عهد
عهد in 30 Seconds
- Ahd means a solemn promise or covenant, used in formal and serious contexts like marriage or legal treaties.
- It also refers to a historical era or epoch, often linked to a specific ruler or significant event.
- Commonly paired with 'bastan' (to bind/make) and 'vafa kardan' (to fulfill) in the sense of a promise.
- Essential for formal Persian, classical literature, and discussing history with precision and ethical depth.
The Persian word عهد (pronounced 'ahd') is a multifaceted noun that carries significant weight in both historical and contemporary contexts. At its core, it refers to a solemn promise, a covenant, or a formal agreement between parties. However, its usage extends far beyond a simple 'promise' (which is often 'ghowl' in everyday speech). When a Persian speaker uses 'ahd', they are often invoking a sense of permanence, duty, and high-level commitment. It is the kind of word used in legal documents, marriage vows, and international treaties. Furthermore, 'ahd' has a temporal dimension, referring to a specific era, epoch, or period in history, often defined by the reign of a particular monarch or a significant cultural shift.
- Formal Covenant
- In legal and theological contexts, 'ahd' represents a binding agreement. In Islamic theology, the 'Ahd-e Alast' refers to the primordial covenant between God and humanity. In a modern sense, 'ahd-nameh' translates to a treaty or a written covenant.
- Historical Era
- When used with a proper noun or adjective, it denotes a period of time. For example, 'Ahd-e Qajar' refers to the Qajar era. It implies a distinct slice of history characterized by specific social and political conditions.
ما با هم عهد بستیم که تا پایان راه در کنار هم بمانیم.
In literature, particularly in the works of Hafez and Saadi, 'ahd' is frequently used to describe the relationship between the lover and the beloved, or the devotee and the divine. To 'break an ahd' (ahd-shekani) is considered a grave moral failing. The word carries an emotional and ethical gravity that 'ghowl' lacks. While you might give your 'ghowl' to meet someone for coffee, you make an 'ahd' to remain faithful for a lifetime. This distinction is crucial for C1 learners who wish to master the nuances of Persian register.
در عهد باستان، پادشاهان بر اساس عدل و داد حکومت میکردند.
- Loyalty and Faithfulness
- The concept of 'vafa-ye be ahd' (loyalty to the promise) is a central virtue in Persian culture. It signifies reliability and integrity. Someone who is 'khosh-ahd' is someone who always keeps their word, whereas 'bad-ahd' refers to someone unreliable.
Ultimately, mastering 'ahd' allows you to navigate formal discussions about history, law, and deep personal commitment. It is a bridge between the historical past and the ethical present. Whether you are reading a 14th-century poem or a modern diplomatic report, 'ahd' will appear as a cornerstone of the Persian conceptual framework regarding time and truth.
Using 'ahd' correctly requires understanding its collocations—the words it naturally pairs with. In Persian, you don't just 'make' a promise; you 'bind' a covenant. The verb بستن (bastan - to tie/bind) is the most common partner for 'ahd'. To say 'I made a promise,' you would say 'Ahd bastam'. Conversely, to fulfill that promise, you use the verb وفا کردن (vafa kardan - to be faithful/fulfill).
- Common Verb Pairings
- 1. Ahd bastan (To make a covenant) 2. Be ahd-e khod vafa kardan (To keep one's promise) 3. Ahd shekastan (To break a promise) 4. Tajdid-e ahd kardan (To renew a covenant)
او هرگز عهد خود را نمیشکند، حتی اگر به ضررش باشد.
When using 'ahd' to mean 'era', it is almost always followed by an 'Ezafe' (the linking -e sound) and a descriptor. For instance, 'Ahd-e jadid' (The New Era/New Testament) or 'Ahd-e mahan' (The era of the greats). Notice that in these contexts, the word functions like 'period' or 'age'. It is static and descriptive, whereas the 'promise' meaning is active and moral.
هنر در عهد صفویه به اوج شکوفایی خود رسید.
- Prepositional Usage
- We use 'bar sar-e ahd-e khod mandan' (to stay on one's promise) to indicate steadfastness. The preposition 'bar' (upon) emphasizes the foundational nature of the commitment.
In formal writing, you might encounter 'ahd-o-peyman', a compound phrase that doubles down on the meaning to emphasize the solemnity of an agreement. Using these types of binomials is a hallmark of advanced Persian proficiency. For example, 'Dar ahd-o-peyman-e ma hich tahloli nist' (There is no negligence in our covenant and promise).
آیا بر سر عهد خود با من هستی؟
You will encounter 'ahd' in three primary spheres: classical literature, historical discourse, and formal religious or legal speech. In classical Persian poetry, 'ahd' is a recurring motif. Poets like Hafez use it to describe the eternal bond between the soul and God, or the lover's unyielding loyalty to the beloved despite the 'ahd-shekani' (promise-breaking) of the world or the rival. If you attend a poetry reading or a traditional music concert (Avaz), you will hear this word sung with deep melancholy or resolved strength.
- News and History
- Documentaries on IRIB (Iranian state media) or historical podcasts frequently use 'ahd' to categorize time. Phrases like 'Ahd-e Naseri' (the era of Nasser al-Din Shah) are standard. In news reports concerning international relations, you might hear 'ahd-nameh' when referring to historical treaties like the Treaty of Turkmenchay.
این سند تاریخی مربوط به عهد قاجار است.
In religious settings, particularly during sermons or the month of Muharram, 'ahd' is used to discuss the loyalty of the companions of Imam Hussain. The 'Dua al-Ahd' (Supplication of the Covenant) is a famous prayer recited by Shia Muslims to renew their allegiance to the Twelfth Imam. Hearing this word in a religious context evokes a sense of sacred duty and eschatological hope.
ما باید عهد خود را با آرمانهای انقلاب تازه کنیم.
- Everyday Idioms
- Even in modern urban Persian, you might hear 'ahd-e boogh' (The era of the horn/trumpet), which is a slang term for something extremely old-fashioned or ancient, similar to saying 'from the stone age'.
Finally, in academic circles, especially among historians and sociologists, 'ahd' is the go-to term for periodization. If you are listening to a lecture at the University of Tehran about the transition from traditional to modern society, 'ahd-e gozar' (the era of transition) will be a key term. Understanding 'ahd' is therefore essential for anyone engaging with Persian intellectual life.
One of the most frequent mistakes learners make is using 'ahd' when they should use 'ghowl'. While both mean 'promise', 'ghowl' is for everyday, informal commitments (like promising to call someone back). Using 'ahd' in such a casual context can sound overly dramatic or even sarcastic. For example, if you say 'Man ba to ahd mibandam ke sham biayam' (I make a covenant with you to come for dinner), it sounds like you are swearing a blood oath for a simple meal.
- Confusion with 'Asr'
- Another common pitfall is confusing 'ahd' (era) with 'asr' (afternoon/age) or 'dowreh' (period). While 'asr' and 'ahd' are sometimes interchangeable when meaning 'age', 'asr' often refers to a broader time (like 'Asr-e Felez' - The Iron Age), whereas 'ahd' is more often tied to a specific leadership or a specific formal agreement that defines the time.
اشتباه: من با دوستم عهد کردم که کتاب را پس بدهم.
Grammatically, learners sometimes forget that 'ahd' when meaning 'promise' requires the preposition 'be' (to) when referring to the object of the promise. You don't just 'keep a promise'; you 'vafa kardan BE ahd' (be faithful TO the promise). Omitting the 'be' is a common error that marks a speaker as non-native.
درست: او به عهد خود وفا کرد.
- Pronunciation Pitfall
- The 'h' in 'ahd' (the letter 'he' or 'h-ye jimi') must be pronounced clearly from the throat. If you skip it, it might sound like 'ad' (which isn't a common word but confuses the listener). Ensure the 'h' is distinct but smooth.
Lastly, don't confuse 'ahd' with 'add' (number/count). Though they sound slightly similar to an untrained ear, their meanings and spellings (عهد vs عدد) are entirely different. Always look for the context of commitment or time to ensure you are using 'ahd' correctly.
Persian is rich with synonyms for 'promise' and 'era', each with its own specific register and nuance. Understanding these alternatives will help you choose the right word for the right situation. The most common alternative to 'ahd' (promise) is قول (ghowl). While 'ahd' is a covenant, 'ghowl' is a spoken word or a simple promise. If you break a 'ghowl', you might be called forgetful; if you break an 'ahd', you are considered 'be-vafa' (unfaithful).
- Ahd vs. Peyman
- 'Peyman' (پیمان) is perhaps the closest synonym to 'ahd'. However, 'Peyman' is of Persian origin, whereas 'Ahd' is Arabic. 'Peyman' often feels more poetic or nationalist. You'll hear 'Peyman-e melli' (national pact) but 'Ahd-e mazaabi' (religious covenant). They are often used together as 'ahd-o-peyman' for emphasis.
- Ahd vs. Asr
- When referring to time, 'Asr' (عصر) means 'age' or 'era' in a broader, more civilizational sense (e.g., 'Asr-e faza' - The Space Age). 'Ahd' is more specific to a reign or a specific treaty-defined period.
ما پیمان بستیم که هرگز عهد خود را فراموش نکنیم.
For 'era', another alternative is دوره (dowreh). 'Dowreh' is more clinical and used in education or science (e.g., 'dowreh-ye amoozeshi' - training period). 'Ahd' carries more historical prestige. You wouldn't say 'Ahd-e Computer'; you would say 'Asr-e Computer' or 'Dowreh-ye Computer'. 'Ahd' is reserved for things that feel legendary or monumental.
این عهدنامه بین دو کشور امضا شد.
- Wa'deh (وعده)
- 'Wa'deh' means 'promise' but often in the sense of an appointment or a political promise. Politicians give 'wa'deh', but heroes make an 'ahd'. 'Wa'deh' can sometimes imply a promise that might not be kept, whereas 'ahd' implies a sacred obligation.
By distinguishing between these words, you demonstrate a C1-level grasp of Persian vocabulary. You aren't just communicating; you are selecting the precise emotional and historical frequency for your message. Whether you are discussing the 'Ahd-e Atigh' (Old Testament) or a 'Peyman-e Doosti' (Pact of Friendship), your choice of word tells the listener how serious and how educated you are.
Fun Fact
In the Quran, the word 'Ahd' is used to describe the covenant between God and the prophets. This religious weight is why 'Ahd' feels much more powerful than 'Ghowl' in Persian.
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing it like 'ad' (skipping the 'h').
- Pronouncing it like 'ah-had' (adding an extra vowel).
- Confusing the 'h' with a hard 'kh' sound.
- Mumbling the 'd' at the end.
- Making the 'a' too long like 'father'.
Examples by Level
من با تو عهد میبندم.
I make a promise with you.
Present continuous form of 'Ahd bastan'.
او عهد خود را شکست.
He broke his promise.
Simple past tense.
عهد قدیم زیبا بود.
The old era was beautiful.
Ahd + adjective.
آیا عهد بستی؟
Did you make a promise?
Simple past question.
او خوشعهد است.
He is a man of his word.
Compound adjective.
عهد ما یادت هست؟
Do you remember our promise?
Informal question.
این عهد بزرگ است.
This is a big promise.
Simple sentence.
من سر عهد هستم.
I am standing by my promise.
Idiomatic usage.
در عهد باستان، مردم در غار زندگی میکردند.
In the ancient era, people lived in caves.
Ahd as era.
ما باید به عهد خود عمل کنیم.
We must act on our promise.
Modal 'must' + 'be ahd'.
او در عهد جوانی بسیار شجاع بود.
In the era of his youth, he was very brave.
Ahd as a period of life.
این عهدنامه بسیار قدیمی است.
This treaty is very old.
Compound word 'Ahd-nameh'.
پادشاه عهد کرد که عادل باشد.
The king promised to be just.
Verb 'Ahd kardan'.
آنها عهد بستند که همیشه دوست بمانند.
They promised to always stay friends.
Ahd bastan + ke clause.
او به عهدش وفا نکرد.
He did not fulfill his promise.
Negative past tense.
در عهد قاجار، تهران پایتخت شد.
In the Qajar era, Tehran became the capital.
Ahd + historical name.
وفای به عهد از ویژگیهای انسانهای نیکوکار است.
Fulfillment of promises is a characteristic of good people.
Gerund phrase as subject.
این بنا در عهد صفویه ساخته شده است.
This building was built in the Safavid era.
Passive voice.
ما باید عهد خود را با طبیعت حفظ کنیم.
We must maintain our covenant with nature.
Metaphorical usage.
او با خدای خود عهد بست که دیگر دروغ نگوید.
He made a covenant with his God never to lie again.
Religious context.
آیا این عهدنامه به امضای طرفین رسیده است؟
Has this treaty been signed by both parties?
Formal passive question.
او همیشه بر سر عهد و پیمان خود میماند.
He always stands by his covenant and pact.
Binomial 'Ahd-o-Peyman'.
در آن عهد، سفر کردن بسیار دشوار بود.
In that era, traveling was very difficult.
Ahd as 'that time'.
او عهدشکنی را گناهی بزرگ میداند.
He considers breaking a promise a great sin.
Compound noun 'Ahd-shekani'.
شاعر در این بیت به عهد الست اشاره دارد.
The poet refers to the Primordial Covenant in this verse.
Literary reference.
این لباسها مربوط به عهد بوق هستند!
These clothes are from the stone age (very old)!
Idiomatic/Slang usage.
تجدید عهد با آرمانهای ملی وظیفه هر شهروندی است.
Renewing the covenant with national ideals is every citizen's duty.
Formal political language.
او در عهد ناصری یکی از وزرای برجسته بود.
He was a prominent minister during the Naseri era.
Historical periodization.
نقض عهد پیامدهای سنگینی برای شرکت خواهد داشت.
Breach of contract will have heavy consequences for the company.
Legal/Business context.
او با خود عهد کرد که تا رسیدن به هدفش از پای ننشیند.
He vowed to himself not to stop until he reached his goal.
Reflexive 'ba khod'.
این عهد و پیمان نباید به سادگی فراموش شود.
This covenant and pact should not be easily forgotten.
Passive modal.
در عهد شکوفایی علم، کتابخانههای بزرگی ساخته شد.
In the era of scientific flourishing, great libraries were built.
Abstract era description.
بررسی تحولات اجتماعی در عهد مشروطه بسیار پیچیده است.
Examining social developments in the Constitutional Era is very complex.
Academic historical context.
او به چنان درجهای از عرفان رسیده بود که همواره در عهد حضور بود.
He had reached such a level of mysticism that he was always in a state of 'covenant presence'.
Mystical/Sufi terminology.
تعهدات بینالمللی بر پایه وفای به عهد استوار است.
International obligations are built upon the principle of 'pacta sunt servanda' (fulfillment of promises).
Legal philosophy.
در عهد زرین فرهنگ ایرانی، دانشمندان بزرگی ظهور کردند.
During the Golden Age of Iranian culture, great scientists emerged.
Metaphorical 'Golden Era'.
او هرگز از عهد مودت و دوستی خارج نشد.
He never strayed from the covenant of affection and friendship.
High-register literary style.
این پیماننامه، عهدی است میان ملت و دولت.
This pact is a covenant between the nation and the state.
Political theory context.
او با نگاهی به گذشته، عهد جوانی را به یاد آورد.
With a look at the past, he remembered the era of his youth.
Nostalgic literary tone.
هرگونه عهدشکنی در این سطح، بحران بزرگی ایجاد میکند.
Any breach of promise at this level creates a major crisis.
Formal analytical style.
مفهوم عهد در اندیشه حافظ، گرهخوردگی عزل و ابد است.
The concept of 'Ahd' in Hafez's thought is the intertwining of pre-eternity and post-eternity.
Philosophical analysis.
او در رساله خود به تبیین دیالکتیک عهد و زمان پرداخته است.
In his treatise, he explained the dialectic of covenant and time.
Academic jargon.
گسست از عهد سنتی، پیامد ناگزیر مدرنیته بود.
The break from the traditional covenant was the inevitable consequence of modernity.
Sociological theory.
او با استناد به عهدنامههای تاریخی، از حقوق کشور دفاع کرد.
Citing historical treaties, he defended the country's rights.
Legal argumentation.
در متون کلاسیک، عهد نه تنها یک قول، بلکه یک وجود است.
In classical texts, 'Ahd' is not just a promise, but an existence.
Ontological discussion.
او به بازخوانی عهدنامه ترکمنچای از منظر انتقادی پرداخت.
He engaged in a critical re-reading of the Treaty of Turkmenchay.
Historiographical register.
این اثر هنری، تجسمی از عهد گسسته انسان مدرن است.
This artwork is an embodiment of the broken covenant of modern man.
Art criticism.
وفاداری به عهد در نظامهای اخلاقی وظیفهگرا نقشی بنیادین دارد.
Loyalty to promises plays a fundamental role in deontological ethical systems.
Ethical philosophy.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
Idioms & Expressions
— Referring to something ancient or ridiculous because of its age.
لباسهایت مال عهد بوق است.
Informal/Slang— To be steadfast and loyal to a commitment.
او تا پای جان بر سر عهد خود ماند.
Formal— Sometimes used archaicly to mean family, though 'ayal' is more common.
او با عهد و عیال به سفر رفت.
Archaic/Rural— The short-lived time when roses bloom; used to mean a fleeting beautiful time.
عهد گل کوتاه است.
PoeticWord Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'Ahd' as 'A Hard Decision'. Making a covenant is a 'Hard' (Ahd) commitment that you must keep.
Visual Association
Imagine two kings in ancient robes shaking hands over a thick scroll with a wax seal. That scroll is the 'Ahd'.
Word Origin
The word 'Ahd' originates from the Arabic root 'A-H-D' (ع-ه-د), which relates to commitment, safeguarding, and fulfilling obligations. It entered Persian during the early Islamic period and became deeply integrated into legal, theological, and literary language.
Original meaning: In Arabic, it means a commission, a command, or a protection. It also refers to a person's knowledge or acquaintance with something.
Semitic (Arabic) -> Indo-European (Persian influence).Summary
The word 'Ahd' (عهد) is the high-register version of 'promise' (Ghowl), used for life-changing commitments and historical periods. To master it, remember that you 'bind' (bastan) a covenant and 'remain' (mandan) on it.
- Ahd means a solemn promise or covenant, used in formal and serious contexts like marriage or legal treaties.
- It also refers to a historical era or epoch, often linked to a specific ruler or significant event.
- Commonly paired with 'bastan' (to bind/make) and 'vafa kardan' (to fulfill) in the sense of a promise.
- Essential for formal Persian, classical literature, and discussing history with precision and ethical depth.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Grammar Rules
Related Phrases
More general words
عادتوار
C1As a matter of habit; habitually.
عادی
A1Conforming to the usual or standard type; normal or ordinary.
عافیت
B2Well-being; the state of being comfortable, healthy, or happy.
عاجل
B2Requiring immediate attention or action; urgent.
عاقبت
C1The outcome or result of an action or event.
عاقل
A1Having or showing experience, knowledge, and good judgment; wise.
عالمگیر
C1Universal, worldwide, or affecting all parts of the world.
عالی
A1Excellent; extremely good or outstanding.
عام
B1General, common, public.
اعم از
B2Including; whether (used to introduce options).