ارزان
arzân/ʔar.ˈzaːn/
The English word 'cheap' is translated into Persian as ارزان (arzân). Wiktionary also lists مفت (moft).
Meaning: low and/or reduced in price (adj)
Ways to say it
| Persian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| ارزان | arzân | /ʔar.ˈzaːn/ (Classical Persian) |
| مفت | moft | /ˈmuft/ (Classical Persian) |
The term is used to describe something that is low or reduced in price.
Which one should you use?
While ارزان is the standard word for a low price, the colloquial term مفت is often used to describe things that are 'dirt cheap' and can sometimes imply that the item is of poor quality.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
ارزان is the standard, polite and formal way to describe low prices in both spoken and written Persian. For even more formal contexts, you may use ارزان قیمت. In contrast, مفت is an informal, colloquial term used in everyday speech and چیپ is an informal term borrowed directly from the English word 'cheap'.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ʔar.ˈzaːn/. It has two syllables, with the stress on the second syllable.
Did you know?
- The word مفت shares an ancient linguistic ancestor with the Sanskrit word mukta used to describe 'moksha' or spiritual liberation.
- While ارزان is the standard translation for 'cheap', using the borrowed English word چیپ often implies that something is 'tacky' or 'low-class' rather than just low-priced.
- In a bazaar setting, calling an item مفت during a negotiation can be a tactical move to signal that the seller's price is surprisingly low or that the item has no real value.
Examples in context
- هرگز چیزی که نمی‌خواهید را به خاطر اینکه ارزان است نخرید.Never buy what you don't want because it is cheap.This sentence illustrates using ارزان to advise against buying unwanted items solely based on price.Tatoeba #12160329 by cojiluc, translation #9644593 by shekitten
- از اینکه می شنیدیم کالاها چقدر ارزان هستند، تعجب کردیم.It amazed us to hear that things were so cheap.This sentence shows how to express surprise at how ارزان certain goods were.Tatoeba #1584094 by AsliAbbasi, translation #319900 by CM
- من یک کیف ارزان قیمت خریدم.I bought a cheap bag.
- آن خانه ارزان است.That house is cheap.
- این پیراهن خیلی ارزان است.in pirahan kheyli arzan ast.This shirt is very cheap.
Example conversation
Maryam and Ali are shopping at a street market.
- مریم Maryamببین، این پیراهن چقدر ارزان است!Bebin, in pirāhan cheqadr arzān ast!Look, how cheap this dress is!
- علی Aliواقعاً ارزان است، اما کیفیتش چطور است؟Vāqe'an arzān ast, ammā keyfiyatash chetor ast?It really is cheap, but how is the quality?
- مریم Maryamبه نظر من کیفیتش خیلی خوب است.Be nazar-e man keyfiyatash kheyli khub ast.In my opinion, the quality is very good.
- علی Aliپس حتماً آن را بخر، مریم.Pas hatman ān rā bekhar, Maryam.Then definitely buy it, Maryam.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cheap” translations and entries ارزان, مفت, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ارزان, مفت, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
