Meaning
A basic question to ask for identification of an object.
Cultural Background
In Iran, using 'این چیه' with a stranger might be seen as too direct. Always add 'ببخشید' (Excuse me) first. The Dari dialect of Persian is very similar, but the pronunciation of 'چیه' might sound slightly more like 'چیست' depending on the region. Tajik Persian uses Cyrillic script. The phrase is 'Ин чи аст?'
Use the contraction
Don't be afraid to use 'این چیه؟' in daily life. It sounds much more natural than the full formal version.
Avoid 'چیز' for people
Always remember that 'چیز' is strictly for objects. Using it for a person is rude.
Meaning
A basic question to ask for identification of an object.
Use the contraction
Don't be afraid to use 'این چیه؟' in daily life. It sounds much more natural than the full formal version.
Avoid 'چیز' for people
Always remember that 'چیز' is strictly for objects. Using it for a person is rude.
Add 'ببخشید'
Adding 'ببخشید' (Excuse me) makes you sound like a polite local.
Test Yourself
Which is the most natural way to ask 'What is this?' in a casual setting?
Choose the best option:
In casual settings, the contracted form is standard.
Fill in the missing word.
این ___ چیزی است؟
'چه' is the interrogative for 'what'.
Match the phrase to its register.
Match: A) این چه چیزی است, B) این چیه
Full forms are formal; contractions are informal.
Complete the dialogue.
A: [?] B: این یک کتاب است.
Since the answer is an object (book), use 'what'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesChoose the best option:
In casual settings, the contracted form is standard.
این ___ چیزی است؟
'چه' is the interrogative for 'what'.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Full forms are formal; contractions are informal.
A: [?] B: این یک کتاب است.
Since the answer is an object (book), use 'what'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
6 questionsYes, for animals, 'این چه چیزی است' is acceptable, though 'این چیست' is more common.
No, it is standard colloquial Persian, not slang.
In spoken Persian, the verb 'to be' is often contracted or omitted for speed.
Only if the email is very informal. Use the full form for formal emails.
Persian does not have grammatical gender, so this phrase works for everything.
Yes, pointing with one finger is considered rude. Use your whole hand.
Related Phrases
این چیست؟
synonymWhat is this?
این کیست؟
contrastWho is this?
آن چیست؟
similarWhat is that?
