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A2 noun 9 min read

رژ لب

rozh lab
Examples رژ لب in 30 Seconds
Explanation رژ لب in your Level:
At the A1 level, you only need to know that 'rozh-e lab' means lipstick. You should focus on recognizing the word when you see it in a list of household or personal items. You might use it in very simple sentences like 'I have lipstick' or 'The lipstick is red'. At this stage, don't worry too much about the complex history of the word. Just remember that 'lab' means 'lip' and 'rozh' is the color part. You can think of it as 'lip color'. Try to associate the sound 'rozh' with the English word 'rouge'. This is one of the easier words for English speakers because half of it sounds like French and the other half is a short, common Persian word. Focus on the basic color adjectives that go with it, such as 'ghermez' (red) or 'surati' (pink).
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At the A2 level, you should be able to use 'rozh-e lab' in basic daily interactions. For example, if you are at a store, you should be able to ask 'How much is this lipstick?' or 'Do you have pink lipstick?'. You should also start using the correct verb 'zadan' (to apply). Instead of saying 'I put lipstick', you should practice saying 'man rozh-e lab mizanam'. This level also requires you to understand the Ezafe construction—the small 'e' sound that connects 'rozh' and 'lab'. You should be able to describe the lipstick using simple adjectives like 'khub' (good), 'gerān' (expensive), or 'arzān' (cheap). You are starting to build a functional vocabulary for shopping and personal care.
By B1, you should be comfortable using 'rozh-e lab' in more descriptive contexts. You can talk about your preferences, such as 'I prefer liquid lipstick because it lasts longer'. You should understand the difference between 'rozh-e lab-e māye' (liquid) and 'rozh-e lab-e jāmed' (solid). You might also start encountering the word in social media posts or simple advertisements. At this level, you should be able to explain a simple beauty routine or describe someone's appearance using the word. You should also be aware of related words like 'pāk kardan' (to clean/remove) and 'khat-e lab' (lip liner). Your sentences will become longer, and you will use conjunctions like 'vali' (but) or 'chon' (because) to talk about why you like a certain brand or color.
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At the B2 level, you can participate in discussions about fashion and beauty trends. You might discuss the impact of international brands on the Iranian market or the cultural significance of makeup in different social settings. You should be able to understand more technical terms like 'māndegāri' (longevity), 'pigment' (pigmentation), and 'tarkibāt' (ingredients). You will hear the word in more complex media, such as talk shows or documentaries about the economy of the Middle East (where cosmetics play a huge role). You should also be familiar with the informal/older synonym 'mātik' and know when it is appropriate to use it (usually when talking to older people or in a nostalgic context). Your use of the word will be grammatically perfect, including the correct use of the object marker 'rā'.
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At the C1 level, you understand the nuances of the word 'rozh-e lab' in literature and high-level social commentary. You can analyze how the use of the word in a modern Persian novel might contrast with older terms like 'sorkhāb' to highlight a character's modernity or Westernization. You are capable of discussing the semiotics of makeup in Persian cinema. You can use the word in idiomatic expressions or understand when it is being used metaphorically. You are also aware of the legal and social regulations surrounding cosmetics in various Persian-speaking environments and can discuss these topics fluently. Your vocabulary includes specialized terms for every aspect of the product, from the chemical composition to the marketing strategies used by Iranian 'beauty bloggers'.
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At the C2 level, you have a near-native command of the word and its entire cultural and historical baggage. You can discuss the etymological journey of 'rouge' from French into Persian and how it displaced native terms. You can read academic papers on the sociology of beauty in Iran or the history of the Qajar era cosmetics where 'sorkhāb' was king. You can appreciate wordplay in poetry or sophisticated jokes that involve the word 'rozh-e lab'. You can switch effortlessly between formal, informal, and technical registers. You might even know archaic synonyms or regional variations used in Tajikistan or Dari-speaking regions of Afghanistan that differ from the standard Tehrani 'rozh-e lab'. Your understanding is not just linguistic but deeply cultural and historical.
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Examples

رژ لب in 30 Seconds

  • Rozh-e lab is the Persian word for lipstick, combining French 'rozh' (rouge) and Persian 'lab' (lip).
  • It is used with the verb 'zadan' (to apply) and is a common part of daily life in Iran.
  • Adjectives like colors follow the noun, linked by the 'e' sound (Ezafe construction).
  • It replaced older terms like 'matik' and 'sorkhāb' in modern urban Persian vocabulary.

The term رژ لب (rozh-e lab) is the standard contemporary Persian word for lipstick. It is a fascinating linguistic hybrid that perfectly encapsulates the history of modern Iranian cosmetics. The word is composed of two distinct parts: رژ (rozh), which is a direct loanword from the French word rouge (meaning red), and لب (lab), the native Persian word for lip. In the early 20th century, as French culture and fashion heavily influenced the Iranian elite, many cosmetic terms were imported. While the French use rouge à lèvres, Persian speakers shortened the first part and kept the local word for the body part, creating a compound noun that is used universally today across all Persian-speaking regions, including Iran, Afghanistan (where سُرخی is also common), and Tajikistan.

Grammatical Category
Compound Noun (Noun + Ezafe + Noun)
Social Context
Used in daily conversation, fashion magazines, and beauty salons. It is neutral and appropriate for all settings.
Common Verb Pairing
The verb زدن (zadan - to hit/apply) is used to describe the act of putting on lipstick.

Historically, before the widespread adoption of the word رژ لب, Iranians used traditional cosmetics like سُرخاب (sorkhāb), a red powder or paste. However, in modern urban Persian, sorkhāb sounds archaic or refers specifically to traditional blush. When you walk into a لوازم آرایشی (lavāzem-e ārāyeshi - cosmetic shop) in Tehran today, you will exclusively use the term رژ لب to ask for various types, whether they are مایع (māye - liquid) or جامد (jāmed - solid/stick).

مریم همیشه رژ لب قرمز می‌زند.
Maryam always wears (applies) red lipstick.

این رژ لب ۲۴ ساعته است.
This lipstick is 24-hour (long-lasting).

باید رژ لبم را پاک کنم.
I need to wipe off my lipstick.

رنگ این رژ لب خیلی ملایم است.
The color of this lipstick is very mild/subtle.

کدام برند رژ لب بهتر است؟
Which brand of lipstick is better?

Understanding the usage of رژ لب also involves knowing the cultural etiquette of makeup in Iran. While makeup is incredibly popular and Iran is one of the largest consumers of cosmetics in the Middle East, the style of application can vary significantly between a formal office environment and a wedding party. In a professional setting, one might choose a رژ لب کالباسی (pale pink/nude lipstick), whereas for celebrations, bold reds and purples are common. The word remains the same regardless of the shade or price point, making it a foundational piece of vocabulary for any learner interested in daily life and modern culture in the Persian-speaking world.

Using رژ لب correctly involves mastering the compound verbs and adjectives that typically accompany it. Because Persian relies heavily on light verb constructions, you won't find a single specific verb that means 'to lipstick'. Instead, we combine the noun with general verbs to create specific meanings. The most common of these is زدن (zadan), which literally means 'to hit' but functions as 'to apply' in the context of cosmetics.

To Apply
رژ لب زدن (Rozh-e lab zadan) - The standard way to say 'to put on lipstick'.
To Remove
رژ لب را پاک کردن (Rozh-e lab rā pāk kardan) - To clean or wipe off the lipstick.
To Buy/Choose
رژ لب خریدن/انتخاب کردن (Rozh-e lab kharidan/entekhāb kardan) - Standard verbs for shopping.

When describing the lipstick, adjectives follow the noun using the Ezafe construction. However, since rozh-e lab is already a compound, the adjective comes after the whole phrase. For example, 'red lipstick' is رژ لبِ قرمز (rozh-e lab-e ghermez). Notice how the 'e' sound connects 'lab' to 'ghermez'. This is a common point of confusion for beginners who might try to put the color between 'rozh' and 'lab'.

او در حال رژ لب زدن است.
She is currently putting on lipstick.

آیا این رژ لب به صورت من می‌آید؟
Does this lipstick suit my face?

من رژ لب مات را به براق ترجیح می‌دهم.
I prefer matte lipstick to glossy.

In more complex sentences, you might see رژ لب acting as the subject or the object. If it is a specific lipstick you are talking about, you must add the object marker را (rā). For example: رژ لب را در کیفم پیدا نکردم (I didn't find the lipstick in my bag). This distinction between general lipstick and 'the' lipstick is crucial for reaching an A2 or B1 level of proficiency. Furthermore, you might encounter technical terms in beauty tutorials such as ماندگاری رژ لب (lipstick longevity) or بافت رژ لب (lipstick texture), which are used by influencers and professionals.

You will encounter the word رژ لب in a variety of real-world scenarios in Persian-speaking societies. The most common place is within the domestic sphere—mothers talking to daughters, or friends getting ready for an evening out. It is a staple of everyday conversation among women and is increasingly discussed by men in the context of gift-giving or the retail industry. If you watch Persian lifestyle vlogs or 'Get Ready With Me' (GRWM) videos on platforms like Instagram or YouTube, you will hear this word repeatedly as influencers demonstrate their makeup routines.

In Shopping Malls
Stores like 'Safir' or local boutiques in the Grand Bazaar will have large signs for انواع رژ لب (types of lipstick).
In Media
Advertisements on satellite TV or billboards often feature the latest رژ لب trends from international or local brands.
At the Hairdresser
In an آرایشگاه (ārāyeshgāh), makeup artists will ask clients about their preferred رژ لب shade to match their outfit.

Another interesting place you hear this word is in the context of 'cosmetic policing' or social discussions regarding modesty. In some formal or conservative environments, the presence or absence of رژ لب can be a topic of social commentary. Therefore, the word carries not just a cosmetic meaning but sometimes a social weight. For instance, a mother might tell her daughter, رژ لبت خیلی پررنگ است (Your lipstick is too dark/bold), implying it might not be suitable for a specific occasion.

خانم، این تستِرِ رژ لب است؟
Ma'am, is this the lipstick tester?

دنبال یک رژ لب بدون سرب می‌گردم.
I'm looking for a lead-free lipstick.

Finally, you will hear it in literary or cinematic contexts. In modern Persian cinema, particularly in 'social dramas', the act of applying رژ لب is often used as a visual shorthand for a character's attempt to regain confidence or change their identity. In songs, while more poetic terms like لعل (ruby) might be used for lips, modern pop lyrics frequently use رژ لب to describe a modern woman. Hearing the word in these diverse contexts—from the clinical aisles of a pharmacy to the emotional scenes of a movie—will help you understand its full semantic range.

Learning رژ لب seems straightforward, but there are several pitfalls that English speakers often fall into. The most frequent error involves the Ezafe construction. In English, we say 'lipstick' as one word. In Persian, it is rozh-e lab. Beginners often forget the 'e' sound, saying 'rozh lab'. While understandable in fast speech, it is grammatically incomplete. Another common mistake is the confusion between رژ لب and ماتیک (mātik).

Mistake 1: Using 'Put' instead of 'Hit'
English speakers often translate 'put on lipstick' literally using gozāshtan (to put). Correct: rozh-e lab zadan.
Mistake 2: Gendered assumptions
Persian has no grammatical gender. Avoid trying to find a 'feminine' version of the word or the verb.
Mistake 3: Word Order with Colors
Saying 'ghermez rozh-e lab' instead of 'rozh-e lab-e ghermez'. Adjectives always follow the noun.

Another nuance is the pronunciation of the letter ژ (zh). This sound exists in English (like the 's' in 'pleasure' or 'vision'), but many learners struggle to produce it cleanly in the middle of a word. Practice saying 'rozh' without turning it into a 'j' (as in 'judge') or a 'sh' (as in 'shoe'). If you say 'roj-e lab', it sounds like a different word entirely.

غلط: من رژ لب می‌گذارم.
درست: من رژ لب می‌زنم.
Incorrect: I 'put' lipstick. Correct: I 'apply' lipstick.

غلط: قرمز رژ لب.
درست: رژ لبِ قرمز.
Incorrect: Red lipstick (wrong order). Correct: Lipstick red.

Finally, be careful with the plural. In English, we say 'lipsticks'. In Persian, we say رژ لب‌ها (rozh-e lab-hā). However, when talking about lipstick in general (e.g., 'I like lipsticks'), Persian often uses the singular form. Beginners tend to over-pluralize nouns when discussing categories of things. Stick to the singular unless you are referring to multiple physical tubes of lipstick sitting on a table.

While رژ لب is the most common term, Persian offers several alternatives depending on the era, the register, and the specific type of product. Understanding these synonyms will help you navigate both vintage literature and modern beauty aisles. The most famous alternative is ماتیک (mātik).

ماتیک (Mātik)
An older term, likely from the French brand 'T. LeClerc' or Russian influence. It is still used by the older generation or informally to sound a bit 'retro'.
بالم لب (Bālm-e lab)
Lip balm. Used for hydration rather than color, though some are tinted.
برق لب (Bargh-e lab)
Lip gloss. Literally 'Lip Shine'. Essential for distinguishing between matte and glossy finishes.
خط لب (Khat-e lab)
Lip liner. Literally 'Lip Line'.

In a historical or poetic context, you might encounter سُرخاب (sorkhāb). This word is a compound of sorkh (red) and āb (water). In the past, it was part of the 'Seven Items of Beauty' (هفت قلم آرایش). Using sorkhāb today in a cosmetic shop would be like asking for 'rouge' in a modern American Sephora—people would know what you mean, but it sounds like you've stepped out of a 19th-century novel.

مادربزرگم هنوز به رژ لب می‌گوید «ماتیک».
My grandmother still calls lipstick 'Matik'.

When comparing these terms, remember that رژ لب is the umbrella term. If you are unsure, always use it. It covers everything from the cheap sticks sold in bazaars to the high-end luxury brands in North Tehran malls. By mastering the distinction between rozh-e lab (lipstick), bargh-e lab (gloss), and bālm-e lab (balm), you will sound much more like a native speaker and be able to express your needs or preferences with precision.

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Examples by Level

1

این رژ لب است.

This is lipstick.

Simple subject + noun + 'ast' (is).

2

رژ لب قرمز.

Red lipstick.

Noun + Ezafe + Color.

3

من رژ لب دارم.

I have lipstick.

Subject + object + verb 'dāshtan'.

4

رژ لب کجاست؟

Where is the lipstick?

Question word 'kojāst'.

5

او رژ لب می‌خرد.

She buys lipstick.

Present continuous/habitual verb 'kharidan'.

6

رژ لب صورتی.

Pink lipstick.

Adjective 'surati' follows the noun.

7

مادر رژ لب دارد.

Mother has lipstick.

Third person singular 'dārad'.

8

یک رژ لب.

One lipstick.

Using 'yek' as an indefinite article.

1

من هر روز رژ لب می‌زنم.

I put on lipstick every day.

Use of 'zadan' for applying.

2

قیمت این رژ لب چند است؟

How much is the price of this lipstick?

Asking for price.

3

او رژ لب قرمز را دوست دارد.

She likes the red lipstick.

Using 'rā' for a specific object.

4

آیا شما رژ لب دارید؟

Do you (plural/formal) have lipstick?

Formal 'shomā'.

5

رژ لبم را در ماشین جا گذاشتم.

I left my lipstick in the car.

Possessive suffix '-am'.

6

این رژ لب خیلی گران است.

This lipstick is very expensive.

Adverb 'kheyli' + adjective 'gerān'.

7

رژ لب جدیدت مبارک!

Congratulations on your new lipstick!

Common congratulatory phrase.

8

من رژ لب نمی‌زنم.

I don't wear lipstick.

Negative 'nemizanam'.

1

می‌خواهم یک رژ لب بخرم که ماندگاری زیادی داشته باشد.

I want to buy a lipstick that has high longevity.

Subjunctive mood 'dāshte bāshad'.

2

رژ لب‌های مایع معمولاً زود خشک می‌شوند.

Liquid lipsticks usually dry quickly.

Plural 'hā' and adverb 'ma'mulan'.

3

قبل از زدن رژ لب، از بالم لب استفاده کن.

Before applying lipstick, use lip balm.

Imperative 'estefāde kon'.

4

این رنگ رژ لب به لباس شما نمی‌آید.

This lipstick color doesn't suit your clothes.

Verb 'āmadan' meaning to suit.

5

او همیشه رژ لبش را با کیفش ست می‌کند.

She always matches her lipstick with her bag.

Verb 'set kardan'.

6

آیا این رژ لب گیاهی است یا شیمیایی؟

Is this lipstick herbal or chemical?

Alternative question.

7

رژ لب مات برای مهمانی‌های شب بهتر است.

Matte lipstick is better for evening parties.

Comparative 'behtar'.

8

او رژ لب را از روی لیوان پاک کرد.

She wiped the lipstick off the glass.

Preposition 'az ruye'.

1

تبلیغات رژ لب تأثیر زیادی بر روی نوجوانان دارد.

Lipstick advertisements have a great impact on teenagers.

Complex subject 'tablighāt-e rozh-e lab'.

2

بسیاری از خانم‌ها ترجیح می‌دهند رژ لب‌های بدون سرب بخرند.

Many women prefer to buy lead-free lipsticks.

Infinitive 'kharidan' after 'tarjih dādan'.

3

در این فروشگاه، تنوع رنگ‌های رژ لب واقعاً خیره‌کننده است.

In this store, the variety of lipstick colors is truly stunning.

Adjective 'khire-konande'.

4

استفاده از رژ لب در محیط‌های اداری باید ملایم باشد.

The use of lipstick in office environments should be subtle.

Gerund 'estefāde' as subject.

5

او با دقت رژ لبش را در آینه چک کرد.

She carefully checked her lipstick in the mirror.

Adverbial phrase 'bā deghat'.

6

بعضی از رژ لب‌ها باعث خشکی پوست لب می‌شوند.

Some lipsticks cause dryness of the lip skin.

Causal verb 'bā'es shodan'.

7

رژ لب‌های مخملی این روزها بسیار پرطرفدار شده‌اند.

Velvet lipsticks have become very popular these days.

Compound adjective 'por-tarafdār'.

8

او مجموعه‌ای بزرگ از رژ لب‌های برندهای معروف دارد.

She has a large collection of lipsticks from famous brands.

Noun 'majmu'e' (collection).

1

صنعت لوازم آرایشی و به ویژه رژ لب، سهم بزرگی در اقتصاد دارد.

The cosmetic industry, and particularly lipstick, has a large share in the economy.

Emphasis 'be vizhe'.

2

رنگ رژ لب می‌تواند بازتابی از شخصیت و روحیات یک فرد باشد.

Lipstick color can be a reflection of a person's personality and moods.

Modal 'mitavānad' + noun 'bāztāb'.

3

در تاریخ معاصر ایران، رژ لب نمادی از تقابل سنت و مدرنیته بوده است.

In contemporary Iranian history, lipstick has been a symbol of the confrontation between tradition and modernity.

Abstract nouns 'taghābol', 'sonnat', 'modernite'.

4

او به چنان مهارتی در زدن رژ لب رسیده که نیازی به آینه ندارد.

She has reached such skill in applying lipstick that she doesn't need a mirror.

Result clause 'chenān... ke'.

5

تولید رژ لب‌های ارگانیک چالشی جدید برای کارخانه‌های داخلی است.

Producing organic lipsticks is a new challenge for domestic factories.

Subject 'tolid' (production).

6

برخی منتقدان معتقدند که تبلیغات رژ لب کلیشه‌های جنسیتی را تقویت می‌کند.

Some critics believe that lipstick advertisements reinforce gender stereotypes.

Verb 'taghviyat kardan' (to reinforce).

7

بافت کرمی این رژ لب، احساس سبکی و راحتی به لب‌ها می‌بخشد.

The creamy texture of this lipstick gives a feeling of lightness and comfort to the lips.

Verb 'bakhshidan' (to grant/give).

8

تغییر فرمولاسیون رژ لب‌ها به منظور حذف مواد سمی، یک ضرورت است.

Changing the formulation of lipsticks in order to remove toxic substances is a necessity.

Purpose phrase 'be manzūr-e'.

1

واژه «رژ لب» نمونه‌ای بارز از وام‌گیری زبانی و انطباق آن با ساختار فارسی است.

The word 'rozh-e lab' is a clear example of linguistic borrowing and its adaptation to the Persian structure.

Technical term 'vām-giri-ye zabāni'.

2

ظرافت‌های کاربرد رژ لب در سینمای موج نو ایران، لایه‌های زیرین متن را آشکار می‌سازد.

The subtleties of lipstick use in Iran's New Wave cinema reveal the underlying layers of the text.

Complex literary structure.

3

استحاله سُرخاب به رژ لب، گویای دگرگونی‌های عمیق فرهنگی در عصر قاجار است.

The transformation of 'sorkhāb' to 'rozh-e lab' speaks of deep cultural changes in the Qajar era.

Formal word 'estehāle' (transformation).

4

او با وسواسی زیباشناختی، طیف‌های مختلف رژ لب را برای پروژه‌اش تحلیل کرد.

With an aesthetic obsession, she analyzed different spectrums of lipstick for her project.

Adverbial phrase 'bā vasvasi zibāshenākhti'.

5

تأثیرات روان‌شناختی استفاده از رژ لب قرمز در افزایش اعتماد به نفس، موضوع پژوهش او بود.

The psychological effects of using red lipstick on increasing self-confidence was the subject of her research.

Long compound subject.

6

پارادوکس موجود در مصرف بالای رژ لب در جوامع سنتی، نیازمند واکاوی جامعه‌شناختی است.

The paradox existing in high lipstick consumption in traditional societies requires sociological analysis.

Formal word 'vākāvi' (analysis/probing).

7

پیگمنت‌های معدنی در رژ لب‌های سنتی، دوام و درخشش متفاوتی ایجاد می‌کردند.

Mineral pigments in traditional lipsticks created a different durability and shine.

Technical terminology.

8

او در رساله‌اش به بررسی تطبیقی اصطلاحات آرایشی، از جمله رژ لب، در زبان‌های هندواروپایی پرداخت.

In his thesis, he dealt with a comparative study of cosmetic terms, including lipstick, in Indo-European languages.

Formal verb 'pardākhtan be'.

Common Collocations

رژ لب زدن
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