ناز

What it means

ناز (nâz) is that coy, playfully standoffish charm someone puts on, the “come here, no don’t” energy where a person half-refuses attention just to be coaxed and fussed over. The compound verb ناز کردن (nâz kardan) means “to play coy” or “to be pampered and act like it,” and the phrase نازشو بکش (nâzesh-o bekesh) means “indulge her whims, coax her out of her mood.” A rough contrast is لوس (lus, spoiled/bratty), but lus usually reads as annoying while naz is affectionate and even flattering when done well.

How to use it

• ناز نکن دیگه (nâz nakon dige) “stop playing hard to get”
• خیلی نازه (kheyli nâze) “she’s so full of charming attitude”
• نازشو بکش، ناراحته (nâzesh-o bekesh, nârâhate) “indulge her a little, she’s upset”
• با ناز راه می‌ره (bâ nâz râh mire) “she walks with that coy little swagger”

Cultural note

Naz-o-kereshme (ناز و کرشمه), coy gestures and coquettish airs, is a recognized pattern in Persian courtship and family life, not just something to tolerate but something the other side is expected to actively read and respond to. Parents do naz-keshi (ناز کشی) for a sulking child, and lovers do it for each other, so the word carries a whole etiquette of showing you care by putting up with someone’s small dramatics. Classical poets, Hafez included, use naz constantly to describe the beloved’s teasing, unattainable manner.

References

• Dehkhoda
• Vajehyab