Meaning
A very important and essential part or function in a situation.
Cultural Background
In Iranian offices, calling someone 'Naqsh-e Kelidi' is a way to publicly validate their expertise, which is crucial for their social standing (Abero). News outlets like IRNA and ISNA use this phrase daily to describe diplomatic relations, especially with neighboring countries like Oman or Qatar. In Iranian universities, students are taught to use this phrase in 'Moghaddameh' (introductions) of their theses to justify their research topic. When the national football team (Team Melli) wins, the 'key role' of the coach or a specific player is discussed for days in cafes and on social media.
Use 'Ifa Kardan'
To sound like a native professional, always pair 'Naqsh-e Kelidi' with 'Ifa Kardan' (ایفا کردن) instead of 'Dashtan'.
Don't over-use
If everything is a 'key role,' nothing is. Save it for the top 1-2 most important factors.
Meaning
A very important and essential part or function in a situation.
Use 'Ifa Kardan'
To sound like a native professional, always pair 'Naqsh-e Kelidi' with 'Ifa Kardan' (ایفا کردن) instead of 'Dashtan'.
Don't over-use
If everything is a 'key role,' nothing is. Save it for the top 1-2 most important factors.
Ta'arof Context
If someone says you have a key role, it's polite to deflect slightly by saying 'لطف دارید' (You are kind) before accepting the praise.
Academic Writing
This is a 'safe' phrase for any formal essay. It never sounds out of place in a university setting.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the phrase.
تکنولوژی در دنیای امروز نقش _______ ایفا میکند.
We need the adjective form 'کلیدی' to modify 'نقش'.
Which verb is most appropriate for a formal context?
او نقش کلیدی در شرکت _______.
'ایفا کردن' is the standard formal verb for playing a role.
Match the Persian phrase with its English equivalent.
Match the following:
Each adjective adds a specific nuance to the importance of the role.
Complete the dialogue using 'نقش کلیدی'.
مدیر: چرا این پروژه موفق شد؟ کارمند: چون تیم تحقیق و توسعه _______.
The team 'had' (dasht) a key role.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Importance Levels
Practice Bank
4 exercisesتکنولوژی در دنیای امروز نقش _______ ایفا میکند.
We need the adjective form 'کلیدی' to modify 'نقش'.
او نقش کلیدی در شرکت _______.
'ایفا کردن' is the standard formal verb for playing a role.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Each adjective adds a specific nuance to the importance of the role.
مدیر: چرا این پروژه موفق شد؟ کارمند: چون تیم تحقیق و توسعه _______.
The team 'had' (dasht) a key role.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, you can say someone played a 'key role' in a disaster or a failure, though it's more common for positive achievements.
It is always 'Kelidi' (adjective). 'Kelid' is the noun 'key'.
نقشهای کلیدی (Naqsh-haye Kelidi).
Yes, it is widely understood and used in Dari (Afghanistan) and Tajiki (Tajikistan), though Tajiki might use different verbs.
Absolutely. 'The internet has a key role in communication.'
Yes, 'Mohem' just means important. 'Kelidi' implies it is the *essential* piece of the puzzle.
او نقش کلیدی ندارد (u naqsh-e kelidi nadarad).
You can say 'نقش بسیار کلیدی' (naqsh-e besyar kelidi), but 'kelidi' is already quite strong.
Modern poetry, yes. Classical poetry uses 'Naqsh' but rarely with 'Kelidi' in this specific way.
'Asasi' means fundamental/basic. 'Kelidi' feels more like a catalyst or a solution.
Related Phrases
نقش آفرینی
similarTo play a role/perform
ستون فقرات
synonymBackbone
حرف اول را زدن
idiomTo have the final say / To be the most important
نقش فرعی
contrastSupporting role / Minor role
عنصر حیاتی
similarVital element
