At the A1 level, the word 'bad-bini' (pessimism) might be a bit advanced, but you can understand it as 'looking at things in a bad way'. It comes from 'bad' (bad) and 'bini' (seeing). Think of it like wearing 'bad glasses'. You might hear it when someone is very sad or worried. At this stage, just remember that 'bad' means bad, and when you see 'bad-bin' (pessimistic), it describes a person who thinks bad things will happen. You don't need to use it in complex sentences yet. Just try to recognize it. For example, if a friend says 'Man bad-bin hastam', they are saying 'I am pessimistic'. It is the opposite of 'khosh-bin' (optimistic/happy-seeing). Focus on the 'bad' part of the word to help you remember its meaning. If you see a movie character who always complains, they have 'bad-bini'. It's a useful word to know because it helps you describe people's moods simply. Try to say 'Bad-bini bad ast' (Pessimism is bad) to practice the sound. It's pronounced like 'bad' in English, followed by 'bee-nee'. Easy, right? Just keep it simple and focus on the feeling of the word.
At the A2 level, you can start using 'bad-bini' as a noun in simple sentences. You might say 'U bad-bini darad' (He has pessimism). This is a common way to describe someone's personality. You can also use it to talk about why someone is not happy. For example, 'Bad-bini khob nist' (Pessimism is not good). At this level, you are beginning to see how Persian uses nouns where English might use adjectives. You should also learn the word 'bad-bin' (pessimistic) to describe people directly. 'Ali bad-bin ast' (Ali is pessimistic). You will encounter this word in simple stories or conversations about the weather or future plans. If someone thinks it will rain during a picnic, they are being 'bad-bin'. You can contrast it with 'khosh-bini' (optimism). 'Man khosh-bin hastam, vali u bad-bin ast' (I am optimistic, but he is pessimistic). This helps you build your vocabulary of opposites. Remember the structure: [Person] + [bad-bini] + [darad] (Person has pessimism). This is the most natural way to use it at your level. Try to use it when talking about a character in a book or a friend's mood. It's a great word to add some depth to your descriptions.
At the B1 level, you should be able to use 'bad-bini' in more complex contexts, such as discussing opinions or social issues. You can use prepositions like 'nesbat be' (toward) to specify what the pessimism is about. For example, 'U nesbat be ayande bad-bini darad' (He has pessimism toward the future). This level is where you start to understand that 'bad-bini' isn't just a mood, but an outlook. You might hear it in news reports about the economy or in discussions about a project's success. You should also be able to distinguish it from 'bad-gomani' (suspicion). 'Bad-bini' is about the situation, while 'bad-gomani' is often about people. Practice using it with modifiers like 'kamy' (a little) or 'ziyad' (a lot). 'Kamy bad-bini dar in kar lazam ast' (A little pessimism is necessary in this work - meaning caution). You are now moving beyond simple descriptions into expressing nuanced viewpoints. You can also use it in the 'ezafe' construction: 'bad-bini-ye mardom' (the people's pessimism). This is a key grammar point for B1. Try writing a short paragraph about why some people are pessimistic about the environment using this word. It will help you solidify your understanding of how it fits into a logical argument.
At the B2 level, 'bad-bini' becomes a tool for more sophisticated analysis. You can use it to discuss abstract concepts like 'bad-bini-ye falsafi' (philosophical pessimism) or 'bad-bini-ye ejtema'i' (social pessimism). You should be comfortable using it in formal writing and debates. For instance, you might argue that 'Bad-bini mane'e pishraft-e jame'e mishavad' (Pessimism becomes an obstacle to the progress of society). At this stage, you should also recognize its usage in literature and media as a critique of 'siah-namayi' (portraying things as overly dark). You can use more advanced verbs like 'ghalabe kardan bar' (to overcome). 'Chegoone mitavan bar bad-bini ghalabe kard?' (How can one overcome pessimism?). Your vocabulary should now include related terms like 'manfi-bafi' (negative weaving) and you should know when to use each for the right effect. You can discuss the psychological causes of pessimism, such as past failures or cultural influences. In a conversation, you might use it to qualify a statement: 'Bedoon-e hich bad-bini-yi, bayad beguyam...' (Without any pessimism, I must say...). This shows a high level of control over the word's register and emotional weight. Practice using it in a formal essay or a presentation about social trends in Iran.
At the C1 level, you are exploring the deep cultural and philosophical roots of 'bad-bini' in Persian thought. You can analyze how this concept appears in the works of classical poets like Omar Khayyam or modern writers like Sadegh Hedayat. You should be able to discuss the 'ontological pessimism' that some critics find in Persian literature. Your usage should be flawless, including the correct use of 'ezafe' and complex sentence structures. For example, 'Bad-bini-ye amookhte-shode dar nasl-haye gozashte, ta'sir-e amighi bar raftar-haye eghtesadi-ye emrooz darad' (The learned pessimism in past generations has a profound impact on today's economic behaviors). You can use the word to engage in high-level academic or intellectual discourse. You should also understand the subtle difference between 'bad-bini' and 'waqe-bini' (realism) as it is used in political rhetoric. You might hear a politician say, 'In bad-bini nist, waqe-bini ast' (This isn't pessimism, it's realism). You can also use it metaphorically, such as 'ayeneye bad-bini' (the mirror of pessimism). At this level, you are not just using the word; you are manipulating it to express complex, multi-layered ideas about the human condition and society. You can participate in a seminar or write a critique of a film focusing on its underlying 'bad-bini'.
At the C2 level, your mastery of 'bad-bini' is complete. You can detect the slightest nuances of its use in any context, from a subtle hint of irony in a satirical piece to the heavy weight of existential dread in a philosophical treatise. You can use it to construct intricate arguments about the nature of the Persian psyche or the historical trajectory of Iranian society. You might discuss 'bad-bini' as a form of cultural resistance or as a symptom of collective trauma. Your language use is indistinguishable from a highly educated native speaker. You can use rare and archaic synonyms if needed for stylistic effect, or switch to modern slang that might mock someone's 'manfi-bafi'. You understand the word's role in the 'Siah-namayi' debates in Iranian cinema and can offer a nuanced critique of these arguments. You can write poetry or high-level prose that incorporates 'bad-bini' as a central theme, using it to evoke specific emotional responses. For example, you might write about how 'Bad-bini, hamchoon ghobari târ, bar chehreye omid neshaste ast' (Pessimism, like a dark dust, has settled on the face of hope). Your understanding is not just linguistic but deeply cultural and intellectual. You are capable of translating complex English philosophical texts on pessimism into Persian, capturing every nuance of the original while maintaining a natural Persian flow.

بد بینی in 30 Seconds

  • Bad-bini is the Persian noun for pessimism, literally meaning 'bad-seeing'.
  • It is used to describe a negative outlook on life, events, or people's motives.
  • The word is a compound of 'bad' (bad) and 'bini' (vision/seeing).
  • It is the direct antonym of 'khosh-bini' (optimism) and is common in many registers.

The Persian word بدبینی (pronounced as 'bad-bini') is a compound noun that translates directly to 'pessimism' in English. It is formed by two distinct parts: bad meaning 'bad' or 'evil', and bini, which is derived from the present stem of the verb didani (to see), meaning 'seeing' or 'vision'. Therefore, the literal etymological meaning is 'bad-seeing' or 'having a negative vision'. In the Persian-speaking world, this term is not just a psychological label but a deeply ingrained cultural concept that describes a person's outlook on life, future events, and the intentions of others. When someone is described as having بدبینی, they are seen as someone who consistently expects the worst outcome, doubts the sincerity of others, or views the world through a lens of skepticism and gloom. This word is frequently used in clinical psychology, daily social commentary, and classical literature to contrast with its positive counterpart, خوش‌بینی (optimism).

Semantic Range
The term covers everything from a temporary mood of doubt to a deep-seated philosophical stance. It can refer to a lack of trust in a political system or a personal habit of worrying about future failures.
Social Connotation
In Iranian culture, while excessive pessimism is discouraged, a certain degree of 'caution' (which can sometimes look like pessimism) is often seen as a survival mechanism against historical uncertainties.

او همیشه با بدبینی به مسائل نگاه می‌کند و هیچ وقت جنبه مثبت را نمی‌بیند.

Translation: He always looks at issues with pessimism and never sees the positive side.

Understanding the nuances of بدبینی requires looking at how it functions in different registers. In a formal academic setting, you might encounter it in discussions about 'philosophical pessimism' (بدبینی فلسفی), whereas in a casual conversation, a friend might tell you, 'اینقدر بدبین نباش' (Don't be so pessimistic). The word is versatile because it can be used as a noun (pessimism) or modified into an adjective (bad-bin - pessimistic). It is often linked to the concept of 'misery' or 'distrust'. Culturally, Iranians might use this word to describe a collective mood during economic hardships or social shifts. It is also a key term in Persian poetry and prose that explores the human condition, often juxtaposing the harshness of fate with the individual's 'bad-seeing' or 'good-seeing' of that fate.

دلیل شکست پروژه، بدبینی بیش از حد مدیران بود.

Translation: The reason for the project's failure was the excessive pessimism of the managers.

Furthermore, بدبینی is often associated with 'bad-gomani' (suspicion). While they are related, bad-bini is broader, covering an outlook on events, while bad-gomani is specifically about doubting people's motives. In modern Iranian media, you will see this word in headlines regarding economic forecasts or international relations. It is a powerful word that evokes a sense of heaviness and caution. For a learner, mastering this word opens up the ability to discuss complex emotions and social critiques in Persian. It is one of those 'high-value' words that transitions you from basic descriptions of feelings to more sophisticated analysis of character and situation.

ترس از آینده باعث ایجاد بدبینی در جامعه شده است.

Translation: Fear of the future has caused pessimism in society.

Using بدبینی correctly involves understanding its role as a noun and how it interacts with verbs and prepositions. In Persian, nouns like this are often paired with the verb dashtan (to have) or nesbat be (toward). For example, to say 'He has pessimism toward the plan,' you would say 'او نسبت به نقشه بدبینی دارد.' This structure is very common in both written and spoken Persian. Another common way to use it is in the form of an 'ezafe' construction, where it is linked to another noun, such as 'bad-bini-ye u' (his pessimism).

With Verbs
Commonly used with 'dashtan' (to have), 'ijad kardan' (to create), or 'door kardan' (to distance/remove).

ما باید بدبینی را از خودمان دور کنیم.

Translation: We must distance ourselves from pessimism.

When you want to describe the cause or effect of pessimism, you might use 'ba' (with) or 'be dalil-e' (because of). For instance, 'Be dalil-e bad-bini, u hichvaght rizsk nemikonad' (Because of pessimism, he never takes risks). Notice how the word remains stable as a noun, but the surrounding context changes the complexity of the sentence. In more advanced Persian, you might see it used in the subject position: 'Bad-bini mane' pishraft ast' (Pessimism is an obstacle to progress). This shows how the word can be the central theme of a logical argument.

این سطح از بدبینی برای سلامت روان خطرناک است.

Translation: This level of pessimism is dangerous for mental health.

In literary contexts, بدبینی can be personified or treated as a veil that covers the eyes. You might find phrases like 'pardeye bad-bini' (the curtain of pessimism). In political discourse, it is often used to describe the public's lack of trust in institutions: 'Bad-bini-ye mardom nesbat be dolat' (People's pessimism toward the government). To sound more natural, practice using it with intensity modifiers like 'bi-shaz-had' (excessive) or 'shadeed' (intense). For example, 'Bad-bini-ye shadeedi dar jame'e vojood darad' (There is an intense pessimism in society). This allows you to express not just the state of being pessimistic, but the degree and impact of it.

او با بدبینی تمام، پیشنهاد من را رد کرد.

Translation: With total pessimism, he rejected my proposal.

The word بدبینی is ubiquitous in various sectors of Iranian life. One of the most common places you will hear it is in family or social gatherings when discussing politics or the economy. Iranians are known for their deep analytical interest in current affairs, and bad-bini often surfaces when people discuss the likelihood of a deal succeeding or the future of the currency. You will hear phrases like 'Man be in mozo bad-binam' (I am pessimistic about this matter). In this context, it serves as a marker of one's analytical stance, often framed as 'being realistic' rather than just being negative.

In Media
News anchors and analysts use it to describe market trends or international relations. 'Bad-bini dar bazaar-e saham' (Pessimism in the stock market) is a frequent headline.

اخبار امروز پر از بدبینی نسبت به توافق هسته‌ای بود.

Translation: Today's news was full of pessimism regarding the nuclear agreement.

Another significant arena is the world of psychology and self-help, which has exploded in popularity in Iran over the last two decades. In podcasts, books, and therapy sessions, بدبینی is discussed as a cognitive distortion that needs to be managed. You'll hear therapists talk about 'ghalabe bar bad-bini' (overcoming pessimism) or how 'bad-bini-ye amookhte shode' (learned pessimism) affects personal relationships. This usage is more clinical and focuses on the individual's mental well-being. It is also a common theme in Iranian cinema, where many 'social-realist' films are criticized for their 'siah-namayi' (showing things as black/dark), which is essentially a form of artistic bad-bini.

توی فیلم‌های جدید، بدبینی زیادی نسبت به روابط انسانی دیده می‌شود.

Translation: In new movies, a lot of pessimism toward human relationships is seen.

Finally, in literature and poetry, بدبینی takes on a more philosophical and existential tone. Modernist poets like Nima Yooshij or Ahmad Shamlou often grapple with a world that seems indifferent or cruel, and their work is a profound exploration of this concept. When reading literary criticism in Persian, you will find scholars debating whether a certain author's work is rooted in 'bad-bini' or 'waqe-bin' (realism). This distinction is crucial in intellectual circles. Whether you are reading a high-brow literary journal or listening to a casual taxi driver's rant about the state of the world, bad-bini is the word that captures that specific Persian flavor of melancholy and doubt.

استاد در مورد بدبینی در اشعار خیام صحبت کرد.

Translation: The professor spoke about pessimism in Khayyam's poems.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make when learning بدبینی is confusing it with its related adjective بدبین (bad-bin). In English, 'pessimistic' is an adjective and 'pessimism' is a noun. In Persian, the distinction is equally strict. You cannot say 'Man bad-bini hastam' (I am pessimism); you must say 'Man bad-bin hastam' (I am pessimistic). Conversely, you cannot say 'In bad-bin ast' when you mean 'This is pessimism'; you must say 'In bad-bini ast'. This noun-adjective distinction is a fundamental hurdle for beginners.

Confusing with 'Bad-gomani'
While 'bad-bini' is a general outlook, 'bad-gomani' is specifically about distrusting people's intentions. Using 'bad-bini' when you mean you don't trust a specific person's honesty can sound slightly off.

اشتباه: من به علی بدبینی دارم. (درست: من به علی بدگمان هستم)

Translation: Mistake: I have pessimism toward Ali. (Correct: I am suspicious of Ali).

Another common error is the misplacement of prepositions. In English, we are 'pessimistic about' something. In Persian, the preposition nesbat be (toward) is the standard companion for بدبینی. Beginners often try to use darbareye (about), which, while sometimes understood, sounds less natural than nesbat be. For example, 'Bad-bini nesbat be ayande' (Pessimism toward the future) is the preferred structure. Additionally, learners often forget the 'ezafe' (the short 'e' sound) when connecting bad-bini to a possessive pronoun or another noun, leading to broken-sounding sentences.

اشتباه: بدبینی او درباره پروژه... (بهتر: بدبینیِ او نسبت به پروژه...)

Translation: Mistake: His pessimism about the project... (Better: His pessimism toward the project...).

Finally, there's the nuance of 'Siah-namayi'. While 'bad-bini' is a personal or collective outlook, 'siah-namayi' (making things look black) is often used as a political accusation against artists or journalists who focus only on the negative aspects of society. A learner might use 'bad-bini' when they actually want to use this more specific, politically charged term. Understanding these subtle differences helps in avoiding social faux pas and ensures your Persian sounds more like a native speaker's rather than a translated version of English thoughts.

او را به خاطر بدبینی‌اش سرزنش نکنید، او فقط واقع‌بین است.

Translation: Don't blame him for his pessimism; he is just being realistic.

While بدبینی is the most direct translation for 'pessimism', Persian offers a rich palette of synonyms and related terms that can add precision to your speech. Depending on whether you're talking about a lack of trust, a negative outlook, or a philosophical stance, you might choose a different word. Understanding these alternatives will help you navigate different social and professional settings more effectively.

بدبینی vs. بدگمانی
بدبینی: General pessimism about outcomes or the world.
بدگمانی: Specific suspicion or lack of trust in a person's motives.
بدبینی vs. منفی‌بافی
بدبینی: An outlook or state of mind.
منفی‌بافی: Literally 'negative weaving'; refers to the act of constantly talking or thinking negatively, often in an annoying way.

دست از منفی‌بافی بردار و کمی امیدوار باش!

Translation: Stop the negative weaving (negativity) and be a little hopeful!

Another interesting alternative is یأس (Ya's), which means 'despair' or 'hopelessness'. While bad-bini is about an expectation of the worst, ya's is the emotional state when you feel all hope is already lost. In a more formal or literary context, you might encounter سودازدگی (Saudazadegi), which relates to melancholy or a 'black bile' temperament, often leading to a pessimistic worldview. In modern psychological Persian, you might hear نگرش منفی (Negaresh-e manfi), which literally means 'negative attitude'. This is often used as a more neutral, clinical alternative to the more emotionally charged bad-bini.

او به خاطر بدگمانی، هیچ دوستی ندارد.

Translation: Because of suspicion (distrust), he has no friends.

For those interested in the opposite, خوش‌بینی (Khosh-bini) is the perfect antonym. If you want to describe someone who is 'realistic' rather than pessimistic, use واقع‌بینی (Waqe-bini). In debates, people often defend their bad-bini by claiming it is actually waqe-bini. Mastering these distinctions allows you to engage in much deeper conversations about character, politics, and philosophy. It shows that you don't just know the words, but you understand the nuances of the Persian worldview.

بین بدبینی و واقع‌بینی مرز باریکی وجود دارد.

Translation: There is a thin line between pessimism and realism.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"جناب رئیس، بدبینی موجود در گزارش‌های مالی نگران‌کننده است."

Neutral

"او نسبت به موفقیت این طرح بدبینی دارد."

Informal

"اینقدر بدبینی نکن، درست میشه بابا!"

Child friendly

"عزیزم، نباید فکر کنی همیشه اتفاق‌های بد می‌افته؛ بدبینی خوب نیست."

Slang

"فاز بدبینی برندار دیگه، گند می‌زنی به همه چی!"

Fun Fact

The root 'bin' is the same root found in the English word 'vision' (via distant Indo-European cognates). So 'bad-bini' is literally 'bad-vision'.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /bædˈbiːni/
US /bædˈbini/
The primary stress is on the 'bi' syllable: bad-BI-ni.
Rhymes With
Binayi (sight) Zibayi (beauty) Tavanayi (ability) Dana'i (wisdom) Roshnayi (brightness) Gedayi (begging) Rostayi (villager) Aashnayi (acquaintance)
Common Errors
  • Pronouncing the 'a' in 'bad' like 'aw' (bod-bini).
  • Putting the stress on the first syllable (BAD-bini).
  • Shortening the final 'i' sound so it sounds like 'bin-ih'.
  • Confusing the 'bini' part with 'binayi' (sight).
  • Merging the two words into one sound without the distinct 'd' stop.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The word itself is easy to recognize, but it often appears in complex abstract sentences.

Writing 4/5

Requires correct use of the ezafe and prepositions like 'nesbat be'.

Speaking 3/5

Pronunciation is straightforward, but natural usage requires knowing the right collocations.

Listening 3/5

Common in news and podcasts, usually pronounced clearly.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

بد (Bad) دیدن (To see) خوب (Good) آینده (Future) ترس (Fear)

Learn Next

خوش‌بینی (Optimism) واقع‌بینی (Realism) شکاکیت (Skepticism) ناامیدی (Hopelessness) اعتماد (Trust)

Advanced

سودازدگی (Melancholy) پوچ‌گرایی (Nihilism) سیاه‌نمایی (Dark portrayal) بدگمانی (Suspicion) مصلحت (Expediency)

Grammar to Know

Compound Noun Formation

بد (adj) + بینی (noun stem) = بدبینی (noun)

Ezafe Construction

بدبینیِ او (His pessimism)

Prepositional Requirements

بدبینی نسبت به (Pessimism toward)

Noun to Adjective conversion

بدبینی (pessimism) -> بدبین (pessimistic)

Abstract Noun Pluralization

بدبینی‌ها (instances of pessimism)

Examples by Level

1

من بدبین نیستم.

I am not pessimistic.

Simple negation with 'nistam'.

2

او کمی بدبینی دارد.

He has a little pessimism.

Using 'darad' (has) with the noun.

3

بدبینی خوب نیست.

Pessimism is not good.

Simple subject-complement structure.

4

چرا اینقدر بدبینی؟

Why are you so pessimistic?

Informal 'i' ending for 'hasti'.

5

او همیشه بدبین است.

He is always pessimistic.

Use of 'hamishe' (always).

6

دوست من بدبین نیست.

My friend is not pessimistic.

Possessive 'man' with 'doost'.

7

بدبینی را کنار بگذار.

Put pessimism aside.

Imperative 'kenar bogzar'.

8

این یک بدبینی است.

This is a (case of) pessimism.

Using 'yek' as an indefinite article.

1

او به همه چیز با بدبینی نگاه می‌کند.

He looks at everything with pessimism.

Preposition 'ba' (with).

2

بدبینی او باعث ناراحتی ما شد.

His pessimism caused our sadness.

Ezafe construction 'bad-bini-ye u'.

3

ما نباید دچار بدبینی شویم.

We should not fall into pessimism.

Compound verb 'dochar shodan'.

4

آیا بدبینی یک بیماری است؟

Is pessimism a disease?

Question form with 'aya'.

5

او به خاطر بدبینی‌اش تنها ماند.

He remained alone because of his pessimism.

Prepositional phrase 'be khatere'.

6

پدرم همیشه از بدبینی دوری می‌کند.

My father always avoids pessimism.

Verb 'doori kardan' (to avoid).

7

این کتاب درباره بدبینی است.

This book is about pessimism.

Preposition 'darbareye' (about).

8

او سعی می‌کند بدبینی را ترک کند.

He tries to quit pessimism.

Verb 'tark kardan' (to quit/leave).

1

او نسبت به آینده شغلی‌اش بدبینی شدیدی دارد.

He has intense pessimism toward his career future.

Preposition 'nesbat be' (toward).

2

بدبینی می‌تواند مانع موفقیت شما شود.

Pessimism can be an obstacle to your success.

Modal 'mitavanad' (can).

3

بسیاری از مردم دچار بدبینی اجتماعی شده‌اند.

Many people have fallen into social pessimism.

Adjective 'ejtema'i' (social).

4

او با بدبینی تمام، پیشنهاد ما را رد کرد.

With total pessimism, he rejected our offer.

Adverbial use of 'ba bad-bini-ye tamam'.

5

ریشه این بدبینی در شکست‌های گذشته است.

The root of this pessimism is in past failures.

Subject 'rishe' (root).

6

چگونه می‌توانیم بدبینی را به خوش‌بینی تبدیل کنیم؟

How can we turn pessimism into optimism?

Verb 'tabdil kardan' (to convert).

7

بدبینی بیش از حد، نشانه افسردگی است.

Excessive pessimism is a sign of depression.

Phrase 'bish az had' (excessive).

8

او سعی داشت بدبینی خود را پنهان کند.

He was trying to hide his pessimism.

Past continuous 'say dasht' + infinitive.

1

بدبینی حاکم بر بازار، سرمایه‌گذاران را نگران کرده است.

The pessimism ruling the market has worried investors.

Participle 'hakem bar' (ruling over).

2

نویسنده در این کتاب، نگاهی توأم با بدبینی به تاریخ دارد.

In this book, the author has a look coupled with pessimism toward history.

Phrase 'to'am ba' (coupled with).

3

او مدعی است که بدبینی او در واقع نوعی واقع‌بینی است.

He claims that his pessimism is actually a kind of realism.

Subordinate clause with 'ke' (that).

4

غلبه بر بدبینی مزمن کار آسانی نیست.

Overcoming chronic pessimism is not an easy task.

Gerund 'ghalabe kardan' as subject.

5

این فیلم به خاطر بدبینی افراطی‌اش مورد نقد قرار گرفت.

This film was criticized because of its extreme pessimism.

Passive construction 'mored-e naghd gharar gereft'.

6

بدبینی می‌تواند به یک پیش‌گویی خود-محقق‌کننده تبدیل شود.

Pessimism can turn into a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Complex noun 'pish-gooyi-ye khod-mohaghigh-konande'.

7

او از بدبینی به عنوان سپری در برابر ناامیدی استفاده می‌کند.

He uses pessimism as a shield against disappointment.

Simile 'be onvan-e separ' (as a shield).

8

تجربیات تلخ او را به سمت بدبینی سوق داده است.

Bitter experiences have driven him toward pessimism.

Verb 'sugh dadan' (to drive/push toward).

1

بدبینی فلسفی شاپنهاور، تأثیر عمیقی بر ادبیات قرن بیستم داشت.

Schopenhauer's philosophical pessimism had a profound effect on 20th-century literature.

Academic historical context.

2

او با ظرافت، مرز میان بدبینی و شکاکیت را تبیین کرد.

He elegantly explained the boundary between pessimism and skepticism.

Verb 'tabyin kardan' (to explain/elucidate).

3

در این اثر، بدبینی نه به عنوان یک ضعف، بلکه به عنوان یک فضیلت مطرح می‌شود.

In this work, pessimism is presented not as a weakness, but as a virtue.

Contrastive structure 'na be onvan-e... balke...'

4

سیاه‌نمایی در سینما اغلب با بدبینی صادقانه اشتباه گرفته می‌شود.

Portraying things as dark (siah-namayi) in cinema is often mistaken for honest pessimism.

Passive 'eshtebah gerefte mishavad'.

5

او در یادداشت‌هایش، از بدبینی به عنوان تنها راه مواجهه با حقیقت یاد می‌کند.

In his notes, he refers to pessimism as the only way to face the truth.

Phrase 'yâd kardan az' (to mention/refer to).

6

این سطح از بدبینی ساختاری، مانع از هرگونه اصلاحات اجتماعی می‌شود.

This level of structural pessimism prevents any social reforms.

Adjective 'sakhtari' (structural).

7

نویسنده با استفاده از طنز تلخ، بدبینی خود را تلطیف کرده است.

The writer has softened his pessimism by using dark humor.

Verb 'taltif kardan' (to soften/refine).

8

بدبینی او ریشه در یک نوع پوچ‌گرایی وجودی دارد.

His pessimism is rooted in a kind of existential nihilism.

Term 'puch-garayi-ye voojoodi'.

1

تلاقی بدبینی فردی و بحران‌های جمعی، منجر به انسداد فکری شده است.

The intersection of individual pessimism and collective crises has led to intellectual blockage.

Complex noun phrase 'talaghi-ye...'

2

او در رساله خود، به نقد مبانی معرفت‌شناختی بدبینی مدرن می‌پردازد.

In his treatise, he critiques the epistemological foundations of modern pessimism.

Verb 'pardakhtan be' (to engage in/deal with).

3

بدبینی در اشعار او، نه یک موضع گذرا، بلکه یک جوهرۀ هستی‌شناختی است.

Pessimism in his poems is not a fleeting stance, but an ontological essence.

Term 'johare-ye hasti-shenakhti'.

4

وی معتقد است که بدبینی غریزی، مکانیسمی برای بقا در اعصار پرآشوب بوده است.

He believes that instinctive pessimism has been a mechanism for survival in turbulent eras.

Adjective 'gharizi' (instinctive).

5

واکاوی پیوند میان بدبینی و انفعال سیاسی، از محورهای اصلی این پژوهش است.

Analyzing the link between pessimism and political passivity is one of the main axes of this research.

Noun 'vakavi' (analysis/scrutiny).

6

او با رویکردی پدیدارشناسانه، تجربۀ زیستۀ بدبینی را توصیف می‌کند.

With a phenomenological approach, he describes the lived experience of pessimism.

Term 'tajrobe-ye ziste' (lived experience).

7

بدبینی حاد او، مرزهای میان واقعیت و توهم را در نوردیده است.

His acute pessimism has crossed the boundaries between reality and illusion.

Verb 'dar navardidan' (to traverse/cross).

8

او در نهایت، بدبینی را به مثابه شکلی از بیداری معنوی بازتعریف کرد.

He ultimately redefined pessimism as a form of spiritual awakening.

Verb 'baz-ta'rif kardan' (to redefine).

Common Collocations

بدبینی شدید
دچار بدبینی شدن
غلبه بر بدبینی
بدبینی مفرط
تزریق بدبینی
بدبینی تاریخی
موج بدبینی
بدبینی سیستماتیک
از روی بدبینی
پایان دادن به بدبینی

Common Phrases

بدبینی به آینده

— Having a negative outlook on what is to come.

بدبینی به آینده مانع سرمایه‌گذاری می‌شود.

حس بدبینی

— The feeling of pessimism.

حس بدبینی عجیبی نسبت به این قرارداد دارم.

بدبینی مصلحتی

— Strategic pessimism; being pessimistic for a practical reason.

گاهی بدبینی مصلحتی برای امنیت لازم است.

تار و پود بدبینی

— The fabric of pessimism; something deeply integrated.

بدبینی در تار و پود این سازمان نفوذ کرده است.

عینک بدبینی

— The glasses of pessimism; seeing through a negative lens.

عینک بدبینی را از چشم‌هایت بردار.

ریشه‌های بدبینی

— The origins or causes of a pessimistic outlook.

ریشه‌های بدبینی او به دوران کودکی برمی‌گردد.

بدبینی و تردید

— Pessimism and doubt; often used together.

فضا پر از بدبینی و تردید بود.

بدبینی مذهبی

— Pessimism rooted in religious interpretations.

برخی از فرقه‌ها دچار بدبینی مذهبی هستند.

بدبینی نسبت به انسان

— Misanthropy or a negative view of human nature.

او به خاطر تجربیاتش، دچار بدبینی نسبت به انسان شده است.

درمان بدبینی

— The cure or treatment for a pessimistic mindset.

ورزش یکی از راه‌های درمان بدبینی است.

Often Confused With

بد بینی vs بدگمانی

Bad-gomani is suspicion of people; Bad-bini is pessimism about outcomes.

بد بینی vs ناامیدی

Na-omidi is the lack of hope; Bad-bini is the expectation of the worst.

بد بینی vs واقع‌بینی

Waqe-bini is realism; people often confuse the two to justify their negativity.

Idioms & Expressions

"نیمه خالی لیوان را دیدن"

— To see the half-empty part of the glass; to be pessimistic.

او همیشه نیمه خالی لیوان را می‌بیند.

Informal
"آیه یأس خواندن"

— To read the verse of despair; to constantly talk negatively.

اینقدر آیه یأس نخوان، درست می‌شود.

Informal/Idiomatic
"همه چیز را سیاه دیدن"

— To see everything as black; extreme pessimism.

او بعد از ورشکستگی، همه چیز را سیاه می‌بیند.

Neutral
"توی دل کسی را خالی کردن"

— To empty someone's heart; to make someone lose hope or become pessimistic.

با این حرف‌ها توی دل من را خالی نکن.

Informal
"ساز مخالف زدن"

— To play a contrary tune; often used for pessimistic opposition.

او همیشه در جلسات ساز مخالف می‌زند.

Informal
"موی دماغ شدن"

— To become a nose hair; to be an annoying obstacle, often through pessimism.

بدبینی او موی دماغ پیشرفت ما شده است.

Slang
"آب پاکی روی دست کسی ریختن"

— To pour clean water on someone's hand; to give a final negative answer that ends hope.

او با بدبینی تمام، آب پاکی روی دستمان ریخت.

Informal
"در ناامیدی بسی امید است"

— In despair, there is much hope; a proverb to counter pessimism.

نگران نباش، در ناامیدی بسی امید است.

Literary
"دنیا را به آخر رسیدن دیدن"

— To see the world as having come to an end.

او با هر مشکلی فکر می‌کند دنیا به آخر رسیده است.

Informal
"نفوس بد زدن"

— To predict something bad; to express a pessimistic omen.

اینقدر نفوس بد نزن، ان‌شاءالله اتفاقی نمی‌افتد.

Informal

Easily Confused

بد بینی vs بدبین

Adjective vs. Noun

Bad-bin is the person (pessimistic); Bad-bini is the concept (pessimism).

او یک فرد بدبین است که بدبینی زیادی دارد.

بد بینی vs پیش‌بینی

Similar suffix

Pish-bini is prediction; Bad-bini is pessimism.

پیش‌بینی او با بدبینی همراه بود.

بد بینی vs باریک‌بینی

Similar suffix

Barik-bini is precision/attention to detail.

او با باریک‌بینی به جزئیات نگاه می‌کند.

بد بینی vs خوش‌بینی

Opposite meaning

Khosh-bini is optimism.

خوش‌بینی بهتر از بدبینی است.

بد بینی vs بدبینی

Spelling with 'binayi'

Binayi is the physical sense of sight.

او قدرت بینایی خوبی دارد اما دچار بدبینی است.

Sentence Patterns

A1

[Subject] [bad-bin] [nist/ast].

من بدبین نیستم.

A2

[Subject] [bad-bini] [darad].

او بدبینی دارد.

B1

[Subject] [nesbat be] [Object] [bad-bini] [darad].

او نسبت به آینده بدبینی دارد.

B2

[Noun] [ba'es-e] [bad-bini] [shod].

شکست باعث بدبینی شد.

C1

[Bad-bini] [dar] [context] [mashhood ast].

بدبینی در اشعار او مشهود است.

C2

[Noun] [be مثابه] [bad-bini] [talaghi mishavad].

این عمل به مثابه بدبینی تلقی می‌شود.

B1

[Subject] [bayad] [bar] [bad-bini] [ghalabe konad].

ما باید بر بدبینی غلبه کنیم.

A2

[In] [yek] [bad-bini] [ast].

این یک بدبینی است.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

Related

How to Use It

frequency

High, especially in social and political discussions.

Common Mistakes
  • Man bad-bini hastam. Man bad-bin hastam.

    You cannot 'be' the noun 'pessimism'. You must use the adjective 'pessimistic'.

  • Bad-bini darbareye ayande. Bad-bini nesbat be ayande.

    While 'darbareye' is understood, 'nesbat be' is the idiomatic preposition used with this word.

  • U bad-bin darad. U bad-bini darad.

    You cannot 'have' an adjective. You must 'have' the noun form.

  • Bad-bini-ye u ra midoonam. Az bad-bini-ye u khabar daram.

    It's more natural to say you are aware of someone's pessimism using 'khabar dashtan'.

  • Confusing 'bad-bini' with 'bad-gomani'. Use 'bad-gomani' for people.

    If you don't trust your friend, say 'bad-gomani', not 'bad-bini'.

Tips

Noun vs Adjective

Always remember that 'bad-bini' is the noun. If you want to describe yourself, say 'Man bad-bin hastam'.

Realism vs Pessimism

In Iran, many people will say 'I'm not pessimistic, I'm realistic' (Man bad-bin nistam, waqe-binam). This is a common social defense.

The 'Bin' Root

Learning the root 'bin' (seeing) will help you learn many other words like 'pish-bini' (prediction) and 'khosh-bini' (optimism).

Using 'Nesbat be'

To sound like a native, use 'nesbat be' (toward) when specifying what you are pessimistic about.

Ezafe usage

Don't forget the ezafe when connecting 'bad-bini' to a person: 'bad-bini-ye u' (his pessimism).

Clinical Context

In a psychological context, 'bad-bini' is often treated as a cognitive distortion to be corrected.

News Headlines

You will often see 'bad-bini' in headlines about the stock market or international diplomacy.

Half-Empty Glass

Use the Persian equivalent 'nimeye khaliye livan' to describe 'bad-bini' in a more colorful way.

The final 'ی'

Make sure to write the final 'ی' clearly, as it distinguishes the noun from the root.

Avoid Negativity

While 'bad-bini' is common, being known as a 'bad-bin' person is generally viewed negatively in social circles.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Bad' + 'Bin' (like binoculars). If you have 'Bad Binoculars', you see everything in a 'Bad' way. That is 'Bad-bini'.

Visual Association

Imagine a pair of glasses with dark, cloudy lenses. When you put them on, the sun disappears and everything looks gray. Those are your 'Bad-bini' glasses.

Word Web

Bad (Evil) Bin (See) Khosh-bini (Optimism) Ayande (Future) Tars (Fear) Etemad (Trust) Manfi (Negative) Zehn (Mind)

Challenge

Try to find three things today that you are 'bad-bin' about, and then try to find the 'khosh-bini' version of them. Write them down in Persian.

Word Origin

The word is a Persian compound. 'Bad' comes from Middle Persian 'wad', meaning evil or bad. 'Bini' comes from the present stem 'bin' of the verb 'didani' (to see), which has roots in Old Persian 'vain-'.

Original meaning: The literal meaning is 'bad-seeing' or 'having a negative vision'.

Indo-European -> Indo-Iranian -> Iranian -> Western Iranian -> Persian.

Cultural Context

Be careful when calling someone 'bad-bin' directly, as it can be taken as an insult or a critique of their character.

In English, pessimism is often seen as a personality trait. In Persian, it is frequently discussed as a collective social condition.

Sadegh Hedayat's 'The Blind Owl' is often cited as a masterpiece of literary bad-bini. The poetry of Omar Khayyam is sometimes interpreted as existential bad-bini regarding the fleeting nature of life. Modern Iranian cinema (e.g., films by Asghar Farhadi) is often debated in the context of realism vs. bad-bini.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Psychology

  • درمان بدبینی
  • بدبینی آموخته شده
  • افسردگی و بدبینی
  • تغییر نگرش

Economics

  • بدبینی در بازار
  • رکود و بدبینی
  • پیش‌بینی‌های بدبینانه
  • بی‌اعتمادی مصرف‌کننده

Politics

  • بدبینی به دولت
  • روابط بین‌الملل
  • سیاه‌نمایی رسانه‌ای
  • شکاف اجتماعی

Relationships

  • بدبینی به همسر
  • ریشه شک و بدبینی
  • اعتمادسازی
  • تخریب رابطه

Philosophy

  • بدبینی وجودی
  • معنای زندگی
  • رنج و بدبینی
  • دیدگاه شاپنهاور

Conversation Starters

"آیا فکر می‌کنی بدبینی همیشه چیز بدی است؟ (Do you think pessimism is always a bad thing?)"

"چطور می‌توانیم در شرایط سخت از بدبینی دوری کنیم؟ (How can we avoid pessimism in difficult conditions?)"

"به نظر تو جامعه امروز ایران دچار بدبینی شده است؟ (In your opinion, has today's Iranian society become pessimistic?)"

"آیا بدبینی می‌تواند به ما کمک کند تا واقع‌بین‌تر باشیم؟ (Can pessimism help us be more realistic?)"

"بدبین‌ترین شخصی که می‌شناسی کیست؟ (Who is the most pessimistic person you know?)"

Journal Prompts

یک بار که بدبینی باعث شد فرصتی را از دست بدهی، توصیف کن. (Describe a time when pessimism caused you to miss an opportunity.)

تفاوت بین بدبینی و واقع‌بینی از نظر تو چیست؟ (What is the difference between pessimism and realism in your view?)

چگونه اخبار روزانه بر سطح بدبینی تو تأثیر می‌گذارد؟ (How does daily news affect your level of pessimism?)

اگر می‌توانستی یک دکمه برای حذف بدبینی از جهان داشته باشی، آن را فشار می‌دادی؟ چرا؟ (If you could have a button to remove pessimism from the world, would you press it? Why?)

نقش بدبینی در ادبیات یا فیلم‌های مورد علاقه‌ات را تحلیل کن. (Analyze the role of pessimism in your favorite literature or movies.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

'Bad-bin' is an adjective meaning 'pessimistic' (e.g., He is pessimistic). 'Bad-bini' is a noun meaning 'pessimism' (e.g., He has pessimism). You use 'bad-bin' to describe a person and 'bad-bini' to describe the feeling or concept.

While related, 'bad-gomani' is better for suspicion toward a person. 'Bad-bini' is more about a general negative outlook on life or events.

Yes, it is extremely common in news, psychology, and daily conversations about the future or economy.

You can say 'Bad-bin nabash' (using the adjective) or 'Bad-bini nakon' (using the noun as a verb).

The direct opposite is 'khosh-bini', which means optimism.

It is neutral and can be used in both formal writing and informal speech.

Yes, 'bad-بینی‌ها' (bad-bini-ha) can be used to refer to various pessimistic thoughts or instances.

The most common verbs are 'dashtan' (to have), 'ijad kardan' (to create), and 'dochar shodan' (to become afflicted with).

Yes, 'bad' means bad or evil, so it literally means 'evil-seeing'.

It is pronounced bad-BEE-nee, with the stress on the 'BEE'.

Test Yourself 180 questions

writing

Write 'I am not pessimistic' in Persian.

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writing

Write 'He has a little pessimism' in Persian.

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writing

Write 'Pessimism is an obstacle to success' in Persian.

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writing

Write 'We must overcome our pessimism' in Persian.

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writing

Describe the root of pessimism in society in one sentence.

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writing

Write 'Pessimism is bad' in Persian.

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writing

Write 'Don't be pessimistic' in Persian.

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writing

Write 'He looks at the future with pessimism' in Persian.

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writing

Write 'His pessimism caused the project's failure' in Persian.

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writing

Write a short sentence about philosophical pessimism.

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writing

Write 'Ali is pessimistic' in Persian.

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writing

Write 'My friend has pessimism' in Persian.

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writing

Write 'Why do you have pessimism toward him?' in Persian.

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writing

Write 'Overcoming pessimism is not easy' in Persian.

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writing

Write about 'Siah-namayi' in cinema.

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writing

Write 'Is she pessimistic?' in Persian.

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writing

Write 'Put pessimism aside and be happy' in Persian.

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writing

Write 'Pessimism toward the government is high' in Persian.

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writing

Write 'Bitter experiences lead to pessimism' in Persian.

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writing

Explain the difference between bad-bini and bad-gomani.

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speaking

Say 'I am pessimistic' in Persian.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'Pessimism is not good' in Persian.

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speaking

Explain why you are pessimistic about something (simple).

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speaking

Discuss the effects of pessimism on a team.

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speaking

Debate: Is pessimism actually realism?

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speaking

Ask 'Are you pessimistic?'

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speaking

Tell a friend 'Don't be pessimistic.'

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speaking

Say 'He looks at the world with pessimism.'

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speaking

Say 'We must overcome this pessimism.'

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speaking

Analyze Schopenhauer's pessimism orally.

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speaking

Say 'Ali is not pessimistic.'

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speaking

Say 'His pessimism is bad.'

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speaking

Ask 'Why do you have pessimism toward the future?'

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speaking

Say 'Pessimism in society is increasing.'

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speaking

Discuss the role of 'Siah-namayi' in art.

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speaking

Say 'I am happy, not pessimistic.'

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speaking

Say 'Put pessimism aside.'

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speaking

Say 'A little pessimism is okay.'

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speaking

Say 'The news is full of pessimism.'

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speaking

Redefine pessimism as spiritual awakening.

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listening

Listen: 'Man bad-bin nistam.' What did I say?

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listening

Listen: 'Bad-bini bad ast.' What is bad?

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listening

Listen: 'U nesbat be ayande bad-bini darad.' What is he pessimistic about?

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listening

Listen: 'Ghalabe bar bad-bini asan nist.' Is it easy to overcome pessimism?

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listening

Listen: 'Naghd-e bad-bini dar cinema.' What is being critiqued?

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listening

Listen: 'Ali bad-bin ast.' Who is pessimistic?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen: 'Bad-bini ra tark kon.' What should I quit?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen: 'Bad-bini mane'e pishraft ast.' What does pessimism block?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen: 'Bazaar por az bad-bini ast.' What is the market full of?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen to a lecture snippet about existential pessimism. Summarize the main point.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen: 'Chera bad-bin hasti?' What am I asking?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen: 'Kamy bad-bini daram.' How much pessimism do I have?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen: 'Bad-bini-ye u ba'es-e narahati shod.' What caused the sadness?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen: 'In yek bad-bini-ye amookhte-shode ast.' What kind of pessimism is it?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen: 'Rishe-haye bad-bini dar tarikh.' Where are the roots of pessimism?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:

/ 180 correct

Perfect score!

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