پارسال

For Iranians, پارسال does not just mean "last calendar year" in the abstract. It anchors to the Iranian solar year, which begins on Nowruz (March 20-21). If you are speaking with an Iranian in May, پارسال refers to the Iranian year that ended at the previous Nowruz. This matters in conversation: "پارسال عید چه کار کردی؟" (what did you do for Nowruz last year?) is a precise question, not a vague one. When Iranians abroad speak with non-Iranians, they sometimes shift to the Gregorian frame, but the default mental clock is still solar.