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B2 adjective 10 min de lecture

قاصر

qaser

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces قاصر en 30 secondes

Explication قاصر in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to use the word 'قاصر' (qāser) yet because it is very formal. However, it's good to know that it means 'cannot do something' or 'not enough.' In English, if you want to say 'I cannot speak,' you say 'Man nemitavanam harf bezanam.' The word 'قاصر' is like a very fancy version of 'cannot.' Imagine a king or a teacher saying 'I cannot find the words.' They might use this word. For now, just remember that if you see this word in a story, it usually means someone is having trouble doing a duty or speaking because they are very sad or very respectful. It is like a person trying to reach a high shelf but their arm is too short. Their arm is 'qāser.' Focus on the idea of 'short capacity.'

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At the A2 level, you can start to recognize 'قاصر' as a formal adjective. You might see it in formal letters or on the news. It comes from the idea of something being 'short' (kūtāh), but it's not used for people's height. Instead, it's used for things like 'my tongue' or 'my hand.' A common phrase for A2 learners to recognize is 'Zaban-am qāser ast,' which means 'I don't know what to say' (usually because you are very thankful). It is more polite and formal than saying 'Nemidunam chi begam.' You should also know that it usually needs the word 'az' after it. For example: 'Qāser az ...' (Unable to ...). This word helps you sound more polite in writing, but you should still use 'nemitavanam' (I can't) for most daily things.

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At the B1 level, you should be able to use 'قاصر' in specific formal contexts, especially in written Persian. You are now moving beyond basic 'can' and 'can't.' Use 'قاصر' when you want to express a limitation of a faculty, like the mind or the pen. For example, 'Qalam az bayane haqiqat qāser ast' (The pen is unable to express the truth). This shows you have a grasp of literary style. You should also understand the difference between 'qāser' (the person who fails) and 'qusur' (the failure itself). At this level, you might encounter it in newspaper headlines about a manager who was 'qāser' (negligent) in their work. It's a key word for understanding Iranian administrative and legal culture.

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At the B2 level, which is where this word is officially categorized, you must master the nuance of 'قاصر.' You should understand that it implies a 'shortcoming' or 'deficiency' relative to a standard. It's not just about lacking strength; it's about failing to meet an expectation. You should be able to use it in academic essays to describe the limitations of a theory or a piece of evidence. For example, 'In amār az neshān dādane vāqeyat qāser hastand' (These statistics are incapable of showing the reality). You should also be comfortable with its legal implications, distinguishing between 'qusur' (unintentional negligence) and 'taqsir' (intentional fault). This word is essential for reading Persian literature, law, and high-level journalism.

At the C1 level, you should use 'قاصر' with stylistic precision. You can use it to create rhetorical effects in your speeches or writing. For instance, employing the phrase 'dast-e man qāser ast' (my hand is short/unable) to express humility in a professional request or to describe a lack of resources. You should understand its philosophical roots in Islamic and Persian thought, where the human 'aql' (intellect) is frequently described as 'qāser' in the face of metaphysical truths. You should be able to analyze how authors use this word to establish a relationship of 'Tavazo' (humility) with their audience. Your vocabulary should also include related forms like 'muqassir' and 'qusur' and you should use them interchangeably with precision in complex legal or moral arguments.

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At the C2 level, you have a near-native grasp of the word's historical and theological weight. You can identify its use in classical texts from the 10th century to the present and understand how its meaning has shifted slightly from a physical sense of 'shortness' to a purely metaphorical and legal one. You use 'قاصر' to discuss the 'ineffability' of experience in literary criticism or mystical studies. You are aware of the subtle differences between 'qāser' and its Arabic cognates in Persian usage. In a legal or high-level diplomatic setting, you can use the term to precisely delineate responsibility and negligence without ambiguity. For you, 'قاصر' is not just a word for 'unable,' but a tool to describe the fundamental boundaries of human agency and expression.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

قاصر en 30 secondes

Qāser is a formal adjective meaning 'incapable,' 'deficient,' or 'falling short.'
Commonly used in the phrase 'Zaban-am qāser ast' to express overwhelming emotion.
In legal contexts, it refers to negligence or failure to perform a required duty.
It is strictly formal and should not be used in casual, everyday conversations.

The Persian word قاصر (pronounced 'qāser') is an Arabic-rooted adjective that holds a significant place in formal, literary, and legal Persian. At its core, it describes a state of being 'short' or 'falling short' of a required standard, ability, or reach. Unlike the word 'short' in a physical height sense (which would be 'kūtāh'), قاصر refers to a functional or qualitative deficiency. When you describe someone or something as قاصر, you are suggesting that there is a gap between the potential or required action and the actual capacity to perform it.

Etymological Root: The word originates from the Arabic root Q-S-R (ق-ص-ر), which relates to shortness, limitation, or restriction. In Persian, this has evolved to encompass intellectual, legal, and expressive limitations.

In everyday elevated conversation, you will most frequently encounter this word in the context of humility or extreme emotion. For instance, when someone is so overwhelmed by gratitude or beauty that they cannot find the right words, they might say their tongue is قاصر. This doesn't mean they are literally mute; it means the tool of language is insufficient to convey the depth of their feeling. It is a poetic way of admitting defeat in the face of the sublime.

زبان من از وصف مهربانی شما قاصر است.
(My tongue is unable/insufficient to describe your kindness.)

Beyond the poetic, the word carries heavy weight in the Iranian legal system and formal administration. Here, it refers to 'negligence' or 'delinquency'—a failure to perform a duty that one was capable of or responsible for. If a person is deemed قاصر in a legal dispute, it implies they failed to meet the standard of care or action required by law. This distinction is crucial in jurisprudence, where it is often contrasted with being 'muqassir' (guilty/culpable), though in general usage, they are closely linked.

In philosophical and religious texts, قاصر is used to describe human limitations compared to the divine. The human intellect (aql) is often described as قاصر when trying to comprehend the infinite nature of the universe or the creator. This usage reinforces the idea of a boundary or a ceiling that the subject cannot break through. It is an essential word for anyone wishing to engage with classical Persian literature or formal Iranian media.

Register and Tone: This word is highly formal (Rasmi). You would rarely hear it in a casual street conversation between teenagers unless they are being intentionally dramatic or sarcastic. It belongs in the pulpit, the courtroom, the university, and the formal letter.

عقل انسانی از درک این معما قاصر است.
(Human intellect is incapable of understanding this enigma.)

To master قاصر, one must understand that it is often paired with specific body parts or faculties to indicate specific types of inability. The most common pairings are with 'zaban' (tongue), 'dast' (hand), and 'fahm' (understanding). Each pairing creates a distinct nuance of failure or limitation that is deeply embedded in Persian rhetorical tradition.

Using قاصر correctly requires an understanding of its syntactic role as an adjective that usually follows a noun or functions as a predicate. It is almost always followed by the preposition از (az), meaning 'from' or 'of', to indicate the specific action or state that the subject is unable to reach. The structure is typically: [Subject] + [Faculty] + [az] + [Action/Noun] + [qāser ast].

The 'Tongue' Pattern: This is the most common usage. It expresses that words are not enough. 'Zaban-am az goftan-e haqiqat qaser ast' (My tongue is unable to tell the truth—implying the truth is too complex or heavy).

قلم از بیان این همه رنج قاصر است.
(The pen is unable to express all this suffering.)

In a professional context, you might use it to describe a system or a person failing to meet a deadline or a requirement. For example, 'Karkonan dar anjam-e vazayef-e khod qaser budand' (The employees were negligent/incapable in performing their duties). Here, the word takes on a more accusatory tone, suggesting a lack of competence or effort rather than just a poetic limitation.

Another sophisticated use is with the word 'dast' (hand). 'Dast-e man az daman-e u qaser ast' is a classical literary trope. It literally means 'my hand is too short to reach his/her hem,' but metaphorically it means 'I have no access to them' or 'I am unable to reach that high status or person.' This highlights the 'shortness' aspect of the word's etymology.

Legal Contexts: In law, 'qaser' refers to a person who has committed 'qusur' (negligence). It distinguishes someone who failed due to lack of care from someone who failed due to intentional malice ('taqsir').

دادگاه او را در انجام تعهداتش قاصر شناخت.
(The court found him negligent in fulfilling his obligations.)

Finally, it is used in academic writing to critique theories or models. 'In nazariye az tabyin-e padideha-ye jadid qaser ast' (This theory is incapable of explaining new phenomena). This usage is very common in graduate-level Persian academic discourse, where precision in describing the limitations of a study is paramount.

If you are walking through a bazaar in Tehran, you likely won't hear قاصر. However, the moment you turn on the evening news or attend a formal lecture at the University of Tehran, the word appears frequently. It is a staple of the 'Official Register' (Zaban-e Rasmi). News anchors use it when reporting on government failures or when officials offer apologies, often saying their efforts were 'qāser' compared to the people's needs.

In Literature and Poetry: Classical poets like Rumi and Hafez use the concept of being 'qāser' to describe the soul's inability to fully grasp the divine. In modern literature, it is used to describe the frustration of characters who feel paralyzed by circumstances.

در برابر عظمت کوه، چشمان ما از دیدن همه زیبایی‌ها قاصر بودند.
(Before the mountain's majesty, our eyes were unable to see all the beauties.)

Religious sermons are another primary location for this word. Clerics often use قاصر to emphasize human humility. A common phrase is 'bande-ye qāser' (the deficient servant), used by speakers to refer to themselves as a sign of modesty before God or their audience. It serves as a linguistic tool for 'Tavazo' (humility), which is a deeply valued trait in Iranian culture.

In the world of Iranian cinema, particularly in 'Art House' films, dialogue often leans into this formal vocabulary to create a sense of weight and tragedy. A character might tell their lover, 'Zaban-e man az bayane eshgham be to qaser ast,' heightening the romantic tension through formal linguistic distance. It transforms a simple 'I can't say' into a profound 'I am fundamentally limited in my capacity to express.'

Legal and Administrative News: When a company fails to meet its environmental standards, the EPA in Iran might issue a statement saying the company was 'qāser' in its implementation of safety protocols.

مدیر عامل اعتراف کرد که در مدیریت بحران قاصر بوده است.
(The CEO admitted that he had been deficient in crisis management.)

You will also see this word in the prefaces of books. Authors often write that they are 'qāser' in their knowledge and ask the reader to overlook any errors. This is a standard part of the 'Ta'arof' (politeness) system in Persian writing, where the author lowers themselves to elevate the reader and the subject matter.

The most frequent mistake learners make with قاصر is confusing it with its related noun form قصور (qusur) or the similar-sounding word قصر (qasr). While قاصر is an adjective describing the person or faculty, قصور is the abstract noun meaning 'negligence' or 'shortcoming.' You can be qāser, but you commit qusur.

Confusion with Qasr (قصر): 'Qasr' means 'palace.' Though they share the same Arabic root letters in some contexts, in Persian, they are distinct. Saying 'Man dar qasr hastam' means 'I am in a palace,' whereas 'Man qāser hastam' means 'I am deficient/unable.'

Incorrect: او قصور است. (He is negligence.)
Correct: او قاصر است. (He is negligent/incapable.)

Another common error is using قاصر in casual situations. If you tell a friend 'Man az khordane in pizza qaser hastam' (I am unable to eat this pizza), it sounds incredibly strange and overly dramatic. For physical inability or simple 'can't,' use 'nemituānam' (I cannot). قاصر implies a deeper, often more abstract or moral failure to reach a mark.

Learners also struggle with the preposition. In English, we say 'incapable of' or 'negligent in.' In Persian, قاصر almost exclusively takes از (az). Using 'dar' (in) is sometimes acceptable in legal contexts, but 'az' is the standard for the poetic and general formal usage. Forgetting the 'az' makes the sentence feel incomplete.

Misunderstanding the Nuance of 'Short': Do not use 'qāser' to describe a short person, a short movie, or a short pencil. Those are 'kūtāh'. Use 'qāser' only for capacities, faculties, and legal duties.

Incorrect: این فیلم قاصر است. (This movie is 'short' - meaning length.)
Correct: این فیلم از بیان واقعیت قاصر است. (This movie is incapable of expressing the reality.)

Finally, avoid overusing it in Ta'arof if you are not sure of the level of formality. While it shows great respect, using it with a peer might make you sound like you're reading from a 19th-century manuscript. Stick to more modern terms like 'sharmandeh' (ashamed/apologetic) for social apologies unless the situation is truly solemn.

Persian is rich with synonyms for 'inability' and 'failure,' but each carries a specific flavor. Understanding the alternatives to قاصر will help you choose the right word for the right context. The most direct synonym in a general sense is عاجز (ājez), which means 'helpless' or 'powerless.' While قاصر implies a lack of reach or a shortcoming, عاجز implies a total lack of strength.

Qāser vs. Ājez: 'Qāser' is used when the tool (like the tongue) isn't enough. 'Ājez' is used when the person themselves is completely defeated by a task. 'Ājez' is often more emotional.

او از حل این مسئله عاجز بود.
(He was helpless/unable to solve this problem.)

Another alternative is ناتوان (nātavān). This is the most neutral and common word for 'unable.' It is the opposite of 'tavānā' (capable). You can use nātavān in almost any context, from physical weakness to technical inability. It lacks the formal and legal weight of قاصر, making it safer for everyday speech.

In the context of 'falling short' in a race or a measurement, the word کم‌آوردن (kam āvardan) is used in colloquial Persian. This is a phrasal verb. If you are running and can't finish, you say 'kam āvardam.' You would never use قاصر here. قاصر is the intellectual and formal equivalent of this feeling of 'not having enough' to reach the finish line.

Comparison Table

Qāser: Formal, intellectual, legal. Falling short of a standard.
Nātavān: Neutral, physical/general. Lacking power.
Ājez: Emotional, strong. Being defeated by difficulty.
Muqassir: Legal, moral. Being at fault/guilty.

پزشک در درمان بیماری ناتوان بود.
(The doctor was unable to treat the disease - neutral.)

Lastly, for 'insufficient,' you can use ناکافی (nākāfi). If a report is qāser, it means the person who wrote it failed. If a report is nākāfi, it just means there isn't enough information. The former carries a judgment of the subject's capacity; the latter is a description of the object's quantity.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

The word 'qasr' (palace) in Arabic actually comes from a different Latin root (castrum), but in Persian, the visual similarity between 'qāser' and 'qasr' often confuses learners. The root Q-S-R also gives us 'qasr' (shortening prayers in travel).

Guide de prononciation

UK /kɑːˈser/

US /kɑˈsɛr/

The stress is on the second syllable: qā-SER.

Rime avec

ناصر (Nāser) حاضر (Hāzer) معاصر (Mo'āser) محاصر (Mohāser) ساحر (Sāher) طاهر (Tāher) ظاهر (Zāher) باهر (Bāher)

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing 'q' as a simple English 'k'. It should be deeper in the throat.
Making the 'ā' too short like the 'a' in 'cat'.
Confusing the pronunciation with 'qasr' (palace), which has no 'e' sound before the 'r'.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 7/5

Requires understanding of formal and literary Persian context.

Écriture 8/5

Hard to use correctly without sounding overly dramatic or archaic.

Expression orale 6/5

Rarely used in speech, so learners might not get much practice.

Écoute 7/5

Common in media and lectures, requires quick recognition of formal roots.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

ناتوان کوتاه زبان عقل دست

Apprends ensuite

مقصر قصور تقصیر عاجز سهل‌انگاری

Avancé

نارسا ابتر ممتنع محال قاصرالید

Grammaire à connaître

Adjective placement

زبانِ قاصر (The unable tongue) - follows the noun with Ezafe.

Prepositional requirement

قاصر از (Incapable of) - always uses 'az'.

Arabic active participle

Qāser follows the Fā'el (فاعل) pattern.

Subject-Verb Agreement

آنها قاصر بودند (They were unable) - verb agrees with plural subject.

Negative 'nist'

او قاصر نیست (He is not incapable).

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Exemples par niveau

زبان من قاصر است.

My tongue is unable (to speak).

Simple Subject + Adjective + Verb 'to be'.

او در کار خود قاصر بود.

He was deficient in his work.

Past tense of 'to be' (bud).

دست من قاصر است.

My hand is unable (to reach).

'Dast' (hand) is the subject.

ما از انجام این کار قاصر هستیم.

We are unable to do this task.

Plural subject 'mā' (we).

آیا تو قاصر هستی؟

Are you unable?

Question form.

من قاصر نیستم.

I am not unable.

Negative form 'nistam'.

این کتاب از توضیح قاصر است.

This book is unable to explain.

Non-human subject (book).

آنها قاصر بودند.

They were unable.

Plural past tense.

زبانم از تشکر قاصر است.

My tongue is unable to thank (you).

Use of 'az' + noun.

او از درک این مطلب قاصر بود.

He was unable to understand this matter.

Use of 'az' + infinitive-like noun.

مدیر از پاسخ دادن قاصر است.

The manager is unable to answer.

Formal occupation as subject.

قلم من از وصف تو قاصر است.

My pen is unable to describe you.

Poetic use of 'qalam' (pen).

ما از دیدن حقیقت قاصر بودیم.

We were unable to see the truth.

Metaphorical use of seeing.

او در انجام وظیفه قاصر است.

He is negligent in doing his duty.

Legal/Duty context.

فکر من از فهم این راز قاصر است.

My thought is unable to understand this secret.

'Fekr' (thought) as subject.

چرا زبان تو قاصر است؟

Why is your tongue unable (to speak)?

Interrogative 'cherā' (why).

هیچ واژه‌ای نمی‌توان یافت، زبان از بیان قاصر است.

No word can be found; the tongue is unable to express.

Compound sentence with formal structure.

او به دلیل بیماری از ادامه تحصیل قاصر ماند.

Due to illness, he remained unable to continue his studies.

Use of 'māndan' (to remain) as a linking verb.

دولت از مهار تورم قاصر بوده است.

The government has been unable to control inflation.

Present perfect tense 'bude ast'.

چشمان ما از درک این همه زیبایی قاصر است.

Our eyes are unable to comprehend all this beauty.

Plural faculty (eyes) as subject.

او در نگهداری از اموال عمومی قاصر شناخته شد.

He was recognized as negligent in maintaining public property.

Passive-like construction 'shenākhte shod'.

ذهن بشر از حل این معما قاصر است.

The human mind is unable to solve this enigma.

Abstract subject 'zehn' (mind).

اگر در این امر قاصر باشیم، شکست می‌خوریم.

If we are deficient in this matter, we will fail.

Conditional 'agar' clause.

او از جبران خسارت قاصر است.

He is unable to compensate for the loss.

Financial/Legal context.

بیان من از توصیف فداکاری‌های شما قاصر است.

My expression is unable to describe your sacrifices.

Formal 'bayān' (expression) as subject.

این نظریه از تبیین رفتارهای پیچیده انسانی قاصر است.

This theory is incapable of explaining complex human behaviors.

Academic register.

کارفرما مدعی شد که کارگر در انجام وظایفش قاصر بوده است.

The employer claimed the worker had been negligent in his duties.

Reported speech with 'modda'i shod'.

عقل از درک ذات الهی قاصر و ناتوان است.

Reason is unable and incapable of understanding the Divine essence.

Pairing 'qāser' with 'nātavān' for emphasis.

او از احقاق حقوق خود قاصر ماند.

He remained unable to realize his rights.

Formal 'ehqāq-e hoquq' (realization of rights).

تکنولوژی فعلی از پیش‌بینی دقیق زلزله قاصر است.

Current technology is incapable of accurately predicting earthquakes.

Scientific context.

هرچند تلاش کرد، اما از رسیدن به هدف قاصر بود.

Although he tried, he was unable to reach the goal.

Concessive 'harchand' (although) clause.

قوانین موجود از بازدارندگی مجرمان قاصر هستند.

Existing laws are incapable of deterring criminals.

Sociological/Legal critique.

زبان شعر گاهی از انتقال معانی عرفانی قاصر می‌نماید.

The language of poetry sometimes appears unable to convey mystical meanings.

Use of 'nemāyad' (appears/seems) for formal nuance.

در صورت اثبات اینکه پزشک قاصر بوده، جریمه سنگینی در انتظار اوست.

If it is proven that the doctor was negligent, a heavy fine awaits him.

Complex conditional with 'dar surat-e esbāt'.

فلسفه مادی‌گرایانه از پاسخ به پرسش‌های وجودی قاصر است.

Materialistic philosophy is incapable of answering existential questions.

Ideological/Philosophical register.

دستانم از دامان وصلت قاصر است و این درد کمی نیست.

My hands are unable to reach the hem of union with you, and this is no small pain.

Classical literary 'dāmān-e vaslat' trope.

منطق از توجیه این فاجعه انسانی قاصر است.

Logic is incapable of justifying this human catastrophe.

Strong rhetorical use.

او از درک ظرافت‌های هنری این اثر قاصر بود.

He was unable to understand the artistic subtleties of this work.

Critique of aesthetic capacity.

سیستم قضایی نباید در برابر قدرتمندان قاصر باشد.

The judicial system should not be incapable/negligent before the powerful.

Modal 'nabāyad' (should not).

طبیعت از بازسازی خود در برابر این حجم از آلودگی قاصر است.

Nature is incapable of regenerating itself against this volume of pollution.

Environmental context.

ادراک بشری، به حکم تناهی، از احاطه بر نامتناهی قاصر است.

Human perception, by virtue of its finitude, is incapable of encompassing the infinite.

Highly technical philosophical Persian.

متهم مدعی بود که نه عامد، بلکه در انجام وظیفه قاصر بوده است.

The defendant claimed he was not acting with intent, but was rather negligent in his duty.

Legal distinction of intent.

واژگان در ساحت شهود، قاصر و ابتر می‌مانند.

Words remain deficient and truncated in the realm of intuition.

Mystical/Epistemological context.

اگرچه ساختار سیاسی مدعی اصلاحات است، اما در عمل از تغییر قاصر می‌نماید.

Although the political structure claims reform, in practice, it appears incapable of change.

Political science analysis.

او چنان در بند سنت بود که از درک نوآوری قاصر گشت.

He was so bound by tradition that he became incapable of understanding innovation.

Use of 'gasht' (became) for literary effect.

در این جستار، نشان خواهیم داد که چرا مدل‌های ریاضی از پیش‌بینی رفتار بازار قاصرند.

In this essay, we will show why mathematical models are incapable of predicting market behavior.

Formal academic 'we' (shāhed-e jam').

قاصر بودن از ادای حق مطلب، بزرگترین هراس هر نویسنده‌ای است.

Being unable to do justice to the subject is the greatest fear of any writer.

Gerund-like use of 'qāser budan'.

تاریخ از ثبت تمامی رنج‌های بشر قاصر است.

History is incapable of recording all of human suffering.

Universal philosophical statement.

Collocations courantes

زبان قاصر

قاصر بودن از

قلم قاصر

قاصر شناختن

ذهن قاصر

دست قاصر

قاصر ماندن

فهم قاصر

قاصر در وظیفه

بیان قاصر

Phrases Courantes

زبانم از شکرگزاری قاصر است

— I am so grateful that I cannot find the words to thank you.

واقعاً نمی‌دانم چه بگویم، زبانم از شکرگزاری قاصر است.

قاصر از توصیف

— Unable to describe something due to its magnitude.

این منظره قاصر از توصیف است.

قاصر از درک

— Incapable of understanding a complex concept.

کودک از درک مرگ قاصر است.

قاصر در امانت

— Failing to protect something entrusted to one.

او در حفظ امانت قاصر بود.

بنده قاصر

— A humble way to refer to oneself, meaning 'the deficient servant'.

این بنده قاصر جسارت می‌کند و می‌گوید...

قاصر از انجام

— Unable to execute a specific action.

او از انجام تعهدات مالی خود قاصر است.

قاصر از رویت

— Unable to see (often used for microscopic or celestial things).

چشم غیرمسلح از رویت این ذرات قاصر است.

قاصر از تبیین

— Incapable of explaining or clarifying.

علم فعلی از تبیین این پدیده قاصر است.

دستم قاصر است

— I don't have the means or reach to help or achieve something.

می‌خواستم کمک کنم اما دستم قاصر بود.

قاصر از اثبات

— Unable to prove a claim.

وکیل از اثبات بی‌گناهی موکلش قاصر ماند.

Souvent confondu avec

قاصر vs قصر (Qasr)

Means palace. Visually similar but unrelated in meaning.

قاصر vs قصور (Qusur)

The noun form (negligence). Don't say 'He is qusur'.

قاصر vs مقصر (Muqassir)

Means 'guilty'. Qāser is 'unable/negligent', Muqassir is 'at fault'.

Expressions idiomatiques

"زبان قاصر و قلم ناتوان"

— Used to say that neither speaking nor writing can convey the depth of a situation.

در برابر این فاجعه، زبان قاصر و قلم ناتوان است.

Literary

"دستم از دامنت قاصر است"

— I am unable to reach you or your high status; I am separated from you.

افسوس که دستم از دامنت قاصر است.

Poetic

"فهم قاصر ما"

— A phrase used to show humility before a great truth or a great person.

این‌ها فراتر از فهم قاصر ماست.

Academic/Religious

"قاصر از ادای حق"

— To be unable to properly honor or fulfill the requirements of a subject.

من از ادای حق این مطلب قاصرم.

Formal

"چشم قاصر"

— The inability of the physical eye to see the spiritual or the very small.

چشم قاصر ما جمال یار را نمی‌بیند.

Mystical

"پای قاصر"

— The inability to travel or reach a certain spiritual or physical destination.

با این پای قاصر به کجا می‌توان رسید؟

Literary

"قاصر در مروت"

— Failing in chivalry or manliness/generosity.

او در حق دوستش قاصر بود.

Archaic/Formal

"عقل قاصر"

— Human reason's inability to grasp the infinite.

عقل قاصر بشر به این جا نمی‌رسد.

Philosophical

"قاصر از بیان مقصود"

— Unable to convey one's true intention.

متاسفانه سخنان من از بیان مقصودم قاصر بود.

Formal

"قاصر از پویه"

— Unable to move or progress (literally 'short in running').

رهرو قاصر از پویه ماند.

Poetic

Facile à confondre

قاصر vs کوتاه

Both relate to 'short'.

Kūtāh is for physical length; Qāser is for capacity/duty.

قد او کوتاه است (He is short). زبان من قاصر است (My tongue is unable).

قاصر vs ناتوان

Both mean 'unable'.

Nātavān is neutral/physical; Qāser is formal/shortcoming.

او ناتوان از دویدن است. او از بیان حقیقت قاصر است.

قاصر vs عاجز

Both mean 'unable'.

Ājez implies total helplessness or defeat; Qāser implies falling short of a mark.

او عاجز از کمک بود.

قاصر vs نارسا

Both mean 'insufficient'.

Nārasā is usually for tools/explanations; Qāser is for the person/faculty behind them.

صدای او نارسا بود.

قاصر vs محروم

Sometimes used when one cannot reach something.

Mahrum means 'deprived'; Qāser means 'incapable/deficient'.

او از تحصیل محروم شد.

Structures de phrases

Man [Noun] qāser hastam.

Man زبان قاصر هستم.

[Faculty]-am az [Action] qāser ast.

Zabānam az goftan qāser ast.

Be dalil-e [Reason], az [Action] qāser mānd.

Be dalil-e bimāri, az tamrin qāser mānd.

[System/Theory] az [Task] qāser ast.

In nazariye az tabyin-e moshkel qāser ast.

Harchand [Effort], dar [Duty] qāser shenākhte shod.

Harchand talāsh kard, dar negahdāri qāser shenākhte shod.

[Abstract Subject] az [Infinite Task] qāser o abtar ast.

Aql az ehāte bar dāt-e haqq qāser o abtar ast.

Dast-e [Subject] az [Object] qāser ast.

Dast-e mā az dāmane u qāser ast.

Āyā [Subject] dar [Duty] qāser bude ast?

Āyā kārgar dar kār qāser bude ast?

Famille de mots

Noms

قصور (Qusur - Negligence/Shortcoming)

Verbes

قاصر بودن (Qāser budan - To be incapable/negligent)

Adjectifs

قاصر (Qāser - Incapable)

مقصر (Muqassir - Guilty/At fault)

Apparenté

قصر (Qasr - Shortening)

تقصیر (Taqsir - Fault)

کوتاهی (Kūtāhi - Shortness/Neglect)

عجز (Ajz - Helplessness)

نقص (Naqs - Defect)

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Common in formal media, rare in daily speech.

Erreurs courantes

Using 'qāser' for height. → Kūtāh
Qāser is for capacity, not physical length.
Saying 'Man qāser hastam az in kār'. → Man az anjāme in kār qāseram.
The 'az' phrase should usually come before 'qāser'.
Confusing 'qāser' with 'qasr'. → Qāser
Qasr is a palace; qāser is incapable.
Using 'qāser' in a casual text to a friend. → Nemitoonam
It sounds weirdly formal for texting.
Using 'dar' instead of 'az'. → Az
While 'dar' is sometimes used in legal texts, 'az' is the standard preposition.

Astuces

Formal Writing

Always use 'qāser' in the preface of a thesis or book to show humility regarding your research limitations.

Legal Nuance

In law, remember that 'qusur' (the noun of qāser) is often treated more leniently than 'taqsir'.

The 'Az' Rule

Never forget the preposition 'az' after 'qāser' when specifying the inability.

Humility

Using 'qāser' about yourself is a sign of high education and good manners (Adab).

The Q Sound

Practice the uvular 'Q' to avoid sounding like you are saying 'Kāser' (which means breaker).

Poetry

When reading Rumi, look for 'qāser' to find moments where he discusses the limits of human logic.

Avoid Slang

Do not mix 'qāser' with slang words like 'khafan' or 'damet garm' in the same sentence.

News Clues

If you hear 'qāser' on the news, the story is likely about a government failure or a court case.

Short vs Incompetent

Associate 'qāser' with a 'short-circuit' in ability.

Ta'arof

Use it when someone gives you a huge compliment to say 'I can't even respond to such kindness'.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Imagine a person trying to reach a high shelf (the goal) but their arms are too 'short' (qāser). They are 'falling short' of the shelf.

Association visuelle

A tongue tied in a knot, unable to speak, representing 'zaban-am qāser ast'.

Word Web

Incapable Shortcoming Negligent Formal Tongue Duty Arabic Root Humility

Défi

Try to write a formal thank-you note using 'zaban-am az tashakkor qāser ast' instead of just 'mamnun'.

Origine du mot

Borrowed from the Arabic active participle 'qāṣir' (قاصر), from the root Q-Ṣ-R (ق-ص-ر).

Sens originel : One who is short, limited, or fails to reach.

Semitic (Arabic) integrated into Indo-European (Persian).

Contexte culturel

Avoid using it in casual settings as it can sound condescending or mock-heroic if misused.

The closest English equivalent in tone is 'falling short' or 'to be at a loss for words,' but 'qāser' is much more formal.

Used frequently in the 'Shahnameh' for those unable to match a hero. Common in the speeches of Iranian politicians when apologizing. Found in the mystical poetry of Hafez regarding the divine.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Formal Apologies

زبانم قاصر است
عذرخواهی بابت قصور
قاصر از جبران
شرمنده از ناتوانی

Legal Proceedings

قاصر شناخته شد
قصور در وظیفه
عدم تقصیر
اثبات قاصر بودن

Literary Description

قلم قاصر
وصف قاصر
بیان قاصر
فهم قاصر

Academic Critique

قاصر از تبیین
مدل قاصر
نظریه قاصر
تحلیل قاصر

Religious Humility

بنده قاصر
عقل قاصر بشر
قاصر از درک ذات
عبادت قاصر

Amorces de conversation

"آیا تا به حال شده که زبانتان از بیان احساسی قاصر باشد؟"

"فکر می‌کنید چرا برخی از قوانین در برابر مجرمان قاصر هستند؟"

"در چه مواردی یک مدیر را 'قاصر' می‌نامیم؟"

"آیا علم روزی می‌تواند به جایی برسد که دیگر از توضیح هیچ پدیده‌ای قاصر نباشد؟"

"تفاوت بین یک فرد 'قاصر' و 'مقصر' در ذهن شما چیست؟"

Sujets d'écriture

لحظه‌ای را توصیف کنید که زیبایی طبیعت باعث شد زبانتان از وصف آن قاصر بماند.

در مورد زمانی بنویسید که در انجام وظیفه‌ای قاصر بودید و چه درسی از آن گرفتید.

آیا فکر می‌کنید زبان انسانی از بیان حقیقت مطلق قاصر است؟ چرا؟

تحلیلی بنویسید درباره اینکه چرا برخی سیستم‌های آموزشی از کشف استعدادها قاصرند.

نامه‌ای رسمی بنویسید و در آن با استفاده از کلمه 'قاصر' بابت یک کوتاهی عذرخواهی کنید.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

No, 'qāser' is never used for physical height. Use 'kūtāh' for that. 'Qāser' is only for abilities, duties, or metaphorical reach.

It depends. In a legal context, yes, it means you were negligent. In a poetic context, it can be positive or neutral, showing humility (e.g., 'I am so moved I can't speak').

'Qāser' is someone who fails due to a lack of ability or unintentional neglect. 'Muqassir' is someone who is guilty or at fault, often implying intent or greater blame.

The most common way is 'Zabānam az bayān-e in matlab qāser ast' (My tongue is unable to express this matter).

In formal settings like offices, universities, or on TV, yes. On the street or in a cafe, you will almost never hear it.

Yes, but usually abstract objects like a 'theory,' a 'book,' or a 'law' that is 'incapable' of doing something.

In very formal Arabic-style Persian, you might see 'qāserin,' but in standard Persian, we just use the singular or add 'hā'.

It comes from the Arabic root Q-S-R, which means to be short or to limit.

No, for technical terms like that, Persian uses different words like 'etesāli'.

Yes, it is a shared formal word across the Persian-speaking world due to its literary and religious roots.

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