تو زیبایی
to zibāyi
تو زیبایی (to zibāyi) is the Persian way to say "you're beautiful".
This phrase is a compliment used to tell someone that they are physically or aesthetically attractive.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase تو زیبایی consists of the pronoun to (you) and the adjective zibā (beautiful) with the suffix -yi which acts as the verb "to be" in the second person singular.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form to zibāyi is used for friends, family or people of the same age or status.
How do you pronounce it?
to zibāyi
Did you know?
- In Persian poetry, beauty is often described as 'borrowed' from the moon. Calling someone ماه ('māh' or 'moon') is a common way to say they are beautiful, as the moon is the ultimate symbol of aesthetic perfection.
- To avoid the 'evil eye' when telling someone تو زیبایی, a speaker might follow the phrase with ماشالله ('Mashallah'). This invokes God's will to protect the beautiful person from jealousy or misfortune.
- Persian has a rich tradition of 'Taarof', a complex system of etiquette. In a high-level 'Taarof' exchange, someone might insist that the other person is the truly beautiful one, even if they are the one receiving the compliment.
Example conversation
Ali is complimenting Maryam on her appearance.
- علی Aliمریم، تو زیبایی.Maryam, to zibayi.Maryam, you're beautiful.
- مریم Maryamممنونم، تو هم خوشتیپی.Mamnoonam, to ham khosh-tipi.Thank you, you're handsome too.
- علی Aliواقعاً عالی به نظر میرسی.Vaghean ali be nazar mi-rasi.You really look great.
- مریم Maryamخیلی لطف داری، علی.Kheyli lotf dari, Ali.You are very kind, Ali.
