یار
Yâr means “companion,” “friend,” “lover” in poetic Persian. A2 vocabulary that crosses from classical ghazal into folk song, pop lyrics, and intimate everyday speech between partners.
Glossary
نگار
Negâr is a poetic word for “beloved,” literally “the painted one” or “a beautiful image.” B1 classical vocabulary that lives in Hafez, Saadi, modern song, and as a popular girl’s name.
دلدار
Deldâr is a poetic word for “sweetheart,” literally “heart-keeper.” The one who holds your heart. B1 vocabulary native to classical ghazals and still alive in modern Persian song lyrics.
جانان
Jânân is a poetic word for “the supreme beloved,” literally “souls.” It haunts classical Persian ghazals from Hafez to Saadi. B1 vocabulary you will meet in poetry, not on the street.
گاگول
Gâgul is crude slang for “dumb,” “clueless,” “idiot.” Not profane but rough, B1-level. Used among close friends as roasting, never with elders, professors, or in any formal context.
داداش
Dâdâsh means “brother,” used both for actual siblings and as a friendly slang address to any guy. A1-level, ubiquitous in Tehran street speech, but never use it in formal or professional settings.
جیگر
Jigar literally means “liver,” but as slang it means hot, attractive, gorgeous. B1 colloquial term used among friends, often flirtatious. Carries warmth in family contexts and edge in romantic ones.
ضایع
Zâye’ means embarrassing, off-putting, cringe. Slang loaned from Arabic, A2-level, used by young Iranians to describe a humiliating moment or an awkward person. Avoid in formal speech.
خفن
Khafan is gen-Z slang for cool, awesome, sick. A2-level word that took over Iranian youth speech in the 2010s. Use it with friends your age, never with elders or in formal contexts.
سر کسی شیره مالیدن
Sar-e kasi shire mâlidan literally means “to rub honey-syrup on someone’s head.” Figuratively, to sweet-talk or deceive someone with flattery. B1 idiom, common in colloquial Tehrani speech.