عزیز
'aziz/ʔa.ˈziːz/
The Persian word for "dear" is عزیز ('aziz). Wiktionary also lists گرامی (gerâmi) and فری (fari).
Meaning: loved, lovable (adj)
Ways to say it
| Persian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| عزیز | 'aziz | /ʔa.ˈziːz/ (Classical Persian) |
| گرامی | gerâmi | /ɡa.raː.ˈmiː/ (Classical Persian) /ɡi.raː.ˈmiː/ (Classical Persian) |
| فری | fari | /fa.ˈriː/ (Classical Persian) |
The word عزیز can function as an adjective placed before a noun, such as "dear friend" or it can be used as a standalone noun of endearment, such as "Hey dear".
Which one should you use?
While both عزیز and گرامی can translate to "dear", گرامی is used to mean "respected" in professional or official contexts, such as when addressing colleagues or professors.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of عزیز is /ʔa.ˈziːz/. It has two syllables, with the stress on the second syllable.
Did you know?
- The word عزیز can be used ironically in Persian to express annoyance or sarcasm.
- The word فری is a distant relative of the English words 'friend' and 'free'.
- While عزیز is common in speech, گرامی is almost exclusively found in written letters and formal invitations.
Examples in context
- با تشکر از تمام اساتید گرامی و دانشجویان عزیز[…]With thanks to all of [our] respected professors and dear students […]This sentence shows how to use گرامی when addressing professors and students.
- خب، عزیز من، شب به‌خیر!OK, my dear, good night!This sentence demonstrates the use of عزیز in a friendly way to say good night.Tatoeba #737665 by EsperantoFarsi_Robot, translation #737671 by Eldad
- آه، تشکر می کنم از شما، عزیز من.Ah, I thank you, my dear.This sentence illustrates using عزیز as a term of endearment when thanking someone.Tatoeba #725117 by Esperantodan, translation #1807904 by Ameer
Example conversation
Zahra is welcoming Reza to her home.
- زهرا Zahraسلام رضا عزیز، خوش آمدی!Salam Reza aziz, khosh amadi!Hello dear Reza, welcome!
- رضا Rezaممنونم زهرا، از دیدنت خوشحالم.Mamnoonam Zahra, az didanat khoshhalam.Thank you Zahra, I am happy to see you.
- زهرا Zahraبیا تو، دوست عزیز من.Bia too, dooste azize man.Come inside, my dear friend.
- رضا Rezaخیلی لطف داری، ممنونم.Kheyli lotf dari, mamnoonam.You are very kind, thank you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “dear” translations and entries عزیز, گرامی, فری, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries عزیز, فری, گرامی, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0, Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
