What do Iranians mean when they say 'khāreji'خارجی
In Iranian culture, the word "khareji" (خارِجی) /khāreji/ is a playful catch-all for anything foreign. It's not just about people—it covers everything from ideas to music. For example, if someone describes a playlist as “khāreji,” you can bet it’s packed with non-Iranian tunes.
You might mostly hear it used in a teasing way too, like when someone says, "rafti kharej dige khāreji shodiyaaa!" which basically means, "You went abroad, now you're all foreign!" But hey, it's all in good fun.
A touch of sarcasm.
Imagine this scenario: You’ve been living abroad for a while, and your old friends back home greet you with a grin and say, “Rafti kharej, dige khāreji shodiyaaa!” (You went abroad; now you’re all foreign!). It’s lighthearted and affectionate, a way of acknowledging the changes that come with living in a different country.
And here's the thing: "khareji" isn't about being unwelcoming or exclusion in a xenophobic way. Noooo Not at all! It's just a word Iranians use to contrast between life at home and how things are different out there. I reckon other countries have their own version too.
So, whether it's music, people, customs, or ideas, "khareji" is our versatile way of saying, "Hey, that's not from around here!" And that's pretty cool, right?
Your Turn!
What examples of 'khareji' can you share based on your own journey?What does "khāreji" mean in your First language? Share your stories in the comments! Your experiences enrich our community and deepen our collective understanding.
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With love,
Shirin 🧡
