برق en 30 segundos
- Bargh is the standard Persian word for electricity, used in everyday life for power, bills, and appliances across all Persian-speaking regions.
- It also means lightning (natural flash) and is often paired with 'raad' (thunder) to describe stormy weather conditions in meteorology.
- The word describes the shine or luster of objects like jewelry, polished metal, or even a person's eyes in poetic and descriptive contexts.
- Commonly used in light-verb constructions like 'bargh raft' (power went out) and 'bargh gereftan' (to get an electric shock or be stunned).
The Persian word برق (Bargh) is a multifaceted noun that serves as the primary term for electricity in modern Persian, while retaining its classical roots meaning lightning or a brilliant flash of light. In a contemporary context, it is the lifeblood of urban infrastructure in Iran, Tajikistan, and Afghanistan. When an Iranian says "Bargh raft," they aren't talking about a person named Bargh leaving; they are lamenting a power outage, a common occurrence during peak summer months. The word originates from Arabic but has been fully integrated into the Persian lexicon for centuries, evolving from a meteorological description to a technological necessity.
- Primary Meaning
- Electricity used for power and lighting in homes and industry.
- Natural Phenomenon
- Lightning (often paired with 'raad' for thunder).
- Physical Property
- The shine, glint, or luster on a surface like polished metal or a gemstone.
"امروز برق ساختمان ما برای دو ساعت قطع شد." (Today, our building's electricity was cut off for two hours.)
Beyond the literal, 'Bargh' carries a metaphorical weight. It describes the 'spark' in someone's eyes (bargh-e cheshm) indicating excitement, intelligence, or mischief. In the realm of physics and engineering, it forms the basis for terms like 'mohandesi-ye bargh' (electrical engineering). Historically, before the advent of the lightbulb, 'bargh' was purely the domain of the heavens—the sudden, terrifying flash during a storm. Today, it is so mundane that it is the first thing people check when a television turns off unexpectedly. The word's brevity—a single syllable ending in a sharp 'gh' sound—reflects the suddenness of the phenomenon it describes.
"برق نگاهش مرا ترساند." (The glint in his gaze frightened me.)
In the jewelry markets of Tehran's Grand Bazaar, you will hear merchants talk about the 'bargh' of a diamond. Here, it doesn't mean the diamond is plugged into a socket; it refers to the way the stone refracts light. This duality of 'utility' and 'beauty' makes 'Bargh' a rich word for learners. It bridges the gap between a high-tech utility bill and a 14th-century Hafez poem. Understanding 'Bargh' requires recognizing whether you are in a kitchen (electricity), a storm (lightning), or an art gallery (luster).
"رعد و برق شدیدی در آسمان دیده میشد." (Intense thunder and lightning were seen in the sky.)
Using برق (Bargh) correctly involves mastering its common light-verb pairings. Unlike English, where we 'turn on' electricity, in Persian, we usually 'connect' or 'disconnect' the flow, or more commonly, use the verb 'zadan' (to hit/strike) for lightning. For household electricity, the most vital verbs are 'raftan' (to go/go out) and 'amadan' (to come/return). When the lights flicker and die, you say 'Bargh raft'. When they flicker back to life, 'Bargh amad'. This personification of electricity as something that 'comes and goes' is a hallmark of colloquial Persian.
- Bargh Gereftan
- To get an electric shock. Example: 'Dastam ra bargh gereft' (My hand got shocked).
- Bargh Andakhtan
- To polish something until it shines. Literally 'to throw shine'.
- Bargh-e Khoshk
- Static electricity, often felt when touching a doorknob in winter.
"مواظب باش! این سیم برق دارد." (Be careful! This wire has electricity/is live.)
In technical settings, you will encounter 'Bargh-e se-faz' (three-phase power), used for industrial machinery. If someone is described as having 'Bargh-e se-faz gereftatesh' (three-phase power caught him), it's a slang way of saying they are extremely shocked, stunned, or acting crazy. When discussing appliances, you use the adjective 'barghi' (electric). For example, 'mesvak-e barghi' (electric toothbrush) or 'ghat-e barghi' (electric guitar). Note that 'Bargh' is almost always used in the singular, even when referring to multiple sources of power.
"کفشهایش را چنان واکس زد که برق میزد." (He polished his shoes so much they were shining.)
For students of literature, 'Bargh' appears in metaphors for speed. 'Mesl-e bargh' (like lightning/electricity) means extremely fast. 'Ba sorat-e bargh' (with the speed of lightning) is used to describe a quick reaction or a fast car. In formal writing, 'Bargh-resani' refers to the process of electrification or providing power to a region. If you are paying bills, look for 'Ghabz-e Bargh'. If you are looking for a light switch, you are looking for 'Kelid-e Bargh'.
You will encounter برق (Bargh) in four distinct environments. First, in the Domestic Sphere: This is the most common. Conversations about the 'ghabz' (bill), the 'paridan' (tripping) of the circuit breaker, or the 'sookhtan' (burning out) of an appliance due to a power surge. In Iranian households, especially during summer, the news 'Bargh-e mantagheye ma raft' (Our area's power went out) is a daily refrain. You'll hear it in the kitchen, the living room, and shouted across hallways when the internet router dies.
"تلویزیون به خاطر نوسان برق سوخت." (The TV burned out due to power fluctuations.)
Second, in the Professional/Technical World: If you walk past a construction site or a repair shop, you'll hear 'Bargh-kar' (electrician). On the news, reports on 'Niroogah-e Bargh' (power plants) or 'Saderat-e Bargh' (electricity exports) are frequent, as energy is a major part of the regional economy. Third, in Nature and Weather Reports: Meteorologists will warn of 'Raad o Bargh' (thunder and lightning) during the rainy seasons of spring and autumn. You'll hear this on the radio or see it in weather apps.
Finally, you hear it in Aesthetic Contexts: In a jewelry shop ('Bargh-e in tala'), a car showroom ('Bargh-e badane'), or even a hair salon ('Bargh-e moo'). In these cases, it's about the visual 'pop' or shine. Even in romantic songs, singers often refer to the 'Bargh-e negaah' (the spark of the gaze) of their beloved, which is a poetic way of describing the light reflecting off their eyes.
"مهندس برق مشغول تعمیر تابلو است." (The electrical engineer is busy repairing the panel.)
The most frequent mistake for English speakers is confusing برق (Bargh) with نور (Noor). While 'Noor' is the light itself (the photons hitting your eyes), 'Bargh' is the utility or the energy source. You don't 'turn on the electricity' (bargh ra roshan kon) in casual speech; you 'turn on the light' (cheragh ra roshan kon). However, if the whole house is dark because of a utility failure, you say 'Bargh nist' (There is no electricity), not 'Noor nist'.
- Mistake: 'Bargh roshan kon'
- Correction: Use 'Cheragh roshan kon' for a lamp, or 'Bargh ra vasl kon' if you mean the main breaker.
- Mistake: Using 'Bargh' for 'Light' in a spiritual sense
- Correction: Use 'Noor' for spiritual or divine light.
"اشتباه: من برق را در اتاق دیدم. (Correct: من نور را در اتاق دیدم.)"
Another nuance is the verb 'gereftan'. In English, you 'get a shock'. In Persian, 'Bargh' is the subject that 'takes' or 'grabs' you: 'Bargh mara gereft'. If you say 'Man bargh gereftam', it sounds like you went to the store and bought some electricity. Also, be careful with the word 'Lame' (often used for shine in some languages); in Persian, 'Bargh' is the standard word for luster, while 'Derakhshesh' is more formal/poetic. Using 'Bargh' for a dull shine is also a mistake; it implies a sharp, brilliant reflection.
Lastly, learners often forget that 'Bargh' is used for both 'lightning' and 'electricity'. If you see a flash in the sky and say 'Almas!' (Diamond!), people will be confused. Even though it's a flash, the weather phenomenon is always 'Bargh' or 'Saeghe'. Conversely, don't use 'Saeghe' to describe the power coming out of your wall socket; that is strictly 'Bargh'.
To truly master برق (Bargh), you must distinguish it from its synonyms and related terms. The most common related word is الکتریسیته (Elekterisite). This is a direct loanword from French/English and is used almost exclusively in scientific, academic, or highly technical textbooks. You will never hear a grandmother say 'Elekterisite raft'; she will always use 'Bargh'.
- صاعقه (Saeghe)
- Specifically refers to a lightning bolt that hits the ground. 'Bargh' is the flash; 'Saeghe' is the strike.
- درخشش (Derakhshesh)
- Glow or brilliance. More formal than 'Bargh' when describing shine.
- تابش (Tabesh)
- Radiation or beam of light, usually from the sun or a heat source.
"درخشش ستارگان در شب زیباست، اما برق الماس چیز دیگری است." (The glow of stars is beautiful, but the shine of a diamond is something else.)
Another word is جریان (Jaryan), meaning 'current'. In an electrical context, 'Jaryan-e Bargh' is the flow of electricity. If you want to sound more sophisticated in an engineering context, you use 'Jaryan'. For the physical sensation of a spark, you might use جرقه (Jaraghe). A 'Jaraghe' is a tiny spark from a fire or a short circuit, whereas 'Bargh' is the massive power behind it. Understanding these distinctions helps you move from A1 basic communication to B2/C1 precision.
Finally, consider روشنایی (Roshanayi). This means 'brightness' or 'illumination'. While 'Bargh' provides the power, 'Roshanayi' is the result. A city might have 'Bargh' but poor 'Roshanayi' if the streetlights are old. In poetry, 'Bargh' is often used to describe the speed of a thought or the suddenness of an epiphany, similar to the English 'bolt from the blue'.
How Formal Is It?
Nivel de dificultad
Gramática que debes saber
Light verb constructions with 'zadan'
Adjective formation with '-i'
Compound nouns with 'ezafe'
Passive voice with 'shodan'
Subjunctive mood for warnings
Ejemplos por nivel
برق رفت.
The electricity went out.
Subject + Verb (Past tense)
برق آمد.
The electricity came back.
Subject + Verb (Past tense)
این اتو برقی است.
This iron is electric.
Adjective 'barghi' derived from 'bargh'
قبض برق کجاست؟
Where is the electricity bill?
Compound noun: Ghabz-e Bargh
برق نداریم.
We don't have electricity.
Negative verb 'nadarim'
سیم برق خطرناک است.
The electric wire is dangerous.
Noun + Adjective
او مهندس برق است.
He is an electrical engineer.
Occupational title
برق را خاموش کن.
Turn off the electricity (meaning the light).
Imperative mood
دیشب رعد و برق بود.
There was thunder and lightning last night.
Pairing 'Raad' and 'Bargh'
مواظب باش، برق تو را نگیرد.
Be careful, don't get electrocuted.
Subjunctive mood 'nagirad'
برق این الماس خیلی زیاد است.
The shine of this diamond is very much.
Using 'bargh' as luster
چراغهای برق خیابان روشن شدند.
The street lights turned on.
Plural subject
وسایل برقی گران شدهاند.
Electric appliances have become expensive.
Present perfect tense
او با سرعت برق دوید.
He ran with the speed of lightning.
Simile with 'mesl-e' or 'ba sorat-e'
برق خانه ما قطع شده است.
Our house's electricity has been cut off.
Passive construction
کلید برق کنار در است.
The light switch is next to the door.
Prepositional phrase
مصرف برق در تابستان افزایش مییابد.
Electricity consumption increases in summer.
Formal verb 'afzayesh yaftan'
باید در مصرف برق صرفهجویی کنیم.
We must save on electricity consumption.
Modal verb 'bayad' + Subjunctive
برق نگاهش نشاندهنده خوشحالی بود.
The spark in his eyes indicated happiness.
Metaphorical usage
این دستگاه با برق مستقیم کار میکند.
This device works with DC power.
Technical term 'bargh-e mostaghim'
نوسان برق باعث خرابی کامپیوتر شد.
Power fluctuation caused the computer to break.
Cause and effect structure
او کفشهایش را طوری واکس زد که برق میزد.
He polished his shoes so they were shining.
Resultative clause
برقکار در حال تعویض سیمکشی است.
The electrician is changing the wiring.
Continuous aspect
آیا این پریز برق دارد؟
Does this socket have power?
Interrogative sentence
تولید برق از انرژی خورشیدی رو به رشد است.
Electricity production from solar energy is growing.
Gerund 'tolid' + Preposition
برق فشار قوی برای مناطق مسکونی خطرناک است.
High voltage electricity is dangerous for residential areas.
Compound adjective 'fashar-ghavi'
با قطع برق، تمام فعالیتهای کارخانه متوقف شد.
With the power cut, all factory activities stopped.
Prepositional phrase starting with 'ba'
او از شدت تعجب، برق از سرش پرید.
He was so surprised, he was 'electrified' (idiom).
Idiomatic expression
برق این پارچه ابریشمی زیر نور خیرهکننده است.
The sheen of this silk fabric under the light is dazzling.
Descriptive adjectives
دولت برای تامین برق با مشکل مواجه است.
The government is facing problems in providing electricity.
Formal 'ba moshkel movajeh shodan'
این نیروگاه برق کل شهر را تامین میکند.
This power plant supplies the electricity for the whole city.
Transitive verb 'tamin kardan'
برقرسانی به روستاهای دورافتاده اولویت ماست.
Electrification of remote villages is our priority.
Abstract noun 'bargh-resani'
برق شمشیر در میدان جنگ، لرزه بر اندام دشمن میانداخت.
The glint of the sword on the battlefield made the enemy tremble.
Literary/Historical register
پدیده رعد و برق در اشعار کلاسیک نماد غضب الهی است.
The phenomenon of lightning is a symbol of divine wrath in classical poetry.
Analytical sentence structure
او به سرعت برق و باد صحنه را ترک کرد.
He left the scene with the speed of lightning and wind.
Fixed idiomatic phrase
برقگرفتگی یکی از عوامل اصلی حوادث کار است.
Electrocution is one of the main causes of workplace accidents.
Formal noun 'bargh-gereftegi'
درخشش و برق جواهرات سلطنتی چشم هر بینندهای را مینواخت.
The brilliance and shine of the royal jewels delighted every viewer.
Elevated vocabulary 'minavakht'
صنعت برق ایران نیازمند سرمایهگذاری کلان است.
Iran's power industry requires massive investment.
Economic/Political register
برق نگاهش چون خنجری در قلبم فرو رفت.
The spark of her gaze pierced my heart like a dagger.
Poetic simile
تکنولوژیهای نوین در ذخیرهسازی برق تحول ایجاد کردهاند.
Modern technologies have revolutionized electricity storage.
Complex scientific subject
تجلی حقیقت در دل عارف چون برقی ناگهانی است.
The manifestation of truth in the mystic's heart is like a sudden flash of lightning.
Mystical/Philosophical register
برقکافت یا الکترولیز فرآیندی شیمیایی برای تجزیه مواد است.
Electrolysis is a chemical process for decomposing substances.
Scientific terminology
او با ذکاوتی که چون برق میدرخشید، مسئله را حل کرد.
He solved the problem with an intelligence that shone like lightning.
Sophisticated metaphor
سیاستهای کلان در حوزه برق باید با محیط زیست همسو باشد.
Macro policies in the power sector must be aligned with the environment.
Policy/Legal register
برق چشمانش در آن لحظه بحرانی، گویای هزاران حرف ناگفته بود.
The glint in his eyes at that critical moment spoke thousands of unspoken words.
Narrative depth
توزیع ناعادلانه برق در مناطق محروم موجب اعتراضات شد.
Unjust distribution of electricity in deprived areas led to protests.
Social/Sociological register
برق از چشمانش پرید وقتی حقیقت ماجرا را شنید.
He was utterly dumbfounded when he heard the truth of the matter.
Advanced idiomatic usage
در متون کهن، برق گاه به معنای تیغ بران به کار رفته است.
In ancient texts, 'bargh' was sometimes used to mean a sharp blade.
Philological observation
Colocaciones comunes
Frases Comunes
Se confunde a menudo con
Modismos y expresiones
Fácil de confundir
Patrones de oraciones
Cómo usarlo
Refers to luster or glint.
Refers to the visual flash of lightning.
Refers to the utility service.
- Saying 'Bargh roshan kon' for 'Turn on the light'.
- Using 'Bargh' for spiritual light.
- Pluralizing 'Bargh' when talking about power.
- Confusing 'Bargh' with 'Barg' (leaf).
- Saying 'Man bargh gereftam' for buying electricity.
Consejos
Power Outages
If the power goes out, say 'Bargh raft'. It's the most natural way. Everyone will understand you immediately. Don't say 'Electricity is gone'.
Electric Shock
Always warn others by saying 'Bargh darad'. This means 'It has electricity' or 'It's live'. It is a vital safety phrase. Use it for exposed wires or broken sockets.
Adjective Form
Add 'i' to 'Bargh' to describe appliances. 'Barghi' is very common. Use it for 'khodtarash-e barghi' (electric razor). It makes your vocabulary sound more natural.
The Bill
The 'Ghabz-e Bargh' is a common topic. In Iran, bills are often paid via apps now. Knowing this word helps with daily chores. Look for the yellow logo on the bill.
Storms
Pair 'Bargh' with 'Raad' for thunder. 'Raad o Bargh' is the full term for a storm. Use it when looking at the sky. It sounds much better than just saying 'rain'.
Speed
Use 'Mesl-e bargh' for speed. It's a great way to describe fast actions. 'Ghazayeash ra mesl-e bargh khord' (He ate his food like lightning). It's very common in stories.
Shine
Use 'Bargh' to describe clean things. If you wash your car, say 'Bargh mizanad'. It means it's so clean it's shining. It's a high compliment for cleanliness.
Mass Noun
Don't pluralize 'Bargh' for electricity. Treat it like 'water' or 'air'. This is a common mistake for beginners. Keep it singular even for big power plants.
The GH Sound
Practice the 'gh' sound carefully. It's the same as in 'Ghermez' (red). If you say it like 'k', it sounds like 'bark' (leaf). Clear pronunciation is key for this word.
Electricians
A 'Bargh-kar' is an electrician. If you have a home problem, ask for one. 'Bargh-keshi' is the act of wiring a house. These are useful words for homeowners.
Memorízalo
Origen de la palabra
Arabic (ب ر ق)
Contexto cultural
Discussing power outages is a common icebreaker in Iran.
Hafez uses 'Bargh' to describe the radiance of the beloved.
The first electric lights in Tehran were installed in the 1900s.
Practica en la vida real
Contextos reales
Inicios de conversación
"آیا برق شما هم رفته است؟ (Is your power out too?)"
"قبض برق این ماه چقدر شد؟ (How much was the electric bill this month?)"
"رعد و برق دیشب را دیدی؟ (Did you see the lightning last night?)"
"بهترین مارک وسایل برقی چیست؟ (What is the best brand of electric appliances?)"
"چطور میتوانیم در مصرف برق صرفهجویی کنیم؟ (How can we save on electricity?)"
Temas para diario
Describe a time you were in a power outage.
What would life be like without 'Bargh'?
Write about the 'Bargh' in someone's eyes you know.
Compare lightning in your country to lightning in Iran.
Discuss the importance of renewable 'Bargh'.
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasNo, it also means lightning and shine. In modern Persian, electricity is the most common use. However, in poetry or weather reports, the other meanings are frequent. You must use context to decide. For example, 'Bargh-e cheshm' is shine, not electricity.
You say 'Bargh mara gereft'. Literally, this means 'The electricity grabbed me'. It is a common idiom. You can also say 'Bargh-gereftegi' for the medical condition. Be careful around open wires!
It is used in both registers. It is the standard word for electricity in news and daily life. 'Elekterisite' is the more academic version. You can use 'Bargh' in a university lecture or a grocery store.
'Bargh' is the flash of light in the sky. 'Saeghe' is the actual bolt that hits something. People often use them interchangeably in casual speech. But 'Saeghe' is more specific to the strike. 'Raad' is the sound (thunder).
No, a lightbulb is 'Lamp'. But you can say the lamp works with 'Bargh'. If you want to turn it on, you say 'Cheragh ra roshan kon'. If the lamp doesn't work because of the utility, you say 'Bargh nist'.
You say 'Gitar-e barghi'. The suffix '-i' turns the noun 'Bargh' into an adjective. This works for many appliances. For example, 'Mesvak-e barghi' for electric toothbrush. It's a very productive suffix.
It means 'like lightning' or 'very fast'. It is a common simile. You can use it for a fast car or a quick runner. 'Ba sorat-e bargh' is another variation. It emphasizes extreme speed and suddenness.
Technically 'Bargh-ha' exists, but it is rarely used. Electricity is treated as an uncountable mass noun. You wouldn't say 'I have three electricities'. You only use plural for specific types of electrical systems in engineering.
It means 'three-phase electricity'. It is used for industrial power. In slang, if someone is 'caught by three-phase power', it means they are very shocked. It's a funny way to describe someone's reaction. It implies a high-voltage surprise.
Because 'Bargh' also means luster or shine. Diamonds reflect light brilliantly. This meaning is older than the electricity meaning. You can use it for anything that glitters. It adds a poetic touch to descriptions.
Ponte a prueba 190 preguntas
/ 190 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
Bargh is an essential A1-level Persian noun that bridges the gap between modern technology (electricity) and natural phenomena (lightning). It is versatile, appearing in utility bills, weather reports, and romantic poetry to describe energy, flashes, and brilliance.
- Bargh is the standard Persian word for electricity, used in everyday life for power, bills, and appliances across all Persian-speaking regions.
- It also means lightning (natural flash) and is often paired with 'raad' (thunder) to describe stormy weather conditions in meteorology.
- The word describes the shine or luster of objects like jewelry, polished metal, or even a person's eyes in poetic and descriptive contexts.
- Commonly used in light-verb constructions like 'bargh raft' (power went out) and 'bargh gereftan' (to get an electric shock or be stunned).
Power Outages
If the power goes out, say 'Bargh raft'. It's the most natural way. Everyone will understand you immediately. Don't say 'Electricity is gone'.
Electric Shock
Always warn others by saying 'Bargh darad'. This means 'It has electricity' or 'It's live'. It is a vital safety phrase. Use it for exposed wires or broken sockets.
Adjective Form
Add 'i' to 'Bargh' to describe appliances. 'Barghi' is very common. Use it for 'khodtarash-e barghi' (electric razor). It makes your vocabulary sound more natural.
The Bill
The 'Ghabz-e Bargh' is a common topic. In Iran, bills are often paid via apps now. Knowing this word helps with daily chores. Look for the yellow logo on the bill.
Ejemplo
برق خانه قطع شده است.
Contenido relacionado
Esta palabra en otros idiomas
Frases relacionadas
Más palabras de home
آب پاش
A2Una regadera. Un recipiente con un mango y un pico que se utiliza para verter agua sobre las plantas.
آباژور
A2Una lámpara con pantalla que suaviza la luz. Se usa comúnmente para decoración en salas y dormitorios.
آبگرم
B1Agua caliente o una fuente termal natural.
آبگرمکن
A2Un calentador de agua es un electrodoméstico que calienta el agua para uso doméstico.
آبکش
A2Un colador, un cuenco con agujeros para escurrir los alimentos.
آبمیوه گیری
A2An appliance used for extracting juice from fruit or vegetables.
آبنما
B1Un 'آبنما' es una estructura decorativa que produce un chorro de agua, a menudo encontrada en jardines y plazas públicas.
آبیاری کردن
B1Suministrar agua a la tierra o a las plantas para ayudar a su crecimiento; regar. Los agricultores deben regar sus campos regularmente para que los cultivos prosperen.
اجاق
A1Stove or cooker, for heating or cooking food.
اجاق گاز
A1Estufa de gas. Es el aparato principal en la cocina para cocinar platos tradicionales.
