What it means
دوست (doost) means “friend.” Foundation A1 noun. Pure Persian root, neutral register, used for any close acquaintance from a schoolmate to a lifelong companion.
How to use it
- دوست خوبی است (doost-e khubi ast) “he/she is a good friend”
- دوست من (doost-e man) “my friend”
- با دوستم رفتم (bâ doostam raftam) “I went with my friend”
Register notes
دوست is the everyday default. The Arabic loan رفیق (refiq) is slightly more formal or old-fashioned, sometimes carrying a comradely tone. Among young Tehranis, رفیق can also feel chummier or more masculine. For a romantic partner, دوستدختر (doost-dokhtar, girlfriend) and دوستپسر (doost-pesar, boyfriend) are the modern terms.
Common pairings
- دوست داشتن (doost dâshtan) “to love, to like” (literally to have as a friend)
- دوست صمیمی (doost-e samimi) “close friend, intimate friend”
- دوستی (doosti) “friendship”
Cultural note
Iranian friendships run deep and demanding. A real دوست shows up unannounced, lends money without a contract, and gets offended if you stand on ceremony. The verb دوست داشتن literally means “to have as friend,” and it is the standard way to say “I love you”: دوستت دارم.
References
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