What it means
گوارش (govâresh) means digestion, the biological process by which the body breaks down food and absorbs nutrients. It is a pure Persian word derived from the verb گواریدن (govâridan), meaning to digest or to agree with the stomach. You will hear it in everyday conversation when people talk about stomach comfort, and also in medical settings. A close related expression is دستگاه گوارش (dastgâh-e govâresh), meaning the digestive system.
How to use it
- گوارشم خوب نیست. (govâresham khub nist.) “My digestion is not good.”
- این غذا برای گوارش مفیده. (in ghazâ barâye govâresh mofide.) “This food is good for digestion.”
- دکتر گفت مشکل گوارشی دارم. (doktor goft moshkel-e govâreshi dâram.) “The doctor said I have a digestive problem.”
- بعد از غذا پیادهروی به گوارش کمک میکنه. (ba’d az ghazâ piyâde-ravi be govâresh komak mi-kone.) “Walking after a meal helps digestion.”
Cultural note
In Persian culture, digestive health has long been tied to overall wellbeing and temperament, a tradition rooted in classical Galenic medicine that spread through medieval Islamic scholarship. Phrases like نوش جانت (nush-e jânat) said after someone eats literally wish the food to be sweet to the soul, reflecting how deeply eating and digestion are tied to hospitality and care. Many traditional herbal remedies, such as drinking dugh (yogurt drink) or herbal teas after heavy meals, are everyday practices aimed at supporting گوارش.