What it means
پیشواز کردن (pishvâz kardan) means to go out to meet someone who is arriving, to receive them with warmth. The word پیشواز (pishvâz) is a Persian compound built from پیش (pish, before or in front) and the element واز (related to باز, open or toward), conveying the sense of moving forward to receive someone. It is often contrasted with بدرقه کردن (badraqe kardan), which means to see someone off as they leave. A more formal synonym is استقبال کردن (esteqbâl kardan), which is Arabic in origin and used in official or ceremonial contexts. Pishvâz kardan carries a warmer, more personal tone than esteqbâl kardan.
How to use it
- مامانم از پشت در اومد پیشوازم کرد. (Mâmânam az poshte dar umad pishvâzam kard.) “My mom came to the door to welcome me.”
- رفتیم فرودگاه پیشوازشون کنیم. (Raftim forudgâh pishvâzeshun konim.) “We went to the airport to receive them.”
- همه اومدن پیشوازش کنن. (Hame umadan pishvâzesh konan.) “Everyone came out to greet him.”
- خیلی خوشحال شدم که پیشوازم کردی. (Kheyli khoshhâl shodam ke pishvâzam kardi.) “I was really happy that you came out to greet me.”
Cultural note
In Persian culture, going out to welcome a guest or returning family member is considered a meaningful act of respect and affection. When someone arrives after a long absence, stepping outside to meet them rather than waiting at the door is a small but significant gesture. The verb pishvâz kardan captures this idea precisely. It also appears in more figurative speech, where one might say someone pishvâz kard to describe welcoming a new idea or opportunity with openness.