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اقناع کردن

B2 verb 7 min read

اقناع کردن

Q: How do I say 'persuasive'?

You can use 'اقناعکننده' (eqnā-konandeh) or 'اقناعی' (eqnā'i). For example: 'یک دلیل اقناعکننده' (a convincing reason).

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips اقناع کردن in 30 Seconds

Explanation اقناع کردن in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'اقناع کردن' (eqnā' kardan) might be a bit too complex. At this stage, you are just learning basic verbs like 'to do' (kardan) and 'to say' (goftan). However, you can think of it as a 'big word' for 'making someone say yes.' In English, it is like the difference between saying 'I made him agree' and 'I persuaded him.' Even if you don't use it yet, knowing that 'kardan' at the end makes it an action verb is helpful. You might see it in very simple sentences about parents and children, but usually, teachers will suggest you use 'rāzi kardan' (to make happy/satisfied) because it is much easier to pronounce and more common in daily life. Focus on the fact that 'eqnā' is the idea and 'kardan' is the action. If you can remember that 'eqnā' means 'persuasion,' you are already ahead of the curve! You won't need to conjugate it in many ways yet, just focus on the present and past simple: 'eqnā mikonam' (I persuade) and 'eqnā kardam' (I persuaded).

At the A2 level, you are starting to build compound verbs, and 'اقناع کردن' is a great example of how Persian works. Compound verbs are the backbone of the language. You already know 'kar kardan' (to work) and 'sohbat kardan' (to talk). Now, you can add 'eqnā kardan' to your list. At this level, you should be able to use it in basic 'Subject-Object-Verb' sentences. For example, 'Man dūstam rā eqnā kardam' (I persuaded my friend). You are also learning the 'rā' marker for direct objects, and this verb is perfect for practicing that. You might hear this word in simple news stories or in classroom settings when a teacher asks if you are 'convinced' by an answer. It's a step up from 'rāzi kardan' because it shows you are talking about ideas, not just feelings. Try to use it when you are talking about school or simple opinions. Don't worry about the complex Arabic grammar behind the word yet; just treat 'eqnā' as a block that means 'persuasion.'

At the B1 level, you are moving into intermediate territory where nuance matters. 'اقناع کردن' becomes a useful tool for expressing your opinions in debates or discussions. You should start to distinguish it from 'rāzi kardan.' While 'rāzi kardan' is about making someone okay with a situation, 'eqnā kardan' is about changing their mind through what you say. At this level, you are learning more complex tenses like the subjunctive (may persuade) and the perfect tenses (have persuaded). For example, 'bayad u rā eqnā konam' (I must persuade him). You will also encounter the passive form 'eqnā shodan' (to be persuaded). This is very useful in conversations: 'ghāne' shodam' (I am convinced/satisfied). Wait, notice the change? 'Ghāne'' is the adjective form. At B1, you start to see these family connections. 'Eqnā' (persuasion), 'Ghāne'' (convinced/content). Using 'eqnā kardan' in your writing will make your essays sound much more professional and academic.

At the B2 level, which is the target level for this word, you should use 'اقناع کردن' with confidence in formal and semi-formal contexts. You understand that this verb implies a logical process. You can use it to describe rhetorical strategies, business negotiations, and political arguments. You should be able to use it with various prepositions and in complex sentence structures. For instance, 'Tavanāyi-ye u dar eqnā kardan-e digarān bi-nazir ast' (His ability in persuading others is unique). At this level, you are expected to know the collocations, such as 'eqnā-e afkār-e omumi' (persuading public opinion). You also start to recognize the subtle difference between this and 'moteghā'ed kardan.' While both are often interchangeable, 'eqnā' has a slightly more literary or 'deep' feeling of satisfaction. Your vocabulary is now rich enough to choose 'eqnā kardan' specifically when you want to emphasize that the person’s doubts have been completely resolved by sound reasoning.

At the C1 level, you are exploring the stylistic and rhetorical depths of the Persian language. 'اقناع کردن' is no longer just a vocabulary word; it's a concept. You use it to analyze literature, political philosophy, and classical texts. You understand the Arabic root (Q-N-') and how it relates to 'qanā'at' (contentment/frugality) and 'ghāne'' (convinced). You can discuss the 'art of persuasion' (honar-e eqnā) as a branch of rhetoric. At this level, you use the word to describe subtle psychological states. You might use it in the negative to show a failure of logic: 'Esteghlāl-e fekri-ye u māne'-e eqnā shodan-ash shod' (His intellectual independence prevented him from being persuaded). You are also comfortable using more archaic or highly formal variations like 'moteghā'ed sākhtan' or 'be-eqnā resāndan.' Your usage is precise, and you know exactly when 'eqnā kardan' will carry the most weight in a high-level academic or professional presentation.

At the C2 level, you possess a native-like command of 'اقناع کردن' and its place in the vast web of Persian vocabulary. You can use it with poetic flair or clinical precision. You might use it in a philosophical context to discuss the 'sufficiency of evidence' or the 'satisfaction of the intellect' (eqnā-e aql). You are aware of its usage in classical Persian prose where the lines between religious satisfaction and logical persuasion often blurred. You can effortlessly switch between 'eqnā kardan' and its synonyms to avoid repetition and to provide specific shades of meaning. You understand the sociological implications of 'دستگاه‌های اقناعی' (persuasive apparatuses) in modern media theory. For you, the word is a versatile tool that can describe anything from a mother’s gentle coaxing to a lawyer’s closing argument or a mystic’s internal peace. You can also critique the use of the word in others' speech, identifying when it is used as a euphemism for manipulation vs. genuine logical alignment.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

اقناع کردن in 30 Seconds

A formal Persian compound verb meaning to persuade or convince through logical reasoning.
Derived from the Arabic root for 'satisfaction,' implying the mind is satisfied with the argument.
Used in academic, legal, and professional contexts rather than casual social favors.
Requires the direct object marker 'rā' and can be used with 'be' for the topic.

The Persian verb اقناع کردن (eqnā' kardan) is a sophisticated compound verb that translates most directly to 'to persuade' or 'to convince.' Rooted in the Arabic triliteral root q-n-' (ق-ن-ع), which relates to contentment, satisfaction, and sufficiency, the word carries a nuance that goes beyond merely winning an argument. It implies bringing someone to a state of mental satisfaction or intellectual 'sufficiency' where they no longer have doubts. In the landscape of Persian verbs for persuasion, اقناع کردن sits in a more formal and intellectual register compared to the common راضی کردن (rāzi kardan - to satisfy/please) or the slightly more clinical متقاعد کردن (moteghā'ed kardan - to convince).

Formal Contexts: You will frequently encounter this term in legal proceedings, academic papers, and high-level political discourse. It describes the process of presenting evidence so compelling that the audience's mind is 'satisfied' with the conclusion.
Emotional vs. Intellectual Persuasion: While 'persuade' in English can be emotional, اقناع کردن often leans towards the logical side. It is the act of filling the gaps in someone's understanding until they reach the same conclusion as you.

وکیل مدافع تلاش کرد هیئت منصفه را با مدارک جدید اقناع کند.
(The defense attorney tried to persuade the jury with new evidence.)

Historically, Persian literature has used this term to describe the satisfaction of the soul. In a modern context, however, it is the primary tool of the 'rhetorician' (خطیب). When a journalist speaks about 'persuading public opinion' (اقناع افکار عمومی), they are referring to a systematic effort to change the collective mind of the populace. This verb requires a direct object (the person being persuaded) followed by the preposition 'به' (to) or 'در مورد' (about) if specifying the topic, though it often stands with a simple direct object in the 'rā' (را) construction.

او در اقناع کردن مخاطبان خود مهارت خاصی دارد.
(He has a special skill in persuading his audience.)

Using اقناع کردن correctly involves understanding its role as a transitive compound verb. In Persian, compound verbs consist of a non-verbal element (the 'prefix' or noun/adjective part) and a light verb (in this case, 'kardan'). The non-verbal part 'اقناع' remains static, while 'کردن' is conjugated to show tense, person, and mood. For example, 'I persuaded' is 'اقناع کردم', and 'I will persuade' is 'اقناع خواهم کرد'.

Structure: [Subject] + [Object] + را + اقناع کردن: This is the most common pattern. 'من او را اقناع کردم' (I persuaded him). The 'rā' marker is essential here because the person being persuaded is the specific direct object.
Structure: [Subject] + [Object] + را + به + [Action/Idea] + اقناع کردن: Use this when you want to specify what you persuaded them to do. 'آنها ما را به همکاری اقناع کردند' (They persuaded us to cooperate).

آیا می‌توانی پدرت را برای خرید ماشین جدید اقناع کنی؟
(Can you persuade your father to buy a new car?)

It is also important to note the passive form: اقناع شدن (eqnā' shodan - to be persuaded/convinced). If you find yourself agreeing with someone's argument, you would say 'من اقناع شدم' (I am convinced). This is a very common way to end a debate or discussion respectfully. It signals that the other person's logic has met your requirements for belief.

نویسنده با استدلال‌های منطقی، خواننده را اقناع کرد.
(The author persuaded the reader with logical arguments.)

You will hear اقناع کردن in environments where ideas are being traded, contested, or defended. Unlike 'rāzi kardan,' which you might hear at a bazaar while haggling over the price of saffron, 'eqnā' kardan' belongs to the seminar room, the newsroom, and the boardroom. It is the language of professional negotiation and intellectual discourse.

In the Media: News anchors often discuss 'قدرت اقناع' (ghodrat-e eqnā' - power of persuasion) when analyzing political speeches. They might ask, 'Did the president succeed in persuading the public?'
In Academia: Professors will use it when discussing rhetoric (بلاغت) or critical thinking. A student might be told their thesis fails to 'persuade' (اقناع) the committee because of a lack of data.

سخنران با بیانی شیوا توانست همه را اقناع کند.
(The speaker was able to persuade everyone with an eloquent expression.)

In business, it's used during sales pitches for high-value items or B2B (Business to Business) contracts. It’s not about tricking someone; it’s about providing enough value and logic that the client feels 'satisfied' (the root meaning of eqnā) with the decision to buy. If you are watching a Persian debate show like 'Pargar,' you will hear the moderator or guests use this word constantly to describe the goal of their arguments.

تلاش‌های ما برای اقناع کردن مدیر بی‌نتیجه بود.
(Our efforts to persuade the manager were fruitless.)

One of the most common mistakes for English speakers learning Persian is using اقناع کردن in overly casual settings. While it means 'persuade,' using it to describe persuading a friend to go to a specific restaurant might sound a bit too formal or even robotic. In those cases, راضی کردن (to make happy/satisfied) is much more natural.

Mistake 1: Confusing with 'Rāzi Kardan': 'Rāzi kardan' is about making someone willing or happy. 'Eqnā' kardan' is about making them believe through logic. Use 'Eqnā' for debates, 'Rāzi' for favors.
Mistake 2: Incorrect Prepositions: Learners often forget the 'rā' (را) after the person being persuaded. Remember: 'Man *u rā* eqnā kardam,' not 'Man be u eqnā kardam.'

❌ من سعی کردم دوستم را برای پیتزا اقناع کنم.
✅ من سعی کردم دوستم را برای پیتزا راضی کنم.
(The first sounds like a philosophical debate about pizza; the second sounds like a normal social interaction.)

Another mistake is the confusion between 'اقناع' (persuasion) and 'قناعت' (contentment). While they share the same root, 'قناعت کردن' means 'to be content with what one has' (usually regarding money or resources). If you say 'Man eqnā kardam' when you mean 'I was content with the food,' people will be very confused! Always use the full compound 'eqnā kardan' for persuasion.

او مرا اقناع کرد که این طرح اقتصادی سودمند است.
(He persuaded me that this economic plan is beneficial.)

Persian is rich with synonyms for persuasion, each carrying a different weight and social color. Understanding these differences will help you sound more like a native speaker and less like a textbook.

متقاعد کردن (Moteghā'ed Kardan): This is the closest synonym to 'eqnā' kardan.' It literally means 'to make someone sit down' (metaphorically, to make them settle on an idea). It is very common in journalism and business. It is slightly more common than 'eqnā' in everyday professional talk.
راضی کردن (Rāzi Kardan): To satisfy or please. Use this for: 'I persuaded my mom to let me go out,' or 'I convinced the salesman to give me a discount.' It’s about agreement and happiness.
ترغیب کردن (Targhib Kardan): To encourage or induce. This is used when you are persuading someone to *take an action* rather than just believe an idea. 'The ad persuaded (encouraged) me to buy the shoes.'

تفاوت بین اقناع کردن و راضی کردن در عمق استدلال است.
(The difference between persuading and satisfying lies in the depth of the argument.)

In summary, choose اقناع کردن when the focus is on the logical satisfaction of the mind. Choose 'moteghā'ed' for general professional convincing, 'rāzi' for social agreement, and 'targhib' for motivation towards action. Mastering these nuances is a key marker of B2-C1 level proficiency in Persian.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The root q-n-' is the same one used for 'Qana'at' (frugality/contentment). In Persian culture, being 'ghāne'' (content) is a high virtue, meaning you are satisfied with what you have. 'Eqnā kardan' is essentially providing someone with enough logical 'sustenance' that their mind is satisfied.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ɛːq.nɑː kæɾ.dæn/

US /ek.nɑː kɑːr.dən/

The primary stress is on the last syllable of the non-verbal part: 'eq-NĀ'. In the conjugated verb, the stress shifts to the prefix 'mi-' or the last syllable of the stem.

Rhymes With

امتناع (emtenā' - refusal) ارتفاع (ertefā' - height) اختراع (ekhterā' - invention) اوضاع (owzā' - situations) انقطاع (enghatā' - interruption) اجتماع (ejtemā' - gathering) وداع (vedā' - farewell) دفاع (defā' - defense)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'q' (ق) as a soft 'k'. It should be deeper in the throat.
Mixing up 'eqnā' with 'ghana'at' (contentment).
Forgetting to pronounce the 'n' in 'eqnā' clearly.
Putting the stress on 'kardan' instead of 'eqnā'.
Treating it as a simple verb instead of a compound verb.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 4/5

The word itself is easy to recognize, but it often appears in complex academic or political texts.

Writing 5/5

Requires knowledge of compound verb conjugation and the 'rā' marker.

Speaking 6/5

The 'q' sound and the formal register make it tricky to use naturally in conversation.

Listening 4/5

Clear pronunciation in formal speech makes it easy to spot.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

کردن (to do) راضی (satisfied) حرف (talk/word) دلیل (reason) فکر (thought)

Learn Next

متقاعد کردن (to convince) استدلال کردن (to reason) اثبات کردن (to prove) مذاکره کردن (to negotiate) بلاغت (rhetoric)

Advanced

دیالکتیک (dialectic) سفسطه (sophistry) برهان قاطع (decisive proof) القاء کردن (to instill/insinuate) تلقین کردن (to suggest/indoctrinate)

Grammar to Know

Compound Verb Conjugation

اقناع می‌کنم، اقناع کردی، اقناع خواهد کرد.

Direct Object Marker 'rā'

من *او را* اقناع کردم.

Subjunctive Mood with 'bāyad'

باید او را اقناع *کنم*.

Passive Voice with 'shodan'

او با دلایل من اقناع *شد*.

Infinitive as Noun

اقناع کردنِ دیگران کار سختی است.

Examples by Level

من او را اقناع می‌کنم.

I persuade him.

Simple present tense using 'mikonam'.

آیا تو او را اقناع کردی؟

Did you persuade him?

Past simple question.

مادرم مرا اقناع کرد.

My mother persuaded me.

Subject (mādar) + Object (man + rā) + Verb.

ما باید آنها را اقناع کنیم.

We must persuade them.

Using 'bāyad' with the subjunctive 'konim'.

او می‌خواهد مرا اقناع کند.

He wants to persuade me.

Compound verb with 'khāstan'.

آنها اقناع نشدند.

They were not persuaded.

Passive negative past tense.

سعی کن او را اقناع کنی.

Try to persuade him.

Imperative 'sa'y kon' followed by subjunctive.

او زود اقناع می‌شود.

He is easily persuaded.

Passive present tense with 'shodan'.

معلم دانش‌آموز را با منطق اقناع کرد.

The teacher persuaded the student with logic.

Using 'bā' (with) to show the means of persuasion.

من نتوانستم برادرم را اقناع کنم.

I could not persuade my brother.

Negative 'natavānestam' with the verb.

او برای اقناع کردن ما خیلی حرف زد.

He talked a lot to persuade us.

Using the infinitive 'eqnā kardan' as a purpose.

آیا این دلیل برای اقناع شما کافی است؟

Is this reason enough to persuade you?

Using 'barāye' (for/to) with the infinitive.

آنها سعی دارند مشتری را اقناع کنند.

They are trying to persuade the customer.

Present continuous construction 'sa'y dārand'.

پدرم با این قیمت اقناع نمی‌شود.

My father is not persuaded by this price.

Passive present negative.

کتاب خوبی بود و مرا اقناع کرد.

It was a good book and it persuaded me.

Coordinating two simple sentences.

چطور می‌توانم مدیر را اقناع کنم؟

How can I persuade the manager?

Question with 'chetor' (how) and 'tavānestan'.

نویسنده تلاش می‌کند خواننده را به تغییر عقیده اقناع کند.

The author tries to persuade the reader to change their opinion.

Using 'be' (to) to indicate the goal of persuasion.

اگر او را اقناع کنی، پروژه شروع می‌شود.

If you persuade him, the project will start.

Conditional sentence Type 1.

او با سخنرانی‌اش همه را اقناع کرده است.

He has persuaded everyone with his speech.

Present perfect tense 'eqnā karde ast'.

به جای دعوا، سعی کن او را اقناع کنی.

Instead of fighting, try to persuade him.

Using 'be jāye' (instead of) with a noun.

من از قدرت اقناع او تعجب می‌کنم.

I am surprised by his power of persuasion.

Noun phrase 'ghodrat-e eqnā'.

اقناع کردن مردم در این شرایط سخت است.

Persuading people in these conditions is difficult.

Infinitive as the subject of the sentence.

او هیچ‌وقت با حرف‌های ساده اقناع نمی‌شد.

He was never persuaded by simple words.

Past habitual passive 'eqnā nemishod'.

آیا توانستی او را به خرید این خانه اقناع کنی؟

Were you able to persuade him to buy this house?

Past tense of 'tavānestan' + subjunctive.

هدف نهایی تبلیغات، اقناع مصرف‌کننده است.

The ultimate goal of advertising is to persuade the consumer.

Noun form used as a predicate.

وکیل با ارائه شواهد علمی، داوران را اقناع کرد.

The lawyer persuaded the judges by presenting scientific evidence.

Participial phrase 'bā arā'eye' (by presenting).

او در اقناع افکار عمومی بسیار موفق عمل کرد.

He acted very successfully in persuading public opinion.

Collocation 'afkār-e omumi' (public opinion).

ما باید برای اقناع منتقدان، دلایل محکم‌تری بیاوریم.

We must provide stronger reasons to persuade the critics.

Comparative adjective 'mohkam-tar' (stronger).

سیاستمدار نتوانست پارلمان را برای تصویب قانون اقناع کند.

The politician failed to persuade the parliament to pass the law.

Complex sentence with multiple objectives.

این گزارش به هیچ وجه مرا اقناع نمی‌کند.

This report does not persuade me at all.

Adverbial phrase 'be hich vajh' (at all/by no means).

او با مهارتی خاص، مخالفان خود را اقناع کرد.

With a special skill, he persuaded his opponents.

Prepositional phrase 'bā mahārati khās'.

آیا فکر می‌کنی بتوانی او را به بازگشت اقناع کنی؟

Do you think you can persuade him to return?

Nested clauses with 'fekr mikoni' and 'betavāni'.

بلاغت در زبان فارسی ابزاری برای اقناع مخاطب در سطوح عالی است.

Rhetoric in the Persian language is a tool for persuading the audience at high levels.

Academic register with specific terminology like 'belāghat'.

نویسنده در این فصل به اقناع فکری و اخلاقی خوانندگان می‌پردازد.

In this chapter, the author addresses the intellectual and moral persuasion of the readers.

Using 'be ... mi-pardāzad' (deals with/addresses).

عدم توانایی در اقناع شرکا منجر به شکست پروژه شد.

Inability to persuade the partners led to the failure of the project.

Gerund construction 'adam-e tavānāyi' (lack of ability).

او با رویکردی دیالکتیکی سعی در اقناع فیلسوفان داشت.

He tried to persuade the philosophers with a dialectical approach.

Adjectival phrase 'ruykardi diālektiki'.

اقناع کردن یک ذهن شکاک نیازمند صبر و حوصله فراوان است.

Persuading a skeptical mind requires great patience and perseverance.

Infinitive phrase as a subject requiring a specific verb 'niyāzmand ast'.

استراتژی‌های اقناعی در رسانه‌های جمعی بسیار پیچیده شده‌اند.

Persuasive strategies in mass media have become very complex.

Adjective 'eqnā'i' (persuasive).

او چنان با جذبه سخن می‌گفت که گویی نیازی به اقناع نبود.

He spoke with such charisma that it was as if there was no need for persuasion.

Subjunctive mood after 'guiyi' (as if).

بدون اقناع وجدان، هیچ توافقی پایدار نخواهد بود.

Without persuading the conscience, no agreement will be lasting.

Metaphorical use of 'eqnā-e vejdān'.

دیالکتیک افلاطونی بیش از آنکه بر تحمیل عقیده استوار باشد، بر اقناع متقابل تکیه دارد.

Platonic dialectic, rather than being based on imposing belief, relies on mutual persuasion.

Comparative structure 'bish az ānke ... bar ...'.

در متون کلاسیک، اقناع همواره با نوعی اشراق و رضایت درونی همراه است.

In classical texts, persuasion is always accompanied by a kind of illumination and inner satisfaction.

Abstract noun usage in historical context.

تقلیل مفاهیم پیچیده برای اقناع توده‌ها، از آفات سیاست مدرن است.

Reducing complex concepts to persuade the masses is one of the plagues of modern politics.

Sophisticated vocabulary like 'taghlil' and 'āfāt'.

او با ظرافتی هرمنوتیکی درصدد اقناع منتقدان سرسخت خود برآمد.

With hermeneutic subtlety, he sought to persuade his stubborn critics.

The construction 'dar sadad-e ... bar-āmadan' (to set out to).

اقناع مخاطب در سینمای مدرن نه از طریق کلام، بلکه از طریق تصویر صورت می‌گیرد.

Persuading the audience in modern cinema takes place not through words, but through images.

Contrastive structure 'na az tarigh-e ... balke ...'.

قدرت هژمونیک از طریق سازوکارهای اقناعی بازتولید می‌شود.

Hegemonic power is reproduced through persuasive mechanisms.

Sociopolitical terminology 'hezhmonik' and 'bāztolid'.

وی با استعانت از آرایه‌های ادبی، به اقناع عاطفی شنوندگان نائل آمد.

By resorting to literary devices, he achieved the emotional persuasion of the listeners.

Formal verb 'nā'el āmadan' (to achieve/attain).

پارادوکس اقناع در این است که هرچه تلاش بیشتر باشد، مقاومت ذهنی فزونی می‌یابد.

The paradox of persuasion is that the more effort there is, the more mental resistance increases.

Correlative structure 'har-che ... fozuni mi-yābad'.

Common Collocations

اقناع افکار عمومی

قدرت اقناع

تلاش برای اقناع

اقناع فکری

به سختی اقناع کردن

اقناع وجدان

شیوه اقناع

اقناع مخاطب

اقناع متقابل

فرآیند اقناع

Common Phrases

قانع شدم

— I am convinced. Used to end an argument when you accept the other's point.

حرف‌هایت منطقی بود، قانع شدم.

حرفش اقناع‌کننده نبود

— His words were not persuasive/convincing.

توضیحاتش برای من اقناع‌کننده نبود.

سعی در اقناع داشتن

— To be intent on persuading someone.

او سعی در اقناع من داشت.

به اقناع رسیدن

— To reach a state of being convinced.

پس از ساعت‌ها بحث، به اقناع رسیدیم.

غیر قابل اقناع

— Unpersuadable or stubborn.

او فردی لجباز و غیر قابل اقناع است.

اقناع کردن با زور

— To persuade with force (often used ironically or to mean coercion).

او می‌خواست مرا با زور اقناع کند.

هنر اقناع

— The art of persuasion.

او استاد هنر اقناع است.

اقناع قلبی

— Heartfelt persuasion (truly believing, not just logically).

من به اقناع قلبی رسیدم.

عدم اقناع

— Failure to persuade / Lack of conviction.

عدم اقناع مشتری باعث ضرر شد.

به منظور اقناع

— For the purpose of persuading.

او این نامه را به منظور اقناع مدیر نوشت.

Often Confused With

اقناع کردن vs قناعت کردن

Means to be content/frugal with resources. 'I was content with little money.'

اقناع کردن vs اطاعت کردن

Means to obey. Persuasion is about mind; obedience is about action/authority.

اقناع کردن vs امتناع کردن

Means to refuse. It is the opposite action (refusing vs. persuading).

Idioms & Expressions

"مخ کسی را زدن"

— To hit someone's brain. (Slang for persuading someone, often through charm or persistence).

بالاخره مخش را زدم که با ما بیاید.

Slang

"زیر پای کسی نشستن"

— To sit under someone's feet. (To persuade someone, often in a manipulative or sneaky way).

دوستش زیر پایش نشست تا ماشینش را بفروشد.

Informal

"رگ خواب کسی را پیدا کردن"

— To find someone's sleep vein. (To find the best way to persuade or control someone).

او رگ خواب مدیر را برای اقناع کردن پیدا کرده است.

Informal

"خر کردن"

— To make a donkey of someone. (To trick or persuade someone into doing something foolish).

مواظب باش تو را خر نکنند.

Vulgar/Slang

"با پنبه سر بریدن"

— To behead with cotton. (To persuade or defeat someone so gently they don't notice it).

او با پنبه سر می‌برد و همه را اقناع می‌کند.

Informal/Literary

"زبان ریختن"

— To pour tongue. (To use sweet talk to persuade someone).

اینقدر برای من زبان نریز، اقناع نمی‌شوم.

Informal

"شستشوی مغزی دادن"

— To brainwash. (Extreme, negative persuasion).

آنها اعضای خود را شستشوی مغزی می‌دهند.

Neutral

"توی دل کسی را خالی کردن"

— To empty someone's heart. (To persuade someone to be afraid or give up - negative persuasion).

سعی نکن توی دل مرا خالی کنی.

Informal

"به راه آوردن"

— To bring to the path. (To persuade someone to behave or agree).

بالاخره او را به راه آوردم.

Informal

"مهر خاموشی بر لب زدن"

— To put a seal of silence on the lips. (To persuade someone into silence or total agreement).

استدلال او مهر خاموشی بر لب منتقدان زد.

Literary

Easily Confused

اقناع کردن vs راضی کردن

Both involve getting someone to agree.

Rāzi is about satisfaction/happiness; Eqnā is about logical conviction.

باید او را راضی کنم (I need his permission/happiness). باید او را اقناع کنم (I need him to believe me).

اقناع کردن vs متقاعد کردن

They are nearly identical in meaning.

Moteghā'ed is slightly more common in modern speech; Eqnā is slightly more 'classic' or 'intellectual'.

Both work for 'He convinced me.'

اقناع کردن vs توجیه کردن

Both involve explaining things.

Tojih is 'justifying' something (often something bad); Eqnā is 'persuading' someone of a truth.

او اشتباهش را توجیه کرد (He justified his mistake).

اقناع کردن vs ترغیب کردن

Both aim to change behavior.

Targhib is 'encouraging' or 'motivating' toward an action; Eqnā is changing the 'mind'.

او مرا به ورزش ترغیب کرد (He encouraged me to exercise).

اقناع کردن vs قانع بودن

Shares the same root.

Ghāne' budan is a state (being content/convinced); Eqnā kardan is an action (persuading).

من به این حقوق قانع هستم (I am content with this salary).

Sentence Patterns

[Subject] [Object] rā eqnā mikonad.

علی سارا را اقناع می‌کند.

[Subject] natavānest [Object] rā eqnā konad.

من نتوانستم او را اقناع کنم.

[Subject] bā [Reason] [Object] rā eqnā kard.

او با منطق مرا اقناع کرد.

Hadaf-e [Noun], eqnā kardan-e [Object] ast.

هدف من، اقناع کردن شماست.

Adam-e eqnā-e [Noun] bā'es-e [Result] shod.

عدم اقناع مدیر باعث شکست شد.

Eqnā-e [Abstract Noun] az tarigh-e [Method] surat migirad.

اقناع وجدان از طریق بخشش صورت می‌گیرد.

Agar [Subject] [Object] rā eqnā konad, ...

اگر او مرا اقناع کند، می‌روم.

[Subject] dar eqnā kardan-e [Object] mahārat dārad.

او در اقناع کردن مردم مهارت دارد.

Word Family

Nouns

اقناع (persuasion)

قناعت (contentment)

قانع (convinced person)

Verbs

اقناع کردن (to persuade)

اقناع شدن (to be persuaded)

قانع کردن (to convince)

قناعت کردن (to be content)

Adjectives

اقناعی (persuasive)

قانع‌کننده (convincing)

قانع (content/convinced)

استدلال (reasoning)

برهان (proof)

منطق (logic)

بلاغت (rhetoric)

تبلیغ (advertising/propaganda)

How to Use It

frequency

High in formal/academic Persian; medium in daily speech.

Common Mistakes

من به او اقناع کردم. → من او را اقناع کردم.
The verb 'eqnā kardan' takes a direct object with 'rā', not the preposition 'be'.
او مرا اقناع کرد که بستنی بخوریم. → او مرا راضی کرد که بستنی بخوریم.
Using 'eqnā kardan' for trivial social things like eating ice cream sounds too formal.
من از غذا اقناع شدم. → من از غذا سیر شدم / قانع شدم.
'Eqnā' is for ideas. For food, use 'sir' (full). 'Ghāne'' can work for being content with a portion, but not 'eqnā shodan'.
اقناع کردن پول. → قناعت کردن در پول.
Confusing 'persuading' with 'being frugal/content'.
او اقناع‌کننده است. → او قدرت اقناع دارد / حرفش اقناع‌کننده است.
In Persian, we usually say the 'word' or 'argument' is persuasive, or the person has the 'power' of persuasion.

Tips

Compound Verb Logic

Remember that only the 'kardan' part changes. Eqnā stays the same. Eqnā mikonam, Eqnā kardam, Eqnā bekon!

The 'Satisfied' Mind

Keep the root meaning of 'satisfaction' in mind. You aren't just changing a mind; you are satisfying its hunger for proof.

Polite Disagreement

If you aren't convinced, say 'هنوز اقناع نشده‌ام' (I am not persuaded yet). It sounds more intellectual than just saying 'No'.

The Deep Q

The 'Q' in Eqnā is the same as in 'Ghorban'. It's uvular. Practice it to sound more native.

Academic Flair

Use this word in your Persian writing exams to score higher on 'lexical variety'.

News Keywords

This is a frequent keyword in Persian political podcasts. Listen for it to understand the speaker's goal.

Eq-Now

Equal minds Now. Persuasion brings two minds to the same level.

Eloquence Matters

In Iran, how you persuade is as important as what you say. 'Eqnā' implies a graceful, logical approach.

Noun vs Verb

Don't forget the noun 'Eqnā'. 'قدرت اقناع' (Power of persuasion) is a very common and useful phrase.

Office Talk

Use this word during meetings to discuss how to win over a difficult client or boss.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Eqnā' as 'Equal-Now'. When you persuade someone, your minds are now equal in understanding. They have reached the same point as you.

Visual Association

Imagine a scale. One side is empty (doubt). You pour gold coins (reasons) into it until the scale is balanced (persuaded). That balance is 'Eqnā'.

Word Web

Logic Argument Satisfaction Rhetoric Debate Lawyer Belief Agreement

Challenge

Write three sentences about a time you had to persuade someone to change their mind about a movie or a book, using 'eqnā kardan' in three different tenses.

Word Origin

Borrowed from Arabic 'إقناع' (iqnā'), the verbal noun of 'أقنع' (aqna'a). It entered Persian during the early Islamic period along with thousands of other abstract and intellectual terms.

Original meaning: To satisfy, to make content, to provide enough so that no more is needed.

Semitic root (Arabic) integrated into Indo-European (Persian) verbal structure.

Cultural Context

Be careful not to sound too 'preachy'. Overusing formal words like 'eqnā' in casual settings can make you seem arrogant or overly academic.

English speakers often use 'convince' and 'persuade' interchangeably. In Persian, 'eqnā kardan' is slightly more formal and 'heavy' than 'convince' might feel in casual English.

Used in modern Iranian political analysis regarding 'Soft War' (Jang-e Narm) and persuasion. Commonly found in the 'Golestan' of Saadi when discussing the influence of wise advisors. A key term in Iranian Media Studies textbooks.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Courtroom

اقناع هیئت منصفه
ارائه شواهد برای اقناع
وکیل موفق در اقناع
اقناع قاضی

Marketing

اقناع مشتری
استراتژی اقناعی
اقناع مصرف‌کننده
قدرت اقناع در فروش

Politics

اقناع افکار عمومی
سخنرانی اقناعی
اقناع رای‌دهندگان
شکست در اقناع

Academic Debate

اقناع فکری
استدلال اقناعی
اقناع منتقدان
روش‌های اقناع

Family/Social

اقناع والدین
اقناع همسر
تلاش برای اقناع دوست
اقناع شدن با منطق

Conversation Starters

"چطور می‌توانیم مردم را به حفظ محیط زیست اقناع کنیم؟"

"آیا تا به حال کسی توانسته شما را به تغییر دین یا مذهب اقناع کند؟"

"به نظر شما قدرت اقناع در سیاست مهم‌تر است یا صداقت؟"

"بهترین روش برای اقناع یک مدیر سخت‌گیر چیست؟"

"آیا شما زود اقناع می‌شوید یا به سختی عقیده‌تان را عوض می‌کنید؟"

Journal Prompts

درباره زمانی بنویسید که مجبور شدید کسی را برای یک تصمیم بزرگ اقناع کنید.

آیا تبلیغات تلویزیونی می‌توانند شما را به خرید چیزی که نیاز ندارید اقناع کنند؟ چگونه؟

تفاوت بین اقناع کردن و فریب دادن از نظر شما چیست؟

یک نامه بنویسید و سعی کنید دوستتان را به یادگیری زبان فارسی اقناع کنید.

اگر بخواهید دنیا را به صلح اقناع کنید، از چه استدلال‌هایی استفاده می‌کنید؟

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, 'eqnā kardan' has a slightly more literary and intellectual tone. While both are used in formal settings, 'eqnā' carries the weight of Arabic rhetorical tradition. In a news report, you might hear 'moteghā'ed,' but in a philosophical book, you'll see 'eqnā'.

You can, but it might sound a bit formal or dramatic. For example, if you say 'I persuaded my friend to buy a sandwich' using 'eqnā kardan,' it sounds like you gave him a 20-minute lecture on the benefits of bread. Use 'rāzi kardan' for small social things.

The passive form is 'اقناع شدن' (eqnā shodan). Example: 'من با حرف‌های تو اقناع شدم' (I was persuaded by your words). You can also just say 'قانع شدم' (ghāne' shodam).

Yes, if there is a specific person being persuaded. 'Man u rā eqnā kardam.' If you are talking about the act of persuasion in general, you don't need it: 'او در اقناع کردن مهارت دارد.'

They share the root Q-N-'. 'Eqnā' is persuasion (convincing the mind). 'Ghana'at' is contentment/frugality (being happy with what you have). Don't mix them up!

You can use 'اقناع‌کننده' (eqnā-konandeh) or 'اقناعی' (eqnā'i). For example: 'یک دلیل اقناع‌کننده' (a convincing reason).

No, 'eqnā kardan' is generally positive or neutral, implying logic. Brainwashing is 'shostoshu-ye maghzi'.

Yes, often. It is used to describe how a prophet or teacher 'persuades' the hearts and minds of the people towards the truth.

Absolutely. It is the professional term for persuading a client in a high-stakes business environment.

The most direct opposite is 'منصرف کردن' (to dissuade) or 'دلسرد کردن' (to discourage).