This page in your language
فارسی العربية Deutsch Español Français 日本語 한국어 Português 中文 हिन्दी
A1 noun #2,000 most common 5 min read

پنجشنبه

panjshanbeh
At the A1 level, 'پنجشنبه' (Panjshanbe) is simply one of the seven days of the week you need to memorize. It means 'Thursday'. You should learn it alongside Saturday (Shanbe), Sunday (Yekshanbe), etc. At this stage, you use it in very simple sentences like 'Today is Thursday' (Emruz Panjshanbe ast) or 'I see you on Thursday' (Panjshanbe mibinamet). You don't need to worry about complex cultural meanings yet, just focus on the spelling and the fact that it is the day before the weekend (Friday) in Iran. It is a 'time word', so it usually comes at the beginning of a sentence or right after the subject.
At the A2 level, you start using 'پنجشنبه' to describe your routine. You will learn to use the plural form 'پنجشنبه‌ها' (Panjshanbe-ha) to say 'on Thursdays'. For example, 'I go to the gym on Thursdays' (Panjshanbe-ha be bashgah miravam). You also begin to understand that Thursday is a half-working day in many Persian-speaking regions. You might use it to make appointments: 'Can we meet on Thursday morning?' (Mishavad Panjshanbe sobh hamdigar ra bebinim?). You should also be aware of the word 'farda' (tomorrow) and 'diruz' (yesterday) in relation to Thursday.
At the B1 level, you should understand the cultural significance of Thursday. This includes the concept of 'Shab-e Jomeh' (Thursday night) and its social importance for gatherings. You can describe more complex schedules, such as 'The deadline is by the end of Thursday' (Mohlat ta akhar-e vaght-e Panjshanbe ast). You start to notice the difference between formal and informal usage, such as using 'Ruz-e Panjshanbe' in an email. You can also talk about traditions, like visiting the cemetery or preparing for the Friday rest, using more varied vocabulary and connectors.
At the B2 level, you can discuss the societal impact of the Thursday-Friday weekend versus the Saturday-Sunday weekend. You can use 'پنجشنبه' in complex grammatical structures, such as conditional sentences: 'If it weren't Thursday, the traffic wouldn't be this bad.' You understand idiomatic expressions related to time and can participate in debates about whether the weekend should be changed to align with international standards. You are comfortable with the nasalized pronunciation in fast speech and can distinguish between various regional accents' ways of saying the word.
At the C1 level, you explore the literary and historical nuances of the word. You might encounter 'Panjshanbe' in classical poetry or modern literature where it symbolizes a threshold between the mundane week and the spiritual Friday. You understand the nuances of 'Khayrat-e Panjshanbe' (Thursday charity) and its roots in Persian folklore and religious practice. Your usage is fluid, and you can use the word in professional, academic, and highly formal contexts without hesitation, including complex administrative jargon regarding 'working Thursdays'.
At the C2 level, you have a native-like grasp of 'پنجشنبه'. You can analyze the etymological shift from Middle Persian to modern Farsi. You understand the political and economic implications of Thursday as a working day in a globalized economy. You can use the word in creative writing to evoke specific moods—perhaps the bittersweet feeling of a Thursday afternoon in Tehran. You are aware of every subtle connotation, from the religious to the secular, and can navigate any conversation or text involving the Persian calendar with total mastery.
Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

پنجشنبه in 30 Seconds

  • Thursday in Persian.
  • Literally 'Five-Saturday'.
  • Start of the Iranian weekend.
  • Day for visiting family and cemeteries.

The word پنجشنبه (Panjshanbe) is the Persian designation for Thursday. In the Iranian solar Hijri calendar and the general Persian-speaking world, the week begins on Saturday (Shanbe). Therefore, the names of the days are numerically derived from Saturday. 'Panj' means five, and 'Shanbe' refers to the base unit of the week. Thus, Panjshanbe literally translates to the 'Fifth Saturday' or the fifth day after the start of the week. This linguistic structure is unique to Persian and reflects a mathematical approach to timekeeping that dates back centuries.

Linguistic Root
Derived from Middle Persian 'panj' (five) + 'shambat' (Sabbath/Week).
Calendar Position
The sixth day of the Iranian week, preceding the official day of rest, Friday.
Social Significance
Often considered the 'half-weekend' in Iran, where many businesses close early.

"ما معمولاً عصر پنجشنبه به دیدن پدربزرگ و مادربزرگ می‌رویم." (We usually go to see our grandparents on Thursday evening.)

In a broader cultural sense, Thursday holds a spiritual and social weight in Persian-speaking societies. It is the day when people traditionally visit cemeteries to remember the deceased, often bringing 'khayrat' (charitable food offerings like dates or halva). This makes the word carry a connotation of both upcoming leisure and solemn remembrance. Unlike the Western 'Thursday' named after Thor, the Persian 'Panjshanbe' is purely ordinal, emphasizing its place in the sequence of the week.

"پنجشنبه‌ها بازار خیلی شلوغ است." (Thursdays, the bazaar is very crowded.)

Spelling Note
It is written as one word, though it consists of two distinct components: Panj (۵) and Shanbe.

Understanding this word is crucial for navigating any schedule in Iran, Afghanistan, or Tajikistan. While Tajikistan uses the Cyrillic script (Панҷшанбе), the logic remains identical. In the context of the Iranian work week, Thursday is the equivalent of a Western Friday afternoon—a time of transition from labor to rest.

Using پنجشنبه in a sentence is straightforward, but there are grammatical nuances regarding prepositions and pluralization. In Persian, when you want to say 'on Thursday,' you often omit the preposition 'on' entirely, or use 'dar' (in/at) in formal contexts. For example, 'Panjshanbe miyam' means 'I am coming on Thursday.'

"قرار ملاقات ما پنجشنبه صبح است." (Our meeting is Thursday morning.)

To indicate a recurring action every Thursday, you add the suffix '-ha' to make it plural: پنجشنبه‌ها (Panjshanbe-ha). This is the standard way to describe habits or schedules. For instance, 'Panjshanbe-ha varzesh mikonam' (I exercise on Thursdays). It is also common to use the word 'Shab-e Jomeh' (Friday Eve) to refer specifically to Thursday night, which is the most popular time for parties and social gatherings.

Temporal Adverbs
Combine with 'emruz' (today), 'farda' (tomorrow), or 'diruz' (yesterday) to specify which Thursday.
Formal vs. Informal
In formal writing, 'Ruz-e Panjshanbe' (The day of Thursday) is preferred over just 'Panjshanbe'.

When discussing deadlines, the phrase 'ta akhar-e Panjshanbe' (until the end of Thursday) is frequently used in professional settings. Because the Iranian weekend is Friday, Thursday acts as the final push for productivity. In conversational Persian, you might hear 'Panjshanbe-shab' for Thursday night, though 'Shab-e Jomeh' is culturally more resonant for religious or traditional reasons.

You will encounter پنجشنبه in almost every facet of daily life in Persian-speaking countries. In the media, news anchors will announce events scheduled for 'Ruz-e Panjshanbe.' On public transport, you might hear announcements regarding reduced service hours on Thursdays. In the workplace, it is the day of 'Khosh-bash' (well-wishing) as people prepare for the weekend.

"ساعت کاری بانک‌ها در روز پنجشنبه کوتاهتر است." (Bank working hours are shorter on Thursday.)

If you are in a religious setting or near a mosque, Thursday is the day for 'Dua Kumayl' (a specific long prayer) recited in the evening. You will also hear it in the context of school schedules; in Iran, many students do not have classes on Thursdays, or they have extra-curricular activities. At the bazaar, vendors might use the day to offer 'Panjshanbe Bazaar' specials, similar to weekend sales in other cultures.

Travel & Tourism
Flight and bus tickets are often more expensive on Thursday afternoons due to the weekend rush.
Television
Special entertainment programs and movies are typically broadcast on Thursday nights.

The most frequent mistake for learners is the 'Thursday Night' vs. 'Friday Eve' confusion. In the Persian calendar, the night belongs to the day that follows it. Therefore, Shab-e Jomeh (Friday Night) actually refers to the night between Thursday and Friday. If you say 'Panjshanbe Shab,' people will understand you, but it sounds less native than 'Shab-e Jomeh.'

Incorrect: Man dar Jomeh-shab be mehmani raftam. (meaning Thursday night)

Correct: Man Shab-e Jomeh be mehmani raftam.

Another mistake is confusing the numerical prefix. Since 'Panj' means five, learners sometimes think it's the fifth day of the week (Friday) if they count from Monday. Remember, the Persian week starts on Saturday. Saturday is 0 (Shanbe), Sunday is 1 (Yekshanbe), and so on. Thursday is 5 (Panjshanbe).

Spelling Errors
Mixing up 'پنشنبه' (missing the 'j') or 'پنج شنبه' (adding an unnecessary space).
Preposition Overuse
Using 'dar' (in) too much. In spoken Persian, 'Panjshanbe miyam' is better than 'Dar Panjshanbe miyam'.

To master پنجشنبه, you must know its neighbors in the weekly cycle. The days of the week in Persian follow a very logical pattern based on the word 'Shanbe'.

شنبه (Shanbe)
Saturday - The first day of the week.
چهارشنبه (Chaharshanbe)
Wednesday - The day before Thursday (4th day).
جمعه (Jomeh)
Friday - The day after Thursday; the holy day and day of rest.
آخر هفته (Akhar-e Hafte)
Weekend - Usually refers to Thursday and Friday in Iran.

"چهارشنبه‌سوری یکی از جشن‌های بزرگ قبل از عید نوروز است." (Chaharshanbe Suri is a big festival before Nowruz.)

While 'Panjshanbe' is a specific day, it is often grouped with 'Jomeh' when discussing plans. In business, 'Ruz-e Kari' (Working day) contrasts with 'Ruz-e Tatil' (Holiday/Day off). Thursday is often a 'Nim-tatil' (Half-holiday) in many Iranian cities.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

""

Informal

""

Slang

""

Difficulty Rating

Grammar to Know

Examples by Level

1

امروز پنجشنبه است.

Today is Thursday.

Simple subject + noun + linking verb.

2

من پنجشنبه می‌آیم.

I am coming on Thursday.

Time adverbial used without a preposition.

3

پنجشنبه روز خوبی است.

Thursday is a good day.

Adjective 'khub' modifying 'ruz'.

4

او پنجشنبه کار نمی‌کند.

He/She doesn't work on Thursday.

Negative present continuous/simple.

5

ما پنجشنبه به پارک می‌رویم.

We go to the park on Thursday.

First person plural verb 'miravim'.

6

آیا پنجشنبه وقت داری؟

Do you have time on Thursday?

Question form using 'aya'.

7

کلاس من پنجشنبه است.

My class is on Thursday.

Possessive 'man' after 'kelas'.

8

پنجشنبه صبح باران آمد.

It rained Thursday morning.

Past tense 'amad'.

1

پنجشنبه‌ها معمولاً به خرید می‌روم.

On Thursdays, I usually go shopping.

Plural '-ha' indicates habitual action.

2

فروشگاه پنجشنبه زود بسته می‌شود.

The shop closes early on Thursday.

Passive construction 'baste mishavad'.

3

او هر پنجشنبه به مادرش زنگ می‌زند.

He calls his mother every Thursday.

Use of 'har' (every) for frequency.

4

پنجشنبه گذشته کجا بودی؟

Where were you last Thursday?

Past tense of 'to be'.

5

ما برای پنجشنبه شب برنامه داریم.

We have plans for Thursday night.

Preposition 'baraye' (for).

6

بلیت قطار برای پنجشنبه تمام شده است.

Train tickets for Thursday are sold out.

Present perfect 'tamam shode ast'.

7

پنجشنبه بازار محله ما شلوغ است.

Our neighborhood's Thursday market is busy.

Compound noun 'Panjshanbe-bazaar'.

8

من باید تا پنجشنبه این کتاب را تمام کنم.

I must finish this book by Thursday.

Modal 'bayad' + subjunctive.

1

در ایران، پنجشنبه‌ها ادارات نیمه‌وقت هستند.

In Iran, offices are part-time on Thursdays.

Formal sentence structure.

2

او قول داد که تا عصر پنجشنبه گزارش را بفرستد.

He promised to send the report by Thursday evening.

Subordinate clause with 'ke'.

3

پنجشنبه شب‌ها خیابان‌ها خیلی ترافیک است.

Thursday nights, the streets are very congested.

Plural time expression.

4

بسیاری از مردم در روز پنجشنبه به زیارت می‌روند.

Many people go on a pilgrimage on Thursday.

Use of 'ruz-e' for formality.

5

آیا می‌توانی جلسه را به پنجشنبه موکول کنی؟

Can you postpone the meeting to Thursday?

Compound verb 'mukul kardan'.

6

پنجشنبه فرصت خوبی برای نظافت خانه است.

Thursday is a good opportunity for cleaning the house.

Noun 'forsat' (opportunity).

7

او از پنجشنبه تا حالا بیمار بوده است.

He has been sick since Thursday.

Prepositional phrase 'az... ta hala'.

8

برنامه تلویزیونی مورد علاقه من پنجشنبه‌ها پخش می‌شود.

My favorite TV show is broadcast on Thursdays.

Passive 'pakhsh mishavad'.

1

با توجه به تعطیلی جمعه، پنجشنبه روز پرکاری محسوب می‌شود.

Given Friday's closure, Thursday is considered a busy day.

Formal 'ba tavajoh be' (given/considering).

2

سنت خیرات دادن در بعدازظهر پنجشنبه همچنان پابرجاست.

The tradition of giving charity on Thursday afternoon still persists.

Abstract noun 'sonnat' (tradition).

3

او ترجیح می‌دهد سفرهایش را از پنجشنبه شروع کند.

He prefers to start his trips from Thursday.

Verb 'tarjih dadan' (to prefer).

4

پنجشنبه آخر سال برای ایرانیان اهمیت ویژه‌ای دارد.

The last Thursday of the year holds special importance for Iranians.

Adjective 'vizhe' (special).

5

اگر پنجشنبه باران ببارد، پیک‌نیک لغو خواهد شد.

If it rains on Thursday, the picnic will be cancelled.

Conditional type 1.

6

ترافیک سنگین پنجشنبه‌ها ناشی از سفرهای بین‌شهری است.

The heavy traffic on Thursdays stems from intercity travel.

Formal 'nashi az' (stemming from).

7

او تمام تلاشش را کرد تا پروژه را پیش از پنجشنبه تحویل دهد.

He made every effort to deliver the project before Thursday.

Preposition 'pish az' (before).

8

در فرهنگ ما، شب جمعه (پنجشنبه شب) زمان صله رحم است.

In our culture, Friday Eve (Thursday night) is a time for visiting kin.

Cultural term 'sele-ye rahem'.

1

پنجشنبه در ادبیات معاصر غالباً نمادی از انتظار و گذار است.

Thursday in contemporary literature is often a symbol of waiting and transition.

Academic vocabulary 'mo'aser' and 'namad'.

2

تحلیل‌ها نشان می‌دهد که بهره‌وری در روزهای پنجشنبه کاهش می‌یابد.

Analyses show that productivity decreases on Thursdays.

Formal 'tahlil-ha' and 'bahre-vari'.

3

تراکم جمعیت در بازارهای سنتی در آستانه پنجشنبه به اوج می‌رسد.

Population density in traditional markets peaks on the eve of Thursday.

Complex noun phrase 'tarakom-e jam'iyat'.

4

او در یادداشت‌های خود به حال و هوای خاص پنجشنبه‌های تهران اشاره کرده است.

In his notes, he mentioned the specific atmosphere of Tehran's Thursdays.

Compound noun 'hal-o-hava'.

5

برخی معتقدند تعطیلی پنجشنبه‌ها به اقتصاد کشور لطمه می‌زند.

Some believe that closing on Thursdays harms the country's economy.

Verb 'latme zadan' (to harm).

6

مراسم بزرگداشت این شاعر پرآوازه عصر پنجشنبه برگزار خواهد شد.

The commemoration ceremony for this renowned poet will be held Thursday evening.

Passive future 'bargozar khahad shod'.

7

پنجشنبه به مثابه پلی میان هیاهوی هفته و سکوت جمعه است.

Thursday is like a bridge between the week's clamor and Friday's silence.

Literary 'be masabe-ye' (as/like).

8

ابهام در وضعیت کاری پنجشنبه‌ها باعث سردرگمی مراجعان شده است.

Ambiguity in Thursday working status has caused confusion for clients.

Abstract noun 'ebham' (ambiguity).

1

واکاوی ریشه‌شناختی واژه پنجشنبه، پیوند ناگسستنی آن را با ساختار اعداد در زبان‌های ایرانی آشکار می‌سازد.

Etymological analysis of the word Panjshanbe reveals its unbreakable link with the number structure in Iranian languages.

Highly academic 'vakavi-ye rishe-shenakhti'.

2

پنجشنبه در ذهنیت جمعی ایرانیان، با نوعی نوستالژی و تکریم درگذشتگان عجین گشته است.

In the collective mentality of Iranians, Thursday is intertwined with a kind of nostalgia and honoring of the deceased.

Passive 'ajin gashte ast' (intertwined).

3

تغییر پارادایم روزهای کاری و حذف پنجشنبه از ایام تعطیل، موافقان و مخالفان سرسختی دارد.

The paradigm shift of working days and removing Thursday from holidays has staunch supporters and opponents.

Modern jargon 'taghyir-e paradaym'.

4

در متون کهن، پنجشنبه گاه با نام‌های دیگری که دلالت بر اخترشناسی داشتند، یاد شده است.

In ancient texts, Thursday was sometimes mentioned with other names denoting astronomy.

Formal 'delalat bar' (denoting).

5

پویایی بازار در غروب پنجشنبه، بازتابی از زیست‌جهانِ طبقه متوسط شهری است.

The market's dynamism on Thursday evening is a reflection of the urban middle-class life-world.

Sociological term 'zist-jahan'.

6

او با ظرافتی خاص، اضطرابِ غروب پنجشنبه را در اشعارش به تصویر کشیده است.

With a specific delicacy, he depicted the anxiety of Thursday evening in his poems.

Prepositional phrase 'ba zerafati khass'.

7

پنجشنبه، به عنوانِ آخرین سنگرِ فعالیت‌های اداری، نقشی کلیدی در بوروکراسی ایفا می‌کند.

Thursday, as the last bastion of administrative activities, plays a key role in bureaucracy.

Metaphorical 'akharin sangar'.

8

تلاقیِ آدابِ مذهبی و رسومِ عرفی در روز پنجشنبه، بستری غنی برای مطالعاتِ انسان‌شناختی فراهم آورده است.

The intersection of religious rituals and secular customs on Thursday has provided a rich bed for anthropological studies.

Academic 'talaghi' (intersection).

Common Collocations

پنجشنبه صبح (Thursday morning)
پنجشنبه شب (Thursday night)
عصر پنجشنبه (Thursday evening)
پنجشنبه آخر سال (Last Thursday of the year)
تعطیلی پنجشنبه (Thursday holiday)
بازار پنجشنبه (Thursday market)
هر پنجشنبه (Every Thursday)
پنجشنبه گذشته (Last Thursday)
پنجشنبه آینده (Next Thursday)
ظهر پنجشنبه (Thursday noon)

Common Phrases

تا پنجشنبه (Until Thursday)

از پنجشنبه (Since Thursday)

قرار پنجشنبه (Thursday appointment)

پنجشنبه‌ها تعطیلیم (We are closed on Thursdays)

برنامه پنجشنبه (Thursday's plan)

صبح پنجشنبه منتظرم (Waiting Thursday morning)

پنجشنبه وقت داری؟ (Free on Thursday?)

خیرات پنجشنبه (Thursday charity)

زیارت پنجشنبه (Thursday pilgrimage)

پنجشنبه نیمه‌وقت (Thursday half-time)

Often Confused With

پنجشنبه vs چهارشنبه (Wednesday)

پنجشنبه vs جمعه (Friday)

پنجشنبه vs شنبه (Saturday)

Idioms & Expressions

""

""

""

""

""

""

""

""

""

""

Easily Confused

پنجشنبه vs پنج

پنجشنبه vs پنجه

پنجشنبه vs پنجم

پنجشنبه vs پنجره

پنجشنبه vs پنجاه

Sentence Patterns

Word Family

Related

How to Use It

note

In Tajikistan, the word is the same but written in Cyrillic as Панҷшанبه. The cultural importance of Thursday as a 'blessed' day is shared across the Persianate world.

Common Mistakes
  • Saying 'Dar Panjshanbe' instead of just 'Panjshanbe'.
  • Confusing it with 'Chaharshanbe' (Wednesday).
  • Thinking 'Shab-e Jomeh' is Friday night (it's Thursday night).
  • Writing it as two separate words 'پنج شنبه'.
  • Forgetting the 'j' (پنج) and writing 'پنشنبه' in formal contexts.

Tips

The Five Fingers

Hold up 5 fingers for 'Panj' and remember it's the 5th day after the week starts.

Visit the Cemetery

If you are in Iran on a Thursday, you will see many people at cemeteries giving out dates.

No 'On'

Don't look for a word for 'on'. Just say the day: 'Panjshanbe miram'.

Party Night

If you want to party, Thursday night (Shab-e Jomeh) is the time to do it.

Early Closing

Call offices before 12:00 PM on Thursdays to ensure someone is there.

Number Logic

Learn 1-5 and you've learned Sunday through Thursday!

The Silent 'n'

Remember the 'n' is there in writing even if you don't hear it clearly.

Linking

When saying 'Panjshanbe-am' (My Thursday), use the 'e' connector.

Radio Schedules

Listen to Iranian radio; they repeat the day of the week constantly.

Booking

Avoid traveling on Thursday afternoons if you hate crowds.

Memorize It

Word Origin

Middle Persian

Cultural Context

Giving 'Halva' or dates on Thursday is a common way to honor deceased relatives.

Iran is one of the few countries where the weekend is Friday, making Thursday the equivalent of 'Friday' in the West.

Recitation of 'Dua Kumayl' on Thursday nights is a major event in Shia Islam.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Conversation Starters

"پنجشنبه چه کاره‌ای؟ (What are you doing Thursday?)"

"پنجشنبه بریم سینما؟ (Shall we go to the cinema on Thursday?)"

"پنجشنبه‌ها معمولاً چیکار می‌کنی؟ (What do you usually do on Thursdays?)"

"پنجشنبه تعطیلی یا سرِ کاری؟ (Are you off on Thursday or at work?)"

"برای پنجشنبه شب چه برنامه‌ای داری؟ (What plans do you have for Thursday night?)"

Journal Prompts

Write about your favorite Thursday memory.

Describe your typical Thursday routine in Persian.

Compare a Thursday in your country to a Thursday in Iran.

What is one thing you want to achieve by next Thursday?

Write a short story that takes place on a rainy Thursday.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, it is considered a half-holiday. Most government offices and schools are closed or close early, while Friday is the full official holiday.

You can just say 'Panjshanbe' or 'Ruz-e Panjshanbe'. No specific preposition like 'on' is required in most cases.

Literally 'Friday Eve', it refers to Thursday night. It is the most important social night of the week in Iran.

In the Persian week starting Saturday, it is the 6th day, but its name comes from being the 5th day after Saturday (Saturday = 0).

Private businesses usually work, but government offices often close at noon or are entirely closed in some cities like Tehran.

The pronunciation is very similar, though the 'a' sounds might be slightly more rounded depending on the regional Dari accent.

It is not a common first name for people, though some historical or fictional characters might have it as a nickname.

It's a traditional weekly market held on Thursdays where local vendors sell fresh produce and goods.

It's a religious tradition to pray for the souls of the departed on the eve of the holy day (Friday).

Standard modern Persian writes it as one word: پنجشنبه.

Test Yourself 179 questions

/ 179 correct

Perfect score!

Related Content

Was this helpful?

Comments (0)

Login to Comment
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!