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A2 noun 8 min read

نهار

nahār
Examples Notes & Tips نهار in 30 Seconds
Explanation نهار in your Level:
At the A1 level, the word 'نهار' (lunch) is one of the essential nouns you learn early on. It is taught alongside other daily routine words like 'breakfast' and 'dinner'. Students learn to use it in very simple 'Subject-Object-Verb' sentences. For example, 'I eat lunch' (Man nahar mikhoram). The focus at this level is simply recognizing the word and knowing it refers to the meal in the middle of the day. You might also learn to ask 'What is lunch?' (Nahar chist?) or 'Where is lunch?' (Nahar kojast?). It is a basic building block for describing your day. Learners should focus on the pronunciation 'na-har' and the fact that it usually comes before the verb 'khordan'. You don't need to worry about complex grammar; just treat it as a label for a specific time and meal.
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At the A2 level, you begin to expand your use of 'نهار' by adding adjectives and using it in different tenses. You might say 'I ate a delicious lunch yesterday' (Man dirooz nahar-e khoshmazeh-i khordam). You also learn about the 'Ezafe' construction to show possession, like 'my lunch' (nahar-e man). At this stage, you should be able to understand simple questions about your lunch habits, such as 'What time do you usually eat lunch?' (Shoma mamoolan sa'at-e chand nahar mikhorid?). You are also introduced to the concept of 'lunchtime' (vaght-e nahar) and 'lunch break' (forsa-te nahar). This is also where you might start to see the alternative spelling 'ناهار'. The goal is to move beyond just the noun and start using it in the context of a conversation about your daily schedule and preferences.
By the B1 level, 'نهار' is used in more complex sentence structures, including subordinate clauses and more varied compound verbs. You might say, 'I was so busy that I didn't have time to eat lunch' (Anghadr mashghool boodam ke vaght nakardam nahar bokhoram). You also start to learn about the cultural significance of lunch in Iran—how it's the main meal and often involves rice and stews. You'll encounter terms like 'nahar-khori' (dining area) and 'miz-e nahar-khori' (dining table). At this level, you should be able to describe what you typically eat for lunch in detail, using a variety of food-related vocabulary. You also begin to understand the difference between formal invitations for lunch and casual ones, and how to respond appropriately using polite forms (Ta'arof).
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At the B2 level, you use 'نهار' in the context of broader discussions about lifestyle, health, and work-life balance. You might discuss the health implications of having a 'heavy lunch' (nahar-e sangin) versus a 'light lunch' (nahar-e sabok). You'll be able to understand and use the word in more abstract or idiomatic ways, such as 'nahar-e kari' (business lunch) and discuss the etiquette of these meetings. You can read texts that describe traditional Iranian lunch customs and compare them with other cultures. Your vocabulary expands to include more specific types of lunch gatherings, such as 'mehmāni-ye nahar' (lunch party). You should be comfortable using the word in all tenses, including the subjunctive and conditional, to express hypothetical situations like 'If I had known you were coming, I would have made a better lunch.'
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At the C1 level, 'نهار' appears in sophisticated literature, news reports, and academic discussions. You might analyze the socio-economic factors that influence what different classes of people eat for lunch. You'll encounter the word in classical or modern Persian poetry where it might be used metaphorically or to set a specific scene of domesticity. You can navigate complex social situations involving lunch with ease, understanding the deep-rooted 'Ta'arof' (etiquette) involved in being invited to or hosting a lunch. You should be able to discuss the etymology of the word and its historical variants like 'chasht'. At this level, you are not just using the word; you are understanding its role as a cultural anchor in the Persian-speaking world, and you can articulate its significance in a nuanced way.
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At the C2 level, your command of 'نهار' is near-native. You understand all the subtle connotations, historical shifts in meaning, and regional variations. You can discuss the linguistic evolution from Middle Persian to the modern forms 'نهار' and 'ناهار'. You are comfortable with idiomatic expressions and puns involving the word. You can write or speak at length about the culinary history of the Iranian lunch, citing specific dishes and their regional origins. You can critique the impact of globalization on traditional lunch habits in Iran, using highly specialized vocabulary. At this level, 'نهار' is not just a word for a meal; it is a gateway to discussing history, sociology, and philosophy. You can switch between formal, informal, and even archaic registers effortlessly when discussing anything related to the midday meal.
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Examples Notes & Tips

نهار in 30 Seconds

  • Nahar is the Persian word for lunch, the most significant daily meal.
  • It is usually eaten between 1:00 PM and 3:30 PM and often involves rice.
  • The word is commonly paired with the verb 'khordan' to mean 'to eat lunch'.
  • It is a central cultural event, often involving family gatherings and a rest period.

The Persian word نهار (often also spelled as ناهار) refers to lunch, which is traditionally the most significant and substantial meal of the day in Iranian culture. Unlike in many Western cultures where dinner might be the main event, in Iran, the mid-day meal is a cornerstone of daily life, often involving complex stews, aromatic rice, and a gathering of family members or colleagues. The term itself carries a weight of hospitality and routine; it is the pivot point around which the Iranian day rotates. When someone says they are going for nahar, they aren't just grabbing a quick sandwich; they are likely preparing for a sit-down experience that includes multiple courses and tea afterward.

Primary Definition
The main meal consumed during the middle of the day, typically between 1:00 PM and 3:30 PM in Iran.
Cultural Weight
It represents a period of rest and socialization. Most businesses in Iran close for a few hours during this time to allow employees to return home or go to a restaurant for a proper meal.

بیا با هم نهار بخوریم. (Come, let's eat lunch together.)

A common invitation showing the social nature of the word.

In terms of usage, نهار is used in both formal and informal contexts. In a formal setting, you might hear it in the context of a 'working lunch' (nahar-e kari), whereas at home, it is the shout that brings children to the table. Linguistically, it is almost always paired with the verb khordan (to eat), forming the compound verb nahar khordan.

Historically, the word has roots in Middle Persian, though its modern form is standard across all Persian-speaking regions including Afghanistan (where it is also used, though 'chasht' is a common alternative) and Tajikistan. The spelling with an extra 'alef' (ناهار) is technically more common in modern Iranian orthography to distinguish it from other homophones, but both are understood. The essence of the word remains unchanged: it is the fuel for the afternoon and the heart of the Iranian culinary clock.

ساعت چند نهار حاضر می‌شود؟ (What time will lunch be ready?)

Etymological Nuance
The prefix 'na-' in some interpretations suggests 'not' and 'ahar' suggests 'food' or 'meal' in an archaic sense, though this is debated. Modernly, it is a standalone noun for the midday feast.

Furthermore, the word appears in various compounded forms. For instance, nahar-khori refers to the dining area or dining room. This shows how the concept of lunch has defined the physical architecture of the Iranian home. Without a place for نهار, a house is hardly a home.

Using نهار correctly involves understanding its role as a noun and its frequent pairing with verbs and adjectives. The most basic construction is 'to eat lunch,' which is nahar khordan. However, because lunch is such a central part of the day, there are many ways to describe it, invite others to it, or complain about its absence.

Basic Verb Pairing
The compound verb nahar khordan (to eat lunch) is the most common. Example: Man nahar mikhoram (I am eating lunch).
Possessive Usage
When talking about 'my lunch' or 'his lunch,' use the Ezafe construction: nahar-e man (my lunch).

مادرم برای نهار قرمه سبزی پخته است. (My mother has cooked Ghormeh Sabzi for lunch.)

When describing the quality of the meal, you can add adjectives. A 'delicious lunch' is nahar-e khoshmazeh. A 'heavy lunch' (very common in Iran due to the rice) is nahar-e sangin. If you are inviting someone, you might say mehman-e ma bashid baraye nahar (be our guest for lunch). Note that the word functions as a simple noun, so it takes the definite marker -ra in colloquial speech when it is the specific object: nahar-o khordi? (Did you eat the lunch?).

You will also see نهار in time-related expressions. Vaght-e nahar means 'lunchtime'. Ba'd az nahar means 'after lunch'. Since the afternoon nap (siesta) is common, 'after lunch' often implies a time of rest. In professional environments, you might see forsa-te nahar (lunch break).

آیا وقت نهار تمام شده است؟ (Is the lunchtime over?)

Finally, consider the negative. To say you haven't had lunch is a common way to express hunger: Hanooz nahar nakhordam (I haven't eaten lunch yet). This usually prompts an immediate offer of food from any Iranian nearby, as the thought of someone missing نهار is culturally distressing.

In the streets of Tehran, Isfahan, or Shiraz, نهار is a word that rings out daily. You will hear it in various settings, from the bustling grand bazaar to the quietest residential alleys. It is a word of transition, marking the end of the morning's labor and the start of the afternoon's reprieve.

In the Workplace
Around 1:00 PM, colleagues will ask each other, "Nahar chi dari?" (What do you have for lunch?). This is a social bonding moment where people share their home-cooked meals.
At Home
The call "Nahar hazere!" (Lunch is ready!) is perhaps the most beloved phrase in the Persian language for children and hungry adults alike.

ببخشید، رستوران برای نهار چه چیزی دارد؟ (Excuse me, what does the restaurant have for lunch?)

In restaurants, you will see 'Menu-ye Nahar' (Lunch Menu). Unlike dinner menus, which might feature more grilled meats (kababs) in a light fashion, the lunch menu is where you find the heavy hitters: Khoresht (stews). If you hear someone talking about nahar in a restaurant, they are usually deciding between different types of rice dishes. You'll also hear it in television advertisements for food products, emphasizing the 'family' aspect of the midday meal.

On Fridays (the weekend in Iran), نهار takes on a sacred quality. It is the Nahar-e Jomeh, usually eaten at a grandmother's house or in a park. You will hear families discussing the logistics of this meal days in advance. The word is ubiquitous because the meal is central to the rhythm of life.

ما معمولاً جمعه‌ها برای نهار به باغ می‌رویم. (We usually go to the garden for lunch on Fridays.)

While نهار is a straightforward noun, learners often make mistakes regarding its spelling, its distinction from other meals, and its grammatical collocation. Because Persian has several words for meals, choosing the wrong one can lead to confusion about the time of day.

Spelling Confusion
Learners often confuse نهار (lunch) with نهر (stream/river) or نهار (daylight/day in Arabic). In modern Persian, writing it as ناهار (with the extra 'alef') is safer and more common to avoid this.
Meal Timing
Mistaking nahar for sham (dinner). In some cultures, 'dinner' is at mid-day. In Persian, nahar is strictly mid-day, and sham is strictly evening.

Incorrect: من نهار را در ساعت نه شب خوردم.

Correct: من شام را در ساعت نه شب خوردم. (I ate dinner at 9 PM.)

Another mistake involves the verb. English speakers might try to 'have' lunch using the verb dashtan. While nahar dashtan means 'to possess lunch' (like having a lunchbox), the act of eating it must use khordan. Saying "Man nahar daram" means "I have lunch with me," not necessarily "I am eating lunch right now."

Lastly, be careful with the word sobhaneh (breakfast). Sometimes learners get the sequence mixed up. Remember: Sobhaneh (Morning), Nahar (Mid-day), Sham (Evening). There is also asraneh (afternoon snack), which comes after نهار but before sham.

While نهار is the standard word for lunch, there are several related terms and alternatives depending on the dialect, the specific type of meal, or the register of speech.

چاشت (Chasht)
An older, more literary term for a mid-morning snack or lunch. It is still widely used in Dari (Afghanistan) to mean lunch, whereas in Iran, it sounds quite poetic or archaic.
طعام (Ta'am)
An Arabic loanword meaning 'food' or 'meal'. It is very formal and often used in religious or high-literary contexts to refer to a meal provided to the poor or at a banquet.

Comparison: نهار (Daily lunch) vs ضیافت (Ziyafat - Banquet/Feast).

In terms of alternatives for specific situations: If you are talking about a 'packed lunch' or a 'lunch box', you might use the term ghaza-ye hamrah (accompanying food) or simply refer to the container as zarf-e nahar. In very informal or slang contexts, people might just say ghaza (food) if the timing is obvious. "Bia ghaza bokhorim" (Come let's eat food) at 2 PM clearly implies lunch.

There is also the term sobhaneh-nahar, which is the equivalent of 'brunch'. As Western habits influence urban Iran, this term is becoming more common in trendy cafes in North Tehran, though it is still not as culturally embedded as the traditional نهار.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"جنابعالی برای نهار تشریف می‌آورید؟"

Neutral

"ساعت چند نهار می‌خوریم؟"

Informal

"بیا نهار بزنیم!"

Child friendly

"بدو بیا نهار مامان‌پز!"

Slang

"نهار تو رگه!"

Fun Fact

While it sounds like the Arabic word 'Nahar' (meaning day/daylight), they are etymologically unrelated. The Persian word for lunch is purely Iranian in origin, though the spelling has been influenced by Arabic script over centuries.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /næˈhɑːr/
US /nɑːˈhɑːr/
The stress is typically on the second syllable: na-HAR.
Rhymes With
بهار (Bahar - Spring) سوار (Savar - Rider) قطار (Ghatar - Train) شکار (Shekar - Hunt) انار (Anar - Pomegranate) بیدار (Bidar - Awake) دیوار (Divar - Wall) کنار (Kenar - Beside)
Common Errors
  • Pronouncing the 'h' too harshly like the Arabic 'Hha'. In Persian, it is a soft breathy 'h'.
  • Over-emphasizing the first vowel. It should be a short, quick 'a'.
  • Confusing it with 'Nahr' (river), which has no 'a' after the 'h'.
  • In Tehrani accent, missing the 'h' entirely: 'na-ar'.
  • Making the final 'r' too soft; it should be slightly tapped.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to read, but watch for the two spellings (نهار vs ناهار).

Writing 3/5

The 'h' (ه) and 'r' (ر) are basic, but the 'alef' placement in 'nahar' can be tricky for beginners.

Speaking 2/5

Simple two-syllable word. Avoid making the 'h' too throaty.

Listening 2/5

Very common, usually the loudest word in a house at mid-day.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

غذا (Food) خوردن (To eat) ساعت (Hour/Time) آب (Water) نان (Bread)

Learn Next

شام (Dinner) صبحانه (Breakfast) رستوران (Restaurant) گرسنه (Hungry) سیر (Full)

Advanced

ضیافت (Feast) تغذیه (Nutrition) گوارش (Digestion) مطبخ (Kitchen - archaic) چاشتگاه (Lunchtime - poetic)
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Examples by Level

1

من نهار می‌خورم.

I eat lunch.

Subject + Object + Verb (Present Continuous/Simple).

2

نهار کجاست؟

Where is the lunch?

Simple question with 'koja' (where).

3

این نهار من است.

This is my lunch.

Demonstrative pronoun + Noun + Possessive.

4

نهار خوشمزه است.

The lunch is delicious.

Noun + Adjective + Linking Verb.

5

ساعت یک نهار می‌خوریم.

We eat lunch at one o'clock.

Time expression + Verb.

6

مادر نهار می‌پزد.

Mother is cooking lunch.

Noun + Object + Verb (paz-tan).

7

نان و پنیر برای نهار.

Bread and cheese for lunch.

Simple nouns connected by 'and'.

8

من نهار ندارم.

I don't have lunch.

Negative form of 'dashtan' (to have).

1

دیروز نهار با دوستم بودم.

Yesterday I was with my friend for lunch.

Past tense of 'to be'.

2

شما برای نهار چه می‌خورید؟

What are you eating for lunch?

Interrogative 'che' (what).

3

نهار امروز خیلی گرم است.

Today's lunch is very hot.

Adverb 'kheyli' (very) modifying an adjective.

4

من باید نهار بخرم.

I must buy lunch.

Modal verb 'bayad' (must) + Subjunctive.

5

نهار در این رستوران گران است.

Lunch in this restaurant is expensive.

Prepositional phrase 'dar in' (in this).

6

او نهار را در مدرسه می‌خورد.

He eats lunch at school.

Object marker '-ra' with a specific noun.

7

بیا نهار را با هم بخوریم.

Let's eat lunch together.

Imperative/Hortative form.

8

من نهار سبکی می‌خواهم.

I want a light lunch.

Adjective 'sabok' (light).

1

اگر زود بیایی، با هم نهار می‌خوریم.

If you come early, we will eat lunch together.

Conditional sentence Type 1.

2

من ترجیح می‌دهم نهار را در خانه بخورم.

I prefer to eat lunch at home.

Verb 'tarjih dadan' (to prefer).

3

بعد از نهار کمی استراحت می‌کنم.

After lunch, I rest a little.

Temporal preposition 'ba'd az' (after).

4

مهمان‌ها برای نهار به اینجا می‌آیند.

The guests are coming here for lunch.

Plural noun 'mehman-ha' (guests).

5

نهار مامان همیشه بهترین است.

Mom's lunch is always the best.

Superlative adjective 'behtarin'.

6

او مشغول خوردن نهار بود که تلفن زنگ زد.

He was busy eating lunch when the phone rang.

Past continuous + 'ke' + Simple past.

7

آیا نهار برای همه کافی است؟

Is there enough lunch for everyone?

Adjective 'kafi' (enough).

8

من معمولاً نهار را با همکارانم می‌خورم.

I usually eat lunch with my colleagues.

Adverb of frequency 'mamoolan'.

1

به دلیل ترافیک، به وقت نهار نرسیدم.

Due to traffic, I didn't make it to lunchtime.

Preposition 'be dalil-e' (due to).

2

او پیشنهاد کرد که نهار را در یک رستوران سنتی بخوریم.

He suggested that we eat lunch in a traditional restaurant.

Reported speech/Suggestion with 'pishnahad kardan'.

3

خوردن نهار سنگین باعث خواب‌آلودگی می‌شود.

Eating a heavy lunch causes sleepiness.

Gerund phrase as subject.

4

این رستوران منوی مخصوصی برای نهار دارد.

This restaurant has a special menu for lunch.

Adjective 'makhsoos' (special).

5

ما در حال آماده کردن نهار برای مراسم هستیم.

We are preparing lunch for the ceremony.

Present continuous construction 'dar hal-e'.

6

او همیشه نهارش را از خانه به اداره می‌برد.

He always takes his lunch from home to the office.

Possessive suffix '-ash'.

7

نهار خوردن در طبیعت یکی از لذت‌های زندگی است.

Eating lunch in nature is one of life's pleasures.

Infinitive as subject.

8

با وجود اینکه گرسنه نبودم، نهار خوردم.

Despite not being hungry, I ate lunch.

Conjunction 'ba voojood-e inke' (despite).

1

در فرهنگ ایرانی، نهار فراتر از یک وعده غذایی ساده است.

In Iranian culture, lunch is more than a simple meal.

Abstract noun usage with 'faratar az' (beyond).

2

بسیاری از قراردادهای مهم در حین نهار بسته می‌شوند.

Many important contracts are concluded during lunch.

Passive voice 'basteh mishavand'.

3

تغییر ساعات نهار می‌تواند بر بهره‌وری کارکنان تأثیر بگذارد.

Changing lunch hours can affect employee productivity.

Complex noun phrases as subject.

4

او با جزئیات فراوان درباره نهار آن روز صحبت کرد.

He spoke with great detail about that day's lunch.

Prepositional phrase 'ba joz'iyyat-e faravan'.

5

نهار در ادبیات فارسی گاهی به عنوان نمادی از صلح به کار می‌رود.

Lunch in Persian literature is sometimes used as a symbol of peace.

Formal register with 'be onvan-e' (as).

6

رعایت آداب نهار در جلسات رسمی بسیار حائز اهمیت است.

Observing lunch etiquette in formal meetings is highly important.

Formal expression 'ha'ez-e ahammiyyat' (of importance).

7

او از دعوت ما برای نهار صمیمانه تشکر کرد.

He sincerely thanked us for the lunch invitation.

Adverb 'samimaneh' (sincerely).

8

کیفیت نهار ارائه شده در بیمارستان‌ها رو به بهبود است.

The quality of lunch provided in hospitals is improving.

Participial phrase 'ara'eh shodeh' (provided).

1

تحلیل ساختاری واژه نهار ریشه‌های عمیقی را در زبان‌های باستانی نشان می‌دهد.

A structural analysis of the word 'nahar' shows deep roots in ancient languages.

Academic terminology 'tahlil-e sakhtari'.

2

تقابل میان نهار سنتی و فست‌فودهای مدرن، بازتابی از تحولات اجتماعی است.

The contrast between traditional lunch and modern fast food is a reflection of social changes.

Abstract contrast 'taghabol miyan'.

3

در متون کهن، چاشت و نهار هر یک جایگاه ویژه‌ای در تقسیم‌بندی روز داشتند.

In ancient texts, 'chasht' and 'nahar' each had a special place in the division of the day.

Historical reference to 'motun-e kohan'.

4

او در رساله خود به تأثیر نهار بر پیوندهای خانوادگی در جوامع شرقی پرداخته است.

In his treatise, he addressed the impact of lunch on family bonds in Eastern societies.

Formal verb 'pardakhtan be' (to address/deal with).

5

مفهوم نهار در دوران معاصر دستخوش دگرگونی‌های بنیادین شده است.

The concept of lunch in the contemporary era has undergone fundamental transformations.

Idiomatic formal expression 'dastkhosh-e degargooni'.

6

ویژگی‌های ارگانولپتیک نهار ایرانی، آن را از سایر مطبخ‌ها متمایز می‌کند.

The organoleptic characteristics of Persian lunch distinguish it from other cuisines.

Highly technical vocabulary 'organoleptic'.

7

سیاست‌گذاری‌های کلان در زمینه تغذیه، نهار مدارس را به یک چالش ملی تبدیل کرده است.

Macro-policies in nutrition have turned school lunches into a national challenge.

Political/Policy terminology.

8

بازخوانی خاطرات نهار در تبعید، تم اصلی این رمان است.

The re-reading of lunch memories in exile is the main theme of this novel.

Literary analysis terminology.

Common Collocations

نهار خوردن
وقت نهار
نهار خوشمزه
میز نهارخوری
نهار سنگین
نهار کاری
نهار گرم
دعوت برای نهار
نهار مختصر
منوی نهار

Common Phrases

نهار چی داریم؟

— What do we have for lunch? A daily question in every household.

مامان، نهار چی داریم؟

نهار حاضر است!

— Lunch is ready! The common call to the table.

بیا نهار حاضر است.

بفرمایید نهار.

— Please, have some lunch. A polite invitation.

تعارف نکنید، بفرمایید نهار.

نهار خوردی؟

— Have you eaten lunch? A common way to check on someone's well-being.

سلام، نهار خوردی؟

جای شما خالی در نهار.

— Your place was empty at lunch. Said to someone who missed a good meal.

نهار عالی بود، جای شما خالی.

نهار را بیرون بخوریم.

— Let's eat lunch out (at a restaurant).

امروز حوصله پختن ندارم، نهار را بیرون بخوریم.

بعد از نهار می‌بینمت.

— I'll see you after lunch.

باشه، بعد از نهار می‌بینمت.

نهار سرد شد.

— The lunch got cold. A warning to hurry to the table.

زود بیا، نهار سرد شد.

یک نهار مشتی!

— A fantastic/hearty lunch! (Slang/Informal).

عجب نهار مشتی‌ای بود!

نهار به راه است.

— Lunch is being prepared/is on its way.

نگران نباش، نهار به راه است.

Idioms & Expressions

"نهار بازار"

— A place or situation that is very busy, bustling, or in high demand.

امروز توی شرکت نهار بازار بود.

Informal
"نهار کسی را پختن"

— To plot against someone or to settle a score (rare/slang).

بالاخره نهارش را پختند.

Slang
"از نهار افتادن"

— To miss lunch or to have one's lunch plans ruined.

بخاطر جلسه از نهار افتادم.

Neutral
"نهار و شام یکی شدن"

— When lunch and dinner become one meal because lunch was eaten so late.

آنقدر دیر خوردیم که نهار و شاممان یکی شد.

Informal
"سفره نهار"

— Literally 'lunch tablecloth', but idiomatically refers to the hospitality and abundance of a household.

سفره نهارشان همیشه پهن است.

Neutral
"نهار نچسب"

— An unpleasant or awkward lunch, often due to the company.

یک نهار نچسب با رئیس داشتم.

Informal
"نهار مجانی وجود ندارد"

— There is no such thing as a free lunch (Borrowed from English).

یادت باشد، نهار مجانی وجود ندارد.

Neutral
"بوی نهار"

— The smell of lunch; often used to describe the cozy atmosphere of a home in the afternoon.

بوی نهار کل ساختمان را گرفته بود.

Neutral
"نهار چرب و نرم"

— A very rich, delicious, and satisfying lunch.

یک نهار چرب و نرم خوردیم و خوابیدیم.

Informal
"نون و نهار"

— Basic sustenance; a simple life.

ما به همین نون و نهار راضی هستیم.

Informal

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Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a **NA**ughty **HAR**e stealing your **LUNCH** in the middle of the day. NA-HAR.

Visual Association

Picture a huge plate of steaming saffron rice with a piece of chicken on top, sitting under a bright mid-day sun. The sun represents the timing, and the rice represents the 'Nahar'.

Word Web

Rice Stew 1 PM Family Satiety Break Kitchen Hospitality

Challenge

Try to say 'Man nahar mikhoram' five times fast without tripping over the 'h' sound.

Word Origin

The word 'nahar' originates from Middle Persian (Pahlavi). It is a combination of 'na' (not/without) and 'ahar' (food), originally meaning someone who hasn't eaten (fasting) or the meal that breaks that state.

Original meaning: The first meal after fasting or the midday meal.

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

Cultural Context

During Ramadan, eating 'nahar' in public is prohibited in Iran as it is a month of fasting. Be respectful of this timing.

Unlike the UK or US where lunch is often a quick sandwich at a desk, the Persian 'nahar' is a formal, sit-down affair.

The movie 'Nahar-e Emrooz' (Today's Lunch) Classical poems by Saadi mentioning the midday meal Iranian folk songs about the 'Nahar' call in villages

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At a Restaurant

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Related Content

This Word in Other Languages

نهار Arabic نَهَار Arabic
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