بادگیر
بادگیر in 30 Seconds
- A 'badgir' is a lightweight windbreaker jacket used for protection against wind.
- The word literally translates to 'wind-catcher' (bad + gir).
- It also refers to the iconic ancient Persian cooling towers found in desert cities like Yazd.
- It is a versatile B1-level word essential for discussing outdoor activities and weather.
The Persian word بادگیر (pronounced bādgir) is a fascinating term that bridges the gap between ancient architectural genius and modern functional fashion. At its core, the word is a compound noun formed from باد (bād), meaning 'wind', and گیر (gir), the present stem of the verb gereftan, meaning 'to catch' or 'to take'. Literally translated, it means 'wind-catcher'. In a contemporary context, specifically for learners at the B1 level, it refers to a windbreaker—a lightweight, synthetic jacket designed to protect the wearer from chilly gusts and light drizzle without the bulk of a heavy coat. This item is essential for anyone living in or visiting the diverse climates of Iran, from the breezy shores of the Caspian Sea to the windy peaks of the Alborz mountains.
- Modern Usage
- In everyday Persian, especially among hikers, athletes, and students, a 'badgir' is the go-to garment for transitional weather. It is characterized by its thin, often nylon or polyester material, which is wind-resistant and sometimes water-repellent.
- Historical Context
- While this entry focuses on clothing, it is impossible to ignore that 'badgir' also refers to the iconic wind towers of Yazd and other desert cities. These towers catch the breeze and funnel it downward to cool the interiors of homes, a testament to ancient Persian engineering.
هوا کمی سرد است، بهتر است بادگیر خود را بپوشی. (The weather is a bit cold; it's better if you wear your windbreaker.)
The term is ubiquitous in sports shops (فروشگاههای ورزشی) and is a staple in the vocabulary of anyone discussing outdoor activities. Unlike a kāpshan (heavy jacket) or a pālto (overcoat), the badgir is valued for its portability and its specific function of blocking wind chill. It is often worn over a hoodie or a sweater. When you are packing for a trip to northern Iran, where the weather can change in an instant, a badgir is the first thing Iranians will tell you to bring. It represents a practical approach to nature, acknowledging that while the sun might be out, the wind can still bite.
- Social Context
- Wearing a 'badgir' often signals an active lifestyle. It is the uniform of the Friday morning hiker in Darband or Tochal. It suggests readiness for adventure and a pragmatic attitude toward the elements.
من همیشه یک بادگیر سبک در کولهپشتیام دارم. (I always have a light windbreaker in my backpack.)
Using بادگیر in a sentence requires an understanding of its role as a common noun. It follows standard Persian grammar rules for objects and subjects. Most commonly, it is used with verbs of 'wearing' like pushidan (to wear) or tan kardan (to put on). Because it is a physical object, it can be described with various adjectives such as sabok (light), zed-e āb (waterproof), or sport (sporty). In B1 level Persian, you should be comfortable using it in the context of preparations and weather-related advice.
- Action Verbs
- Commonly paired with 'pushidan' (to wear), 'dar āvardan' (to take off), and 'kharidan' (to buy). Example: 'Badgiram ra dar āvardam' (I took off my windbreaker).
این بادگیر کاملاً جلوی نفوذ باد را میگیرد. (This windbreaker completely prevents wind penetration.)
When constructing sentences, remember that 'badgir' can also be used in the plural form badgir-hā, though usually, we refer to it in the singular when talking about a specific person's outfit. If you are discussing the architectural version, the context will usually involve cities like Yazd or architecture (memāri). However, in a clothing store, if you ask for a 'badgir', there is zero ambiguity. You can also use it in comparative sentences: 'In badgir az ān yeki garmtar ast' (This windbreaker is warmer than that one).
برای دوچرخهسواری در پاییز، داشتن یک بادگیر ضروری است. (For cycling in autumn, having a windbreaker is essential.)
Furthermore, 'badgir' often appears in compound sentences involving 'chon' (because) or 'agar' (if). For instance, 'Agar bād biāyad, badgir mipusham' (If the wind comes/blows, I will wear a windbreaker). This helps learners practice conditional structures while using practical vocabulary. The word is also frequently modified by colors: 'badgir-e ābi' (blue windbreaker), 'badgir-e ghermez' (red windbreaker), allowing for basic descriptive practice.
You will encounter the word بادگیر in several distinct environments in Iran. The most common is during outdoor recreational activities. If you join a group of Iranians for a hike up Mount Tochal on a Friday morning, you will hear people reminding each other to 'put on your badgir' as the altitude increases and the air thins. It is a word of the mountains and the outdoors. Secondly, you will hear it in commercial settings. In the bustling bazaars or modern malls of Tehran, specifically in the sports equipment sections (like Moniriyeh Square), 'badgir' is the standard term used by shopkeepers to describe their stock of light jackets.
- News and Media
- In weather reports or travel documentaries, the word might appear when discussing appropriate gear for windy provinces like Sistan and Baluchestan or during the '120-day winds' of the east.
در قله کوه، همه کوهنوردان بادگیرهایشان را پوشیدند. (At the mountain peak, all the hikers put on their windbreakers.)
Another interesting place you'll hear this word is in architectural tours. If you visit the city of Yazd, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the guides will constantly point out the 'Badgirs' on the skyline. In this context, the word takes on a majestic, historical tone. You'll hear about how these 'wind-catchers' are an eco-friendly way to manage heat. It’s important for a B1 learner to distinguish these contexts: if you're in a desert city looking up, it's a tower; if you're at a sporting goods store looking at a rack, it's a jacket.
یزد به شهر بادگیرها معروف است. (Yazd is famous as the city of wind-catchers.)
Finally, you might hear it in casual family conversations. Before a road trip to the north (shomāl), a mother might ask her children, 'Did you pack your badgirs?' because the weather in the Mazandaran or Gilan provinces is notoriously unpredictable. In this domestic setting, the word is synonymous with being prepared and staying healthy, as 'catching a cold' (sarmā khordan) is often blamed on the wind in Persian culture.
Learners of Persian often face a few hurdles when using the word بادگیر. The most common mistake is over-extending its meaning to any type of jacket. A badgir is specifically thin and wind-resistant. Using it to describe a heavy winter parka (kāpshan) or a formal wool coat (pālto) would sound incorrect to a native speaker. It’s like calling a raincoat a 'sweater' in English. Another mistake is pronunciation; some learners might stress the wrong syllable or fail to pronounce the 'd' clearly, making it sound like 'bāgir', which is not a word. Ensure the 'd' in bād is distinct.
- Confusing with 'Bārāni'
- Mistake: 'Emruz bārān miāyad، badgir mipusham.' (It's raining today, I'll wear a windbreaker.) While not entirely wrong, a 'bārāni' is the better word for rain. A 'badgir' might soak through in a heavy downpour.
اشتباه: این بادگیر پشمی است. (Mistake: This windbreaker is woolen.) Windbreakers are almost never made of wool; they are synthetic.
Another nuance involves the pluralization. While badgir-hā is correct, learners sometimes try to use Arabic-style plurals which do not apply here. Stick to the Persian 'hā'. Also, be careful with the 'ezafe' (the linking 'e' sound). When saying 'my windbreaker', it must be badgir-e man. Forgetting the 'e' is a common beginner-to-intermediate slip-up. Furthermore, don't confuse the clothing with the verb 'bād gereftan' (to catch air/wind), which can sometimes be used metaphorically for being conceited or 'full of air', though this is less common.
درست: بادگیرم را در ماشین جا گذاشتم. (Correct: I left my windbreaker in the car.)
Lastly, learners sometimes struggle with the context of the architectural badgir. If you are writing an essay about history, you must specify that you are talking about 'badgir-hā-ye Yazd' to avoid any humorous imagery of ancient Persians building giant nylon jackets in the middle of the desert. Context is king in Persian, as many words share historical and modern meanings.
To truly master بادگیر, you must understand where it sits in the hierarchy of Persian outerwear. Persian has a rich vocabulary for clothing, reflecting its varied climate. The most direct alternative is بارانی (bārāni), which comes from bārān (rain). While a windbreaker protects from wind, a bārāni is a raincoat. They are often used interchangeably in casual speech if the jacket serves both purposes, but technically they are different. Then there is the کاپشن (kāpshan), derived from the Russian 'kapushon' (hood), which refers to a thicker, padded jacket or parka used for winter.
- Comparison: Badgir vs. Kāpshan
- A 'badgir' is thin and unlined, whereas a 'kāpshan' is thick, often down-filled or fleece-lined, and meant for sub-zero temperatures.
- Comparison: Badgir vs. Zhāket
- A 'zhāket' is usually a knitted sweater or a cardigan. It provides warmth but allows wind to pass right through, which is why you might wear a 'badgir' over a 'zhāket'.
من به جای پالتو، یک بادگیر و پلیور پوشیدم. (Instead of an overcoat, I wore a windbreaker and a pullover.)
Another related term is سویشرت (swishert), which is a direct loanword from English 'sweatshirt'. These are often worn in similar casual settings but lack the wind-blocking properties of a badgir. In technical mountaineering contexts, you might hear گورتکس (Gore-tex), referring to the high-end waterproof-breathable material, but badgir remains the generic, everyday term for the functional wind-shell. Understanding these distinctions helps you describe your needs accurately, whether you're shopping or packing for a hike.
این بادگیر برای هوای طوفانی عالی است. (This windbreaker is excellent for stormy weather.)
Lastly, consider the word پالتو (pālto), which is used for long, formal overcoats. While a badgir is for the mountains or the gym, a pālto is for the office or a party. By knowing these alternatives, you can navigate the nuances of Persian fashion and climate-appropriate dressing with confidence.
How Formal Is It?
Fun Fact
The architectural 'badgir' is one of the world's oldest forms of air conditioning, dating back thousands of years to ancient Persia.
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing 'bad' like the English word 'bad' (should be 'bād' like 'bard').
- Softening the 'g' to a 'j' sound.
- Dropping the 'd' sound entirely.
- Putting stress on the first syllable.
- Pronouncing the 'r' as a French uvular 'r'.
Difficulty Rating
Easy to recognize once you know 'bad' and 'gereftan'.
Requires correct use of 'g' and 'r' at the end.
Simple two-syllable word.
Can be confused with other 'gir' compounds if not careful.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Compound Nouns
Bād + Gir = Bādgir. Similar to 'Kār' + 'Gāh' = 'Kārgāh'.
Ezafe Construction
Badgir-e ghermez (Red windbreaker).
Pluralization with -hā
Badgir-hā (Windbreakers).
Direct Object Marker 'rā'
Badgir rā kharidam (I bought the windbreaker).
Adjective Placement
Adjectives always follow the noun: Badgir-e sabok.
Examples by Level
این بادگیر آبی است.
This windbreaker is blue.
Basic subject-adjective sentence.
من یک بادگیر دارم.
I have a windbreaker.
Uses the verb 'dāshtan' (to have).
بادگیر کجاست؟
Where is the windbreaker?
Simple question with 'kojāst'.
بادگیر بپوش.
Wear a windbreaker.
Imperative form of 'pushidan'.
او بادگیر میخرد.
He/she buys a windbreaker.
Present continuous tense.
بادگیرِ من بزرگ است.
My windbreaker is big.
Uses ezafe to show possession.
هوا باد دارد، بادگیر لازم است.
It is windy, a windbreaker is necessary.
Simple logical connection.
بادگیر را در کیف بگذار.
Put the windbreaker in the bag.
Use of 'rā' for direct object.
دیروز یک بادگیرِ جدید خریدم.
Yesterday I bought a new windbreaker.
Simple past tense.
این بادگیر خیلی سبک است.
This windbreaker is very light.
Use of intensifier 'kheyli'.
آیا تو بادگیر داری؟
Do you have a windbreaker?
Question with 'āyā'.
ما برای کوه به بادگیر نیاز داریم.
We need windbreakers for the mountain.
Use of 'niyāz dāshtan' (to need).
او بادگیرش را در مدرسه جا گذاشت.
He left his windbreaker at school.
Compound verb 'jā gozāshtan'.
بادگیرِ تو زیباتر از بادگیرِ من است.
Your windbreaker is more beautiful than mine.
Comparative adjective 'zibātar'.
هوا سرد شد، بادگیرت را بپوش.
The weather got cold, wear your windbreaker.
Sequential actions.
این بادگیر کلاه دارد.
This windbreaker has a hood.
Describing a feature.
بادگیرهای یزد بسیار مشهور هستند.
The wind-catchers of Yazd are very famous.
Plural subject with architectural context.
اگر باد بیاید، باید بادگیر بپوشیم.
If the wind blows, we must wear windbreakers.
Conditional 'if' sentence.
این بادگیر نه تنها ضد باد، بلکه ضد آب هم هست.
This windbreaker is not only windproof, but also waterproof.
Correlative conjunction 'na tanhā... balke'.
او ترجیح میدهد همیشه یک بادگیر همراه داشته باشد.
He prefers to always have a windbreaker with him.
Use of 'tarjih dādan' (to prefer).
در فصل پاییز، فروش بادگیر افزایش مییابد.
In the autumn season, windbreaker sales increase.
Formal vocabulary like 'afzāyesh yāftan'.
بادگیرِ کوهنوردی باید باکیفیت باشد.
A mountaineering windbreaker must be high quality.
Use of 'bā-keyfiyat' (high quality).
من بادگیرم را به دوستم قرض دادم.
I lent my windbreaker to my friend.
Past tense of 'gharz dādan'.
این بادگیر به راحتی در جیب جا میشود.
This windbreaker easily fits in a pocket.
Adverbial phrase 'be rāhati'.
معماری بادگیرها نشاندهنده هوش ایرانیان باستان است.
The architecture of wind-catchers shows the intelligence of ancient Iranians.
Complex noun phrases.
بادگیرهای مدرن از پارچههای تنفسپذیر ساخته میشوند.
Modern windbreakers are made of breathable fabrics.
Passive voice 'sākhte mishavand'.
با وجود بادگیر، باز هم احساس سرما میکردم.
Despite the windbreaker, I still felt cold.
Prepositional phrase 'bā vojud-e'.
او بادگیرش را به خاطر رنگ تندش انتخاب کرد.
He chose his windbreaker because of its bright color.
Use of 'be khāter-e' (because of).
بادگیر به عنوان یک لایه محافظ در برابر عناصر عمل میکند.
The windbreaker acts as a protective layer against the elements.
Technical description.
تکنولوژی به کار رفته در این بادگیر بسیار پیشرفته است.
The technology used in this windbreaker is very advanced.
Participial phrase 'be kār rafte'.
او در حال تعمیر بادگیر قدیمیاش بود.
He was in the middle of repairing his old windbreaker.
Past progressive tense.
بادگیرهای یزد هوا را به صورت طبیعی تهویه میکنند.
The wind-catchers of Yazd ventilate the air naturally.
Verbal phrase 'tahviyeh kardan'.
ساختار آیرودینامیکی بادگیرها در کویر بینظیر است.
The aerodynamic structure of wind-catchers in the desert is unique.
Academic vocabulary.
این بادگیر با بهرهگیری از نانوتکنولوژی تولید شده است.
This windbreaker has been produced utilizing nanotechnology.
Formal 'ba bahre-giri az'.
بررسی تطبیقی بادگیرهای ایران و سایر مناطق خشک ضروری است.
A comparative study of Iranian wind-catchers and other arid regions is essential.
Abstract academic subject.
بادگیر او در میان طوفان شن، تنها پناهش بود.
His windbreaker was his only shelter amidst the sandstorm.
Literary tone.
ویژگیهای ارگونومیک این بادگیر، آن را از رقبا متمایز میکند.
The ergonomic features of this windbreaker distinguish it from competitors.
Business/Technical Persian.
بادگیرها نمادی از انطباق انسان با شرایط سخت اقلیمی هستند.
Wind-catchers are a symbol of human adaptation to harsh climatic conditions.
Philosophical/Sociological context.
او با وسواس زیادی پارچه بادگیرش را انتخاب کرد.
He chose the fabric of his windbreaker with great obsession/meticulousness.
Use of 'vasvās' (obsession/meticulousness).
عملکرد بادگیر در ارتفاعات بالا به شدت کاهش مییابد.
The performance of the windbreaker decreases sharply at high altitudes.
Scientific statement.
تبیین کارکرد ترمودینامیکی بادگیرها مستلزم دانش مهندسی سیالات است.
Explaining the thermodynamic function of wind-catchers requires knowledge of fluid engineering.
Highly formal/Technical.
بادگیر، فارغ از جنبه کاربردی، عنصری زیباشناختی در معماری است.
The wind-catcher, regardless of its functional aspect, is an aesthetic element in architecture.
Sophisticated 'fāregh az' structure.
نوآوری در متریال بادگیرهای ورزشی، مرزهای عملکرد انسانی را جابجا کرده است.
Innovation in the material of sports windbreakers has pushed the boundaries of human performance.
Metaphorical/Advanced usage.
در متون کهن، اشاراتی به ساختارهای مشابه بادگیر برای تلطیف هوا شده است.
In ancient texts, there are references to structures similar to wind-catchers for air refinement.
Archaic/Formal style.
بادگیرهای مدرن کوهنوردی، توازنی ظریف میان وزن و مقاومت برقرار کردهاند.
Modern mountaineering windbreakers have established a delicate balance between weight and resistance.
Nuanced descriptive language.
تحلیل پارامتریک جریان هوا در بادگیرها به بهینهسازی مصرف انرژی کمک میکند.
Parametric analysis of airflow in wind-catchers helps in optimizing energy consumption.
Engineering terminology.
او در رساله دکتری خود به بررسی سیر تحول بادگیر در ایران پرداخت.
In his doctoral thesis, he examined the evolution of the wind-catcher in Iran.
Academic narrative.
بادگیر، پوششی است که در عین سادگی، اوج کارآمدی را به نمایش میگذارد.
The windbreaker is a garment that, while simple, displays the pinnacle of efficiency.
Rhetorical 'dar ayn-e' structure.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— Take your windbreaker. Used when reminding someone to be prepared for wind.
هوا سرد است، بادگیرت را بردار.
— Branded windbreaker. Refers to expensive athletic brands.
او همیشه بادگیرهای مارکدار میپوشد.
— Cycling windbreaker. A specific type for riders.
بادگیر دوچرخهسواری باید تنگ باشد.
— Pocket windbreaker. One that folds into a small pouch.
این بادگیر جیبی است و جای کمی میگیرد.
— Thin windbreaker. Emphasizing its lightweight nature.
این بادگیر خیلی نازک است، گرمت نمیکند.
— Old windbreaker. Often used for sentimental or worn-out gear.
بادگیر قدیمیام هنوز خوب است.
Often Confused With
Bārāni is for rain; Badgir is primarily for wind.
Kāpshan is thick and for winter; Badgir is thin.
Pālto is a formal long coat; Badgir is sporty and short.
Idioms & Expressions
— To act as a windbreak. Used when something blocks the wind for others.
دیوار بزرگ بادگیر خانه ما شده است.
Neutral— To function like a wind-catcher. Used for things that cool down a situation.
حرفهای او مثل بادگیر در آن دعوا عمل کرد.
Metaphorical— To boast or be proud (rare/literary).
او با پیروزیاش باد در بادگیر انداخت.
Literary— The 'wind-catcher' of life. A metaphorical protector.
پدرم بادگیر زندگی من است.
Poetic— Defenseless against 'wind' or troubles.
این شهر خالی از بادگیر است و گرمای زیادی دارد.
Descriptive— A broken wind-catcher. Symbol of neglect.
خانهای با یک بادگیر شکسته در کویر بود.
Literary— Under the shadow of the wind-catcher. Symbol of traditional comfort.
ما زیر سایه بادگیر چای خوردیم.
CulturallEasily Confused
Both start with 'bad' (wind).
Bādbān is a 'sail' for a boat, while Bādgir is a jacket or tower.
بادبان کشتی باز شد.
Both start with 'bad'.
Bādbazan is a hand fan used to cool oneself down manually.
در تابستان بادبزن لازم است.
Both use the root 'gir'.
Gireh is a clip or a peg, not a jacket.
گیره لباس را بیاور.
Sounds similar to 'badgir'.
Bārgir refers to a loading area or a beast of burden.
این اسب یک حیوان بارگیر است.
Uses 'gir'.
Dastgireh is a door handle or a potholder.
دستگیره در خراب است.
Sentence Patterns
این [Noun] است.
این بادگیر است.
من [Noun] دارم.
من بادگیر دارم.
اگر [Condition]، باید [Noun] بپوشیم.
اگر باد بیاید، باید بادگیر بپوشیم.
[Noun] برای [Activity] خوب است.
بادگیر برای دوچرخهسواری خوب است.
[Noun] از [Material] ساخته شده است.
بادگیر از نایلون ساخته شده است.
با وجود [Noun]، باز هم [State].
با وجود بادگیر، باز هم سردم بود.
[Noun] نمادی از [Abstract Concept] است.
بادگیر نمادی از هوش معماران است.
تبیین [Concept] مستلزم [Requirement].
تبیین کارکرد بادگیر مستلزم دانش فنی است.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
Common in autumn, spring, and among athletes.
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Using 'badgir' for a heavy coat.
→
Using 'kapshan' or 'palto'.
A badgir is specifically thin and for wind, not for freezing temperatures.
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Saying 'badgir pushidan' for 'putting on a sail'.
→
Badban.
Don't confuse wind-catchers with wind-sails.
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Forgetting the 'd' in 'bad'.
→
Pronouncing it 'bād-gir'.
Without the 'd', it sounds like a different, non-existent word.
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Using Arabic plurals like 'bawadig'.
→
Badgir-ha.
This is a Persian word; use Persian plural rules.
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Confusing 'badgir' with 'bad-be-zan'.
→
Badgir for protection, Bad-be-zan for cooling.
One stops wind, the other creates it.
Tips
Layering
Always suggest a badgir as a 'layer'. In Persian, you can say 'lāyeh-ye biruni' (outer layer).
The Yazd Connection
Mentioning the wind towers of Yazd when using the word will make you sound very culturally aware to Iranians.
The Ezafe
Don't forget the 'e' sound when adding an adjective: 'badgir-e sabok'.
Specifics
Use 'zed-e bad' (windproof) to describe the quality of a good badgir.
The 'R'
The final 'r' in 'badgir' should be clear but not overly trilled.
Buying Tips
In Iran, ask for a 'badgir-e kohnavardi' if you want a high-quality one for the mountains.
Night Safety
Look for a 'badgir-e shabrang' (reflective) if you plan on walking or cycling at night.
Ancient Tech
The architectural badgir is a great topic for practicing descriptive Persian.
Fashion
Badgirs are currently trendy in 'street style' in Tehran, often worn in bright neon colors.
Packing
A 'badgir' is the perfect travel item because it's 'kam-jā' (takes up little space).
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of a 'Bad Gear' (Bād-gir). If you have 'Bad Gear' in the wind, you'll be cold, but a 'Badgir' is actually the 'Good Gear' to catch the 'Bad' wind!
Visual Association
Imagine a tall tower in the desert 'catching' the wind with giant hands, then imagine those hands shrinking down to become a jacket that catches the wind for you.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to use 'badgir' in three different sentences today: one about a color, one about the weather, and one about a trip.
Word Origin
The word is of pure Persian (Farsi) origin, combining two ancient roots. 'Bād' comes from Middle Persian 'wāt', and 'gir' is the present stem of 'gereftan' from Middle Persian 'giraftan'.
Original meaning: The original meaning was strictly architectural, referring to the towers that 'catch' the wind to cool houses in hot climates.
Indo-European -> Indo-Iranian -> Iranian -> Western Iranian -> Persian.Cultural Context
None. It is a neutral, functional word.
In English, we use 'windbreaker' or 'anorak'. The Persian word is more descriptive of the function (catching/stopping wind).
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Hiking
- بادگیر لازم است
- بادگیرت را بپوش
- بادگیر سبک
- در قله باد میوزد
Shopping
- قیمت این بادگیر چند است؟
- بادگیر سایز بزرگ دارید؟
- جنس این بادگیر چیست؟
- بادگیر ضد آب میخواهم
Architecture
- بادگیرهای یزد
- تاریخچه بادگیر
- کارکرد بادگیر
- بلندترین بادگیر جهان
Weather
- هوا بادی است
- بادگیر بردار
- طوفان در راه است
- بادگیر محافظ خوبی است
Travel
- بادگیر در چمدان
- لباس مناسب سفر
- بادگیر برای شمال
- فراموش کردن بادگیر
Conversation Starters
"آیا برای کوهنوردی بادگیر داری؟ (Do you have a windbreaker for hiking?)"
"به نظر تو بهترین مارک بادگیر چیست؟ (What do you think is the best windbreaker brand?)"
"تا به حال بادگیرهای شهر یزد را دیدهای؟ (Have you ever seen the wind-catchers of Yazd?)"
"چرا در هوای بادی باید بادگیر پوشید؟ (Why should one wear a windbreaker in windy weather?)"
"بادگیر آبی به تو بیشتر میآید یا قرمز؟ (Does a blue windbreaker suit you better or a red one?)"
Journal Prompts
Describe your favorite windbreaker and why you like it.
Write about a time you went hiking and forgot your badgir.
Imagine you are a wind-catcher in Yazd; what do you see from above?
Compare a windbreaker with a heavy coat. Which is better for travel?
Discuss the importance of functional clothing like the badgir in sports.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsMost modern windbreakers (badgirs) are water-resistant, meaning they can handle light drizzle, but they are not fully waterproof like a 'barani'. If it's pouring rain, a badgir will eventually get soaked.
A badgir alone is usually too thin for winter. However, you can wear it as an outer layer over a warm sweater or fleece to block the wind, which helps keep you warmer.
The word is exactly the same. The difference is entirely based on context. If you're talking about clothes or sports, it's a jacket. If you're talking about old buildings or Yazd, it's a tower.
It is a standard, neutral word. It's used in everyday conversation, in stores, and in technical architectural discussions. It's not slang, nor is it overly poetic.
You say: 'Man badgir pushide-am' (I have worn/am wearing) or 'Man badgir mipusham' (I am putting on/wear).
They range in price. Local brands are affordable, while international sports brands like Nike or North Face can be quite expensive in Iran.
Modern badgirs are typically made of nylon, polyester, or high-tech fabrics like Gore-Tex. The architectural ones are made of brick and clay.
Yes, badgirs are very popular among both men and women, especially for hiking and outdoor exercise. They are often worn over a tunic or as part of a sporty outfit.
Yes, the plural is 'badgir-ha'. For example: 'Badgir-ha-ye Yazd' (The wind-catchers of Yazd).
Because its job is to 'catch' or 'intercept' the wind. In the tower's case, it catches it to cool the house. In the jacket's case, it catches it to stop it from reaching your skin.
Test Yourself 107 questions
Write a sentence: 'I have a blue windbreaker.'
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Write a sentence: 'Wear your windbreaker, it is windy.'
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Explain why you need a badgir for hiking.
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Say 'Blue windbreaker' in Persian.
Read this aloud:
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Tell your friend to wear their jacket because it's windy.
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Listen and identify the word: 'Bādgir'.
Listen to the weather report and decide if you need a badgir.
Write a short paragraph on the sustainable benefits of badgirs in modern architecture.
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/ 107 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
The word 'badgir' is a dual-purpose term: it describes a modern, practical windbreaker jacket and a historic architectural marvel. Example: 'Don't forget your badgir for the hike!' (بادگیرت را برای کوهنوردی فراموش نکن!)
- A 'badgir' is a lightweight windbreaker jacket used for protection against wind.
- The word literally translates to 'wind-catcher' (bad + gir).
- It also refers to the iconic ancient Persian cooling towers found in desert cities like Yazd.
- It is a versatile B1-level word essential for discussing outdoor activities and weather.
Layering
Always suggest a badgir as a 'layer'. In Persian, you can say 'lāyeh-ye biruni' (outer layer).
The Yazd Connection
Mentioning the wind towers of Yazd when using the word will make you sound very culturally aware to Iranians.
The Ezafe
Don't forget the 'e' sound when adding an adjective: 'badgir-e sabok'.
Specifics
Use 'zed-e bad' (windproof) to describe the quality of a good badgir.
Example
در هوای سرد و بادی، یک بادگیر سبک پوشیدم.
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