At the A1 level, you should know that 'bastagān' means 'relatives'. While you might mostly use the word 'khānevādeh' (family) for your mom, dad, and siblings, 'bastagān' is for everyone else like uncles, aunts, and cousins. In Iran, family is very important, and you will have many relatives! You can use this word in simple sentences like 'I have many relatives' (Man bastagān-e ziādi dāram). It is a plural word, so you are talking about more than one person. Just remember it is a bit more formal than the word 'fāmil', which you might hear people say more often in movies or on the street. Think of 'bastagān' as the 'official' word for your big family tree.
At the A2 level, you can start using 'bastagān' with basic adjectives and possessives. For example, you can say 'bastagān-e man' (my relatives) or 'bastagān-e nazdik' (close relatives). You will see this word on signs or in simple news stories. It's important to know that in Persian, we often visit our relatives during holidays. So, a common sentence at this level would be 'In Nowruz, we visit our relatives' (Dar Nowruz, mā be didār-e bastagānamān miravim). You should also notice that the word ends in '-gān', which is a way to make plural words for people in Persian. This will help you recognize other similar words later on.
As a B1 learner, you should be comfortable using 'bastagān' in formal writing and understanding its cultural nuances. You should know that 'bastagān' implies a sense of 'connection' or being 'bound' together. At this level, you can use it to talk about social obligations, such as 'helping relatives' (komak be bastagān) or 'inviting relatives' (da'vat kardan-e bastagān). You should also be able to distinguish between 'bastagān' and 'fāmil' (informal) or 'khishāvandān' (literary). You might encounter this word in hospital settings, legal contexts, or news reports about family events. It is the standard word for any situation that isn't purely casual.
At the B2 level, you should understand the legal and societal implications of the word 'bastagān'. For example, in Iranian law, 'bastagān-e darajeh avval' refers to first-degree relatives who have specific rights. You should be able to use the word in complex sentences with relative clauses, such as 'The relatives who live in Shiraz came to Tehran for the party.' You will also start to see the word in more abstract contexts, like 'the relatives of the deceased' in a newspaper obituary. At this stage, you should also be aware of the root 'bastan' (to tie/bind) and how it relates to the concept of kinship as a 'bond' that cannot be easily broken.
For C1 learners, 'bastagān' is a tool for precise communication. You should use it to discuss sociological trends in Iran, such as the changing role of extended kinsfolk in urban versus rural areas. You will encounter this word in academic papers, high-level journalism, and contemporary literature. You should be able to use it alongside its synonyms (khishāvandān, aqrabā, mansoobin) to vary your register and tone. For instance, you might analyze how a character in a novel is 'severing ties with their bastagān' to seek individual freedom. You should also be familiar with compound terms like 'vābestegān' (dependents/affiliates) and how they differ from 'bastagān'.
At the C2 level, you possess a deep mastery of the word 'bastagān' and its place in the history of the Persian language. You can discuss the etymological shift from Middle Persian 'bastag' to the modern form and how the suffix '-gān' has been used historically to denote groups. You understand the subtle poetic differences between using 'bastagān' versus 'khish' in a classical verse. You can navigate the most complex legal documents where 'bastagān' is defined by bloodline and marriage with extreme precision. You also understand the psychological weight of the word—how it represents not just people, but a system of heritage, honor, and collective identity that defines the Persian-speaking world.

بستگان in 30 Sekunden

  • Bastagān is the formal Persian word for 'relatives,' covering extended family like cousins and aunts.
  • It literally means 'the bound ones,' from the root 'bastan' (to tie), highlighting family bonds.
  • Use 'bastagān' in formal writing, news, and legal contexts; use 'fāmil' for casual speech.
  • It is a plural noun and often appears with adjectives like 'nazdik' (close) or 'door' (distant).

The Persian word بستگان (pronounced bastagān) is a sophisticated and formal term used to describe one's relatives or kinsfolk. Rooted in the Persian verb bastan (to bind or to tie), the word literally implies those individuals to whom one is 'bound' by blood or marriage. In the tapestry of Iranian culture, where family serves as the central pillar of social identity, this term carries significant weight, suggesting a network of mutual support, shared history, and inescapable social obligations.

Etymological Connection
The word is derived from 'basteh' (bound/closed) and the plural suffix '-gān'. It reflects the ancient Indo-European concept of the family unit as a 'bound' group, distinct from outsiders.

While everyday conversations might favor the word fāmil (a loanword from French), بستگان is the preferred choice in literature, legal documents, news reporting, and formal speeches. When a news anchor speaks about the victims of a natural disaster, they refer to the 'surviving relatives' as bastagān-e bāzmandeh. When a lawyer discusses inheritance, they speak of bastagān-e darajeh avval (first-degree relatives).

تمام بستگان ما در مراسم عروسی شرکت کردند.
(All our relatives participated in the wedding ceremony.)

In a broader sociological context, the use of بستگان highlights the collective nature of Iranian society. It is rare to see an individual viewed in isolation; rather, they are seen as a representative of their bastagān. This is why hospitality toward relatives is considered a paramount virtue. During the Persian New Year (Nowruz), the tradition of did-o-bāzdid (visiting and returning visits) revolves almost entirely around spending time with بستگان.

Legal vs. Social Usage
In legal contexts, 'bastagān' is categorized into degrees (degrees 1, 2, and 3), determining rights to inheritance or testimony. Socially, it is a warm term that evokes a sense of belonging and protection.

دولت به بستگان قربانیان تسلیت گفت.
(The government offered condolences to the relatives of the victims.)

Understanding this word is crucial for any learner aiming for a B1 level or higher, as it appears frequently in media and formal correspondence. It bridges the gap between the intimate 'family' and the broader 'society,' encompassing the uncles, aunts, cousins, and distant kin who form the extended support network typical of Middle Eastern social structures. It is not just a noun; it is a descriptor of the social glue that binds Persian life together.

Register and Nuance
Unlike 'fāmil' (informal) or 'khishāvandān' (extremely formal/literary), 'bastagān' sits comfortably in the standard formal register, making it the most versatile choice for non-casual settings.

Using بستگان correctly requires an understanding of its position as a plural noun and its typical collocations. Since it refers to a group of people, it usually takes plural verb agreements and is often preceded by possessive adjectives or followed by descriptive adjectives that define the closeness of the relationship.

Common Collocations
'Bastagān-e nazdik' (close relatives) and 'Bastagān-e door' (distant relatives) are the most frequent pairings you will encounter.

In a sentence, بستگان often functions as the subject or the object of verbs related to visiting, helping, or communicating. For example, 'I saw my relatives' becomes man bastagānam rā didam. Note how the possessive suffix '-am' (my) is added to the end of the word, which is a standard feature of Persian grammar for plural nouns ending in '-ān'.

بسیاری از بستگان او در خارج از کشور زندگی می‌کنند.
(Many of his relatives live abroad.)

When discussing obligations or social events, بستگان is frequently used with the preposition be (to) or (with). For instance, 'helping relatives' is komak be bastagān. This usage is common in moral and religious discourse in Iran, emphasizing the duty of sel-e rahem (maintaining ties with kin).

او همیشه با بستگان خود مهربان است.
(He is always kind to his relatives.)

In formal writing, such as an invitation or a formal announcement, the word is often used to address the 'relatives and friends' of a person. The phrase bastagān va āshnāyān is a set expression used in obituary notices or wedding invitations to invite the entire social circle of the family.

Sentence Structure with 'Rā'
Since 'bastagān' is a definite specific noun when used with a possessive, it must be followed by the object marker 'rā' when it is the direct object of a sentence.

ما بستگان خود را برای شام دعوت کردیم.
(We invited our relatives for dinner.)

Finally, consider the negative or exclusionary usage. If one has no relatives, they might say man hich bastagāni nadāram. Here, the 'i' suffix at the end of bastagāni functions as the indefinite 'any,' emphasizing the lack of any kin whatsoever. This structure is common in dramatic literature or when expressing loneliness.

آیا شما در این شهر بستگانی دارید؟
(Do you have any relatives in this city?)

If you were to walk through the streets of Tehran or Isfahan, you might not hear the word بستگان in a casual conversation between teenagers at a café. However, the moment you turn on the evening news, open a newspaper, or attend a formal gathering, the word becomes ubiquitous. It is the 'official' way to discuss family connections in the Iranian public sphere.

In the Media
News broadcasts frequently use 'bastagān' when reporting on events affecting families, such as immigration policies, heritage laws, or public health announcements.

One of the most common places to see this word is in the 'Obituaries' section of a newspaper or on funeral banners hung in neighborhoods. These banners, known as elāmiyeh, always list the bastagān-e dāghdār (the mourning relatives). This usage reinforces the idea that a person's passing is a collective loss for the entire kinship group.

مجلس ترحیم با حضور بستگان برگزار شد.
(The memorial service was held with the presence of the relatives.)

In the world of Persian cinema and television dramas, بستگان is used during scenes involving legal disputes, hospital waiting rooms, or formal introductions. For example, a doctor might come out of an operating room and ask, 'Where are the relatives of the patient?' (bastagān-e bimār kojā hastand?). This formal distance maintains professional boundaries while acknowledging the family's role.

Another frequent context is in government bureaucracy. When filling out forms for a passport, a job application, or a visa, there is almost always a section for moshakhasāt-e bastagān (details of relatives). In these documents, the word acts as a clinical, precise term for one's lineage and immediate family network.

Literature and Poetry
While classical poetry often uses 'khish' or 'payvand', modern Persian prose uses 'bastagān' to ground stories in realistic social settings.

او از تمامی بستگان خود بریده بود.
(He had cut ties with all of his relatives.)

Finally, during major holidays like Nowruz or Yalda Night, even though people might say fāmil in the kitchen while cooking, the host might use بستگان when making a formal toast or expressing gratitude for the gathering. It elevates the occasion from a simple hang-out to a significant family event.

One of the most common mistakes English speakers make when learning بستگان is confusing it with the word khānevādeh (family). While they are related, they are not interchangeable. Khānevādeh usually refers to the nuclear family—parents and children—whereas بستگان is much broader, including cousins, aunts, and even in-laws.

Mistake 1: Misusing the Singular
Learners often try to say 'basteh' to mean 'a relative'. This is incorrect; 'basteh' means 'package' or 'closed'. The singular of 'bastagān' is 'khishāvand' or simply 'yek nafar az bastagān'.

Another error involves the register. Using بستگان in a very casual setting, like a party with close friends, can sound overly stiff or even slightly cold, as if you are talking about your family in a legal sense rather than an affectionate one. In these cases, fāmil is the more natural choice.

Incorrect: او بسته من است.
(Correct: او یکی از بستگان من است.)

Confusion also arises with the word doostān (friends). In some cultures, close friends are called 'family,' but in Persian, the line between doostān and بستگان is quite sharp. You would never refer to a best friend as bastagān unless they were actually related to you by blood or marriage.

Grammatically, learners sometimes forget the silent 'h' at the end of the root basteh when thinking about the plural. Because the root ends in a 'he' (ه), the plural suffix for people changes from '-ān' to '-gān'. If you try to say 'basteh-ān', it will be difficult to pronounce and technically incorrect in modern Persian.

Mistake 2: Preposition Errors
Don't use 'az' (from) when you mean 'to'. It's 'komak be bastagān' (help to relatives), not 'komak az bastagān' (unless you are receiving help FROM them).

Incorrect: من بستگانم را کمک می‌کنم.
(Correct: من به بستگانم کمک می‌کنم.)

Finally, be careful with the word vābestegān. While it looks similar and shares the same root, vābestegān usually means 'dependents' or 'affiliates' (often in a political or financial sense). If you say 'my vābestegān,' people might think you are talking about your political subordinates rather than your cousins!

Persian has a rich vocabulary for family and social ties. Depending on the level of formality and the specific nature of the relationship, you might choose a different word than بستگان. Understanding these nuances is key to sounding like a native speaker.

فامیل (Fāmil)
The most common everyday word. It is informal and used in 90% of spoken conversations. Example: 'Fāmil-e mā khayli bozorg ast' (Our family is very big).
خویشاوندان (Khishāvandān)
Highly formal and literary. You'll find this in classical poetry and very old books. It sounds more 'pure Persian' than the other terms.
اقربا (Aqrabā)
An Arabic loanword used in legal and religious contexts. It specifically emphasizes 'closeness' (from the root Q-R-B).

How do they compare? بستگان is the 'safe' middle ground. It is more formal than fāmil but less archaic than khishāvandān. If you are writing an essay or a news report, بستگان is almost always the best choice.

Comparison: 'Fāmil' is for the dinner table; 'Bastagān' is for the courtroom; 'Khishāvandān' is for the poem.

There is also the term mansoobin, which specifically refers to people 'related' or 'attributed' to a person, often used in very formal biographical contexts. Another related term is ahl-e bayt, which is strictly religious and refers to the household of the Prophet, but it shows how the concept of 'people of the house' differs from 'those who are bound' (bastagān).

In summary, choose your word based on your audience. If you are talking to a friend about your cousin's wedding, say fāmil. If you are a doctor speaking to a family in a hospital, use بستگان. If you are writing a PhD thesis on Persian social structures, you might use khishāvandān.

Summary Table
  • Fāmil: Casual, French origin, very common.
  • Bastagān: Standard formal, Persian origin, versatile.
  • Khishāvandān: Literary, ancient, very formal.
  • Aqrabā: Legal/Religious, Arabic origin.

How Formal Is It?

Wusstest du?

The root 'bast' is cognate with English 'bind' and 'bond', showing the ancient linguistic connection between these languages.

Aussprachehilfe

UK /bæstɛˈɡɒːn/
US /bæstəˈɡɑːn/
The stress falls on the final syllable '-gān'.
Reimt sich auf
رایگان (rāyegān - free) پایگان (pāyegān - archive/rank) شایگان (shāyegān - worthy) ستارگان (setāregān - stars) نویسندگان (nevisandegān - writers) پرندگان (parandegān - birds) زندگان (zendegān - the living) بندگان (bandegān - servants)
Häufige Fehler
  • Pronouncing it as 'baste-hān' (adding an extra 'h' sound).
  • Missing the long 'ā' in the last syllable.
  • Putting stress on the first syllable.
  • Confusing the 'g' with a 'j' sound.
  • Pronouncing the 'n' too nasally.

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Lesen 3/5

Easy to recognize due to the common '-ān' suffix.

Schreiben 4/5

Requires remembering the 'g' before the plural suffix.

Sprechen 3/5

Pronunciation is straightforward but requires correct stress.

Hören 3/5

Common in formal broadcasts.

Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest

Voraussetzungen

خانواده مادر پدر بستن بسته

Als Nächstes lernen

خویشاوند اجداد نوادگان صله‌ی رحم ارث

Fortgeschritten

تبارشناسی شجره‌نامه قرابت محارم صلبی

Wichtige Grammatik

Pluralization of words ending in silent 'h'

بسته + آن = بستگان

Genitive Link (Ezāfe)

بستگانِ من (My relatives)

Direct Object Marker 'Rā'

من بستگانم را دیدم.

Possessive Suffixes with Plural '-ān'

بستگان + شان = بستگانشان

Indefinite 'i' with Plurals

بستگانی (Some relatives / Any relatives)

Beispiele nach Niveau

1

من بستگان زیادی دارم.

I have many relatives.

Simple subject-object-verb structure.

2

بستگان او مهربان هستند.

His relatives are kind.

Plural subject takes a plural verb (hastand).

3

آیا بستگان شما اینجا هستند؟

Are your relatives here?

Question form using 'āyā'.

4

من با بستگانم حرف می‌زنم.

I talk with my relatives.

Use of preposition 'bā' (with).

5

بستگان ما در تهران زندگی می‌کنند.

Our relatives live in Tehran.

Present continuous tense for a general state.

6

او به بستگان خود سلام کرد.

He said hello to his relatives.

Past tense of 'salām kardan'.

7

امروز بستگانم به خانه ما می‌آیند.

Today my relatives are coming to our house.

Future intent using present tense.

8

نام بستگان خود را بنویسید.

Write the names of your relatives.

Imperative form (nevisid).

1

بستگان نزدیک من در این شهر هستند.

My close relatives are in this city.

Adjective 'nazdik' follows the noun.

2

ما در عید نوروز به دیدن بستگان می‌رویم.

During Nowruz, we go to see our relatives.

Compound verb 'be didan raftan'.

3

او برای بستگانش هدیه خرید.

She bought gifts for her relatives.

Possessive suffix '-ash' plus plural '-ān' becomes '-ashān'.

4

بستگان دور ما در مشهد زندگی می‌کنند.

Our distant relatives live in Mashhad.

Adjective 'door' (distant).

5

او هیچ بستگانی در این کشور ندارد.

He has no relatives in this country.

Negative construction with 'hich'.

6

آیا شما بستگان خود را دعوت کردید؟

Did you invite your relatives?

Direct object marker 'rā' used after 'bastagān-e khod'.

7

بستگان من همیشه به من کمک می‌کنند.

My relatives always help me.

Adverb 'hamisheh' (always).

8

او عکس بستگان خود را به من نشان داد.

He showed me a picture of his relatives.

Compound verb 'neshān dādan'.

1

دولت به بستگان قربانیان کمک مالی می‌کند.

The government provides financial aid to the victims' relatives.

Formal register usage of 'bastagān'.

2

او ترجیح می‌دهد تعطیلات را با بستگانش بگذراند.

He prefers to spend the holidays with his relatives.

Subjunctive verb 'begozarand' after 'tarjih midahad'.

3

بستگان بیمار در سالن انتظار هستند.

The patient's relatives are in the waiting room.

Genitive construction (Ezāfe) connecting 'bastagān' and 'bimār'.

4

او با یکی از بستگان دور خود ازدواج کرد.

He married one of his distant relatives.

Phrase 'yeki az' (one of).

5

حفظ رابطه با بستگان در فرهنگ ما بسیار مهم است.

Maintaining relationships with relatives is very important in our culture.

Gerund 'hefz-e rābeteh' as the subject.

6

بستگان او از موفقیتش بسیار خوشحال شدند.

His relatives were very happy about his success.

Passive-like structure with 'khoshhāl shodan'.

7

او تمام ثروت خود را برای بستگانش باقی گذاشت.

He left all his wealth to his relatives.

Compound verb 'bāqi gozāshtan'.

8

بستگان ما فردا شب به شام دعوت شده‌اند.

Our relatives have been invited to dinner tomorrow night.

Present perfect passive voice.

1

طبق قانون، بستگان درجه اول اولویت دارند.

According to the law, first-degree relatives have priority.

Formal preposition 'tebq-e' (according to).

2

او به دلیل اختلافات قدیمی با بستگانش قطع رابطه کرده است.

He has cut ties with his relatives due to old disputes.

Compound verb 'qat-e rābeteh kardan'.

3

بستگان متوفی برای مراسم تدفین گرد هم آمدند.

The relatives of the deceased gathered for the burial ceremony.

Formal term 'motavaffi' (deceased).

4

او سعی می‌کند میان بستگان خود صلح برقرار کند.

He tries to establish peace among his relatives.

Preposition 'miyān-e' (among).

5

بستگان او در کشورهای مختلف پراکنده شده‌اند.

His relatives are scattered in different countries.

Past participle 'parākandeh' used as an adjective.

6

او همیشه از بستگان خود با احترام یاد می‌کند.

He always speaks of his relatives with respect.

Idiomatic phrase 'yād kardan az' (to remember/mention).

7

حمایت بستگان در مواقع بحرانی بسیار حیاتی است.

Support from relatives is vital in times of crisis.

Abstract noun 'hemāyat' (support).

8

او به جستجوی بستگان گم‌شده‌اش در جنگ پرداخت.

He set out to search for his relatives lost in the war.

Compound verb 'be jostojoo pardākhtan'.

1

ساختار سنتی خانواده بر پایه پیوند با بستگان استوار است.

The traditional family structure is based on the bond with kinsfolk.

Academic tone with 'ostovār ast' (is based/standing).

2

او در کتاب خود به تحلیل روابط پیچیده میان بستگان می‌پردازد.

In his book, he analyzes the complex relationships among relatives.

Formal verb 'pardākhtan be' (to deal with/engage in).

3

بستگان سببی و نسبی هر دو در این قانون لحاظ شده‌اند.

Both relatives by marriage and by blood are included in this law.

Legal terms 'sababi' (by marriage) and 'nasabi' (by blood).

4

تضعیف نقش بستگان در جوامع مدرن یک پدیده جامعه‌شناختی است.

The weakening of the role of relatives in modern societies is a sociological phenomenon.

Complex noun phrase as subject.

5

او با وجود دوری از وطن، همواره با بستگانش در ارتباط است.

Despite being away from home, he is always in contact with his relatives.

Concessive phrase 'bā voojood-e' (despite).

6

بستگان او از نفوذ سیاسی خود برای کمک به او استفاده کردند.

His relatives used their political influence to help him.

Noun 'nofooz' (influence).

7

او به عنوان تنها بازمانده، مسئولیت مراقبت از بستگان سالخورده را بر عهده گرفت.

As the sole survivor, he took on the responsibility of caring for elderly relatives.

Idiom 'bar ohdeh gereftan' (to take responsibility).

8

در بسیاری از فرهنگ‌ها، ازدواج میان بستگان نزدیک رایج است.

In many cultures, marriage among close relatives is common.

General statement using 'rāyej ast'.

1

گسست پیوندهای عاطفی با بستگان می‌تواند منجر به انزوای اجتماعی شود.

The breaking of emotional bonds with kinsfolk can lead to social isolation.

High-level vocabulary like 'gosast' (rupture) and 'enzovā' (isolation).

2

او در وصیت‌نامه‌اش بر لزوم همبستگی میان تمامی بستگان تاکید کرد.

In his will, he emphasized the necessity of solidarity among all relatives.

Formal verb 'ta'kid kardan' (to emphasize).

3

بستگان وی مدعی هستند که او تحت فشار روانی تصمیم گرفته است.

His relatives claim that he made the decision under psychological pressure.

Formal pronoun 'vey' (he/she) and verb 'modda'i hastand' (they claim).

4

تحول مفهوم 'بستگان' در بستر تاریخ، بازتابی از تغییرات معیشتی است.

The evolution of the concept of 'relatives' throughout history is a reflection of livelihood changes.

Abstract philosophical statement.

5

او با ظرافتی خاص، تضادهای درونی میان بستگان را در فیلمش به تصویر کشید.

With a particular subtlety, he portrayed the internal conflicts among relatives in his film.

Idiom 'be tasvir keshidan' (to portray).

6

بستگان دورتر اغلب در مواقع ارث و میراث به تکاپو می‌افتند.

Distant relatives often spring into action in matters of inheritance.

Idiomatic expression 'be takāpoo oftādan'.

7

او پیوند با بستگان را ریشه هویت فردی خود می‌دانست.

He considered the bond with relatives to be the root of his individual identity.

Metaphorical usage of 'risheh' (root).

8

بستگان وی از هرگونه اظهارنظر درباره ناپدید شدن او خودداری کردند.

His relatives refrained from making any comments regarding his disappearance.

Formal verb 'khoddāri kardan' (to refrain).

Häufige Kollokationen

بستگان نزدیک
بستگان دور
بستگان درجه اول
بستگان سببی
بستگان نسبی
دیدار با بستگان
کمک به بستگان
بستگان متوفی
بستگان و آشنایان
قطع رابطه با بستگان

Häufige Phrasen

بستگان ما

— Our relatives. Used to identify one's family group.

بستگان ما فردا می‌آیند.

یکی از بستگان

— One of the relatives. Used to refer to a single person.

او یکی از بستگان من است.

به همراه بستگان

— Along with relatives. Common in news reports.

او به همراه بستگانش به سفر رفت.

حقوق بستگان

— The rights of relatives. Used in legal contexts.

حقوق بستگان در وصیت‌نامه ذکر شده است.

بستگان گم‌شده

— Missing relatives. Often used in crisis situations.

او به دنبال بستگان گم‌شده‌اش است.

محل سکونت بستگان

— Place of residence of relatives. Used in forms.

لطفاً محل سکونت بستگان را بنویسید.

بستگان مادری

— Maternal relatives.

بستگان مادری او در شیراز هستند.

بستگان پدری

— Paternal relatives.

او با بستگان پدری‌اش صمیمی است.

بستگان نزدیک و دور

— Close and distant relatives together.

همه بستگان نزدیک و دور آمدند.

در میان بستگان

— Among relatives.

او در میان بستگانش محبوب است.

Wird oft verwechselt mit

بستگان vs بسته

Basteh means 'package' or 'closed'. Don't use it for a single relative.

بستگان vs وابستگان

Vābestegān means 'dependents' or 'political affiliates'.

بستگان vs دوستان

Doostān means 'friends'. Relatives are strictly blood or marriage relations.

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"بستگان آدم گوشت آدم را بخورند استخوانش را دور نمی‌اندازند"

— Family members might fight, but they will never truly abandon you. (Literal: Relatives might eat your meat but won't throw away your bone.)

نگران نباش، خانواده‌ات کمکت می‌کنند؛ بستگان آدم گوشت آدم را بخورند...

Proverbial/Colloquial
"دوری و دوستی با بستگان"

— Maintaining a distance with relatives keeps the friendship alive. Used when family drama is high.

بهتر است زیاد با آن‌ها صمیمی نشوی؛ دوری و دوستی!

Colloquial
"صله‌ی رحم با بستگان"

— The religious and moral act of visiting and checking on relatives.

صله‌ی رحم با بستگان در اسلام ثواب زیادی دارد.

Religious/Formal
"بستگانِ خونی"

— Blood relatives. Emphasizes biological connection.

آن‌ها بستگان خونی ما هستند.

Neutral
"بستگانِ ناتنی"

— Step-relatives or half-relatives.

او از بستگان ناتنی من است.

Neutral
"بستگانِ دلسوز"

— Compassionate relatives. Used to describe family support.

او بستگان دلسوزی دارد.

Neutral
"بستگانِ پرجمعیت"

— A large group of relatives.

ما از بستگان پرجمعیتی هستیم.

Neutral
"بستگانِ سرشناس"

— Well-known or famous relatives.

او بستگان سرشناسی در دولت دارد.

Formal
"بستگانِ وفادار"

— Loyal relatives.

او همیشه روی بستگان وفادارش حساب می‌کند.

Neutral
"بستگانِ متمول"

— Wealthy relatives.

او بستگان متمولی در خارج دارد.

Formal

Leicht verwechselbar

بستگان vs خانواده

Both mean people you are related to.

Khānevādeh is usually the nuclear family; Bastagān is the extended family.

خانواده من چهار نفر هستند، اما بستگانم زیادند.

بستگان vs فامیل

They are synonyms.

Fāmil is informal and French-rooted; Bastagān is formal and Persian-rooted.

در خانه می‌گوییم فامیل، در اداره می‌گوییم بستگان.

بستگان vs خویشاوند

They are synonyms.

Khishāvand is more literary and often used in the singular.

او خویشاوند نزدیک من است.

بستگان vs آشنایان

Both refer to people you know.

Āshnāyān are acquaintances; Bastagān are relatives.

او از آشنایان است، نه از بستگان.

بستگان vs همسایگان

Similar suffix '-gān'.

Hamsāyegān means neighbors, not relatives.

همسایگان ما مثل بستگان ما هستند.

Satzmuster

A1

من [Number] بستگان دارم.

من ده بستگان دارم.

A2

بستگان من در [City] هستند.

بستگان من در شیراز هستند.

B1

من به دیدار [Possessive] بستگان رفتم.

من به دیدار بستگانم رفتم.

B2

او با [Adjective] بستگان خود رابطه دارد.

او با تمام بستگان خود رابطه دارد.

C1

حمایت [Noun] بستگان بسیار مهم است.

حمایت عاطفی بستگان بسیار مهم است.

C2

گسست از [Noun] بستگان تبعات سنگینی دارد.

گسست از بستگان تبعات سنگینی دارد.

B1

یکی از بستگان [Name]...

یکی از بستگان علی در بیمارستان است.

B2

طبق گفته [Noun] بستگان...

طبق گفته بستگان متوفی، او بیمار نبود.

Wortfamilie

Substantive

بستگی (bastagi - connection/dependence)
بسته (basteh - package/closed)
بند (band - tie/joint)

Verben

بستن (bastan - to tie/close)
وابسته بودن (vābasteh boodan - to be dependent/related)

Adjektive

بسته (basteh - closed)
وابسته (vābasteh - dependent/affiliated)

Verwandt

خانواده
خویشاوند
فامیل
ایل
طایفه

So verwendest du es

frequency

Very high in formal and written Persian; moderate in spoken Persian.

Häufige Fehler
  • Using 'basteh' for a relative. Yeki az bastagān / Khishāvand

    'Basteh' means package or closed. It is never used for a person.

  • Saying 'bastagān-e man' in a very casual chat. Fāmil-ām

    It sounds too formal, like you are in a courtroom.

  • Using 'bastagān' for friends. Doostān

    'Bastagān' is only for family ties.

  • Forgetting the 'g' and saying 'baste-ān'. Bastagān

    Modern Persian requires the 'g' buffer for words ending in silent 'h'.

  • Confusing 'bastagān' with 'vābestegān'. Bastagān

    'Vābestegān' means dependents or political affiliates, which is quite different.

Tipps

Plural Suffix

Always remember the '-gān' suffix for groups of people in formal Persian.

Social Support

In Iran, 'bastagān' are expected to support each other financially and emotionally.

Root Word

Connect 'bastagān' to 'bastan' (to tie) to remember its meaning of 'those bound to you'.

Formal Letters

Use 'bastagān' when writing invitations or formal announcements.

News Reports

When you hear 'bastagān' on the news, it usually refers to families affected by an event.

Respect

Using 'bastagān' when talking about someone else's family shows high respect.

Legal Context

In legal matters, 'bastagān' is the only appropriate word to use.

Bound Kin

Think of 'bastagān' as your 'bound kin' to never forget the meaning.

Proverbs

Learn the proverb about 'meat and bones' to understand the depth of family loyalty.

Nowruz visits

Associate 'bastagān' with the New Year visits to ground the word in a real-life scenario.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Think of the word 'Bast' (to bind). Relatives are people you are 'Bound' to. 'Gān' makes it a group of people. Bast + Gān = The Bound Ones.

Visuelle Assoziation

Imagine a thick rope tying several people together in a circle. This rope represents the 'bast' (bond) of the 'bastagān'.

Word Web

Family Relatives Bond Blood Marriage Cousins Uncles Aunts

Herausforderung

Try to write down the names of five 'bastagān' you have and one sentence about each using the word 'bastagān'.

Wortherkunft

From Middle Persian 'bastag' (bound/tied) + the plural suffix '-ān'. The 'g' is a buffer consonant inserted between the silent 'h' of the root and the plural suffix.

Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: Those who are tied or bound together by a common bond (kinship).

Indo-European > Indo-Iranian > Iranian > Persian.

Kultureller Kontext

Be careful when asking about 'bastagān' in cases of family estrangement, as family bonds are highly sensitive in Iran.

In English, 'relatives' can feel slightly distant compared to 'family'. In Persian, 'bastagān' is formal but implies a very strong, unbreakable bond.

Used in the Shahnameh of Ferdowsi to describe royal lineages. Frequent in the works of Saadi to discuss social duties. Common in modern Iranian cinema (e.g., Asghar Farhadi's films) to highlight family conflicts.

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Weddings

  • دعوت از بستگان
  • تبریک به بستگان
  • بستگان عروس
  • بستگان داماد

Hospitals

  • اطلاع به بستگان
  • رضایت بستگان
  • همراهی بستگان
  • بستگان نزدیک بیمار

Legal/Inheritance

  • سهم بستگان
  • بستگان قانونی
  • انحصار وراثت
  • بستگان درجه اول

Holidays (Nowruz)

  • دیدار بستگان
  • عیدی دادن به بستگان
  • مهمانی بستگان
  • بستگان بزرگتر

Travel/Immigration

  • بستگان در خارج
  • دعوت‌نامه برای بستگان
  • ملاقات با بستگان
  • اقامت نزد بستگان

Gesprächseinstiege

"آیا شما در این شهر بستگانی دارید؟ (Do you have any relatives in this city?)"

"چند وقت یک بار به دیدار بستگانتان می‌روید؟ (How often do you visit your relatives?)"

"کدام یک از بستگانتان را بیشتر دوست دارید؟ (Which of your relatives do you like the most?)"

"آیا بستگان شما در خارج از کشور زندگی می‌کنند؟ (Do your relatives live abroad?)"

"بزرگترین تجمع بستگان شما در چه مراسمی است؟ (What ceremony has the largest gathering of your relatives?)"

Tagebuch-Impulse

درباره یکی از بستگان خود که برای شما الهام‌بخش است بنویسید. (Write about one of your relatives who is an inspiration to you.)

اهمیت پیوند با بستگان در فرهنگ خود را شرح دهید. (Describe the importance of bonds with relatives in your culture.)

خاطره‌ای از یک مهمانی بزرگ با حضور تمامی بستگانتان بنویسید. (Write a memory of a large party with all your relatives present.)

اگر بخواهید یکی از بستگان خود را به یک سفر دعوت کنید، چه کسی را انتخاب می‌کنید؟ (If you wanted to invite one of your relatives on a trip, who would you choose?)

تفاوت میان 'دوستان' و 'بستگان' از نظر شما چیست؟ (What is the difference between 'friends' and 'relatives' in your opinion?)

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

It is always plural. It refers to 'relatives' as a group. For one relative, use 'khishāvand' or 'yeki az bastagān'.

Technically yes, they are relatives, but usually you use 'khānevādeh' or 'pedar o mādar' for them. 'Bastagān' typically implies extended family.

'Bastagān' is formal and Persian; 'fāmil' is informal and from French. Use 'bastagān' in writing.

Use the phrase 'bastagān-e nazdik'.

Yes, it is the standard term in Iranian law for kinship.

Yes, they are called 'bastagān-e sababi' (relatives by marriage).

The root is 'bastan', which means 'to tie' or 'to bind'.

No, 'bastagān' is strictly for blood or marriage relations.

The 'g' is a buffer consonant added because the root 'basteh' ends in a silent 'h'.

Very common in news, books, and formal speech.

Teste dich selbst 180 Fragen

writing

Translate to Persian: 'I have many relatives in Iran.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate to Persian: 'He visited his close relatives.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a sentence using 'bastagān-e door'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate to Persian: 'The relatives of the patient are waiting.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate to Persian: 'We invited our relatives to the party.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a sentence using 'bastagān' and 'Nowruz'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate to Persian: 'She has no relatives in this city.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate to Persian: 'First-degree relatives have priority.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a sentence about 'helping relatives'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate to Persian: 'All his relatives were happy.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate to Persian: 'He spoke about his relatives with respect.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate to Persian: 'The government helped the relatives of the victims.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a sentence using 'yeki az bastagān'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate to Persian: 'Are your relatives coming tonight?'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate to Persian: 'He has cut ties with his relatives.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate to Persian: 'Maternal relatives are very kind.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate to Persian: 'He left his inheritance to his relatives.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a sentence using 'bastagān va āshnāyān'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate to Persian: 'Do you have any relatives in London?'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate to Persian: 'Kinship bonds are strong.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Describe your 'bastagān' in Persian. (Who are they? Where do they live?)

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

How often do you visit your 'bastagān'?

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Talk about a memory with your 'bastagān'.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Is it important to stay in touch with 'bastagān'? Why?

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Explain the difference between 'bastagān' and 'doostān'.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

What do you do when your 'bastagān' come to visit?

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Do you have 'bastagān' in other countries?

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Who is your favorite person among your 'bastagān'?

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

What is the largest gathering of 'bastagān' you've attended?

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Describe the role of 'bastagān' in your culture.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Have you ever helped one of your 'bastagān'? How?

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

What are some traditions you have with your 'bastagān'?

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

If you had a problem, would you ask your 'bastagān' for help?

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Do you prefer small gatherings or big ones with all your 'bastagān'?

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Talk about 'Nowruz' and 'bastagān'.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

What does the word 'bastagān' mean to you personally?

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

How has the concept of 'bastagān' changed in modern times?

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Describe a conflict between 'bastagān' you've seen in a movie.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

How do you introduce your 'bastagān' to your friends?

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Why is 'bastagān' used in formal news instead of 'fāmil'?

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Transcribe: 'او با بستگانش به شمال رفت.'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Transcribe: 'بستگان نزدیک بیمار در سالن هستند.'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Transcribe: 'ما برای بستگانمان هدیه خریدیم.'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Transcribe: 'آیا شما در این شهر بستگانی دارید؟'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Transcribe: 'بستگان او از موفقیتش خوشحال شدند.'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Identify the word: 'Bastagān' in the sentence 'Fāmil va bastagān hamgi amadand.'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Transcribe: 'او با یکی از بستگان دور خود ازدواج کرد.'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Transcribe: 'بستگان متوفی در حال عزاداری هستند.'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Transcribe: 'دولت به بستگان قربانیان کمک کرد.'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Transcribe: 'او تمام عمرش را دور از بستگانش بود.'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Transcribe: 'بستگان مادری او در شیراز هستند.'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Transcribe: 'او به دیدار بستگانش در بیمارستان رفت.'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Transcribe: 'بستگان او بسیار ثروتمند هستند.'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Transcribe: 'او همیشه از بستگانش با نیکی یاد می‌کند.'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Transcribe: 'بستگان درجه اول اجازه ورود دارند.'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

/ 180 correct

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