از هر in 30 Seconds
- Used to express proportions like 'one out of ten'.
- Essential for discussing statistics and general social trends.
- Follows the pattern: 'Az har' + [Total Number] + [Specific Result].
- Can also mean 'from every' in a non-numerical, qualitative sense.
The Persian phrase از هر (az har) is a fundamental construction used to express proportions, statistics, and generalizations. Translated literally as 'from every,' it functions identically to the English phrase 'out of every.' It is an essential tool for anyone moving beyond basic Persian into the intermediate (B1) level, as it allows you to describe social trends, scientific data, and daily observations with precision. Whether you are reading a news report about economic trends or discussing the habits of people in a local neighborhood, this phrase provides the structural backbone for comparative numerical statements. It connects a specific subgroup to a larger whole, establishing a ratio that is easy for the listener to visualize.
- Statistical Proportions
- When you want to say 'one out of ten,' you would say yek az har dah. This is the standard way to present data in Persian media and academic writing. It is formal yet perfectly acceptable in casual conversation when discussing odds or likelihoods.
- Generalizations
- The phrase is often used to make broad statements about a population. For instance, 'Out of every three students, two study hard.' It helps in categorizing behavior within a group setting without needing complex mathematical terminology.
- Idiomatic Extensions
- Beyond simple numbers, از هر can be paired with nouns like 'angle' or 'side' to mean 'from every perspective.' While its primary use is numerical, its versatility allows it to describe comprehensive viewpoints.
طبق آمار، از هر چهار نفر، یک نفر به ورزش علاقه دارد.
In the context of the Persian language, 'az' is a preposition meaning 'from' or 'of,' and 'har' is a determiner meaning 'each' or 'every.' When combined, they create a partitive sense. Imagine a large basket of apples; if you pick one out of every five, you are using the logic of az har. This phrase is ubiquitous in Iranian newspapers, especially in the 'Social' (Ejtema'i) and 'Health' (Salamat) sections, where reporters describe the prevalence of certain conditions or habits within the Iranian populace.
در این شهر، از هر ده خانه، نه خانه نوساز هستند.
One of the most interesting aspects of this phrase is its role in describing the 'human condition' in Persian literature and philosophy. Writers often use it to highlight the rarity of certain virtues or the commonality of certain flaws. For example, a poet might say that out of every hundred friends, only one is true. This structural pattern allows for emotional weight to be added to simple numbers, turning a statistic into a poignant observation about life and society.
از هر فرصتی برای یادگیری استفاده کن.
Using از هر correctly requires an understanding of Persian sentence structure, particularly how numbers and nouns interact. The phrase typically follows a specific pattern: [Number] + az har + [Number] + [Noun]. However, the most common colloquial and formal pattern is simply az har + [Base Number], followed by the specific result in the second part of the sentence.
- The Ratio Pattern
- The most frequent structure is: az har [X] nafar, [Y] nafar... (Out of every X people, Y people...). For example: Az har dah nafar, panj nafar muvafaq hastand (Out of every ten people, five people are successful).
- Using with Time
- You can use it to describe frequency in time: Az har do ruz, yek ruz baran mibarad (Out of every two days, it rains one day). This is a very natural way to describe weather patterns or recurring schedules.
از هر سه کتابی که میخوانم، یکی عالی است.
In formal Persian, especially in scientific journals, you might see this phrase used to explain probability. For example, in a medical context: Az har sad bimâr, faqat do nafar dârâ-ye in 'alâmat hastand (Out of every hundred patients, only two have this symptom). Notice how the word 'nafar' (the counter for people) is repeated to maintain clarity, although in casual speech, the second 'nafar' is often dropped.
از هر نظر که نگاه کنی، این کار اشتباه است.
When using از هر with abstract nouns, it conveys a sense of thoroughness. 'Az har nazar' (from every perspective) or 'Az har jihat' (from every direction/aspect) are common phrases used to conclude an argument or provide a comprehensive evaluation. This transition from numerical ratio to qualitative assessment is a key feature of advanced Persian fluency.
You will encounter از هر in a variety of real-world Iranian contexts, ranging from the evening news to the bustling Tehran bazaar. In the news, it is the standard way to report on social statistics. For instance, a news anchor might say, 'Out of every ten Iranians, seven use social media.' This provides a clear, digestible figure for the audience. In the bazaar, a merchant might use it to boast about the quality of his goods: 'Out of every ten carpets, eight are hand-woven.'
- Television and Radio
- Documentaries and talk shows frequently use this phrase to discuss demographic changes. It is often heard in discussions about the economy, health crises, or educational reforms.
- Everyday Conversations
- People use it to express personal observations. 'Az har dah bar ke zang mizanam, yek bar javab midahi' (Out of every ten times I call, you answer once). It adds a rhythmic, rhetorical flair to complaints or observations.
از هر دری سخنی گفتیم تا وقت بگذرد.
In Persian literature, especially modern prose, writers use az har to create a sense of scale. It helps in painting a picture of a society where certain traits are common or rare. It's also found in instructional manuals or recipes, though less frequently. For example, 'Out of every three cups of flour, add one cup of water.' This practical application makes it a versatile phrase for daily life in Iran.
Learning to use از هر can be tricky because of the way Persian handles plurals and prepositions. One of the most common mistakes English speakers make is trying to pluralize the noun following the number. In English, we say 'one out of ten people' (plural). In Persian, after any number, the noun is almost always singular: az har dah nafar (not nafaraat).
- Mistake: Pluralizing the Noun
- Incorrect: از هر ده نفرها (Az har dah nafar-ha). Correct: از هر ده نفر (Az har dah nafar). Remember: Number + Singular Noun.
- Mistake: Misplacing the Preposition
- Incorrect: ده از هر نفر (Dah az har nafar). Correct: از هر ده نفر. The 'az har' must come first to establish the 'out of every' context.
اشتباه: یک از هر ده. درست: از هر ده نفر، یک نفر.
Another error is confusing az har with har az (which is grammatically incorrect and meaningless) or ba har (with every). While 'ba har' might sound similar in a fast conversation, it changes the meaning entirely to 'with every step' or 'with every person.' Precision with prepositions is what separates a B1 learner from a beginner.
While از هر is the most common way to express proportions, there are other words and phrases that can be used depending on the level of formality or the specific context. Understanding these alternatives will help you sound more like a native speaker and allow you to vary your vocabulary in writing.
- درصد (Darsad)
- Meaning 'percent.' Instead of saying 'one out of every ten,' you can say 'ten percent' (dah darsad). This is more common in financial and strictly scientific contexts.
- میانِ (Miyan-e)
- Meaning 'among.' You could say 'Among ten people, one is...' (Miyan-e dah nafar, yek nafar...). This sounds slightly more literary and focuses on the group rather than the ratio.
- یکدوم / یکسوم (Fractional terms)
- Fractions like 'one third' or 'one half' are often used instead of 'one out of three.' This is more concise but less descriptive for specific ratios like 'three out of seven.'
مقایسه: «از هر ده نفر» در مقابل «ده درصد از مردم».
In very formal or archaic Persian, you might encounter az miyan-e (from among), which adds a layer of elegance. However, for 95% of daily interactions and modern reading, az har is your best and most reliable choice. It is the 'workhorse' of Persian proportions.
Fun Fact
The Old Persian root 'haruva' is cognate with the Sanskrit 'sarva', which also means 'all' or 'whole'. You can see this root in many modern Indo-European languages.
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing 'az' like 'as' with a 'z' sound that is too soft.
- Merging the two words into 'azhar' without a clear break.
- Failing to tap the 'r' in 'har'.
- Over-emphasizing the 'h' in 'har' so it sounds like a throat-clearing 'kh' sound.
- Pronouncing 'har' like 'hair'.
Examples by Level
از هر دو سیب، یکی قرمز است.
Out of every two apples, one is red.
Simple ratio using small numbers.
از هر سه کتاب، دو کتاب بزرگ هستند.
Out of every three books, two are big.
Note the use of 'az har' before the number.
از هر پنج نفر، یک نفر معلم است.
Out of every five people, one is a teacher.
'Nafar' is the counter for people.
از هر چهار ماشین، یکی آبی است.
Out of every four cars, one is blue.
Basic counting and color identification.
از هر دو روز، یک روز باران میبارد.
Out of every two days, it rains one day.
Using 'az har' with time units.
از هر ده دانشآموز، نه نفر در کلاس هستند.
Out of every ten students, nine are in the class.
Using 'az har' with a larger group.
از هر سه گربه، یکی سیاه است.
Out of every three cats, one is black.
Simple animal descriptions.
از هر پنج گل، چهار گل زرد هستند.
Out of every five flowers, four are yellow.
Practicing numbers and colors.
از هر ده فیلم، من فقط دو فیلم را دوست دارم.
Out of every ten movies, I only like two.
Expressing personal preference with proportions.
در این کوچه، از هر پنج خانه، سه خانه قدیمی است.
In this alley, out of every five houses, three are old.
Describing the environment.
از هر چهار نفر در خانواده ما، سه نفر عینک میزنند.
Out of every four people in our family, three wear glasses.
Talking about family characteristics.
از هر ده بار که زنگ میزنم، او یک بار جواب میدهد.
Out of every ten times I call, he answers once.
Describing frequency of actions.
از هر پنج روز هفته، من چهار روز کار میکنم.
Out of every five days of the week, I work four days.
Daily routine and work schedule.
از هر سه رستوران اینجا، یکی غذای خوب دارد.
Out of every three restaurants here, one has good food.
Making simple evaluations.
از هر ده کلمه جدید، من پنج کلمه را یاد میگیرم.
Out of every ten new words, I learn five.
Describing learning progress.
از هر چهار لیوان، یکی شکسته است.
Out of every four glasses, one is broken.
Describing the state of objects.
طبق آمار، از هر ده ایرانی، هفت نفر از اینترنت استفاده میکنند.
According to statistics, out of every ten Iranians, seven use the internet.
Using 'az har' for social statistics.
از هر زاویهای که نگاه کنی، این پروژه موفق است.
From every angle you look at it, this project is successful.
Idiomatic use meaning 'from every perspective'.
از هر سه جوان، دو نفر به دنبال شغل هستند.
Out of every three young people, two are looking for a job.
Discussing social issues.
او از هر فرصتی برای صحبت کردن به زبان فارسی استفاده میکند.
He uses every opportunity to speak Persian.
'Az har' meaning 'from every' in a non-numerical sense.
از هر پنج شرکت، چهار شرکت در سال اول شکست میخورند.
Out of every five companies, four fail in the first year.
Economic statistics.
از هر نظر که فکر کنی، این بهترین تصمیم بود.
From every perspective you think about it, this was the best decision.
Abstract usage for opinions.
از هر صد بیمار، نود نفر کاملاً درمان میشوند.
Out of every hundred patients, ninety are completely cured.
Medical statistics with larger numbers.
ما از هر دری حرف زدیم تا به مقصد رسیدیم.
We talked about everything (lit: from every door) until we reached the destination.
Common idiom 'az har dari harf zadan'.
از هر ده فارغالتحصیل، تنها سه نفر در رشته خود کار میکنند.
Out of every ten graduates, only three work in their own field.
Complex social observation.
این نویسنده از هر کلمهای برای انتقال حس غم استفاده کرده است.
This writer has used every word to convey a sense of sadness.
Literary analysis usage.
از هر لحاظ که بسنجیم، این طرح هزینههای زیادی دارد.
From every aspect we measure, this plan has high costs.
Formal evaluation phrase 'az har lahâz'.
از هر صد نفری که در آزمون شرکت کردند، فقط پنج نفر قبول شدند.
Out of every hundred people who took the exam, only five passed.
Relative clause combined with proportion.
او از هر تلاشی برای رسیدن به هدفش دریغ نکرد.
He did not withhold any effort (lit: from every effort) to reach his goal.
Formal idiom 'az hich talashi darigh nakardan' variant.
از هر سه ازدواج در این شهر، یکی به طلاق منجر میشود.
Out of every three marriages in this city, one leads to divorce.
Serious social statistical reporting.
از هر جهت که به موضوع بنگریم، نیاز به تحقیق بیشتری هست.
From every direction we look at the subject, there is a need for more research.
Formal academic phrasing.
از هر ده مشتری، هشت نفر از خدمات ما راضی هستند.
Out of every ten customers, eight are satisfied with our services.
Business and marketing context.
از هر منظری که به تاریخ معاصر بنگریم، نقش نفت غیرقابل انکار است.
From every perspective that we look at contemporary history, the role of oil is undeniable.
High-level historical analysis.
از هر ده بیت این غزل، پنج بیت به موضوع عشق اختصاص دارد.
Out of every ten verses of this ghazal, five are dedicated to the theme of love.
Literary criticism and structural analysis.
از هر صد تن محصول، ده تن به دلیل بستهبندی نامناسب از بین میرود.
Out of every hundred tons of product, ten tons are destroyed due to poor packaging.
Industrial and logistical reporting.
دولت باید از هر ابزاری برای مهار تورم استفاده کند.
The government must use every tool to curb inflation.
Metaphorical use of 'az har' for 'every available'.
از هر ده کودک، دو نفر با اختلالات یادگیری دست و پنجه نرم میکنند.
Out of every ten children, two struggle with learning disabilities.
Formal medical/psychological reporting.
او از هر سخن بیهودهای دوری میکرد تا تمرکزش را حفظ کند.
He avoided every futile word to maintain his focus.
Character description in formal prose.
از هر سه نفر واجد شرایط، یک نفر در انتخابات شرکت نکرد.
Out of every three eligible people, one did not participate in the election.
Political science terminology.
از هر حیث که بررسی کنیم، این توافق به نفع هر دو طرف است.
From every respect that we examine, this agreement is in favor of both parties.
Legal and diplomatic phrasing.
از هر ذرهی این خاک، بوی ایثار و فداکاری به مشام میرسد.
From every particle of this soil, the scent of sacrifice and devotion reaches the nostrils.
Highly poetic and patriotic rhetoric.
در این نظام فلسفی، از هر معلولی میتوان به علتی غایی پی برد.
In this philosophical system, from every effect, one can deduce an ultimate cause.
Technical philosophical language.
از هر ده نفر مدعی، شاید تنها یک نفر به معنای واقعی کلمه عارف باشد.
Out of every ten claimants, perhaps only one is a mystic in the true sense of the word.
Sufi and spiritual discourse.
او از هر بند و زنجیری رها بود و تنها به حقیقت میاندیشید.
He was free from every bond and chain and thought only of the truth.
Metaphorical and spiritual prose.
از هر زاویه که به این تراژدی بنگریم، عمق فاجعه بیشتر نمایان میشود.
From every angle we look at this tragedy, the depth of the disaster becomes more apparent.
Sophisticated journalistic or literary commentary.
از هر ده واحد سرمایه، هفت واحد به بخش تولید اختصاص یافته است.
Out of every ten units of capital, seven units have been allocated to the production sector.
Macroeconomic technical phrasing.
شاعر از هر واژهای به مثابه ابزاری برای نقد اجتماعی بهره جسته است.
The poet has used every word as a tool for social critique.
Advanced literary theory.
از هر لحاظ که این پدیده را واکاوی کنیم، به نتایج مشابهی میرسیم.
From every aspect that we analyze this phenomenon, we reach similar results.
Formal scientific/analytical language.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— Someone who is very talented in many different fields.
مادرم از هر انگشتش یک هنر میبارد.
— To take advantage of every opportunity.
باید از هر فرصتی برای پیشرفت استفاده کرد.
Idioms & Expressions
— Literally 'from every finger of theirs, an art rains'. It means the person is extremely multi-talented.
خواهر من خیاطی، آشپزی و نقاشی بلد است؛ از هر انگشتش یک هنر میبارد.
Informal/Neutral— To talk about all sorts of things; to ramble or chat casually about various topics.
ما تا صبح بیدار بودیم و از هر دری سخن گفتیم.
Neutral— What goes around comes around. Literally 'from whichever hand you give, you will receive from the same hand'.
به دیگران کمک کن، چون از هر دست بدهی از همان دست میگیری.
Neutral/Proverb— Whatever else we talk about, talking about the beloved (or the main topic) is better.
از هر چه بگذریم، سخن دوست خوشتر است؛ بیایید درباره پروژه صحبت کنیم.
Literary/Common— A little bit of everything. Literally 'a head of grain from every harvest'.
او در هر زمینهای مطالعه دارد و از هر خرمنی خوشهای چیده است.
Literary— Every place has its own hero or strong person.
نگران نباش، از هر بیشهای شیری برمیخیزد.
Archaic/Poetic— A flower from every meadow. Used to describe a collection of diverse and beautiful things.
این کتاب مجموعهای است از هر چمن گلی.
Literary— Whichever way I went... (Famous Hafez line).
از هر طرف که رفتم جز وحشتم نیفزود.
Literary/Classical— Where there's fire, there's smoke (Every action has a consequence).
بالاخره لو رفت، چون از هر آتشی دودی بلند میشود.
Old ProverbWord Family
Nouns
Adjectives
Related
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'AZ' as 'A to Z' (from) and 'HAR' as 'HAR' (every). So, 'From A to Z of every group' helps you remember it means 'out of every'.
Visual Association
Imagine a pie chart where a small slice is being pulled 'from' (az) 'every' (har) whole circle.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to look at your surroundings and make three 'az har' sentences. For example: 'Out of every five cars on my street, two are white.'
Word Origin
The word 'az' comes from Middle Persian 'az' and Old Persian 'haca', meaning 'from'. The word 'har' comes from Middle Persian 'har' and Old Persian 'haruva-', meaning 'all' or 'every'.
Original meaning: The phrase literally combines the concept of 'origin/source' (from) with 'universality/totality' (every).
Indo-European > Indo-Iranian > Iranian > Western Iranian > Persian.Cultural Context
In English, we often use 'percent' more frequently than 'out of every' in formal settings, whereas Persian uses 'az har' quite comfortably in both formal and informal contexts.
Summary
The phrase 'az har' is the primary way to express ratios in Persian. Remember to keep the noun following the number singular, even when referring to a large group. Example: 'Az har dah nafar' (Out of every ten people).
- Used to express proportions like 'one out of ten'.
- Essential for discussing statistics and general social trends.
- Follows the pattern: 'Az har' + [Total Number] + [Specific Result].
- Can also mean 'from every' in a non-numerical, qualitative sense.
Example
از هر ده نفر، یک نفر این مشکل را دارد.
Related Content
Related Phrases
More numbers words
اعشار
B1Decimal, decimal point.
اعشاری
B1Decimal, pertaining to decimals.
عددنویسی
B1Numeration; the process of assigning or expressing numbers.
عددی
B1Numerical, pertaining to numbers.
عدم دقت
B1Inaccuracy or imprecision; the state of being inexact.
عرضی
B1Width-wise or transverse; pertaining to width.
اضافه
B1Addition, excess, surplus.
افزایش یافتن
B1To increase (intransitive); to grow in size or amount.
افزایشی
B1Increasing, incremental, growing.
آمار
B1Statistics, census, data.
