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A1 noun #2,500 am häufigsten 8 Min. Lesezeit

مادربزرگ

madarbozorg
At the A1 level, 'مادربزرگ' is a fundamental vocabulary word used to describe family members. Learners should focus on recognizing the word and using it in simple 'Subject-Verb-Object' sentences. For example, 'I have a grandmother' (من یک مادربزرگ دارم). At this stage, the focus is on the basic biological relationship and the distinction between 'mother' (mādar) and 'grandmother' (mādar-bozorg). You should also learn the basic possessive form 'mādar-bozorg-am' (my grandmother). The goal is to be able to identify her in a family photo and state her name or age using very simple Persian grammar.
At the A2 level, you begin to describe your grandmother and her activities. You might say 'My grandmother is kind' (مادربزرگ من مهربان است) or 'My grandmother is cooking' (مادربزرگم دارد غذا می‌پزد). You should also be able to distinguish between your maternal and paternal grandmothers using the adjectives 'mādari' and 'pedari'. At this level, you start using the 'Ezafe' construction more reliably. You should also be comfortable using the word in the context of simple past tense stories, such as 'Last week I visited my grandmother'.
At the B1 level, you can use 'مادربزرگ' to discuss family traditions and personal memories. You should be able to describe her personality in detail, her role in your upbringing, and the specific things she does during holidays. You might use more complex sentence structures, like 'Whenever I go to my grandmother's house, she makes my favorite food'. You also start to understand the cultural nuances, such as the respect shown to her and the use of 'Māmān-bozorg' in informal settings. You can write a short paragraph about a memory involving her.
At the B2 level, you can discuss the concept of the grandmother in Iranian society more broadly. You can compare the role of grandmothers in Iran versus your own country. You should be able to use the word in more abstract contexts, such as discussing the 'grandmother effect' in child-rearing or the portrayal of grandmothers in Persian cinema. Your grammar should include more advanced structures like the subjunctive or conditional: 'If my grandmother were here, she would be happy'. You also recognize the word in more varied literary contexts.
At the C1 level, 'مادربزرگ' appears in complex literary and sociological discussions. You can analyze the archetype of the grandmother in Persian literature, from classical poetry to modern novels. You understand the subtle differences between 'Mādar-bozorg', 'Naneh', and 'Bibi' and can use them appropriately to set a specific tone or register in your writing. You can follow fast-paced conversations or movies where grandmothers use idiomatic language or regional dialects. You are also aware of the historical evolution of the word and its components.
At the C2 level, you have a near-native grasp of the word's emotional and cultural resonance. You can use 'مادربزرگ' in academic research about Iranian kinship systems or in creative writing to evoke specific nostalgic or cultural atmospheres. You understand the deepest etymological roots and can discuss how the term reflects the patriarchal and matriarchal balances in Persian history. You can effortlessly switch between formal and informal registers and understand the most obscure idioms or proverbs involving grandmothers.
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  • Mādar-bozorg is the formal Persian word for grandmother, combining 'mother' and 'great', reflecting her high status and essential role within the Iranian family unit.
  • Culturally, she is the keeper of stories, traditional recipes, and family history, often serving as a mediator and a source of unconditional love and wisdom.
  • Linguistically, the word is used with possessive suffixes like 'mādar-bozorg-am' and often paired with the respectful 'jān' to form 'mādar-bozorg-jān'.
  • It is a versatile term appearing in everything from A1-level family descriptions to C2-level literary analysis of Iranian social and domestic structures.

The Persian word مادربزرگ (mādar-bozorg) is a compound noun that literally translates to 'Great Mother' or 'Big Mother'. In the Iranian cultural landscape, the grandmother is far more than just a relative; she is the matriarchal pillar of the family unit, often serving as the primary keeper of traditions, oral histories, and culinary secrets. This word is the standard, formal term used in both written and spoken Persian to refer to the mother of one's father or mother. Unlike some languages that have distinct terms for maternal vs. paternal grandmothers (like Swedish or Chinese), Persian uses this universal term, though specific qualifiers can be added for clarity. The emotional weight of this word carries connotations of warmth, safety, and the scent of traditional Iranian cooking like Ghormeh Sabzi or Abgoosht.

Literal Meaning
Great Mother (Mādar = Mother + Bozorg = Big/Great)
Social Role
The emotional anchor and storyteller of the Iranian household.
Politeness Level
Standard/Formal, yet deeply affectionate.

"مادربزرگ همیشه برای ما قصه‌های قدیمی تعریف می‌کرد." (Grandmother always used to tell us old stories.)

In contemporary Iran, while the nuclear family has become more common in urban areas, the influence of the مادربزرگ remains significant. She is often the one who mediates conflicts between parents and children, and her house is frequently the gathering point for the extended family during holidays like Nowruz (Persian New Year) or Yalda Night. The word evokes a sense of nostalgia for many Iranians, representing a connection to a simpler, more traditional past. Linguistically, the word is stable across dialects, though the pronunciation of the 'g' at the end might vary slightly in regional accents. It is one of the first kinship terms a Persian learner should master due to its high frequency in daily life and literature.

مادربزرگ من بهترین آشپز دنیاست.

Maternal
مادربزرگ مادری (Mādar-bozorg-e Mādari)
Paternal
مادربزرگ پدری (Mādar-bozorg-e Pedari)

The term also appears frequently in Persian classical and modern poetry. It symbolizes wisdom and the passage of time. When addressing her directly, children might use 'Māmān-bozorg' or even 'Aziz' (Dear), but 'Mādar-bozorg' remains the respectful reference point. Understanding this word is key to understanding the Iranian family structure, where elders are held in the highest esteem. The word 'Bozorg' (Big) here signifies not physical size, but status, age, and the magnitude of her role within the lineage. It is a title of honor as much as a biological description.

او برای دیدن مادربزرگش به روستا رفت.

مادربزرگ‌ها گنجینه‌های زنده فرهنگ ما هستند.

Using مادربزرگ correctly involves understanding Persian possessive suffixes and the nuances of social hierarchy. In Persian, possession is usually shown by adding a suffix to the end of the word. For example, 'my grandmother' is mādar-bozorg-am (مادربزرگم). Because this word ends in a consonant, the suffixes are straightforward. However, in polite conversation, Iranians often use the plural form of verbs even when referring to a single grandmother to show respect (e.g., 'Mādar-bozorg amadan' instead of 'Mādar-bozorg āmad'). This is known as 'honorific pluralization'.

  • Subjective Use: مادربزرگ در آشپزخانه است. (Grandmother is in the kitchen.)
  • Possessive Use: این عینکِ مادربزرگ است. (These are grandmother's glasses.)
  • Direct Address: مادربزرگ، حالتان چطور است؟ (Grandmother, how are you? - using formal 'you')

When writing, مادربزرگ is written as one word or with a 'half-space' (zwnj) between 'mādar' and 'bozorg' (مادر‌بزرگ). Both are acceptable, but the half-space is more common in modern Persian typography to maintain the visual integrity of the two components. In compound sentences, it often acts as the anchor for family-related discussions. For instance, 'Mādar-bozorg-e pedari-am' specifically refers to your father's mother. This level of specificity is common in Iranian culture where lineage is tracked carefully.

من هر جمعه به دیدن مادربزرگم می‌روم.

Another important aspect is the 'Ezafe' construction. When you want to describe the grandmother, you add the short 'e' sound: mādar-bozorg-e mehrabān (the kind grandmother). This is essential for building descriptive sentences. In storytelling, the grandmother is often the narrator, so phrases like 'Mādar-bozorg goft...' (Grandmother said...) are ubiquitous. It's also worth noting that in the Tehrani dialect, the 'ā' sound in 'mādar' often shifts towards an 'u' sound in very informal speech, but 'mādar-bozorg' usually retains its standard pronunciation to maintain its respectful tone.

You will encounter the word مادربزرگ in a variety of settings, ranging from the most intimate family dinners to formal literary broadcasts. In Iranian cinema and TV dramas (which are excellent for learners), the 'Mādar-bozorg' character is a staple—often portrayed as the wise, slightly stubborn, but infinitely loving figure who keeps the family together. In these contexts, you'll hear the word used with various emotional inflections: pleading, respectful, or nostalgic.

In the marketplace or public spaces, you might hear younger people addressing elderly women as 'Mādar-bozorg' even if they aren't related. This is a form of 'fictive kinship' used to show respect to elders. However, 'Mādar-jān' or 'Hāj-Khānom' are also common in those settings. In schools, children are taught poems about their grandmothers, making it a word associated with early childhood education and literacy. Literature is another major domain; from the works of Simin Daneshvar to modern short stories, the grandmother figure is central to the narrative of the Iranian home.

در سریال‌های ایرانی، مادربزرگ همیشه نماد صلح است.

During religious or national holidays, the word's frequency spikes. On 'Mother's Day' in Iran (which follows the lunar calendar), grandmothers are celebrated just as much as mothers. You'll see the word on greeting cards, in social media posts, and in advertising. In the kitchen, the word is synonymous with 'authentic' recipes. If a restaurant claims their food is 'Mādar-bozorg-paz' (cooked by a grandmother), it is a high marketing compliment implying it tastes like home. Listening to Persian podcasts about history or culture will also frequently bring up this term when discussing ancestral roots.

One of the most frequent mistakes for beginners is confusing مادربزرگ (Grandmother) with پدربزرگ (Grandfather). While the second half of the word 'bozorg' is the same, the prefix changes. Another common error is failing to use the 'Ezafe' when adding an adjective. Saying 'mādar-bozorg mehrabān' without the 'e' sound (mādar-bozorg-e mehrabān) sounds broken and ungrammatical to a native speaker.

Another nuance is the distinction between 'Mādar-bozorg' and 'Māmān-bozorg'. While both mean grandmother, using 'Māmān-bozorg' in a very formal written essay might be seen as too colloquial. Conversely, using 'Mādar-bozorg' in a very casual conversation with your own siblings might sound slightly stiff, though it's never 'wrong'. Learners also sometimes struggle with the possessive suffixes. Remember: mādar-bozorg-at (your grandmother) vs. mādar-bozorg-ash (his/her grandmother).

Incorrect: من مادربزرگ دوست دارم. (I like grandmother - missing the object marker 'rā')
Correct: من مادربزرگ را دوست دارم.

Finally, cultural etiquette is part of 'using' the word correctly. In Iran, you wouldn't usually call your grandmother by her first name, even after the word 'Mādar-bozorg'. You would just say 'Mādar-bozorg' or 'Mādar-bozorg-jān'. Adding 'Jān' (dear) is a very common and recommended practice to sound more like a native speaker and to show the appropriate level of affection.

Persian has several words that overlap with or are related to مادربزرگ. Understanding these helps in building a more nuanced vocabulary. The most common informal variant is مامان‌بزرگ (Māmān-bozorg). This is what most children actually call their grandmothers at home. It’s affectionate and slightly less formal than the standard term.

In more traditional or regional contexts, you might encounter ننه (Naneh). While 'Naneh' can sometimes mean 'mother' in certain dialects, it is very frequently used for 'grandmother' in folk stories (like Naneh Sarma, the personification of winter). Another term is بی‌بی (Bibi), which is common in southern Iran and among certain ethnic groups. It carries a sense of high respect and matriarchal authority. In some families, especially those with Turkic influence, you might hear مادر‌جون (Mādar-jun) used specifically for a grandmother.

مامان‌بزرگ
Informal/Colloquial version of grandmother.
ننه (Naneh)
Traditional/Folklore term, often used in rural areas.
بی‌بی (Bibi)
Honorific term for an elderly woman or grandmother.
جدّه (Jaddeh)
Formal/Arabic-root term, mostly used in legal or very old texts.

There is also the term مادرِ مادر (mother of mother) or مادرِ پدر (mother of father), which are used when one needs to be biologically precise without using the compound word. However, in 99% of social situations, 'Mādar-bozorg' or its informal variants are the preferred choice. Knowing these synonyms allows you to understand different registers of Persian, from the village elder's speech to a formal news report.

How Formal Is It?

Formell

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Informell

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Umgangssprache

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Schwierigkeitsgrad

Wichtige Grammatik

Beispiele nach Niveau

1

مادربزرگ من اینجاست.

My grandmother is here.

Simple present tense with 'ast'.

2

او مادربزرگ مهربانی است.

She is a kind grandmother.

Use of Ezafe with adjective 'mehrabān'.

3

مادربزرگ چای می‌خورد.

Grandmother is drinking tea.

Present continuous/habitual.

4

نام مادربزرگ من مریم است.

My grandmother's name is Maryam.

Possessive Ezafe construction.

5

من مادربزرگم را دوست دارم.

I love my grandmother.

Direct object marker 'rā'.

6

مادربزرگ در اتاق است.

Grandmother is in the room.

Prepositional phrase 'dar otāgh'.

7

این کیفِ مادربزرگ است.

This is grandmother's bag.

Possessive Ezafe.

8

مادربزرگ دو نوه دارد.

Grandmother has two grandchildren.

Verb 'dāshtan' (to have).

1

مادربزرگ هر روز به گل‌ها آب می‌دهد.

Grandmother waters the flowers every day.

Adverb of frequency 'har ruz'.

2

دیروز با مادربزرگم به بازار رفتم.

Yesterday I went to the bazaar with my grandmother.

Simple past tense.

3

مادربزرگ مادری من در شیراز زندگی می‌کند.

My maternal grandmother lives in Shiraz.

Distinction of maternal/paternal.

4

آیا مادربزرگ شما عینک می‌زند؟

Does your grandmother wear glasses?

Question formation.

5

مادربزرگ برای من یک پلیور بافت.

Grandmother knitted a sweater for me.

Past tense of 'bāftan'.

6

او زیباترین مادربزرگ دنیاست.

She is the most beautiful grandmother in the world.

Superlative adjective.

7

مادربزرگ آشِ رشته‌ی خوشمزه‌ای می‌پزد.

Grandmother cooks a delicious Ash Reshteh.

Indefinite 'i' suffix.

8

من برای مادربزرگم نامه نوشتم.

I wrote a letter to my grandmother.

Preposition 'barāye'.

1

مادربزرگ همیشه می‌گفت که باید به بزرگترها احترام گذاشت.

Grandmother always said that one must respect elders.

Reported speech.

2

وقتی بچه بودم، تابستان‌ها را در خانه مادربزرگ می‌گذراندم.

When I was a kid, I used to spend summers at grandmother's house.

Past habitual tense.

3

مادربزرگ با صبر و حوصله به حرف‌های من گوش می‌دهد.

Grandmother listens to my words with patience.

Compound verbs.

4

این قالیچه یادگار مادربزرگ من است.

This small rug is a memento from my grandmother.

Noun 'yādegār'.

5

مادربزرگ اصرار داشت که حتماً شام را پیش او بمانیم.

Grandmother insisted that we definitely stay for dinner with her.

Subjunctive mood after 'esrār dāshtan'.

6

خانه مادربزرگ همیشه بوی گلاب و هل می‌دهد.

Grandmother's house always smells like rosewater and cardamom.

Sensory description.

7

مادربزرگ علی‌رغم سن زیاد، هنوز بسیار فعال است.

Despite her old age, grandmother is still very active.

Conjunction 'ali-raghm-e'.

8

من از مادربزرگم یاد گرفتم که چگونه صبور باشم.

I learned from my grandmother how to be patient.

Learning from someone 'az... yād gereftan'.

1

در فرهنگ ایرانی، مادربزرگ نماد خرد و تجربه است.

In Iranian culture, the grandmother is a symbol of wisdom and experience.

Formal register.

2

مادربزرگ‌ها نقش مهمی در انتقال زبان مادری به نسل‌های جدید دارند.

Grandmothers play an important role in transferring the mother tongue to new generations.

Complex subject-verb agreement.

3

بسیاری از داستان‌های فولکلور توسط مادربزرگ‌ها سینه به سینه نقل شده‌اند.

Many folklore stories have been passed down orally by grandmothers.

Passive voice and idiomatic 'sine be sine'.

4

مادربزرگ با وجود ناتوانی جسمی، روحیه بسیار شادی داشت.

Despite physical disability, grandmother had a very cheerful spirit.

Contrastive conjunctions.

5

رابطه بین نوه و مادربزرگ اغلب عمیق‌تر از رابطه با والدین است.

The relationship between grandchild and grandmother is often deeper than with parents.

Comparative adjectives.

6

مادربزرگ معتقد بود که هر مشکلی با یک استکان چای حل می‌شود.

Grandmother believed that every problem could be solved with a cup of tea.

Complex belief statement.

7

او تمام دارایی‌اش را به مادربزرگش بخشید.

He gave all his possessions to his grandmother.

Verb 'bakhshidan'.

8

مادربزرگ در صندوقچه‌اش خاطرات یک قرن را نگه داشته بود.

Grandmother had kept the memories of a century in her small chest.

Metaphorical language.

1

سیمای مادربزرگ در ادبیات معاصر ایران، تجسمی از سنت‌های در حال زوال است.

The image of the grandmother in contemporary Iranian literature is an embodiment of fading traditions.

Academic vocabulary.

2

مادربزرگ با آن نگاه نافذ، گویی اعماق روح مرا می‌دید.

With that piercing gaze, it was as if grandmother saw the depths of my soul.

Literary style.

3

اقتدار مادربزرگ در خانواده، ریشه در ساختارهای سنتی قدرت دارد.

The grandmother's authority in the family is rooted in traditional power structures.

Sociological analysis.

4

مادربزرگ، گویی پلی بود میان گذشته‌ی پر رمز و راز و آینده‌ی نامعلوم.

Grandmother was like a bridge between a mysterious past and an uncertain future.

Metaphorical 'guyi'.

5

لحن مادربزرگ هنگام تعریف کردن خاطرات جنگ، لرزان اما استوار بود.

Grandmother's tone while recounting war memories was trembling yet firm.

Nuanced adjectives.

6

حضور مادربزرگ در خانه، نوعی امنیت روانی برای تمام اعضا فراهم می‌کرد.

The presence of the grandmother in the house provided a kind of psychological security for all members.

Abstract nouns.

7

مادربزرگ با ظرافتی خاص، آداب معاشرت را به ما می‌آموخت.

Grandmother taught us etiquette with a particular elegance.

Causative/Instructional verbs.

8

در پسِ هر چروک صورت مادربزرگ، داستانی از رنج و شادی نهفته است.

Behind every wrinkle on grandmother's face, a story of suffering and joy is hidden.

Poetic prepositional phrases.

1

واکاوی نقش مادربزرگ در اشعار نیما یوشیج، ابعاد تازه‌ای از نوستالژی را آشکار می‌سازد.

Analyzing the role of the grandmother in Nima Yooshij's poems reveals new dimensions of nostalgia.

High-level literary criticism.

2

مادربزرگ، به مثابه‌ی نگهبان میراث فرهنگی، در برابر تهاجم مدرنیته ایستادگی می‌کرد.

The grandmother, as a guardian of cultural heritage, stood against the onslaught of modernity.

Complex philosophical construction.

3

دیالکتیک میان عطوفت مادری و صلابت مادربزرگ، بن‌مایه‌ی بسیاری از درام‌های خانوادگی است.

The dialectic between maternal affection and grandmotherly firmness is the motif of many family dramas.

Advanced philosophical terminology.

4

مادربزرگ با بازآفرینی اسطوره‌های کهن، پیوند ما را با ریشه‌هایمان حفظ می‌کرد.

By recreating ancient myths, grandmother preserved our connection to our roots.

Sophisticated verb 'bāz-āfarini'.

5

استحاله تصویر مادربزرگ از یک موجود ایستا به یک کنشگر اجتماعی در سینمای نوین مشهود است.

The transformation of the grandmother's image from a static being to a social agent is evident in modern cinema.

Sociological transformation terms.

6

مادربزرگ، آن پیرِ فرزانه‌ای بود که کلامش فصل‌الخطاب هر مناقشه‌ای محسوب می‌شد.

Grandmother was that wise elder whose word was considered the final verdict in any dispute.

Idiomatic 'fasl-ol-khetāb'.

7

تجلی مفاهیم عرفانی در لالایی‌های مادربزرگ، نشان از عمق نفوذ معنویت در توده‌ها دارد.

The manifestation of mystical concepts in grandmother's lullabies indicates the depth of spirituality's influence among the masses.

Theological/Sociological register.

8

مادربزرگ، با خاموشیِ پرمعنای خود، بیش از هر سخنوری درس زندگی می‌داد.

Grandmother, with her meaningful silence, taught life lessons more than any orator.

Paradoxical literary construction.

Häufige Kollokationen

مادربزرگ مهربان
مادربزرگ مادری
مادربزرگ پدری
خانه مادربزرگ
دست‌پخت مادربزرگ
قصه‌های مادربزرگ
یادگار مادربزرگ
مادربزرگ پیر
احترام به مادربزرگ
دیدار مادربزرگ

Häufige Phrasen

مادربزرگ جان

قربان مادربزرگ بروم

سایه مادربزرگ مستدام

مادربزرگ خدابیامرز

به یاد مادربزرگ

مثل مادربزرگ‌ها

نصیحت مادربزرگ

دعای مادربزرگ

آغوش مادربزرگ

سفره مادربزرگ

Wird oft verwechselt mit

مادربزرگ vs پدربزرگ

مادربزرگ vs مادرزن

مادربزرگ vs مادرشوهر

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

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Leicht verwechselbar

مادربزرگ vs مادرزن

مادربزرگ vs مادرشوهر

مادربزرگ vs نامادری

Satzmuster

Wortfamilie

Verwandt

So verwendest du es

modern

Urban youth might use 'Mādar-bozorg' even in casual settings to sound more 'educated'.

regional

In some Dari (Afghan Persian) dialects, 'Mādar-kalān' is used instead.

Häufige Fehler

Tipps

Tea Etiquette

Always let your grandmother pour the tea first, or better yet, pour it for her as a sign of service.

Possessives

Practice adding suffixes: -am, -at, -ash, -emān, -etān, -eshān to the word.

Greeting

When greeting her, a slight bow or kissing her hand (in very traditional families) is a sign of deep respect.

Adjectives

Learn words like 'dana' (wise) and 'delsooz' (compassionate) to describe her.

Ezafe

Ensure the 'e' sound is clear when saying 'Mādar-bozorg-e man'.

Movies

Watch the movie 'Mother' (Mādar) by Ali Hatami to see the importance of the matriarch.

Spelling

Be careful not to forget the 'g' at the end of 'bozorg'.

Intonation

Use a soft, respectful tone when saying the word.

Visual

Associate the word with the color white (hair) or the smell of jasmine.

Home

The word is almost always associated with the 'home' (khāneh) context.

Einprägen

Wortherkunft

Middle Persian (Pahlavi)

Kultureller Kontext

It is customary to bring sweets or flowers when visiting her.

Always use 'Shomā' (formal you) when talking to a grandmother.

She is usually given the best seat in the room (the 'Bālā-ye Majles').

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Gesprächseinstiege

"مادربزرگ شما کجاست؟"

"آیا مادربزرگتان را زیاد می‌بینید؟"

"بهترین خاطره شما با مادربزرگتان چیست؟"

"مادربزرگ شما چه غذایی را بهتر می‌پزد؟"

"مادربزرگ شما اهل کدام شهر است؟"

Tagebuch-Impulse

Write about a lesson you learned from your grandmother.

Describe your grandmother's house using all five senses.

If you could ask your grandmother one question about her youth, what would it be?

Write a poem dedicated to a grandmother figure.

How has the role of grandmothers changed in your society?

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

Mādar-bozorg is formal and standard, while Māmān-bozorg is informal and affectionate, used mostly within the family.

You say 'Mādar-bozorg-am' or 'Mādar-bozorg-e man'.

No, but you can add 'mādari' (maternal) or 'pedari' (paternal) after the word.

It is a sign of respect called 'honorific pluralization', common in Persian for elders.

It's a traditional, often rural or folkloric term for grandmother or mother.

Yes, it's a respectful way to address an elderly woman, though 'Mādar-jān' is also common.

مادر‌بزرگ (using the ZWNJ character).

Mādar-bozorg-hā (مادربزرگ‌ها).

It's less common in Tehran than in the south or in literature, but it's understood.

A nice scarf, sweets (like Gaz or Sohan), or a prayer rug.

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