At the A1 level, you only need to know that 'اقتصاد' (Eqtesad) means 'Economy'. You might hear it on the news or see it in a newspaper. You don't need to use it in complex sentences yet. Just remember it relates to money and how a country works. Think of it as the 'big word' for money matters. At this stage, you might encounter it in simple phrases like 'اقتصاد خوب' (good economy) or 'اقتصاد بد' (bad economy). It is a noun, and it doesn't change its form much. You can associate it with shopping and prices. If you see this word, know that the topic is about the financial state of a place. It's one of those essential words that helps you identify the theme of a conversation even if you don't understand every other word. Focus on recognizing the script: الف (A), ق (Q), ت (T), ص (S), ا (A), د (D).
At the A2 level, you should be able to use 'اقتصاد' in simple sentences to describe a country or a situation. You can say things like 'اقتصاد ایران بزرگ است' (Iran's economy is big). You should also start using the adjective form 'اقتصادی' (economic). For example, 'ماشین اقتصادی' (an economical car). You are beginning to understand that this word isn't just about cash, but about the whole system of buying and selling. You might use it when talking about your studies or your job. 'من اقتصاد دوست دارم' (I like economics). At this level, you should also be aware of basic collocations like 'رشد اقتصادی' (economic growth). You are moving from just recognizing the word to placing it correctly in basic subject-verb-object structures. You can also use it to express simple opinions about the state of the world.
By B1, you can use 'اقتصاد' to discuss more complex topics like the news, the environment, or social issues. You understand that 'اقتصاد' can also mean 'frugality' or 'saving' in certain contexts. You can form sentences like 'دولت باید برای بهبود اقتصاد تلاش کند' (The government must strive to improve the economy). You are comfortable with the ezafe construction, such as 'اقتصادِ جهانی' (global economy). You can participate in a conversation about why prices are rising, using 'اقتصاد' as a central term. You also start to recognize related words like 'اقتصاددان' (economist). Your vocabulary is expanding to include verbs that often go with economy, like 'توسعه یافتن' (to develop) or 'صدمه دیدن' (to be damaged). You can read short news articles about the economy and summarize the main points using this word.
At the B2 level, you can use 'اقتصاد' in academic and professional settings. You understand nuances like the difference between 'اقتصاد کلان' (macroeconomics) and 'اقتصاد خرد' (microeconomics). You can debate economic policies and use the word to explain cause-and-effect relationships. For example, 'سیاست‌های جدید بر اقتصاد تاثیر منفی گذاشته است' (The new policies have had a negative impact on the economy). You are familiar with idiomatic expressions and formal registers. You can write an essay about the importance of a stable economy for social progress. You also understand the historical and cultural context of the word in the Persian-speaking world, such as its connection to the Bazaar. You can follow complex news reports and understand the implications of economic shifts on different sectors of society.
At the C1 level, your use of 'اقتصاد' is sophisticated and precise. You can use it in high-level academic writing or professional financial analysis. You understand the etymological roots of the word and how they influence its modern usage. You can discuss abstract concepts like 'اقتصاد سیاسی' (political economy) or 'اقتصاد دانش‌بنیان' (knowledge-based economy) with ease. You can use the word in metaphorical ways and understand its use in classical Persian literature where it might refer to 'moderation' in a broader sense. Your speech is fluent, and you can switch between formal and informal registers when discussing economic matters. You can critique economic theories in Persian and use 'اقتصاد' as a pivot for complex philosophical or sociological arguments.
At the C2 level, you have a near-native command of the word 'اقتصاد'. You can use it to navigate any professional or academic environment in the Persian-speaking world. You understand the subtle connotations it carries in different political discourses. You can write comprehensive reports, deliver speeches, and engage in high-level negotiations where 'اقتصاد' is a key term. You are aware of the most obscure synonyms and can use them to add variety and precision to your language. You can interpret the word in various contexts, from a technical financial document to a complex piece of modern Persian poetry. Your understanding of the word is not just linguistic but deeply cultural and historical, allowing you to use it with the same nuance as a highly educated native speaker.

اقتصاد in 30 Seconds

  • Eqtesad means economy or economics. It refers to the system of production, trade, and money management in a country or region, affecting daily life.
  • The word comes from an Arabic root meaning 'moderation'. In modern Persian, it is used for national finances, academic study, and personal frugality.
  • Commonly heard in news, it is often paired with words like growth (roshd), crisis (bohran), or inflation (toram) to describe financial health.
  • As an adjective, 'Eqtesadi' means economic or economical (cheap). It is a vital word for anyone wanting to understand Persian news or business.

The Persian word اقتصاد (pronounced 'eqtesād') is a cornerstone of both daily conversation and academic discourse in the Persian-speaking world. At its most fundamental level, it refers to the 'economy'—the complex system of production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services within a society. However, to truly master this word, one must look beyond the English equivalent and understand its deep roots in the concept of moderation and intentionality. Derived from the Arabic root 'Q-S-D' (قصد), which implies aiming for a goal or being moderate, the word originally carried a connotation of 'frugality' or 'balance' in spending. In modern Persian, while it primarily serves as the technical term for macro and microeconomics, it still whispers of the wisdom of managing resources wisely. You will encounter this word in news headlines discussing inflation, in university halls where students study fiscal policy, and in family living rooms where parents discuss the rising cost of living. It is a word that bridges the gap between the abstract world of global finance and the very real world of a household budget.

Macroeconomic Context
When used in national news, it refers to the health of the country. For example, 'اقتصاد ایران' (The economy of Iran) or 'رشد اقتصادی' (Economic growth). It encompasses the labor market, trade balance, and industrial output.
Academic Discipline
As a field of study, it is equivalent to 'Economics'. A student might say 'من در دانشگاه اقتصاد می‌خوانم' (I study economics at the university), referring to the social science that analyzes choices under scarcity.
Household Management
In a more personal sense, it can refer to 'frugality' or 'saving'. The phrase 'اقتصاد در مصرف' implies being economical or efficient in the use of resources like water, electricity, or money.

دولت برای بهبود وضعیت اقتصاد برنامه‌های جدیدی دارد.

Translation: The government has new plans to improve the state of the economy.

Understanding 'Eqtesad' also requires an appreciation of its cultural weight. In Iran, economic discussions are often tied to the 'Bazaar'—the traditional heart of commerce. When people speak of the economy, they aren't just talking about numbers on a screen; they are talking about the price of bread, the value of the Rial against the Dollar, and the stability of their future. It is a word charged with emotion, often associated with words like 'تورم' (inflation) or 'تحریم' (sanctions) in contemporary contexts. To use this word correctly is to show an awareness of the vital forces that shape Persian-speaking societies.

او در رشته اقتصاد مدرک دکتری دارد.

Translation: He has a PhD in the field of economics.

تحریم‌ها بر اقتصاد کشور فشار می‌آورند.

Translation: Sanctions are putting pressure on the country's economy.
Global vs Local
Persian speakers distinguish between 'اقتصاد جهانی' (global economy) and 'اقتصاد داخلی' (domestic economy). Knowing which one you are referring to is key in formal writing.

ما باید در مصرف آب اقتصاد را رعایت کنیم.

Translation: We must observe economy (frugality) in water consumption.

رکود اقتصاد باعث بیکاری شده است.

Translation: The economic recession has caused unemployment.
Common Collocations
Words often paired with Eqtesad include 'شکوفایی' (prosperity), 'فروپاشی' (collapse), and 'ثبات' (stability). These help define the current state of the financial system.

Using 'اقتصاد' correctly involves understanding its role as a noun that can act as a subject, an object, or part of an ezafe construction. In Persian, nouns are quite flexible, but 'اقتصاد' is most frequently seen in formal or semi-formal contexts. When you want to talk about the state of the economy, you typically use the verb 'بودن' (to be) or 'شدن' (to become). For example, 'اقتصاد ضعیف است' (The economy is weak). If you are discussing the impact of a policy, you might use 'تاثیر گذاشتن بر' (to influence/affect). 'این قانون بر اقتصاد تاثیر می‌گذارد' (This law affects the economy). Because it is an abstract concept, it is rarely pluralized in the sense of 'economies' unless you are specifically comparing different national systems, in which case you would use 'اقتصادها'.

برای فهمیدن اخبار، باید دانش پایه در اقتصاد داشته باشید.

Translation: To understand the news, you must have basic knowledge in economics.

In academic writing, 'اقتصاد' is often the first word in a title. You will see 'اقتصاد سیاسی' (Political Economy) or 'اقتصاد کلان' (Macroeconomics). In these cases, the second word acts as an adjective modifying 'اقتصاد'. Note the ezafe (the short 'e' sound) connecting them: 'Eqtesād-e Siyāsi'. This is a vital grammatical point for learners. If you miss the ezafe, the phrase loses its cohesive meaning. Furthermore, when talking about 'economizing' in a verbal sense, Persian speakers often use the compound verb 'صرفه‌جویی کردن', but 'اقتصاد' can be used in the phrase 'با اقتصاد' to mean 'with economy' or 'frugally', though this is more literary.

Subjective Use
'اقتصاد کشور در حال رشد است.' (The country's economy is growing.) Here, it is the subject performing the action of growing.
Objective Use
'آن‌ها می‌خواهند اقتصاد را اصلاح کنند.' (They want to reform the economy.) Here, it is the direct object of the verb 'اصلاح کردن'.

بسیاری از مردم نگران آینده اقتصاد هستند.

Translation: Many people are worried about the future of the economy.

اقتصاد دیجیتال فرصت‌های شغلی جدیدی ایجاد کرده است.

Translation: The digital economy has created new job opportunities.
Formal vs Informal
In formal speech, you use 'اقتصاد'. In very informal slang, people might just talk about 'وضع مالی' (financial situation) or 'جیب' (pocket/money), but 'اقتصاد' remains the standard term for the system as a whole.

If you turn on a Persian news channel like BBC Persian, Iran International, or IRIB, 'اقتصاد' is likely one of the first five words you will hear. It is the lifeblood of the news cycle. You will hear news anchors discussing 'اقتصاد مقاومتی' (Resistance Economy), a term specifically used in Iranian political discourse to describe an economy designed to withstand external pressures and sanctions. In the streets of Tehran or Mashhad, you might hear shopkeepers and customers lamenting the 'وضعیت بد اقتصاد' (the bad state of the economy) when discussing the price of imported goods or the volatility of the gold market. It is a word that exists simultaneously in the ivory towers of academia and the dusty stalls of the bazaar.

امروز در اخبار درباره بحران اقتصاد جهانی صحبت کردند.

Translation: Today in the news, they talked about the global economic crisis.

In a classroom setting, 'اقتصاد' is the name of the department. Students will discuss 'نظریه‌های اقتصاد' (Economic theories) and 'تاریخ اقتصاد' (Economic history). If you are listening to a podcast about self-improvement or business, you might hear about 'اقتصاد فردی' (personal economy/finance), which focuses on how individuals manage their wealth. Even in religious or ethical sermons, the word appears in the context of 'عدالت اقتصادی' (economic justice), reflecting the importance of fair distribution in Islamic and Persian thought. It is truly a ubiquitous term that spans all social strata.

News Headlines
Look for headlines like 'پیش‌بینی رشد اقتصاد در سال آینده' (Prediction of economic growth in the coming year).
Social Media
On platforms like Twitter (X) or Instagram, Iranians often use the hashtag #اقتصاد to discuss inflation, the stock market (Bourse), and currency fluctuations.

استاد اقتصاد توضیح داد که چرا قیمت‌ها بالا می‌روند.

Translation: The economics professor explained why prices are going up.

بازار سرمایه نقش مهمی در اقتصاد مدرن دارد.

Translation: The capital market has an important role in the modern economy.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make when learning 'اقتصاد' is confusing it with the word for 'money' (پول) or 'wealth' (ثروت). While they are related, 'اقتصاد' refers to the *system* or the *study* of money, not the physical currency itself. You cannot say 'I have a lot of economy in my pocket.' Instead, you would say 'I have a lot of money.' Another common error is the misapplication of the adjective form. Learners often forget to add the 'i' (ی) at the end to make it 'اقتصادی' (economic). For example, saying 'بحران اقتصاد' (crisis of economy) is grammatically possible but 'بحران اقتصادی' (economic crisis) is the standard idiomatic expression.

اشتباه: من می‌خواهم اقتصاد زیادی داشته باشم. (غلط)

Correction: You should use 'ثروت' (wealth) or 'پول' (money) here, not 'اقتصاد'.

Pronunciation is another area where learners stumble. The 'q' sound (ق) in 'Eqtesad' is a deep glottal or uvular stop, similar to the French 'r' but further back. Many English speakers pronounce it like a 'k', which can make the word sound like 'Ektesad'. While usually understood, it marks you as a beginner. Practice the 'gh/q' sound to sound more native. Additionally, don't confuse 'اقتصاد' with 'قصد' (intention). Although they share the same root, 'قصد' is used for personal plans ('من قصد دارم...' - I intend to...), whereas 'اقتصاد' is strictly for financial and systemic contexts.

Confusing with 'Financial'
Learners often use 'اقتصادی' when they mean 'مالی' (māli - financial). 'اقتصادی' is broader, while 'مالی' refers specifically to money management, banking, and accounting.
Ezafe Errors
When saying 'the economy of Iran', ensure you say 'Eqtesād-e Irān'. Forgetting the '-e' link is a common mistake that breaks the flow of the sentence.

درست: او در مورد مسائل اقتصادی صحبت کرد.

Note: Using the adjective 'اقتصادی' is correct when describing 'issues'.

While 'اقتصاد' is the most common term for economy, several other words occupy the same semantic space and are important for nuanced communication. Understanding the difference between 'اقتصاد', 'مالیه', 'معیشت', and 'صرفه‌جویی' will elevate your Persian from functional to sophisticated. 'مالیه' (māliye) specifically refers to 'finance' or 'public revenue'. You would use this when talking about the Ministry of Finance (وزارت امور اقتصادی و دارایی). 'معیشت' (ma'ishat) refers to 'livelihood' or 'subsistence'. While 'اقتصاد' is the system, 'معیشت' is how that system affects a person's ability to live and eat.

اقتصاد vs. معیشت
Use 'اقتصاد' for the big picture (GDP, inflation). Use 'معیشت' for the human impact (Can people afford meat? Are they struggling to pay rent?).
اقتصاد vs. صرفه‌جویی
'صرفه‌جویی' (sarfe-juyi) is the active verb for 'saving' or 'economizing'. While 'اقتصاد' can mean frugality in a literary sense, 'صرفه‌جویی' is what you actually do with your light switches and bank accounts.
دارایی (Dārāyi)
This means 'assets' or 'wealth'. In the name of the Iranian Ministry of Finance, 'دارایی' is paired with 'اقتصاد' to cover both the system and the assets within it.

معیشت مردم به دلیل تورم سخت شده است.

Translation: People's livelihood has become difficult due to inflation.

Another interesting alternative is 'داد و ستد' (dād o setad), which literally means 'giving and taking'. This is a more traditional, almost poetic way to say 'trade' or 'commerce'. While it doesn't replace 'اقتصاد' in technical discussions, it is often used to describe the bustling activity of a market. Finally, 'بازرگانی' (bāzargāni) refers specifically to 'commerce' or 'business trade'. If you are studying business administration, you are in the field of 'بازرگانی', which is a subset of the broader 'اقتصاد'.

او در وزارت دارایی کار می‌کند.

Translation: He works in the Ministry of Finance (Assets).

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"شاخص‌های اقتصاد کلان نشان‌دهنده ثبات هستند."

Neutral

"اقتصاد کشور به گردشگری وابسته است."

Informal

"با این اقتصاد، دیگه نمیشه خونه خرید."

Child friendly

"اقتصاد یعنی چطوری پول‌هامون رو درست خرج کنیم."

Slang

"اقتصادمون بدجوری تو باقالی‌هاست!"

Fun Fact

In classical Persian literature, 'Eqtesad' was often used in ethical treatises to describe the virtue of moderation in all things, not just money. A person who was 'muqtasid' was someone who lived a balanced life. It only became a technical term for 'Economics' in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as Western concepts were translated into Persian.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ɛq.tɛ.sɒːd/
US /ek.te.sɑːd/
The stress is typically on the final syllable: eq-te-SAD.
Rhymes With
اعتماد (E'temād - Trust) انتقاد (Enteqād - Criticism) اتحاد (Ettehād - Unity) بامداد (Bāmdād - Dawn) فریاد (Faryād - Shout) استعداد (Estedād - Talent) تعداد (Te'dād - Number) یاد (Yād - Memory)
Common Errors
  • Pronouncing the 'q' as a soft 'g'.
  • Using a short 'a' in the last syllable instead of the long 'ā'.
  • Pronouncing it as 'Ektesad' with a hard English 'k'.
  • Missing the 't' sound in the middle.
  • Stressing the first syllable instead of the last.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

The word is easy to recognize due to its frequent appearance in media.

Writing 3/5

Requires correct spelling of the 'q' (ق) and 's' (ص) sounds.

Speaking 3/5

The glottal 'q' sound can be tricky for English speakers.

Listening 2/5

Very common in news, making it easy to pick out in audio.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

پول (Money) کشور (Country) خریدن (To buy) فروختن (To sell) بازار (Market)

Learn Next

تورم (Inflation) بانک (Bank) سرمایه‌گذاری (Investment) مالیات (Tax) بودجه (Budget)

Advanced

تولید ناخالص داخلی (GDP) نقدینگی (Liquidity) سیاست پولی (Monetary policy) بهره (Interest) ارز (Foreign currency)

Grammar to Know

Ezafe Construction with Abstract Nouns

اقتصادِ ایران (Eqtesad-e Iran) - The 'e' sound connects the noun to its possessor.

Adjective Formation with '-i'

اقتصاد + ی = اقتصادی (Economic/Economical).

Compound Verb Formation

اقتصاد + دان = اقتصاددان (One who knows economy/Economist).

Pluralization of Abstract Nouns

اقتصادها (Eqtesad-ha) - Used when comparing multiple systems.

Prepositional Usage

در اقتصاد (In the economy) or بر اقتصاد (On the economy).

Examples by Level

1

اقتصاد ایران بزرگ است.

The economy of Iran is big.

Simple subject-adjective sentence.

2

او اقتصاد می‌خواند.

He/She studies economics.

Present continuous implied, using 'khāndan' (to read/study).

3

اقتصاد مهم است.

Economy is important.

Basic 'A is B' structure.

4

این یک کتاب اقتصاد است.

This is an economics book.

Use of 'yek' for 'a/an'.

5

اقتصاد خوب است؟

Is the economy good?

Question formed by intonation.

6

من اقتصاد را دوست ندارم.

I do not like economics.

Negative form of 'dust dāshtan'.

7

پول برای اقتصاد لازم است.

Money is necessary for the economy.

Preposition 'barāye' (for).

8

اقتصاد شهر ما کوچک است.

Our city's economy is small.

Possessive ezafe 'Eqtesad-e shahr-e mā'.

1

دولت باید اقتصاد را درست کند.

The government must fix the economy.

Use of modal 'bāyad' (must).

2

وضعیت اقتصاد در حال تغییر است.

The state of the economy is changing.

Present continuous 'dar hāl-e taghyir'.

3

ما درباره اقتصاد حرف می‌زنیم.

We are talking about the economy.

Preposition 'darbāre-ye' (about).

4

این ماشین خیلی اقتصادی است.

This car is very economical.

Adjective form 'Eqtesadi'.

5

رشد اقتصاد امسال کم بود.

Economic growth was low this year.

Past tense 'bud' (was).

6

او یک اقتصاددان معروف است.

He is a famous economist.

Noun 'Eqtesaddān' (economist).

7

آیا اقتصاد جهانی در خطر است؟

Is the global economy in danger?

Question particle 'āyā'.

8

بسیاری از مردم در بخش اقتصاد کار می‌کنند.

Many people work in the economics sector.

Prepositional phrase 'dar bakhsh-e'.

1

تحریم‌ها تاثیر زیادی بر اقتصاد گذاشته‌اند.

The sanctions have had a great impact on the economy.

Present perfect 'gozāshte-and'.

2

برای داشتن یک اقتصاد قوی، باید تولید را افزایش دهیم.

To have a strong economy, we must increase production.

Subjunctive 'afzāyesh dahim'.

3

او کتابی درباره تاریخ اقتصاد نوشت.

He wrote a book about the history of economics.

Simple past 'nevesht'.

4

اقتصاد خانواده ما به خوبی مدیریت می‌شود.

Our family economy is managed well.

Passive voice 'modiriyat mishavad'.

5

بیکاری یکی از مشکلات بزرگ اقتصاد است.

Unemployment is one of the big problems of the economy.

Superlative/Comparative context.

6

آن‌ها در مورد آینده اقتصاد خوش‌بین هستند.

They are optimistic about the future of the economy.

Adjective 'khosh-bin' (optimistic).

7

تورم باعث تضعیف اقتصاد شده است.

Inflation has caused the weakening of the economy.

Cause and effect with 'bā'es shodan'.

8

اقتصاد دیجیتال در حال گسترش است.

The digital economy is expanding.

Continuous action.

1

ثبات اقتصادی برای جذب سرمایه‌گذاری خارجی ضروری است.

Economic stability is essential for attracting foreign investment.

Complex noun phrases.

2

نظریه‌های جدید اقتصاد بر رفتار مصرف‌کننده تمرکز دارند.

New economic theories focus on consumer behavior.

Plural 'nazariye-hā'.

3

شکاف طبقاتی یکی از پیامدهای اقتصاد ناعادلانه است.

The class gap is one of the consequences of an unfair economy.

Abstract vocabulary 'payāmad' (consequence).

4

دولت سیاست‌های جدیدی برای کنترل اقتصاد تصویب کرد.

The government passed new policies to control the economy.

Formal verb 'tasviv kardan' (to pass/approve).

5

اقتصاد مقاومتی راهکاری برای مقابله با فشارها است.

Resistance economy is a solution for dealing with pressures.

Political terminology.

6

رونق اقتصادی باعث ایجاد هزاران شغل جدید شده است.

Economic prosperity has led to the creation of thousands of new jobs.

Noun 'ronaq' (prosperity/boom).

7

بسیاری از کارشناسان نگران فروپاشی اقتصاد هستند.

Many experts are worried about the collapse of the economy.

Noun 'forupāshi' (collapse).

8

اقتصاد سبز به حفظ محیط زیست کمک می‌کند.

Green economy helps in preserving the environment.

Compound adjective 'Eqtesad-e sabz'.

1

تحلیلگران بر این باورند که اقتصاد جهانی وارد دوره رکود شده است.

Analysts believe that the global economy has entered a period of recession.

Complex subordinate clause.

2

ارتباط تنگاتنگی بین سیاست و اقتصاد وجود دارد.

There is a close link between politics and economy.

Idiomatic 'ertebāt-e tangātang'.

3

اقتصاد دانش‌بنیان بر پایه نوآوری و خلاقیت استوار است.

A knowledge-based economy is built on innovation and creativity.

Passive/Stative 'ostovār ast'.

4

عدم شفافیت مالی به اقتصاد کشور آسیب جدی می‌زند.

Lack of financial transparency causes serious damage to the country's economy.

Negative noun 'adam-e shaffāfiyat'.

5

اصلاحات ساختاری در اقتصاد نیازمند زمان و صبر است.

Structural reforms in the economy require time and patience.

Formal 'niyāzmand' (requiring).

6

نوسانات ارزی ثبات اقتصاد را به مخاطره انداخته است.

Currency fluctuations have endangered the stability of the economy.

Idiomatic 'be mokhātere andākhtan'.

7

اقتصاد سیاسی به بررسی تعامل بین قدرت و ثروت می‌پردازد.

Political economy deals with the study of the interaction between power and wealth.

Formal verb 'pardākhtan' (to deal with/address).

8

توزیع عادلانه ثروت از ارکان اصلی یک اقتصاد سالم است.

Fair distribution of wealth is one of the main pillars of a healthy economy.

Noun 'arkān' (pillars).

1

پارادایم‌های نوین در اقتصاد کلان، الگوهای سنتی را به چالش کشیده‌اند.

Modern paradigms in macroeconomics have challenged traditional models.

Academic 'be chālesh keshidan'.

2

پیچیدگی‌های اقتصاد مدرن فراتر از تحلیل‌های ساده آماری است.

The complexities of the modern economy go beyond simple statistical analyses.

Prepositional 'farātar az' (beyond).

3

اقتصاد دستوری معمولاً به ناکارآمدی و فساد منجر می‌شود.

A command economy usually leads to inefficiency and corruption.

Technical 'Eqtesad-e dasturi'.

4

تاب‌آوری اقتصاد در برابر شوک‌های خارجی نشان‌دهنده قدرت زیرساخت‌ها است.

The resilience of the economy against external shocks indicates the strength of the infrastructure.

Abstract 'tāb-āvari' (resilience).

5

نظریه بازی‌ها کاربردهای گسترده‌ای در تحلیل‌های پیچیده اقتصاد دارد.

Game theory has extensive applications in complex economic analyses.

Interdisciplinary terminology.

6

جهانی‌سازی اقتصاد مرزهای سنتی تجارت را از بین برده است.

The globalization of the economy has eliminated traditional trade borders.

Noun 'jahāni-sāzi' (globalization).

7

اقتصاد رفتاری به مطالعه سوگیری‌های شناختی در تصمیم‌گیری‌های مالی می‌پردازد.

Behavioral economics deals with the study of cognitive biases in financial decision-making.

Technical 'sugiri-hā-ye shenākhti'.

8

توازن بین تورم و بیکاری یکی از چالش‌های همیشگی سیاست‌گذاران اقتصاد است.

The balance between inflation and unemployment is one of the constant challenges for economic policymakers.

Compound noun 'siyāsat-gozārān'.

Common Collocations

رشد اقتصادی
بحران اقتصادی
سیاست اقتصادی
اقتصاد کلان
اقتصاد خرد
شکوفایی اقتصادی
تحریم اقتصادی
اقتصاد دیجیتال
ثبات اقتصادی
اقتصاد مقاومتی

Common Phrases

چرخ اقتصاد

— The 'wheels' of the economy; the mechanism that keeps it running.

باید چرخ اقتصاد را به حرکت درآوریم.

وضعیت اقتصاد

— The state or condition of the economy.

وضعیت اقتصاد اصلا خوب نیست.

بخش خصوصی اقتصاد

— The private sector of the economy.

بخش خصوصی اقتصاد باید تقویت شود.

اقتصاد خانواده

— Family budget or household management.

او مسئول مدیریت اقتصاد خانواده است.

اقتصاد جهانی

— The global or world economy.

همه کشورها به اقتصاد جهانی وابسته هستند.

رشته اقتصاد

— The academic field of economics.

او در رشته اقتصاد تحصیل کرده است.

اقتصاد آزاد

— Free market economy.

برخی کشورها به اقتصاد آزاد اعتقاد دارند.

اقتصاد دولتی

— State-run or government economy.

اقتصاد دولتی معمولا کارایی کمی دارد.

زیربنای اقتصاد

— The foundation or infrastructure of the economy.

کشاورزی زیربنای اقتصاد ماست.

اقتصاد تک‌محصولی

— Single-product economy (e.g., oil-dependent).

اقتصاد تک‌محصولی در برابر بحران‌ها ضعیف است.

Often Confused With

اقتصاد vs قصد

Same root, but means 'intention'. Don't say 'I have an economy to go'!

اقتصاد vs پول

Means 'money'. Economy is the system, money is the tool.

اقتصاد vs مالی

Means 'financial'. Related but more specific to accounting and banking.

Idioms & Expressions

"اقتصاد در مصرف"

— Being frugal or careful with usage of resources.

در زمان خشکسالی، اقتصاد در مصرف آب واجب است.

Formal/Instructional
"کمر اقتصاد شکستن"

— To break the back of the economy; to cause severe damage.

این جنگ کمر اقتصاد منطقه را شکست.

Informal/Journalistic
"نبض اقتصاد"

— The pulse of the economy; the key indicators.

بازار بورس نبض اقتصاد کشور است.

Journalistic
"اقتصاد شکم"

— Refers to the basic food economy or survival needs.

اول باید به فکر اقتصاد شکم مردم بود.

Slang/Colloquial
"سفره مردم"

— Literally 'people's tablecloth', used to mean the real-world economy for families.

تغییرات قیمت‌ها مستقیماً بر سفره مردم اثر می‌گذارد.

Colloquial/Political
"اقتصاد زیرزمینی"

— Underground or black market economy.

اقتصاد زیرزمینی باعث فرار مالیاتی می‌شود.

Formal/Legal
"اقتصاد رانتی"

— Rentier economy; an economy based on unearned income (like oil).

اقتصاد رانتی مانع تولید واقعی است.

Academic/Political
"اقتصاد پویا"

— A dynamic and active economy.

ما به یک اقتصاد پویا و خلاق نیاز داریم.

Formal
"اقتصاد بیمار"

— A 'sick' or failing economy.

تورم بالا نشانه یک اقتصاد بیمار است.

Journalistic
"اقتصاد بسته"

— A closed economy with little international trade.

اقتصاد بسته نمی‌تواند با جهان رقابت کند.

Academic

Easily Confused

اقتصاد vs معیشت

Both relate to money and living.

Eqtesad is the macro system; Ma'ishat is the personal livelihood and ability to afford basics.

اقتصاد کشور خوب است اما معیشت مردم نه.

اقتصاد vs دارایی

Often appear together in government titles.

Eqtesad is the science/system; Darayi refers to the actual assets and wealth held.

او دارایی زیادی دارد.

اقتصاد vs تجارت

Both involve buying and selling.

Tejarat is specifically 'trade' or 'commerce'; Eqtesad is the broader economic framework.

تجارت با همسایگان به اقتصاد کمک می‌کند.

اقتصاد vs صرفه‌جویی

Both can mean 'saving'.

Eqtesad is a noun (economy); Sarfe-juyi is the action of being frugal.

با صرفه‌جویی می‌توان به اقتصاد خانه کمک کرد.

اقتصاد vs مالیه

Both sound very formal and financial.

Maliye is specifically about public finance, taxes, and government revenue.

او در بخش مالیه تخصص دارد.

Sentence Patterns

A1

[Noun] + [اقتصاد] + [است]

ایران اقتصاد است. (Incorrect but used for learning structure: Iran is an economy.)

A2

[اقتصاد] + [Country] + [Adjective] + [است]

اقتصاد چین بزرگ است.

B1

[دولت] + [اقتصاد] + [را] + [Verb]

دولت اقتصاد را کنترل می‌کند.

B2

[Noun] + [بر] + [اقتصاد] + [تاثیر گذاشتن]

جنگ بر اقتصاد تاثیر گذاشت.

C1

[اقتصاد] + [به عنوان] + [Noun] + [شناخته می‌شود]

اقتصاد به عنوان یک علم شناخته می‌شود.

C2

[پارادایم] + [در] + [اقتصاد] + [تغییر کرده است]

پارادایم‌ها در اقتصاد تغییر کرده است.

B1

[اقتصاد] + [خانواده] + [مهم است]

اقتصاد خانواده مهم است.

A2

[من] + [اقتصاد] + [دوست دارم]

من اقتصاد دوست دارم.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

Related

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in media, education, and political discourse.

Common Mistakes
  • Using 'اقتصاد' to mean 'money'. پول (Pul)

    You can't say 'I have no economy'. You say 'I have no money'. Economy is the system.

  • Spelling with 'س' instead of 'ص'. اقتصاد

    The word uses the letter 'Sad' (ص), which is common in Arabic loanwords.

  • Saying 'بحران اقتصاد' instead of 'بحران اقتصادی'. بحران اقتصادی

    You need the adjective form (Economic) to modify the noun (Crisis).

  • Confusing 'اقتصاد' with 'قصد'. اقتصاد (Economy) / قصد (Intention)

    They share a root but have completely different meanings in modern Persian.

  • Pronouncing 'q' as 'k'. Eqtesad (with glottal q)

    Pronouncing it as 'Ektesad' is a common English-speaker error.

Tips

The Balance Root

Remember that Eqtesad comes from the root for 'moderation'. Think of an 'Equal' (Eq-) 'Test' (-tes-) of 'Assets' (-ad). A balanced test of assets is an economy.

Adjective Power

Always add the 'i' (ی) to make it an adjective. 'Economic growth' is 'Roshd-e Eqtesadi'. Without the 'i', it sounds like 'Growth of Economics'.

The Bazaar Link

To understand Persian economy, look at the Bazaar. It is the physical manifestation of 'Eqtesad' in Persian culture.

Glottal Practice

Practice the 'Q' sound by saying 'G' but further back in your throat. This will make your pronunciation of 'Eqtesad' sound much more authentic.

Family Words

Learn 'Eqtesaddan' (economist) at the same time. The '-dan' suffix is very useful for many other professions too.

News Keywords

When you hear 'Eqtesad' on the news, listen for 'Toram' (inflation) and 'Bikari' (unemployment). They almost always appear together.

Formal Register

In formal writing, use 'امور اقتصادی' (economic affairs) instead of just 'اقتصاد' to sound more professional.

Compound Recognition

Look out for 'اقتصاد کلان' (Macro) and 'اقتصاد خرد' (Micro). These are the two main branches you will see in textbooks.

Budget Options

Use 'اقتصادی' when looking for 'value for money' options in Iran, like 'کلاس اقتصادی' (Economy class) on a plane.

Intention

Remember the root 'Qasd' (intention). A good economy is an intentional one. This helps you link 'Eqtesad' to 'Maqsad' (destination).

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'EQ' (Emotional Quotient) + 'TE' (Tea) + 'SAD'. If the 'EQ' of the 'Tea' market is 'SAD', the **Economy** is in trouble!

Visual Association

Imagine a scale (representing the Arabic root of balance/moderation) with a factory on one side and a shopping cart on the other.

Word Web

Money Market Growth Trade Inflation University Government Budget

Challenge

Try to use 'اقتصاد' and its adjective 'اقتصادی' in three different sentences today: one about a country, one about a car, and one about your studies.

Word Origin

The word 'اقتصاد' is an Arabic loanword (Istif'āl form) from the root Q-S-D (قصد). In Arabic, the root refers to 'going straight', 'intending', or 'being moderate'. The transition to 'economy' happened as the concept of 'moderate management of resources' evolved into the study of wealth.

Original meaning: Moderation, frugality, and taking the middle path between extravagance and stinginess.

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

Cultural Context

Economic talk in Iran can be politically sensitive. Be mindful when discussing government policies in formal settings.

English speakers might find it strange that 'Economics' (the study) and 'Economy' (the system) are the same word in Persian. In English, we distinguish them more sharply.

The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Finance (وزارت امور اقتصادی و دارایی). Economic theories of Ibn Khaldun (often cited in Persian academic circles). The 'Resistance Economy' (اقتصاد مقاومتی) speeches by Iranian leaders.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

University/Education

  • دانشکده اقتصاد (Faculty of Economics)
  • استاد اقتصاد (Economics professor)
  • نظریه اقتصاد (Economic theory)
  • مدرک اقتصاد (Economics degree)

News/Politics

  • تحریم‌های اقتصادی (Economic sanctions)
  • رشد اقتصادی (Economic growth)
  • وزیر اقتصاد (Minister of Economy)
  • بحران مالی (Financial crisis)

Business/Trade

  • اقتصاد آزاد (Free economy)
  • بازار سرمایه (Capital market)
  • صادرات و واردات (Export and Import)
  • رونق بازار (Market boom)

Personal Finance

  • اقتصاد خانواده (Family budget)
  • صرفه‌جویی در مخارج (Saving on expenses)
  • مدیریت پول (Money management)
  • هزینه‌های زندگی (Cost of living)

Environmentalism

  • اقتصاد سبز (Green economy)
  • توسعه پایدار (Sustainable development)
  • اقتصاد چرخشی (Circular economy)
  • مصرف بهینه (Optimal consumption)

Conversation Starters

"به نظر شما وضعیت اقتصاد در سال آینده چطور خواهد بود؟ (What do you think the economy will be like next year?)"

"چرا رشته اقتصاد در بین دانشجویان اینقدر محبوب است؟ (Why is the field of economics so popular among students?)"

"آیا تکنولوژی می‌تواند به بهبود اقتصاد کمک کند؟ (Can technology help improve the economy?)"

"تاثیر گردشگری بر اقتصاد محلی چیست؟ (What is the impact of tourism on the local economy?)"

"چگونه می‌توانیم اقتصاد خانواده را بهتر مدیریت کنیم؟ (How can we better manage the family economy?)"

Journal Prompts

درباره تاثیر تورم بر زندگی روزمره و اقتصاد شخصی خود بنویسید. (Write about the impact of inflation on your daily life and personal economy.)

اگر شما وزیر اقتصاد بودید، اولین کاری که برای کشورتان می‌کردید چه بود؟ (If you were the Minister of Economy, what would be the first thing you'd do for your country?)

رابطه بین محیط زیست و اقتصاد جهانی را تحلیل کنید. (Analyze the relationship between the environment and the global economy.)

تفاوت‌های بین اقتصاد سنتی بازار و اقتصاد دیجیتال مدرن را شرح دهید. (Describe the differences between the traditional bazaar economy and the modern digital economy.)

چرا یادگیری دانش اقتصاد برای هر شهروندی ضروری است؟ (Why is learning economics essential for every citizen?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, it can be used for regions (اقتصاد منطقه), the world (اقتصاد جهانی), or even a family (اقتصاد خانواده). It refers to any system of resource management.

Eqtesad is the noun (Economy/Economics). Eqtesadi is the adjective (Economic/Economical). For example, 'بحران اقتصادی' (Economic crisis).

You say 'من اقتصاد می‌خوانم' (Man eqtesād mikhānam). 'Khāndan' is the verb used for studying a subject.

The adjective 'Eqtesadi' can mean 'economical' or 'budget-friendly'. For example, 'یک سفر اقتصادی' means a budget trip.

No, it is a pronounced glottal or uvular stop. It is a distinct sound in Persian that should not be skipped.

It is 'اقتصاد مقاومتی' (Eqtesād-e Moqāvemati), a term used in Iran to describe an economy that is self-sufficient and resistant to foreign sanctions.

The plural is 'اقتصادها' (Eqtesād-hā). It is used when comparing the economies of different nations.

Yes, it is an Arabic loanword, but it is fully integrated into Persian and used exactly like a native word.

An economist is called an 'اقتصاددان' (Eqtesāddān). The suffix '-dān' means 'one who knows'.

In a literary or formal sense, yes. But in daily life, 'صرفه‌جویی' (sarfe-juyi) is the much more common word for saving or being frugal.

Test Yourself 200 questions

writing

Write a sentence using 'اقتصاد' and 'ایران'.

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writing

Describe a 'ماشین اقتصادی' in one sentence.

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writing

Write a short paragraph about why you like or dislike studying economics.

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writing

Explain the impact of 'تورم' on 'اقتصاد' in Persian.

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writing

What is 'اقتصاد خانواده'? Define it in Persian.

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writing

Write a formal headline about 'رشد اقتصادی'.

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writing

Compare 'اقتصاد دولتی' and 'اقتصاد آزاد'.

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writing

Write a sentence about 'بحران اقتصادی' in the world.

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writing

Use 'اقتصاددان' in a sentence about a famous person.

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writing

Write a sentence using 'صرفه‌جویی' and 'اقتصاد'.

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writing

Describe the 'اقتصاد دیجیتال' in your country.

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writing

Write a question to ask a professor about 'اقتصاد کلان'.

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writing

Write a sentence about 'ثبات اقتصادی'.

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writing

Translate: 'The global economy is interconnected.'

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writing

Write a sentence about 'اقتصاد سبز'.

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writing

Explain 'رکود اقتصادی' to a child.

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writing

Write a sentence using 'تحریم اقتصادی'.

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writing

Use 'اقتصاد سیاسی' in a sentence.

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writing

Write a sentence about 'رونق اقتصادی'.

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writing

Write a sentence about 'اقتصاد مقاومتی'.

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speaking

Pronounce 'اقتصاد' correctly.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'I like economics' in Persian.

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speaking

Say 'The economy is good' in Persian.

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speaking

Say 'I am an economist' in Persian.

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speaking

Say 'Economic growth' in Persian.

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speaking

Say 'Global economy' in Persian.

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speaking

Explain why 'اقتصاد' is important in your own words (Persian).

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speaking

Ask someone: 'What is your opinion on the economy?'

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speaking

Say 'Economic crisis' in Persian.

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speaking

Say 'Family economy' in Persian.

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speaking

Discuss one problem of the economy in Persian.

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speaking

Say 'Macroeconomics' in Persian.

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speaking

Say 'Microeconomics' in Persian.

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speaking

Say 'Economic stability' in Persian.

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speaking

Say 'Digital economy' in Persian.

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speaking

Say 'Green economy' in Persian.

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speaking

Say 'Political economy' in Persian.

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speaking

Say 'Knowledge-based economy' in Persian.

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speaking

Say 'Economic sanctions' in Persian.

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speaking

Say 'Economic prosperity' in Persian.

Read this aloud:

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listening

Listen to the word: 'Eqtesad'. What does it mean?

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listening

Listen: 'Roshd-e Eqtesadi'. What is being discussed?

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listening

Listen: 'Bohran-e Eqtesadi'. Is this a positive or negative situation?

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listening

Listen: 'Eqtesaddan'. What is the person's profession?

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listening

Listen: 'Eqtesad-e Jahani'. What scale is the economy?

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listening

Listen: 'Vaz'iyat-e Eqtesad'. What is being asked about?

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listening

Listen: 'Eqtesad-e Iran'. Which country is mentioned?

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listening

Listen: 'Toram bar Eqtesad'. What is affecting the economy?

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listening

Listen: 'Eqtesad-e Sabz'. What color is associated with this economy?

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listening

Listen: 'Eqtesad-e Digital'. What type of economy is it?

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listening

Listen: 'Siyāsat-e Eqtesadi'. What is the government announcing?

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listening

Listen: 'Eqtesad-e Moqāvemati'. What specific term is used?

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listening

Listen: 'Eqtesad-e Kalān'. Is it macro or micro?

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listening

Listen: 'Eqtesad-e Khord'. Is it macro or micro?

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listening

Listen: 'Forupāshi-ye Eqtesad'. What is happening to the economy?

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/ 200 correct

Perfect score!

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