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اخلاق

A2 noun #3,500 most common 8 min read

اخلاق

Top 3,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips اخلاق in 30 Seconds

Explanation اخلاق in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should learn 'akhlaq' primarily as part of two very useful adjectives: 'khosh-akhlaq' (nice/good-tempered) and 'bad-akhlaq' (mean/bad-tempered). Think of it as a way to describe if someone is friendly or grumpy. You don't need to worry about the philosophical meaning of 'ethics' yet. Just focus on using it to describe people you know. For example, 'Madar-e man khosh-akhlaq ast' (My mother is nice). It's a very common way to talk about personality in simple sentences. You might also hear it when someone is talking about a teacher or a boss. If someone says 'u akhlaq nadarad' (he doesn't have ethics), they usually just mean 'he is very mean.' At this stage, treat it like a simple vocabulary word for describing character traits. Remember that the 'gh' sound at the end is like the French 'r' or a soft gargle. Practice saying 'khosh-akhlaq' to describe your favorite people. It is one of the most polite and common compliments you can give someone in Iran. If you call someone 'khosh-akhlaq,' you are saying they are easy to be around and always have a pleasant demeanor.

At the A2 level, you can start using 'akhlaq' as a standalone noun to mean 'temper' or 'disposition.' You can ask questions like 'Chera emruz bad-akhlaq hasti?' (Why are you bad-tempered today?). This shows you understand that 'akhlaq' can change depending on the day or situation. You should also recognize it in the context of 'manners' or 'behavior' in school or at home. You will start to see it in simple compound words like 'akhlaq-e kari' (work ethics) or 'akhlaq-e varzeshi' (sportsmanship). Understand that in Persian, 'akhlaq' is used much more frequently than the word 'personality' (shakhsiyat) when talking about how someone treats others. You should be able to use it in the Ezafe construction, such as 'akhlaq-e u' (his/her temper/character). You are also learning that it's a 'broken plural' from Arabic, but in Persian, we treat it like a singular concept. This is a great time to start using it to describe not just people, but the 'vibe' of a place or an interaction. For example, 'in ja akhlaq-e khobi darad' can colloquially mean this place has a good atmosphere or the people here are nice.

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'akhlaq' to discuss 'ethics' and 'morality' in more abstract terms. You can participate in conversations about what is 'akhlaqi' (ethical) and what is 'gheyr-e akhlaqi' (unethical). You will encounter the word in news articles or social media posts discussing 'akhlaq-e ejtema'i' (social ethics) or 'akhlaq-e herfe'i' (professional ethics). You should understand the difference between 'akhlaq' (internal character/morals) and 'adab' (external etiquette). At this level, you can use the word to express opinions on social issues. For instance, 'Dar in jame'eh, akhlaq kheyli mohem ast' (In this society, ethics are very important). You should also be aware of common idioms like 'akhlaq-esh tond ast' (he has a sharp temper). You can start reading short stories where the 'natije-ye akhlaqi' (moral of the story) is discussed. This is also the stage where you learn the word 'akhlaqiyat' which refers to the study of ethics or a set of moral values. You are moving beyond just 'nice' and 'mean' and starting to see the word as a pillar of Persian social and philosophical thought.

At the B2 level, you can use 'akhlaq' to engage in complex debates about philosophy, politics, and literature. You should understand the historical weight of the word in Persian culture, particularly its roots in 'Akhlaq-e Nasiri' or other classical ethical treatises. You can discuss 'falsafeye akhlaq' (moral philosophy) and distinguish between different ethical schools of thought in Persian. You should be able to recognize and use more advanced collocations like 'enhetat-e akhlaqi' (moral decay) or 'faza'el-e akhlaqi' (moral virtues). Your usage should reflect an understanding of how 'akhlaq' shapes Iranian identity and 'Ta'arof.' You can analyze how a character's 'akhlaq' evolves in a Persian novel or film. You should also be able to use the word in formal writing, such as an essay on the importance of 'akhlaq-e pezeshki' (medical ethics). At this level, you understand that 'akhlaq' is not just about being nice, but about a comprehensive system of human values that governs everything from business to family life. You can also use the word to describe the 'temperament' of a whole nation or era, showing a high level of linguistic sophistication.

At the C1 level, your understanding of 'akhlaq' should be near-native, encompassing its deep literary and mystical (Sufi) connotations. You can discuss the concept of 'tazkiyeh-ye nafs' (purification of the soul) and how it relates to 'akhlaq' in Persian mysticism. You should be able to read and interpret classical texts by Saadi, Ghazali, or Rumi that focus on 'akhlaq' without needing a dictionary for every sentence. You understand the subtle differences between 'akhlaq,' 'manesh,' 'sirat,' and 'khaslat.' You can use the word to critique contemporary social structures, discussing 'bohran-e akhlaqi' (moral crisis) with nuanced vocabulary. Your speech should include sophisticated idioms and proverbs related to 'akhlaq.' You can switch between the colloquial 'temper' meaning and the high-academic 'ethics' meaning seamlessly. You are aware of how the word has been used in Iranian intellectual history to bridge traditional religious values with modern secular ethics. You can provide a detailed analysis of 'akhlaq-e khedmat' (the ethics of service) in a professional or political context, using precise and varied language that demonstrates mastery of the Persian register.

At the C2 level, you possess a masterly command of 'akhlaq' and its place in the vast landscape of Persian thought. You can provide lectures or write scholarly articles on the evolution of 'akhlaq' from the pre-Islamic era (Zoroastrian 'Good Thoughts, Good Words, Good Deeds') to the Islamic period and into the modern era. You can parse the complex interplay between 'akhlaq' and 'shari'a' (law) in Persian jurisprudence. You are capable of appreciating the finest nuances in classical poetry where 'akhlaq' is used as a metaphor for spiritual attainment. You can lead discussions on 'akhlaq-e dars-e kharej' or other high-level theological concepts. Your understanding includes the psychological and sociological dimensions of 'akhlaq' in the modern Iranian diaspora versus mainland Iran. You can use the word with such precision that you can distinguish between 'akhlaq' as an ontological state and 'akhlaq' as a performative social act. You are essentially a peer to native scholars, able to contribute to the ongoing Persian discourse on what it means to live an 'ethical' life in the 21st century. Your vocabulary is so rich that you can use rare synonyms and archaic forms of the word to achieve specific rhetorical effects in your writing and oratory.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

اخلاق in 30 Seconds

Akhlaq means ethics, morals, and personal temperament.
Commonly used in 'khosh-akhlaq' (nice) and 'bad-akhlaq' (grumpy).
Essential for describing personality and professional integrity.
Derived from Arabic but used uniquely in daily Persian conversation.

The Persian word اخلاق (pronounced 'akhlāgh') is a multifaceted term that serves as the cornerstone of human interaction, personal character, and philosophical inquiry in the Persian-speaking world. At its most basic level, it translates to 'ethics' or 'morality,' but its usage in everyday conversation is far more expansive and nuanced than its English counterparts. In Persian, akhlaq refers not just to a system of right and wrong, but to an individual's 'temperament,' 'disposition,' or 'mood.' When you describe someone as having good akhlaq, you are saying they are polite, kind, and well-mannered. Conversely, if someone is having a 'bad akhlaq' day, it means they are grumpy or irritable.

Etymological Root: The word is technically the broken plural of the Arabic word 'khulq,' which means nature or character. However, in modern Persian, it is treated as a singular noun when referring to ethics as a field of study or a person's general demeanor.

او واقعاً مرد خوش‌ اخلاقی است که همیشه لبخند می‌زند.

Social Context: In Iranian culture, 'akhlaq' is often linked with 'adab' (politeness/etiquette). While 'adab' refers to the outward manifestation of manners, 'akhlaq' is considered the internal source or the soul's disposition that produces those manners. It is a deeply respected trait, often valued more than wealth or status.

رعایت اخلاق در ورزش بسیار مهم است.

Professional Ethics: In a professional setting, 'akhlaq-e kari' (work ethics) refers to one's integrity, punctuality, and honesty. It is the standard by which employees are often judged during performance reviews in Iran.

او به خاطر اخلاق حرفه‌ای‌اش در اداره معروف است.

استاد ما بسیار بد اخلاق است و همیشه داد می‌زند.

فلسفه اخلاق یکی از پیچیده‌ترین شاخه‌های دانش است.

Understanding 'akhlaq' is vital for any learner because it permeates every level of Persian culture, from the high literature of Saadi and Hafez to the daily negotiations in a Tehran bazaar. It is the invisible thread that holds social interactions together, emphasizing that how one treats others is the ultimate reflection of their inner self. Whether you are discussing the morality of a political decision or simply describing a friend's sunny disposition, 'akhlaq' is the word you will reach for most frequently.

Using اخلاق correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical flexibility as both a standalone noun and a component of compound adjectives. In Persian, the most common way you will encounter this word is in the forms 'khosh-akhlaq' (good-tempered) and 'bad-akhlaq' (bad-tempered). These are essential for describing people.

Compound Adjectives: To describe someone's personality, you attach 'khosh' (good) or 'bad' (bad) directly to 'akhlaq'. For example: 'Ali khosh-akhlaq ast' (Ali is good-natured). This is far more natural than saying 'Ali is a good person' when you specifically mean his temperament.

چرا امروز اینقدر بد اخلاق شده‌ای؟ چیزی شده؟

Abstract Morality: When using 'akhlaq' to mean 'ethics' or 'morality' in a general sense, it often appears as the subject of a sentence or as part of an Ezafe construction. For instance, 'Osul-e akhlaqi' (Ethical principles) or 'Nezam-e akhlaq' (The system of ethics).

او هیچ اخلاقی در تجارت ندارد و فقط به پول فکر می‌کند.

The 'Mood' Usage: In colloquial Persian, 'akhlaq' is used to describe a temporary state of mind. 'Akhlaq-esh tond ast' (His temper is sharp/harsh) implies that someone is easily angered. 'Akhlaq-esh gerefteh' (His mood is caught/depressed) is a way to say someone is feeling down.

پدرم صبح‌ها اخلاقش کمی تند است، بهتر است با او حرف نزنی.

کتاب‌های زیادی درباره اخلاق پزشکی نوشته شده است.

او با اخلاق خوبش توانست همه را جذب کند.

By mastering these patterns, you can express complex ideas about character and behavior with precision. Whether you are criticizing a lack of 'akhlaq-e ejtema'i' (social ethics) or praising a 'khosh-akhlaq' neighbor, the word remains a versatile tool in your linguistic arsenal.

You will hear اخلاق everywhere in Iran, from the most formal television broadcasts to the most casual family dinners. Its frequency is high because it bridges the gap between high-level philosophy and daily human interaction. In a taxi, you might hear a driver complaining about the 'bad-akhlaqi' (rude behavior) of other drivers. In a university lecture, a professor might discuss 'akhlaq-e sekular' (secular ethics).

Daily Life: Parents constantly use this word when teaching their children. You'll hear 'akhlaq-et ro dorost kon' (fix your attitude/behavior) or 'ba akhlaq bash' (be well-behaved). It is the primary word for socialization.

مهم‌ترین چیز در زندگی، داشتن اخلاق انسانی است.

Media and Politics: In news reports, 'akhlaq' is used to discuss political integrity. You might hear about 'akhlaq-e siyasi' (political ethics) or the 'fased-e akhlaqi' (moral corruption) of a certain group. It is a powerful rhetorical tool.

این کار برخلاف اخلاق ورزشی است.

Literature and Art: Persian literature is obsessed with 'akhlaq.' Classical poets like Saadi have entire books dedicated to moral stories ('Golestan' and 'Bustan'). You will hear references to 'akhlaq-e Saadi' as a gold standard for Persian character.

فیلم‌های اصغر فرهادی معمولاً چالش‌های اخلاقی را نشان می‌دهند.

او به دلیل فساد اخلاقی از کار اخراج شد.

رعایت اخلاق در فضای مجازی الزامی است.

In summary, 'akhlaq' is the lens through which Iranians view human behavior. It is not just a set of rules, but the very essence of how one exists in relation to others. Whether in the high-stakes world of politics or the quiet intimacy of a home, 'akhlaq' is the standard of measure.

For English speakers, the most common mistake is limiting اخلاق to just 'ethics' or 'morality' in the philosophical sense. While that is a valid translation, it ignores the word's massive role in describing personality and mood.

Mistake 1: Using 'Ethics' for 'Mood': If a friend is grumpy, an English speaker might say 'He's in a bad mood.' A learner might try to translate 'mood' literally. However, in Persian, you should use 'bad-akhlaq'. Saying 'akhlaq-esh bade' is the natural way to say someone is being mean or irritable right now.

اشتباه: او امروز در اخلاق بدی است. (Incorrect translation of 'bad mood')

Mistake 2: Confusing 'Akhlaq' with 'Adab': While related, 'adab' is about etiquette (saying please/thank you), whereas 'akhlaq' is about the deeper character. Someone can have perfect 'adab' (polite words) but terrible 'akhlaq' (dishonest or cruel nature). Don't use them interchangeably in formal settings.

درست: او آدم بد اخلاقی است. (Correct: He is a bad-tempered person.)

Mistake 3: Pluralization: Since 'akhlaq' is already a plural form in Arabic, some learners try to pluralize it again in Persian (like 'akhlaq-ha'). While 'akhlaqiyat' exists for 'moralities/ethics,' in 99% of cases, 'akhlaq' should be used as it is, even when referring to multiple ethical points.

او اخلاقهای عجیبی دارد. (Commonly heard but 'akhlaq-e ajibi' is more standard.)

بی‌ اخلاقی در سیاست به جامعه آسیب می‌زند.

رعایت اخلاق در رانندگی نشانه شخصیت است.

Finally, remember that 'akhlaq' is a noun. To use it as an adjective (ethical), you must add the 'i' suffix to get 'akhlaqi'. Saying 'in kar akhlaq ast' (this work is ethics) is wrong; you must say 'in kar akhlaqi ast' (this work is ethical).

To truly sound like a native, you need to know when to use اخلاق versus its synonyms or related terms. Persian has a rich vocabulary for character and behavior.

Akhlaq vs. Manesh: 'Manesh' is a pure Persian word for character. It is more poetic and formal. While 'akhlaq' can refer to a temporary mood, 'manesh' always refers to the deep, unchanging essence of a person. You'll hear it in terms like 'bozorg-manesh' (magnanimous).

او مردی با اخلاق و منش پهلوانی است.

Akhlaq vs. Sirat: 'Sirat' refers to one's inner nature or biography of character. It is often contrasted with 'surat' (appearance). While 'akhlaq' is what you do, 'sirat' is who you are deep down. It's a very high-register word.

نتیجه اخلاقی این داستان چیست؟

Akhlaq vs. Raftar: 'Raftar' means behavior or conduct. It is the most neutral and objective word. 'Akhlaq' implies a moral judgment (good or bad), while 'raftar' is just the action. 'Raftar-e u ajib ast' (His behavior is strange) vs 'Akhlaq-e u bad ast' (His temper/morals are bad).

بین اخلاق و رفتار تفاوت ظریفی وجود دارد.

او به دنبال کسب مکارم اخلاق است.

معلم از اخلاق دانش‌آموزان راضی بود.

Knowing these distinctions allows you to choose the word that fits the specific gravity of the situation. For everyday talk, 'akhlaq' is your best friend. For literature or deep philosophical debate, you might branch out into 'manesh' or 'sirat'.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

Even though 'akhlaq' is plural in Arabic, Persian speakers use it as a singular noun. This is common for many Arabic loanwords in Persian where the plural form becomes a collective singular concept.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /æxˈlɑːk/

US /ækˈlɑːk/

The stress is on the second syllable (lāq).

Rhymes With

اتاق (otāq) ایستگاه (istgāh - partial) چماق (chomāq) فراق (farāq) نفاق (nefāq) اجاق (ojāq) قنداق (qondāq) باشگاه (bāshgāh - partial)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'kh' as 'k'.
Pronouncing 'q' as 'k' or 'g'.
Stress on the first syllable.
Shortening the long 'a' sound.
Confusing the 'kh' with a simple 'h'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize, very common in text.

Writing 3/5

Requires correct spelling of the 'kh' and 'q' sounds.

Speaking 3/5

Pronunciation of 'q' and 'kh' can be tricky for beginners.

Listening 2/5

Very frequent in speech, easy to catch.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

خوب بد آدم داشتن بودن

Learn Next

ادب منش شخصیت رفتار وجدان

Advanced

تهذیب تزکیه فضیلت رذیلت هنجار

Grammar to Know

Ezafe Construction

اخلاقِ من (My temper/ethics)

Compound Adjectives with 'Khosh' and 'Bad'

خوش‌اخلاق (Good-tempered)

Suffix '-i' for Adjectives

اخلاقی (Ethical)

Suffix '-iyat' for Abstract Nouns

اخلاقیات (Ethics/Moralities)

Broken Plurals in Persian

اخلاق (from Khulq)

Examples by Level

برادرم خیلی خوش‌اخلاق است.

My brother is very good-tempered/nice.

Compound adjective: khosh + akhlaq.

او بد‌اخلاق نیست.

He is not bad-tempered.

Negative construction with 'nist'.

معلم ما خوش‌اخلاق است.

Our teacher is nice.

Subject + possessive + adjective.

علی امروز بد‌اخلاق است.

Ali is grumpy today.

Using 'emruz' (today) to show temporary state.

دوست من خوش‌اخلاق و مهربان است.

My friend is nice and kind.

Connecting two adjectives with 'o' (and).

آیا او خوش‌اخلاق است؟

Is he/she nice?

Question form.

پدرم کمی بد‌اخلاق شده است.

My father has become a bit grumpy.

Present perfect tense: shodeh ast.

من آدم خوش‌اخلاقی هستم.

I am a good-tempered person.

Noun + adjective + 'i' of indefinite.

اخلاق او خیلی خوب است.

His/her character/temper is very good.

Ezafe construction: akhlaq-e u.

چرا اخلاقت امروز بد است؟

Why is your temper bad today?

Pronominal suffix: akhlaq-at.

او اخلاق تندی دارد.

He has a sharp/quick temper.

Adjective 'tond' modifying 'akhlaq'.

بچه‌ها باید اخلاق خوب داشته باشند.

Children should have good manners/character.

Subjunctive: dashte bashand.

اخلاق کاری در این شرکت مهم است.

Work ethics is important in this company.

Compound noun: akhlaq-e kari.

او به خاطر اخلاقش معروف است.

He is famous because of his character.

Preposition 'be khater-e'.

سعی کن اخلاقت را بهتر کنی.

Try to improve your attitude.

Imperative: behtar kon.

اخلاق ورزشی یعنی احترام به حریف.

Sportsmanship means respecting the opponent.

Defining a concept.

رعایت اخلاق در جامعه الزامی است.

Observing ethics in society is mandatory.

Infinitive as subject: ra'ayat-e akhlaq.

این کار از نظر اخلاقی درست نیست.

This work is not correct from an ethical point of view.

Adverbial phrase: az nazar-e akhlaqi.

او همیشه اصول اخلاقی را رعایت می‌کند.

He always observes ethical principles.

Plural concept: osul-e akhlaqi.

اخلاق حرفه‌ای ایجاب می‌کند که صادق باشیم.

Professional ethics requires us to be honest.

Formal verb: ijab mikonad.

او دچار بحران اخلاقی شده است.

He has faced a moral crisis.

Compound verb: dochar shodan.

اخلاق و ادب دو بال برای پرواز هستند.

Ethics and politeness are two wings for flying.

Metaphorical usage.

کتاب‌های اخلاقی زیادی در کتابخانه هست.

There are many ethical books in the library.

Adjective: akhlaqi.

او هیچ بویی از اخلاق نبرده است.

He hasn't caught a scent of ethics (He has no morals).

Idiom: bu bordan.

فلسفه اخلاق به بررسی ارزش‌ها می‌پردازد.

Moral philosophy deals with the study of values.

Formal verb: pardakhtan be.

در سیاست، گاهی اخلاق فدای قدرت می‌شود.

In politics, ethics are sometimes sacrificed for power.

Passive construction: fada mishavad.

او به مسائل اخلاقی بسیار حساس است.

He is very sensitive to ethical issues.

Adjective + preposition: hassas be.

تربیت اخلاقی کودکان از خانواده شروع می‌شود.

The moral education of children starts from the family.

Compound noun: tarbiyat-e akhlaqi.

او یک لغزش اخلاقی بزرگ داشت.

He had a major moral lapse.

Noun phrase: lagzesh-e akhlaqi.

اخلاق سکولار بر پایه عقل بنا شده است.

Secular ethics is built on the basis of reason.

Passive voice: bana shodeh ast.

این فیلم تضادهای اخلاقی جامعه را نشان می‌دهد.

This film shows the moral contradictions of society.

Plural noun: tazad-ha-ye akhlaqi.

او به خاطر رعایت اخلاق پزشکی تقدیر شد.

He was praised for observing medical ethics.

Formal verb: taqdir shodan.

سعدی در گلستان به تبیین اخلاق عملی می‌پردازد.

Saadi explains practical ethics in the Golestan.

Literary context: akhlaq-e amali.

انحطاط اخلاقی می‌تواند منجر به سقوط تمدن‌ها شود.

Moral decay can lead to the fall of civilizations.

Complex cause-effect sentence.

او در پی تهذیب اخلاق و تزکیه نفس است.

He is seeking the refinement of morals and purification of the soul.

High-register vocabulary: tahzib, tazkiyeh.

نسبی‌گرایی اخلاقی یکی از چالش‌های دنیای مدرن است.

Moral relativism is one of the challenges of the modern world.

Academic term: nesbi-garayi-ye akhlaqi.

اخلاق ناصری یکی از مهم‌ترین متون اخلاقی کلاسیک است.

Akhlaq-e Nasiri is one of the most important classic ethical texts.

Specific historical reference.

او با استدلال‌های اخلاقی قوی، مخالفان را متقاعد کرد.

He convinced the opponents with strong ethical arguments.

Instrumental phrase: ba estedlal-ha-ye...

وجدان، دادگاه عالی اخلاق در درون انسان است.

Conscience is the high court of ethics within man.

Metaphorical definition.

او به مکارم اخلاق آراسته است.

He is adorned with noble moral traits.

Archaic/Formal verb: Arasteh ast.

دیالکتیک میان اخلاق و قدرت در تاریخ اندیشه سیاسی ایران مشهود است.

The dialectic between ethics and power is evident in the history of Iranian political thought.

Philosophical terminology: dialektik.

او در رساله‌اش به نقد بنیان‌های اخلاق استعلایی کانت پرداخت.

In his treatise, he critiqued the foundations of Kant's transcendental ethics.

Academic critique: akhlaq-e este'la'i.

خوانش‌های هرمنوتیک از متون اخلاقی کلاسیک، افق‌های جدیدی می‌گشاید.

Hermeneutic readings of classical ethical texts open new horizons.

Theoretical framework: khanesh-ha-ye hermenutik.

فقدان انتولوژی اخلاقی در جوامع مدرن، منجر به بحران معنا شده است.

The lack of an ethical ontology in modern societies has led to a crisis of meaning.

Ontological discussion.

او میان اخلاق هنجاری و اخلاق توصیفی تمایز قائل شد.

He distinguished between normative ethics and descriptive ethics.

Technical distinction: hanjari vs towsifi.

تجلی اخلاق در عرفان ایرانی، فراتر از قواعد خشک فقهی است.

The manifestation of ethics in Iranian mysticism goes beyond dry jurisprudential rules.

Comparative analysis.

او به بررسی تطبیقی اخلاق در شاهنامه و ایلیاد پرداخت.

He engaged in a comparative study of ethics in the Shahnameh and the Iliad.

Comparative literature: barresi-ye tatbiqi.

اخلاق زیستی یکی از چالش‌برانگیزترین حوزه‌های دانش معاصر است.

Bioethics is one of the most challenging fields of contemporary knowledge.

Modern scientific context: akhlaq-e zisti.

Common Collocations

خوش‌اخلاق

بد‌اخلاق

اخلاق کاری

اصول اخلاقی

فساد اخلاقی

اخلاق حرفه‌ای

فلسفه اخلاق

اخلاق پزشکی

نتیجه اخلاقی

اخلاق تند

Common Phrases

اخلاقش به من نمی‌خوره

— Our personalities/tempers don't match. Used for relationships.

ما جدا شدیم چون اخلاقمان به هم نمی‌خورد.

اخلاق نداره

— He/she is very mean or rude. Literally: doesn't have ethics.

با او معامله نکن، اصلاً اخلاق ندارد.

اخلاقش سگه

— He has a very bad/vicious temper. Slang/Informal.

مواظب باش، امروز اخلاقش سگه!

با اخلاق باش

— Be well-behaved or polite. Often said to children.

پسرم، در مهمانی با اخلاق باش.

اخلاقش رو می‌شناسم

— I know how he/she is (his/her temperament).

نگران نباش، من اخلاقش را می‌شناسم، زود می‌بخشد.

اخلاق حکم می‌کند

— Morality dictates that... Used in formal arguments.

اخلاق حکم می‌کند که به ضعیفان کمک کنیم.

اخلاق‌مدار

— Someone who is ethical or principled.

او مدیری اخلاق‌مدار است.

بی‌اخلاقی کردن

— To act unethically or rudely.

در مسابقه نباید بی‌اخلاقی کرد.

اخلاقش بیست است

— His character/temper is perfect (20/20).

معلم جدیدمان اخلاقش بیست است.

اخلاق گند

— Terrible temper/attitude. Informal.

او با این اخلاق گندش هیچ دوستی ندارد.

Often Confused With

اخلاق vs ادب

Adab is external manners, Akhlaq is internal character.

اخلاق vs عادت

Adat is a habit, Akhlaq is a moral trait or temper.

اخلاق vs خلق

Khalq means 'creation' or 'people', while Khulq (root of Akhlaq) means nature.

Idioms & Expressions

"اخلاق سگی داشتن"

— To have an extremely foul and aggressive temper.

رئیس امروز اخلاق سگی دارد، طرفش نرو.

Informal/Slang

"بوی اخلاق نبردن"

— To have absolutely no sense of morality or decency.

آن کلاهبردار هیچ بویی از اخلاق نبرده است.

Neutral

"اخلاقش مثل شیشه است"

— To have a very fragile or sensitive temper/mood.

او خیلی حساس است، اخلاقش مثل شیشه می‌ماند.

Informal

"اخلاقش گل است"

— To have a wonderful, sweet, and kind personality.

خواهرت واقعاً اخلاقش گل است.

Informal

"اخلاقش به چپ و راست می‌زند"

— To have an unpredictable or moody temperament.

نمی‌شود روی حرفش حساب کرد، اخلاقش به چپ و راست می‌زند.

Informal

"اخلاقش در رفتن"

— To lose one's temper or cool.

یکدفعه اخلاقش در رفت و شروع کرد به داد زدن.

Slang

"اخلاقش را خریدن"

— To tolerate or put up with someone's difficult temper.

مادرش تنها کسی است که اخلاقش را می‌خرد.

Informal

"اخلاقش با کسی نگرفتن"

— To not get along with someone due to personality clash.

او اخلاقش با مدیر جدید نگرفت و استعفا داد.

Informal

"اخلاقش مرغی است"

— To be easily offended or thin-skinned. Rare/Regional.

حرفی به او نزن، اخلاقش مرغی است.

Informal

"اخلاقش را روی دایره ریختن"

— To reveal one's true (usually bad) character.

بالاخره در دعوا اخلاقش را روی دایره ریخت.

Informal

Easily Confused

اخلاق vs خلق

Looks identical in script without vowels.

Khalq (creation) vs Khulq (character).

خلق جهان (Creation of the world) vs خوش‌خلق (Good-natured).

اخلاق vs اتاق

Similar ending sound.

Otaq is a room, Akhlaq is ethics.

او در اتاق است.

اخلاق vs حقلاق

Spelling mistake.

Not a word.

None.

اخلاق vs الحاق

Similar visual shape.

Alhaq means annexation or attachment.

الحاق جزیره به کشور.

اخلاق vs اخلاص

Similar start and sound.

Ekhlas means sincerity or devotion.

او با اخلاص کار می‌کند.

Sentence Patterns

[Subject] خوش‌اخلاق است.

مادرم خوش‌اخلاق است.

چرا [Subject] بد‌اخلاق شده؟

چرا علی بد‌اخلاق شده؟

رعایت [Noun] اخلاقی است.

رعایت نوبت اخلاقی است.

از نظر اخلاقی، [Sentence].

از نظر اخلاقی، دروغ گفتن بد است.

[Subject] به مکارم اخلاق آراسته است.

او به مکارم اخلاق آراسته است.

دیالکتیک میان اخلاق و [Noun]...

دیالکتیک میان اخلاق و سیاست...

او هیچ بویی از اخلاق نبرده.

اخلاق کاری او [Adjective] است.

اخلاق کاری او عالی است.

Word Family

Nouns

اخلاق (ethics)

اخلاقیت (morality)

اخلاق‌گرایی (moralism)

خُلق (nature)

Verbs

تخلق (to take on a character - rare)

اخلاقی کردن (to make ethical)

Adjectives

اخلاقی (ethical)

خوش‌اخلاق (good-tempered)

بد‌اخلاق (bad-tempered)

بی‌اخلاق (unethical)

ادب

منش

شخصیت

رفتار

وجدان

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely High (Top 500 words in Persian)

Common Mistakes

Using 'akhlaq' for 'habit'. → عادت (adat)
Akhlaq is character/temper, not a routine action like drinking tea.
Saying 'akhlaq-e khob' for a good person. → آدمِ خوش‌اخلاق
To describe a person, use the compound adjective 'khosh-akhlaq'.
Pronouncing 'akhlaq' as 'aklak'. → akhlaq (with uvular q)
The 'q' sound is essential for being understood.
Pluralizing as 'akhlaq-ha'. → اخلاق (akhlaq)
Akhlaq is already treated as a collective singular in Persian.
Confusing 'akhlaq' with 'adab'. → adab (etiquette)
Adab is about manners; Akhlaq is about the soul/character.

Tips

Learn the Compounds

Don't just learn 'akhlaq'. Learn 'khosh-akhlaq' and 'bad-akhlaq' immediately as they are used daily.

Character over Manners

Iranians value 'akhlaq' (inner character) deeply. Being polite is good, but having 'akhlaq' is better.

Ezafe Usage

Always use Ezafe when connecting 'akhlaq' to a person: Akhlaq-e Ali.

The Ending Sound

Make sure the final 'q' is distinct and not dropped, or it might sound like 'akhla' (which is not a word).

Mood Context

If you hear 'akhlaq' in a complaint, it almost always means someone is being grumpy.

The 'Kh' Sound

In the word 'akhlaq', the 'kh' is the first consonant. Don't forget the dot above the letter 'خ'.

Using it as a Compliment

Saying 'shoma kheyli khosh-akhlaq hastid' is a great way to build rapport.

Ethics vs Morality

In academic Persian, 'akhlaq' is used for both 'ethics' and 'morality'.

Avoid 'Akhlaq Sagi'

Only use 'akhlaq sagi' with very close friends; it's quite rude otherwise.

A-KH-LAQ

Remember: Attitude (A), Kind (K), Heart (H), Love (L), Always (A), Quality (Q). Quality Attitude!

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'A-KH-LAQ'. 'A' for Attitude, 'KH' like a clearing throat sound, and 'LAQ' like 'Luck'. You need 'Good Attitude Luck' to have good Akhlaq!

Visual Association

Imagine a person with two masks: a smiling one (khosh-akhlaq) and a frowning one (bad-akhlaq). Both masks are labeled 'Akhlaq'.

Word Web

Ethics Morals Temper Character Mood Manners Integrity Disposition

Challenge

Try to describe three people in your life using 'khosh-akhlaq' or 'bad-akhlaq' today.

Word Origin

Borrowed from Arabic 'اخلاق' (akhlāq), which is the broken plural of 'خُلُق' (khuluq). In Arabic, 'khuluq' means disposition, nature, or character.

Original meaning: The collection of an individual's natural traits and dispositions.

Semitic (Arabic) root, used in Indo-European (Persian) context.

Cultural Context

Calling someone 'bi-akhlaq' (unethical) is a very serious insult in Persian, more so than in English. Use it with caution.

English speakers often separate 'ethics' (formal) from 'being nice' (informal). Persian uses 'akhlaq' for both, merging the two concepts.

Golestan of Saadi (Chapter on the Morals of Kings) Akhlaq-e Nasiri by Nasir al-Din al-Tusi The film 'A Separation' by Asghar Farhadi (explores ethical dilemmas)

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Workplace

اخلاق کاری
اخلاق حرفه‌ای
تعهد اخلاقی
بی‌اخلاقی در اداره

Relationships

تفاهم اخلاقی
اختلاف اخلاقی
خوش‌اخلاق بودن
اخلاقش به من نمی‌خوره

Sports

اخلاق ورزشی
بازی جوانمردانه
بی‌اخلاقی در زمین
احترام به داور

Philosophy

فلسفه اخلاق
نسبی‌گرایی اخلاقی
اخلاق مطلق
ارزش‌های اخلاقی

Daily Mood

امروز بد‌اخلاقم
اخلاقش تنده
با اخلاق باش
اخلاقش خوب شده

Conversation Starters

"به نظر تو مهم‌ترین ویژگی اخلاقی یک دوست چیست؟"

"آیا در شغل تو اخلاق حرفه‌ای خیلی سختگیرانه است؟"

"چرا بعضی آدم‌ها صبح‌ها بد‌اخلاق هستند؟"

"بهترین کتاب اخلاقی که تا حالا خوانده‌ای چیست؟"

"آیا اخلاق در کشورهای مختلف متفاوت است؟"

Journal Prompts

امروز در مورد اخلاق کاری خودت فکر کن. چه کارهایی را می‌توانی بهتر انجام دهی؟

یک خاطره بنویس از زمانی که با یک آدم بسیار خوش‌اخلاق برخورد کردی.

آیا تا به حال مجبور شده‌ای بین پول و اخلاق یکی را انتخاب کنی؟

تعریف تو از یک جامعه اخلاق‌مدار چیست؟

چگونه می‌توانیم اخلاق خود را در موقعیت‌های سخت کنترل کنیم؟

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, in colloquial Persian, if you say 'akhlaqam bad ast,' it means 'I am in a bad mood' or 'I am feeling grumpy.' It is very common.

Grammatically it is an Arabic plural, but in Persian, it is used as a singular collective noun. You say 'akhlaq-e khob' (singular adjective) not 'akhlaq-ha-ye khob'.

You can say 'gheyr-e akhlaqi' (formal) or 'bi-akhlaq' (describing a person).

Manesh is purely Persian and more formal/literary, often referring to a noble character. Akhlaq is more common and versatile.

Usually no, unless you are anthropomorphizing them. We use 'khaslat' or 'raftar' for animals.

It means 'professional ethics.' It's used in business and medicine to describe the rules of conduct.

It's a uvular sound. Imagine a 'g' sound made further back in the throat.

Yes, it is one of the best compliments you can give someone regarding their personality.

It means 'the moral of the story.' You hear this after fables or parables.

While often discussed in religious contexts, 'akhlaq' is a general term for morality used by everyone, religious or secular.