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با دوام

B1 adjective #4,000 most common 8 min read

با دوام

ba davam Top 4,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips با دوام in 30 Seconds

Explanation با دوام in your Level:

At the A1 level, you can think of 'bā-davām' as meaning 'good and strong.' It is a word you use to describe things that don't break easily. For example, if you have a toy or a bag that you have used for a long time and it still looks new, you can say it is 'bā-davām.' You might hear this word when people are talking about clothes or shoes in a shop. It is a simple way to say that something is high quality. Even if you don't know the complex grammar yet, just remember: 'bā' (with) + 'davām' (time) = stays for a long time. You can use it in short sentences like 'In kafsh bā-davām ast' (This shoe is durable). It is a very positive word to use when you like something you bought.

At the A2 level, you start to use 'bā-davām' to compare different products. You might be at a market and ask the seller, 'Kodām bā-davām-tar ast?' (Which one is more durable?). You are moving beyond simple descriptions to making choices based on quality. At this level, you should also learn the opposite: 'bi-davām' (not durable/weak). This allows you to talk about things that break quickly, like cheap plastic or thin paper. You will also notice the 'Ezafe' construction more clearly, such as 'lebas-e bā-davām' (durable clothes). Using this word shows you understand the difference between something that looks nice and something that is actually well-made. It is a key word for daily life and shopping in Persian-speaking countries.

At the B1 level, 'bā-davām' becomes more versatile. You can use it to describe abstract things like a 'solh-e bā-davām' (a lasting peace) or a 'rabete-ye bā-davām' (a durable relationship). You are now able to explain *why* something is durable, perhaps mentioning the materials or the way it was built. You can use it in more complex sentences with conjunctions, like 'I bought this brand because its products are very durable.' You also start to distinguish 'bā-davām' from 'moqāvem' (resistant). For example, a watch might be 'moqāvem' (water-resistant) but not 'bā-davām' (it might break after a year). This level of nuance is what moves you into the intermediate range of Persian proficiency.

At the B2 level, you use 'bā-davām' in professional and technical contexts. You might read it in a newspaper article about the economy, discussing 'kala-haye bā-davām' (durable goods) like cars and appliances, and how their sales affect the market. You can participate in debates about sustainability, arguing for the importance of 'bā-davām' manufacturing to reduce waste. Your vocabulary now includes synonyms like 'pāydār' and 'mostahkam,' and you know exactly when to use each. You can also use 'bā-davām' metaphorically in literature or formal speeches to describe the enduring spirit of a culture or the lasting impact of a historical event. Your usage is precise and context-aware.

At the C1 level, your understanding of 'bā-davām' includes its etymological roots and its placement within the broader Persian literary tradition. You might encounter the root 'davām' in classical poetry, where it refers to the permanence of the Divine or the eternity of love. You can analyze the subtle differences between 'bā-davām' and 'sarmadi' (eternal) or 'jāvedān' (immortal). In academic writing, you use 'bā-davām' to describe long-term sociological trends or stable political systems. You are comfortable using the word in complex grammatical structures, including passive voices and conditional moods. You can also discuss the socio-economic implications of 'durability' in the context of Iranian history and the bazaar culture.

At the C2 level, you have a masterly command of 'bā-davām' and its nuances. You can use it to craft sophisticated arguments about philosophy, such as the 'durability of the soul' versus the 'transience of the body.' You recognize the word's usage in legal documents, where 'davām' might refer to the duration of a contract. You can effortlessly switch between the colloquial use in a bazaar and the highly formal use in a diplomatic summit. You might even use the word ironically or in wordplay, leveraging its dual meaning of physical strength and temporal persistence. Your understanding is not just linguistic but deeply cultural, recognizing how the concept of 'davām' has shaped Iranian art, architecture, and social values over millennia.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

با دوام in 30 Seconds

Bā-davām means durable or long-lasting in Persian.
It is a compound of 'bā' (with) and 'davām' (duration).
Used for both physical objects (shoes, buildings) and abstract ideas (peace, love).
Commonly heard in the bazaar to describe high-quality craftsmanship.

The Persian adjective با دوام (bā-davām) is a compound word that literally translates to 'with duration' or 'with permanence.' In everyday Persian, it serves as the primary way to describe something that is durable, sturdy, or long-lasting. It is a vital word for anyone navigating the Iranian marketplace, discussing manufacturing, or describing the quality of materials. When you use this word, you are emphasizing the lifespan and resilience of an object or even an abstract concept like a relationship or a treaty. It implies that the subject can withstand external pressures, frequent use, or the simple passage of time without deteriorating significantly.

Physical Durability: This is the most common usage. It refers to items like leather shoes, heavy-duty machinery, or high-quality furniture that doesn't break easily. In the context of the Persian Bazaar, a merchant might point to a hand-woven rug and call it 'bā-davām' to justify its high price, suggesting it will last for generations.
Abstract Permanence: Beyond physical objects, the word is used to describe peace treaties, friendships, or business partnerships that are expected to stand the test of time. An 'ezdevāj-e bā-davām' (a durable marriage) refers to a relationship built on a strong foundation.

این کفش‌های چرمی بسیار با دوام هستند و سال‌ها برای شما کار می‌کنند.

Translation: These leather shoes are very durable and will work for you for years.

The term is composed of the preposition 'bā' (with) and the noun 'davām' (duration/permanence), which originates from the Arabic root D-W-M. In Persian, 'davām' has taken on a life of its own, often paired with 'yāftan' (to find/to continue). When you say something is 'bā-davām', you are assigning it a character of reliability. In a culture where craftsmanship—from carpets to masonry—is highly valued, this word carries a weight of respect. It isn't just about 'not breaking'; it's about the dignity of something that remains useful and beautiful over decades.

ما به دنبال یک راه‌حل با دوام برای مشکل ترافیک هستیم.

Translation: We are looking for a durable solution for the traffic problem.

In technical or industrial contexts, you might see this word in product specifications or engineering reports. It contrasts sharply with 'yak-bār-masraf' (disposable/single-use). As global awareness of sustainability grows, 'bā-davām' is increasingly used in Iranian environmental discourse to promote long-lasting goods over cheap, disposable ones. It bridges the gap between traditional craftsmanship and modern sustainable living.

Using 'با دوام' correctly requires understanding the 'Ezafe' construction in Persian grammar. Since it is an adjective, it typically follows the noun it modifies, connected by the short vowel 'e' (or 'ye' after vowels). For example, 'miz-e bā-davām' (durable table). However, it can also function as a predicate adjective after the verb 'budan' (to be) or 'shodan' (to become).

Attributive Usage: Used directly after the noun: 'پارچه‌ی با دوام' (pārche-ye bā-davām - durable fabric). Here, the focus is on the quality of the material as a defining characteristic.
Predicative Usage: Used at the end of a sentence: 'این ساختمان با دوام است' (In sākhtemān bā-davām ast - This building is durable). This is a statement of fact or opinion about the object.

برای ساخت این پل از مصالح بسیار با دوام استفاده شده است.

Translation: Very durable materials have been used to build this bridge.

One nuance to remember is the intensity. You can add adverbs like 'kheyli' (very) or 'besyār' (extremely) before 'bā-davām' to emphasize the strength. For instance, 'kheyli bā-davām' (very durable). In more formal or literary Persian, you might encounter 'pordavām' as a synonym, but 'bā-davām' remains the standard for B1 and B2 learners because of its ubiquity in speech.

آیا فکر می‌کنی این دوستی با دوام خواهد بود؟

Translation: Do you think this friendship will be durable (long-lasting)?

In negative sentences, you replace 'bā' (with) with 'bi' (without) to create 'bi-davām' (unstable/fragile/short-lived). For example, 'In gol-hā bi-davām hastand' (These flowers are short-lived). Understanding this pair allows you to describe the entire spectrum of longevity in Persian.

You will encounter 'با دوام' in a variety of real-life settings in Iran and Persian-speaking communities. One of the most common places is during commercial transactions. Whether you are at the Grand Bazaar in Tehran or a modern shopping mall like Iran Mall, salespeople use this word as a selling point. It is the hallmark of 'Persian quality'.

The Bazaar: Merchants selling carpets (farsh), leather goods (charmi), or kitchenware (zarf) will constantly use 'bā-davām' to describe their wares. They might say, 'In farsh-e Tabriz besyār bā-davām ast' (This Tabriz carpet is very durable).
Construction and Real Estate: When looking for an apartment, you might hear a real estate agent (moshaver-e amlāk) describe the building's structure or the materials used for the cabinets as 'bā-davām'. It implies a sound investment.

تبلیغات تلویزیونی بر روی با دوام بودن محصولات ایرانی تأکید دارند.

Translation: Television advertisements emphasize the durability of Iranian products.

In the news and political discourse, 'bā-davām' is used to describe diplomatic outcomes. For example, 'solh-e bā-davām' (durable/lasting peace) is a frequent phrase when discussing regional conflicts. It suggests a peace that isn't just a temporary ceasefire but a permanent state of affairs. This abstract usage is common in formal writing and news broadcasts on channels like IRIB or BBC Persian.

ما به دنبال ایجاد یک توافق با دوام هستیم که به نفع هر دو طرف باشد.

Translation: We are looking to create a durable agreement that benefits both parties.

Lastly, in the context of sports or fitness, an athlete's stamina can sometimes be described using related terms, though 'bā-davām' itself usually refers to the 'durability' of their physical health or their career. A 'bā-davām' athlete is one who plays for many seasons without major injuries.

Learners often confuse 'با دوام' with other words that mean 'strong' or 'hard'. While these concepts are related, they are not interchangeable in Persian. Understanding the boundaries of 'bā-davām' will make your Persian sound much more natural.

Confusing with 'Mohkam' (محکم): 'Mohkam' means strong, tight, or firm. A knot can be 'mohkam', but it isn't necessarily 'bā-davām'. 'Bā-davām' focuses on time and wear, while 'mohkam' focuses on immediate strength or physical tightness.
Confusing with 'Sakht' (سخت): 'Sakht' means hard or difficult. A diamond is 'sakht', but you wouldn't usually describe it as 'bā-davām' unless you're talking about its use in a tool. 'Sakht' is a material property; 'bā-davām' is a performance property over time.

اشتباه: این سنگ خیلی با دوام است. (در حالی که منظور 'سخت' است)

Translation: Mistake: This stone is very durable. (When meaning 'hard')

Another mistake is the placement of the word in a sentence. Remember the Ezafe. Beginners often forget the 'e' sound when connecting the noun to the adjective. Saying 'miz bā-davām' sounds broken; it must be 'miz-e bā-davām'. Also, avoid using 'bā-davām' for people's physical strength; for that, use 'qavi' (strong) or 'tanomand' (robust).

درست: او یک رابطه‌ی با دوام با همکارانش دارد.

Translation: Correct: He has a durable (long-lasting) relationship with his colleagues.

Finally, don't confuse 'bā-davām' with 'pāydār' (sustainable/stable). While they overlap, 'pāydār' is often used in political or environmental contexts (sustainable development), whereas 'bā-davām' is more common for physical objects and general longevity.

To truly master Persian, you should know the synonyms and related terms for 'با دوام'. Depending on the register (formal vs. informal) and the specific context, other words might be more appropriate. Here is a comparison of common alternatives.

Moqāvem (مقاوم): Meaning 'resistant'. This is used when something can withstand a specific force, like 'water-resistant' (moqāvem dar barābar-e āb) or 'heat-resistant' (moqāvem dar barābar-e harārat). While 'bā-davām' is about time, 'moqāvem' is about resistance to damage.
Māndegār (ماندگار): Meaning 'lasting' or 'memorable'. This is often used for abstract things like memories, scents, or artistic works. A song can be 'māndegār', but a pair of boots is 'bā-davām'.
Pāyā (پایا): Meaning 'enduring' or 'stable'. This is a more academic or literary term, often used in economics or science (e.g., stable equilibrium).

این رنگ بسیار ماندگار است و با شستشو پاک نمی‌شود.

Translation: This dye is very lasting (permanent) and does not wash away.

When choosing between these, ask yourself: Am I talking about how long it lasts (bā-davām), how much it resists (moqāvem), or how it stays in memory (māndegār)? For example, 'farsh-e bā-davām' (a rug that doesn't wear out) vs. 'farsh-e māndegār' (a rug that is a timeless masterpiece). Using the right word shows a high level of linguistic sophistication.

گوشی‌های جدید در برابر ضربه بسیار مقاوم هستند.

Translation: New phones are very resistant to impact.

In summary, 'bā-davām' is your 'go-to' word for durability in the physical sense. It is the workhorse of the Persian vocabulary for quality. By contrasting it with 'moqāvem' and 'māndegār', you can precisely describe any object's longevity and resilience.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"پایداری این معاهده مستلزم تعهدی با دوام است."

Neutral

"این میز بسیار با دوام به نظر می‌رسد."

Informal

"دمت گرم، عجب کفش با دوامی خریدی!"

Child friendly

"این اسباب‌بازی با دوام است و نمی‌شکند."

Slang

"این رفیقمون خیلی با دوامه، کم نمیاره."

Fun Fact

The root D-W-M is also where the word 'madām' (as long as) comes from in Persian and Arabic. It’s all about the concept of time flowing without stopping.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /bɑː dæˈvɑːm/

US /bɑ dæˈvɑm/

The primary stress is on the last syllable: 'vām'.

Rhymes With

Tām (تمام) Salām (سلام) Marām (مرام) Harām (حرام) Kālām (کلام) Ghāām (قام) Niām (نیام) Bām (بام)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'da' as 'day'. It should be a short 'a' like in 'apple'.
Merging 'bā' and 'davām' into one sound without a slight pause.
Pronouncing the 'v' as a 'w'. In Persian, it is a clear 'v' sound.
Missing the long 'ā' in 'bā'.
Over-emphasizing the 'bā' instead of the 'vām'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to recognize once the components are known.

Writing 4/5

Requires correct use of the 'bā' prefix and ezafe.

Speaking 3/5

Simple pronunciation, high utility.

Listening 3/5

Common in shopping and news contexts.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

با دوست خوب ساختن کفش

Learn Next

مقاوم ماندگار پایدار استقامت کیفیت

Advanced

استمرار ثبات خلود سرمدی لایزال

Grammar to Know

Adjective Placement

کفشِ با دوام (Noun + Ezafe + Adjective)

Prefix 'Bā-'

با + دوام = با دوام (With + Duration)

Comparative '-tar'

با دوام‌تر (More durable)

Superlative '-tarin'

با دوام‌ترین (Most durable)

Negative Prefix 'Bi-'

بی‌دوام (Without duration/fragile)

Examples by Level

این کیف خیلی با دوام است.

This bag is very durable.

Simple subject-predicate sentence.

کفش با دوام بخر.

Buy durable shoes.

Imperative sentence with ezafe.

این اسباب‌بازی با دوام نیست.

This toy is not durable.

Negative form of 'to be'.

مداد با دوام داری؟

Do you have a durable pencil?

Simple question.

میز با دوام است.

The table is durable.

Noun + adjective + verb.

ماشین او با دوام است.

His car is durable.

Possessive construction.

ما پارچه‌ی با دوام می‌خواهیم.

We want durable fabric.

Direct object with ezafe.

این موبایل با دوام است.

This mobile phone is durable.

Everyday object description.

کدام یک با دوام‌تر است؟

Which one is more durable?

Comparative form with '-tar'.

این کفش‌ها از آن‌ها با دوام‌تر هستند.

These shoes are more durable than those.

Comparison using 'az'.

من به دنبال یک چتر با دوام می‌گردم.

I am looking for a durable umbrella.

Present continuous search.

آیا این لباس بعد از شستن با دوام می‌ماند؟

Does this clothing stay durable after washing?

Verb 'māndan' (to stay).

چرم طبیعی خیلی با دوام است.

Natural leather is very durable.

General fact statement.

این ساعت با دوام‌ترین ساعت من است.

This watch is my most durable watch.

Superlative form with '-tarin'.

وسایل با دوام بخرید تا پولتان هدر نرود.

Buy durable tools so your money isn't wasted.

Complex sentence with 'tā' (so that).

این پلاستیک با دوام نیست و زود می‌شکند.

This plastic is not durable and breaks quickly.

Compound sentence with 'va'.

ایجاد یک صلح با دوام در منطقه دشوار است.

Creating a durable peace in the region is difficult.

Abstract usage of the adjective.

ما نیاز به راه‌حل‌های با دوام برای محیط زیست داریم.

We need durable solutions for the environment.

Plural noun with ezafe.

این ساختمان با استفاده از بتن با دوام ساخته شده است.

This building was constructed using durable concrete.

Passive construction with 'sākhte shode'.

رابطه‌ی آن‌ها بر پایه‌ی اعتماد با دوام شکل گرفته است.

Their relationship is formed on a foundation of durable trust.

Metaphorical usage.

اگر کالای با دوام بخرید، در درازمدت سود می‌کنید.

If you buy durable goods, you profit in the long run.

Conditional sentence Type 1.

این پارچه به دلیل بافت خاصش بسیار با دوام است.

This fabric is very durable due to its special weave.

Reasoning with 'be dalil-e'.

آیا این توافق‌نامه با دوام خواهد بود یا خیر؟

Will this agreement be durable or not?

Future tense with 'khāhad'.

کیفیت بالا به معنای با دوام بودن است.

High quality means being durable.

Gerund construction 'budan'.

کالاهای با دوام سهم بزرگی در اقتصاد کشور دارند.

Durable goods have a large share in the country's economy.

Economic terminology.

مهندسان در تلاشند تا مواد با دوام‌تری برای هواپیما بسازند.

Engineers are trying to make more durable materials for airplanes.

Present continuous with 'dar talāshand'.

پایداری محیط زیست به تولید محصولات با دوام بستگی دارد.

Environmental sustainability depends on the production of durable products.

Verb 'bastegi dāshtan' (to depend on).

این استراتژی با دوام نیست و باید تغییر کند.

This strategy is not durable and must change.

Abstract business context.

او به عنوان یک بازیکن با دوام در تیم شناخته می‌شود.

He is known as a durable player on the team.

Describing career longevity.

تکنولوژی‌های جدید باید با دوام و مقرون به صرفه باشند.

New technologies must be durable and cost-effective.

Compound adjectives.

تاثیر این دارو بر روی بیماری با دوام است.

The effect of this medicine on the disease is durable (long-lasting).

Medical context.

معماری سنتی ایران به دلیل استفاده از خشت، بسیار با دوام است.

Traditional Iranian architecture is very durable due to the use of mud bricks.

Cultural/Historical context.

تحقق یک دموکراسی با دوام نیازمند نهادهای قوی است.

Achieving a durable democracy requires strong institutions.

Political science terminology.

این نظریه با دوام‌ترین فرضیه در تاریخ علم فیزیک بوده است.

This theory has been the most durable hypothesis in the history of physics.

Academic superlative.

ساختار با دوام این شعر، آن را در ذهن‌ها ماندگار کرده است.

The durable structure of this poem has made it lasting in minds.

Literary analysis.

تعهد با دوام به اصول اخلاقی، ویژگی بارز اوست.

Durable commitment to ethical principles is his prominent trait.

Abstract character description.

تغییرات اقلیمی نیازمند یک پاسخ جهانی با دوام است.

Climate change requires a durable global response.

Global issues context.

ارزش‌های فرهنگی با دوام، هویت یک ملت را می‌سازند.

Durable cultural values build the identity of a nation.

Sociological context.

این قرارداد با دوام، امنیت منطقه را برای دهه‌ها تضمین کرد.

This durable contract guaranteed the region's security for decades.

Historical narrative.

بدون زیرساخت‌های با دوام، توسعه‌ی اقتصادی ممکن نیست.

Without durable infrastructure, economic development is not possible.

Macroeconomic statement.

فلسفه‌ی هگل بر دیالکتیکی با دوام میان ذهن و عین استوار است.

Hegel's philosophy is based on a durable dialectic between mind and object.

Highly academic/philosophical.

میراث با دوام تمدن‌های باستان در قوانین مدرن مشهود است.

The durable legacy of ancient civilizations is evident in modern laws.

Historical/Legal analysis.

او در پی یافتن حقیقتی با دوام در دنیای متغیر امروز است.

He is in search of finding a durable truth in today's changing world.

Existential/Poetic context.

بنیان‌های با دوام این نظریه، چالش‌های منتقدان را تاب آورده است.

The durable foundations of this theory have withstood the challenges of critics.

Intellectual discourse.

هنر واقعی آن است که پیامی با دوام برای آیندگان داشته باشد.

True art is that which has a durable message for future generations.

Aesthetic philosophy.

پیوند با دوام روح و جسم در متون عرفانی به تفصیل بحث شده است.

The durable bond of soul and body is discussed in detail in mystical texts.

Mystical/Theological context.

سیاستمدار هوشمند به دنبال دستاوردهای با دوام است، نه پیروزی‌های زودگذر.

The smart politician seeks durable achievements, not fleeting victories.

Political ethics.

در جهان فانی، هیچ چیز به اندازه‌ی نیکی با دوام نیست.

In the mortal world, nothing is as durable as goodness.

Ethical/Religious maxim.

Common Collocations

کالاهای با دوام

صلح با دوام

رابطه با دوام

مصالح با دوام

پارچه با دوام

کفش با دوام

ساختار با دوام

رنگ با دوام

باتری با دوام

توافق با دوام

Common Phrases

با دوام و با کیفیت

— Durable and high quality. Often used together in ads.

محصولات ما با دوام و با کیفیت هستند.

بسیار با دوام

— Extremely durable.

این سنگ بسیار با دوام است.

کم‌دوام

— Having low durability.

این پلاستیک کم‌دوام است.

دوام آوردن

— To endure or survive (verb form).

او در شرایط سخت دوام آورد.

با دوام بودن

— The state of being durable.

با دوام بودن این میز ثابت شده است.

به شرط دوام

— On the condition of durability (rare/formal).

این قرارداد به شرط دوام امضا شد.

دوام و بقا

— Durability and survival (formal phrase).

دوام و بقای این شرکت در خطر است.

تا حدودی با دوام

— Somewhat durable.

این پارچه تا حدودی با دوام است.

غیر با دوام

— Non-durable.

کالاهای غیر با دوام ارزان‌تر هستند.

با دوام‌ترین

— The most durable.

این با دوام‌ترین کفشی است که دیده‌ام.

Often Confused With

با دوام vs محکم (Mohkam)

Mohkam means strong/tight. A knot is mohkam, but a carpet is bā-davām.

با دوام vs سخت (Sakht)

Sakht means hard/difficult. A diamond is sakht, but a relationship is bā-davām.

با دوام vs دائمی (Dā'emi)

Dā'emi means permanent. An address is dā'emi, but a tool is bā-davām.

Idioms & Expressions

"دوام آوردن زیر فشار"

— To hold up under pressure. Used for both objects and people.

او توانست زیر فشار کار دوام بیاورد.

Neutral

"عمر نوح داشتن"

— To have the life of Noah (to be extremely long-lasting/durable).

این ماشین عمر نوح دارد!

Informal

"مثل سنگ بودن"

— To be like stone (extremely durable and strong).

بدنش مثل سنگ با دوام است.

Colloquial

"از آهن بودن"

— To be made of iron (indestructible).

مگر از آهن هستی که خسته نمی‌شوی؟

Informal

"پوست کلفت بودن"

— To be thick-skinned (durable in the face of criticism).

او خیلی پوست کلفت است و دوام می‌آورد.

Slang

"ریشه داشتن"

— To have roots (to be durable because of deep foundations).

این سنت در فرهنگ ما ریشه دارد.

Formal

"یک عمر کار کردن"

— To work for a lifetime (describing a durable product).

این یخچال یک عمر برایت کار می‌کند.

Colloquial

"آخ نگفتن"

— To not even say 'ouch' (to remain undamaged despite heavy use).

این ماشین در جاده‌های کوهستانی آخ نمی‌گوید.

Slang

"بیدی نیست که با این بادها بلرزد"

— It's not a willow that shakes with these winds (to be durable/resilient).

او بیدی نیست که با این مشکلات بلرزد.

Literary/Idiom

"دود از کنده بلند می‌شود"

— Smoke rises from the old log (old things are often more durable/valuable).

هنوز هم این ماشین قدیمی بهتر کار می‌کند؛ دود از کنده بلند می‌شود.

Proverb

Easily Confused

با دوام vs ماندگار

Both imply lasting over time.

Māndegār is for memories, art, or scents. Bā-davām is for physical durability.

عطر ماندگار (lasting scent) vs. کفش با دوام (durable shoes).

با دوام vs پایدار

Both mean stable/lasting.

Pāydār is used for systems, environments, and politics. Bā-davām is more for objects.

توسعه پایدار (sustainable development) vs. میز با دوام (durable table).

با دوام vs مقاوم

Both imply strength.

Moqāvem is resistance to a force (water/heat). Bā-davām is resistance to time/wear.

ساعت مقاوم در برابر آب (water-resistant watch).

با دوام vs ثابت

Both imply not changing.

Sābet is 'fixed' or 'constant'. Bā-davām is 'long-lasting'.

قیمت ثابت (fixed price).

با دوام vs قوی

General strength.

Qavi is for physical power (a person/engine). Bā-davām is for durability.

مرد قوی (strong man).

Sentence Patterns

In [Noun] bā-davām ast.

این میز با دوام است.

Man [Noun]-e bā-davām mikharam.

من کفش با دوام می‌خرم.

In [Noun] az [Noun] bā-davāmtar ast.

این پارچه از آن پارچه با دوام‌تر است.

Barāye [Action], bayad az [Noun]-e bā-davām estefade kard.

برای ساختن خانه، باید از مصالح با دوام استفاده کرد.

Hich [Noun]-i bā-davāmtar az [Noun] nist.

هیچ دوستی‌ای با دوام‌تر از دوستی دوران کودکی نیست.

Mafhum-e [Abstract Noun]-e bā-davām dar [Context] bahs-angiz ast.

مفهوم صلح با دوام در روابط بین‌الملل بحث‌انگیز است.

Agar [Noun] bā-davām bāshad, [Result].

اگر سقف با دوام باشد، باران نفوذ نمی‌کند.

[Noun]-e bā-davām-i dāri?

کیف با دوامی داری؟

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Very Common

Common Mistakes

In miz bā-davām ast. → In miz-e bā-davām ast. (if used as attributive)
Missing the Ezafe is the most frequent error.
Using 'bā-davām' for a strong person. → In mard qavi ast.
Bā-davām is for durability over time, not muscle power.
In ghazā bā-davām ast. → In ghazā māndegāri-ye bālāyi dārad.
Bā-davām is not used for food shelf life.
In film bā-davām ast. → In film māndegār ast.
Movies are 'māndegār' (memorable/lasting), not 'bā-davām'.
Writing 'bādavām' with a full space. → با دوام (with half-space)
Modern orthography prefers a half-space for compound adjectives.

Tips

The Ezafe Rule

Never forget the 'e' sound. It's 'farsh-e bā-davām', not 'farsh bā-davām'. This is the most common mistake for English speakers.

Bā vs. Bi

Learn 'bā-davām' (durable) and 'bi-davām' (fragile) as a pair. It doubles your vocabulary instantly.

Shopping Tip

When a merchant says 'In bā-davāme', they are trying to convince you of its value. Ask 'Cherā?' (Why?) to hear about the materials.

Formal Writing

In very formal essays, you can use 'mostahkam' for physical objects to sound more sophisticated.

Abstract Use

Don't be afraid to use it for 'peace' or 'friendship'. It makes you sound like a B1+ speaker.

The 'V' Sound

Ensure your 'v' in 'davām' is a labiodental fricative (like English 'v'), not a 'w'.

The 'D' Link

Link 'Davām' with 'Duration'. Both start with 'D' and mean the same thing.

Real Estate

If an agent says a house is 'bā-davām', they usually mean the structure (concrete/steel) is good.

Slang Alternative

Instead of 'bā-davām', young people might say 'khar-kār' (works like a donkey) for an indestructible machine.

Synonym Check

Periodically check if 'moqāvem' (resistant) or 'māndegār' (lasting) fits your sentence better.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'Bar' (Bā) that is 'Damn' (Davām) strong. It's 'Bā-Davām'!

Visual Association

Imagine a Persian carpet being walked on for 100 years and still looking beautiful. That is 'bā-davām'.

Word Web

Quality Sturdy Long-lasting Rugged Resilient Carpets Leather Steel

Challenge

Go around your house and label 5 things that are 'bā-davām' and 5 things that are 'bi-davām'.

Word Origin

The word is a Persian compound. 'Bā' is a Middle Persian preposition. 'Davām' is borrowed from Arabic.

Original meaning: 'Davām' comes from the Arabic root D-W-M, meaning 'to last' or 'to continue'.

Indo-European (Persian) + Afro-Asiatic (Arabic loanword).

Cultural Context

None. It is a very safe and positive word to use.

In English, we might use 'heavy-duty' or 'built to last'. 'Bā-davām' covers all these nuances.

Persian Carpets: Often described as the most 'bā-davām' floor covering in the world. The Citadel of Arg-e Bam: A historical example of 'bā-davām' mud-brick architecture. Hafez's Poetry: Often discusses the 'davām' (permanence) of love versus the world.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Shopping

آیا با دوام است؟
جنس با دوام می‌خواهم.
این با دوام‌ترین است؟
ضمانت دوام دارد؟

Construction

مصالح با دوام
ستون‌های با دوام
سقف با دوام
عمر با دوام

Relationships

دوستی با دوام
ازدواج با دوام
عشق با دوام
رابطه با دوام

Economy

کالاهای با دوام
تولید با دوام
رشد با دوام
بازار با دوام

Environment

راه‌حل با دوام
توسعه با دوام
انرژی با دوام
محصول با دوام

Conversation Starters

"به نظر شما کدام برند موبایل با دوام‌تر است؟"

"آیا تا به حال وسیله‌ای داشته‌اید که خیلی با دوام باشد؟"

"چرا محصولات قدیمی با دوام‌تر از محصولات جدید بودند؟"

"چطور می‌توانیم یک رابطه‌ی با دوام بسازیم؟"

"برای خرید یک کفش با دوام به کجا باید برویم؟"

Journal Prompts

درباره‌ی یکی از وسایل با دوام خود که سال‌هاست دارید بنویسید.

آیا فکر می‌کنید در دنیای امروز، دوام مهم‌تر است یا زیبایی؟ چرا؟

توصیف کنید که یک صلح با دوام در جهان چگونه به نظر می‌رسد.

چرا برخی از دوستی‌ها با دوام هستند و برخی دیگر نه؟

اگر می‌توانستید یک چیز را در زندگی‌تان همیشگی و با دوام کنید، آن چه بود؟

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Usually no. To describe a person's physical strength, use 'qavi'. To describe their resilience, you might say they are 'ba-esteqāmat' or 'pust-koloft' (slang).

No. For food that lasts a long time without spoiling, we use 'māndegāri-ye bālā' (high shelf life).

The direct opposite is 'bi-davām'. You can also use 'shekenande' (fragile) or 'yakh-bār-masraf' (disposable).

In modern Persian, it is usually written as two parts but often functions as a single compound. In digital typing, a half-space (z-v-j) is preferred.

No. For a movie that people remember for a long time, use 'māndegār'.

Add the suffix '-tar': 'bā-davāmtar'.

Yes, it comes from the Arabic root D-W-M, but it is fully integrated into Persian.

In some contexts, yes, but 'pāydār' is the specific word for sustainability (e.g., environmental).

It is neutral. You can use it in a bazaar or in a scientific report.

Yes! 'Rang-e bā-davām' means color that doesn't fade easily.