When you hear the Persian word "کبیر" (kabir), it might initially sound a bit formal or even grand, and that's because it carries a sense of importance and maturity. While it literally translates to "great" or "large," in the context of people, it often implies someone who has reached full maturity or is of advanced age, signifying an elder or a respected grown-up. It's not just about physical age, but also about the wisdom and experience that come with it. Think of it as conveying a sense of being fully developed and established, often used to show reverence.
§ Understanding 'Kabir' (کبیر)
The Persian word "کبیر" (kabir) is an adjective. It's often used to describe someone who is an adult, meaning fully grown or developed. Think of it as the opposite of a child or a minor. It's a B1 level word, so it's quite common and useful in everyday conversation.
- Persian Word
- کبیر (kabir)
- Part of Speech
- Adjective
- CEFR Level
- B1
- Definition
- Adult; a person who is fully grown or developed.
§ How to Use 'Kabir' in a Sentence
Like most adjectives in Persian, "کبیر" usually comes after the noun it describes. You can also use it with a linking verb like "است" (ast - is) or "بود" (bood - was).
او یک فرد کبیر است.
*Literal Hint: He one person adult is. (He is an adult person.)
In this example, "فرد کبیر" means "adult person."
این تصمیم باید توسط افراد کبیر گرفته شود.
*Literal Hint: This decision must by people adult taken be. (This decision must be made by adults.)
§ Common Phrases and Usage
While "کبیر" directly means adult, in some contexts, more common phrases are used. However, it's good to know "کبیر" especially in more formal or written contexts.
When referring to the age of legal majority, you might hear:
سن کبیر شدن ۱۸ سال است.
*Literal Hint: Age adult becoming 18 year is. (The age of becoming an adult is 18 years.)
You can use it to distinguish between an adult and a child:
این فیلم فقط برای افراد کبیر مناسب است.
*Literal Hint: This film only for people adult suitable is. (This film is only suitable for adults.)
§ Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don't confuse "کبیر" with "بزرگ" (bozorg). While "بزرگ" can also mean "grown-up" or "big," "کبیر" specifically refers to the state of being an adult, especially in a legal or developmental sense. "بزرگ" is more general and can mean large in size, or important.
او یک درخت بزرگ دید. (He saw a big tree.)
Here, "بزرگ" refers to the size of the tree, not its maturity in the human sense.
While you could say "شخص کبیر" (shakhs-e kabir - adult person), sometimes simply using "بزرگسال" (bozorgsaal - adult) is more common in spoken Persian when referring to adults in general contexts. However, "کبیر" is definitely understood and used.
In Persian, the adjective "کبیر" (kabir) means 'adult' or 'grown-up.' While it might seem straightforward, understanding its nuances and when to use it over other similar words is key to sounding natural. Let's break down when to use "کبیر" and explore some alternatives.
§ Understanding 'کبیر' (Kabir)
"کبیر" (kabir) fundamentally describes someone who has reached full physical and mental maturity. It's often used in formal contexts or when emphasizing the status of being a fully developed individual, rather than just an older person. Think of it as 'a grown individual' rather than just 'old.'
- DEFINITION
- Adult; a person who is fully grown or developed.
او یک فرد کبیر و مسئولیتپذیر است.
Translation hint: He is a grown-up and responsible person.
تصمیمگیریهای کبیر باید با دقت انجام شود.
Translation hint: Adult decisions should be made carefully.
§ Alternatives to 'کبیر' and When to Use Them
§ ۱. بالغ (bālegh) - Mature, Pubescent
This is perhaps the closest synonym to "کبیر," but it often carries a stronger connotation of reaching puberty or sexual maturity. It's frequently used in religious and legal contexts to refer to someone who has reached the age of responsibility. While "کبیر" implies a broader sense of being fully grown, "بالغ" specifically points to the onset of adulthood, often with legal implications.
- Use "بالغ" when the context emphasizes legal or religious maturity, or the physiological stage of puberty.
او به سن بلوغ رسیده است.
Translation hint: He has reached the age of maturity (puberty).
§ ۲. بزرگ (bozorg) - Big, Large, Grown-up, Old
"بزرگ" is a much more general term. It can mean 'big,' 'large,' 'grown-up,' or 'old.' When referring to people, it can mean 'adult' in a very general sense, or simply 'older.' It doesn't carry the same formal weight or specific nuance of full development as "کبیر."
- Use "بزرگ" when you want to generally say 'grown-up' or 'older' without emphasizing full maturity or legal status. It's much more common in everyday conversation.
وقتی بزرگ شدم، دکتر میشوم.
Translation hint: When I grow up, I will become a doctor.
او از من بزرگتر است.
Translation hint: He is older than me.
§ ۳. سن قانونی (senn-e qānuni) - Legal Age
While not an adjective, this phrase is crucial when discussing the concept of being an adult from a legal standpoint. It directly translates to 'legal age.'
- Use "سن قانونی" when explicitly referring to the age at which a person gains full legal rights and responsibilities.
او به سن قانونی رسیده است.
Translation hint: He has reached legal age.
§ Key Takeaways
- "کبیر" (kabir) is best for formal contexts where you want to emphasize full physical and mental development. It carries a sense of gravitas and responsibility.
- "بالغ" (bālegh) is often used when discussing puberty, sexual maturity, or legal/religious responsibility for one's actions.
- "بزرگ" (bozorg) is the most common and general term for 'grown-up' or 'older' in everyday conversation.
- "سن قانونی" (senn-e qānuni) is the direct term for 'legal age' and is used in legal discussions.
By understanding these differences, you can choose the most appropriate word to convey the precise meaning of 'adult' in various Persian contexts.
How Formal Is It?
"افراد بالغ باید مسئولیتپذیر باشند. (Afrād-e bālegh bāyad mas'uliyat-pazir bāshand.) - Adults should be responsible."
"این فیلم برای تماشای بزرگسالان مناسب است. (In film barā-ye tamāshā-ye bozorgsālān monāseb ast.) - This movie is suitable for adult viewing."
"دیگه گنده شدی، باید خودت از پس کارات بربیای. (Dige gonde shodi, bāyad khodet az pas-e kārāt bar-biyāy.) - You're big now, you should be able to handle your own stuff."
"وقتی بزرگ شدم، میخوام دکتر بشم. (Vaghti bozorg shodam, mikhām doktor besham.) - When I grow up, I want to be a doctor."
"اینا همهشون خرابکارن، حرفشون رو باور نکن. (Inā hame-shun kharābkāran, harfeshun ro bāvar nakon.) - They're all troublemakers, don't believe what they say. (Note: This is a highly informal and negative slang, implying someone who is an 'adult' but acts irresponsibly or destructively.)"
豆知識
The word 'کبیر' (kabir) is also used in Arabic and is a root for many other words related to greatness or age.
レベル別の例文
او یک مرد کبیر است.
He is an adult man.
ما همه افراد کبیر هستیم.
We are all adult people.
دختر او حالا کبیر است.
His daughter is adult now.
فقط افراد کبیر میتوانند رانندگی کنند.
Only adult people can drive.
این فیلم برای کبیرهاست.
This movie is for adults.
او یک زن کبیر و مستقل است.
She is an adult and independent woman.
من دیگر کبیر هستم.
I am an adult now.
آنها کبیر و مسئول هستند.
They are adult and responsible.
او یک فرد کبیر و مسئولیتپذیر است.
He is an adult and responsible person.
تصمیمگیریهای کبیر باید با دقت انجام شود.
Adult decisions should be made carefully.
کودکان وقتی بزرگ میشوند، کبیر میشوند.
Children become adults when they grow up.
برای شرکت در این رویداد باید کبیر باشید.
To participate in this event, you must be an adult.
او در خانواده خود تنها فرد کبیر است.
He is the only adult in his family.
کبیر بودن به معنای داشتن استقلال است.
Being an adult means having independence.
ما به نظرات افراد کبیر احترام میگذاریم.
We respect the opinions of adults.
این فیلم برای تماشای افراد کبیر مناسب است.
This movie is suitable for adult viewing.
使い方
Usage Notes:
While both "کبیر" (kabir) and "بالغ" (bâlegh) can translate to "adult" in English, their usage in Persian differs slightly.
کبیر (kabir) is often used to refer to someone who has reached full physical maturity, emphasizing their growth and development. It can also carry a connotation of being senior or having a certain gravitas due to age. You might hear it in contexts like "مرد کبیر" (mard-e kabir) meaning "a grown man" or "یک شخص کبیر" (yek shakhs-e kabir) for "a mature person."
بالغ (bâlegh) is more commonly used in legal or official contexts to denote someone who has reached the age of majority and is legally responsible for their actions. For example, "فرد بالغ" (fard-e bâlegh) means "an adult individual" in a legal sense, or "او بالغ است" (u bâlegh ast) means "he/she is of age."
Common Mistakes:
1. Using "کبیر" for legal adulthood: While "کبیر" implies maturity, it's generally not the best choice when referring to legal age or the age of majority. In such cases, "بالغ" (bâlegh) is more appropriate.
- Incorrect: "او کبیر است و میتواند رای دهد." (U kabir ast va mitavânad rây dahad.) - He is mature and can vote. (While understandable, "بالغ" is better for legal voting age.)
- Correct: "او بالغ است و میتواند رای دهد." (U bâlegh ast va mitavânad rây dahad.) - He is an adult and can vote.
2. Overusing "کبیر" in casual conversation: "کبیر" can sound a bit formal or even literary. For a simple, general reference to an adult, especially in everyday conversation, Persian speakers often use descriptive phrases like "آدم بزرگ" (âdam-e bozorg - literally "big person") or simply imply adulthood through context.
- While not strictly incorrect, saying "آن مرد کبیر را دیدی؟" (Ân mard-e kabir râ didi?) - Did you see that grown man? might sound a bit formal.
- More natural: "آن آدم بزرگ را دیدی؟" (Ân âdam-e bozorg râ didi?) - Did you see that grown-up?
3. Confusing with "بزرگ" (bozorg): While "کبیر" implies being grown, "بزرگ" (bozorg) means "big" or "large." While a "grown-up" is often a "big person," they are not interchangeable.
- "درخت بزرگ" (derakht-e bozorg) - a big tree.
- "کوه کبیر" (kuh-e kabir) - a great mountain (here "کبیر" means great/grand, not necessarily fully grown).
暗記しよう
記憶術
Imagine a 'cab' (کب) pulling up to a 'beer' (یر) garden. Only 'adults' can enter and drink beer. So, 'kabir' means adult.
視覚的連想
Picture a very tall, fully grown man, perhaps with a beard, representing an 'adult'. He's standing next to a small, young child. The contrast helps to solidify the meaning of 'adult'.
Word Web
チャレンジ
Try to use 'کبیر' in three different sentences describing adults you know or situations where being an adult is relevant. For example: 'پدر من یک مرد کبیر است.' (My father is an adult man.)
語源
Arabic
元の意味： great, large, grown up
Semitic文化的な背景
In Persian culture, respect for elders is very important. Using words like 'کبیر' can subtly convey this respect, though it's more commonly used in formal or literary contexts. For everyday speech, 'بزرگسال' (bozorgsâl) is a more common and neutral term for 'adult'.
実生活で練習する
実際の使用場面
Describing someone who has reached adulthood:
- او یک فرد کبیر و مسئولیتپذیر است.
- She is a grown-up and responsible person.
- حالا که کبیر شده، میتواند خودش تصمیم بگیرد.
- Now that he is an adult, he can make his own decisions.
Referring to legal age or maturity:
- برای رای دادن باید کبیر باشید.
- You must be an adult to vote.
- او هنوز کبیر نشده است.
- He is not yet an adult.
In discussions about growth and development:
- این گیاه تا کبیر شدن نیاز به مراقبت دارد.
- This plant needs care until it is fully grown.
- کودکان به سرعت کبیر میشوند.
- Children grow up quickly.
When talking about an experienced or mature individual:
- او یک هنرمند کبیر در زمینه خود است.
- He is a mature artist in his field.
- باید به حرف یک آدم کبیر گوش کرد.
- One should listen to a grown-up person.
In formal or literary contexts to denote greatness or importance (less common for 'adult'):
- شاعر کبیر ایران، حافظ.
- The great poet of Iran, Hafez.
- این یک تصمیم کبیر برای آینده ماست.
- This is a major decision for our future.
会話のきっかけ
"آیا در کشور شما، سن کبیر شدن چقدر است؟ (What is the age of adulthood in your country?)"
"وقتی کبیر شدید، اولین کاری که کردید چه بود؟ (When you became an adult, what was the first thing you did?)"
"به نظر شما چه چیزی باعث میشود یک نفر واقعاً کبیر شود؟ (In your opinion, what makes someone truly an adult?)"
"آیا فکر میکنید بعضی افراد هرگز به معنای واقعی کبیر نمیشوند؟ (Do you think some people never truly become adults?)"
"تفاوتهای کبیر بودن در فرهنگ شما با فرهنگهای دیگر چیست؟ (What are the differences in being an adult in your culture compared to other cultures?)"
日記のテーマ
درباره مسئولیتهایی که با کبیر شدن به شما اضافه شد بنویسید. (Write about the responsibilities that came with becoming an adult.)
یک خاطره از زمانی که حس کردید برای اولین بار کبیر شدید، توصیف کنید. (Describe a memory from when you felt like you became an adult for the first time.)
آیا انتظارات شما از کبیر شدن با واقعیت تفاوت داشت؟ چگونه؟ (Did your expectations of adulthood differ from reality? How so?)
در مورد مزایا و معایب کبیر بودن از دیدگاه خودتان بنویسید. (Write about the advantages and disadvantages of being an adult from your perspective.)
اگر میتوانستید به خودِ کوچکترتان توصیهای در مورد کبیر شدن بدهید، چه میگفتید؟ (If you could give advice to your younger self about growing up, what would you say?)
自分をテスト 30 問
Write a short sentence using 'کبیر' (kabir) to describe a grown person. For example, 'او یک فرد کبیر است' (He is an adult person).
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
او یک مرد کبیر است. (He is a grown man.)
Describe yourself using 'کبیر' if you are an adult. For example, 'من یک فرد کبیر هستم' (I am an adult person).
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
من یک زن کبیر هستم. (I am a grown woman.)
Write a sentence saying 'They are adults.' using 'کبیر' and 'هستند'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
آنها افراد کبیر هستند. (They are adult people.)
این مرد چگونه است؟ (How is this man?)
Read this passage:
او یک مرد کبیر است. او بزرگ و قوی است. (He is a grown man. He is big and strong.)
این مرد چگونه است؟ (How is this man?)
The passage states 'او بزرگ و قوی است' (He is big and strong).
The passage states 'او بزرگ و قوی است' (He is big and strong).
چه کسی کبیر است؟ (Who is adult?)
Read this passage:
آیا شما یک فرد کبیر هستید؟ (Are you an adult person?)
چه کسی کبیر است؟ (Who is adult?)
The question asks 'Are *you* an adult person?', referring to 'شما' (you).
The question asks 'Are *you* an adult person?', referring to 'شما' (you).
چه کسی کار میکند؟ (Who works?)
Read this passage:
من یک فرد کبیر هستم. من کار میکنم. (I am an adult person. I work.)
چه کسی کار میکند؟ (Who works?)
The passage says 'من کار میکنم' (I work), referring to 'من' (I).
The passage says 'من کار میکنم' (I work), referring to 'من' (I).
Which of these describes someone who is 'کبیر'?
The word 'کبیر' means adult or fully grown.
In Persian, how would you refer to a grown person?
'کبیر' is the Persian word for an adult.
Which sentence correctly uses 'کبیر'?
'کبیر' refers to a grown human.
A 'کبیر' is a very young person.
'کبیر' refers to an adult, not a young person.
If someone is 'کبیر', they are fully grown.
The definition of 'کبیر' is fully grown or developed.
You can use 'کبیر' to describe an infant.
'کبیر' is used for adults, not infants.
He is a grown man.
Only adults can vote.
After 18 years old, you are considered an adult.
Read this aloud:
آیا شما یک فرد کبیر هستید؟
Focus: کبیر (kabir)
あなたの回答：
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Read this aloud:
کبیر بودن چه معنایی دارد؟
Focus: معنایی (ma'nāi)
あなたの回答：
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Read this aloud:
یک فرد کبیر باید مسئولیت پذیر باشد.
Focus: مسئولیت پذیر (mas'ūliyat-pazīr)
あなたの回答：
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او یک مرد ___ و مسئولیتپذیر است.
The sentence describes someone who is responsible, implying maturity. 'کبیر' means adult or fully grown.
برای ورود به این باشگاه، باید یک فرد ___ باشید.
The context of entering a club often implies an age requirement, making 'کبیر' (adult) the most suitable word.
تصمیمات مهم زندگی را باید با مشورت افراد ___ گرفت.
Important life decisions are usually made with the advice of mature, fully grown individuals, which aligns with the meaning of 'کبیر'.
او با وجود سن کم، بسیار ___ و با تجربه به نظر میرسد.
The sentence suggests a contrast: despite being young, the person seems mature and experienced. 'کبیر' (adult/fully grown) fits this meaning.
این مرکز فقط خدمات به افراد ___ ارائه میدهد.
A center providing services implies serving a specific demographic, and 'کبیر' (adult) is a common classification for service provision.
برای شرکت در این کلاس، حداقل سن ___ است.
When discussing minimum age for a class, 'کبیر' implies the age of adulthood or being fully grown.
Imagine you are talking about someone who has just become an adult. Describe their new responsibilities using the word 'کبیر' (kabir).
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
او حالا یک فرد کبیر است و مسئولیتهای جدیدی در زندگی دارد. باید برای آیندهاش تصمیمات مهمی بگیرد. (He is now an adult and has new responsibilities in life. He has to make important decisions for his future.)
Write a short paragraph about the differences in expectations for a 'کبیر' (kabir) versus a child in Iranian culture.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
در فرهنگ ایرانی، انتظارات از یک فرد کبیر با یک کودک بسیار متفاوت است. از کبیر انتظار میرود که مستقل باشد و بتواند مشکلاتش را حل کند، در حالی که کودک به حمایت نیاز دارد. (In Iranian culture, expectations for an adult are very different from a child. An adult is expected to be independent and able to solve their problems, while a child needs support.)
You are writing a caption for a photo of a family gathering. How would you use 'کبیر' (kabir) to describe the older, grown-up members of the family?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
در جمع خانواده، همه اعضای کبیر دور هم جمع شدهاند و از همصحبتی لذت میبرند. (In the family gathering, all the adult members are together and enjoying each other's company.)
بر اساس متن، این فرد در حال حاضر چه خصوصیاتی دارد؟ (Based on the text, what characteristics does this person currently have?)
Read this passage:
او در سالهای اخیر از یک نوجوان بازیگوش به یک مرد کبیر و مسئولیتپذیر تبدیل شده است. اکنون او تصمیمات مهم زندگی خود را میگیرد و به آینده نگاه میکند. (In recent years, he has transformed from a playful teenager into a grown-up and responsible man. Now he makes important life decisions and looks to the future.)
بر اساس متن، این فرد در حال حاضر چه خصوصیاتی دارد؟ (Based on the text, what characteristics does this person currently have?)
متن به صراحت بیان میکند که او به یک مرد کبیر و مسئولیتپذیر تبدیل شده است. (The text explicitly states that he has become an adult and responsible man.)
متن به صراحت بیان میکند که او به یک مرد کبیر و مسئولیتپذیر تبدیل شده است. (The text explicitly states that he has become an adult and responsible man.)
چرا توجه به نیازهای افراد کبیر در این جامعه مهم است؟ (Why is paying attention to the needs of adults important in this society?)
Read this passage:
در جامعهای که جوانان بخش عمدهای از جمعیت را تشکیل میدهند، توجه به نیازهای افراد کبیر برای برنامهریزیهای اجتماعی و اقتصادی اهمیت زیادی دارد. (In a society where youth constitute a large part of the population, paying attention to the needs of adults is very important for social and economic planning.)
چرا توجه به نیازهای افراد کبیر در این جامعه مهم است؟ (Why is paying attention to the needs of adults important in this society?)
متن به وضوح میگوید که توجه به نیازهای افراد کبیر برای برنامهریزیهای اجتماعی و اقتصادی اهمیت دارد. (The text clearly states that paying attention to the needs of adults is important for social and economic planning.)
متن به وضوح میگوید که توجه به نیازهای افراد کبیر برای برنامهریزیهای اجتماعی و اقتصادی اهمیت دارد. (The text clearly states that paying attention to the needs of adults is important for social and economic planning.)
کدام یک از این اقدامات نشاندهنده استقلال او به عنوان یک فرد کبیر است؟ (Which of these actions indicates his independence as an adult?)
Read this passage:
پس از فارغالتحصیلی از دانشگاه، او احساس کرد که دیگر یک فرد کبیر است و باید مستقل زندگی کند. او به دنبال شغل گشت و خانهای برای خود اجاره کرد. (After graduating from university, he felt that he was now an adult and had to live independently. He looked for a job and rented a house for himself.)
کدام یک از این اقدامات نشاندهنده استقلال او به عنوان یک فرد کبیر است؟ (Which of these actions indicates his independence as an adult?)
جستجوی شغل و اجاره خانه، اقدامات عملی برای زندگی مستقل هستند و نشاندهنده استقلال فرد کبیر است. (Looking for a job and renting a house are practical actions for independent living and indicate the independence of an adult.)
جستجوی شغل و اجاره خانه، اقدامات عملی برای زندگی مستقل هستند و نشاندهنده استقلال فرد کبیر است. (Looking for a job and renting a house are practical actions for independent living and indicate the independence of an adult.)
/ 30 correct
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関連コンテンツ
familyの関連語
عاقد
B1Marriage officiant.
عضو بودن
B1To be a member (of a family).
عقد
B1Marriage contract; formal engagement ceremony.
عقد کردن
B1To get married; to formalize a marriage contract.
عمه
A1Paternal aunt; the sister of one's father.
عمه زاده
B1Paternal cousin (child of paternal aunt).
عمهزاده
B1Paternal aunt's child (cousin).
عمو
A1Paternal uncle; the brother of one's father.
عموزاده
A2A cousin (child of one's paternal uncle).
عنایت
B1Care; attention; favor; consideration.
