What it means
مسمومیت غذایی (masmumiyat-e ghazâyi) describes the condition caused by eating contaminated food, equivalent to “food poisoning” in English. Both parts of this phrase are Arabic in origin: مسمومیت derives from the Arabic root س-م-م meaning poison or venom, and غذایی comes from Arabic غذا meaning food or nourishment. In everyday Persian speech it is used freely by doctors and patients alike, without feeling overly clinical. A related term you may hear is مسمومیت (masmumiyat) on its own, which covers any kind of poisoning.
How to use it
- دیشب مسمومیت غذایی گرفتم. (Dishab masmumiyat-e ghazâyi gereftam.) “I got food poisoning last night.”
- فکر میکنم از اون غذا مسموم شدم. (Fekr mikonam az oon ghazâ masmum shodam.) “I think I was poisoned by that food.”
- باید بری دکتر، شاید مسمومیت غذایی داری. (Bâyad beri doktor, shâyad masmumiyat-e ghazâyi dâri.) “You should go to the doctor, you might have food poisoning.”
- مسمومیت غذایی میتونه خیلی خطرناک باشه. (Masmumiyat-e ghazâyi mitune kheyli khatarnâk bâshe.) “Food poisoning can be very dangerous.”
Cultural note
Food poisoning is a common concern in Iran, particularly during hot summer months when food spoils quickly at outdoor gatherings and picnics. Home remedies such as doogh (a salty yogurt drink) or boiled rice water are often tried before seeking medical attention. Iranians frequently use the shorthand مسموم شدم (masmum shodam, “I got poisoned”) rather than the full phrase, which is considered more of a medical diagnosis.