At the A1 level, the word 'olaviyat-bandi kardan' might be a bit advanced, but you can understand it as 'making a list of what is important.' Think of it like deciding what to do first in your day. For example, if you have homework and a game, you decide which one is more important. It is a compound verb made of 'olaviyat' (priority) and 'kardan' (to do). You can use it simply: 'I prioritize my work.' Even at this level, knowing this word helps you talk about your daily routine and what matters most to you in a more structured way. It's like saying 'this is number one, this is number two.'
At the A2 level, you can start using 'olaviyat-bandi kardan' to describe your plans and schedules. You understand that this verb is used when you have many things to do and not enough time. You can use it in simple past and present tenses. For example, 'Yesterday, I prioritized my tasks.' You are also learning that the word 'râ' often follows the thing you are prioritizing. It’s a very useful word for talking about school, work, or even shopping lists. It shows you are thinking about order and importance, which is a step up from just listing items.
At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'olaviyat-bandi kardan' in various contexts, especially work and study. You can explain *why* you are prioritizing things using 'chon' (because) or 'bar-âye' (for). You understand that it’s a standard term in professional Persian. You can use it in the imperative to give advice, like 'You should prioritize your goals.' You also start to recognize the noun form 'olaviyat-bandi' in texts about management or personal growth. You can handle more complex sentence structures, like 'It's difficult to prioritize when everything seems important.'
At the B2 level, you use 'olaviyat-bandi kardan' fluently in discussions about abstract topics like government policy, business strategy, or social issues. You can use it in the subjunctive mood ('I suggest that we prioritize...') and the passive voice ('The budget was prioritized'). You are aware of synonyms like 'dar olaviyat qarâr dâdan' and can choose the most appropriate one based on the context. You can also use it to express nuanced opinions during debates or presentations, showing a high level of organizational vocabulary.
At the C1 level, you use 'olaviyat-bandi kardan' with precision and stylistic flair. You understand its role in formal administrative Persian and academic writing. You can discuss the criteria for prioritization using complex vocabulary like 'shâkhes-hâ' (indicators) or 'me'yâr-hâ' (criteria). You recognize the word in high-level literature and political discourse. You can also use the word metaphorically or in complex philosophical contexts. Your usage is indistinguishable from a native speaker who is well-educated and professional.
At the C2 level, you have a complete mastery of 'olaviyat-bandi kardan' and its related forms. You understand the historical development of the term and its Arabic roots. You can use it in highly technical fields like systems engineering or advanced economics. You are able to critique different methods of prioritization in Persian and can write extensive reports or give speeches where this concept is central. You understand the subtle cultural implications of prioritization in Iranian society and can navigate them perfectly in your speech and writing.

اولویت بندی کردن in 30 Seconds

  • A compound Persian verb meaning 'to prioritize' or 'to rank by importance,' essential for professional and personal organization.
  • Commonly used in business, education, and daily life to manage tasks, budgets, and goals effectively.
  • Formed from 'olaviyat' (priority), '-bandi' (grouping), and 'kardan' (to do), requiring a direct object.
  • A key B1-level word that helps learners sound more structured, analytical, and professional in their speech.

The Persian verb اولویت بندی کردن (olaviyat-bandi kardan) is a sophisticated compound verb used to describe the cognitive and organizational process of arranging tasks, goals, or items in order of their relative importance. It is derived from the Arabic-origin noun 'olaviyat' (priority) combined with the Persian suffix '-bandi' (grouping/categorizing) and the auxiliary verb 'kardan' (to do). In modern Iranian society, this term has become ubiquitous in business, academic, and personal development contexts, reflecting a globalized focus on productivity and time management. When you use this word, you aren't just saying you have a 'to-do list'; you are signaling that you are making strategic decisions about what deserves your immediate attention versus what can wait. It implies a level of analytical thinking and discernment. For example, a manager might use it during a morning briefing to align the team's focus, or a student might use it when discussing their study schedule for final exams.

Professional Context
In corporate environments, this verb is essential for discussing project management, resource allocation, and strategic planning. It often appears in performance reviews and job descriptions.
Daily Life
Individuals use it to describe balancing family obligations, financial budgeting, and health goals. It is a key term in self-help literature and podcasts in Iran.

ما باید کارهایمان را بر اساس فوریت اولویت بندی کنیم تا در زمان صرفه‌جویی شود.

Translation: We must prioritize our tasks based on urgency to save time.

The psychological weight of this word suggests a transition from chaos to order. In a cultural sense, as Iran moves toward more modern organizational structures, the vocabulary of management like 'olaviyat-bandi' has replaced older, more vague terms for 'getting things done.' It reflects a mindset of efficiency. You will hear it in news reports concerning government spending, where officials must justify which sectors receive funding first. It is also common in medical contexts, such as 'triage' in emergency rooms, where patients are prioritized based on the severity of their condition. The structure of the word itself—breaking things into 'bands' or 'categories'—helps the speaker visualize the process of sorting through a pile of responsibilities and placing them into a hierarchy of value.

مدیر پروژه از ما خواست که اهداف سال جدید را اولویت بندی کنیم.

The project manager asked us to prioritize the goals for the new year.

Grammatically, اولویت بندی کردن functions as a compound verb (fe'l-e morakkab). The noun part, 'olaviyat-bandi', acts as the semantic core, while 'kardan' provides the verbal action. Because it is a transitive verb, it usually requires a direct object, which is often marked by the postposition 'râ' (را) if the object is definite. For example, 'I prioritized the tasks' becomes 'Man kârhâ râ olaviyat-bandi kardam.' Understanding the placement of the direct object is crucial for natural-sounding Persian. You can prioritize tasks, goals (ahdâf), expenses (hazine-hâ), or even people in a queue.

Tense Construction
In the present continuous, you would say 'dâram olaviyat-bandi mikonam' (I am prioritizing). In the future, 'olaviyat-bandi khâham kard'.
Passive Voice
The passive form uses 'shodan' (to become): 'olaviyat-bandi shodan' (to be prioritized). For example, 'The projects were prioritized' (Projeh-hâ olaviyat-bandi shodand).

قبل از شروع هر کاری، بهتر است لیست وظایفتان را اولویت بندی کنید.

Before starting any work, it is better to prioritize your task list.

When using this verb in more complex sentences, it is common to see it paired with prepositional phrases starting with 'bar asâs-e' (based on). You might prioritize things based on 'ahamiyat' (importance), 'fowriyat' (urgency), or 'manâbe' (resources). This adds a layer of professionalism to your speech. In formal writing, such as an academic paper or a formal report, you might see the noun form 'olaviyat-bandi' used in conjunction with other verbs like 'anjâm dâdan' (to perform), as in 'olaviyat-bandi-ye in mavâred anjâm shod' (the prioritization of these items was performed). However, in spoken Persian, 'olaviyat-bandi kardan' is the standard and most versatile choice. It is also important to note that the stress usually falls on the last syllable of the noun part ('bandi') before the auxiliary verb.

او در اولویت بندی کردن مسائل بسیار مهارت دارد.

He is very skilled at prioritizing issues.

You will encounter اولویت بندی کردن in a variety of settings across the Persian-speaking world. In the modern Iranian workplace, especially in Tehran's burgeoning tech scene, 'olaviyat-bandi' is a buzzword used during 'Agile' or 'Scrum' meetings. Developers and product managers use it to decide which features to build first. If you watch Iranian news channels like IRINN or listen to business podcasts, you'll hear economists discussing how the government should prioritize its budget (budje) to combat inflation or support infrastructure. It's a word that signals a rational, data-driven approach to problems. In the educational system, teachers often tell students to prioritize their subjects based on their exam schedule, using this exact verb to encourage better study habits.

In the Media
News anchors often use it when talking about crisis management, such as prioritizing aid delivery after an earthquake.
In Literature
Modern Persian essays on sociology or psychology frequently use this term to describe how urban life changes human values and priorities.

در اخبار شنیدم که دولت قصد دارد پروژه‌های نیمه‌تمام را اولویت بندی کند.

I heard on the news that the government intends to prioritize unfinished projects.

Beyond formal settings, you'll hear it in casual conversations between friends who are trying to plan a trip or a night out. If there are too many places to visit and not enough time, someone will inevitably say, 'Biyâ olaviyat-bandi konim' (Let's prioritize). This shows how the word has moved from purely technical jargon into the common lexicon. It is also a staple in the vocabulary of Iranian 'life coaches' on social media platforms like Instagram and Telegram, where 'olaviyat-bandi-ye zendegi' (prioritizing life) is a frequent topic for motivational content. Even in medical dramas or real-life hospital settings, the triage process is referred to using this verb, emphasizing its life-and-death importance in certain contexts. Understanding this word gives you a window into the logical and organizational frameworks of modern Persian speakers.

برای موفقیت در کنکور، باید دروس را به درستی اولویت بندی کنید.

To succeed in the Konkur (entrance exam), you must prioritize the subjects correctly.

One of the most common mistakes learners make with اولویت بندی کردن is confusing it with the simpler verb ترجیح دادن (tarjih dâdan), which means 'to prefer.' While 'preferring' is about personal taste or liking one thing over another, 'prioritizing' is about a systematic arrangement based on importance or necessity. For instance, you might 'prefer' tea over coffee, but you 'prioritize' paying your rent over buying a new coffee machine. Another common error is omitting the '-bandi' suffix and just saying 'olaviyat kardan.' This is grammatically incorrect in Persian; you must include the 'bandi' to indicate the process of categorization. Learners also sometimes struggle with the preposition 'bar asâs-e' (based on), accidentally using 'be' or other prepositions that don't fit the context of prioritization.

Mistake: Wrong Auxiliary Verb
Avoid using 'dâshtan' (to have) instead of 'kardan'. You don't 'have prioritization'; you 'do prioritization'.
Mistake: Word Order
In Persian, the object usually comes before the verb. Don't say 'Mikonam olaviyat-bandi kârhâ râ'; say 'Kârhâ râ olaviyat-bandi mikonam'.

اشتباه: من ترجیح می‌دهم کارهایم را اولویت کنم. (غلط)

Correct: من می‌خواهم کارهایم را اولویت بندی کنم.

Another nuance is the difference between 'olaviyat dâdan' (to give priority) and 'olaviyat-bandi kardan' (to prioritize). While they are similar, 'olaviyat dâdan' usually refers to giving priority to one specific thing over others (e.g., giving priority to pedestrians), whereas 'olaviyat-bandi kardan' refers to the whole process of ranking a list of things. Learners often use them interchangeably, which isn't always wrong but can be less precise. Finally, pay attention to the pluralization of the object. If you are prioritizing multiple things, ensure the noun is plural (e.g., 'moshkelât râ' instead of 'moshkel râ') to sound more natural, as prioritization inherently implies a set of items.

درست: ما باید هزینه‌ها را اولویت بندی کنیم نه اینکه فقط یکی را انتخاب کنیم.

Correct: We must prioritize the expenses, not just choose one.

While اولویت بندی کردن is the most standard term for prioritization, several other words and phrases share its semantic space. Understanding these can help you fine-tune your meaning and avoid repetition. One common alternative is در اولویت قرار دادن (dar olaviyat qarâr dâdan), which literally means 'to place in priority.' This is often used when you want to highlight that one specific item has been moved to the top of the list. Another related term is طبقه‌بندی کردن (tabaqe-bandi kardan), which means 'to classify' or 'to categorize.' While classification doesn't always imply a hierarchy of importance, it is a similar organizational action. If you are talking about 'sorting' things, you might use مرتب کردن (morattab kardan), though this is more about physical or visual order rather than importance.

Olaviyat-bandi vs. Tarjih
Olaviyat-bandi is systematic and objective; Tarjih (preference) is subjective and personal.
Olaviyat-bandi vs. Tabaqe-bandi
Olaviyat-bandi ranks by importance; Tabaqe-bandi groups by characteristics.

او همیشه نیازهای خانواده را در اولویت قرار می‌دهد.

He always places the family's needs in priority (prioritizes them).

In more formal or literary contexts, you might encounter تقدم بخشیدن (taqaddom bakhshidan), which means 'to give precedence to.' This is a highly formal way of saying you are giving something priority. For example, 'The law gives precedence to the rights of the child.' In contrast, in very casual speech, someone might just say 'Kodom vâjeb-tare?' (Which one is more necessary/obligatory?), using the adjective 'vâjeb' (necessary) to imply prioritization. Another interesting synonym is فهرست‌بندی کردن (fehrest-bandi kardan), meaning 'to list' or 'to index,' which is the mechanical act that often accompanies prioritization. By knowing these alternatives, you can choose the word that best fits the formality of the situation and the specific nuance you wish to convey.

ما باید بین پروژه‌های مختلف اولویت‌بندی دقیقی داشته باشیم.

We must have a precise prioritization between various projects.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The term 'olaviyat-bandi' is relatively modern in its current usage. Fifty years ago, Persian speakers might have used simpler terms like 'tartib-e ahamiyat' (order of importance), but the rise of bureaucratic and corporate culture popularized this specific compound.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /olævijæt bændī kærdæn/
US /olævijæt bændī kærdæn/
The primary stress is on the last syllable of the noun part: 'olaviyat-ban-DI'. The auxiliary verb 'kardan' is usually unstressed.
Rhymes With
Dast-bandi (grouping) Zaman-bandi (scheduling) Daraje-bandi (grading) Gorooh-bandi (categorizing) Baste-bandi (packaging) Saf-bandi (lining up) Kâshe-bandi (tiling) Zon-bandi (zoning)
Common Errors
  • Pronouncing 'olaviyat' as 'olaviyat' with a long 'o' like 'open'. It should be short.
  • Dropping the 't' at the end of 'olaviyat'.
  • Merging 'bandi' and 'kardan' into one word with the wrong stress.
  • Pronouncing 'kardan' as 'kardan' with an English 'r'. It should be a single tap 'r'.
  • Misplacing the stress on the first syllable 'O-laviyat'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 4/5

Requires knowledge of compound verb structures and Arabic-origin nouns.

Writing 5/5

Spelling 'olaviyat' with 'vav' and 'ye' can be tricky for beginners.

Speaking 3/5

Once the pronunciation is mastered, it flows easily in professional speech.

Listening 4/5

Can be confused with other '-bandi' words if not heard clearly.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

کردن (to do) مهم (important) لیست (list) اول (first) برنامه (plan)

Learn Next

مدیریت زمان (time management) بهره‌وری (productivity) استراتژی (strategy) اهداف (goals) منابع (resources)

Advanced

تخصیص منابع (resource allocation) سلسله مراتب (hierarchy) فوریت (urgency) شاخص (indicator) بهینه‌سازی (optimization)

Grammar to Know

Compound Verb Conjugation

In 'olaviyat-bandi mikonam', the 'mi-' goes before 'konam'.

Direct Object Marker 'râ'

Kârhâ râ (the tasks) olaviyat-bandi kardam.

Subjunctive with 'bâyad'

Bâyad olaviyat-bandi bokonim (We must prioritize).

Ezâfe construction in Nouns

Olaviyat-bandi-ye (prioritization of) kârhâ.

Infinitive as Noun

Olaviyat-bandi kardan (the act of prioritizing) mohem ast.

Examples by Level

1

من کارهایم را اولویت بندی می‌کنم.

I prioritize my tasks.

Simple present tense of the compound verb.

2

او اولویت بندی را دوست دارد.

He likes prioritization.

Using the noun form as an object.

3

لطفاً لیست را اولویت بندی کن.

Please prioritize the list.

Imperative (command) form.

4

ما باید اولویت بندی کنیم.

We must prioritize.

Using 'bâyad' (must) with the verb.

5

آیا تو اولویت بندی کردی؟

Did you prioritize?

Simple past tense question.

6

این کار اولویت بندی می‌خواهد.

This job needs prioritization.

Using 'khâstan' (to want/need) with the noun.

7

من امروز اولویت بندی نکردم.

I didn't prioritize today.

Negative past tense.

8

اولویت بندی خوب است.

Prioritization is good.

Simple sentence with an adjective.

1

من دیروز برنامه‌هایم را اولویت بندی کردم.

Yesterday, I prioritized my plans.

Past tense with a time adverb.

2

شما چگونه کارهایتان را اولویت بندی می‌کنید؟

How do you prioritize your tasks?

Question using 'chegoune' (how).

3

او می‌خواهد خریدها را اولویت بندی کند.

He wants to prioritize the purchases.

Using 'mikhâhad' (wants) with the infinitive.

4

ما باید اهدافمان را اولویت بندی کنیم.

We must prioritize our goals.

Plural possessive 'emân' (our).

5

این برنامه به شما در اولویت بندی کمک می‌کند.

This app helps you in prioritization.

Using the noun form with the preposition 'dar'.

6

او همیشه اولویت بندی می‌کرد.

He used to always prioritize.

Imperfect tense (habitual past).

7

من نتوانستم کارهایم را اولویت بندی کنم.

I couldn't prioritize my tasks.

Negative 'توانستن' (to be able to).

8

بیایید با هم اولویت بندی کنیم.

Let's prioritize together.

Hortative 'biyâyid' (let's).

1

مدیر از من خواست که پروژه‌ها را اولویت بندی کنم.

The manager asked me to prioritize the projects.

Subjunctive mood after 'khâstan'.

2

بدون اولویت بندی کردن، وقت زیادی تلف می‌شود.

Without prioritizing, a lot of time is wasted.

Using the gerund form (infinitive) with 'bedun-e'.

3

من دارم سعی می‌کنم هزینه‌های زندگی را اولویت بندی کنم.

I am trying to prioritize my living expenses.

Present continuous with 's'ay kardan'.

4

اگر اولویت بندی نکنی، به کارهایت نمی‌رسی.

If you don't prioritize, you won't get your work done.

Conditional sentence (Type 1).

5

او در اولویت بندی کردن مسائل بسیار باهوش است.

He is very smart at prioritizing issues.

Prepositional phrase with the infinitive.

6

ما باید بر اساس اهمیت، وظایف را اولویت بندی کنیم.

We must prioritize tasks based on importance.

Using 'bar asâs-e' (based on).

7

آیا روش خاصی برای اولویت بندی کردن دارید؟

Do you have a specific method for prioritizing?

Using 'barâye' (for) with the infinitive.

8

او هنوز نتوانسته است کارهایش را اولویت بندی کند.

He hasn't been able to prioritize his tasks yet.

Present perfect of 'توانستن'.

1

دولت باید بودجه را برای سال آینده اولویت بندی کند.

The government must prioritize the budget for next year.

Formal context with 'budje'.

2

اولویت بندی کردن منابع، کلید موفقیت در این صنعت است.

Prioritizing resources is the key to success in this industry.

Infinitive as the subject of the sentence.

3

او پیشنهاد کرد که تمام درخواست‌ها را اولویت بندی کنیم.

He suggested that we prioritize all requests.

Subjunctive mood after 'pishnahâd kardan'.

4

به نظر می‌رسد که آن‌ها در اولویت بندی دچار مشکل شده‌اند.

It seems that they have encountered problems in prioritization.

Passive-like construction with 'dochâr-e moshkel shodan'.

5

ما پروژه‌ها را بر اساس سودآوری اولویت بندی کرده‌ایم.

We have prioritized the projects based on profitability.

Present perfect tense.

6

اولویت بندی صحیح می‌تواند استرس را به شدت کاهش دهد.

Correct prioritization can significantly reduce stress.

Modal verb 'tavânestan' with an adverb.

7

او در حال اولویت بندی کردن پرونده‌های قضایی است.

He is currently prioritizing the legal cases.

Present continuous with 'dar hâl-e'.

8

آیا معیارهای شما برای اولویت بندی تغییر کرده است؟

Have your criteria for prioritization changed?

Question about 'me'yâr-hâ' (criteria).

1

اولویت بندی کردن وظایف در شرایط بحرانی، مهارتی حیاتی است.

Prioritizing tasks in crisis situations is a vital skill.

Complex subject with a prepositional phrase.

2

سازمان ملل متحد کمک‌های بشردوستانه را اولویت بندی می‌کند.

The United Nations prioritizes humanitarian aid.

Formal diplomatic context.

3

این الگوریتم به طور خودکار داده‌ها را اولویت بندی می‌کند.

This algorithm automatically prioritizes the data.

Technical context with 'algoritme'.

4

او با دقت فراوان، اهداف استراتژیک شرکت را اولویت بندی کرد.

With great care, he prioritized the company's strategic goals.

Adverbial phrase 'bâ deqqat-e farâvân'.

5

عدم اولویت بندی صحیح منجر به شکست بسیاری از استارتاپ‌ها می‌شود.

Lack of correct prioritization leads to the failure of many startups.

Gerund subject with 'adam-e' (lack of).

6

ما باید بین نیازهای کوتاه مدت و بلند مدت اولویت بندی کنیم.

We must prioritize between short-term and long-term needs.

Comparison between temporal concepts.

7

او در کتاب خود به اهمیت اولویت بندی در مدیریت زمان می‌پردازد.

In his book, he addresses the importance of prioritization in time management.

Using 'be ... pardâkhtan' (to address/deal with).

8

پزشکان باید بیماران را بر اساس وخامت حالشان اولویت بندی کنند.

Doctors must prioritize patients based on the severity of their condition.

Medical context (triage).

1

اولویت‌بندی دقیق منابع محدود، جوهره اصلی علم اقتصاد است.

The precise prioritization of limited resources is the core essence of economics.

High-level academic definition.

2

او توانست با اولویت‌بندی هوشمندانه، بحران مالی شرکت را مهار کند.

He managed to contain the company's financial crisis through clever prioritization.

Instrumental use of the noun form.

3

در فلسفه اخلاق، اولویت‌بندی ارزش‌ها موضوعی بحث‌برانگیز است.

In moral philosophy, the prioritization of values is a controversial subject.

Philosophical context.

4

سیستم باید بتواند پردازش‌ها را بر اساس سطح دسترسی اولویت‌بندی کند.

The system must be able to prioritize processes based on access levels.

Technical computer science context.

5

سیاست‌گذاران باید بین رشد اقتصادی و حفظ محیط زیست اولویت‌بندی کنند.

Policymakers must prioritize between economic growth and environmental preservation.

Socio-political dilemma context.

6

او مهارت شگرفی در اولویت‌بندی مسائل پیچیده و چندوجهی دارد.

He has a remarkable skill in prioritizing complex and multifaceted issues.

Descriptive formal praise.

7

بدون یک چارچوب برای اولویت‌بندی، تصمیم‌گیری‌های کلان با مشکل مواجه می‌شوند.

Without a framework for prioritization, macro-level decision-making faces difficulties.

Abstract organizational theory.

8

این تحقیق به بررسی روش‌های نوین اولویت‌بندی در مهندسی نرم‌افزار می‌پردازد.

This research examines modern methods of prioritization in software engineering.

Academic research context.

Synonyms

در اولویت قرار دادن تقدم بخشیدن طبقه‌بندی کردن فهرست‌بندی کردن مرتب کردن دسته‌بندی کردن ترجیح دادن برگزیدن

Antonyms

بی‌نظمی کردن پشت گوش انداختن نادیده گرفتن درهم ریختن

Common Collocations

اولویت بندی کارها
اولویت بندی اهداف
بر اساس اهمیت
اولویت بندی هزینه‌ها
مهارت اولویت بندی
اولویت بندی پروژه‌ها
اولویت بندی زمانی
اولویت بندی نیازها
اولویت بندی منابع
اولویت بندی درخواست‌ها

Common Phrases

اولویت با کیست؟

— Who has priority? Used in traffic or waiting lines.

در این تقاطع، اولویت با کیست؟

حق تقدم

— Right of way. Specifically used in driving and law.

شما حق تقدم را رعایت نکردید.

نفر اول لیست

— The first person on the list. Implies top priority.

او نفر اول لیست اولویت بندی ماست.

اولویت اول

— Top priority. The most important thing.

خانواده اولویت اول من است.

از نان شب واجب‌تر

— More necessary than one's nightly bread. An idiom for extreme priority.

این کار از نان شب هم واجب‌تر است.

در درجه اول

— In the first place / Primarily.

ما در درجه اول به امنیت نیاز داریم.

اولویت‌بندی الفبایی

— Alphabetical ordering. A specific type of prioritization.

نام‌ها را به صورت الفبایی اولویت‌بندی کنید.

اولویت‌بندی بحرانی

— Critical prioritization. Used in emergency management.

ما نیاز به یک اولویت‌بندی بحرانی داریم.

عدم اولویت

— Lack of priority. Something that is not important.

این موضوع در حال حاضر عدم اولویت دارد.

اولویت‌بندی استراتژیک

— Strategic prioritization. Business jargon.

مدیران بر روی اولویت‌بندی استراتژیک توافق کردند.

Often Confused With

اولویت بندی کردن vs ترجیح دادن

Tarjih dâdan is about personal preference, while olaviyat-bandi is about logical ranking.

اولویت بندی کردن vs طبقه‌بندی کردن

Tabaqe-bandi is grouping by category, not necessarily by importance.

اولویت بندی کردن vs مرتب کردن

Morattab kardan is tidying up or putting in a physical order.

Idioms & Expressions

"از نان شب واجب‌تر بودن"

— To be extremely urgent or important, literally 'more necessary than nightly bread'.

تعمیر سقف قبل از باران از نان شب واجب‌تر است.

Informal/Common
"کلاه خود را قاضی کردن"

— To judge for oneself, often used when deciding priorities or moral choices.

کلاهت را قاضی کن و ببین کدام کار اولویت دارد.

Idiomatic
"یک دست و صد هندوانه"

— Trying to do too much at once (one hand and a hundred watermelons), implying a lack of prioritization.

او می‌خواهد همه کارها را با هم انجام دهد، یک دست و صد هندوانه!

Informal
"وقت طلاست"

— Time is gold (Time is money). Used to justify the need for prioritization.

وقت طلاست، پس کارهایت را اولویت بندی کن.

Proverb
"فیل و فنجان"

— Comparing things of vastly different sizes/importance, used when prioritization is obvious.

این دو پروژه مثل فیل و فنجان هستند، اولویت مشخص است.

Informal
"آب در هاون کوبیدن"

— To beat water in a mortar (to waste time on useless things), the result of bad prioritization.

بدون اولویت بندی، فقط داری آب در هاون می‌کوبی.

Idiomatic
"مرگ یک بار، شیون یک بار"

— Death once, mourning once. Do the hardest/most important thing first and get it over with.

این کار سخت را اولویت بندی کن و انجام بده؛ مرگ یک بار، شیون یک بار.

Idiomatic
"سرش به تنش می‌ارزد"

— It is worth it. Used to decide if something deserves priority.

این پروژه واقعاً سرش به تنش می‌ارزد که اولویت اول باشد.

Informal
"هر چه پیش آید خوش آید"

— Whatever happens, happens. The opposite mindset of prioritization.

او اهل اولویت بندی نیست، می‌گوید هر چه پیش آید خوش آید.

Informal
"نقد را چسبیدن"

— To stick to what is certain/immediate. A form of short-term prioritization.

فعلاً نقد را بچسب و این کار فوری را انجام بده.

Informal

Easily Confused

اولویت بندی کردن vs اولویت دادن

Sounds very similar and has the same root.

Olaviyat dâdan is giving priority to one thing; olaviyat-bandi is ranking a whole list.

به پیاده‌ها اولویت بده (Give priority to pedestrians).

اولویت بندی کردن vs زمان‌بندی کردن

Both are organizational tasks.

Zaman-bandi is about 'when' (scheduling); olaviyat-bandi is about 'importance'.

جلسه را زمان‌بندی کردم (I scheduled the meeting).

اولویت بندی کردن vs برنامه‌ریزی کردن

Broad terms for organization.

Barname-rizi is the general act of planning; olaviyat-bandi is a specific step within planning.

برای سفر برنامه‌ریزی کردیم (We planned for the trip).

اولویت بندی کردن vs انتخاب کردن

Both involve making decisions.

Entekhâb is choosing one or more; olaviyat-bandi is ordering all of them.

رنگ قرمز را انتخاب کردم (I chose the red color).

اولویت بندی کردن vs دسته‌بندی کردن

Both involve sorting.

Daste-bandi is making groups; olaviyat-bandi is making a hierarchy.

لباس‌ها را دسته‌بندی کن (Categorize the clothes).

Sentence Patterns

A1

Man [Noun] râ olaviyat-bandi mikonam.

من لیست را اولویت بندی می‌کنم.

A2

[Noun] râ olaviyat-bandi kardi?

کارها را اولویت بندی کردی؟

B1

Bâyad [Noun] râ bar asâs-e [Noun] olaviyat-bandi konim.

باید اهداف را بر اساس اهمیت اولویت بندی کنیم.

B2

Olaviyat-bandi kardan-e [Noun] mohem ast.

اولویت بندی کردن هزینه‌ها مهم است.

C1

Bedun-e olaviyat-bandi-ye [Noun], [Result].

بدون اولویت‌بندی منابع، پروژه شکست می‌خورد.

C2

Dar ferayand-e olaviyat-bandi, [Detail].

در فرآیند اولویت‌بندی، شاخص‌های اقتصادی بررسی شدند.

B1

Mikhâham [Noun] râ olaviyat-bandi konam.

می‌خواهم برنامه‌ام را اولویت بندی کنم.

B2

Be nazar miresad ke olaviyat-bandi shodand.

به نظر می‌رسد که کارها اولویت بندی شدند.

Word Family

Nouns

اولویت (Priority)
اولویت‌بندی (Prioritization)
اولویت‌ها (Priorities)

Verbs

اولویت دادن (To give priority)
اولویت داشتن (To have priority)
اولویت بندی شدن (To be prioritized)

Adjectives

اولویت‌دار (Having priority)
اولویتی (Prioritized/Related to priority)

Related

تقدم (Precedence)
اهمیت (Importance)
فوریت (Urgency)
برنامه‌ریزی (Planning)
مدیریت (Management)

How to Use It

frequency

High in professional and educational settings; moderate in casual daily life.

Common Mistakes
  • Using 'olaviyat dâshtan' to mean 'to prioritize'. Olaviyat-bandi kardan.

    'Olaviyat dâshtan' means 'to have priority' (passive/state), while 'olaviyat-bandi kardan' is the action of organizing.

  • Saying 'olaviyat kardan' (missing the '-bandi'). Olaviyat-bandi kardan.

    In Persian, the '-bandi' suffix is necessary to turn the noun into the organizational process.

  • Confusing 'olaviyat' with 'ovghât' (times). Olaviyat.

    They sound somewhat similar to a beginner, but 'ovghât' refers to time periods, not importance.

  • Placing 'râ' after 'olaviyat-bandi'. [Object] râ olaviyat-bandi kardan.

    'râ' must follow the direct object, not the verb itself.

  • Using 'olaviyat-bandi' for personal likes. Tarjih dâdan.

    If you just like apples more than oranges, use 'tarjih dâdan'. Use 'olaviyat-bandi' for importance.

Tips

Use 'râ' correctly

Always put 'râ' after the specific thing you are prioritizing. Example: 'Kârhâ râ olaviyat-bandi mikonam'.

Learn the suffix

The '-bandi' suffix is used in many organizational words. Learning it helps you guess the meaning of words like 'daste-bandi' or 'zaman-bandi'.

Sound Professional

Use this word in workplace settings to show you are organized. It's a high-value word for B1 learners.

All-of-it

Remember 'Olaviyat' sounds like 'All-of-it'. When you have all of it to do, you prioritize.

Subjunctive Mood

Pair it with 'bâyad' (must) for advice: 'Bâyad kârhâyat râ olaviyat-bandi koni'.

News keywords

Listen for this word in news reports about the economy or government budgets.

Goal Setting

Use 'olaviyat-bandi' when talking about your New Year's resolutions or long-term goals.

Global Term

This is a modern term. It's very similar to how 'prioritize' is used in English-speaking business culture.

The 'T' sound

Make sure to pronounce the final 't' in 'olaviyat' clearly before starting the 'b' in 'bandi'.

Bread Idiom

Use the phrase 'vâjeb-tar az nân-e shab' to emphasize something that should be at the top of your priority list.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Olaviyat' as 'All-of-it'. When you have 'All-of-it' on your plate, you need to 'band' them together and 'kardan' (do) them in order. Olaviyat-bandi kardan!

Visual Association

Imagine a stack of colored blocks. You are moving the red ones (urgent) to the top and the blue ones (less important) to the bottom. This physical sorting is 'olaviyat-bandi'.

Word Web

Time Management Business Decision Making Urgency Importance List Order Efficiency

Challenge

Try to list three things you need to do tomorrow and say out loud in Persian: 'Man mikhâham in kârhâ râ olaviyat-bandi konam'.

Word Origin

The word is a hybrid construction. 'Olaviyat' comes from the Arabic root 'awla' (أولى) meaning 'more worthy' or 'superior'. The suffix '-bandi' is purely Persian, from the verb 'bastan' (to tie/bind), used here to mean arranging or grouping. 'Kardan' is the most common Persian auxiliary verb.

Original meaning: The original Arabic 'awlawiyya' referred to seniority or being first. In Persian, the addition of '-bandi' turned it into a modern management term for the act of sorting these 'firsts'.

Indo-European (Persian) with Semitic (Arabic) loanword core.

Cultural Context

Be careful when prioritizing people in a social context; it can sometimes sound cold or overly clinical if used for friends or family members instead of tasks.

In English, 'prioritize' is often used in corporate 'speak'. In Persian, 'olaviyat-bandi kardan' is similarly formal but increasingly common in daily life among the educated middle class.

Management books by Stephen Covey translated into Persian extensively use this term. Iranian productivity influencers on YouTube often title videos 'How to prioritize'. Government budget speeches in the Majlis (Parliament).

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At Work

  • پروژه‌ها را اولویت بندی کنید.
  • اولویت با این مشتری است.
  • جلسه اولویت بندی.
  • گزارش اولویت بندی.

Studying

  • فصل‌های کتاب را اولویت بندی کن.
  • اولویت بندی دروس کنکور.
  • زمان مطالعه را اولویت بندی کنید.
  • برنامه اولویت بندی شده.

Personal Finance

  • خریدها را اولویت بندی کن.
  • اولویت بندی مخارج ماهانه.
  • وام در اولویت است.
  • پس‌انداز را اولویت بندی کنید.

Healthcare

  • اولویت بندی بیماران اورژانسی.
  • تزریق واکسن را اولویت بندی کردند.
  • اولویت با موارد وخیم است.
  • سیستم اولویت بندی سلامت.

Travel Planning

  • جاهای دیدنی را اولویت بندی کنیم.
  • اولویت با شهرهای نزدیک است.
  • رزرو هتل در اولویت است.
  • لیست سفر را اولویت بندی کن.

Conversation Starters

"شما معمولاً کارهای روزانه خود را چگونه اولویت بندی می‌کنید؟"

"آیا از اپلیکیشن خاصی برای اولویت بندی کارهایتان استفاده می‌کنید؟"

"در زندگی شما، چه چیزی همیشه در اولویت اول قرار دارد؟"

"به نظر شما، دولت باید چه مسائلی را در اولویت بندی بودجه قرار دهد؟"

"چگونه می‌توانیم بین کار و زندگی شخصی اولویت بندی درستی داشته باشیم؟"

Journal Prompts

امروز سه مورد از مهم‌ترین کارهایی که باید اولویت بندی کنی را بنویس و دلیل آن را توضیح بده.

یک خاطره بنویس که در آن اولویت بندی نکردن باعث شد مشکلی برایت پیش بیاید.

اگر مدیر یک شرکت بزرگ بودی، چگونه منابع را برای پروژه‌های جدید اولویت بندی می‌کردی؟

درباره تفاوت بین کارهای 'فوری' و کارهای 'مهم' در اولویت بندی شخصی خود بنویس.

چگونه اولویت‌های شما نسبت به پنج سال پیش تغییر کرده است؟ آن‌ها را اولویت بندی و مقایسه کنید.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, it is a transitive verb. You usually prioritize 'something'. If the object is known, you can omit it in casual speech, but grammatically it expects an object like 'tasks' or 'goals'.

Yes, but be careful. In a professional context, you can prioritize clients or patients. In a personal context, saying you prioritize your friends might sound a bit clinical, though it's not incorrect.

'Olaviyat' is the noun 'priority'. 'Olaviyat-bandi' is the process of 'prioritization'. You have a priority, but you perform prioritization.

Yes, 'olaviyat' is common in Dari. In Tajikistan, they might use 'afzaliyat' more frequently, but the concept and structure are understood across the Persian-speaking world.

You can say 'olaviyat-e avval' (first priority) or 'olaviyat-e aslī' (main priority).

Not really. 'Olaviyat-bandi kardan' is the standard compound verb. Some might say 'olaviyat dâdan', but as discussed, the meaning is slightly different.

Yes, you can prioritize which boxes to move first or which books to read. It's not limited to abstract tasks.

There isn't a single word, but 'bi-nazmi' (disorder) or 'adam-e olaviyat-bandi' (lack of prioritization) are used.

It is 'olaviyat-bandi kardim'.

It is neutral to formal. It's perfectly fine in a professional email or a serious conversation with a friend.

Test Yourself 180 questions

writing

Write a sentence in Persian: 'I must prioritize my goals.'

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speaking

Say in Persian: 'How do you prioritize your work?'

Read this aloud:

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writing

Translate: 'Prioritize the list.'

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writing

Write: 'We have prioritized the projects.'

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writing

Write 'I prioritize' in Persian.

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writing

Translate: 'Strategic prioritization of resources.'

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writing

Translate: 'He is prioritizing the tasks.'

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writing

Write 'Priority' in Persian.

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writing

Translate: 'Prioritizing resources is important.'

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writing

Translate: 'I don't have time to prioritize.'

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writing

Translate: 'Prioritize tasks in crisis situations.'

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writing

Translate: 'He prioritized his day.'

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writing

Translate: 'The government prioritized the health budget.'

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writing

Translate: 'Why didn't you prioritize?'

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writing

Translate: 'The manager is prioritizing the requests.'

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writing

Translate: 'We need to prioritize.'

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writing

Translate: 'I suggest we prioritize the main issues.'

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writing

Translate: 'It is hard to prioritize.'

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writing

Translate: 'The system automatically prioritizes the files.'

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writing

Translate: 'She prioritized the tasks well.'

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writing

Translate: 'The project requires careful prioritization.'

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writing

Translate: 'We prioritized everything.'

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writing

Translate: 'They are prioritizing the new features.'

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writing

Translate: 'I need help with prioritizing.'

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writing

Translate: 'The team failed to prioritize.'

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writing

Translate: 'Please prioritize these files.'

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writing

Translate: 'We must prioritize our expenses this month.'

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writing

Translate: 'Did you prioritize the tasks?'

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writing

Translate: 'The company is prioritizing customer needs.'

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writing

Translate: 'We must prioritize correctly.'

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writing

Translate: 'The manager asked for a prioritization report.'

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writing

Translate: 'Let's prioritize the problems.'

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writing

Translate: 'The system is designed to prioritize data.'

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writing

Translate: 'I will prioritize the emails tomorrow.'

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writing

Translate: 'How do you prioritize your time effectively?'

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/ 180 correct

Perfect score!

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