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پر بها

B1 adjective #6,000 most common 9 min read

پر بها

por baha Top 6,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips پر بها in 30 Seconds

Explanation پر بها in your Level:

At the A1 level, you usually learn the word 'gerān' (expensive) first. 'Por-bahā' is a more advanced way to say the same thing. Think of it as 'very expensive' or 'precious'. You might see it in simple stories about kings or treasures. For now, just remember that 'por' means 'full' and 'bahā' means 'price'. So, 'por-bahā' is something 'full of price'. You don't need to use it in every conversation, but if you see it in a book, you'll know it means something costs a lot of money or is very special. It is usually used for things like gold, diamonds, or beautiful old carpets.

As an A2 learner, you are starting to see compound words. 'Por-bahā' is a great example of how Persian combines a prefix-like word (por) with a noun (bahā) to make an adjective. You should recognize that this word is more formal than 'gerān'. If you are writing a simple letter or a description of a famous place, using 'por-bahā' instead of 'gerān' will make your Persian sound much better. It is used with the Ezafe (the -e sound), like 'talā-ye por-bahā' (costly gold). Try to use it when talking about important gifts or famous museum items.

At the B1 level, you should be able to distinguish between different registers of speech. 'Por-bahā' is a 'Level 2' word for expensive. It's used when the price is justified by the quality. You will hear it on the news when they talk about the economy or in documentaries about Iranian history. You can also use it metaphorically. For example, 'tajrobeh-ye por-bahā' means 'valuable experience'. This shows you understand that 'value' isn't just about money. At this level, you should be comfortable using 'por-bahā' in your writing to describe high-quality items or significant life events.

B2 learners should use 'por-bahā' to add variety and precision to their language. You should understand the nuance between 'por-bahā' (costly), 'arzandeh' (valuable/worth it), and 'nafis' (exquisite). In a debate or a formal presentation about investments or cultural heritage, 'por-bahā' is the appropriate term. You should also be aware of its superlative form 'por-bahā-tarin' (the most costly) and how it appears in journalistic Persian. You can use it to describe the 'high cost' of political decisions or historical movements, moving beyond purely material objects.

For C1 learners, 'por-bahā' is part of a rich tapestry of vocabulary. You should be able to use it in literary analysis or complex socio-economic discussions. You understand its historical roots and how it contrasts with more modern or colloquial terms. You can use it to create a specific tone in your writing—perhaps one of reverence or formal critique. You should also be familiar with how classical poets used the root 'bahā' and how 'por-bahā' functions as a modern evolution of that concept. Your usage should be flawless, including the correct application of Ezafe in complex noun phrases.

At the C2 level, 'por-bahā' is a word you use with total mastery of its connotations. You can use it ironically, poetically, or technically. You understand the subtle shift in meaning when it is used in a legal contract versus a Sufi poem. You can explain the morphological structure to others and compare it to similar constructions in other Indo-European languages. For you, 'por-bahā' is not just a synonym for expensive; it is a tool for precise expression that carries the weight of Persian linguistic history. You might use it to describe a 'costly mistake' in a high-stakes diplomatic context or the 'precious silence' of a desert night.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

پر بها in 30 Seconds

Formal word for expensive.
Used for valuable items like gold.
Can be used metaphorically for 'precious'.
Common in news and literature.

The Persian term پر بها (por-bahā) is a sophisticated compound adjective used to describe items, concepts, or experiences that possess a high monetary or intrinsic value. Etymologically, it is composed of two distinct Persian roots: por (meaning 'full' or 'much') and bahā (meaning 'price', 'value', or 'worth'). While the common word for 'expensive' in modern Persian is gerān, پر بها carries a more formal, literary, and often respectful connotation. It suggests not just a high price tag, but a quality that justifies that cost. It is the difference between calling a watch 'pricey' and calling a historical artifact 'precious' or 'of great value'. In the Iranian cultural context, where hospitality and the presentation of gifts hold significant social weight, using a word like پر بها elevates the subject matter, signaling to the listener that the item in question is rare, esteemed, or of superior craftsmanship.

Register and Tone: This word is primarily found in formal writing, literature, news broadcasts, and high-level business negotiations. It is less common in the casual atmosphere of a fruit market but very common in a high-end jewelry store or an art gallery.
Semantic Nuance: Unlike 'expensive' which can sometimes have a negative connotation (suggesting something costs more than it should), 'por-bahā' usually implies that the high price is a reflection of its true worth.

این فرش دستباف، اثری پر بها و ماندگار است.
(This hand-woven carpet is a costly and lasting work of art.)

The word is often applied to tangible assets like gemstones, real estate, and antiques. However, its usage extends into the metaphorical realm. One might speak of 'por-bahā' advice or 'por-bahā' moments spent with loved ones. In these instances, the 'price' is not paid in currency but in the weight of importance assigned to the experience. For a learner of Persian, mastering this word allows for a transition from basic survival Persian to a more nuanced, expressive level of the language. It demonstrates an understanding of the Persian 'Ezafe' construction and the ability to distinguish between purely functional adjectives and those with aesthetic depth. In historical Persian poetry, authors like Rumi or Hafez might use the root 'bahā' to discuss the price of divine love, and while 'por-bahā' is a more modern construction, it inherits that lineage of valuing the invaluable.

او وقت خود را صرف کارهای پر بها می‌کند.
(He spends his time on valuable/costly tasks.)

Grammatical Structure: It functions as a compound adjective. When following a noun, it requires the 'ezafe' (short 'e' sound) connecting the noun to the adjective: ketāb-e por-bahā (a costly book).

Using پر بها effectively requires an understanding of where it sits on the spectrum of formality. In a sentence, it typically follows the noun it modifies, linked by the Ezafe. However, it can also function as a predicate adjective following the verb 'to be' (budan). For example, 'In javāher por-bahā ast' (This jewel is costly). Because the word implies a sense of grandeur, it is often paired with nouns that represent significant investments or cultural treasures. You will frequently see it in descriptions of Persian architecture, historical manuscripts, and high-end fashion.

موزه‌ی ملی ایران مجموعه‌ای از آثار پر بها را در خود جای داده است.
(The National Museum of Iran houses a collection of costly/valuable artifacts.)

In economic contexts, پر بها is used to describe commodities like gold or oil. A news anchor might report on the 'vaz'iyyat-e por-bahā-ye naft' (the high-priced state of oil). Here, the word takes on a technical but still formal tone. It is also important to note the negative space: we rarely use 'por-bahā' for mundane things like a loaf of bread or a bus ticket, even if they have become more expensive due to inflation. For those daily frustrations, 'gerān' remains the standard choice. Using 'por-bahā' for a cheap item would be seen as ironic or sarcastic.

Context: Art and Antiques: When describing a painting by a master like Kamal-ol-Molk, 'por-bahā' emphasizes the cultural heritage as much as the auction price.
Context: Abstract Concepts: In speeches, it is used for 'tajrobeh-ye por-bahā' (valuable experience), suggesting that the experience was gained at a high cost (perhaps through hardship).

او با پرداخت قیمتی پر بها، آن خانه‌ی قدیمی را خرید.
(By paying a high/costly price, he bought that old house.)

Furthermore, the word is often used in the superlative form: por-bahā-tarin (the most expensive/costly). For example, 'Por-bahā-tarin almas-e jahān' (The most costly diamond in the world). This is a common construction in documentary narration and educational texts. When translating from English, consider whether the source text means 'expensive' (neutral) or 'costly/precious' (elevated). If it's the latter, پر بها is your best choice to maintain the stylistic integrity of the Persian language.

In modern Iran, you are most likely to encounter پر بها in media and professional environments. If you are watching an evening news segment on IRIB (Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting) regarding the global gold market, the reporter will almost certainly use پر بها to describe precious metals. It is the standard vocabulary for the 'Goldsmiths and Precious Metals Union' (Ettehādieh-ye Talā va Javaherat-e Por-bahā). This formal usage cements the word as the professional standard for high-value commerce.

سرمایه‌گذاری در فلزات پر بها همیشه ریسک خود را دارد.
(Investing in costly/precious metals always has its risks.)

Another common setting is the legal and academic world. In a contract or a legal dispute over property, lawyers will refer to 'amvāl-e por-bahā' (costly/valuable property). In university lectures, especially those concerning history, archaeology, or economics, the term is used to categorize items of significant worth. It is a 'classroom word'—one that students are expected to use in essays to demonstrate a sophisticated vocabulary. You will also hear it in the 'Bazaar-e Bozorg' (Grand Bazaar) of Tehran, but specifically in the sections dealing with antique carpets or high-end jewelry. In these spaces, the language shifts from the rapid-fire slang of the street to a more measured, traditional Persian known as 'Bazaari' etiquette, where پر بها fits perfectly.

In Literature: Modern Persian novels and poetry often use the word to describe abstract beauty or the heavy cost of a character's choices.
In Advertising: Luxury brands in Iran use 'por-bahā' in their slogans to emphasize exclusivity and prestige.

این هدیه‌ای پر بها برای روز مادر است.
(This is a costly/precious gift for Mother's Day.)

Lastly, you will hear it in religious or philosophical discourses. When discussing the 'value of the soul' or the 'cost of salvation', speakers utilize پر بها to bridge the gap between material wealth and spiritual richness. This versatility makes it a cornerstone of the Persian lexicon, appearing anywhere from a bank's vault to a philosopher's study.

The most frequent mistake learners make with پر بها is a mismatch of register. Using it in a very casual setting can make you sound overly dramatic or like you are reading from a textbook. For instance, if you are at a fast-food joint and say, 'In hamburger por-bahā ast,' people will likely laugh or find it odd. In that context, gerān is the only appropriate word. Remember: پر بها is for things of lasting value, not for everyday consumables.

❌ اشتباه: این نان خیلی پر بها است.
✅ درست: این نان خیلی گران است.
(Mistake: This bread is very costly/precious. Correct: This bread is very expensive.)

Another common error involves the word order and the Ezafe. Because it is a compound adjective (por + baha), some learners try to separate them or pluralize the 'baha' part separately. The word is a fixed unit. You cannot say 'baha-ye por' to mean 'expensive'. Always keep the 'por' first. Additionally, don't confuse پر بها with arzandeh. While both mean valuable, arzandeh is often used for things that are a 'good value' or 'worth the price', whereas پر بها simply emphasizes the high price tag itself.

Confusion with 'Ghalat': Sometimes learners confuse 'baha' (price) with 'beh' (better). 'Por-beh' is not a word. Ensure you use the 'h' sound at the end of 'baha'.
Spelling Errors: In written Persian, 'por' and 'baha' can be written together (پربها) or with a zero-width non-joiner (پر‌بها). Both are correct, but writing them as two separate words with a full space (پر بها) is generally less preferred in modern typography.

❌ اشتباه: او یک ساعتِ پربهایی دارد.
✅ درست: او یک ساعتِ پربها دارد.
(Mistake: Adding an unnecessary 'i' suffix. Correct: He has a costly watch.)

Persian is a language rich with synonyms, each carrying its own flavor. Understanding the alternatives to پر بها will help you choose the exact right word for your context. The most direct synonym is gerān-ghimat. This also means 'high-priced' and is used in similar formal contexts. However, gerān-ghimat is slightly more focused on the literal price tag, while پر بها feels a bit more elegant.

Gerān (گران): The standard, everyday word for 'expensive'. Use this for food, taxis, and common clothes. It is neutral and universally understood.
Arzandeh (ارزنده): Means 'valuable' or 'worthwhile'. It focuses on the merit of the thing rather than just its cost. A gift can be 'arzandeh' even if it wasn't 'por-bahā'.
Nafis (نفیس): Specifically used for exquisite art, carpets, or books. It implies high quality, rarity, and beauty alongside a high price.

این تابلوی نقاشی بسیار نفیس است.
(This painting is very exquisite/precious.)

Another interesting alternative is ghimati. While 'ghimat' means price, adding the 'i' suffix turns it into 'valuable' or 'expensive'. It is common in spoken Persian but still carries a bit more weight than 'gerān'. If you want to describe something as 'priceless' (so valuable that money cannot buy it), you would use gerān-sanj or more commonly bi-bahā (though 'bi-bahā' can confusingly mean both 'worthless' and 'priceless' depending on context, so 'bi-nazir' or 'fogh-ol-adeh' are safer for 'priceless').

او جواهری گران‌قیمت به گردن داشت.
(She had a high-priced jewel around her neck.)

In academic writing, you might also see ba-arzesh. This is a very safe, all-purpose word for 'valuable'. It is used for data, opinions, and material goods alike. However, it lacks the specific 'luxury' feel that پر بها provides. By learning these distinctions, you can navigate Persian social situations with the grace of a native speaker, knowing exactly when to use a common word and when to pull out a 'por-bahā' gem.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

The root 'baha' is also the source of the name of the Baha'i faith, where it signifies 'Glory' or 'Splendor', showing how the concept of 'value' shifted from material to spiritual over millennia.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /pɔːr bæˈhɒː/

US /pɔːr bæˈhɑː/

The stress is typically on the second syllable of the second word: por-baHĀ.

Rhymes With

rahā (free) tahā (a name) eshtehā (appetite) entehā (end) ebtedā (beginning) fadhā (space) ghadhā (food) sadhā (hundreds)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'por' like 'poor' (with a long 'u' sound). It should be a short 'o'.
Missing the 'h' in 'baha', making it sound like 'ba-aa'.
Putting stress on the first syllable 'POR-baha'.
Shortening the final 'a' in 'baha'.
Using a glottal stop between 'por' and 'baha' instead of a smooth transition.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to recognize once you know 'por' and 'baha'.

Writing 4/5

Requires correct use of Ezafe and understanding of register.

Speaking 4/5

Can sound unnatural if used in the wrong context.

Listening 3/5

Clear pronunciation, but can be confused with 'geran-baha'.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

گران (Expensive) بها (Price) پر (Full) ارزش (Value) طلا (Gold)

Learn Next

نفیس (Exquisite) ارزنده (Valuable) سرمایه (Capital) اقتصاد (Economy) تجملاتی (Luxury)

Advanced

ثمین (Precious - Arabic root) متمول (Wealthy) بضاعت (Financial capacity) کالا (Commodity) ارز (Foreign currency)

Grammar to Know

Ezafe Construction

Ketāb-e por-bahā (The costly book)

Compound Adjectives

Por + Noun = Adjective (Por-rang, Por-bahā)

Superlative Suffix -tarin

Por-bahā-tarin (The most costly)

Adjective Placement

Follows the noun in Persian.

Formal vs Informal Register

Using 'por-bahā' instead of 'gerān' for formal tone.

Examples by Level

این طلا پر بها است.

This gold is costly.

Simple subject + adjective + verb.

او یک هدیه‌ی پر بها خرید.

He bought a costly gift.

Adjective following the noun with Ezafe.

الماس بسیار پر بها است.

Diamonds are very costly.

Use of 'besyār' (very) to modify the adjective.

فرش پر بها در اتاق است.

The costly carpet is in the room.

Adjective modifying the subject.

این ساعت پر بها نیست؟

Is this watch not costly?

Negative question form.

من چیزهای پر بها را دوست دارم.

I like costly things.

Direct object with 'rā'.

آن ماشین پر بها است.

That car is costly.

Demonstrative pronoun 'ān' (that).

کتاب‌های پر بها را نخرید.

Do not buy costly books.

Imperative negative form.

او به من یک ساعت پر بها داد.

He gave me a costly watch.

Indirect object 'be man'.

این خانه‌ی پر بها مال کیست؟

Whose is this costly house?

Possessive question 'māl-e kist'.

ما در این موزه‌ اشیاء پر بها دیدیم.

We saw costly objects in this museum.

Plural noun 'ashyā'.

آیا این انگشتر پر بها است یا ارزان؟

Is this ring costly or cheap?

Comparative question.

او همیشه لباس‌های پر بها می‌پوشد.

She always wears costly clothes.

Present habitual tense.

قیمت این مروارید بسیار پر بها است.

The price of this pearl is very costly.

Noun phrase as subject.

پدرم یک تابلوی پر بها به دیوار آویخت.

My father hung a costly painting on the wall.

Past tense verb 'āvikht'.

این‌ها سنگ‌های پر بها هستند.

These are costly stones.

Plural demonstrative 'inhā'.

سرمایه‌گذاری در فلزات پر بها سودمند است.

Investing in costly metals is profitable.

Gerund phrase as subject.

او تجربه‌ای پر بها در این سفر به دست آورد.

He gained a valuable (costly) experience on this trip.

Metaphorical use of 'por-bahā'.

این آثار پر بها باید در گاوصندوق باشند.

These costly works must be in the safe.

Modal verb 'bāyad'.

او با فروش آن ملک پر بها، ثروتمند شد.

By selling that costly property, he became rich.

Prepositional phrase with 'bā'.

زمان، پر بها ترین دارایی انسان است.

Time is the most costly (valuable) asset of man.

Superlative form 'por-bahā-tarin'.

او برای خرید این ماشین، بهای پر بهایی پرداخت.

He paid a costly price to buy this car.

Redundant use for emphasis.

این اطلاعات برای شرکت ما بسیار پر بها است.

This information is very costly/valuable for our company.

Abstract noun 'ettelā'āt'.

آن‌ها به دنبال گنج‌های پر بها هستند.

They are looking for costly treasures.

Present progressive 'be donbāl-e ... hastand'.

دولت برای حفظ این بنای پر بها بودجه اختصاص داد.

The government allocated a budget to preserve this costly building.

Formal vocabulary like 'ekhtesās dād'.

هنرمند ساعت‌های پر بهایی را صرف خلق این اثر کرد.

The artist spent costly hours creating this work.

Indefinite plural 'sā'athā-yi'.

این کالا به دلیل مواد پر بهایش، گران است.

This product is expensive due to its costly materials.

Causal phrase 'be dalil-e'.

او در مزایده، یک نسخه‌ی خطی پر بها خرید.

In the auction, he bought a costly manuscript.

Specific noun 'noskheh-ye khatti'.

حفاظت از این محیط زیست پر بها وظیفه‌ی ماست.

Protecting this costly (precious) environment is our duty.

Environmental context.

او با کلمات پر بها، از مهمانان استقبال کرد.

He welcomed the guests with costly (refined) words.

Stylistic use for 'refined'.

این گردنبند با سنگ‌های پر بها تزیین شده است.

This necklace is decorated with costly stones.

Passive construction 'tazyin shodeh ast'.

او از دست دادن آن فرصت پر بها را جبران کرد.

He compensated for losing that costly opportunity.

Compound verb 'jobrān kard'.

تبادلات تجاری شامل کالاهای پر بها و استراتژیک می‌شود.

Trade exchanges include costly and strategic goods.

Economic terminology.

شاعر در اشعارش به گوهرهای پر بهای معرفت اشاره دارد.

The poet refers to the costly gems of knowledge in his poems.

Metaphorical literary Persian.

این توافق‌نامه برای هر دو طرف پر بها تمام شد.

This agreement ended up being costly for both sides.

Idiomatic 'tamām shodan' (to cost/result in).

او میراث پر بهایی از خود به جای گذاشت.

He left behind a costly (valuable) legacy.

Abstract concept of 'legacy'.

ارزش‌های پر بهای اخلاقی در جامعه در حال تغییر است.

The costly (precious) moral values in society are changing.

Sociological context.

او با دقتی پر بها، جزئیات را بررسی کرد.

With costly (great) precision, he examined the details.

Adverbial use of the adjective.

این فرش‌های پر بها نماد هنر اصیل ایرانی هستند.

These costly carpets are symbols of authentic Persian art.

Cultural identification.

او در جستجوی حقیقت، بهای پر بهایی پرداخت.

In search of truth, he paid a costly price.

Philosophical depth.

تحلیلگران بر این باورند که نوسانات بازار بر دارایی‌های پر بها تأثیرگذار است.

Analysts believe that market fluctuations affect costly assets.

Complex sentence structure with 'bar in bāvarand ke'.

ظرافت‌های پر بهای این معماری، چشم هر بیننده‌ای را خیره می‌کند.

The costly subtleties of this architecture dazzle the eye of every observer.

Highly formal/poetic style.

او با تکیه بر تجارب پر بهای پیشین، پروژه‌ی جدید را آغاز کرد.

Relying on previous costly experiences, he started the new project.

Participial phrase 'bā tekye bar'.

مفهوم آزادی، موهبتی پر بهاست که به آسانی به دست نمی‌آید.

The concept of freedom is a costly blessing that is not easily attained.

Philosophical definition.

او در نگارش کتابش از منابع پر بها و دست‌اول استفاده کرد.

In writing his book, he used costly and primary sources.

Academic context.

حفظ ثبات در این منطقه‌ی پر بها، اولویت اصلی ماست.

Maintaining stability in this costly (valuable) region is our main priority.

Geopolitical usage.

او با نگاهی پر بها به زندگی، هر لحظه را غنیمت می‌شمارد.

With a costly (appreciative) look at life, he treasures every moment.

Subjective/Poetic interpretation.

این اکتشاف علمی، دریچه‌ای پر بها به سوی آینده گشود.

This scientific discovery opened a costly (valuable) window to the future.

Metaphorical 'window to the future'.

Common Collocations

فلزات پر بها

هدایای پر بها

سنگ‌های پر بها

تجربه‌ی پر بها

کالای پر بها

فرش پر بها

قیمت پر بها

نسخه‌ی پر بها

میراث پر بها

زمان پر بها

Common Phrases

جواهرات پر بها

— High-priced jewelry.

او در گاوصندوق جواهرات پر بها دارد.

آثار پر بها

— Costly works of art or artifacts.

این موزه آثار پر بهایی دارد.

فرصت پر بها

— A valuable or rare opportunity.

این یک فرصت پر بها برای یادگیری است.

کتاب پر بها

— An expensive or rare book.

او کتاب پر بهایی به من بخشید.

ملک پر بها

— High-value real estate.

آن‌ها در شمال شهر ملک پر بهایی دارند.

ساعت پر بها

— A luxury watch.

ساعت پر بهای او درخشید.

لباس پر بها

— Designer or expensive clothing.

او برای مهمانی لباس پر بهایی پوشید.

اشیای پر بها

— Costly objects/items.

اشیای پر بها را نباید در دسترس گذاشت.

پاداش پر بها

— A high-value reward.

او پاداش پر بهایی دریافت کرد.

نصیحت پر بها

— Very valuable advice.

پدرم نصیحت پر بهایی به من کرد.

Often Confused With

پر بها vs بی‌بها

Sounds similar but means the opposite (worthless), though in rare poetic contexts it can mean priceless.

پر بها vs پربار

Means 'fruitful' or 'productive', often confused because of the 'por' prefix.

پر بها vs بهایی

Refers to a specific religious group, not the price of an object.

Idioms & Expressions

"بهای پر بهایی پرداختن"

— To pay a very high price (often metaphorically for a mistake).

او برای اشتباهش بهای پر بهایی پرداخت.

Formal

"گوهر پر بها"

— A very precious person or thing.

او گوهر پر بهای خانواده است.

Poetic

"زمان پر بهاست"

— Time is money / Time is precious.

عجله کن، زمان پر بهاست.

Neutral

"سخن پر بها"

— Wise or valuable words.

او همیشه سخنان پر بهایی می‌گوید.

Literary

"مروارید پر بها"

— Something extremely rare and valuable.

این ایده مانند مرواریدی پر بهاست.

Poetic

"گنج پر بها"

— A treasure of great worth.

کتابخانه گنجی پر بها برای او بود.

Literary

"امانت پر بها"

— A very valuable trust or item given for safekeeping.

فرزندان امانت‌های پر بهایی هستند.

Formal

"نور پر بها"

— Metaphor for guidance or divine light.

او به دنبال نور پر بهای حقیقت بود.

Religious

"خاک پر بها"

— Valuable land or patriotic reference to soil.

ما باید از این خاک پر بها دفاع کنیم.

Patriotic

"نام پر بها"

— A highly respected or famous name.

او نام پر بهایی در صنعت دارد.

Formal

Easily Confused

پر بها vs گران

Both mean high cost.

Gerān is everyday and can be negative; Por-bahā is formal and usually positive.

In sib gerān ast (This apple is expensive). In almās por-bahā ast (This diamond is costly/precious).

پر بها vs ارزنده

Both relate to value.

Arzandeh means 'worth the price' or 'valuable'; Por-bahā means 'having a high price'.

Nasihat-e arzandeh (Valuable advice).

پر بها vs نفیس

Both used for expensive art.

Nafis implies 'exquisite craftsmanship'; Por-bahā implies 'high monetary value'.

Farsh-e nafis (Exquisite carpet).

پر بها vs گران‌بها

Almost identical.

They are synonyms, but 'por-bahā' is slightly more modern in economic contexts.

Sang-e gerān-baha (Precious stone).

پر بها vs قیمتی

Both used for jewelry.

Ghimati is more common in spoken Persian; Por-bahā is more for written/formal use.

Javaher-e ghimati (Valuable jewel).

Sentence Patterns

[Noun] [Adjective] ast.

In talā por-bahā ast.

[Noun]-e [Adjective] [Verb].

Man sa'at-e por-bahā dāram.

[Noun]-e [Adjective]-tar az [Noun].

Almās por-bahā-tar az noghreh ast.

[Noun]-e por-bahā-yi ke [Clause].

Ghashri ke por-bahā-yi ke kharidi, zibāst.

Ba tavajoh be [Noun]-e por-bahā...

Ba tavajoh be ashyā-ye por-bahā, amniyat lāzem ast.

Mofhum-e [Noun] dar ghāleb-e asari por-bahā...

Mofhum-e eshgh dar ghāleb-e asari por-bahā tajalli yāft.

Por-bahā-tarin [Noun]...

Por-bahā-tarin farsh-e jahān.

In [Noun] por-bahā nist.

In medād por-bahā nist.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Common in media, legal, and luxury contexts; rare in casual street speech.

Common Mistakes

Using 'por-bahā' for cheap items like bread. → Using 'gerān'.
Por-bahā implies inherent value and is too formal for groceries.
Saying 'baha-ye por'. → Saying 'por-bahā'.
The order of compound adjectives is fixed in Persian.
Adding 'hā' to the adjective. → Keeping it as 'por-bahā'.
Adjectives in Persian do not take plural markers when modifying a noun.
Confusing it with 'Baha'i'. → Understanding context.
While they share a root, one is an adjective for price and the other is a proper noun for a religion.
Forgetting the Ezafe. → Farsh-e por-bahā.
Adjectives must be linked to nouns using the Ezafe in Persian.

Tips

Upgrade your 'Expensive'

Whenever you want to say something is expensive in a formal essay, use 'por-bahā' instead of 'gerān' to immediately boost your CEFR level.

Use for Art

When visiting an Iranian home, if you see a beautiful carpet or vase, calling it 'por-bahā' is a very high compliment to the host's taste.

Watch the Ezafe

Never forget the 'e' sound (Ezafe) when connecting 'por-bahā' to a noun. It's 'farsh-e por-bahā', not 'farsh por-bahā'.

Bazaar Etiquette

If a merchant tells you an item is 'por-bahā', he is trying to tell you it is high quality and you shouldn't haggle too aggressively.

Nim-faseleh

In digital writing, use the zero-width non-joiner (Shift+Space in some layouts) between 'por' and 'baha' for perfect typography.

News Keywords

In Iranian economic news, 'felezāt-e por-bahā' is the standard term for precious metals. Listen for it during market updates.

Abstract Value

Don't be afraid to use it for things like 'experience' or 'advice'. It sounds very wise and mature.

Por-bahā vs Gerān

Think of 'Gerān' as 'Pricey' and 'Por-bahā' as 'Valuable'. Use the latter for things that deserve their high price.

The 'Por' Prefix

Learn other 'por-' words like 'por-rang' (colorful) or 'por-shur' (passionate) to see the pattern of 'full of'.

The 'Buy' Link

Remember: 'Baha' sounds like 'Buy-a'. Something 'Por-bahā' is something you have to 'buy a' lot of for.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'POOR' person looking at something that has a lot of 'BAH-A' (price). They can't buy it because it is 'POR-BAHA'.

Visual Association

Imagine a giant scale. On one side is a small diamond, and on the other side is a 'POR' (full) bag of gold coins. The balance represents the 'BAHA' (price).

Word Web

Gold Diamond Carpet Investment Expensive Precious Formal Value

Challenge

Try to find three items in your house that you would describe as 'por-bahā' and write a sentence for each using the Ezafe construction.

Word Origin

Derived from Middle Persian roots. 'Por' comes from Proto-Indo-European *pelu-, meaning 'much' or 'many'. 'Baha' comes from the Old Persian word 'bāji-', meaning 'tribute' or 'tax'.

Original meaning: Originally, it might have referred to something that required a large tribute or a heavy tax to acquire.

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

Cultural Context

Be careful not to sound boastful when calling your own possessions 'por-bahā'. It is better to use it for others' things.

Similar to 'costly' or 'precious' in English, which are more formal than 'expensive'.

Used in Iranian National News (IRIB) for economic reports. Found in the works of modern poets like Sohrab Sepehri. Commonly seen in the 'Jewelry Museum of Tehran' descriptions.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Jewelry Shop

این الماس پر بهاست؟
سنگ‌های پر بها کجاست؟
قیمت این کار پر بها چند است؟
من به دنبال چیزی پر بها هستم.

Museum

این اثر پر بها متعلق به کدام دوره است؟
اشیای پر بها در این بخش هستند.
حفاظت از این آثار پر بها مهم است.
موزه پر از گنج‌های پر بهاست.

Business

این یک قرارداد پر بها است.
هزینه‌های پر بهای تولید
سرمایه‌گذاری در بخش‌های پر بها
ما به نتایج پر بهایی رسیدیم.

Social/Gifts

ممنون برای هدیه‌ی پر بهایتان.
او همیشه هدایای پر بها می‌دهد.
این یادگاری برای من پر بهاست.
ارزش معنوی آن از قیمت پر بهایش بیشتر است.

News/Economy

قیمت فلزات پر بها افزایش یافت.
بازار کالاهای پر بها
واردات خودروهای پر بها
نوسان در قیمت‌های پر بها

Conversation Starters

"آیا به نظر شما این تابلوی نقاشی پر بها است؟ (Do you think this painting is costly/valuable?)"

"کدام یک از این فرش‌ها پر بها تر به نظر می‌رسد؟ (Which of these carpets looks more costly?)"

"چرا فلزات پر بها همیشه برای سرمایه‌گذاری خوب هستند؟ (Why are precious metals always good for investment?)"

"آیا تا به حال هدیه‌ای پر بها دریافت کرده‌اید؟ (Have you ever received a costly gift?)"

"به نظر شما پر بها ترین چیز در زندگی چیست؟ (What do you think is the most costly/valuable thing in life?)"

Journal Prompts

درباره‌ی یک شیء پر بها که در خانه‌تان دارید بنویسید و بگویید چرا برایتان مهم است. (Write about a costly/valuable object you have at home and say why it's important to you.)

آیا پول همیشه می‌تواند چیزهای پر بها را بخرد؟ نظر خود را توضیح دهید. (Can money always buy costly things? Explain your opinion.)

تجربه‌ای پر بها را توصیف کنید که در آن درس مهمی یاد گرفتید. (Describe a valuable/costly experience where you learned an important lesson.)

اگر می‌توانستید یک اثر هنری پر بها داشته باشید، چه چیزی را انتخاب می‌کردید؟ (If you could own a costly work of art, what would you choose?)

تفاوت بین یک چیز 'گران' و یک چیز 'پر بها' از نظر شما چیست؟ (What is the difference between an 'expensive' thing and a 'costly/valuable' thing in your view?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Rarely. For food, 'gerān' is the standard word. Using 'por-bahā' for a sandwich would sound very strange or ironic.

They are very similar. 'Gerān-ghimat' literally means 'expensive price', while 'por-bahā' means 'full of value/price'. 'Por-bahā' is slightly more elegant.

Only metaphorically, meaning they are very valuable or precious to you, but 'arzandeh' or 'aziz' is more common for people.

In modern Persian, it is treated as a compound adjective. It can be written joined (پربها) or with a non-joiner (پر‌بها).

You say 'por-bahā-tarin'. For example: 'Por-bahā-tarin māshin' (The most expensive car).

Like most Persian adjectives, it doesn't change for plural nouns. 'Farsh-hā-ye por-bahā' (Costly carpets).

Usually, it means expensive. For 'priceless', 'gheymat-nā-pazir' is more accurate.

Yes, especially in the gold and antique sections where formal language is preferred.

Generally yes, it implies quality. 'Gerān' can be a complaint, but 'por-bahā' is more of a description of worth.

It comes from Old Persian 'bāji', meaning tribute or tax.