What it means
نیز (niz) means “also,” “too,” or “as well.” It is a pure Persian word inherited from Middle Persian, making it one of the oldest members of the “also” family in the language. In modern Persian, نیز sits at the formal end of the spectrum alongside همچنین (hamchenin), while هم (ham) covers the neutral and colloquial uses. You will find نیز in classical poetry, literary prose, official documents, and formal speeches. Using it in casual conversation would sound bookish or even archaic.
How to use it
- این کتاب نیز ارزش خواندن دارد. (in ketâb niz arzesh khândan dârad) “This book also is worth reading.”
- او نیز در جلسه حضور داشت. (u niz dar jalase hozur dâsht) “He too was present at the meeting.”
- مسائل اقتصادی نیز باید بررسی شود. (masâ’el-e eqtesâdi niz bâyad barrasi shavad) “Economic issues must also be examined.”
- زبان فارسی نیز جزو زبانهای هندواروپایی است. (zabân-e fârsi niz joz-e zabân-hâye hendo-orupâ’i ast) “Persian too belongs to the Indo-European language family.”
Cultural note
نیز carries a literary prestige that its synonym هم lacks. Classical poets such as Hafez and Rumi used نیز freely, and its presence in a modern text signals that the author is consciously reaching for an elevated tone. In contemporary journalism and academic writing it remains common, but most Iranians would never use it in a text message or phone call. Learners who read Persian newspapers will meet نیز constantly and should recognise it even if they choose هم in their own speech.