What it means
جمعه (jom’eh) is the Persian word for Friday. It comes directly from the Arabic جُمعة (jum’ah), which is derived from the root meaning “to gather” or “to assemble.” Friday holds a special place in the Islamic calendar as the day of the congregational midday prayer, and the Arabic origin of the word reflects that tradition. In everyday Persian speech, جمعه simply means Friday, the last day of the working week in Iran. A close related word is نماز جمعه (namâz-e jom’eh), the Friday prayer itself.
How to use it
- جمعهها بازار بزرگ تعطیله. (jom’eh-hâ bâzâr-e bozorg ta’tileh.) “The big bazaar is closed on Fridays.”
- جمعه میخوام بخوابم. (jom’eh mikhâm bekhâbam.) “On Friday I want to sleep in.”
- جمعه برنامه داری؟ (jom’eh barnâmeh dâri?) “Do you have plans on Friday?”
- هفته دیگه جمعه پیشت میام. (hafteh digeh jom’eh pishat miyâm.) “Next Friday I’ll come see you.”
Cultural note
In Iran, Friday is the official weekly holiday, equivalent to Sunday in many Western countries. Government offices, banks, and most businesses are closed. The Friday congregational prayer, نماز جمعه (namâz-e jom’eh), is held at major mosques across the country and carries both religious and political significance. The Iranian work week runs Saturday through Thursday, making جمعه the single weekend day for most workers and students.