Meaning
The part of the economy controlled by the government.
Cultural Background
In Iran, the public sector is the largest employer. Working for the government often comes with 'Kupen' (coupons) or special discounts for basic goods, especially in the past. The 'Bakhsh-e Dolati' in Afghanistan has undergone massive changes. After 2021, the structure and female participation in this sector changed significantly. In Tajikistan, the term is also used, but 'بخش دولتی' often carries a legacy of the Soviet planned economy. Iranians living abroad often compare the 'Public Sector' of their host country (like the NHS in the UK) to the 'بخش دولتی' in Iran to explain concepts to their parents.
The 'Security' Keyword
When talking about 'بخش دولتی', always mention 'امنیت شغلی' (job security). They are culturally inseparable.
Don't say 'Governmental Part'
While it translates literally, always use 'Public Sector' in your head to get the right context.
Meaning
The part of the economy controlled by the government.
The 'Security' Keyword
When talking about 'بخش دولتی', always mention 'امنیت شغلی' (job security). They are culturally inseparable.
Don't say 'Governmental Part'
While it translates literally, always use 'Public Sector' in your head to get the right context.
Use with 'خصوصیسازی'
If you want to sound like a B2/C1 speaker, use 'بخش دولتی' in the context of 'خصوصیسازی' (privatization).
The 'Official' Feel
Using this phrase makes you sound educated and aware of how the country works.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the phrase.
بسیاری از مردم به دلیل امنیت شغلی، کار در _______ را ترجیح میدهند.
Job security (amniyat-e shoghli) is the hallmark of the public sector.
Which of the following is the antonym of 'بخش دولتی'?
متضاد 'بخش دولتی' کدام است؟
'Bakhsh-e Khosousi' means private sector, which is the direct opposite.
Complete the dialogue.
شخص الف: کجا استخدام شدی؟ شخص ب: در یک وزارتخانه، در واقع وارد _______ شدم.
Ministries (Vezaratkhaneh) are part of the public sector.
Match the headline to the topic.
Headline: 'خصوصیسازی نیروگاهها آغاز شد'
Privatization (khosousi-sazi) means moving from the public to the private sector.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Public vs Private Sector
What's in the Public Sector?
Services
- • Public Hospitals
- • Schools
- • Police
Entities
- • Ministries
- • Central Bank
- • National Oil Co.
Practice Bank
4 exercisesبسیاری از مردم به دلیل امنیت شغلی، کار در _______ را ترجیح میدهند.
Job security (amniyat-e shoghli) is the hallmark of the public sector.
متضاد 'بخش دولتی' کدام است؟
'Bakhsh-e Khosousi' means private sector, which is the direct opposite.
شخص الف: کجا استخدام شدی؟ شخص ب: در یک وزارتخانه، در واقع وارد _______ شدم.
Ministries (Vezaratkhaneh) are part of the public sector.
Headline: 'خصوصیسازی نیروگاهها آغاز شد'
Privatization (khosousi-sazi) means moving from the public to the private sector.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNot exactly. 'The government' (دولت) is the political body, while 'بخش دولتی' is the economic and administrative sector it controls.
Yes, if the government owns it, it is technically in the 'بخش دولتی', but usually, we use it for larger entities.
You can say 'من کارمند دولت هستم' or 'من در بخش دولتی کار میکنم'.
Yes, 'کارمند دولت' is a neutral and respectful term.
The opposite is 'بخش خصوصی' (private sector).
Mainly due to the nationalization of the oil industry and major infrastructure.
They are equally formal, but 'بخش عمومی' is slightly more academic and broader.
Yes, it's the Ezafe. Without it, the phrase is grammatically incorrect.
The military is technically part of the state, but it's usually referred to as 'بخش نظامی' or 'نیروهای مسلح'.
Yes, though they might also use 'بخش دولتی' with a slightly different accent.
Related Phrases
بخش خصوصی
contrastPrivate sector
بخش عمومی
similarPublic sector (broad)
کارمند دولت
specialized formGovernment employee
خصوصیسازی
builds onPrivatization
نیمهدولتی
specialized formSemi-governmental
