root (خ ب ر), where it carries a very similar meaning, and it has been seamlessly and deeply integrated into the Persian vocabulary for many centuries.

Everyday Usage: In daily conversations, people use this word to share personal updates, announce significant life events, or simply pass on interesting tidbits of information they have recently heard from others.

سلام، از علی چه خبر؟

The plural form of the word, 'اخبار' (akhbaar), is typically used when referring to the formal news broadcast on television, radio, or official news websites, whereas the singular 'خبر' is much more common for individual pieces of news, informal updates, or singular announcements. Understanding how to use 'خبر' effectively requires familiarizing oneself with its common compound verbs, which are the backbone of Persian verb formation. Verbs such as 'خبر دادن' (to inform / to give news) and 'خبر داشتن' (to have news / to know) are absolutely essential for expressing awareness or conveying information to others in both formal and informal settings.

Compound Verbs: Persian relies heavily on compound verbs. By combining 'خبر' with verbs like 'دادن' (to give) or 'گرفتن' (to take), you create entirely new meanings related to information exchange.

من به شما خبر می‌دهم.

For instance, if you want to tell someone that you will let them know about a specific plan or decision later, you would confidently say 'به شما خبر می‌دهم' (I will give you news / I will let you know). Conversely, if you are completely unaware of a situation or event, you might simply say 'من خبر ندارم' (I have no news / I don't know).

او هیچ خبر ندارد.

The cultural nuance of 'خبر' also touches upon the profound concept of community, family ties, and interconnectedness in Iranian society. Being 'باخبر' (informed / aware) of the well-being, struggles, and successes of your neighbors, relatives, and colleagues is considered a highly valued social virtue.

Social Virtue: In Persian culture, staying informed about your loved ones is not just polite; it is an expectation that demonstrates care, respect, and strong familial bonds.

On the other hand, being 'بی‌خبر' (unaware / out of touch) can sometimes be seen as a sign of neglect, isolation, or a lack of care for those around you. Furthermore, the word appears in numerous beautiful proverbs and idioms, enriching the Persian language with deep layers of meaning and historical context. For example, 'خوش‌خبر باشی' is a wonderful and heartwarming phrase used when someone brings good news, expressing a sincere wish that they always be a bearer of positive and joyful tidings.

همیشه خوش خبر باشی عزیزم.

In journalistic and formal contexts, 'خبر' takes on a much more serious and professional tone. Terms like 'خبرنگار' (journalist / reporter), 'خبرگزاری' (news agency), and 'خبر فوری' (breaking news) are standard, everyday vocabulary for anyone reading Persian newspapers, browsing news websites, or watching news channels on television.

این یک خبر بسیار مهم است.

The clear distinction between formal and informal usage is absolutely crucial for learners; while you might casually and warmly ask a close friend 'دیگه چه خبر؟' (What else is new?), you would certainly expect a professional news anchor to begin a formal television broadcast with a phrase like 'به اخبار امروز توجه فرمایید' (Please pay attention to today's news). The incredible versatility of 'خبر' makes it an indispensable and foundational word for learners at all levels of proficiency. From the most basic daily greetings to highly complex discussions about current global events, mastering this word and its extensive list of associated collocations will significantly and noticeably enhance your ability to navigate both everyday social interactions and formal academic or professional discourse in the Persian language. As you continue to study and practice, pay close attention to the subtle, nuanced ways native speakers employ 'خبر' to build rapport, show empathy, and stay deeply connected with the vibrant world around them.

Understanding how to construct sentences with the word 'خبر' (khabar) is a fundamental step in mastering conversational and formal Persian. Because 'خبر' is a noun, it can function as the subject, object, or part of a prepositional phrase within a sentence. However, its most frequent and arguably most important usage comes from its role in compound verbs. Persian is famous for its extensive use of compound verbs, where a noun or adjective is paired with a light verb to create a new verbal meaning.

Subject Usage: When used as the subject of a sentence, 'خبر' usually refers to a specific piece of information that is performing an action or being described by an adjective.

این خبر همه را خوشحال کرد.

For example, in the sentence 'این خبر بسیار مهم است' (This news is very important), the word acts as a simple subject modified by an adjective. When used as an object, it receives the action of the verb, as seen in 'من یک خبر خوب شنیدم' (I heard a good piece of news). The true power of 'خبر', however, lies in its compound verbs. The most common of these is 'خبر دادن' (to inform / to give news). This verb requires a specific prepositional structure to indicate who is being informed. You must use the preposition 'به' (to) before the person receiving the news.

Prepositional Rules: Always remember that 'خبر دادن' takes the preposition 'به' (to) for the recipient, while 'خبر داشتن' takes the preposition 'از' (from/about) for the topic.

من به مادرم خبر دادم.

For instance, 'من به دوستم خبر دادم' translates to 'I informed my friend' or 'I gave the news to my friend'. Another vital compound verb is 'خبر داشتن' (to have news / to know / to be aware). When you want to say you know about something, you use the preposition 'از' (from/about). Therefore, 'من از این موضوع خبر دارم' means 'I am aware of this matter' or 'I have news about this matter'.

آیا از امتحان فردا خبر داری؟

If you want to express the negative, you simply negate the light verb: 'من خبر ندارم' (I don't know / I have no news). Additionally, the verb 'خبر کردن' (to notify / to call upon) is frequently used when you need to summon someone or alert them to a situation, such as 'پلیس را خبر کنید' (Call the police / Notify the police). Beyond these verbs, 'خبر' is heavily utilized in interrogative sentences, most notably in the greeting 'چه خبر؟' (What's up?). This can be expanded into more specific questions like 'از خانواده چه خبر؟' (What's the news from the family? / How is the family?) or 'در دانشگاه چه خبر است؟' (What is going on at the university?).

Interrogative Expansion: You can add locations, people, or times after 'از' to ask for specific updates, making 'چه خبر' a highly adaptable conversational tool.

از تهران چه خبر؟

When responding to 'چه خبر؟', native speakers often use the phrase 'سلامتی' (health/safety), which implies that everything is fine and there is no bad news to report. Alternatively, one might say 'خبری نیست' (There is no news / Nothing much is happening), which is the perfect equivalent to the English response 'Not much'.

هیچ خبر خاصی نیست.

In written and formal Persian, you will encounter passive constructions such as 'خبر داده شد' (It was announced / The news was given). This is highly prevalent in journalism and official government press releases. Mastering these various sentence structures—from the casual 'چه خبر' to the formal 'خبر داده شد'—will provide you with a comprehensive framework for discussing information, events, and personal updates in any Persian-speaking environment. By practicing these patterns repeatedly, you will develop a natural intuition for when and how to deploy 'خبر' in your daily conversations, ensuring your Persian sounds authentic, fluent, and culturally appropriate.

The word 'خبر' (khabar) is absolutely ubiquitous in the Persian-speaking world, echoing through bustling bazaars, quiet family living rooms, modern corporate offices, and the digital landscapes of social media. It is a word that transcends social class, age, and formal boundaries, making it one of the most frequently heard terms in the entire language. If you were to walk down a street in Tehran, Kabul, or Dushanbe, it would not take long before you heard someone using this word.

Daily Greetings: The most common place you will hear 'خبر' is at the very beginning of almost every informal conversation, serving as the ultimate icebreaker.

به به، چه خبر رفیق؟

The phrase 'چه خبر؟' (What's up?) is the standard informal greeting among friends, family members, and acquaintances. It is often repeated multiple times in a single greeting exchange, sometimes strung together with other pleasantries like 'خوبی؟ چه خبر؟ دیگه چه خبر؟' (Are you well? What's up? What else is up?). This rhythmic repetition of checking in is a hallmark of Persian hospitality and warmth. Beyond casual greetings, you will hear 'خبر' extensively in workplace environments. Colleagues use it to update each other on project statuses, meeting outcomes, or company announcements.

از رئیس چه خبر؟

Phrases like 'خبر جدیدی داری؟' (Do you have any new information?) or 'به من خبر بده' (Let me know) are essential components of professional communication. In the realm of media and journalism, the word is naturally omnipresent.

Media and Broadcasting: Every television channel, radio station, and news website relies heavily on the word 'خبر' and its derivatives to categorize and present information to the public.

این خبر در تلویزیون پخش شد.

When you turn on a Persian television channel, you will likely see banners reading 'خبر فوری' (Breaking News) or hear the anchor announce 'مشروح اخبار' (Detailed News). The plural form 'اخبار' is specifically reserved for these formal broadcasts. Furthermore, in the digital age, social media platforms like Instagram, Telegram, and Twitter are flooded with the word 'خبر'. Users share posts with captions like 'خبر بد' (Bad news) or 'خبر خوش' (Good news) to alert their followers to personal milestones or global events. You will also hear 'خبر' in dramatic or emotional contexts. When someone is waiting anxiously for a phone call from a hospital or a university admissions office, they might say 'منتظر خبر هستم' (I am waiting for news).

هنوز هیچ خبری نشده است.

In literature and poetry, classical and modern alike, 'خبر' is used to explore themes of awareness, spiritual awakening, and the human desire for connection.

Literary Contexts: Poets like Hafez and Rumi frequently use 'خبر' to contrast the enlightened state of the mystic with the ignorance of the uninitiated.

بی خبران را چه خبر از حال ما؟

Whether you are gossiping with a neighbor over a cup of hot black tea, negotiating a business deal in a formal meeting, reading a classical poem, or scrolling through your smartphone for the latest global updates, the word 'خبر' is an inescapable and vital part of the Persian linguistic experience. It is a word that connects people, bridges gaps in knowledge, and facilitates the endless flow of human interaction.

When learning the Persian word 'خبر' (khabar), English speakers and other non-native learners often encounter a few specific pitfalls due to structural differences between Persian and their native languages. One of the most prevalent and noticeable mistakes involves the countability of the word. In English, the word 'news' is strictly uncountable; you cannot say 'one news' or 'two newses'. You must say 'a piece of news'. However, in Persian, 'خبر' is a perfectly countable noun.

Countability Error: Learners often hesitate to use numbers or plural markers with 'خبر', mistakenly treating it as uncountable like its English counterpart.

من دو خبر مهم برایت دارم.

It is entirely correct and natural to say 'یک خبر' (one news / a piece of news) or 'دو خبر' (two news / two pieces of news). Failing to recognize this can lead to awkward phrasing. Another major area of confusion revolves around the choice of prepositions when using compound verbs associated with 'خبر'. A common mistake is saying 'من از او خبر دادم' when trying to say 'I informed him'. The correct phrasing must be 'من به او خبر دادم' (I gave news to him). Conversely, if you want to say 'I have news about him', you must say 'من از او خبر دارم'. Mixing up 'به' and 'از' completely changes the meaning of the sentence and can cause significant confusion in conversation.

لطفاً به من خبر بده.

Furthermore, learners often confuse the singular 'خبر' with its Arabic broken plural 'اخبار' (akhbaar). While both translate to 'news', they are used in different contexts.

Singular vs Plural: Using 'اخبار' in a casual conversation to refer to a single update is overly formal and incorrect, just as using 'خبر' to refer to the 8 PM television broadcast is slightly unnatural.

من هر شب اخبار تماشا می‌کنم.

You should use 'اخبار' exclusively for formal news media, bulletins, or a collection of reports. For personal updates, always stick to 'خبر'. Another subtle mistake occurs when responding to the greeting 'چه خبر؟'. English speakers might be tempted to translate 'Nothing' literally and say 'هیچ چیز' (hich chiz). While grammatically understandable, it sounds highly unnatural to a native Persian speaker. Finally, learners sometimes misuse the verb 'خبر کردن' (to notify / to call upon). They might use it when they simply mean to inform someone casually. However, 'خبر کردن' carries a sense of urgency or summoning.

سریع دکتر را خبر کنید.

If you just want to tell your friend what time you are arriving, use 'خبر دادن'. If someone has collapsed and you need a doctor immediately, you use 'خبر کردن'.

Verb Nuance: Pay close attention to the severity and formality of the situation when choosing between 'خبر دادن' (casual informing) and 'خبر کردن' (urgent summoning).

من رسیدم به تو خبر می‌دهم.

By being acutely aware of these common pitfalls—countability, prepositional pairings, singular versus plural usage, natural conversational responses, and verb nuances—you can significantly refine your Persian and avoid the typical errors that mark someone as a beginner. Practice these distinctions carefully, and your use of 'خبر' will soon become as natural and effortless as that of a native speaker.

While 'خبر' (khabar) is the most common and versatile word for 'news' or 'information' in Persian, the language boasts a rich vocabulary of synonyms and related terms that can add nuance, formality, or specific shades of meaning to your speech and writing. Understanding these alternatives is crucial for advancing beyond basic proficiency and developing a more sophisticated command of Persian.

Formal Information: One of the most important alternatives is 'اطلاع' (ettelaa'), which translates more closely to 'information' or 'awareness' in a formal or official context.

برای اطلاع بیشتر تماس بگیرید.

While you might use 'خبر' to tell a friend about a new restaurant, a government document or a corporate website would use 'اطلاع' or its plural 'اطلاعات' (ettelaa'aat - data/information) to refer to official details. Another excellent alternative is 'پیام' (payaam), which means 'message'. If you are referring to a formal report, especially in an academic, journalistic, or business setting, the word 'گزارش' (gozaaresh) is highly appropriate. A journalist might gather 'خبر' (news), but they will ultimately write a 'گزارش' (report) to present to the public.

این گزارش بسیار دقیق است.

In the realm of good news, Persian has beautiful, poetic alternatives. Words like 'مژده' (mozhdeh) and 'نوید' (navid) specifically mean 'good news' or 'glad tidings'.

Glad Tidings: When someone has passed an important exam, had a baby, or gotten married, they might announce it by saying 'مژده بده!' (Give me a reward for good news!), which is a culturally rich way of sharing joyous updates.

یک مژده برای شما دارم.

On the negative side, if the news is unverified or potentially false, you would use the word 'شایعه' (shaaye'eh), which means 'rumor'. It is important to distinguish between a verified 'خبر' and a mere 'شایعه' in conversation to avoid spreading misinformation. For abstract awareness or consciousness, the word 'آگاهی' (aagaahi) is often used. While 'خبر' deals with specific facts or events, 'آگاهی' deals with a broader state of knowledge or enlightenment.

سطح آگاهی مردم بالا رفته است.

Summary of Alternatives: Use 'اطلاع' for formal data, 'پیام' for direct messages, 'گزارش' for detailed reports, 'مژده' for joyous announcements, 'شایعه' for unverified rumors, and 'آگاهی' for general awareness.

این فقط یک شایعه است، باور نکن.

By carefully selecting the right alternative to 'خبر' based on the specific context, tone, and intent of your message, you will demonstrate a deep and impressive mastery of Persian vocabulary, allowing you to communicate with precision, elegance, and cultural authenticity in any situation.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"اخبار سراسری در ساعت چهارده پخش خواهد شد."

Neutral

"من یک خبر مهم برای شما دارم."

Informal

"چه خبر رفیق؟ کم پیدایی!"

Child friendly

"مامان، یک خبر خوب! من تو بازی برنده شدم."

Slang

"هیچ خبری نیست بابا، همه چی امن و امانه."

Fun Fact

Because 'خبر' comes from an Arabic root, it forms its formal plural using the Arabic 'broken plural' pattern, becoming 'اخبار' (akhbaar). However, in modern Persian, you can also use the standard Persian plural suffix and say 'خبرها' (khabar-haa), which is very common in everyday speech.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /xæˈbær/

US /xæˈbær/

The stress falls on the second syllable: kha-BAR.

Rhymes With

تبر (tabar - axe) سپر (separ - shield) پدر (pedar - father) پسر (pesar - boy/son) خطر (khatar - danger) اثر (asar - effect) سفر (safar - journey) ثمر (samar - fruit/result)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'خ' (kh) as a hard 'k' (like in 'kite'). It must be a fricative sound from the back of the throat.
Pronouncing the vowels as long 'ah' sounds (like in 'father'). They should be short 'æ' sounds (like in 'cat').
Placing the stress on the first syllable (KHA-bar). It should be on the second (kha-BAR).
Adding a 'w' sound after the 'kh' (khwa-bar). Keep the transition to the vowel clean.
Softening the 'r' at the end too much. The Persian 'r' is slightly rolled or tapped.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

Very easy to read. Only three letters (خ-ب-ر) and highly recognizable.

Writing 1/5

Simple to write, connects easily in Persian script.

Speaking 2/5

The 'kh' (خ) sound can be slightly challenging for English speakers to pronounce naturally.

Listening 1/5

Very distinct sound and frequently used, making it easy to pick out in conversation.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

سلام (hello) خوب (good) بد (bad) داشتن (to have) دادن (to give)

Learn Next

اخبار (news/plural) روزنامه (newspaper) تلویزیون (television) پیام (message) گزارش (report)

Advanced

مخابره (transmission) سانسور (censorship) شایعه (rumor) خبرگزاری (news agency) تیتر (headline)

Grammar to Know

Compound Verbs with Nouns

خبر (noun) + دادن (light verb) = خبر دادن (to inform).

Prepositions with Specific Verbs

خبر دادن requires 'به' (to). Example: به او خبر دادم (I informed him).

Countability of Nouns

Unlike English 'news', 'خبر' is countable. Example: دو خبر مهم (two important pieces of news).

Arabic Broken Plurals in Persian

The plural of خبر is اخبار, following the Arabic af'aal pattern.

Interrogative Pronouns

چه (what) + خبر (news) = چه خبر؟ (What's up?).

Examples by Level

سلام، چه خبر؟

Hello, what's up?

'چه خبر' is the most common informal greeting, literally meaning 'what news'.

من یک خبر خوب دارم.

I have a good piece of news.

'خبر' is countable in Persian, so 'یک خبر' (one news) is correct.

خبر بد این است که باران می‌آید.

The bad news is that it is raining.

Adjectives follow the noun: 'خبر بد' (news bad).

من خبر ندارم.

I don't know / I have no news.

Using the negative form of 'داشتن' (to have) to express lack of knowledge.

از علی چه خبر؟

What's the news from Ali? / How is Ali?

Using 'از' (from) to ask about a specific person.

هیچ خبری نیست.

There is no news / Nothing much.

A standard response to 'چه خبر؟'.

این خبر مهم است.

This news is important.

Simple subject-adjective sentence structure.

مادر خبر دارد.

Mother knows / Mother has the news.

Third-person singular conjugation of 'داشتن' with 'خبر'.

من دیروز به او خبر دادم.

I informed him yesterday.

'خبر دادن' (to inform) takes the preposition 'به' (to).

فردا به شما خبر می‌دهم.

I will let you know tomorrow.

Future intent expressed with the present stem of 'دادن'.

پدرم اخبار گوش می‌دهد.

My father listens to the news.

'اخبار' is the plural form, used for formal news broadcasts.

آیا از امتحان خبر داری؟

Do you know about the exam?

'خبر داشتن' takes the preposition 'از' (about/from).

این خبر در روزنامه بود.

This news was in the newspaper.

Using 'خبر' in a simple past tense locative sentence.

ما منتظر خبر هستیم.

We are waiting for news.

'منتظر خبر بودن' means to be awaiting information.

او با یک خبر جالب آمد.

He came with interesting news.

Using 'خبر' with the preposition 'با' (with).

سریع پلیس را خبر کن.

Call the police quickly.

'خبر کردن' means to summon or notify urgently.

وقتی از این موضوع باخبر شدم، تعجب کردم.

When I found out about this matter, I was surprised.

'باخبر شدن' is a compound verb meaning 'to become informed'.

لطفاً مرا از وضعیت او بی‌خبر نگذار.

Please don't leave me unaware of his condition.

'بی‌خبر گذاشتن' means to keep someone in the dark.

خبرنگار در حال تهیه گزارش است.

The journalist is preparing a report.

'خبرنگار' (journalist) is a key derivative of 'خبر'.

این خبر به سرعت در شهر پخش شد.

This news spread quickly in the city.

'پخش شدن' is used for news spreading or being broadcast.

امیدوارم همیشه خوش‌خبر باشی.

I hope you always bring good news.

'خوش‌خبر' is a compound adjective meaning 'bringer of good news'.

او از همه‌جا بی‌خبر است.

He is completely oblivious (unaware of everywhere).

An idiomatic expression meaning someone is totally clueless.

من از طریق اینترنت اخبار را دنبال می‌کنم.

I follow the news via the internet.

'دنبال کردن اخبار' means to follow the news.

آیا خبر جدیدی به دست شما رسیده است؟

Has any new information reached you?

'به دست رسیدن' is a formal way to say 'to receive'.

خبرگزاری‌ها این خبر را تایید کرده‌اند.

News agencies have confirmed this news.

'خبرگزاری' means news agency; 'تایید کردن' means to confirm.

در اخبار دیشب اعلام شد که مدارس تعطیل است.

It was announced in last night's news that schools are closed.

Passive construction 'اعلام شد' (it was announced) is common in news.

این خبر صرفاً یک شایعه بی‌اساس است.

This news is merely a baseless rumor.

Contrasting 'خبر' with 'شایعه' (rumor) for critical analysis.

ما باید منبع این خبر را بررسی کنیم.

We must investigate the source of this news.

'منبع خبر' refers to the source of the information.

تیتر اخبار امروز بسیار نگران‌کننده بود.

Today's news headlines were very concerning.

'تیتر اخبار' means news headlines.

او به عنوان خبرنگار آزاد کار می‌کند.

He works as a freelance journalist.

'خبرنگار آزاد' translates to freelance journalist.

پخش این خبر در رسانه‌ها بازتاب گسترده‌ای داشت.

The broadcast of this news had a widespread reflection in the media.

'بازتاب گسترده' means widespread reaction or reflection.

دولت سعی کرد از انتشار این خبر جلوگیری کند.

The government tried to prevent the publication of this news.

'انتشار خبر' means the publication or spreading of news.

اخبار ضد و نقیض درباره این حادثه افکار عمومی را مشوش کرده است.

Contradictory news about this incident has confused public opinion.

'اخبار ضد و نقیض' means contradictory news.

رسالت یک خبرگزاری معتبر، انتقال بی‌طرفانه اخبار است.

The mission of a reputable news agency is the impartial transmission of news.

Advanced vocabulary: 'رسالت' (mission), 'بی‌طرفانه' (impartial).

او با یک خبرسازی دروغین سعی در تخریب رقیب داشت.

He tried to destroy his rival through false news fabrication.

'خبرسازی' refers to the fabrication or spinning of news.

در عصر ارتباطات، سانسور خبری عملاً غیرممکن شده است.

In the age of communication, news censorship has become practically impossible.

'سانسور خبری' means news censorship.

این خبر همچون بمبی در محافل سیاسی صدا کرد.

This news exploded like a bomb in political circles.

A common journalistic metaphor for highly impactful news.

آنان که از حقیقت باخبرند، غالباً مهر سکوت بر لب می‌زنند.

Those who are aware of the truth often seal their lips with silence.

Literary usage of 'باخبر' (aware/enlightened).

بایکوت خبری این رویداد نشان‌دهنده اهمیت استراتژیک آن است.

The news boycott of this event indicates its strategic importance.

'بایکوت خبری' refers to a media blackout or news boycott.

تحلیلگران در حال ارزیابی پیامدهای این خبر غیرمنتظره هستند.

Analysts are evaluating the consequences of this unexpected news.

'خبر غیرمنتظره' means unexpected news.

در ادبیات عرفانی، خبر نمادی از آگاهی الهی در برابر بی‌خبری دنیوی است.

In mystical literature, 'khabar' is a symbol of divine awareness versus worldly ignorance.

Philosophical and literary analysis of the word's deeper meaning.

هژمونی رسانه‌ای با بمباران خبری، قدرت تفکر انتقادی را از مخاطب سلب می‌کند.

Media hegemony, through news bombardment, strips the audience of critical thinking power.

Academic sociological discourse using 'بمباران خبری' (news bombardment).

حافظ می‌فرماید: «بی‌خبران را چه خبر از حال ما؟»، که اشاره به تقابل عارف و عامی دارد.

Hafez says: 'What news do the ignorant have of our state?', which refers to the contrast between the mystic and the layman.

Quoting and analyzing classical Persian poetry.

ارزش خبری این رویداد بر اساس معیارهای دربرگیری و مجاورت سنجیده می‌شود.

The news value of this event is measured based on the criteria of impact and proximity.

Using specialized academic journalism terminology ('ارزش خبری').

پروپاگاندا با تحریف اخبار، روایتی جعلی از تاریخ معاصر می‌سازد.

Propaganda, by distorting the news, constructs a fake narrative of contemporary history.

High-level political science vocabulary ('تحریف اخبار' - distortion of news).

خبرچینان دربار، کوچکترین تحرکات مخالفان را به گوش پادشاه می‌رساندند.

The court informants would bring the slightest movements of the opposition to the king's ears.

Historical context using 'خبرچین' (informant/spy).

در پارادایم پست‌مدرن، مرز میان خبر عینی و تفسیر ذهنی کاملاً مخدوش شده است.

In the postmodern paradigm, the boundary between objective news and subjective interpretation has been completely blurred.

Philosophical and media theory discourse.

اطلاع‌رسانی شفاف و جریان آزاد اخبار، پیش‌شرط توسعه سیاسی در جوامع در حال گذار است.

Transparent information dissemination and the free flow of news are prerequisites for political development in transitional societies.

Advanced political and sociological phrasing ('جریان آزاد اخبار').

Common Collocations

خبر مهم

خبر بد

خبر خوب

خبر فوری

آژانس خبری

بخش خبری

خبر دروغ

خبرنگار

خبر دادن

بی‌خبر

Common Phrases

چه خبر؟

— What's up? / What is the news? Used as a standard informal greeting.

سلام رفیق، چه خبر؟

دیگه چه خبر؟

— What else is new? Used to keep a conversation going after the initial greeting.

خوبی؟ خانواده خوبن؟ دیگه چه خبر؟

خبری نیست.

— Nothing much / There is no news. The standard response to 'چه خبر؟'.

سلامتی، هیچ خبری نیست.

از ... چه خبر؟

— What's the news from/about [someone/something]? Used to ask for specific updates.

از برادرت چه خبر؟

خبر داری که...

— Did you know that... / Have you heard the news that...

خبر داری که علی ازدواج کرده؟

منتظر خبر باش.

— Wait for news / I will let you know.

من بررسی می‌کنم، منتظر خبر باش.

بی‌خبر نذار.

— Don't leave me without news / Keep me updated.

رسیدی خانه، مرا بی‌خبر نذار.

خبر رسید که...

— News arrived that... / Word has it that...

خبر رسید که پرواز لغو شده است.

خبر داغ

— Hot news / Breaking news / Fresh gossip.

یک خبر داغ برایت دارم.

اخبار سراسری

— National news broadcast.

اخبار سراسری ساعت ۱۴ پخش می‌شود.

Often Confused With

خبر vs اطلاع (ettelaa')

'اطلاع' is more formal and refers to 'information' or 'awareness' rather than a specific piece of 'news'.

خبر vs پیام (payaam)

'پیام' means 'message' (like an SMS or a direct communication), whereas 'خبر' is general news or updates.

خبر vs گزارش (gozaaresh)

'گزارش' is a detailed 'report', usually written or formally presented, not just a casual piece of news.

Idioms & Expressions

"از همه‌جا بی‌خبر"

— Completely clueless or oblivious to what is happening around them.

او از همه‌جا بی‌خبر وارد اتاق شد.

informal

"خبر مرگش"

— A mild curse meaning 'may the news of his death arrive', used when angry at someone.

خبر مرگش، باز هم دیر آمد!

slang/impolite

"خوش‌خبر باشی"

— May you always bring good news. Said to someone who has just delivered positive information.

ممنون که گفتی، همیشه خوش‌خبر باشی.

informal/affectionate

"خبر کشیدن"

— To snitch, tattle, or secretly carry news from one person to another to cause trouble.

او همیشه برای مدیر خبر می‌کشد.

informal/negative

"بی‌خبر رفتن"

— To leave without saying goodbye or informing anyone (often considered rude or mysterious).

مهمان‌ها دیشب بی‌خبر رفتند.

neutral

"خبردار ایستادن"

— To stand at attention (military term).

سربازان خبردار ایستادند.

formal/military

"کلاغ خبر آورد"

— A little bird told me (literally: the crow brought news). Used to hide the source of information.

کلاغ خبر آورده که ماشین خریدی!

informal/playful

"خبر به گوش کسی رساندن"

— To make sure someone hears about something, often subtly or indirectly.

باید این خبر را به گوش رئیس برسانیم.

neutral

"از خود خبر دادن"

— To show signs of life or make one's presence known after a long absence.

بالاخره بعد از یک سال از خود خبر داد.

neutral

"بی‌خبر پریدن میان حرف"

— To interrupt a conversation abruptly and without context.

لطفاً بی‌خبر میان حرف من نپر.

informal

Easily Confused

خبر vs اخبار (akhbaar)

It is the plural of 'خبر' but is used differently.

Use 'خبر' for a single piece of news or informal updates. Use 'اخبار' for the formal news broadcast on TV/radio or a collection of news.

من یک خبر دارم (I have one news). من اخبار می‌بینم (I watch the news).

خبر vs خبردار (khabar-daar)

Looks like it means 'having news'.

While it literally means 'having news', it is most commonly used as a military command meaning 'Attention!'.

سرباز، خبردار! (Soldier, attention!).

خبر vs خبر کردن (khabar kardan)

Often confused with 'خبر دادن' (to inform).

'خبر دادن' is casually informing someone. 'خبر کردن' implies summoning someone urgently or calling them to a location.

پلیس را خبر کن (Call the police).

خبر vs بی‌خبر (bi-khabar)

Can mean 'without news' or 'unaware'.

It usually functions as an adjective meaning 'unaware' or an adverb meaning 'unexpectedly/without notice'.

او بی‌خبر رفت (He left without notice).

خبر vs مخبر (mokhber)

Shares the same root.

'مخبر' is an older or more specific term for an informant, spy, or sometimes a reporter, whereas 'خبرنگار' is the standard word for a journalist.

او مخبر پلیس است (He is a police informant).

Sentence Patterns

[Subject] + [Number] + خبر + [Adjective] + داشتن.

من یک خبر خوب دارم. (I have a good piece of news.)

چه خبر از + [Noun]؟

چه خبر از دانشگاه؟ (What's the news from the university?)

به + [Person] + خبر دادن.

به مادرم خبر دادم. (I informed my mother.)

از + [Topic] + خبر داشتن.

از امتحان خبر دارم. (I know about the exam.)

وقتی + از + [Topic] + باخبر شدن، + [Action].

وقتی از سفر باخبر شدم، خوشحال شدم. (When I found out about the trip, I was happy.)

منتظر + خبر + [Person] + بودن.

منتظر خبر شما هستم. (I am waiting for your news.)

در اخبار + اعلام شدن + که...

در اخبار اعلام شد که فردا تعطیل است. (It was announced in the news that tomorrow is a holiday.)

با وجود + بایکوت خبری، + [Action].

با وجود بایکوت خبری، مردم مطلع شدند. (Despite the news boycott, the people became informed.)

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely High. It is in the top 100 most used words in spoken Persian.

Common Mistakes

Saying 'من از او خبر دادم' to mean 'I informed him'. → من به او خبر دادم.
The verb 'دادن' (to give) requires the preposition 'به' (to) for the recipient. Using 'از' (from) changes the meaning entirely.
Saying 'یک اخبار' to mean 'a piece of news'. → یک خبر.
'اخبار' is the plural form. You cannot use 'یک' (one) with a plural noun in this context. Use the singular 'خبر'.
Answering 'چه خبر؟' with 'هیچ چیز'. → سلامتی / خبری نیست.
While 'هیچ چیز' literally means 'nothing', it sounds very unnatural and slightly rude. 'سلامتی' is the culturally correct response.
Saying 'من اخبار دارم' to mean 'I have news for you'. → من یک خبر دارم / من خبرهایی دارم.
'اخبار' is usually reserved for formal media broadcasts. For personal updates, use the singular 'خبر' or the regular Persian plural 'خبرها'.
Using 'دکتر را خبر بده' in an emergency. → دکتر را خبر کن.
In urgent situations where you are summoning someone, 'خبر کردن' is the correct verb, not 'خبر دادن'.

Tips

Countability

Always remember that 'خبر' is countable. You can use numbers with it: یک خبر، دو خبر (one news, two news).

The Ultimate Greeting

Master the phrase 'چه خبر؟'. It is the key to sounding natural in informal Persian conversations.

به vs از

Memorize this rule: خبر دادن به (to inform TO someone) and خبر داشتن از (to know ABOUT something).

Responding to 'چه خبر'

Never say 'هیچ چیز' (nothing). Always say 'سلامتی' (health) or 'خبری نیست' (no news) to sound like a native.

Singular vs Plural

Use 'اخبار' when talking about the 8 PM TV broadcast. Use 'خبر' when telling your friend about your new car.

خوش‌خبر باشی

Use 'خوش‌خبر باشی' when someone tells you good news. It will impress native speakers immensely.

خبر کردن

Only use 'خبر کردن' for urgent situations (like calling the police or a doctor). For casual updates, use 'خبر دادن'.

The 'Kh' Sound

Practice the 'خ' sound. It should come from the back of your throat, like clearing your throat gently.

Journalism Vocab

If you want to read Persian newspapers, learn 'خبرگزاری' (news agency) and 'خبرنگار' (journalist) immediately.

Keeping it going

If a conversation stalls, just ask 'دیگه چه خبر؟' (What else is new?). It puts the ball back in their court.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a bear (BAR) coughing (KH sound) while reading the newspaper. The coughing bear is reading the KH-BAR (news).

Visual Association

Visualize a bright red newspaper with the word 'خبر' printed in large, bold black letters on the front page. Imagine handing this newspaper to a friend while saying 'چه خبر؟'.

Word Web

خبر (Center) چه خبر؟ (Greeting) اخبار (TV/Plural) خبرنگار (Job) خبر دادن (Verb: to inform) خبر داشتن (Verb: to know) خبر خوب (Adjective pairing) بی‌خبر (Opposite state)

Challenge

Next time you text a Persian-speaking friend, start the conversation with 'چه خبر؟' instead of 'سلام'. When they reply, try to tell them one piece of 'خبر' about your day using the phrase 'من یک خبر دارم'.

Word Origin

The word 'خبر' is a direct borrowing from the Arabic language. In Arabic, the root is (خ ب ر - kh-b-r), which broadly relates to knowing, testing, experiencing, or informing. It entered the Persian language after the Islamic conquest of Persia in the 7th century and has since become fully naturalized.

Original meaning: In its original Arabic root, it meant 'to know the true state of a thing' or 'information acquired by experience'.

Afroasiatic > Semitic > Arabic (borrowed into Indo-European > Indo-Iranian > Persian).

Cultural Context

Be cautious when delivering a 'خبر بد' (bad news). In Persian culture, bad news is often delivered gradually or softened with religious phrases like 'خدا بیامرزد' (May God forgive/bless) if it involves a death.

In English, 'What's up?' is often a rhetorical greeting that doesn't require a real answer. In Persian, while 'چه خبر؟' can be casual, older relatives asking it genuinely expect a detailed update on your life, studies, or work.

The famous Iranian news network 'IRINN' is known locally as 'شبکه خبر' (Shabakeh Khabar - The News Network). The classic Persian proverb: 'دیوار موش داره، موش هم گوش داره' (Walls have mice, and mice have ears) relates to how 'خبر' (news/secrets) spreads secretly. Hafez's poetry: 'بی‌دلان را چه خبر از حال ما' (What news do the heartless have of our state?).

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Greetings and Small Talk

چه خبر؟
دیگه چه خبر؟
خبری نیست.
سلامتی.

Sharing Personal Updates

یک خبر خوب دارم.
خبر داری که...
به من خبر بده.
منتظر خبرم.

Consuming Media

اخبار تماشا کردن
خبر فوری
تیتر اخبار
خبرگزاری

Work and Professional

خبر دادن به مدیر
گزارش خبر
اطلاع‌رسانی
پیگیری اخبار

Emergencies

پلیس را خبر کن.
خبر بد
بی‌خبر نذار.
سریع خبر بده.

Conversation Starters

"سلام! از آخرین باری که همو دیدیم چه خبر؟ (Hello! What's the news since the last time we saw each other?)"

"خبر داری که رستوران جدیدی در این خیابان باز شده؟ (Did you know that a new restaurant opened on this street?)"

"امروز اخبار را چک کردی؟ خبر مهمی بود؟ (Did you check the news today? Was there any important news?)"

"از خانواده چه خبر؟ همه خوب هستند؟ (What's the news from the family? Is everyone well?)"

"اگر خبر جدیدی در مورد کار پیدا کردی، به من بگو. (If you find any new information about the job, tell me.)"

Journal Prompts

Write about a piece of 'خبر خوب' (good news) you received recently and how it made you feel.

Describe your daily routine for checking the 'اخبار' (news). What sources do you use?

Write a short dialogue between two friends greeting each other using 'چه خبر؟' and sharing updates.

Reflect on a time when you were 'بی‌خبر' (unaware) of something important. What happened?

If you were a 'خبرنگار' (journalist) for a day, what kind of 'خبر' would you want to report on?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No. 'اخبار' is plural. You must say 'یک خبر' (yek khabar) for a single piece of news. Persian treats 'خبر' as a countable noun, unlike English.

The most common and natural responses are 'سلامتی' (health/all is well) or 'خبری نیست' (there is no news/nothing much). Do not translate 'nothing' as 'هیچ چیز'.

'خبر دادن' means 'to give news' or 'to inform' someone (used with the preposition 'به'). 'خبر داشتن' means 'to have news' or 'to know' about something (used with the preposition 'از').

Yes, 'خبر' is used in formal writing, but in highly official or journalistic contexts, the plural 'اخبار' (akhbaar) or synonyms like 'اطلاعات' (information) and 'گزارش' (report) are often preferred.

It literally translates to 'May you be a bringer of good news'. It is a polite and affectionate phrase said to someone who has just told you something positive.

The standard term for breaking news is 'خبر فوری' (khabar-e fori), which literally means 'urgent news'.

It is a cultural habit reflecting warmth and hospitality. Repeating 'چه خبر؟' or 'دیگه چه خبر؟' shows genuine interest in the other person's life and keeps the conversation flowing.

Not exactly. A secret is 'راز' (raaz). However, if a secret is revealed, it becomes 'خبر' (news).

'خبرنگار' (khabar-negaar) is the Persian word for a journalist or reporter. It combines 'خبر' (news) with the suffix '-negaar' (writer/recorder).

You can say 'به من خبر بده' (be man khabar bedeh), which literally means 'give news to me'.

Test Yourself 200 questions

writing

Write a short sentence saying you have a good piece of news.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Uses the countable noun 'خبر' with the adjective 'خوب' and the verb 'داشتن'.