At the A1 level, you should learn 'باقی' (bāqi) as a simple word for 'left' or 'remaining' in very basic contexts. Think about it in terms of food or simple numbers. If you have three apples and eat one, two are 'bāqi'. It is most helpful when paired with 'māndan' (to stay). You don't need to worry about complex grammar yet; just focus on the idea of 'leftovers'. For example, 'do tā bāqi' means 'two left'. This is very useful when shopping or ordering food. It's a foundational word for expressing quantity and what is still available to you in a simple conversation.
At the A2 level, you begin to use 'باقی' in more structured sentences, especially regarding time and money. You should learn the phrase 'bāqi-ye pul' (the rest of the money/change) for transactions. You also start using it to describe time: 'dah daghighé bāqi' (ten minutes left). At this stage, you should understand the Ezafe construction 'bāqi-ye...' to mean 'the rest of...'. You are moving beyond just saying 'left' to saying 'the rest of the [noun]'. This allows you to describe your day, your tasks, and your resources more accurately. You will also encounter it in simple stories to describe characters who stayed behind.
For B1 learners, 'باقی' becomes a tool for more abstract discussion. You will use it to talk about the 'remainder' of a project, the 'rest' of a book, or 'remaining' hope. You should become comfortable with the compound verb 'bāqi māndan' in various tenses (past, present, future). You might also start to see it in news headlines or slightly more formal contexts. At this level, you should distinguish between 'bāqi' (the remainder) and 'digar' (other). You'll use it to organize information, such as 'The first part of the plan is X, and the rest (bāqi) is Y.' It helps in creating cohesive paragraphs and logical flows in your speech.
At the B2 level, you should explore the more formal and idiomatic uses of 'باقی'. This includes terms like 'bāqi-mānde' (remainder/residue) in technical or academic contexts. You will encounter the word in more complex literature where it might refer to 'lasting' effects or 'enduring' qualities. You should be able to use it in professional settings, such as discussing 'bāqi-ye budje' (the rest of the budget). You'll also start to notice its use in compound adjectives and more sophisticated sentence structures. Your understanding should now include the nuance that 'bāqi' can imply something that has survived or persisted through a challenge.
C1 learners should master the philosophical and literary nuances of 'باقی'. This includes understanding its role in Sufi poetry as a descriptor for the Divine or the Eternal. You should be able to use it in high-level academic writing, perhaps discussing 'bāqi-mānde-hā-ye bāstāni' (archaeological remains). You will also learn more complex Arabic-derived forms like 'mabāqi' and 'baghā' (permanence/survival). At this level, you should be able to discuss the concept of 'transience vs. permanence' (fanā vs. baqā) fluently. Your usage should be precise, choosing 'bāqi' over synonyms to convey specific formal or traditional tones.
At the C2 level, 'باقی' is a word you use with complete stylistic control. you understand its etymological roots and can appreciate its use in the most archaic or complex Persian texts. You can use it to discuss legal intricacies, such as 'bāqi-ye dāy-e' (the remainder of a claim), or in deep philosophical discourse about the nature of existence. You are familiar with all its idiomatic expressions and can use them naturally in metaphors. For a C2 learner, 'باقی' is not just a word for 'the rest'; it is a concept that touches on history, theology, and the very structure of the Persian language's relationship with Arabic.

باقی in 30 Seconds

  • Bāqi means 'remaining' or 'the rest'. It is used for leftovers of food, money, or time.
  • It often pairs with the verb 'māndan' (to stay) to mean 'to remain'.
  • As a noun, it uses the Ezafe: 'bāqi-ye...' (the rest of...).
  • It has both everyday uses (shopping) and deep poetic meanings (eternity).

The Persian word باقی (pronounced 'bāqi') is a versatile adjective and noun derived from Arabic that permeates almost every level of Persian communication, from the mundane task of counting change at a grocery store to the loftiest heights of Sufi poetry. At its core, it signifies that which remains, stays, or persists after others have gone or after a portion has been removed. In the context of daily life, you will most frequently encounter it when discussing time, money, or physical objects. For instance, if you are eating a meal and cannot finish it, the leftovers are the bāqi of the food. If you are running a race and have two kilometers left, that distance is bāqi. This concept of 'remainder' is fundamental to the Persian worldview, often balancing the temporary nature of the world with the things that endure.

Temporal Usage
When used with time, it indicates the duration left before an event or the conclusion of a period. It is almost always paired with the verb 'māndan' (to stay/remain).

فقط پنج دقیقه باقی مانده است تا امتحان تمام شود. (Only five minutes remain until the exam ends.)

Financial Context
In commerce, it refers to the balance of an account or the change returned after a purchase. Shopkeepers might ask if you want the 'bāqi-ye pul' (the rest of the money).

لطفاً باقی پول مرا بدهید. (Please give me the rest of my money.)

Beyond the physical, bāqi carries a heavy philosophical weight. In Islamic theology and Persian literature, one of the names of God is 'Al-Bāqi' (The Everlasting). This contrasts with the human condition, which is 'fāni' (perishable/transient). When Iranians talk about leaving a legacy, they might use the term 'bāqiāt-e sālehāt', referring to good deeds that remain after one has passed away. Thus, the word bridges the gap between the simple act of leaving food on a plate and the eternal persistence of the soul. Understanding this word requires recognizing its dual role as a functional tool for measurement and a symbolic marker of permanence.

Mathematical Remainder
In division, the number left over is called the 'bāqi-mānde'. This is taught early in Iranian schools and reinforces the word's association with precision.

در این تقسیم، عدد سه باقی می‌ماند. (In this division, the number three remains.)

In social settings, 'bāqi' is used to group people. If three friends go to a cafe and two leave, the one who stays is 'bāqi'. You will hear phrases like 'bāqi-ye dustān' (the rest of the friends) or 'bāqi-ye mardom' (the rest of the people). It is an essential word for categorization and exclusion/inclusion logic in Persian conversation. It is neither inherently positive nor negative; its value is determined by what is remaining—whether it be debt, time, or a beautiful sunset.

Using باقی correctly involves understanding its relationship with auxiliary verbs and its position as an adjective. Most commonly, it functions as part of a compound verb with māndan (to stay) or gozāshtan (to leave/put). When you want to say something 'remains', you use 'bāqi māndan'. When you want to say you 'left something behind', you use 'bāqi gozāshtan'.

The 'Remaining' State
To describe a state where something is left over, use 'bāqi ast' or 'bāqi mānde ast'. The latter is more common for physical objects.

از کیک فقط یک تکه باقی مانده است. (Only one piece of cake is left.)

When 'bāqi' is used as a noun meaning 'the rest', it often takes the Ezafe construction (-e). For example, 'bāqi-ye dāstān' (the rest of the story). This is a crucial grammatical point for English speakers who might be tempted to use a different preposition. In Persian, the 'rest of' is simply 'bāqi-ye'.

The Ezafe Construction
Always connect 'bāqi' to the noun it modifies using the short 'e' sound. This indicates possession or categorization.

باقیِ شب را در خانه ماندیم. (We stayed home for the rest of the night.)

In formal writing, you might see 'mabāqi', which is the plural-style Arabic form but used as a synonym for 'the remainder'. However, for A2-B1 learners, sticking to 'bāqi' is safer and more natural. Another important usage is in the negative: 'chi-zi bāqi namānde' (nothing is left). This is a very common way to express completion or exhaustion of resources.

Negation
To say 'nothing remains', use the negative form of the verb 'māndan'.

هیچ امیدی باقی نمانده است. (No hope remains.)

Finally, consider the word in the context of 'bāqi gozāshtan'. This implies an intentional or unintentional act of leaving something behind. If you leave your keys at home, you 'bāqi gozāshti' them. If a war leaves a legacy of destruction, it 'bāqi gozāshte' that impact. This transitive use is vital for describing the consequences of actions.

If you walk through a bustling bazaar in Tehran or Shiraz, باقی is one of the sounds of commerce. You'll hear it when a customer pays with a large bill and the vendor searches for change. 'Bāqi-ye pul-etun' (the rest of your money) is a phrase repeated thousands of times a day. But the word's reach extends far beyond the marketplace into the very fabric of Iranian social life and media.

In the News
News anchors use it to discuss political leftovers, remaining terms of office, or the rest of a report. 'Bāqi-ye gozāresh' (the rest of the report) is a common transition.

باقیِ خبرها را در ساعت بعد دنبال کنید. (Follow the rest of the news in the next hour.)

In the classroom, teachers use it constantly. Whether it's the remaining time for an exam or the remaining exercises in a workbook, 'bāqi' is the go-to word. Students might ask, 'Bāqi-ye takālif chist?' (What are the rest of the assignments?). It provides a sense of structure to the learning process, defining what has been done and what is yet to come.

In Literature and Poetry
Classical poets like Hafez and Rumi use 'bāqi' to refer to the eternal beloved or the everlasting life. It contrasts with the 'fāni' (fleeting) nature of the material world.

عشق تنها چیزی است که باقی می‌ماند. (Love is the only thing that remains.)

On social media, you'll see it in captions like 'bāqi-ye aks-hā dar post-e ba'di' (the rest of the photos in the next post). It functions as a 'to be continued' marker. In sports, commentators shout about the 'bāqi-mānde-ye zamān' (remaining time) in a tense football match. It is a word of anticipation, urgency, and sometimes, relief. Whether it's the end of a long journey or the last few rials in a pocket, 'bāqi' is the word that measures the finish line.

For English speakers, the most common mistake when using باقی is confusing it with other words for 'other' or 'rest', such as digar or esterāhat. In English, 'the rest' can mean 'the remainder' OR 'relaxation'. In Persian, 'bāqi' ONLY means 'the remainder'. If you tell someone you need 'bāqi', they will look for your missing change, not give you a pillow!

Mistake 1: Confusing 'Rest' (Remainder) with 'Rest' (Relaxation)
Incorrect: Man be bāqi niyāz dāram (I need the remainder). Correct for relaxation: Man be esterāhat niyāz dāram.

اشتباه: من می‌خواهم باقی کنم. (I want to 'remain' - meaning relax.)

Another frequent error is the omission of the Ezafe when using 'bāqi' as 'the rest of'. English speakers often say 'bāqi pul' instead of 'bāqi-ye pul'. Without the Ezafe, the sentence sounds disjointed and grammatically incomplete. Remember that 'bāqi' acts as a noun in this structure and requires the linking vowel to connect to the following noun.

Mistake 2: Missing the Ezafe
Always say 'bāqi-ye' [noun]. The 'ye' is the bridge between the remainder and the whole.

درست: باقیِ میوه‌ها خراب شده‌اند. (The rest of the fruits are spoiled.)

Learners also struggle with the placement of 'bāqi' in compound verbs. They might say 'māndan bāqi' instead of 'bāqi māndan'. In Persian compound verbs, the non-verbal element (bāqi) almost always precedes the auxiliary verb (māndan). Finally, avoid using 'bāqi' to mean 'others' when referring to people in a general, indefinite sense—'digarān' is usually better for 'others' as a general group, while 'bāqi' is for the specific remainder of a known group.

Persian has several words that overlap with باقی, and choosing the right one depends on the level of formality and the specific context. Understanding these nuances will make your Persian sound more authentic and precise.

باقی vs. مانده (Mānde)
'Bāqi' is often more formal or abstract. 'Mānde' is the past participle of 'māndan' and is used very frequently for physical leftovers or time remaining in casual speech.

سه روز مانده است. (Three days are left - very common/casual.)

Another common alternative is digar. While 'digar' usually means 'other' or 'next', it can sometimes replace 'bāqi' in phrases like 'the other people' (digar-e mardom). However, 'bāqi' specifically emphasizes that these people are what is LEFT of a group, whereas 'digar' just identifies them as different from the first group mentioned.

باقی vs. مابقی (Mā-baqi)
'Mā-baqi' is a more formal, slightly bureaucratic version of 'bāqi'. You will see it in legal documents, contracts, or formal accounting.

مابقیِ مبلغ در پایان کار پرداخت می‌شود. (The remainder of the amount will be paid at the end of the work.)

In the context of eternity or persistence, pāydār (stable/lasting) or jāvedān (eternal) are strong alternatives. While 'bāqi' means something simply 'remains', 'jāvedān' implies it will remain forever. If you want to praise someone's work as timeless, 'jāvedān' is a higher compliment than 'bāqi'. Use 'bāqi' for the fact of remaining, and 'pāydār' for the quality of staying strong.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

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Neutral

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Informal

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Child friendly

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Slang

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Fun Fact

The word is one of the 99 names of God in Islam (Al-Bāqi), meaning 'The Everlasting One'.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈbɑːki/
US /ˈbɑki/
The stress is on the first syllable: BĀ-qi.
Rhymes With
ساقی (Sāqi) خاکی (Khāki) شاکی (Shāki) یاغی (Yāghi - near rhyme) باقی (Bāqi) واقی (Vāqi) راقی (Rāqi) تاقی (Tāqi)
Common Errors
  • Pronouncing 'q' as a soft 'g'.
  • Shortening the 'ā' to a short 'a' like in 'cat'.
  • Confusing it with 'bāghi' (gardener).
  • Pronouncing the 'i' as a short 'ih'.
  • Misplacing the stress on the second syllable.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize once the 'q' sound is mastered.

Writing 2/5

Simple spelling with common letters.

Speaking 3/5

Requires practice with the 'q' sound and Ezafe.

Listening 2/5

Very common in daily transactions and news.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

ماندن پول وقت غذا است

Learn Next

مابقی بقا فانی دیگر سایر

Advanced

باقیات و صالحات استمرار جاودانگی تداوم پایداری

Grammar to Know

Ezafe with Bāqi

باقیِ کتاب (The rest of the book)

Compound Verb 'Bāqi Māndan'

دو روز باقی مانده است.

Compound Verb 'Bāqi Gozāshtan'

او کتاب را باقی گذاشت.

Negative 'Bāqi Namāndan'

هیچ پولی باقی نمانده.

Bāqi as a Predicate Adjective

سه نفر باقی هستند.

Examples by Level

1

دو سیب باقی است.

Two apples are left.

Simple subject + adjective + verb 'to be'.

2

فقط یک نفر باقی ماند.

Only one person remained.

Use of 'bāqi māndan' in the past tense.

3

باقی پول کجاست؟

Where is the rest of the money?

Bāqi used as a noun with Ezafe.

4

سه روز باقی است.

Three days are left.

Temporal usage of bāqi.

5

باقی غذا را بخور.

Eat the rest of the food.

Imperative sentence with 'bāqi-ye'.

6

کمی آب باقی مانده.

A little water is left.

Bāqi mānde as a state.

7

او باقی میوه را برد.

He took the rest of the fruit.

Simple past tense with direct object.

8

هیچ باقی نماند.

Nothing remained.

Negative construction.

1

باقیِ دوستان فردا می‌آیند.

The rest of the friends are coming tomorrow.

Bāqi-ye + plural noun.

2

ده دقیقه باقی مانده تا کلاس تمام شود.

Ten minutes remain until the class ends.

Compound verb 'bāqi māndan'.

3

لطفاً باقیِ چای را در فنجان بریز.

Please pour the rest of the tea into the cup.

Preposition 'dar' used with 'bāqi-ye'.

4

او باقیِ راه را پیاده رفت.

He walked the rest of the way.

Bāqi-ye used for distance.

5

باقیِ کتاب را شب می‌خوانم.

I will read the rest of the book tonight.

Future intent in present tense.

6

آیا باقیِ بلیت‌ها را فروختی؟

Did you sell the rest of the tickets?

Question form with direct object.

7

فقط چند صفحه باقی مانده است.

Only a few pages are left.

Use of 'faghat' (only) with bāqi.

8

باقیِ پول را به من برگردان.

Return the rest of the money to me.

Imperative with 'be' (to).

1

باقیِ جزئیات را در جلسه بحث خواهیم کرد.

We will discuss the rest of the details in the meeting.

Future tense 'bahs khāhim kard'.

2

او باقیِ عمرش را در روستا زندگی کرد.

He lived the rest of his life in the village.

Bāqi-ye omr (rest of life) - common phrase.

3

باقیِ کارها را به من بسپار.

Leave the rest of the tasks to me.

Verb 'sepordan' (to entrust).

4

هنوز مقداری از بدهی باقی مانده است.

Some of the debt still remains.

Abstract noun 'bedehi' (debt).

5

باقیِ مسافران در هتل منتظر هستند.

The rest of the passengers are waiting in the hotel.

Present continuous state.

6

او باقیِ کیک را بین بچه‌ها تقسیم کرد.

She divided the rest of the cake among the children.

Verb 'taghsim kardan' (to divide).

7

باقیِ وقت را به استراحت اختصاص دادیم.

We dedicated the rest of the time to resting.

Verb 'ekhtesās dādan' (to dedicate).

8

آیا چیزی از آن دوران باقی مانده است؟

Does anything remain from that era?

Interrogative about historical remains.

1

باقیِ بودجه باید صرف آموزش شود.

The rest of the budget must be spent on education.

Passive-like construction with 'sarf shodan'.

2

او باقیِ نیرویش را برای مرحله آخر جمع کرد.

He gathered the rest of his strength for the final stage.

Metaphorical use of strength.

3

باقیِ اعضای تیم با تصمیم او مخالفت کردند.

The rest of the team members opposed his decision.

Subject-verb agreement with 'a'zā' (members).

4

آثار باقی‌مانده از جنگ هنوز دیده می‌شود.

The remains left from the war are still visible.

Bāqi-mānde as a compound adjective.

5

باقیِ مطالب در فصل بعدی آمده است.

The rest of the material is presented in the next chapter.

Formal academic phrasing.

6

او باقیِ شب را به فکر کردن گذراند.

He spent the rest of the night thinking.

Verb 'gozarāndan' (to spend time).

7

باقیِ زمین‌ها به کشاورزان واگذار شد.

The rest of the lands were transferred to the farmers.

Formal verb 'vāgozār shodan'.

8

هیچ شک و تردیدی باقی نمانده است.

No doubt or hesitation remains.

Abstract compound subject.

1

باقیِ قضایا را به دادگاه واگذار می‌کنیم.

We leave the rest of the matters to the court.

Legal context.

2

او باقیِ میراث خود را به خیریه بخشید.

He donated the rest of his heritage/estate to charity.

Use of 'mirās' (heritage/estate).

3

باقیِ عمر را در جستجوی حقیقت بود.

He spent the rest of his life in search of truth.

Philosophical tone.

4

باقیِ مطالبات پیمانکاران پرداخت شد.

The rest of the contractors' claims were paid.

Business/Financial terminology.

5

او باقیِ توان خود را در این اثر هنری گذاشت.

He put the rest of his capability into this artwork.

Expressive/Literary usage.

6

باقیِ شواهد نشان‌دهنده بی‌گناهی اوست.

The rest of the evidence indicates his innocence.

Formal evidence terminology.

7

باقیِ راه دشوارتر از آن بود که فکر می‌کردیم.

The rest of the way was harder than we thought.

Comparative structure.

8

باقیِ تمدن‌های باستان در زیر خاک مدفون هستند.

The remains of ancient civilizations are buried underground.

Historical/Scientific context.

1

باقیِ بقای تو باشد که چنین نیکی کردی.

May your permanence remain for doing such good.

Archaic/Poetic blessing.

2

او در باقیِ ایام به انزوا روی آورد.

In his remaining days, he turned to isolation.

High literary style.

3

باقیِ مَلِک را به وزیر سپرد و برفت.

He entrusted the rest of the kingdom to the minister and left.

Classical Persian prose style.

4

باقیِ بحث را به مجالی دیگر وامی‌گذاریم.

We leave the rest of the discussion for another opportunity.

Formal rhetorical device.

5

او باقیِ جان را در راه وطن فدا کرد.

He sacrificed the rest of his life for his homeland.

Heroic/Nationalistic tone.

6

باقیِ اسرار در دل شب نهفته است.

The rest of the secrets are hidden in the heart of the night.

Mystical/Poetic imagery.

7

باقیِ عمرِ فانی را به عبادت گذراند.

He spent the rest of his transient life in worship.

Theological contrast (bāqi vs fāni).

8

باقیِ داستان را تاریخ قضاوت خواهد کرد.

History will judge the rest of the story.

Metaphorical personification of history.

Common Collocations

باقی ماندن
باقی گذاشتن
باقی پول
باقی عمر
باقی وقت
باقی قضایا
باقی مانده حساب
باقی روز
باقی مسیر
باقی دوستان

Common Phrases

باقی بقایت

— A polite closing in letters meaning 'may you remain'.

در پایان، باقی بقایت.

باقی به خیر

— May the rest be good (often said after a bad start).

ان‌شاءالله باقی به خیر باشد.

باقی را بگذار برای بعد

— Leave the rest for later.

خسته شدی، باقی را بگذار برای بعد.

باقی‌اش با خدا

— The rest is up to God.

ما تلاش کردیم، باقی‌اش با خدا.

باقیِ ماجرا

— The rest of the story/adventure.

باقی ماجرا را فردا می‌گویم.

باقیِ راه

— The rest of the way.

باقی راه را دویدیم.

باقیِ شب

— The rest of the night.

باقی شب آرام بود.

باقیِ میوه‌ها

— The rest of the fruits.

باقی میوه‌ها را بشور.

باقیِ عمر

— The rest of one's life.

باقی عمر را در آرامش بود.

باقیِ کار

— The rest of the work.

باقی کار را تمام کن.

Often Confused With

باقی vs باقی (Bāqi)

Means remaining/rest.

باقی vs باغی (Bāghi)

Means gardener (pronounced similarly in some dialects).

باقی vs یاغی (Yāghi)

Means rebel/insurgent.

Idioms & Expressions

"باقیات و صالحات"

— Good deeds that last after death.

این مدرسه باقیات و صالحات اوست.

Formal/Religious
"باقیِ بقای تو"

— A wish for long life.

باقی بقای تو باشد.

Poetic
"باقیِ حرف‌ها"

— The rest of the talk (implies 'let's skip the details').

باقی حرف‌ها بماند برای بعد.

Informal
"باقی‌اش بماند"

— Let the rest stay (I don't want to talk about it).

باقی‌اش بماند، حوصله ندارم.

Informal
"باقیِ عمرِ گل"

— Short-lived (like the rest of a flower's life).

باقی عمر گل کوتاه است.

Poetic
"باقیِ کاسه و کوزه"

— The rest of the belongings.

باقی کاسه و کوزه را جمع کرد.

Informal
"باقیِ نمک"

— The remaining salt (metaphor for wit or charm).

باقی نمکش را ریخت.

Literary
"باقیِ حساب در قیامت"

— Settling the rest of the score in the afterlife.

باقی حساب ما در قیامت.

Religious/Threatening
"باقیِ عمر به خیر"

— Wishing a good remainder of life.

باقی عمرت به خیر باشد.

Formal
"باقیِ راه را رفتن"

— To finish what was started.

باید باقی راه را برویم.

General

Easily Confused

باقی vs بقیه

Both mean 'the rest'.

'Baqiye' is more common in informal speech, while 'bāqi' is used in both formal and informal contexts and as part of compound verbs.

بقیه‌اش رو بگو vs باقیِ پول.

باقی vs دیگر

Both can refer to 'others'.

'Digar' means 'other' (different), while 'bāqi' means 'remaining' (the rest of a specific group).

دیگر دوستان vs باقیِ دوستان.

باقی vs مانده

Both mean 'left'.

'Mānde' is the past participle of 'to stay'. 'Bāqi' is an adjective. They are often used together: 'bāqi mānde'.

سه روز مانده.

باقی vs سایر

Both mean 'the rest'.

'Sāyer' is very formal and usually used in lists.

سایر موارد.

باقی vs اضافه

Both can mean 'extra/leftover'.

'Ezafe' means 'extra' or 'additional', while 'bāqi' means 'what is left of the original'.

پول اضافه vs باقیِ پول.

Sentence Patterns

A1

[Number] + [Noun] + باقی است.

دو سیب باقی است.

A2

باقیِ + [Noun] + را + [Verb].

باقیِ غذا را بخور.

B1

چقدر + [Noun] + باقی مانده است؟

چقدر وقت باقی مانده است؟

B2

هیچ + [Noun] + باقی نمانده.

هیچ امیدی باقی نمانده.

C1

باقیِ + [Abstract Noun] + به + [Noun] + بستگی دارد.

باقیِ ماجرا به تو بستگی دارد.

C2

آنچه باقی می‌ماند + [Noun] + است.

آنچه باقی می‌ماند نام نیک است.

A2

فقط + [Time] + باقی است.

فقط یک ساعت باقی است.

B1

باقیِ + [Plural People] + کجا هستند؟

باقیِ مهمان‌ها کجا هستند؟

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

Related

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in daily life, especially commerce and time-keeping.

Common Mistakes
  • Man be bāqi niyāz dāram (for sleep). Man be esterāhat niyāz dāram.

    Bāqi means remainder, not relaxation.

  • Bāqi pul rā bede. Bāqi-ye pul rā bede.

    Missing the Ezafe (-e) between bāqi and pul.

  • Māndan bāqi. Bāqi māndan.

    In compound verbs, the adjective comes before the verb.

  • Bāghi pul. Bāqi pul.

    Confusing the 'q' (ق) with 'gh' (غ) which changes the meaning to 'gardener'.

  • Bāqi-ye esterāhat. Bāqi-ye vaght.

    Using 'esterāhat' when you mean 'the rest of the time'.

Tips

The Ezafe Bridge

Always use the Ezafe (-e) when saying 'the rest of...'. It's 'bāqi-ye ghazā', not 'bāqi ghazā'.

Money Matters

Use 'bāqi-ye pul' to ask for your change at a shop. It's the most natural way.

The 'Q' Sound

Practice the 'q' sound in the back of your throat to distinguish 'bāqi' from 'bāghi' (gardener).

Legacy

Remember 'bāqiāt-e sālehāt' when talking about charity; it's a very respected concept.

Formal vs Informal

In formal letters, 'mabāqi' can be used, but 'bāqi' is always safe.

Time Left

To ask 'How much time is left?', say 'Cheghadr vaght bāqi-st?'

News Transitions

Listen for 'bāqi-ye khabar-hā' to know when a news segment is moving to other topics.

Back-Key

Think of the 'Back Key' left on the table to remember 'bāqi' means remaining.

Not for Sleeping

Never use 'bāqi' for taking a nap. Use 'esterāhat' for that!

Math Remainder

If you are studying math in Persian, 'bāqi-mānde' is your best friend for division.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'Back-Key'. If you leave the 'Back Key' to your house on the table, it is what is 'Bāqi' (remaining) there.

Visual Association

Imagine a large pizza with only one slice left. That single slice is the 'Bāqi' of the pizza.

Word Web

Money (Pul) Time (Zaman) Food (Ghaza) Stay (Mandan) Rest (Baqiye) Eternal (Javedan) Remainder (Baqimande) Left (Mande)

Challenge

Try to use 'bāqi' in three different contexts today: once for time, once for money, and once for an object.

Word Origin

Derived from the Arabic root B-Q-Y (ب ق ي), which relates to staying, remaining, or surviving. It entered Persian during the early Islamic period.

Original meaning: To stay, to continue to exist, to be left over.

Semitic (Arabic) root, adopted into Indo-European (Persian).

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities; it is a neutral, widely used term.

English speakers use 'the rest' for both 'remainder' and 'relaxation'. Persian separates these into 'bāqi' and 'esterāhat'.

The Quranic name 'Al-Bāqi'. Poetry of Khayyam regarding the transient vs. the eternal. Modern Iranian pop songs about 'bāqi-ye omr' (the rest of life).

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Shopping

  • باقی پولم را بده.
  • چقدر باقی مانده؟
  • باقی‌اش را نخواستم.
  • باقی پول خرد ندارید؟

Time Management

  • چقدر وقت باقی است؟
  • ده دقیقه باقی مانده.
  • باقی وقت را استراحت کن.
  • زمان باقی‌مانده کم است.

Dining

  • باقی غذا را ببرید.
  • کمی برنج باقی مانده.
  • باقی نوشابه را بخور.
  • باقی میوه‌ها کجاست؟

Education

  • باقی درس برای فردا.
  • باقی تمرین‌ها را حل کن.
  • فقط دو صفحه باقی است.
  • باقی بچه‌ها کجا هستند؟

Travel

  • باقی راه طولانی است.
  • باقی بنزین کافی نیست.
  • باقی مسافران آمدند.
  • باقی بلیت‌ها تمام شد.

Conversation Starters

"چقدر از وقت باقی مانده است؟ (How much time is left?)"

"آیا باقیِ دوستان هم می‌آیند؟ (Are the rest of the friends coming too?)"

"باقیِ پول را کجا گذاشتی؟ (Where did you put the rest of the money?)"

"از کیک چیزی باقی مانده؟ (Is there any cake left?)"

"باقیِ روز را چه کار می‌کنی؟ (What are you doing for the rest of the day?)"

Journal Prompts

بنویسید که اگر فقط یک ساعت از عمرتان باقی مانده باشد، چه می‌کنید. (Write what you would do if only one hour of your life remained.)

درباره باقیِ کارهایی که باید در این هفته انجام دهید بنویسید. (Write about the rest of the tasks you must do this week.)

آیا چیزی از خاطرات کودکی‌تان باقی مانده است؟ توصیف کنید. (Does anything remain from your childhood memories? Describe.)

باقیِ پولی که پس‌انداز کرده‌اید را صرف چه خواهید کرد؟ (What will you spend the rest of your saved money on?)

یک داستان کوتاه بنویسید که با جمله 'فقط یک نفر باقی مانده بود' شروع شود. (Write a short story starting with 'Only one person remained'.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It can be both. As an adjective, it means 'remaining' (e.g., 'vagh-te bāqi'). As a noun, it means 'the rest' (e.g., 'bāqi-ye pul').

You can say 'bāqi-ye mardom' or 'baqiye-ye mardom'. 'Bāqi-ye mardom' is slightly more formal.

'Baqiye' is the noun form commonly used in spoken Persian. 'Bāqi' is the root adjective/noun used in both formal and informal contexts.

No. For 'rest' as in relaxation, use 'esterāhat'. 'Bāqi' only means 'remainder'.

You say 'bāqi-ye pul'. For example, 'Bāqi-ye pul-e man ra bedahid' (Give me my change).

Yes, 'bāqi-mānde' is the term for the remainder in a division problem.

It is an Arabic loanword that is fully integrated into Persian.

The opposite depends on context, but 'tamām' (finished) or 'fāni' (perishing) are common.

Yes, in poetic and religious contexts, it refers to that which lasts forever.

It is most commonly used with 'māndan' (to remain) or 'gozāshtan' (to leave).

Test Yourself 180 questions

writing

Write 'Two apples are left' in Persian.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

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writing

Write 'The rest of the money' in Persian.

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writing

Write 'Ten minutes are left' in Persian.

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writing

Write 'Eat the rest of the food' in Persian.

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writing

Write 'No hope remains' in Persian.

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writing

Write 'The rest of the story is for tomorrow' in Persian.

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writing

Write 'The remaining budget is for schools' in Persian.

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writing

Write 'He lived the rest of his life in Iran' in Persian.

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writing

Write 'The rest of the evidence shows his innocence' in Persian.

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writing

Write 'Only God is eternal' using 'باقی'.

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writing

Write 'One person remains'.

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writing

Write 'Where are the rest of the books?'.

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writing

Write 'I spent the rest of the night at home'.

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writing

Write 'The remainder of the loan was paid'.

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writing

Write 'History will judge the rest'.

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writing

Write 'A little water is left'.

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writing

Write 'The rest of the way is hard'.

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writing

Write 'The rest of the people left'.

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writing

Write 'No doubt remains'.

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writing

Write 'The rest of the secrets are hidden'.

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speaking

Say 'Two apples are left' in Persian.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'The rest of the money' in Persian.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'Ten minutes left' in Persian.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'Eat the rest of the food' in Persian.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'No hope remains' in Persian.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'The rest of the story' in Persian.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'The remaining budget' in Persian.

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speaking

Say 'The rest of my life' in Persian.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'The rest of the evidence' in Persian.

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speaking

Say 'Only God remains' in Persian.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'One person left'.

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speaking

Say 'Where is the rest?'.

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speaking

Say 'The rest of the night'.

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speaking

Say 'The rest of the path'.

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speaking

Say 'The rest of the secrets'.

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speaking

Say 'A little left'.

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speaking

Say 'The rest of the fruits'.

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speaking

Say 'The rest of the work'.

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speaking

Say 'The rest of the friends'.

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speaking

Say 'The rest of the matters'.

Read this aloud:

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listening

Listen and identify the word: 'باقی'

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listening

Listen and identify: 'باقی پول'

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listening

Listen and identify: 'ده دقیقه باقی'

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listening

Listen and identify: 'باقی غذا'

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listening

Listen and identify: 'هیچ باقی نمانده'

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listening

Listen and identify: 'باقی داستان'

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listening

Listen and identify: 'باقی بودجه'

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listening

Listen and identify: 'باقی عمر'

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listening

Listen and identify: 'باقی قضایا'

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listening

Listen and identify: 'فقط خدا باقی است'

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listening

Listen: 'دو نفر باقی'. How many?

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listening

Listen: 'باقی کتاب‌ها'. What?

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listening

Listen: 'باقی شب'. When?

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listening

Listen: 'باقی مسیر'. What?

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listening

Listen: 'باقی اسرار'. What?

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/ 180 correct

Perfect score!

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