اقساطی
اقساطی in 30 Seconds
- Aqsāti means paying in installments over time.
- It is the formal adjective derived from 'aqsāt' (portions).
- Commonly used for big purchases like cars and electronics.
- Usually involves a down payment and monthly bank cheques.
The Persian word اقساطی (pronounced 'aqsāti') is a fundamental term in the Iranian economic landscape, serving as an adjective that describes the process of paying for goods or services in installments. Etymologically, it is derived from the Arabic root 'qist' (قسط), which refers to a share, portion, or justice. In the plural form, it becomes 'aqsāt' (اقساط), and by adding the Persian relative suffix '-i' (ی), it transforms into an adjective meaning 'related to installments' or 'on an installment basis.' In a country where inflation has historically fluctuated, the concept of buying 'aqsāti' is not just a financial convenience but a survival strategy for the middle and working classes to acquire high-value items like cars, appliances, and electronics.
- Economic Context
- In the Iranian market, 'aqsāti' transactions often involve a down payment (pish-pardākht) followed by several monthly payments. Because of the high inflation rate, sellers often include a 'sood' (interest/profit) in the total price, making the installment price higher than the cash price.
- Social Trust
- Historically, 'aqsāti' sales were based on 'etebār' (credit/reputation) and 'chak' (cheques). Even today, most installment plans in Iran require the buyer to provide 'chak-e sayyādi' (a standardized bank cheque) as a guarantee for each installment or a single guarantee cheque for the whole amount.
ما تمام وسایل خانهمان را به صورت اقساطی خریدیم چون بودجه کافی برای خرید نقدی نداشتیم.
You will encounter this word most frequently in advertisements. Whether it is a billboard for a new apartment complex in Tehran or a social media ad for the latest iPhone, the phrase furoosh-e aqsāti (installment sale) is a powerful marketing tool. It bridges the gap between the consumer's desire and their immediate purchasing power. In the traditional Bazaar, this might be referred to more colloquially as 'ghesti' (قسطی), but 'aqsāti' remains the formal and standard term used in contracts and official business communications.
شرایط فروش اقساطی خودروهای داخلی اعلام شد.
- Banking and Finance
- In the banking sector, 'aqsāti' is used to describe loan repayments. When you take a 'vām' (loan), the bank provides a 'daftarcheh-ye ghest' (installment booklet) or an online portal for 'baz-pardākht-e aqsāti' (installment repayment).
Understanding this word is crucial for navigating daily life in Iran. From renting an apartment (where some parts of the 'rahn' might be paid 'aqsāti' in rare cases) to buying a simple laptop, the mechanics of installment payments are deeply woven into the fabric of Iranian commerce. It reflects a society that is highly adaptive, using credit systems and future earnings to manage present-day needs despite economic volatility.
The word اقساطی acts primarily as an adjective or as part of a compound noun phrase. Because it is an adjective, it typically follows the noun it modifies, connected by the Persian 'Ezafe' (the short -e sound). For example, in kharid-e aqsāti (installment purchase), the 'e' at the end of 'kharid' links it to 'aqsāti'. Understanding the grammatical placement is key to sounding natural in Persian.
آیا این فروشگاه گوشیهای موبایل را به صورت اقساطی هم میفروشد؟
One of the most common ways to use 'aqsāti' is with the preposition 'be soorat-e' (in the form of). This creates an adverbial phrase: be soorat-e aqsāti (by way of installments). This is highly versatile and can be attached to almost any verb related to commerce, such as 'kharidan' (to buy), 'furookhtan' (to sell), or 'pardākhtan' (to pay).
- Formal Usage
- In formal documents: 'Pardākht-e aqsāti-ye māliyāt barā-ye moadiyān emkān-pazir ast' (Installment payment of taxes is possible for taxpayers).
- Common Collocations
- 'Vām-e aqsāti' (Installment loan), 'Bāz-pardākht-e aqsāti' (Installment repayment), 'Gharardād-e aqsāti' (Installment contract).
او ترجیح میدهد هزینه دانشگاه را اقساطی بپردازد تا فشار مالی کمتری تحمل کند.
When describing a product, you can use it as a descriptor: 'In yek tarh-e aqsāti-ye vizheh ast' (This is a special installment plan). Here, 'tarh' (plan/scheme) is the noun being modified. It is also important to note that 'aqsāti' is often contrasted with 'naghdi' (cash). For example: 'Kharid-e naghdi yā aqsāti?' (Cash purchase or installment?). This choice is ubiquitous in Iranian retail environments.
If you walk down a busy street in Tehran, such as Vali-e-Asr Street or Jomhuri Avenue, you will see 'aqsāti' everywhere. It is the lifeblood of the retail industry. Shop windows are plastered with neon signs or printed banners shouting فروش اقساطی بدون ضامن (Installment sale without a guarantor). This specific phrase is incredibly common and targets people who want to buy things quickly without the bureaucratic hassle of finding someone to co-sign their credit.
تلویزیونهای هوشمند با اقساط ۲۴ ماهه و بدون پیشپرداخت!
In television and radio commercials, the word is used with a sense of urgency and opportunity. Announcers will emphasize the 'aqsāti' nature of a deal to appeal to the middle-class demographic. You will also hear it in banks. When a bank clerk discusses a loan (vām), they will talk about 'aqsāt-e māhiyāneh' (monthly installments) and whether the repayment will be 'aqsāti' or a 'yek-jā' (lump sum) payment at the end of the term.
- Online Marketplaces
- Platforms like Digikala or Snapp (the Iranian super-app) have dedicated 'aqsāti' sections. They partner with fintech companies like 'Lendo' or 'Digipay' to provide digital installment credit to users.
- Real Estate
- In property ads, you'll see 'Pardākht-e aqsāti-ye bāhimāndeh-ye mablagh' (Installment payment of the remaining amount), especially for pre-construction projects.
Socially, friends and family often discuss their 'aqsāt'. It is common to hear someone say, 'In māh aqsāt-am sangin ast' (My installments are heavy this month), meaning they have many payments due. This reveals how 'aqsāti' is not just a commercial term but a part of the everyday vocabulary of financial management and social stress in Iran. Even in government announcements regarding taxes, fines, or utility bills, the option for 'aqsāti' payment is frequently mentioned as a relief measure for citizens.
One of the most frequent mistakes learners make is confusing the singular and plural forms of the root. While اقساط (aqsāt) is the plural of قسط (qest), learners often try to create an adjective from the singular form like 'qesti' (قسطی). While 'qesti' is actually used in colloquial Persian, using it in a formal essay or a business contract might come across as too informal or uneducated. 'Aqsāti' is the preferred academic and professional choice.
اشتباه: من ماشین را قسطیوار خریدم.
درست: من ماشین را به صورت اقساطی خریدم.
Another common error is the placement of the word in relation to the noun. In English, we say 'installment payment'. In Persian, because of the Ezafe, you must say 'pardākht-e aqsāti'. Forgetting the Ezafe (the -e sound) makes the sentence sound broken and difficult to understand. For instance, saying 'pardākht aqsāti' without the link is a classic beginner mistake.
- Pronunciation Pitfall
- The first letter 'Alif' with 'Ghasr' (A) and the 'Qāf' (q) can be tricky. Some learners pronounce it as 'aksāti' (like 'aks' meaning photo). This changes the meaning entirely or makes it unintelligible. Ensure the 'q' is a deep, uvular sound.
- Preposition Usage
- Learners often forget to use 'be' or 'ba' before 'soorat-e aqsāti'. While you can say 'kharid-e aqsāti' (the noun phrase), if you want to say 'I bought it in installments', you should say 'be soorat-e aqsāti kharidam'.
Finally, be careful with the word 'ghest' itself. While 'aqsāti' is the adjective, 'ghest' is the noun. You 'pay a ghest' (ghest midahid), but you 'make an aqsāti purchase' (kharid-e aqsāti mikonid). Mixing the parts of speech is a sign of B1 level struggling to reach B2. Practice using 'aqsāti' as a descriptor and 'ghest' as the object of the verb 'to pay'.
To truly master Persian financial vocabulary, you must understand how اقساطی compares to its synonyms and antonyms. The most direct opposite is نقدی (naghdi), meaning 'cash' or 'lump sum'. In any Iranian shop, the first question you might ask is: 'Naghdi yā aqsāti?' (Cash or installments?). Understanding this binary is essential for any consumer interaction.
- Aqsāti vs. Ghesti
- Aqsāti: Formal, used in writing, contracts, and official ads. Derived from the plural 'aqsāt'.
Ghesti: Informal, used in daily conversation and local bazaar talk. Derived from the singular 'qest'. - Aqsāti vs. Lizingi
- Aqsāti: General term for any installment payment.
Lizingi (Leasing): Specifically used for cars or heavy machinery where the title might not transfer until the final payment is made.
تفاوت قیمت نقدی و اقساطی این کالا حدود ده درصد است.
Another related term is امانی (amāni). While 'aqsāti' implies ownership is transferring as you pay, 'amāni' often refers to goods held on consignment or trust. In some contexts, people might use 'marhale-i' (stage-by-stage) to describe payments for a service, but for physical goods, 'aqsāti' remains the standard. For high-end purchases, you might also hear اعتباری (etebāri), which means 'on credit'. While all 'aqsāti' purchases are a form of credit, 'etebāri' is a broader term that includes credit cards and lines of credit.
In summary, 'aqsāti' is your 'power word' for formal financial transactions. It carries a weight of legality and officialdom that 'ghesti' lacks. By knowing these distinctions, you can navigate both the high-end shopping malls of North Tehran and the traditional stalls of the Grand Bazaar with the appropriate level of formality and linguistic precision.
How Formal Is It?
"مشتریان گرامی میتوانند از تسهیلات اقساطی بانک بهرهمند شوند."
"من ترجیح میدهم لپتاپ را اقساطی بخرم."
"دمت گرم که گذاشتی بقیه پول رو اقساطی بدم."
"بابا هر ماه یک ذره از پول دوچرخه را میدهد تا بالاخره مال ما شود."
"کل زندگیمون شده اقساطی، حتی هوایی که میکشیم!"
Fun Fact
While 'qist' means justice in Arabic, in Persian financial terms, it has become strictly associated with the 'portion' of a debt you pay back. So, when you pay your 'qest', you are literally returning a 'portion' of what you owe.
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing it as 'aksati' (with a regular 'k' instead of a deep 'q').
- Shortening the 'ā' sound to a short 'a'.
- Misplacing the stress on the first syllable.
- Pronouncing the 'q' as a 'g' (common in some dialects but avoid in formal speech).
- Merging the 's' and 'ā' too quickly.
Difficulty Rating
Easy to recognize in ads but requires knowledge of the 'q' sound.
Requires correct spelling of 'Alif-Qaf-Sin-Alif-Tay-Ye'.
The 'q' sound and the stress on the last syllable can be challenging for English speakers.
Very common in TV/radio ads, usually pronounced clearly.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Ezafe Construction
خریدِ اقساطی (Kharid-e aqsāti) - The 'e' links the noun and adjective.
Arabic Broken Plurals in Persian
اقساط (Aqsāt) is the plural of قسط (Qest), used to form the adjective.
Adjective Placement
In Persian, adjectives like اقساطی usually come after the noun.
Formation of Adjectives with '-i'
Adding 'ی' to the end of a noun (اقساط) to make it an adjective (اقساطی).
Adverbial Phrases with 'be soorat-e'
به صورت اقساطی (In an installment manner) acts as an adverb.
Examples by Level
این ماشین اقساطی است.
This car is (available via) installments.
Simple adjective use after the verb 'to be'.
آیا فروش اقساطی دارید؟
Do you have installment sales?
Using 'aqsāti' to modify the noun 'furoosh' (sale).
من گوشی اقساطی میخواهم.
I want an installment phone.
Adjective modifying the noun 'gooshi'.
قیمت اقساطی چند است؟
How much is the installment price?
Asking for a specific type of price.
این یخچال اقساطی است؟
Is this refrigerator (available in) installments?
Question form with 'aqsāti'.
ما اقساطی خرید میکنیم.
We shop via installments.
Using 'aqsāti' as an adverbial adjective.
فروشگاه اقساطی کجاست؟
Where is the installment store?
Compound noun phrase.
لبتاپ اقساطی گران است.
The installment laptop is expensive.
Subject-adjective-predicate structure.
او تلویزیون را به صورت اقساطی خرید.
He bought the TV in the form of installments.
Using the 'be soorat-e' construction.
میتوانید هزینه را اقساطی بپردازید.
You can pay the cost in installments.
Modal verb 'mitavānid' with 'aqsāti'.
این مغازه شرایط اقساطی خوبی دارد.
This shop has good installment conditions.
Plural noun 'sharāyet' modified by 'aqsāti'.
من هر ماه مبلغی را اقساطی میدهم.
I pay an amount in installments every month.
Habitual action in the present tense.
آیا این مبلها اقساطی هستند؟
Are these sofas (available in) installments?
Plural subject with 'hastand'.
فروش اقساطی برای همه آزاد است.
Installment sales are open to everyone.
Formal statement.
او برای خرید اقساطی چک داد.
He gave a cheque for the installment purchase.
Prepositional phrase 'barā-ye'.
ما به دنبال یک طرح اقساطی هستیم.
We are looking for an installment plan.
Continuous present with 'hastim'.
به دلیل تورم، اکثر مردم خرید اقساطی را ترجیح میدهند.
Due to inflation, most people prefer installment buying.
Complex sentence with a reason clause.
بازپرداخت اقساطی این وام پنج سال طول میکشد.
The installment repayment of this loan takes five years.
Compound subject 'bāz-pardākht-e aqsāti'.
او نتوانست اقساطی که بر عهده داشت را به موقع بپردازد.
He couldn't pay the installments he was responsible for on time.
Relative clause starting with 'ke'.
شرکت ما خدمات خود را به صورت اقساطی ارائه میدهد.
Our company offers its services on an installment basis.
Formal business Persian.
آیا برای خرید اقساطی نیاز به ضامن هست؟
Is a guarantor needed for an installment purchase?
Question about requirements.
این قرارداد شامل ده بند درباره فروش اقساطی است.
This contract includes ten clauses about installment sales.
Using 'aqsāti' in a formal context.
نرخ بهره در خریدهای اقساطی معمولاً بالا است.
The interest rate in installment purchases is usually high.
Discussing economic concepts.
او تمام بدهیهای خود را به صورت اقساطی تسویه کرد.
He settled all his debts in installments.
Using the verb 'tasviyeh kardan'.
مدیریت صحیح خریدهای اقساطی برای ثبات مالی خانواده ضروری است.
Proper management of installment purchases is essential for family financial stability.
Abstract noun phrase as subject.
بانک مرکزی قوانین جدیدی برای تسهیلات اقساطی وضع کرده است.
The Central Bank has enacted new rules for installment facilities.
Formal news register.
بسیاری از فروشگاههای آنلاین پنلهای ویژهای برای فروش اقساطی طراحی کردهاند.
Many online stores have designed special panels for installment sales.
Present perfect tense 'tarrāhi kardeh-and'.
در خریدهای اقساطی، مالکیت کالا معمولاً پس از پرداخت آخرین قسط منتقل میشود.
In installment purchases, ownership of the goods is usually transferred after the final installment is paid.
Passive construction 'montaghel mishavad'.
او از سیستم اقساطی برای گسترش کسبوکار کوچک خود استفاده کرد.
He used the installment system to expand his small business.
Prepositional phrase 'az... barā-ye'.
برخی کارشناسان معتقدند خریدهای اقساطی بیرویه باعث افزایش نقدینگی میشود.
Some experts believe that excessive installment purchases cause an increase in liquidity.
Reported speech with 'moataghedand'.
تعهدات اقساطی او بیش از توان مالیاش شده بود.
His installment obligations had exceeded his financial capacity.
Past perfect tense 'shodeh bood'.
او ترجیح داد به جای وام یکجا، از طرحهای اقساطی استفاده کند.
He preferred to use installment plans instead of a lump-sum loan.
Comparison using 'be jā-ye'.
تحلیل آماری نشاندهنده استقبال گسترده طبقه متوسط از فروشهای اقساطی است.
Statistical analysis indicates a widespread welcome of installment sales by the middle class.
Academic register.
عدم پایبندی به تعهدات اقساطی میتواند منجر به پیگرد قانونی شود.
Failure to adhere to installment obligations can lead to legal prosecution.
Formal legal language.
ساختار عقود اسلامی در فروشهای اقساطی بر پایه موازین شرعی بنا شده است.
The structure of Islamic contracts in installment sales is built upon Sharia standards.
Specialized religious/legal vocabulary.
نوسانات ارزی تأثیر مستقیمی بر جذابیت طرحهای اقساطی بلندمدت دارد.
Currency fluctuations have a direct impact on the attractiveness of long-term installment plans.
Economic analysis.
دولت برای حمایت از تولید داخلی، طرحهای اقساطی ویژهای را ابلاغ کرد.
To support domestic production, the government issued special installment plans.
Official administrative Persian.
ریسک اعتباری در نظامهای فروش اقساطی یکی از چالشهای اصلی بانکداری نوین است.
Credit risk in installment sale systems is one of the main challenges of modern banking.
Technical financial terminology.
او با ظرافت خاصی هزینههای جاری و اقساطی خود را مدیریت میکرد.
He managed his current and installment costs with a particular finesse.
Literary/Sophisticated description.
شفافیت در قراردادهای اقساطی ضامن حفظ حقوق مصرفکننده است.
Transparency in installment contracts is the guarantor of protecting consumer rights.
Philosophical/Legal principle.
پارادایم حاکم بر مصرفگرایی مدرن، وابستگی شدیدی به مکانیسمهای اقساطی پیدا کرده است.
The dominant paradigm of modern consumerism has developed a strong dependence on installment mechanisms.
Highly academic/Sociological register.
تکامل تاریخی واژه 'قسط' و مشتقات اقساطی آن، بازتابدهنده تحولات عدل و سهم در تفکر اقتصادی است.
The historical evolution of the word 'qist' and its installment derivatives reflects transformations of justice and share in economic thought.
Etymological/Philosophical analysis.
پیچیدگیهای حقوقی در ترهین اموال طی خریدهای اقساطی نیازمند بازنگری در قوانین مدنی است.
The legal complexities in mortgaging property during installment purchases necessitate a revision in civil laws.
Legal reform language.
او در جستار خود به نقد اخلاقی نظامهای اقساطی و تأثیر آن بر کرامت انسانی پرداخت.
In his essay, he addressed the moral critique of installment systems and their impact on human dignity.
Intellectual discourse.
تلاقی تورم لجامگسیخته و وابستگی اقساطی، طبقات فرودست را در چرخه بیپایان بدهی گرفتار کرده است.
The intersection of rampant inflation and installment dependence has trapped the lower classes in an endless cycle of debt.
Socio-political critique.
ظرافتهای بلاغی در تبلیغات اقساطی، روانشناسی توده را برای پذیرش تعهدات بلندمدت هدف قرار میدهند.
Rhetorical subtleties in installment advertisements target mass psychology to accept long-term obligations.
Psychological/Linguistic analysis.
او در رمان خود، زندگی را به مثابه یک بدهی اقساطی توصیف میکند که هر روز بخشی از آن بازپرداخت میشود.
In his novel, he describes life as an installment debt, a portion of which is repaid every day.
Metaphorical/Literary usage.
واکاوی ساختاری نظامهای مالی نشان میدهد که اعتبار اقساطی ستون فقرات اقتصادهای بدهیمحور است.
Structural analysis of financial systems shows that installment credit is the backbone of debt-driven economies.
Advanced economic theory.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— The specific terms and conditions of an installment plan.
شرایط اقساطی شما چگونه است؟
— Installment sale without requiring a third-party guarantor.
تبلیغ فروش اقساطی بدون ضامن را دیدی؟
— Installment plan that requires bank cheques as security.
فقط فروش اقساطی با چک داریم.
— Installment plan that uses promissory notes (safteh) as security.
خرید اقساطی با سفته هم ممکن است.
— A physical or digital booklet tracking installment payments.
دفترچه اقساطی وامم را گم کردم.
— The amount of credit granted for installment purchases.
اعتبار اقساطی من تمام شده است.
— The initial amount paid in an installment deal.
پیشپرداخت اقساطی این ماشین زیاد است.
Often Confused With
Means 'economic' or 'thrifty', not specifically about installments.
This is the noun (installments), whereas 'aqsāti' is the adjective (installment-based).
The informal version; avoid in formal writing.
Idioms & Expressions
— To live a life where everything is bought on credit; being constantly in debt.
او همیشه قسطی زندگی میکند و هیچ پساندازی ندارد.
informal— To take on a heavy burden of installment payments.
با این حقوق کم، نباید زیر بار اقساط سنگین بروی.
informal— To be physically or mentally exhausted by the pressure of paying installments.
کمرش زیر بار اقساط خانه خم شده است.
metaphorical— To finally finish paying off all installments.
بالاخره دوره اقساط ماشین تمام شد و نفس راحتی کشیدم.
neutral— To be trapped or busy with paying off various installments.
این ماهها خیلی گرفتار اقساط هستم و نمیتوانم به سفر بیایم.
informal— A cynical proverb: Installment buying brings instant joy but long regret.
مادربزرگم همیشه میگفت: خرید اقساطی، لذت آنی، حسرت طولانی.
proverbial— To live barely or with great difficulty (as if even breath is on installment).
در این شرایط اقتصادی، مردم دارند اقساطی نفس میکشند.
slang/poetic— Wasting one's life away bit by bit (metaphorical).
کار در این اداره مثل فروش اقساطیِ عمر است.
literary— Relying heavily on credit to maintain a lifestyle.
او با سوار شدن بر موج اقساط، ظاهری ثروتمند برای خود ساخته است.
metaphorical— The phenomenon where everything in life becomes credit-based.
متأسفانه در دنیای امروز، همه چیز اقساطی شده است.
neutralEasily Confused
Both relate to installments.
Qest is the noun for one single payment. Aqsāti is the adjective describing the whole method.
من قسط این ماه را دادم. (I paid this month's installment.) vs. این یک خرید اقساطی است. (This is an installment purchase.)
Both involve not paying cash immediately.
Etebāri means 'on credit' (like a credit card). Aqsāti specifically means a structured plan of portions.
خرید اعتباری همیشه اقساطی نیست.
Both involve delayed full ownership.
Amāni is like consignment or trust; you hold the item but don't own it. Aqsāti is a path to ownership through payment.
این کالا امانی است، نه اقساطی.
Both mean paying in steps.
Marhale-i is usually for services/projects. Aqsāti is for products/loans.
هزینه ساختمان را مرحلهای میدهیم.
Learners forget which is which.
Naghdi is the direct opposite (Cash).
نقد میخرید یا اقساطی؟
Sentence Patterns
[Noun] + اقساطی + است.
این مبل اقساطی است.
من + [Noun] + را + اقساطی + خریدم.
من گوشی را اقساطی خریدم.
به صورت + اقساطی + [Verb].
به صورت اقساطی پرداخت کردم.
شرایط + اقساطیِ + [Noun].
شرایط اقساطیِ خودرو.
بازپرداختِ + اقساطیِ + [Noun].
بازپرداخت اقساطی وام.
عدمِ + پرداختِ + اقساطی.
عدم پرداخت اقساطی منجر به جریمه شد.
نظامِ + فروشِ + اقساطی.
نظام فروش اقساطی در ایران.
تبعاتِ + اقتصادیِ + خریدهای + اقساطی.
تبعات اقتصادی خریدهای اقساطی بیرویه.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
Extremely high in commercial and financial contexts.
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Using 'qesti' in a business contract.
→
Using 'aqsāti'.
'Ghesti' is too informal for legal or professional documents.
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Saying 'kharid aqsāti' without the Ezafe.
→
Saying 'kharid-e aqsāti'.
Persian requires the 'e' sound to link a noun and its adjective.
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Pronouncing it 'aksāti'.
→
Pronouncing it 'aqsāti' (with a deep Q).
The 'q' sound is distinct from 'k' in Persian.
-
Confusing 'aqsāt' (noun) with 'aqsāti' (adjective).
→
Using 'aqsāti' to describe the purchase.
You pay the 'aqsāt' (plural noun) but make an 'aqsāti' purchase (adjective).
-
Using 'aqsāti' to mean 'economical'.
→
Using 'eqtesādi'.
'Aqsāti' is only about the payment method, not the value or thriftiness.
Tips
The Power of the Suffix
The 'i' at the end of 'aqsāti' is the same suffix used in 'Tehrāni' or 'Irāni'. It turns a noun into a relative adjective.
Root Recognition
If you see 'Q-S-T', think 'Portion' or 'Justice'. This will help you remember words like 'Ghest', 'Aqsāt', and 'Taqsit'.
Cheque is King
In Iran, 'aqsāti' and 'chak' go hand in hand. If you hear one, the other is usually nearby.
Compare Prices
Always ask for the 'gheymat-e naghdi' (cash price) before the 'gheymat-e aqsāti' to see how much interest you are paying.
Deep Throat Q
Don't let the 'q' sound like a 'k'. It's the difference between sounding like a tourist and sounding like a learner who respects the language.
Formal vs. Informal
In an email to a company, always use 'aqsāti'. Using 'ghesti' might make them take you less seriously.
Vām vs. Aqsāti
A 'vām' is the loan you get; 'aqsāti' is how you pay it back. They are two sides of the same coin.
Living on Credit
The phrase 'ghesti zendegi kardan' is a great way to describe the modern struggle of living month-to-month.
Ad Catchphrases
Listen for 'bedoon-e pish-pardākht' (without down payment). It's the most common phrase used with 'aqsāti' in ads.
Etiquette
It's okay to ask friends if they bought something 'aqsāti'. It's a common topic of conversation and not usually considered rude.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'Aqsāti' as 'A Quick Sale... Almost!'. It's a sale, but you don't own it fully until all the 'portions' are paid. Or associate 'Aqsāt' with 'Parts' (both have 5 letters in English transliteration if you try hard!).
Visual Association
Imagine a large cake (the total price) being cut into small, equal slices (the installments). Each slice you eat and pay for is a 'qest', and the whole system is 'aqsāti'.
Word Web
Challenge
Go to an Iranian online shop like Digikala. Search for the word 'اقساطی'. Try to find three items you can buy in installments and write down how many months the plan lasts.
Word Origin
Derived from the Arabic word 'qist' (قسط). In Arabic, 'qist' means a part, a portion, or an amount. It also carries the meaning of justice or equity (as in giving everyone their 'fair share').
Original meaning: A portion or a shared part of a whole.
Semitic (Arabic root) integrated into Indo-European (Persian).Cultural Context
Be sensitive when discussing 'aqsāt' with Iranians; for many, it represents financial stress or the inability to afford things upfront due to the economic situation.
Equivalent to 'Installment plan', 'Hire purchase' (UK), or 'Layaway' (though layaway usually means you get the item *after* paying).
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Buying a Car
- پیشپرداخت چقدر است؟
- اقساط چند ماهه است؟
- آیا ضامن میخواهید؟
- سود اقساط چقدر است؟
University Tuition
- امکان تقسیط شهریه وجود دارد؟
- قسط اول را کی باید بدهم؟
- پرداخت اقساطی با چک صیادی.
- جریمه دیرکرد اقساط چقدر است؟
Online Shopping
- خرید اقساطی بدون پیشپرداخت.
- پنل کاربری برای پرداخت اقساط.
- اعتبارسنجی برای خرید اقساطی.
- سقف خرید اقساطی چقدر است؟
Banking
- بازپرداخت اقساطی وام.
- سررسید اقساط ماهانه.
- معوقات اقساطی.
- تسهیلات خرید اقساطی مسکن.
Real Estate
- فروش اقساطی آپارتمان نوساز.
- شرایط اقساطی منعطف.
- تحویل واحد پس از اتمام اقساط.
- پیشفروش اقساطی.
Conversation Starters
"آیا تا به حال ماشینی را به صورت اقساطی خریدهاید؟"
"به نظر شما خرید اقساطی در زمان تورم بهتر از خرید نقدی است؟"
"در کشور شما، شرایط خرید اقساطی معمولاً چگونه است؟"
"آیا برای خرید گوشی موبایل، طرحهای اقساطی را ترجیح میدهید؟"
"بزرگترین مشکلی که در خریدهای اقساطی ممکن است پیش بیاید چیست؟"
Journal Prompts
درباره تجربهای بنویسید که مجبور شدید چیزی را به صورت اقساطی بخرید و چه حسی داشتید.
مزایا و معایب سیستم فروش اقساطی در اقتصاد امروز ایران را تحلیل کنید.
اگر میتوانستید هر چیزی را بدون بهره و به صورت اقساطی بخرید، چه چیزی انتخاب میکردید؟
تأثیر روانی داشتن چندین قسط ماهانه بر زندگی یک کارمند را توصیف کنید.
چگونه تکنولوژی و اپلیکیشنها فرآیند خرید اقساطی را برای مردم راحتتر کردهاند؟
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questions'Aqsāti' is formal and derived from the plural 'aqsāt', while 'ghesti' is informal and derived from the singular 'qest'. Use 'aqsāti' in writing and 'ghesti' when talking to a shopkeeper.
Not necessarily. While most 'aqsāti' plans in Iran include interest (sood), some are advertised as 'bedoon-e bahreh' (without interest) as a promotion.
It is an adjective. It describes nouns like 'kharid' (purchase) or 'furoosh' (sale). To use it like a noun, you usually say 'be soorat-e aqsāti'.
You can say 'Mikhāham aqsāti bepardāzam' or more commonly 'Mikhāham be soorat-e aqsāti kharid konam'.
Usually, you need a national ID card and either a bank cheque (chak) or a promissory note (safteh). Sometimes a 'zāmen' (guarantor) is required.
No, it is a very important sound. It is a uvular stop, similar to the French 'r' but further back and stopped. Practice making a sound at the back of your throat.
Usually no. Rent is paid monthly, but it's not called 'aqsāti'. However, if you are paying the security deposit (rahn) in parts, you might use the word, though it's rare.
It means 'Special Installment Sale', often implying lower interest rates or a longer repayment period.
High inflation makes paying for things over time attractive, as the future value of money decreases. It also helps people with limited monthly income buy expensive items.
No, it is only used for financial transactions. You cannot call a person 'aqsāti'.
Test Yourself 190 questions
Write a sentence in Persian saying you want to buy a laptop in installments.
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Explain in one sentence why someone might choose an installment plan.
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Write a short advertisement for an installment car sale.
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Use the word 'aqsāti' and 'sood' in a sentence.
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Translate: 'We paid the tuition in 4 installments.'
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Write a formal request to a bank asking for installment repayment of a debt.
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Describe the difference between 'naghdi' and 'aqsāti' in your own words (Persian).
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Create a dialogue between a customer and a shopkeeper about an installment phone.
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Write about the psychological pressure of 'aqsāt' (3 sentences).
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Translate: 'The installment plan for this project is 2 years.'
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Write a sentence using 'be soorat-e aqsāti'.
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Write a sentence using 'aqsāt-e māhiyāneh'.
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Translate: 'Installment sale without a guarantor.'
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Use 'aqsāti' in a sentence about a house.
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Write a sentence about 'jarimeh-ye dir-kard'.
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Translate: 'The cash price is lower than the installment price.'
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Write a sentence about 'pish-pardākht'.
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Use 'aqsāti' in a sentence about a computer.
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Write a sentence about 'tasviyeh'.
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Translate: 'Do you offer installment options?'
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Pronounce the word 'aqsāti' three times. Pay attention to the 'q'.
Read this aloud:
You said:
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Ask a shopkeeper if they have installment sales for a TV.
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Explain to a friend that you bought your car in installments.
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Discuss the pros and cons of installment buying with a partner.
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Roleplay: You are at a bank asking about an installment loan.
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Tell someone that your installments are heavy this month.
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Ask about the interest rate of an installment plan.
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Say: 'I prefer to pay in cash.'
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Explain what a 'zāmen' is in Persian.
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Describe an advertisement you saw for an installment sale.
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Ask if you can pay the tuition in installments.
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Say: 'This is my last installment.'
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Ask: 'How many installments are left?'
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Tell someone you finished your installments.
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Explain 'pish-pardākht' to a beginner learner.
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Ask: 'Do you need a cheque for installments?'
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Say: 'The installment price is too high.'
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Ask: 'What is the late penalty?'
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Describe your monthly budget including installments.
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Say: 'I don't like buying things in installments.'
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Transcript: 'فروش ویژه اقساطی با سود صفر درصد.' What is the interest rate?
Transcript: 'باید هر ماه دو میلیون تومان قسط بدهم.' How much is the monthly installment?
Transcript: 'بدون ضامن و با سفته، ماشین بخرید.' What is used as security instead of a cheque?
Transcript: 'آخرین مهلت پرداخت قسط، فردا است.' When is the deadline?
Transcript: 'طرح اقساطی ما ۱۲ ماهه است.' How long is the plan?
Transcript: 'پیشپرداخت این یخچال ۵ میلیون تومان است.' How much is the down payment?
Transcript: 'شرایط اقساطی فقط با چک صیادی ممکن است.' What kind of cheque is needed?
Transcript: 'قیمت نقدی با اقساطی فرقی ندارد.' Is there a price difference?
Transcript: 'اقساط سنگین کمرم را شکسته است.' Is the speaker happy or stressed?
Transcript: 'وام را در ۶۰ قسط برگردانید.' How many installments for the loan?
Transcript: 'فروش اقساطی لپتاپ برای دانشجویان.' Who is the target audience?
Transcript: 'جریمه دیرکرد هر قسط ۵۰ هزار تومان است.' How much is the late fee?
Transcript: 'میتوانید تمام اقساط را یکجا بدهید.' Can you pay all installments at once?
Transcript: 'دفترچه اقساطتان را به بانک بیاورید.' What should you bring to the bank?
Transcript: 'فروش اقساطی مسکن مهر آغاز شد.' What is being sold?
/ 190 correct
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Summary
The word 'aqsāti' (اقساطی) is an essential financial term in Persian for anyone navigating the Iranian market. It allows for the acquisition of high-value goods through periodic payments. Example: 'Kharid-e aqsāti-ye khodro' (Installment purchase of a car).
- Aqsāti means paying in installments over time.
- It is the formal adjective derived from 'aqsāt' (portions).
- Commonly used for big purchases like cars and electronics.
- Usually involves a down payment and monthly bank cheques.
The Power of the Suffix
The 'i' at the end of 'aqsāti' is the same suffix used in 'Tehrāni' or 'Irāni'. It turns a noun into a relative adjective.
Root Recognition
If you see 'Q-S-T', think 'Portion' or 'Justice'. This will help you remember words like 'Ghest', 'Aqsāt', and 'Taqsit'.
Cheque is King
In Iran, 'aqsāti' and 'chak' go hand in hand. If you hear one, the other is usually nearby.
Compare Prices
Always ask for the 'gheymat-e naghdi' (cash price) before the 'gheymat-e aqsāti' to see how much interest you are paying.
Example
امکان خرید اقساطی برای مشتریان فراهم شده است.
Related Content
More shopping words
ارزان قیمت
A2Not costing much money; inexpensive or cheap.
اسباببازی
A2An object for children to play with; a toy.
اصل
B1Existing from the beginning; not copied or fake; original or genuine.
با دوام
B1Able to withstand wear, pressure, or damage; durable.
باکیفیت
B1Of good or high standard; high-quality.
بارکد
B1A machine-readable code, typically used for product identification.
برگشت دادن
B1To return an item to a store.
برند
A2A type of product manufactured by a particular company under a particular name.
بسته بندی
A2The wrapping or container in which goods are packaged; packaging.
بستهبندی کردن
B1To package or wrap an item.