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علی‌الحساب

B2 noun 10 min read

علی‌الحساب

ali-ol-hesab

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips علی‌الحساب in 30 Seconds

Explanation علی‌الحساب in your Level:

At the A1 level, think of علی‌الحساب as 'some money now.' Imagine you are buying fruit at a market. The total is 120,000 Tomans, but you only have a 100,000 Toman note. You give the 100,000 and say 'ali-al-hesāb.' It means 'Take this for now, I will give the rest later.' It is a very useful word when you don't have the exact change or when you want to show you are a good person who pays their debts. Even though it looks like a long word, you can use it simply with the verb 'dādan' (to give). For example: 'In pool ali-al-hesāb' (This money is on account). At this stage, don't worry about the complex grammar; just use it as a label for a partial payment. It helps you handle money situations in Iran more smoothly. You will hear shopkeepers use it too. If they don't have change, they might give you what they have and say 'ali-al-hesāb,' meaning they will give you the rest next time you come. It is all about trust and making things easy in daily life.

For A2 learners, علی‌الحساب starts to appear in more structured sentences. You might use it when talking about your job or renting a room. If your boss gives you part of your salary early, that is an 'ali-al-hesāb' payment. You can say: 'Karfarmā be man ali-al-hesāb dād' (The employer gave me an advance). In this level, you should notice that the word is often used with verbs like 'pardākhtan' (to pay). It is different from a 'hadiye' (gift) because you know more money is involved later. You can also use it when you are out with friends. If the restaurant bill is not ready yet, but you need to leave, you can leave some money 'ali-al-hesāb' with your friend. It shows you are responsible. Start looking for this word on receipts or small signs in shops. It is a compound word: Ali (on) + Al (the) + Hesāb (account). Understanding this structure makes it easier to remember. It is a 'bridge' payment that keeps the 'account' open until the final number is clear.

At the B1 level, you can use علی‌الحساب in more formal and varied contexts. You will encounter it in news reports about the economy or in official emails from a company. For example, 'Sude banki ali-al-hesāb ast' means the bank interest is provisional. This is an important concept in Iranian banking. You should also be able to distinguish it from 'pish-pardākht' (down payment). Remember: 'pish-pardākht' is usually at the start of a deal, while 'ali-al-hesāb' can happen anytime the final cost is still a bit of a mystery. You might use it in a letter to a landlord: 'I am paying 5 million Tomans ali-al-hesāb until the utility bills arrive.' This level requires you to understand the 'provisional' nature of the word. It's not just about money; it's about the status of a transaction. It means 'subject to change.' You can also use it as a noun: 'In yek pardākht-e ali-al-hesāb ast' (This is a provisional payment). Using it correctly at this level shows you have a good grasp of Iranian business culture.

At the B2 level, you should be comfortable using علی‌الحساب in professional and legal discussions. You understand that it is a standard term in the Iranian Tax Code (Malyāt-e Ali-al-hesāb). You can explain why a payment is 'ali-al-hesāb' rather than 'ghat'i' (final). For instance, in a contract negotiation, you might suggest: 'Let's make a provisional payment ali-al-hesāb to start the project while we finalize the technical annex.' You also recognize its use in administrative circulars (baksh-nāme), where the government might increase salaries 'ali-al-hesāb' pending a budget review. Your pronunciation should be natural, and you should understand the nuance of trust it implies. It's a way to manage financial risk without stopping progress. You can use it to describe an action that is not yet final: 'The court's decision was ali-al-hesāb.' This shows a high level of linguistic sophistication, as you are moving beyond simple transactions into the realm of legal and systemic processes. You also know that it doesn't take 'ezafe' in most cases, acting as a standalone adverbial phrase.

For C1 learners, علی‌الحساب is a tool for nuanced communication in high-stakes environments. You can use it to navigate complex bureaucratic hurdles in Iran. You understand the subtle difference between 'ali-al-hesāb' and 'mosa'ede' (salary advance) or 'bay'āne' (earnest money) in a legal dispute. You might use it in an academic essay or a business report to describe the provisional nature of economic data or government spending. For example: 'The initial budget was allocated ali-al-hesāb to prevent a shutdown of public services.' You are also aware of the word's Arabic origins and how it fits into the broader category of 'loan phrases' in Persian. You can use it metaphorically in literature or high-level journalism to describe a situation that is 'provisional' or 'incomplete.' Your use of the word is seamless, and you can explain its implications for contract law or accounting standards in Iran. You recognize that 'ali-al-hesāb' is not just a word, but a reflection of a society that values flexibility and the ability to move forward despite uncertainty.

At the C2 level, you have a masterly command of علی‌الحساب and can discuss its philosophical and systemic roles in Iranian society. You can analyze how the concept of 'ali-al-hesāb' reflects the broader Iranian approach to law, finance, and social contracts—where 'finality' is often deferred in favor of 'provisional progress.' You can use the term in complex legal drafting, ensuring that provisional payments are clearly distinguished from final settlements to protect a client's interests. You are aware of the word's history and its appearance in classical-style administrative Persian. You can engage in debates about the efficiency of 'ali-al-hesāb' tax systems versus 'finalized' systems. Your usage is indistinguishable from a highly educated native speaker, including the correct register and tone. You might even use it in a witty or ironic way in a social setting to describe a 'temporary' favor that everyone knows will never be fully repaid. At this level, the word is a flexible instrument in your linguistic repertoire, allowing you to express complex ideas about time, obligation, and economic reality.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

علی‌الحساب in 30 Seconds

Used for provisional or advance payments when the final total is unknown.
Essential for business, banking, and navigating Iranian bureaucracy.
Distinguished from deposits (pish-pardākht) as it is an ongoing account payment.
Functions as an adverb or noun modifier in formal and informal contexts.

The Persian word علی‌الحساب (pronounced ali-al-hesāb) is a sophisticated and essential term in both the Iranian business landscape and daily social interactions. At its core, it translates to 'on account' or 'provisionally,' signifying a payment or an action taken as an advance or a temporary measure until a final settlement is reached. In the bustling bazaars of Tehran or the modern corporate offices of North Tehran, this word functions as a bridge of trust. When a full price cannot be determined immediately—perhaps because the total cost of a project is still being calculated or the final weight of goods is unknown—one party pays an amount ali-al-hesāb. This ensures that the transaction moves forward without the friction of waiting for a final invoice.

Financial Context: In accounting, it refers to a provisional payment made toward a debt or for services rendered before the total amount is finalized.

Social Context: It can be used when lending money to a friend, where the amount is given as a 'temporary fix' until the friend can calculate their exact needs.

این یک میلیون تومان را علی‌الحساب داشته باش تا فاکتور نهایی آماده شود.

Beyond the financial, the term carries a nuance of 'provisionality' in legal and administrative settings. For instance, a court might issue an 'ali-al-hesāb' ruling or an employer might pay an 'ali-al-hesāb' salary increase while the official budget is being ratified. It implies that the current state is not the final state; there is more to come, and a reconciliation (tasviye) will eventually occur. Understanding this word is crucial for anyone navigating Iranian bureaucracy or commerce, as it appears on nearly every tax form, rental agreement, and service contract. It represents the Iranian pragmatism of 'doing what we can now' while leaving the precise details for later.

مالیات علی‌الحساب باید قبل از پایان سال پرداخت شود.

Administrative Nuance: It is often used in government circulars regarding salary adjustments or pension payments that are distributed before the official budget is approved.

ما علی‌الحساب قرارداد را امضا کردیم تا جزئیات فنی مشخص شود.

او مبلغی را به عنوان علی‌الحساب به نقاش ساختمان داد.

شورای شهر بودجه را علی‌الحساب تصویب کرد.

This term is a compound of the Arabic preposition 'ala' (on/upon), the definite article 'al', and the noun 'hisab' (account/calculation). While its roots are Arabic, it is fully integrated into Persian and used even by those with no knowledge of Arabic grammar. It is formal yet ubiquitous, appearing in both high-level legal documents and casual text messages between friends. By using this word, a speaker conveys a sense of professionalism and commitment, acknowledging that while the full obligation isn't met, a significant step has been taken. It avoids the awkwardness of non-payment while respecting the need for accurate final calculations. In essence, it is the linguistic oil that keeps the gears of Iranian social and economic life turning smoothly.

Using علی‌الحساب correctly requires understanding its role as both an adverbial phrase and a noun-like modifier. Most commonly, it follows a noun related to money or precedes a verb related to payment. For example, if you are paying a part of your rent because you haven't received your full utility bill yet, you would say, 'من اجاره را علی‌الحساب پرداخت کردم' (I paid the rent on account). The word typically stays the same regardless of the gender or number of the subjects, as is common with Persian adverbs.

Verb Pairing: It is frequently paired with verbs like 'پرداختن' (to pay), 'واریز کردن' (to deposit), and 'دادن' (to give).

Noun Pairing: It often follows nouns like 'مبلغ' (amount), 'پول' (money), or 'سود' (profit/interest).

شرکت مبلغی را علی‌الحساب به حساب کارمندان واریز کرد.

In more formal writing, such as in a contract, you might see it as 'به عنوان علی‌الحساب' (as an advance/provisional payment). For instance: 'مستأجر موظف است مبلغی را به عنوان علی‌الحساب به موجر بپردازد' (The tenant is obliged to pay an amount as a provisional payment to the landlord). It is also important to distinguish it from 'پیش‌پرداخت' (pish-pardākht). While 'pish-pardākht' is a down payment or deposit often required to start a contract, 'ali-al-hesāb' is a payment made against an ongoing or undefined total. One is a 'start' payment, the other is a 'provisional' payment.

این پول را علی‌الحساب از من قبول کن.

دولت سود سهام عدالت را علی‌الحساب واریز کرد.

او همیشه بخشی از بدهی‌اش را علی‌الحساب می‌دهد.

Grammatical Position: It usually appears right before the verb or right after the object it modifies. It does not take 'ezafe' unless it's part of a larger compound noun phrase.

آیا می‌توانم این مبلغ را علی‌الحساب بپردازم؟

In summary, use 'ali-al-hesāb' whenever you want to emphasize that a payment is not the end of the story, but a necessary step to keep things moving. It provides a level of legal and social protection, indicating that the final 'account' (hesāb) is still open and subject to adjustment. Whether you are dealing with a taxi driver who doesn't have change or a multi-million dollar construction firm, this word is your primary tool for managing financial uncertainty with grace and clarity.

The word علی‌الحساب is a staple of Iranian public life, echoing through various sectors from the high halls of the Ministry of Finance to the local corner grocery store. If you are watching the evening news in Iran, you will almost certainly hear it during the economic segment. The government frequently announces 'ali-al-hesāb' payments for retirees' pensions or increases in the minimum wage that are implemented before the annual budget is fully ratified by the Parliament (Majlis). In these contexts, it signals to the public that relief is coming now, even if the final bureaucracy isn't finished.

Banking and Finance: When you open a long-term deposit account in an Iranian bank, the monthly interest you receive is often termed 'ali-al-hesāb'. The bank pays a provisional rate, and at the end of the fiscal year, if the bank's profits are higher, they may pay an additional 'settlement' amount.

Real Estate and Rent: During the 'Gholnameh' (contract) signing, if certain repairs are still needed, the buyer might keep a portion of the money or pay a portion ali-al-hesāb until the repairs are verified.

بانک مرکزی نرخ سود علی‌الحساب را اعلام کرد.

In the world of Iranian cinema and television, you'll hear this word in dramas involving legal disputes or family inheritances. A lawyer might tell their client, 'We've received a portion of the inheritance ali-al-hesāb.' It conveys a sense of partial victory. Furthermore, in the Iranian tax system, 'Malyat-e Ali-al-hesāb' (provisional tax) is a standard term. Businesses must pay a percentage of their estimated income throughout the year, which is then reconciled against their actual earnings at year-end. This ensures a steady flow of revenue for the state while allowing businesses to manage their cash flow.

حقوق این ماه به صورت علی‌الحساب واریز شده است.

او علی‌الحساب ده درصد از مبلغ قرارداد را گرفت.

آیا این پرداخت قطعی است یا علی‌الحساب؟

Even in casual friendships, if someone owes you 155,000 Tomans and only has a 100,000 Toman note, they might say, 'In sad-ta ra ali-al-hesab dashte bash' (Keep this 100 for now). It's a way to acknowledge the debt while providing an immediate, albeit partial, resolution. This ubiquity makes it one of the most practical 'advanced' words for a learner to master, as it instantly elevates your Persian from 'textbook' to 'functional and culturally aware.' It shows you understand the fluidity and the 'give-and-take' nature of Iranian society.

Despite its commonality, علی‌الحساب is often misused by learners who confuse it with similar financial terms. The most frequent error is using it interchangeably with پیش‌پرداخت (pish-pardākht). A 'pish-pardākht' is a deposit or down payment made *before* a service begins or a product is delivered to secure the deal. In contrast, 'ali-al-hesāb' is a payment made *against* an ongoing account or as a provisional installment. If you are buying a car, the money you pay to reserve it is 'pish-pardākht'. If you are paying your lawyer while the trial is ongoing, but the final hours haven't been billed, that is 'ali-al-hesāb'.

Mistake: Over-formalizing: Some learners try to use it for 'temporary' in non-financial contexts, like 'I am ali-al-hesab living here.' This is incorrect. Use 'movaqqatan' for 'temporarily' in general life contexts.

Mistake: Confusion with 'Ghest': A 'ghest' (installment) is a fixed, pre-calculated portion of a known total. 'Ali-al-hesāb' is provisional and implies the final total might still change.

اشتباه: من علی‌الحساب گرسنه هستم. (Incorrect: I am provisionally hungry.)

Another common mistake is in pronunciation. Since it's a loanword from Arabic, some learners try to pronounce the 'ayn' (ع) at the beginning with a heavy guttural sound. In standard Persian, the 'ayn' is usually just a slight glottal stop or even ignored, sounding like 'ali-al-hesāb'. Over-emphasizing the Arabic phonetics can make you sound like you are reciting religious scripture rather than conducting a business transaction. Additionally, ensure you don't confuse it with 'be-hesāb-e' (at the account of / due to). 'Ali-al-hesāb' is the *manner* of payment, not the *reason* for it.

درست: این مبلغ را علی‌الحساب بپذیرید. (Correct: Accept this amount on account.)

اشتباه: او علی‌الحساب دیر آمد. (Incorrect: He came late provisionally.)

Finally, avoid using it as a synonym for 'approximate' (taqriban). While the payment might be based on an approximation, the word itself refers to the *status* of the transaction, not the precision of the numbers. If you say 'the price is ali-al-hesab 5 dollars,' it sounds awkward. Instead, say 'I paid 5 dollars ali-al-hesab.' By keeping these distinctions in mind—focusing on the 'account' aspect and the 'provisional' nature of the payment—you will avoid the pitfalls that many intermediate learners face.

To truly master علی‌الحساب, it's helpful to compare it with its synonyms and related terms. Each has a specific niche in the Persian language. The closest synonym is موقتاً (movaqqatan), which means 'temporarily.' However, 'movaqqatan' is broad and can apply to anything—a temporary job, a temporary house, or a temporary feeling. 'Ali-al-hesāb' is strictly for 'temporary' actions within a financial or administrative framework.

Ali-al-hesāb vs. Pish-pardākht: Pish-pardākht (Down payment) is given *before* work starts. Ali-al-hesāb (On account) can be given at any time during the process when the final amount is unknown.

Ali-al-hesāb vs. Ghest: Ghest (Installment) is a fixed portion of a fixed total. Ali-al-hesāb is a flexible portion of a potentially changing total.

به جای علی‌الحساب، گاهی از 'پیش‌قسط' استفاده می‌شود.

Another alternative is مساعده (mosā'ede). This is specifically an 'advance on salary' given to an employee who needs money before the end of the month. While all 'mosā'ede' is technically 'ali-al-hesāb', not all 'ali-al-hesāb' is 'mosā'ede'. You wouldn't use 'mosā'ede' for a tax payment or a grocery bill. Then there is بیعانه (bay'āne), which is a 'security deposit' or 'earnest money' to prove you are serious about a purchase. If you back out, you might lose your 'bay'āne'. 'Ali-al-hesāb' doesn't carry that same 'security' connotation; it's simply a partial payment toward the final bill.

او مقداری بیعانه برای خرید خانه داد.

کارگر از کارفرما درخواست مساعده کرد.

این پرداخت صرفاً علی‌الحساب است و تسویه نهایی بعداً انجام می‌شود.

Understanding these nuances allows you to choose the precise word for the situation. If you are at a hotel and pay some money at check-in, is it 'bay'āne' (to hold the room), 'pish-pardākht' (the first night's fee), or 'ali-al-hesāb' (an advance against your total bill including room service)? In most Iranian hotels, they will ask for a deposit 'ali-al-hesāb'. By mastering these distinctions, you communicate not just your needs, but your understanding of the financial expectations within the culture.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

Despite its Arabic origin, it is used more frequently in Persian administrative contexts than in many modern Arabic dialects, which might prefer 'min al-hisāb'.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /æliːjælhesɒːb/

US /æliːælhesɑːb/

The primary stress is on the last syllable: 'sāb'. A secondary stress is on 'li'.

Rhymes With

کتاب (Ketāb) ثواب (Savāb) جواب (Javāb) آب (Āb) خواب (Khāb) نقاب (Neghāb) خراب (Kharāb) شراب (Sharāb)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'ayn' (ع) too heavily like a guttural Arabic sound.
Merging the 'al' and 'hesāb' into one word 'alhesāb' without a clear 'l'.
Stressing the first syllable 'A-li'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to recognize in texts once the compound nature is understood.

Writing 4/5

Requires correct spelling of Arabic-origin letters (ع, ح, ص).

Speaking 3/5

Pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers.

Listening 4/5

Can be missed in fast speech as it blends with the surrounding words.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

حساب پول پرداخت دادن مبلغ

Learn Next

تسویه قطعی پیش‌پرداخت بدهی فاکتور

Advanced

تهاتر ذینفع ترازنامه مفاصاحساب اعتبار اسنادی

Grammar to Know

Arabic Loanwords in Persian

Words like 'ali-al-hesab' maintain their Arabic structure but follow Persian syntax.

Adverbial Placement

Adverbs like 'ali-al-hesab' usually come before the verb or after the object.

Glottal Stop (Ayn)

The letter 'ع' in 'ali-al-hesab' is pronounced as a glottal stop in formal Persian.

Compound Nouns with Ezafe

When 'ali-al-hesab' modifies a noun, it follows the ezafe rule: 'sud-e ali-al-hesab'.

Formal vs Informal Imperatives

Using 'ali-al-hesab dashte bash' (informal) vs 'ali-al-hesab dashte bashid' (formal).

Examples by Level

این ده هزار تومان را علی‌الحساب داشته باش.

Keep this ten thousand Tomans for now (on account).

Simple imperative with the word used as an adverb.

من پول را علی‌الحساب دادم.

I gave the money on account.

Subject + Object + Adverb + Verb.

علی‌الحساب این را بگیر.

Take this for now.

Common spoken phrase.

او پنجاه تومان علی‌الحساب گرفت.

He took 50 (thousand) Tomans on account.

Using 'gereftan' (to take/receive).

آیا این علی‌الحساب است؟

Is this on account?

Simple question structure.

بله، این مبلغ علی‌الحساب است.

Yes, this amount is on account.

Using the word as a predicate.

علی‌الحساب قبول کن.

Accept it for now.

Imperative 'ghabul kon'.

ما علی‌الحساب پرداخت کردیم.

We paid on account.

Past tense 'pardākht kardim'.

کارفرما به من یک میلیون تومان علی‌الحساب داد.

The employer gave me one million Tomans as an advance.

Indirect object 'be man'.

شما می‌توانید بخشی از پول را علی‌الحساب بدهید.

You can give a part of the money on account.

Modal verb 'mitavānid'.

او علی‌الحساب ده درصد از کرایه را پرداخت.

He paid ten percent of the rent on account.

Percentage + 'ali-al-hesāb'.

این پول علی‌الحسابِ حقوق شماست.

This money is an advance on your salary.

Using 'ezafe' to link to 'hoghugh' (salary).

ما علی‌الحساب قرارداد را شروع کردیم.

We started the contract provisionally.

Adverbial use describing the start of an action.

لطفاً مبلغی را علی‌الحساب واریز کنید.

Please deposit an amount on account.

Formal imperative 'vāriz konid'.

فروشنده علی‌الحساب بیست هزار تومان به من برگرداند.

The seller returned twenty thousand Tomans to me as a provisional change.

Using 'bargardāndan' (to return).

آیا می‌توانم علی‌الحساب پرداخت کنم؟

Can I pay on account?

Question with 'mitavānam'.

بانک سود علی‌الحساب را به حساب‌ها واریز کرد.

The bank deposited the provisional interest into the accounts.

Compound noun 'sud-e ali-al-hesāb'.

این مبلغ به عنوان علی‌الحساب در قرارداد ذکر شده است.

This amount is mentioned as an advance in the contract.

Phrase 'be onvān-e' (as).

دولت حقوق بازنشستگان را علی‌الحساب افزایش داد.

The government increased retirees' pensions provisionally.

Describing a government action.

ما باید علی‌الحساب بخشی از بدهی را تسویه کنیم.

We must provisionally settle part of the debt.

Using 'tasviye kardan' (to settle).

او علی‌الحساب پانصد دلار برای تعمیرات پرداخت کرد.

He paid five hundred dollars on account for the repairs.

Purpose phrase 'barāye tamirāt'.

آیا این پرداخت علی‌الحساب است یا نهایی؟

Is this payment provisional or final?

Contrast between 'ali-al-hesāb' and 'nahāyi'.

شرکت علی‌الحساب با درخواست او موافقت کرد.

The company provisionally agreed to his request.

Applying the concept to an agreement, not just money.

مستأجر مبلغی را علی‌الحساب به صاحب‌خانه داد تا قبض‌ها بیاید.

The tenant gave an amount on account to the landlord until the bills arrive.

Conjunction 'tā' (until).

پرداخت‌های علی‌الحساب مالیاتی باید تا پایان ماه انجام شود.

Provisional tax payments must be made by the end of the month.

Plural noun phrase 'pardākht-hā-ye ali-al-hesāb'.

این سود، علی‌الحساب است و در پایان سال مالی قطعی می‌شود.

This profit/interest is provisional and will be finalized at the end of the fiscal year.

Passive verb 'ghat'i mishavad'.

او علی‌الحساب مبلغی را برای هزینه‌های دادرسی واریز کرد.

He deposited an amount on account for the litigation costs.

Technical term 'hazine-hā-ye dādresi'.

شورای شهر بودجه شهرداری را علی‌الحساب تصویب کرد.

The city council approved the municipality's budget provisionally.

Formal verb 'tasvib kardan'.

در صورت عدم تسویه، مبالغ علی‌الحساب مسترد نخواهد شد.

In case of no settlement, the provisional amounts will not be refunded.

Formal conditional 'dar surat-e adam-e'.

پیمانکار علی‌الحساب بخشی از مصالح را خریداری کرد.

The contractor provisionally purchased some of the materials.

Subject 'peymānkār' (contractor).

این حکم علی‌الحساب صادر شده و قابل اعتراض است.

This ruling has been issued provisionally and is subject to appeal.

Legal context 'hokm-e ali-al-hesāb'.

مدیرعامل دستور پرداخت علی‌الحساب پاداش‌ها را داد.

The CEO ordered the provisional payment of bonuses.

Compound 'pādāsh-hā' (bonuses).

تخصیص علی‌الحساب بودجه مانع از توقف پروژه‌های عمرانی شد.

The provisional allocation of the budget prevented the stoppage of civil projects.

Complex subject 'takhsis-e ali-al-hesāb-e budje'.

مبالغ دریافتی علی‌الحساب باید در ترازنامه به دقت ثبت گردند.

Amounts received on account must be accurately recorded in the balance sheet.

Accounting term 'tarāznāme'.

این توافق‌نامه علی‌الحساب است تا زمانی که طرفین به اجماع برسند.

This agreement is provisional until the parties reach a consensus.

Phrase 'tā zamāni ke' (until the time that).

پرداخت علی‌الحساب، ریسک نقدینگی شرکت را در کوتاه‌مدت کاهش داد.

The provisional payment reduced the company's liquidity risk in the short term.

Financial term 'risk-e naghdingi'.

او با نگاهی علی‌الحساب به مسائل، از قضاوت زودهنگام پرهیز کرد.

With a provisional view of the issues, he avoided premature judgment.

Metaphorical use for 'provisional'.

سازمان امور مالیاتی بخشنامه‌ای درباره استرداد مبالغ علی‌الحساب صادر کرد.

The Tax Organization issued a circular regarding the refund of provisional amounts.

Administrative term 'bakhsh-nāme'.

در حقوق مدنی، پرداخت علی‌الحساب می‌تواند به عنوان اماره‌ای بر وجود دین تلقی شود.

In civil law, a provisional payment can be considered as evidence of the existence of a debt.

Legal term 'amāre' (evidence/presumption).

علی‌الحساب، می‌توان فرضیه اول را برای ادامه تحقیق پذیرفت.

Provisionally, the first hypothesis can be accepted for continuing the research.

Academic use for a hypothesis.

ساختار اقتصادی کشور به گونه‌ای است که بسیاری از تعاملات بر پایه پرداخت‌های علی‌الحساب بنا شده‌اند.

The country's economic structure is such that many interactions are built on the basis of provisional payments.

Sociological/Economic analysis.

ماهیت علی‌الحساب این قرارداد، انعطاف‌پذیری لازم را برای مواجهه با نوسانات بازار فراهم می‌آورد.

The provisional nature of this contract provides the necessary flexibility to face market fluctuations.

Abstract noun 'māhiyat' (nature).

او در خاطراتش، زندگی را یک سفر علی‌الحساب توصیف می‌کند که مقصد نهایی‌اش همواره در پرده ابهام است.

In his memoirs, he describes life as a provisional journey whose final destination is always shrouded in ambiguity.

Literary/Philosophical use.

وجوه علی‌الحساب واریزی به حساب دولت، در قالب درآمدهای عمومی طبقه‌بندی می‌شوند.

Provisional funds deposited into the government account are classified as public revenues.

Technical accounting classification.

چالش اصلی در حسابداری دولتی، تطبیق هزینه‌های قطعی با مبالغ پرداختی علی‌الحساب است.

The main challenge in government accounting is reconciling final costs with provisional payments.

Complex gerund 'tatbigh' (reconciling).

این رویکرد علی‌الحساب به سیاست‌گذاری، اگرچه راهگشاست، اما می‌تواند موجب انباشت تعهدات معوق شود.

This provisional approach to policymaking, while helpful, can lead to the accumulation of overdue obligations.

Political science context.

دیوان محاسبات بر نحوه هزینه‌کرد اعتبارات علی‌الحساب نظارت دقیق دارد.

The Court of Accounts closely monitors how provisional credits are spent.

Institutional term 'Divān-e Mohāsebāt'.

علی‌الحساب تلقی کردن این دستاوردها، مانع از غرور کاذب و توقف تلاش‌ها می‌شود.

Considering these achievements as provisional prevents false pride and the cessation of efforts.

Moral/Psychological application.

Common Collocations

پرداخت علی‌الحساب

سود علی‌الحساب

مالیات علی‌الحساب

مبلغ علی‌الحساب

واریز علی‌الحساب

دریافت علی‌الحساب

حکم علی‌الحساب

بودجه علی‌الحساب

چک علی‌الحساب

بر پایه علی‌الحساب

Common Phrases

علی‌الحساب داشته باش

— Keep this for now (referring to money).

این صد هزار تومان را علی‌الحساب داشته باش.

به صورت علی‌الحساب

— In a provisional manner.

حقوق‌ها به صورت علی‌الحساب پرداخت شد.

بابت علی‌الحساب

— On account of / for the purpose of an advance.

این مبلغ بابت علی‌الحساب قرارداد است.

تسویه علی‌الحساب

— To reconcile a provisional payment.

ما باید ماه بعد تسویه علی‌الحساب را انجام دهیم.

نرخ علی‌الحساب

— Provisional rate (usually interest).

نرخ علی‌الحساب سود بانکی ۱۸ درصد است.

اعتبار علی‌الحساب

— Provisional credit/budget.

اعتبار علی‌الحساب به پروژه تخصیص یافت.

رسید علی‌الحساب

— A receipt for a provisional payment.

لطفاً رسید علی‌الحساب را به من بدهید.

پرداختیِ علی‌الحساب

— The provisional payment itself.

پرداختیِ علی‌الحسابِ شما ثبت شد.

به عنوان علی‌الحساب

— As a provisional measure.

او این کار را به عنوان علی‌الحساب انجام داد.

کسر علی‌الحساب

— Deduction of a provisional amount.

کسر علی‌الحساب مالیات از حقوق اجباری است.

Often Confused With

علی‌الحساب vs پیش‌پرداخت

Down payment vs. Provisional payment.

علی‌الحساب vs بیعانه

Security deposit vs. Provisional payment.

علی‌الحساب vs مساعده

Salary advance vs. General provisional payment.

Idioms & Expressions

"حساب حساب است، کاکا برادر"

— Business is business; even brothers must keep accounts.

حساب حساب است، کاکا برادر؛ پس علی‌الحساب این را بنویس.

Proverb

"علی‌الحساب بگذر"

— Let it go for now (provisionally overlook something).

علی‌الحساب از این اشتباهش بگذر تا بعد صحبت کنیم.

Informal

"حساب پس دادن"

— To be held accountable.

او باید بابت این مبالغ علی‌الحساب حساب پس بدهد.

Neutral

"بی‌حساب و کتاب"

— Without order or calculation.

اینجا نباید بی‌حساب و کتاب پول علی‌الحساب بدهی.

Informal

"حساب دخل و خرج"

— Budgeting (income and expenses).

علی‌الحساب دخل و خرجمان با هم نمی‌خواند.

Neutral

"حساب دستش آمدن"

— To get the hang of things / understand the situation.

بعد از اولین پرداخت علی‌الحساب، حساب دستش آمد.

Informal

"روی کسی حساب کردن"

— To count on someone.

من روی این پول علی‌الحساب حساب کرده بودم.

Neutral

"حساب کردن"

— To pay the bill.

من علی‌الحساب حساب کردم تا شما برسید.

Neutral

"پاک کردن صورت‌مسئله"

— To ignore the problem rather than solving it.

پرداخت علی‌الحساب فقط پاک کردن صورت‌مسئله است.

Informal

"از جیب خوردن"

— To spend one's own savings.

چون علی‌الحساب ندادند، مجبور شد از جیب بخورد.

Informal

Easily Confused

علی‌الحساب vs حساب

It's the root word.

'Hesāb' is the account itself; 'ali-al-hesāb' is the manner of paying into it.

حساب من خالی است، اما علی‌الحساب پولی دادم.

علی‌الحساب vs موقتاً

Both mean 'for now'.

'Movaqqatan' is for time/duration; 'ali-al-hesāb' is for transactions/accounts.

او موقتاً اینجا کار می‌کند.

علی‌الحساب vs تقریباً

Both involve non-finality.

'Taqriban' means 'about/approximately'; 'ali-al-hesāb' is a status of payment.

قیمت تقریباً ده دلار است.

علی‌الحساب vs قسطی

Both involve partial payments.

'Ghesti' is a fixed installment plan; 'ali-al-hesāb' is a one-off provisional payment.

من ماشین را قسطی خریدم.

علی‌الحساب vs نسیه

Both involve credit.

'Nesye' is buying now and paying later (debt); 'ali-al-hesāb' is paying some now and the rest later.

او نسیه خرید کرد.

Sentence Patterns

[Object] + ali-al-hesāb + [Verb]

Pool rā ali-al-hesāb dādam.

Lotfan [Amount] + ali-al-hesāb + [Verb]

Lotfan sad toman ali-al-hesāb bedahid.

[Noun] + e + ali-al-hesāb + [Verb]

Sud-e ali-al-hesāb vāriz shod.

Be onvān-e ali-al-hesāb + [Verb]

Be onvān-e ali-al-hesāb pardākht kardam.

Māhiyat-e ali-al-hesāb-e [Noun]

Māhiyat-e ali-al-hesāb-e in gharārdād moshakhas ast.

Ali-al-hesāb talaghi kardan-e [Concept]

Ali-al-hesāb talaghi kardan-e in pardākht ghanuni ast.

Mablaghi rā ali-al-hesāb gereftan

U mablaghi rā ali-al-hesāb gereft.

Ali-al-hesāb dashte bāsh

In rā ali-al-hesāb dashte bāsh.

Word Family

Nouns

حساب (Account)

حسابداری (Accounting)

محاسبه (Calculation)

حسابرس (Auditor)

Verbs

حساب کردن (To calculate/pay)

محاسبه کردن (To compute)

حساب کشیدن (To hold accountable)

Adjectives

حسابی (Proper/Thorough)

محاسباتی (Computational)

بی‌حساب (Countless)

صورت‌حساب (Invoice)

پس‌انداز (Savings)

بدهی (Debt)

طلب (Claim)

تسویه (Settlement)

How to Use It

frequency

Very frequent in financial and administrative contexts.

Common Mistakes

Using 'ali-al-hesab' for 'temporary' weather. → Hava movaqqatan barani ast.
Ali-al-hesab is for accounts and transactions, not nature.
Spelling it 'الی الحساب'. → علی‌الحساب
The word 'Ali' must start with 'Ayn' (ع).
Saying 'Man ali-al-hesab hastam'. → Man ali-al-hesab pool dadam.
You cannot 'be' ali-al-hesab; you can only 'do' something ali-al-hesab.
Confusing it with 'Nesye' (credit). → Nesye is 'buy now, pay later'; Ali-al-hesab is 'pay some now, rest later'.
They are different directions of trust.
Using it for 'approximately'. → Taqriban 5 nafar amadand.
'Ali-al-hesab' is not a synonym for 'about'.

Tips

Bazaar Wisdom

Always carry small notes to pay 'ali-al-hesāb' if a shopkeeper doesn't have change.

No Ezafe

Do not add 'e' after 'ali-al-hesāb' when it's an adverb. Correct: 'Ali-al-hesāb dādam'.

Tax Tip

In Iran, 'Malyat-e Ali-al-hesab' is often 3-5% of a contract's value.

The 'L' Bridge

Pronounce the 'al' clearly; don't skip the 'l' like in some Arabic dialects.

Spelling

Remember: Ali (ع) + Al (ال) + Hesab (حساب). Two Arabic hooks!

Negotiation

Use 'ali-al-hesāb' to keep a deal moving when you can't agree on the final price yet.

Synonym Choice

Use 'mosa'ede' for work advances and 'ali-al-hesāb' for everything else.

Root Meaning

Remember 'Hesāb' means account. 'Ali-al-hesāb' means 'On the account'.

News Clues

When you hear 'ali-al-hesāb' on the news, it usually means the government is giving people money.

Trust Building

Paying 'ali-al-hesāb' is a great way to build 'Ta'arof' and trust with neighbors.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Ali' (a common name) at the 'Al-Hesāb' (The Account counter). Ali is paying a bit now because he forgot his full wallet.

Visual Association

Visualize a bridge half-built. The bridge is the 'ali-al-hesāb' payment that lets you cross the river while the other half is finished later.

Word Web

Money Advance Provisional Trust Account Bazaar Tax Salary

Challenge

Try to use 'ali-al-hesāb' today when you pay for something where you don't have exact change, even if just in your head.

Word Origin

Borrowed from Arabic 'على الحساب' ('alā al-hisāb).

Original meaning: Literally 'upon the account'.

Semitic (Arabic) into Indo-European (Persian).

Cultural Context

It is a neutral, professional term. No sensitivities.

The closest English equivalent is 'on account' or 'pro-tanto payment,' but these are mostly used by accountants. Iranians use 'ali-al-hesāb' in daily life.

Used frequently in the Iranian tax code (Ghanun-e Malyat-ha). Often heard in TV series like 'Paryat' or 'Shabhaye Barareh' regarding debts. Common in economic headlines of newspapers like 'Donya-e-Eqtesad'.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Banking

سود علی‌الحساب چقدر است؟
واریز سود علی‌الحساب
تفاوت سود قطعی و علی‌الحساب
دفترچه حساب علی‌الحساب

Taxation

ماده مالیات علی‌الحساب
پرداخت مالیات علی‌الحساب
برگه تشخیص علی‌الحساب
استرداد مالیات علی‌الحساب

Employment

درخواست مساعده علی‌الحساب
حقوق علی‌الحساب ماهانه
فیش حقوقی علی‌الحساب
کسورات علی‌الحساب

Rent

اجاره را علی‌الحساب دادم
رسید علی‌الحساب اجاره
مبلغ علی‌الحساب برای تخلیه
توافق علی‌الحساب

Shopping

علی‌الحساب این را داشته باش
بقیه پول علی‌الحساب
رسید خرید علی‌الحساب
پرداخت بیعانه علی‌الحساب

Conversation Starters

"آیا تا به حال مجبور شده‌اید مبلغی را علی‌الحساب پرداخت کنید؟"

"به نظر شما سیستم مالیات علی‌الحساب در ایران عادلانه است؟"

"اگر کسی به شما پول علی‌الحساب بدهد، آیا به او اعتماد می‌کنید؟"

"تفاوت علی‌الحساب و بیعانه را در چه می‌بینید؟"

"آیا در کشور شما هم مفهومی شبیه به علی‌الحساب وجود دارد؟"

Journal Prompts

درباره زمانی بنویسید که برای خرید چیزی پول کافی نداشتید و مجبور شدید علی‌الحساب پرداخت کنید.

مزایا و معایب سیستم پرداخت علی‌الحساب در پروژه‌های بزرگ ساختمانی را تحلیل کنید.

چگونه کلمه علی‌الحساب نشان‌دهنده اعتماد در فرهنگ ایرانی است؟

یک داستان کوتاه بنویسید که در آن کلمه علی‌الحساب نقش مهمی در حل یک اختلاف دارد.

اگر شما یک مدیر بانک بودید، نرخ سود علی‌الحساب را چگونه تعیین می‌کردید؟

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, 'ali-al-hesāb' is almost exclusively for money, legal rulings, or administrative actions. For a person, use 'movaqqat'.

It is a loan-phrase from Arabic that is fully integrated into Persian grammar and usage.

It is the minimum interest the bank guarantees to pay you monthly before the final yearly profit is calculated.

Yes, it's very polite. It shows you acknowledge you owe them more and are doing your best to pay now.

ع - ل - ی - ا - ل - ح - س - ا - ب. Note the 'Ayn' and 'He'.

No, the phrase itself doesn't change. You pluralize the noun it modifies, like 'pardākht-hā-ye ali-al-hesāb'.

Yes, if you want to pay part of the bill before the final check comes, you can say 'ali-al-hesāb'.

Not exactly. A deposit (pish-pardākht) is to start a deal. 'Ali-al-hesāb' is a payment against a running total.

The opposite is 'ghat'i' (final) or 'tasviye' (settlement).

Yes, it is used in Afghanistan (Dari) with a similar meaning, though 'pish-pardākht' might be more common there.