Meaning
In exchange for something, or regarding a particular matter.
Cultural Background
The concept of 'Mas'uliyat' (Responsibility) is often discussed in Iranian schools as a religious and civic duty. 'در قبال' is the key phrase used in these textbooks. In Iranian bazaars, trust is high, but formal contracts (using 'dar qabal') are becoming standard in modern tech and corporate sectors in Tehran. Iranian law is a mix of civil law and Islamic jurisprudence. 'در قبال' is used to define the 'Eqvaz' (consideration) in a contract. On Iranian Twitter/X, activists use 'در قبال' to hold officials accountable, often using the hashtag #پاسخگو_باشید (Be accountable).
The Responsibility Rule
Whenever you use the word 'مسئول' (responsible), automatically think of 'در قبال'. They are best friends in Persian grammar.
Don't forget the Ezafe
It's 'dar qabāl-e'. Without that 'e' sound at the end, the sentence will sound broken.
Meaning
In exchange for something, or regarding a particular matter.
The Responsibility Rule
Whenever you use the word 'مسئول' (responsible), automatically think of 'در قبال'. They are best friends in Persian grammar.
Don't forget the Ezafe
It's 'dar qabāl-e'. Without that 'e' sound at the end, the sentence will sound broken.
Ta'arof Check
If someone does you a favor, don't say 'I'll do something in exchange for (dar qabal) this.' It sounds too transactional. Just say 'Jobrān mikonam' (I will compensate/return the favor).
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct phrase.
ما همه در _______ حفظِ جنگلها مسئول هستیم.
When talking about responsibility (مسئول), 'در قبال' is the most appropriate formal choice.
Which sentence is the most formal and correct for a business contract?
How to say: 'In exchange for the payment, the car is delivered.'
This uses formal vocabulary (وجه, خودرو, تحویل) and the formal preposition 'در قبال'.
Match the Persian phrase with its English equivalent context.
Match the following:
All these pairs correctly reflect the different senses of 'در قبال'.
Complete the dialogue between a boss and an employee.
Boss: چرا این گزارش اشتباه است؟ Employee: متاسفم، من _______ این اشتباه پاسخگو هستم.
'پاسخگو' (accountable) is almost always paired with 'در قبال'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Formal vs Informal Exchange
Practice Bank
4 exercisesما همه در _______ حفظِ جنگلها مسئول هستیم.
When talking about responsibility (مسئول), 'در قبال' is the most appropriate formal choice.
How to say: 'In exchange for the payment, the car is delivered.'
This uses formal vocabulary (وجه, خودرو, تحویل) and the formal preposition 'در قبال'.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
All these pairs correctly reflect the different senses of 'در قبال'.
Boss: چرا این گزارش اشتباه است؟ Employee: متاسفم، من _______ این اشتباه پاسخگو هستم.
'پاسخگو' (accountable) is almost always paired with 'در قبال'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, but mostly in serious discussions, news, or work environments. It's rare in casual 'chitchat'.
Only if 'for' means 'in exchange for'. You can't use it for 'This gift is for you'.
'Dar barabar' often implies a comparison or standing against something, while 'dar qabal' is more about the exchange or duty itself.
The words are Arabic-rooted, but the construction 'dar qabal-e' is uniquely Persian.
You say 'پاسخگو در قبالِ قانون' (pāsokhgoo dar qabāl-e qānoon).
Technically yes, but 'dar avaz' is much more natural for 'instead'.
No, it is a fixed prepositional phrase.
Yes, classical and modern poets use it to discuss fate, love, and moral debt.
The verb 'بودن' (to be), specifically in 'مسئول بودن' (to be responsible).
Only if you are texting about something serious, like a business deal or a deep apology.
Related Phrases
در برابر
synonymIn front of / against / in exchange for
در عوض
similarInstead / in exchange
به ازای
specialized formPer / in exchange for (unit-based)
نسبت به
similarRegarding / compared to
پاسخگو بودن
builds onTo be accountable
