At the A1 level, you only need to know that 'kaniseh' means 'synagogue'. It is a place where Jewish people go. You can use it in very simple sentences like 'This is a synagogue' or 'I see a synagogue'. You don't need to worry about the history or complex grammar yet. Just focus on the sound: kan-ee-seh. Think of it like 'mosque' or 'church'. It is a noun, a thing you can see in a city. In Iran, synagogues are important buildings. If you see a building with a Star of David, it is a kaniseh. You might say 'Kaniseh kojaast?' which means 'Where is the synagogue?'. This is a very useful basic question.
At the A2 level, you should be able to describe the synagogue using simple adjectives. You can say 'The synagogue is old' (Kaniseh ghadimi ast) or 'The synagogue is beautiful' (Kaniseh ziba ast). You should also be able to use the preposition 'to' (be) to say you are going there. At this level, you understand that different religions have different names for their buildings. You know that 'masjed' is for Muslims and 'kaniseh' is for Jews. You are starting to learn how to connect words with the 'ezafe' (-e sound), so you can say 'kaniseh-ye Tehran' (The synagogue of Tehran). This level is about basic communication and identifying places in your surroundings.
At the B1 level, you can talk about the function of the synagogue. You can explain that people go there to pray (namaz khandan) or to see their friends. You can use more complex tenses, like 'I have visited a synagogue' (Man az yek kaniseh didan kardeh-am). You understand that synagogues are part of the cultural heritage of Iran. You can talk about the community (jame'eh) that uses the synagogue. You might use the word in a paragraph about your travels or about different religions. You are also more comfortable with the 'ezafe' and can use multiple adjectives, like 'the small, old synagogue in the city center'.
At the B2 level, you can discuss the historical and social importance of synagogues in Iran. You can use the word in debates or presentations about religious diversity. You might say, 'The presence of synagogues in Isfahan shows the long history of Jews in Iran.' You are familiar with the specific vocabulary related to synagogues, such as 'Torah' (Torat) or 'Rabbi' (Khakham). You can understand news reports or articles that mention synagogues. Your grammar is more advanced, allowing you to use passive voice or conditional sentences, such as 'If the synagogue were open, we could see the interior architecture.' You understand the nuances of the word and its cultural weight.
At the C1 level, you can use 'kaniseh' in academic or professional contexts. You can write essays about the architectural styles of Persian synagogues and how they differ from those in Europe. You can use the word fluently in complex discussions about theology, history, or urban planning. You understand the etymology of the word and its connection to other Semitic languages. You can read literature where the synagogue is used as a setting or a symbol. Your use of the word is indistinguishable from a native speaker's, and you can explain the subtle differences between 'kaniseh', 'ebadatgah', and 'ma'bad' to others.
At the C2 level, you have a complete mastery of the word 'kaniseh' and its place in the Persian lexicon. You can analyze the linguistic evolution of the term from Aramaic into modern Persian. You can engage in deep philosophical or sociological research regarding the role of the synagogue in the Judeo-Persian identity. You are aware of rare synonyms or archaic terms used in classical Persian poetry or historical manuscripts. You can use the word in any register, from highly formal legal documents to poetic expressions. You understand the deepest cultural sensitivities and the most complex grammatical structures involving the word, using it with absolute precision and elegance.

کنیسه en 30 segundos

  • A synagogue (Jewish house of worship).
  • Used specifically for Judaism, distinct from 'masjed' (mosque) or 'kelisa' (church).
  • Comes from Aramaic 'kenishta' (assembly).
  • Essential for discussing Iranian cultural history and religious diversity.

The Persian word کنیسه (pronounced 'kaniseh') refers specifically to a Jewish house of worship, known in English as a synagogue. This term is deeply rooted in the history of the Iranian Jewish community, which is one of the oldest in the world. In the Persian language, while the general word for a place of worship is 'ebadatgah', specific terms are used for different religions: 'masjed' for Muslims, 'kelisa' for Christians, and kaniseh for Jews. Understanding this word is essential for navigating the religious and cultural landscape of Iran, where diverse communities have coexisted for millennia.

Linguistic Root
The term originates from the Aramaic word 'kenishta', meaning an assembly or gathering, which shares the same Semitic root as the Hebrew 'knesset'.

بسیاری از یهودیان در روز شنبه به کنیسه می‌روند تا نماز بخوانند.

(Many Jews go to the synagogue on Saturday to pray.)

In modern Persian usage, the word is used both formally and informally. When discussing architecture, history, or current events involving the Jewish community in Iran—such as the famous Yusuf Abad Synagogue in Tehran—this is the standard term. It carries a sense of community and sanctity. Unlike some terms that might change depending on the dialect, kaniseh is universally understood across Iran, Afghanistan, and Tajikistan, although its primary usage is within the Iranian context due to the historical presence of the community there.

Architectural Context
Persian synagogues often feature distinct Persian architectural elements like intricate tile work or mirror work, blending Jewish tradition with local aesthetics.

معماری این کنیسه قدیمی ترکیبی از هنر ایرانی و نمادهای مذهبی است.

(The architecture of this old synagogue is a combination of Iranian art and religious symbols.)

Historically, synagogues in Iran were not just religious centers but social hubs where the community managed its affairs. Today, while the population has decreased, the remaining synagogues in cities like Tehran, Isfahan, and Shiraz remain active and are protected as historical sites. Using the word correctly shows respect for the multi-faith history of the region.

Using کنیسه in a sentence requires an understanding of Persian syntax and prepositions. Most commonly, it follows the preposition 'be' (to) or 'dar' (in). Because it is a noun denoting a specific place, it often takes the definite marker or is modified by adjectives to describe its age, location, or beauty.

Basic Motion
To say 'I am going to the synagogue', use: 'Man be kaniseh miravam'.

خانواده ما هر هفته به کنیسه می‌روند.

(Our family goes to the synagogue every week.)

When describing the synagogue, you might use adjectives like 'ghadimi' (old), 'ziba' (beautiful), or 'bozorg' (large). In Persian, adjectives follow the noun they modify, connected by the 'ezafe' (the short -e sound). For example, 'kaniseh-ye ghadimi' means 'the old synagogue'. This is a crucial grammatical point for A2 learners.

این کنیسه بزرگترین مرکز تجمع یهودیان در شهر است.

(This synagogue is the largest gathering center for Jews in the city.)

In more complex sentences, kaniseh can be the subject of a passive construction or part of a relative clause. For instance, 'The synagogue that was built 100 years ago' would be 'Kanise-i ke sad sal pish sakhte shod'. This demonstrates the word's flexibility in both simple daily speech and more formal historical writing.

You will encounter the word کنیسه in several real-world contexts in Iran and Persian-speaking communities abroad. Firstly, it appears frequently in news reports concerning religious freedom, cultural heritage, or the activities of the Jewish minority in Iran. For example, during the Jewish New Year (Rosh Hashanah), Iranian news agencies might report on celebrations held in local synagogues.

خبرنگار از داخل کنیسه گزارش می‌داد.

(The reporter was reporting from inside the synagogue.)

Secondly, if you are a tourist in Isfahan or Shiraz, you will see this word on street signs or in guidebooks. Isfahan's Jubareh district is famous for its numerous historical synagogues. Hearing a tour guide say 'In mahalleh dah kaniseh darad' (This neighborhood has ten synagogues) is a common experience for those exploring Iran's architectural history.

Finally, in literature and academic discourse, kaniseh is used to discuss the sociology of religion in the Middle East. It is a term of academic precision. In movies or TV shows that depict the diverse fabric of Iranian society (like 'Madare Sefr Darajeh'), the word is used naturally to describe the setting of scenes involving Jewish characters.

One of the most common mistakes English speakers make is confusing کنیسه with other places of worship. Because English often uses 'church' as a generic term for a religious building in casual speech, learners might accidentally say 'kelisa' when they mean 'kaniseh'. In Persian, these are strictly separated by religion and using the wrong one can be seen as a lack of cultural awareness.

Mistake: Confusion with Kelisa
Incorrect: 'Yahudian be kelisa miravand.' (Jews go to church.) Correct: 'Yahudian be kaniseh miravand.'

اشتباه نکنید؛ کنیسه با کلیسا متفاوت است.

(Do not make a mistake; a synagogue is different from a church.)

Another mistake involves the pronunciation of the final 'h'. In Persian, the final 'h' in kaniseh is a 'silent h' (he-ye jami), which acts as a short 'e' sound. English speakers sometimes try to pronounce it as a hard 'h' or omit the vowel sound entirely. It should sound like 'ka-nee-seh', not 'ka-nees'.

Lastly, learners often forget the 'y' sound when adding the ezafe. Because the word ends in a vowel sound (e), you must add a 'y' (ye) before the next word. It is 'kaniseh-ye bozorg', not 'kaniseh bozorg'. This is a hallmark of an intermediate learner's progress.

While کنیسه is the most specific and common term, there are other words you might encounter that relate to the same concept or serve as broader alternatives in specific contexts. Understanding these helps in building a more nuanced vocabulary.

عبادتگاه (Ebadatgah)
This is a general term meaning 'place of worship'. It can be used for a mosque, church, or synagogue if you want to be non-specific or are speaking about religious sites in general.
معبد (Ma'bad)
Meaning 'temple', this is often used for ancient structures or Eastern religions (like Buddhism or Hinduism). While a synagogue is a type of temple, 'kaniseh' is much more common for Jewish contexts in Persian.

هر کنیسه یک نوع عبادتگاه است، اما هر عبادتگاهی کنیسه نیست.

(Every synagogue is a type of place of worship, but not every place of worship is a synagogue.)

In historical texts, you might see the word 'Moghash' or 'Kenishta', but these are archaic or dialect-specific. In Judeo-Persian (the dialect spoken by Iranian Jews), the word is the same, but the pronunciation might vary slightly. However, for a learner of standard Persian, sticking to kaniseh is always the best choice for clarity and correctness.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"جناب خاخام در کنیسه حضور دارند."

Neutral

"آن‌ها برای دعا به کنیسه رفتند."

Informal

"بریم کنیسه رو ببینیم؟"

Child friendly

"ببین! اون ساختمان قشنگ یه کنیسه است."

Jerga

"امشب کنیسه گردی داریم."

Dato curioso

The word entered Persian many centuries ago and has remained the standard term despite the many linguistic changes in the region. It is one of the few words that Iranians of all religions recognize as specifically Jewish.

Guía de pronunciación

UK /kæˈniːseɪ/
US /kəˈnisə/
The stress in Persian is typically on the final syllable: ka-ni-SEH.
Rima con
کیسه (kiseh - bag) ریسه (riseh - string of lights) نفیسه (nafiseh - precious female name) دسیسه (dasiseh - plot/intrigue) نویسه (neviseh - character/glyph) خسیسه (khasiseh - trait/stingy) پدیده (padideh - phenomenon - slant rhyme) سپیده (sepideh - dawn - slant rhyme)
Errores comunes
  • Pronouncing it as 'ka-nees' (dropping the final vowel).
  • Adding an 'h' sound at the end like 'ka-nees-HH'.
  • Using a hard 'K' like in 'kick' instead of the softer Persian 'K'.
  • Confusing the 'i' sound with 'ai' as in 'kine-seh'.
  • Stress on the first syllable.

Nivel de dificultad

Lectura 2/5

The word is easy to read once you know the 'k' and 'n' sounds.

Escritura 3/5

The final 'h' can be tricky for beginners.

Expresión oral 2/5

Pronunciation is straightforward if you remember the final 'eh'.

Escucha 3/5

Can be confused with 'kelisa' if the listener is not careful.

Qué aprender después

Requisitos previos

مسجد (mosque) کلیسا (church) دعا (prayer) خدا (God) شهر (city)

Aprende después

یهودی (Jew) مذهب (religion) اقلیت (minority) تاریخی (historical) معماری (architecture)

Avanzado

کتیبه (inscription) مرمت (restoration) یهودیت (Judaism) عبادتگاه (place of worship) تورات (Torah)

Gramática que debes saber

Ezafe construction with silent 'h'

کنیسه + بزرگ -> کنیسه ی بزرگ (kaniseh-ye bozorg)

Pluralization with 'ha'

کنیسه + ها -> کنیسه‌ها (kaniseh-ha)

Preposition 'be' for destination

من به کنیسه می‌روم. (I am going to the synagogue.)

Direct object marker 'ra'

من کنیسه را دیدم. (I saw the synagogue.)

Compound verbs with 'kardan'

او در کنیسه دعا کرد. (He prayed in the synagogue.)

Ejemplos por nivel

1

این یک کنیسه است.

This is a synagogue.

'In' means this, 'ast' means is.

2

کنیسه کجاست؟

Where is the synagogue?

'Kojaast' is a contraction of 'koja' (where) and 'ast' (is).

3

من کنیسه را می‌بینم.

I see the synagogue.

'Ra' is the direct object marker.

4

او به کنیسه می‌رود.

He/She goes to the synagogue.

'Be' means to.

5

کنیسه بزرگ است.

The synagogue is big.

Adjective 'bozorg' follows the noun.

6

آن کنیسه زیبا است.

That synagogue is beautiful.

'An' means that.

7

ما در کنیسه هستیم.

We are in the synagogue.

'Dar' means in.

8

آیا این کنیسه است؟

Is this a synagogue?

'Aya' is used for yes/no questions.

1

کنیسه قدیمی در این خیابان است.

The old synagogue is on this street.

'Ghadimi' (old) is connected via ezafe.

2

دیروز به کنیسه رفتم.

I went to the synagogue yesterday.

Past tense 'raftam'.

3

آن‌ها در کنیسه دعا می‌کنند.

They pray in the synagogue.

'Do'a kardan' is a compound verb.

4

این کنیسه خیلی معروف است.

This synagogue is very famous.

'Kheyli' means very.

5

آیا تو کنیسه را دوست داری؟

Do you like the synagogue?

'Dust dashtan' means to like.

6

کنیسه یوسف‌آباد در تهران است.

The Yusuf Abad synagogue is in Tehran.

Proper noun usage.

7

ساعت چند به کنیسه می‌روی؟

What time are you going to the synagogue?

'Sa'at-e chand' means what time.

8

پدرم در کنیسه کار می‌کند.

My father works in the synagogue.

'Kar kardan' means to work.

1

بسیاری از گردشگران از این کنیسه دیدن می‌کنند.

Many tourists visit this synagogue.

'Didan kardan' is a formal way to say visit.

2

کنیسه محلی برای تجمع جامعه یهودی است.

The synagogue is a place for the gathering of the Jewish community.

'Mahalli baraye' means a place for.

3

وقتی بچه بودم، همیشه به کنیسه می‌رفتم.

When I was a child, I always used to go to the synagogue.

Imperfect tense for habitual past actions.

4

معماری داخلی کنیسه بسیار خیره‌کننده است.

The interior architecture of the synagogue is very stunning.

'Kheireh-konandeh' means stunning.

5

او درباره تاریخ این کنیسه کتابی نوشت.

He wrote a book about the history of this synagogue.

'Darbareh-ye' means about.

6

باید کفش‌هایمان را قبل از ورود به کنیسه درآوریم؟

Should we take off our shoes before entering the synagogue?

Modal 'bayad' + subjunctive.

7

این کنیسه در طول جنگ آسیب دید.

This synagogue was damaged during the war.

'Asib didan' means to be damaged.

8

مراسم ازدواج در کنیسه برگزار شد.

The wedding ceremony was held in the synagogue.

'Borgozar shodan' means to be held.

1

حفاظت از کنیسه‌های تاریخی وظیفه دولت است.

Protecting historical synagogues is the government's duty.

Plural 'kaniseh-ha'.

2

کنیسه نقش مهمی در حفظ فرهنگ یهودیان ایرانی دارد.

The synagogue plays an important role in preserving the culture of Iranian Jews.

'Naghsh-e mohemmi dashtan' means to have an important role.

3

برخلاف مساجد، کنیسه‌ها معمولاً نمای بیرونی ساده‌ای دارند.

Unlike mosques, synagogues usually have a simple exterior.

'Barkhalaf-e' means unlike.

4

او در حال تحقیق بر روی کتیبه‌های این کنیسه است.

He is researching the inscriptions of this synagogue.

Continuous present tense.

5

این کنیسه به عنوان میراث ملی ثبت شده است.

This synagogue has been registered as a national heritage.

Present perfect passive.

6

فضای معنوی کنیسه به زائران آرامش می‌دهد.

The spiritual atmosphere of the synagogue gives peace to the pilgrims.

'Aramesh dadan' means to give peace.

7

در اصفهان، چندین کنیسه در محله‌های قدیمی باقی مانده است.

In Isfahan, several synagogues remain in the old neighborhoods.

'Baghi mandan' means to remain.

8

نورپردازی کنیسه در شب بسیار زیبا به نظر می‌رسد.

The lighting of the synagogue at night looks very beautiful.

'Be nazar residan' means to seem/look.

1

تطبیق معماری کنیسه با سبک‌های محلی ایرانی موضوع جالبی است.

The adaptation of synagogue architecture to local Iranian styles is an interesting topic.

Gerund 'tatbiq' used as a subject.

2

کنیسه همواره کانون تعاملات اجتماعی و مذهبی اقلیت‌ها بوده است.

The synagogue has always been the center of social and religious interactions of minorities.

'Kanun-e ta'amol' means center of interaction.

3

مرمت این کنیسه سال‌ها به طول انجامید.

The restoration of this synagogue lasted for years.

'Be tul anjamidan' means to last/take time.

4

تخریب کنیسه‌های قدیمی ضایعه‌ای برای تاریخ هنر است.

The destruction of old synagogues is a loss for the history of art.

'Zaye'eh' means loss/tragedy.

5

این کنیسه بازتابی از همزیستی مسالمت‌آمیز ادیان در ایران است.

This synagogue is a reflection of the peaceful coexistence of religions in Iran.

'Baztab' means reflection.

6

بسیاری از نسخ خطی در کتابخانه این کنیسه نگهداری می‌شوند.

Many manuscripts are kept in the library of this synagogue.

'Negahdari shodan' means to be kept.

7

ساختار کالبدی کنیسه تحت تأثیر اقلیم منطقه قرار گرفته است.

The physical structure of the synagogue has been influenced by the region's climate.

'Taht-e ta'sir-e ... gharar gereftan'.

8

کنیسه فراتر از یک ساختمان، نمادی از هویت است.

The synagogue, beyond a building, is a symbol of identity.

'Faratar az' means beyond.

1

واکاوی ریشه‌های زبانی واژه کنیسه در متون پهلوی ضروری است.

Analyzing the linguistic roots of the word 'kaniseh' in Pahlavi texts is essential.

'Vakavi' means deep analysis.

2

تداوم حیات کنیسه‌ها در بافت شهری ایران نشانگر پویایی مذهبی است.

The continuity of the life of synagogues in Iran's urban fabric indicates religious dynamism.

'Tadavom-e hayat' means continuity of life.

3

کنیسه در ادبیات معاصر فارسی به عنوان نمادی از غربت به کار رفته است.

The synagogue has been used in contemporary Persian literature as a symbol of exile.

'Ghorbat' means exile/nostalgia.

4

تجلی هنر آینه‌کاری در کنیسه‌های دوران قاجار بی‌نظیر است.

The manifestation of mirror work art in Qajar-era synagogues is unique.

'Tajalli' means manifestation.

5

پارادایم‌های حاکم بر مدیریت کنیسه‌ها در حال تغییر است.

The prevailing paradigms in the management of synagogues are changing.

'Paradigm' used as a loanword.

6

حفاظت از حریم منظری کنیسه‌های تاریخی الزامی است.

Protecting the visual landscape of historical synagogues is mandatory.

'Harim-e manzari' is a technical urban term.

7

کنیسه به مثابه یک نهاد مدنی در تاریخ یهودیت عمل کرده است.

The synagogue has acted as a civil institution in the history of Judaism.

'Be masabe-ye' means as/like.

8

چالش‌های حقوقی پیرامون مالکیت زمین‌های کنیسه پیچیده است.

The legal challenges surrounding the ownership of synagogue lands are complex.

'Piramun-e' means surrounding/about.

Colocaciones comunes

کنیسه قدیمی
رفتن به کنیسه
ساختن کنیسه
داخل کنیسه
دیوار کنیسه
کنیسه یوسف‌آباد
تاریخ کنیسه
درهای کنیسه
معماری کنیسه
تجمع در کنیسه

Frases Comunes

کنیسه یهودیان

— Literally 'synagogue of the Jews', used for clarity.

این ساختمان کنیسه یهودیان است.

به کنیسه رفتن

— The act of attending a service.

او برای دعا به کنیسه رفت.

کنیسه محله

— The local synagogue of a neighborhood.

کنیسه محله ما خیلی کوچک است.

بازدید از کنیسه

— Visiting a synagogue as a tourist or guest.

بازدید از کنیسه برای عموم آزاد است.

خادم کنیسه

— The caretaker of the synagogue.

خادم کنیسه مرد مهربانی است.

سقف کنیسه

— The roof or ceiling of the synagogue.

سقف کنیسه آینه‌کاری شده است.

کنیسه بزرگ شهر

— The main or largest synagogue in a city.

کنیسه بزرگ شهر در مرکز قرار دارد.

نماز در کنیسه

— Praying in the synagogue.

نماز در کنیسه وقت مشخصی دارد.

کنیسه تاریخی

— A synagogue with historical significance.

این یک کنیسه تاریخی در اصفهان است.

مراسم در کنیسه

— A ceremony held in the synagogue.

مراسم در کنیسه با شکوه برگزار شد.

Se confunde a menudo con

کنیسه vs کلیسا (Kelisa)

Means church. This is the most common confusion for beginners.

کنیسه vs کیسه (Kiseh)

Means bag. Sounds similar but lacks the 'n' sound.

کنیسه vs کاسه (Kaseh)

Means bowl. Also sounds somewhat similar.

Modismos y expresiones

"از مسجد رانده و از کنیسه مانده"

— To be rejected by both sides; to have no place anywhere.

او با این کارش از مسجد رانده و از کنیسه مانده شد.

informal/proverbial
"راه کنیسه را گم کردن"

— To stop attending religious services (metaphorically).

او سال‌هاست که راه کنیسه را گم کرده است.

literary
"کنیسه ساختن"

— To do a charitable religious act (sometimes used ironically).

انگار دارد کنیسه می‌سازد که اینقدر مغرور است.

informal
"شلوغ مثل کنیسه"

— Very crowded and noisy (sometimes used during festivals).

بازار امروز مثل کنیسه در روز عید شلوغ بود.

informal
"چراغ کنیسه"

— The light of the synagogue (referring to someone vital to the community).

او چراغ این کنیسه قدیمی است.

poetic
"پای به کنیسه نگذاشتن"

— To never set foot in a synagogue.

او هرگز پای به کنیسه نگذاشته است.

neutral
"دیوار به دیوار کنیسه"

— Living right next to the synagogue.

خانه ما دیوار به دیوار کنیسه است.

neutral
"سایه کنیسه"

— Under the protection or shadow of the synagogue.

او در سایه کنیسه بزرگ شد.

literary
"کنیسه گردی"

— Visiting various synagogues (modern slang for tourists).

امروز برنامه ما کنیسه گردی در اصفهان است.

informal
"خاک کنیسه را خوردن"

— To have spent a lifetime serving or being in the synagogue.

او خاک کنیسه را خورده و همه را می‌شناسد.

informal

Fácil de confundir

کنیسه vs کلیسا

Both are religious buildings starting with 'K'.

Kelisa is for Christians; Kaniseh is for Jews.

مسیحیان به کلیسا و یهودیان به کنیسه می‌روند.

کنیسه vs کیسه

Very similar sound (k-s-h).

Kiseh is a bag for carrying things; Kaniseh is a building.

من نان را در کیسه گذاشتم و به کنیسه رفتم.

کنیسه vs کنیسه

Sometimes confused with 'Knesset'.

Knesset is the parliament in Israel; Kaniseh is the building (synagogue) anywhere.

نمایندگان در کنست هستند، اما مردم در کنیسه دعا می‌کنند.

کنیسه vs مسجد

Both are places of worship.

Masjed is for Muslims.

مسجد مناره دارد اما کنیسه ندارد.

کنیسه vs معبد

Both mean temple.

Ma'bad is more general or for Eastern religions; Kaniseh is specific to Judaism.

این معبد بودایی است، نه کنیسه.

Patrones de oraciones

A1

این [Place] است.

این کنیسه است.

A2

من به [Place] می‌روم.

من به کنیسه می‌روم.

B1

[Place] قدیمی در [City] قرار دارد.

کنیسه قدیمی در اصفهان قرار دارد.

B2

[Place] محلی برای [Action] است.

کنیسه محلی برای دعا کردن است.

C1

معماری [Place] نشان‌دهنده [Concept] است.

معماری کنیسه نشان‌دهنده هنر ایرانی است.

C2

واکاوی [Place] در [Context] اهمیت دارد.

واکاوی نقش کنیسه در تاریخ اهمیت دارد.

A1

[Place] کجاست؟

کنیسه کجاست؟

A2

[Place] را دوست دارم.

کنیسه را دوست دارم.

Familia de palabras

Sustantivos

Adjetivos

Relacionado

Cómo usarlo

frequency

Common in cultural, religious, and historical contexts.

Errores comunes
  • Saying 'kanis' instead of 'kaniseh'. kaniseh

    The final 'h' must be pronounced as an 'eh' sound. Skipping it makes the word unrecognizable.

  • Using 'kelisa' for a synagogue. kaniseh

    'Kelisa' specifically means church. Using it for a synagogue is factually incorrect and culturally insensitive.

  • Writing 'kaniseh' with 'sad' (ص) instead of 'seen' (س). کنیسه

    The correct spelling uses the letter 'seen'. Using 'sad' is a common spelling error for beginners.

  • Forgetting the 'y' in 'kaniseh-ye bozorg'. کنیسه ی بزرگ

    When a word ends in a silent 'h' (vowel sound), you must add a 'ye' for the ezafe connection.

  • Thinking 'kaniseh' is only for Israel. kaniseh

    'Kaniseh' is used for any synagogue anywhere in the world, including the many historical ones in Iran.

Consejos

Learn the Trio

Learn 'Masjed', 'Kelisa', and 'Kaniseh' together to remember the different places of worship.

Ezafe Alert

Always remember to add the 'y' sound (ye) when connecting 'kaniseh' to an adjective, like 'kaniseh-ye ziba'.

Respectful Terms

When talking to Jewish Iranians, using 'kaniseh' correctly shows you respect their specific culture.

The Long 'I'

Make sure the 'i' in 'kaniseh' is a long 'ee' sound, like in 'see'.

K-N-S Root

Remember the K-N-S root for 'gathering'. It helps you connect it to other related words.

Listen for the 'N'

The 'n' sound in the middle distinguishes it from 'kelisa' (church) and 'kiseh' (bag).

The Silent H

In Persian script, the final 'h' (ه) is essential. Don't forget to write it!

Saturday Clue

If you hear someone talking about 'Shanbeh' (Saturday) and a building, they are almost certainly talking about a 'kaniseh'.

Visual Clue

In Iran, look for the Star of David on buildings to identify a 'kaniseh'.

Generic vs Specific

Use 'ebadatgah' if you're not sure, but 'kaniseh' is always better if you know it's a synagogue.

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

Think of 'K-N-S' as 'K-N-e-S-set' (like the Israeli parliament). A 'Kaniseh' is where the 'Knesset' of the local community meets to pray.

Asociación visual

Imagine a building with a large Star of David (ستاره داوود) on the front and people wearing small caps (kippahs) entering it.

Word Web

یهودی (Jewish) نماز (prayer) خاخام (Rabbi) تورات (Torah) شنبه (Saturday) اصفهان (Isfahan) معماری (architecture) قدیمی (old)

Desafío

Try to describe the difference between a 'masjed', 'kelisa', and 'kaniseh' in three simple Persian sentences.

Origen de la palabra

The word 'kaniseh' originates from the Aramaic 'kenishta' (כנישתא), which means 'assembly' or 'gathering place'. This is the same root as the Hebrew word 'Knesset' (the Israeli parliament) and 'Beit Knesset' (synagogue).

Significado original: A place where people gather for religious or communal purposes.

Semitic (via Aramaic) into Indo-European (Persian).

Contexto cultural

Always use the word 'kaniseh' respectfully. Avoid using it in slang or derogatory contexts, as it is a sacred term for the Jewish community.

In English, we use 'synagogue' or 'temple'. In Persian, 'kaniseh' is the only common word.

Yusuf Abad Synagogue in Tehran Mulla Nejatullah Synagogue The historical synagogues of the Jubareh district in Isfahan

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

Tourism

  • این کنیسه چند سال قدمت دارد؟
  • ساعت بازدید کنیسه کی است؟
  • آیا می‌توانم از کنیسه عکس بگیرم؟
  • زیباترین کنیسه شهر کدام است؟

Religious Discussion

  • یهودیان در کنیسه دعا می‌کنند.
  • کنیسه محل مقدسی است.
  • هر شنبه مراسم در کنیسه برگزار می‌شود.
  • خاخام در کنیسه صحبت می‌کند.

Directions

  • کنیسه کنار پارک است.
  • بعد از کنیسه به چپ بپیچید.
  • کنیسه در انتهای این کوچه قرار دارد.
  • ایستگاه اتوبوس نزدیک کنیسه است.

History

  • این کنیسه در دوران قاجار ساخته شد.
  • بسیاری از کنیسه‌ها بازسازی شده‌اند.
  • این منطقه کنیسه‌های زیادی دارد.
  • تاریخ کنیسه با تاریخ شهر پیوند خورده است.

Social Events

  • جشن در کنیسه برگزار شد.
  • همه دوستانم را در کنیسه دیدم.
  • امروز در کنیسه شلوغ است.
  • کودکان در کنیسه درس می‌خوانند.

Inicios de conversación

"آیا تا به حال یک کنیسه قدیمی را از نزدیک دیده‌ای؟"

"می‌دانی بزرگترین کنیسه تهران در کدام خیابان است؟"

"به نظر تو معماری کنیسه‌ها با مساجد چه فرقی دارد؟"

"آیا در شهر شما کنیسه وجود دارد؟"

"دوست داری با هم به بازدید یک کنیسه تاریخی برویم؟"

Temas para diario

امروز از یک کنیسه قدیمی دیدن کردم و حس خوبی داشتم...

تفاوت‌های معماری بین کنیسه، مسجد و کلیسا در ایران چیست؟

چرا حفظ ساختمان‌های مذهبی مثل کنیسه برای تاریخ یک کشور مهم است؟

اگر بخواهی یک کنیسه را برای کسی که تا به حال ندیده توصیف کنی، چه می‌گویی؟

نقش کنیسه در زندگی یک اقلیت مذهبی چیست؟

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

'Kaniseh' is a synagogue (Jewish), while 'Kelisa' is a church (Christian). They are both places of worship but for different religions. In Persian, it is important to use the correct term to be respectful and accurate.

Yes, it is used whenever referring to a synagogue. While not as common as 'masjed' (mosque) because the Jewish population is smaller, it is a standard word that every Persian speaker knows.

The 'h' is silent. It acts as a vowel, making an 'eh' sound. It is pronounced 'ka-nee-seh'. Do not pronounce it as a hard 'H' or skip it.

No, 'Kaniseh' is specifically for Jewish synagogues. For a general temple, use 'ebadatgah' or 'ma'bad'.

Yes, especially in cities like Tehran, Isfahan, and Shiraz. Many are historical landmarks with beautiful architecture.

It is a neutral word used in all levels of speech, from casual conversation to academic writing.

The plural is 'kaniseh-ha' (کنیسه‌ها).

No, its primary and only common meaning is a synagogue.

Yes, they share the same Semitic root meaning 'assembly'.

You say: 'Man be kaniseh miravam'.

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