بد بینی
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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)
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...)
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.
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!
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.
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.
How Formal Is It?
"جناب رئیس، بدبینی موجود در گزارشهای مالی نگرانکننده است."
"او نسبت به موفقیت این طرح بدبینی دارد."
"اینقدر بدبینی نکن، درست میشه بابا!"
"عزیزم، نباید فکر کنی همیشه اتفاقهای بد میافته؛ بدبینی خوب نیست."
"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
- 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
The word itself is easy to recognize, but it often appears in complex abstract sentences.
Requires correct use of the ezafe and prepositions like 'nesbat be'.
Pronunciation is straightforward, but natural usage requires knowing the right collocations.
Common in news and podcasts, usually pronounced clearly.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
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
من بدبین نیستم.
I am not pessimistic.
Simple negation with 'nistam'.
او کمی بدبینی دارد.
He has a little pessimism.
Using 'darad' (has) with the noun.
بدبینی خوب نیست.
Pessimism is not good.
Simple subject-complement structure.
چرا اینقدر بدبینی؟
Why are you so pessimistic?
Informal 'i' ending for 'hasti'.
او همیشه بدبین است.
He is always pessimistic.
Use of 'hamishe' (always).
دوست من بدبین نیست.
My friend is not pessimistic.
Possessive 'man' with 'doost'.
بدبینی را کنار بگذار.
Put pessimism aside.
Imperative 'kenar bogzar'.
این یک بدبینی است.
This is a (case of) pessimism.
Using 'yek' as an indefinite article.
او به همه چیز با بدبینی نگاه میکند.
He looks at everything with pessimism.
Preposition 'ba' (with).
بدبینی او باعث ناراحتی ما شد.
His pessimism caused our sadness.
Ezafe construction 'bad-bini-ye u'.
ما نباید دچار بدبینی شویم.
We should not fall into pessimism.
Compound verb 'dochar shodan'.
آیا بدبینی یک بیماری است؟
Is pessimism a disease?
Question form with 'aya'.
او به خاطر بدبینیاش تنها ماند.
He remained alone because of his pessimism.
Prepositional phrase 'be khatere'.
پدرم همیشه از بدبینی دوری میکند.
My father always avoids pessimism.
Verb 'doori kardan' (to avoid).
این کتاب درباره بدبینی است.
This book is about pessimism.
Preposition 'darbareye' (about).
او سعی میکند بدبینی را ترک کند.
He tries to quit pessimism.
Verb 'tark kardan' (to quit/leave).
او نسبت به آینده شغلیاش بدبینی شدیدی دارد.
He has intense pessimism toward his career future.
Preposition 'nesbat be' (toward).
بدبینی میتواند مانع موفقیت شما شود.
Pessimism can be an obstacle to your success.
Modal 'mitavanad' (can).
بسیاری از مردم دچار بدبینی اجتماعی شدهاند.
Many people have fallen into social pessimism.
Adjective 'ejtema'i' (social).
او با بدبینی تمام، پیشنهاد ما را رد کرد.
With total pessimism, he rejected our offer.
Adverbial use of 'ba bad-bini-ye tamam'.
ریشه این بدبینی در شکستهای گذشته است.
The root of this pessimism is in past failures.
Subject 'rishe' (root).
چگونه میتوانیم بدبینی را به خوشبینی تبدیل کنیم؟
How can we turn pessimism into optimism?
Verb 'tabdil kardan' (to convert).
بدبینی بیش از حد، نشانه افسردگی است.
Excessive pessimism is a sign of depression.
Phrase 'bish az had' (excessive).
او سعی داشت بدبینی خود را پنهان کند.
He was trying to hide his pessimism.
Past continuous 'say dasht' + infinitive.
بدبینی حاکم بر بازار، سرمایهگذاران را نگران کرده است.
The pessimism ruling the market has worried investors.
Participle 'hakem bar' (ruling over).
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).
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).
غلبه بر بدبینی مزمن کار آسانی نیست.
Overcoming chronic pessimism is not an easy task.
Gerund 'ghalabe kardan' as subject.
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'.
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'.
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).
تجربیات تلخ او را به سمت بدبینی سوق داده است.
Bitter experiences have driven him toward pessimism.
Verb 'sugh dadan' (to drive/push toward).
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.
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).
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...'
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'.
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).
این سطح از بدبینی ساختاری، مانع از هرگونه اصلاحات اجتماعی میشود.
This level of structural pessimism prevents any social reforms.
Adjective 'sakhtari' (structural).
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).
بدبینی او ریشه در یک نوع پوچگرایی وجودی دارد.
His pessimism is rooted in a kind of existential nihilism.
Term 'puch-garayi-ye voojoodi'.
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...'
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).
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'.
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).
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).
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).
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).
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
Common Phrases
— Having a negative outlook on what is to come.
بدبینی به آینده مانع سرمایهگذاری میشود.
— Strategic pessimism; being pessimistic for a practical reason.
گاهی بدبینی مصلحتی برای امنیت لازم است.
— The fabric of pessimism; something deeply integrated.
بدبینی در تار و پود این سازمان نفوذ کرده است.
— The glasses of pessimism; seeing through a negative lens.
عینک بدبینی را از چشمهایت بردار.
— The origins or causes of a pessimistic outlook.
ریشههای بدبینی او به دوران کودکی برمیگردد.
— Pessimism rooted in religious interpretations.
برخی از فرقهها دچار بدبینی مذهبی هستند.
— Misanthropy or a negative view of human nature.
او به خاطر تجربیاتش، دچار بدبینی نسبت به انسان شده است.
— The cure or treatment for a pessimistic mindset.
ورزش یکی از راههای درمان بدبینی است.
Often Confused With
Bad-gomani is suspicion of people; Bad-bini is pessimism about outcomes.
Na-omidi is the lack of hope; Bad-bini is the expectation of the worst.
Waqe-bini is realism; people often confuse the two to justify their negativity.
Idioms & Expressions
— To see the half-empty part of the glass; to be pessimistic.
او همیشه نیمه خالی لیوان را میبیند.
Informal— To read the verse of despair; to constantly talk negatively.
اینقدر آیه یأس نخوان، درست میشود.
Informal/Idiomatic— To see everything as black; extreme pessimism.
او بعد از ورشکستگی، همه چیز را سیاه میبیند.
Neutral— To empty someone's heart; to make someone lose hope or become pessimistic.
با این حرفها توی دل من را خالی نکن.
Informal— To play a contrary tune; often used for pessimistic opposition.
او همیشه در جلسات ساز مخالف میزند.
Informal— To become a nose hair; to be an annoying obstacle, often through pessimism.
بدبینی او موی دماغ پیشرفت ما شده است.
Slang— 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— In despair, there is much hope; a proverb to counter pessimism.
نگران نباش، در ناامیدی بسی امید است.
Literary— To see the world as having come to an end.
او با هر مشکلی فکر میکند دنیا به آخر رسیده است.
Informal— To predict something bad; to express a pessimistic omen.
اینقدر نفوس بد نزن، انشاءالله اتفاقی نمیافتد.
InformalEasily Confused
Adjective vs. Noun
Bad-bin is the person (pessimistic); Bad-bini is the concept (pessimism).
او یک فرد بدبین است که بدبینی زیادی دارد.
Similar suffix
Pish-bini is prediction; Bad-bini is pessimism.
پیشبینی او با بدبینی همراه بود.
Similar suffix
Barik-bini is precision/attention to detail.
او با باریکبینی به جزئیات نگاه میکند.
Opposite meaning
Khosh-bini is optimism.
خوشبینی بهتر از بدبینی است.
Spelling with 'binayi'
Binayi is the physical sense of sight.
او قدرت بینایی خوبی دارد اما دچار بدبینی است.
Sentence Patterns
[Subject] [bad-bin] [nist/ast].
من بدبین نیستم.
[Subject] [bad-bini] [darad].
او بدبینی دارد.
[Subject] [nesbat be] [Object] [bad-bini] [darad].
او نسبت به آینده بدبینی دارد.
[Noun] [ba'es-e] [bad-bini] [shod].
شکست باعث بدبینی شد.
[Bad-bini] [dar] [context] [mashhood ast].
بدبینی در اشعار او مشهود است.
[Noun] [be مثابه] [bad-bini] [talaghi mishavad].
این عمل به مثابه بدبینی تلقی میشود.
[Subject] [bayad] [bar] [bad-bini] [ghalabe konad].
ما باید بر بدبینی غلبه کنیم.
[In] [yek] [bad-bini] [ast].
این یک بدبینی است.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
High, especially in social and political discussions.
-
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
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.
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
Write 'I am not pessimistic' in Persian.
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Write 'He has a little pessimism' in Persian.
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Write 'Pessimism is an obstacle to success' in Persian.
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Write 'We must overcome our pessimism' in Persian.
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Describe the root of pessimism in society in one sentence.
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Write 'Pessimism is bad' in Persian.
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Write 'Don't be pessimistic' in Persian.
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Write 'He looks at the future with pessimism' in Persian.
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Write 'His pessimism caused the project's failure' in Persian.
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Write a short sentence about philosophical pessimism.
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Write 'Ali is pessimistic' in Persian.
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Write 'My friend has pessimism' in Persian.
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Write 'Why do you have pessimism toward him?' in Persian.
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Write 'Overcoming pessimism is not easy' in Persian.
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Write about 'Siah-namayi' in cinema.
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Write 'Is she pessimistic?' in Persian.
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Write 'Put pessimism aside and be happy' in Persian.
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Write 'Pessimism toward the government is high' in Persian.
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Write 'Bitter experiences lead to pessimism' in Persian.
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Explain the difference between bad-bini and bad-gomani.
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Say 'I am pessimistic' in Persian.
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Say 'Pessimism is not good' in Persian.
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Explain why you are pessimistic about something (simple).
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Discuss the effects of pessimism on a team.
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Debate: Is pessimism actually realism?
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Ask 'Are you pessimistic?'
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Tell a friend 'Don't be pessimistic.'
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Say 'He looks at the world with pessimism.'
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Say 'We must overcome this pessimism.'
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Analyze Schopenhauer's pessimism orally.
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Say 'Ali is not pessimistic.'
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Say 'His pessimism is bad.'
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Ask 'Why do you have pessimism toward the future?'
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Say 'Pessimism in society is increasing.'
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Discuss the role of 'Siah-namayi' in art.
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Say 'I am happy, not pessimistic.'
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Say 'Put pessimism aside.'
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Say 'A little pessimism is okay.'
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Say 'The news is full of pessimism.'
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Redefine pessimism as spiritual awakening.
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Listen: 'Man bad-bin nistam.' What did I say?
Listen: 'Bad-bini bad ast.' What is bad?
Listen: 'U nesbat be ayande bad-bini darad.' What is he pessimistic about?
Listen: 'Ghalabe bar bad-bini asan nist.' Is it easy to overcome pessimism?
Listen: 'Naghd-e bad-bini dar cinema.' What is being critiqued?
Listen: 'Ali bad-bin ast.' Who is pessimistic?
Listen: 'Bad-bini ra tark kon.' What should I quit?
Listen: 'Bad-bini mane'e pishraft ast.' What does pessimism block?
Listen: 'Bazaar por az bad-bini ast.' What is the market full of?
Listen to a lecture snippet about existential pessimism. Summarize the main point.
Listen: 'Chera bad-bin hasti?' What am I asking?
Listen: 'Kamy bad-bini daram.' How much pessimism do I have?
Listen: 'Bad-bini-ye u ba'es-e narahati shod.' What caused the sadness?
Listen: 'In yek bad-bini-ye amookhte-shode ast.' What kind of pessimism is it?
Listen: 'Rishe-haye bad-bini dar tarikh.' Where are the roots of pessimism?
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Summary
Bad-bini (بدبینی) is a fundamental Persian word for pessimism. It is used as a noun to describe a negative worldview or lack of trust. Example: 'Bad-bini mane'e pishraft ast' (Pessimism is an obstacle to progress).
- 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.
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.
Related Content
More emotions words
عاشق
A1Feeling or showing love; deeply in love.
عاشق بودن
A2To love, to be in love
عاشق شدن
A2To develop strong romantic feelings for someone.
عاشقانه
B1Lovingly, romantically; in a loving or romantic way.
عاطفه
A2Affection, emotion, sentiment.
اعتقاد
A2A strong belief or faith.
اعتماد
A2Trust, confidence, reliance.
اعتماد کردن
A2To trust; to rely on.
عجب
B1An exclamation of wonder, surprise, or amazement; how strange! amazing!
عجول
A1Impatient; having or showing a tendency to be quickly irritated or provoked.