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تقریبا

A2 adverb #450 most common 10 min read

تقریبا

Top 450

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips تقریبا in 30 Seconds

Explanation تقریبا in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'تقریبا' (taghriban) is one of the most useful adverbs you can learn to help you manage basic conversations. At this stage, you are likely learning how to tell time, talk about your age, and describe simple daily activities. 'Taghriban' allows you to be flexible. Instead of saying 'It is 5 o'clock' (Saat panj ast), you can say 'It is almost 5 o'clock' (Saat taghriban panj ast). This is very helpful because in real life, it is rarely exactly on the hour. You can also use it with basic adjectives like 'hot', 'cold', 'big', or 'small'. For example, 'Hava taghriban garm ast' (The weather is almost/approximately hot). It helps you avoid being wrong if you aren't sure of the exact word or value. You should focus on placing it before the number or the adjective. It's a 'safety' word that gives you more confidence when speaking. Even if your grammar isn't perfect, using 'taghriban' shows you understand the concept of approximation. You will hear it often when people talk about prices in the market. If a fruit seller says 'Taghriban dah toman', they are giving you a rough price. At A1, just remember: Taghriban + Number or Taghriban + Adjective. It is a simple pattern that makes you sound much more natural than a beginner who only uses exact numbers.

At the A2 level, you are starting to form more complex sentences and talk about your past and future. 'تقریبا' becomes essential for describing the progress of your actions. You can now use it with verbs in the past tense to say things like 'I almost finished my homework' (Man taghriban taklifam-o tamum kardam). This level is about 'survival' Persian, and 'taghriban' is a survival tool. When you are asked 'Do you understand?', and you understand most of it but not everything, you can say 'Taghriban' (Almost/Mostly). This is a very common one-word answer in Persian. You can also use it to describe frequencies, such as 'taghriban har ruz' (almost every day). This adds nuance to your descriptions of your routine. You should also start noticing the difference between 'taghriban' and 'hodudan'. While you can use 'taghriban' for numbers, try to see how 'hodudan' is used for more 'official' estimates. At A2, you are also learning more adjectives, so you can say things like 'The house is almost clean' or 'The car is almost new'. It helps you bridge the gap between knowing a few words and being able to describe the world as it actually is—full of approximations and degrees of completion.

At the B1 level, you are moving into intermediate territory where you can discuss opinions, plans, and more abstract ideas. 'تقریبا' is used here to qualify your statements and make them sound more sophisticated. You might use it in the context of 'almost impossible' (taghriban gheire-momken) or 'almost certain' (taghriban motma'en). At this stage, you should be comfortable using 'taghriban' in different parts of the sentence. You might use it to describe social trends, like 'Almost all young people use the internet'. You will also encounter it more in reading materials, such as news articles or short stories. In these contexts, 'taghriban' often serves to soften a claim, making it more credible. For example, 'The economy has almost recovered'. You should also begin to understand the 'tanvin' (اً) suffix and how it functions to create adverbs from Arabic roots. This will help you recognize other similar adverbs like 'ehtemalan' (probably) or 'va'ghean' (really). B1 learners should also practice using 'taghriban' with negative constructions, such as 'taghriban hich-kas' (almost no one), which requires a bit more grammatical coordination with the negative verb. This level is where you start to sound like a real speaker of the language, and 'taghriban' is a key part of that transition.

At the B2 level, you are expected to have a good grasp of the nuances of the Persian language. 'تقریبا' is no longer just a word for 'almost'; it's a tool for precision in your lack of precision. You will use it to discuss complex topics like politics, history, or literature. For instance, you might analyze a poem and say that the poet's message is 'almost' hidden behind the metaphors. You will also start to distinguish between 'taghriban' and more formal alternatives like 'gharib be' or 'takhminan'. In a B2 level essay, you might write about how 'almost all' historical documents point to a certain conclusion. You should also be aware of the register. While 'taghriban' is neutral and can be used anywhere, using 'hodudan' in a scientific context might be more appropriate for numerical data. You will also hear 'taghriban' used in more idiomatic ways in movies and TV shows, often with a touch of irony or exaggeration. For example, 'I've been waiting for you for almost a century!' (Taghriban ye gharn montazeret budam!). At this level, your goal is to use 'taghriban' to make your speech flow naturally, using it as a connector and a qualifier that reflects the way native speakers actually think and communicate.

At the C1 level, your use of 'تقریبا' should be flawless and highly nuanced. You are now exploring the depths of Persian literature and academic discourse. You will see 'taghriban' used in classical texts or modern philosophical essays to denote a proximity to truth or an asymptotic approach to a concept. You should be able to discuss the etymology of the word, linking it to the Arabic root 'Q-R-B' and understanding its relationship to words like 'Ghorbat' (exile) or 'Moqarrab' (those close to God). In professional settings, you will use 'taghriban' to provide expert estimates that acknowledge the complexity of the data. You might say, 'The results are almost identical to the previous study, but with a slight variance in the margin of error'. You will also be able to identify when a speaker uses 'taghriban' as a 'hedging' device to avoid commitment or to be diplomatically vague. This is a crucial skill in high-level Persian social and professional circles. Your vocabulary will also include very specific synonyms like 'fiy-al-jomleh' or 'be-tour-e-kolli', and you will know exactly when 'taghriban' is the better choice for the specific rhythmic or stylistic needs of your sentence.

At the C2 level, you have reached near-native or native-like proficiency. 'تقریبا' is a word you use instinctively, with all its cultural and linguistic baggage. You understand the subtle difference in tone when someone says 'taghriban' versus 'kam-o-bish' in a high-stakes negotiation. You can appreciate the use of the word in the works of great Persian poets like Rumi or Hafez, where the concept of 'closeness' (qorb) is a central mystical theme. In your own writing, you use 'taghriban' to create balance and rhythm in your prose. You might use it to describe the 'almost' imperceptible changes in the Persian language over the last millennium. You are also capable of using it in complex grammatical structures, such as within 'if-then' clauses or in highly formal speeches where every word is chosen for its specific weight. At this level, 'taghriban' is not just an adverb; it is a thread in the rich tapestry of your Persian communication, used with a level of sophistication that allows you to express the most delicate shades of meaning and the most subtle approximations of thought.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

تقریبا in 30 Seconds

Taghriban means almost or nearly in Persian.
It is an Arabic loanword used in all levels of speech.
It usually comes before the word it modifies.
It is essential for estimating time, money, and progress.

The Persian word تقریبا (pronounced as 'taghriban') is a fundamental adverb that every learner of the Persian language should master early in their journey. It translates primarily to 'almost', 'nearly', or 'approximately' in English. This word is an Arabic loanword, derived from the root 'Q-R-B' (قرب), which relates to the concept of closeness or proximity. In Persian, adding the 'an' (اً) suffix transforms the noun or adjective into an adverb, a common pattern for formal and semi-formal adverbs.

Semantic Range: It covers a wide range of 'closeness'—from being nearly finished with a task to estimating a numerical value like time or price.

When you use this word, you are signaling that while the information is not 100% precise, it is close enough for the current context. It is an essential tool for managing expectations in conversation. For instance, if someone asks when you will arrive, saying 'taghriban dah daghighe dige' (approximately ten more minutes) provides a helpful estimate without committing to a second-by-second accuracy.

کار من تقریبا تمام شده است. (My work is almost finished.)

In the Iranian cultural context, precision can sometimes be secondary to politeness or general agreement, making 'taghriban' a very safe and frequent choice in social interactions. It allows the speaker to avoid the potential rudeness of being overly blunt or the risk of being technically incorrect.

Morphology: The word consists of 'taghrib' (approximation) and the tanvin suffix which creates the adverbial 'ly' equivalent.

Historically, Persian has absorbed many such Arabic terms, but 'taghriban' has become so integrated that it feels entirely natural in even the most casual spoken 'Tehrani' dialect. Whether you are discussing the weather, your age, the distance to a destination, or the completion of a project, this word acts as a linguistic bridge between the unknown and the known. It softens the impact of a statement. For example, saying 'I am almost dead' (from tiredness) uses 'taghriban' to emphasize the degree of exhaustion.

او تقریبا هر روز ورزش می‌کند. (He exercises almost every day.)

Understanding this word also helps in understanding the concept of 'Gharib' (stranger/near) and 'Ghorbat' (exile/nearness to the unknown), showing how deep the root 'Q-R-B' goes in the Persian psyche.

Frequency: It is ranked among the top 500 most used words in modern Persian media and literature.

Using it correctly makes your Persian sound more fluid and less like a translated textbook. It provides that necessary 'fuzziness' that natural languages require to function in a world where exactness is rare.

قیمت این ماشین تقریبا یک میلیارد تومان است. (The price of this car is approximately one billion Tomans.)

ما تقریبا به مقصد رسیده‌ایم. (We have almost reached the destination.)

این دو رنگ تقریبا مثل هم هستند. (These two colors are almost the same.)

In summary, 'taghriban' is the go-to word for any situation requiring an estimate or a sense of 'nearly there'.

Using تقریبا correctly in a sentence is relatively straightforward because its placement is quite flexible, much like the English word 'almost'. However, for the most natural sound, it usually precedes the adjective, adverb, or numerical value it is modifying.

Before Adjectives: When modifying an adjective, place it directly before. Example: 'Taghriban amade' (Almost ready).

If you are using it with a verb, it often appears before the verb or the prefix of the verb. For example, 'Man taghriban tamum kardam' (I have almost finished).

غذا تقریبا حاضر است. (The food is almost ready.)

One interesting aspect of Persian syntax is that 'taghriban' can also start a sentence when it acts as a general qualifier for the entire thought. 'Taghriban hameye mardom amade budand' (Almost all the people were ready).

With Numbers: When estimating quantities, it is placed before the number. 'Taghriban bist nafar' (Approximately twenty people).

It is important to note that while 'taghriban' is an adverb, it does not change its form based on the gender or number of the subject, as Persian lacks grammatical gender. This makes it very easy for English speakers to plug into sentences. In negative sentences, 'taghriban' can be used to mean 'hardly' or 'scarcely' when combined with a negative verb, though this is less common than the positive 'almost'.

او تقریبا هیچ‌چیز نخورد. (He ate almost nothing.)

In this example, 'taghriban hich-chiz' literally means 'almost nothing'. The structure is very logical.

Comparison with 'Nardik-e': 'Nazdik-e' (near to) is often used for physical distance, whereas 'taghriban' is for abstract degrees or quantities.

When writing, ensure the 'tanvin' (the two small diagonal lines above the 'alef' at the end) is included in formal contexts, though in digital communication, people often just write 'تقریبا' without the diacritic, and the meaning is perfectly clear.

ساعت تقریبا پنج است. (It is approximately five o'clock.)

این لباس تقریبا اندازه من است. (This dress is almost my size.)

او تقریبا تمام کتاب را خوانده است. (He has read almost the whole book.)

By practicing these patterns, you will find that 'taghriban' becomes a natural part of your vocabulary, allowing you to express nuance and uncertainty with ease.

You will hear تقریبا everywhere in the Persian-speaking world, from the bustling Grand Bazaar of Tehran to the quiet mountain villages of Tajikistan and the vibrant streets of Kabul. It is a 'high-utility' word.

In the Marketplace: When bargaining (Chane-zani), a seller might say, 'In taghriban majani ast!' (This is almost free!) to entice you.

In news broadcasts, journalists use it to report casualty numbers or economic figures that are not yet finalized. 'Taghriban sad nafar dar in hadese masdum shodand' (Approximately one hundred people were injured in this incident).

فیلم تقریبا شروع شده است. (The movie has almost started.)

In daily social life, Iranians use it to manage time. Because of the cultural concept of 'Iranian Time' (which is often more flexible than Western time), 'taghriban' is the perfect linguistic tool to provide a buffer. If a friend says they are 'taghriban' there, it might mean they are five minutes away, or it might mean they just left their house.

In Academic Settings: Professors use it when discussing theories that are 'almost' universally accepted or data that shows 'almost' a perfect correlation.

You will also hear it in Persian cinema and music. In a romantic song, a singer might lament that they have 'almost' forgotten their lover, using 'taghriban' to show the lingering pain. In the kitchen, a mother might say the rice is 'taghriban' ready to signal the family to wash their hands.

من تقریبا فراموش کرده بودم. (I had almost forgotten.)

It is also very common in sports commentary. 'Taghriban gol shod!' (It was almost a goal!).

Weather Forecasts: 'Hava taghriban sard ast' (The weather is approximately/relatively cold).

Listening for this word in podcasts or YouTube videos in Persian will help you realize how often speakers rely on it to smooth over the edges of their statements. It is the ultimate 'filler' that actually carries significant meaning.

او تقریبا هم‌سن من است. (He is approximately the same age as me.)

پروژه تقریبا تمام است. (The project is almost finished.)

ما تقریبا هر شب بیرون می‌رویم. (We go out almost every night.)

By immersing yourself in these contexts, you'll see that 'taghriban' is more than just a word; it's a way of navigating the world with a degree of flexibility.

Even though تقریبا is a versatile word, learners often make a few common errors. The most frequent mistake is confusing it with 'حدودا' (hodudan). While they are often synonyms, 'hodudan' is strictly for numbers and quantities, whereas 'taghriban' can be used for degrees of completion or states of being.

Mistake 1: Wrong Context: Using 'hodudan' when you mean 'almost finished'. You should say 'taghriban tamum shod', not 'hodudan tamum shod'.

Another mistake is the pronunciation of the 'gh' (ق) sound. English speakers often pronounce it like a 'g' or a 'k'. In Persian, it is a voiced uvular fricative, similar to the French 'r' but further back in the throat. Getting this right is crucial for being understood.

اشتباه: من حدودا خواب هستم. (Incorrect: I am around asleep.)

درست: من تقریبا خواب هستم. (Correct: I am almost asleep.)

A third mistake is forgetting the 'an' sound at the end. Without the 'an', you are saying 'taghrib', which means 'approximation'. This changes the grammatical structure of the sentence.

Mistake 2: Tanvin Omission: Saying 'taghrib' instead of 'taghriban' in spoken sentences.

Learners also sometimes place 'taghriban' after the word it modifies, influenced by other languages. In Persian, it almost always comes before. Also, avoid using 'taghriban' with absolute words like 'hich-vaght' (never) unless you specifically mean 'almost never'. Some learners use it redundantly.

او تقریبا هیچ‌کس را نمی‌شناسد. (He knows almost no one.)

Mistake 3: Over-reliance: Using 'taghriban' for everything. Try to use 'nesbatan' (relatively) or 'kam-o-bish' (more or less) to vary your speech.

Lastly, be careful with the spelling. The 'alef' at the end with the tanvin is a specific Arabic spelling rule adopted into Persian. Writing it as 'taghriban' with a 'nun' (ن) at the end is considered a spelling error in formal writing, although you might see it in very informal social media posts.

قیمت‌ها تقریبا دو برابر شده است. (Prices have almost doubled.)

ما تقریبا تمام راه را پیاده رفتیم. (We walked almost the whole way.)

Avoiding these mistakes will make your Persian sound much more professional and native-like.

Persian is a rich language with many ways to express approximation. While تقریبا is the most common, knowing its alternatives will help you understand different nuances.

حدودا (Hodudan): Best for numerical estimates like time, money, or distance. 'Hodudan dah metr' (Around ten meters).

Another great alternative is 'نزدیکِ' (Nazdik-e), which literally means 'near to'. It is often used for time or physical proximity. 'Nazdik-e saat-e panj' (Near five o'clock).

او حدودا سی سال دارد. (He is around thirty years old.)

For a more idiomatic or 'vague' feel, you can use 'کم و بیش' (Kam-o-bish), which means 'more or less'. This is perfect for when you are describing a situation that is generally true but has exceptions. 'Man kam-o-bish midunam chi shod' (I more or less know what happened).

تخمینا (Takhminan): A more formal, technical word meaning 'by estimation'. Used in engineering or accounting.

In very formal or literary Persian, you might encounter 'قریب به' (Gharib be), which is the root of 'taghriban'. It is used in phrases like 'gharib be ettefagh' (almost unanimously).

این کار کم و بیش انجام شده است. (This work is more or less done.)

If you want to say 'roughly' in a more colloquial way, you can use 'حول و حوش' (Howl-o-howsh). 'Howl-o-howsh-e saat-e dah' (Around ten o'clock-ish).

Comparison Table: - Taghriban: Almost/Nearly (Degree/Quantity) - Hodudan: Around (Quantity/Time) - Kam-o-bish: More or less (General state) - Nazdik-e: Close to (Distance/Time)

او نسبتا قدبلند است. (He is relatively tall.)

ما قریب به دو ساعت منتظر ماندیم. (We waited close to two hours.)

من تقریبا مطمئن هستم. (I am almost sure.)

Understanding these synonyms allows you to express yourself with greater precision and variety, making your Persian sound more sophisticated.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"تقریبا تمام شواهد نشان‌دهنده رشد اقتصادی است."

Neutral

"تقریبا ساعت پنج است."

Informal

"تقریبا تمومش کردم."

Child friendly

"تقریبا رسیدیم به پارک!"

Slang

"تقریبا مخم سوت کشید!"

Fun Fact

Even though it's an Arabic loanword, it's used so much that most Persians don't think of it as 'foreign'. It's as essential as the word for 'bread' or 'water'.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /tæɣ.riː.bæn/

US /tæɡ.ri.bæn/

The stress is usually on the second syllable: tagh-RI-ban.

Rhymes With

عجیبا (Ajiban) قریبا (Ghariban) نصیبا (Nasiban) ادیبا (Adiban) فریبا (Fariba) شکیبا (Shakiba) رقیبا (Raghiban) حبیبا (Habiban)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'gh' as a simple 'g'.
Omitting the 'an' sound at the end.
Adding a vowel between 'gh' and 'r'.
Pronouncing 'i' as a short 'e'.
Stressing the first syllable.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize once you know the 'tanvin' ending.

Writing 3/5

The 'alef' with 'tanvin' can be tricky for beginners.

Speaking 3/5

The 'gh' sound requires practice for English speakers.

Listening 2/5

Very common and easy to hear in context.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

نزدیک (Near) عدد (Number) ساعت (Hour) تمام (Finish) همه (All)

Learn Next

احتمالا (Probably) واقعا (Really) مخصوصا (Especially) معمولا (Usually) حتما (Definitely)

Advanced

تخمین (Estimation) قریب‌الوقوع (Imminent) تقریب (Approximation) قرب (Proximity) مقاربت (Intercourse/Closeness)

Grammar to Know

Tanvin Adverbs

Words like تقریبا, احتمالا, and معمولا use the Arabic 'an' suffix.

Adverb Placement

Adverbs usually precede the adjective or verb they modify.

Negative Agreement

When using 'taghriban hich', the verb must be negative.

Numerical Estimates

Taghriban is placed before the number.

Omission of Tanvin

In informal writing, the diacritic is often omitted but the 'alef' remains.

Examples by Level

ساعت تقریبا دو است.

It is approximately two o'clock.

Taghriban precedes the number.

من تقریبا گرسنه هستم.

I am almost hungry.

Used with a simple adjective.

این کتاب تقریبا بزرگ است.

This book is almost big.

Modifying an adjective.

او تقریبا ده سال دارد.

He is approximately ten years old.

Estimating age.

هوا تقریبا سرد است.

The weather is almost cold.

Describing weather.

تقریبا پنج نفر اینجا هستند.

Approximately five people are here.

Estimating quantity.

نان تقریبا تمام شده است.

The bread is almost finished.

Describing completion.

خانه تقریبا نزدیک است.

The house is almost near.

Describing distance.

من تقریبا درس را فهمیدم.

I almost understood the lesson.

Used with a past tense verb.

او تقریبا هر روز به پارک می‌رود.

He goes to the park almost every day.

Describing frequency.

غذا تقریبا آماده است.

The food is almost ready.

Common kitchen phrase.

ما تقریبا به تهران رسیدیم.

We almost reached Tehran.

Describing travel progress.

او تقریبا هیچ‌چیز نگفت.

He said almost nothing.

Negative construction.

این لباس تقریبا اندازه من است.

This dress is almost my size.

Comparing size.

فیلم تقریبا تمام شد.

The movie is almost over.

Describing the end of an event.

تقریبا همه دوستانم آمدند.

Almost all my friends came.

Modifying 'all'.

پروژه تقریبا طبق برنامه پیش می‌رود.

The project is going almost according to plan.

Professional context.

او تقریبا تمام پولش را خرج کرد.

He spent almost all his money.

Describing quantity spent.

این دو ایده تقریبا مشابه هستند.

These two ideas are almost similar.

Comparing concepts.

من تقریبا مطمئن هستم که او می‌آید.

I am almost sure that he is coming.

Expressing certainty.

او تقریبا همیشه دیر می‌رسد.

He almost always arrives late.

Adverb of frequency.

تقریبا غیرممکن است که امروز باران ببارد.

It is almost impossible for it to rain today.

Modifying 'impossible'.

ما تقریبا تمام شب را بیدار بودیم.

We were awake almost all night.

Describing duration.

او تقریبا به هدفش رسیده است.

He has almost reached his goal.

Abstract goal.

این نویسنده تقریبا در تمام آثارش به این موضوع می‌پردازد.

This writer addresses this subject in almost all his works.

Literary analysis.

تقریبا نیمی از جمعیت در انتخابات شرکت کردند.

Almost half of the population participated in the election.

Statistical reporting.

او تقریبا بدون هیچ کمکی موفق شد.

He succeeded almost without any help.

Describing circumstances.

این دارو تقریبا هیچ عارضه جانبی ندارد.

This medicine has almost no side effects.

Medical context.

او تقریبا از همه چیز شکایت می‌کند.

He complains about almost everything.

Describing character.

تقریبا تمام شواهد علیه اوست.

Almost all the evidence is against him.

Legal context.

او تقریبا با همه مهربان است.

He is kind to almost everyone.

Generalizing behavior.

ما تقریبا هر آنچه لازم بود را انجام دادیم.

We did almost everything that was necessary.

Formal completion.

تغییرات اقلیمی تقریبا تمام اکوسیستم‌ها را تحت تاثیر قرار داده است.

Climate change has affected almost all ecosystems.

Scientific discourse.

او تقریبا به طور غریزی به این موقعیت واکنش نشان داد.

He reacted to this situation almost instinctively.

Describing psychological state.

این نظریه تقریبا مورد پذیرش همگانی قرار گرفته است.

This theory has gained almost universal acceptance.

Academic acceptance.

او تقریبا در انزوای کامل زندگی می‌کند.

He lives in almost complete isolation.

Describing lifestyle.

تقریبا غیرقابل باور است که او چنین حرفی زده باشد.

It is almost unbelievable that he would say such a thing.

Expressing disbelief.

او تقریبا تمام عمر خود را وقف هنر کرد.

He dedicated almost his entire life to art.

Biographical context.

این دو زبان تقریبا ریشه مشترکی دارند.

These two languages have almost a common root.

Linguistic analysis.

او تقریبا همیشه در مرکز توجه است.

He is almost always at the center of attention.

Social description.

تقریبا محال است که بتوان تمام ابعاد این فاجعه را درک کرد.

It is almost impossible to grasp all dimensions of this catastrophe.

Philosophical reflection.

او تقریبا با مهارتی ماورایی پیانو می‌نوازد.

He plays the piano with almost otherworldly skill.

High-level praise.

این اثر هنری تقریبا به کمال رسیده است.

This work of art has almost reached perfection.

Art criticism.

او تقریبا در هر کلامش از استعاره استفاده می‌کند.

He uses metaphors in almost every word he speaks.

Stylistic analysis.

تقریبا هیچ مرز مشخصی بین این دو مفهوم وجود ندارد.

There is almost no clear boundary between these two concepts.

Conceptual analysis.

او تقریبا به مقام فناء فی الله رسیده بود.

He had almost reached the station of annihilation in God.

Sufi/Mystical context.

این سکوت تقریبا سنگین و خفقان‌آور بود.

This silence was almost heavy and suffocating.

Literary description.

او تقریبا تمام میراث فرهنگی خود را از دست داده است.

He has lost almost all of his cultural heritage.

Sociological context.

Common Collocations

تقریبا تمام

تقریبا همیشه

تقریبا هیچ

تقریبا آماده

تقریبا غیرممکن

تقریبا مشابه

تقریبا هر روز

تقریبا ساعتِ

تقریبا تمام شده

تقریبا مطمئن

Common Phrases

تقریبا همین‌طور است

— It's almost like that; you're mostly right.

بله، تقریبا همین‌طور است.

تقریبا هیچ‌چیز

— Almost nothing.

او تقریبا هیچ‌چیز نمی‌خورد.

تقریبا هرگز

— Almost never.

من تقریبا هرگز قهوه نمی‌نوشم.

تقریبا همه

— Almost everyone / almost all.

تقریبا همه موافق بودند.

تقریبا یادم رفت

— I almost forgot.

تقریبا یادم رفت به تو بگویم.

تقریبا رسیدیم

— We're almost there.

نگران نباش، تقریبا رسیدیم.

تقریبا محال

— Almost impossible.

پیدا کردن او تقریبا محال است.

تقریبا یکسان

— Almost identical.

نتایج تقریبا یکسان بود.

تقریبا مجانی

— Almost free.

این وسایل تقریبا مجانی هستند.

تقریبا درست

— Almost correct.

پاسخ شما تقریبا درست است.

Often Confused With

تقریبا vs حدودا

Hodudan is better for numbers; Taghriban is better for states/degrees.

تقریبا vs نسبتا

Nesbatan means 'relatively'; Taghriban means 'almost'.

تقریبا vs تحقیقا

Tahghighan means 'exactly/certainly', which is the opposite.

Idioms & Expressions

"تقریبا شاخ درآوردم"

— I almost grew horns (I was extremely surprised).

وقتی خبر را شنیدم تقریبا شاخ درآوردم.

Informal

"تقریبا از خنده مردم"

— I almost died of laughter.

آن فیلم خیلی کمدی بود، تقریبا از خنده مردم.

Informal

"تقریبا زهره‌ترک شدم"

— I was almost scared to death.

صدای بلندی آمد و من تقریبا زهره‌ترک شدم.

Informal

"تقریبا روی ابرها بودم"

— I was almost on the clouds (extremely happy).

بعد از قبولی، تقریبا روی ابرها بودم.

Informal

"تقریبا پاک یادم رفت"

— I completely/almost completely forgot.

تقریبا پاک یادم رفت کلید را بیاورم.

Informal

"تقریبا از پا افتادم"

— I almost collapsed (from tiredness).

بعد از کوهنوردی تقریبا از پا افتادم.

Informal

"تقریبا جان به لب شدم"

— I almost lost my life (from stress/waiting).

تا تو بیایی، تقریبا جان به لب شدم.

Informal

"تقریبا بال درآوردم"

— I almost grew wings (from joy).

وقتی او را دیدم تقریبا بال درآوردم.

Informal

"تقریبا دیوانه شدم"

— I almost went crazy.

از دست این بچه‌ها تقریبا دیوانه شدم.

Informal

"تقریبا ته کشیده"

— It's almost run out (money/supplies).

موجودی حسابم تقریبا ته کشیده است.

Informal

Easily Confused

تقریبا vs تقریب

It's the noun form.

Taghrib is 'approximation'; Taghriban is 'approximately'.

به تقریبِ من... (By my approximation...)

تقریبا vs قریب

It's the adjective root.

Gharib means 'near' or 'close'.

در آینده‌ای قریب (In the near future).

تقریبا vs غریب

Sounds identical (Gharib).

غریب (with Ghein) means 'strange' or 'stranger'.

او اینجا غریب است.

تقریبا vs احتمالا

Both are common adverbs.

Ehtemalan is 'probably' (chance); Taghriban is 'almost' (degree).

احتمالا باران می‌بارد.

تقریبا vs معمولا

Both end in 'an'.

Ma'mulan is 'usually' (habit); Taghriban is 'almost' (degree).

معمولا زود می‌خوابم.

Sentence Patterns

ساعت تقریبا [Number] است.

ساعت تقریبا سه است.

من تقریبا [Verb]ـم.

من تقریبا رسیدم.

این [Noun] تقریبا [Adjective] است.

این فیلم تقریبا خسته‌کننده است.

تقریبا همه [Noun]ها [Verb].

تقریبا همه دانش‌آموزان رفتند.

تقریبا غیرممکن است که [Clause].

تقریبا غیرممکن است که او را پیدا کنیم.

او تقریبا به [Abstract Noun] رسیده است.

او تقریبا به کمال رسیده است.

Any

تقریبا هیچ [Noun] [Negative Verb].

تقریبا هیچ پولی ندارم.

Any

تقریبا هر [Time] [Verb].

تقریبا هر هفته زنگ می‌زنم.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Very high; essential for daily life.

Common Mistakes

Man hodudan tamum kardam. → Man taghriban tamum kardam.
Hodudan is for quantities; Taghriban is for degrees of completion.
Saat taghrib panj ast. → Saat taghriban panj ast.
You need the adverbial 'an' ending.
Taghriban hich-kas amad. → Taghriban hich-kas nayamad.
With 'hich-kas' (no one), the verb must be negative.
In taghriban daghigh ast. → In taghriban dorost ast.
Saying 'almost exact' is a bit of a contradiction; 'almost correct' is better.
Pronouncing it 'Takriban'. → Taghriban (with a voiced GH).
The 'gh' is voiced, not a 'k'.

Tips

Tanvin Ending

Always remember that the 'an' sound is written with an Alef. It's a hallmark of many Persian adverbs.

The GH Sound

Practice the 'gh' in 'taghriban' by gargling slightly. It's a deep throat sound.

Safety First

If you aren't sure of a number, always add 'taghriban'. It makes you sound more polite and less aggressive.

Iranian Time

When an Iranian says 'taghriban' regarding time, give them a 15-minute buffer!

Formal vs Informal

In formal writing, always include the two small lines (tanvin) over the Alef.

Context Clues

If you hear 'taghriban' before a verb, it usually means the action is nearly finished.

Root Learning

Learning the root Q-R-B will help you learn 10 other related words easily.

Tag-Ribbon

Imagine tagging a ribbon on a box that is almost closed.

Don't Overuse

While useful, try not to start every single sentence with it, or you'll sound hesitant.

Taghriban vs Hodudan

Use Taghriban for 'almost finished' and Hodudan for 'around 5 dollars'.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Taghriban' as 'Tag-along-Ribbon'. A ribbon that is 'almost' attached to the gift, but not quite tied yet.

Visual Association

Imagine a runner just one inch away from the finish line. They are 'taghriban' there.

Word Web

Almost Nearly About Roughly Close Approximation Estimate Nearly there

Challenge

Try to use 'taghriban' in three different sentences today: one about time, one about a task, and one about a feeling.

Word Origin

Derived from the Arabic word 'تقريباً' (taqriban). It entered Persian during the early Islamic period when many Arabic administrative and scientific terms were adopted.

Original meaning: The original meaning in Arabic is 'bringing near' or 'approaching'.

Semitic (Arabic) root, Indo-European (Persian) usage.

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities. It is a neutral, safe word.

English speakers use 'almost' in the same way, but 'taghriban' is used slightly more often in daily Persian speech to avoid being overly definitive.

Used frequently in modern Iranian cinema (e.g., Asghar Farhadi's films) to show realistic dialogue. Common in Persian pop lyrics to describe 'almost' forgetting a lover. Found in news headlines regarding economic inflation.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At the Market

تقریبا چنده؟
تقریبا یک کیلو.
تقریبا مجانیه.
تقریبا گرونه.

Telling Time

تقریبا ساعت هفته.
تقریبا ده دقیقه دیگه.
تقریبا نیم ساعت.
تقریبا ظهر شده.

At School/Work

تقریبا تموم شد.
تقریبا فهمیدم.
تقریبا همه حاضرند.
تقریبا غیرممکنه.

Socializing

تقریبا رسیدم.
تقریبا یادم رفت.
تقریبا همیشه اینجاییم.
تقریبا همه رو می‌شناسم.

Health/Weather

تقریبا خوبم.
تقریبا سرده.
تقریبا بارونیه.
تقریبا خسته‌ام.

Conversation Starters

"تقریبا چند وقت است که فارسی یاد می‌گیری؟ (Almost how long have you been learning Persian?)"

"تقریبا هر چند وقت یک بار به سینما می‌روی؟ (Almost how often do you go to the cinema?)"

"تقریبا چند ساعت در روز کار می‌کنی؟ (Approximately how many hours a day do you work?)"

"تقریبا چه زمانی به خانه برمی‌گردی؟ (Approximately what time do you go home?)"

"تقریبا چند نفر در خانواده شما هستند؟ (Approximately how many people are in your family?)"

Journal Prompts

امروز تقریبا چه کارهایی انجام دادی؟ (What things did you almost/approximately do today?)

تقریبا چه اهدافی برای سال آینده داری؟ (What goals do you approximately have for next year?)

یک خاطره بنویس که در آن تقریبا اتفاق بدی افتاد اما بخیر گذشت. (Write a memory where something bad almost happened but ended well.)

تقریبا چه چیزهایی در زندگی تو را خوشحال می‌کند؟ (What things approximately make you happy in life?)

درباره شهری بنویس که تقریبا همه جای آن را گشته‌ای. (Write about a city where you have explored almost everywhere.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, but only to describe a quality or quantity. For example, 'Taghriban hame' (Almost everyone). You don't use it to mean a person is 'approximate'.

Yes! It's a very common one-word answer meaning 'Almost' or 'Pretty much'.

'Taghriban' is 'almost' (moving toward a goal), while 'kam-o-bish' is 'more or less' (somewhere in the middle).

Type T-G-R-Y-B-A. The 'tanvin' is usually Shift+Q on a Persian keyboard, but just the Alef is often enough.

Yes, it is very common in Dari Persian as well.

Yes, 'Taghriban دو کیلومتر' (Approximately two kilometers).

It is neutral. It works in both formal writing and casual speech.

The best opposite is 'daghighan' (exactly).

No, Persian has no grammatical gender, so 'taghriban' never changes.

Because it's an Arabic adverbial form adopted into Persian.