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B2 noun 11 min read

به‌شرط

beh shart
Examples
Explanation به‌شرط in your Level:
At the A1 level, you are just beginning to learn how to connect ideas. While 'Agar' (if) is the primary word you will use, you might encounter 'Be-shart' in very simple, daily situations, especially involving promises or simple deals. For an A1 learner, think of 'Be-shart' as a special kind of 'if' that means 'only if you do this.' For example, 'I give you a cookie, be-shart (on the condition) you are good.' You don't need to worry about complex grammar yet. Just recognize that 'shart' means 'condition' or 'rule.' If someone says 'be-shart,' they are setting a rule for what happens next. It's often used by parents or teachers. Just remember: it's like a bargain. You do something for me, and I do something for you. This is the simplest way to understand this B2-level word at the beginning of your journey.
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As an A2 learner, you are starting to build longer sentences. You can use 'Be-shart' to make simple agreements. You might say 'Man mi-ayam be-shart-i ke to ham biayi' (I will come provided you also come). At this level, you should focus on the 'be-shart-i ke' pattern. It's a way to link two simple actions together. Think of it as a bridge. On one side is what you want to do, and on the other side is the condition. You will hear this word in the market or when making plans with friends. It's a bit more 'serious' than just saying 'if.' It shows you are making a specific deal. Try using it when you want to agree to something but have one small requirement. It will make your Persian sound much more natural and expressive than just using 'Agar' all the time.
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At the B1 level, you should start paying attention to the grammar that follows 'Be-shart.' When you use 'be-shart-i ke,' the verb in the second part of the sentence should ideally be in the subjunctive mood (like 'beravi' instead of 'miravi'). This is because the condition is a possibility, not a guaranteed fact. You can also start using the shorter form 'be-shart-e' followed by a noun, like 'be-shart-e movafaghiat' (on condition of success). This level is about moving from simple daily deals to more professional or structured conditions. You might use it in a work email or when discussing the rules of a game. It helps you express more complex social interactions where things aren't just 'yes' or 'no,' but 'yes, if...' Understanding the nuance between 'Agar' and 'Be-shart' is a key goal for B1 learners.
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B2 is the target level for this word. At this stage, you should be able to use 'Be-shart' fluently in both formal and informal contexts. You understand that it carries a 'contractual' weight. You can use it to negotiate terms in a business meeting, set boundaries in a relationship, or explain the parameters of a scientific experiment. You are comfortable with the subjunctive mood that follows it and can easily switch between 'be-shart-e' (prepositional) and 'be-shart-i ke' (conjunctive). You also start to recognize the word in legal or news contexts, where it defines national policies or international treaties. You understand that 'Be-shart' is about precision and accountability. It's not just a condition; it's a stipulation that binds the two parts of a sentence together in a formal agreement.
For C1 learners, 'Be-shart' becomes a tool for sophisticated rhetoric. You can use it to create complex logical arguments. You might explore its use in Persian literature or philosophy, where 'shart' is used to discuss the nature of cause and effect. You are aware of related technical terms like 'mashrut' (conditional) and 'shart-e lazem o kafi' (necessary and sufficient condition). At this level, you can use the phrase to add weight to your speech, choosing it over 'agar' or 'dar surati ke' to signal a non-negotiable prerequisite. You also understand the cultural implications of 'shart' in Iranian history, from the Constitutional Revolution (Mashruteh) to modern legal codes. Your usage is precise, grammatically perfect, and contextually appropriate, reflecting a deep understanding of Persian social and linguistic norms.
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At the C2 level, you have complete mastery over the word and its myriad implications. You can use 'Be-shart' in highly technical legal drafting, philosophical discourse, or high-level diplomacy. You understand the subtle difference in tone between 'be-shart-e anke,' 'be-shart-i ke,' and 'mashrut bar inke.' You can analyze how the concept of 'shart' has evolved in Persian thought, from the early Islamic philosophers to contemporary political science. You use the word with an instinctive sense of its gravity, knowing exactly when to deploy it for maximum impact. You might even use it in creative writing to create tension or define the 'rules' of a fictional world. For you, 'Be-shart' is not just a vocabulary word; it's a fundamental logical operator that you manipulate with the skill of a native speaker.
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Examples

The Persian phrase به‌شرط (pronounced 'be-shart') is a powerful conditional marker that translates most directly to 'on the condition that' or 'provided that.' It is composed of the preposition be (to/with) and the noun shart (condition). Unlike a simple 'if' (agar), which can express hypothetical scenarios or simple cause-and-effect, به‌شرط carries a sense of negotiation, contractual obligation, or a specific prerequisite that must be met for an action to occur. It is the language of deals, promises, and boundaries.

Linguistic Root
The word shart is an Arabic loanword that has been fully assimilated into Persian for centuries. In its original Arabic context, it refers to a sign or a stipulation. In Persian, it has become the standard word for any requirement in a legal, social, or logical framework.
Negotiation Context
When you are in a Persian bazaar and you say you will buy an item be-shart-e salamat (on the condition of it being healthy/functional), you are creating a verbal contract. This phrase is essential for setting terms in both formal business and informal daily life.
Grammatical Variations
You will often see it as be-shart-e (followed by a noun) or be-shart-i ke (followed by a clause). The addition of the suffix '-i' and the conjunction 'ke' allows it to link to full sentences, making it highly versatile for complex thoughts.

من این خانه را می‌خرم، به‌شرط آنکه تعمیر شود.

Translation: I will buy this house, provided that it is repaired.

In Persian culture, where hospitality and politeness (Ta'arof) are paramount, به‌شرط serves as a polite but firm way to introduce a limitation. It allows a speaker to agree to a request while simultaneously protecting their own interests. For instance, a parent might agree to take a child to the park be-shart-e anke takalifash ra benevisad (on the condition that they write their homework). This usage is ubiquitous in Iranian households, emphasizing the reciprocal nature of social agreements.

وام به شما تعلق می‌گیرد به‌شرط داشتن ضامن معتبر.

Translation: The loan will be granted to you on the condition of having a valid guarantor.

Historically, the concept of 'Shart' is deeply embedded in Islamic jurisprudence (Fiqh), which heavily influenced Persian legal thought. In this context, a 'Shart' is a secondary obligation attached to a primary contract. Understanding this helps learners appreciate why the word feels so 'binding'—it carries the weight of centuries of legal and ethical tradition. Even in casual speech, it retains a shadow of this gravity.

Register and Tone
It is perfectly acceptable in both formal writing and spoken slang. In slang, it might be shortened or used in phrases like 'shart-e chagh' (a strong condition), though the standard form remains the most common.

کمکت می‌کنم، اما به‌شرطی که به کسی نگویی.

Translation: I'll help you, but on the condition that you don't tell anyone.

Using به‌شرط correctly requires understanding its structural flexibility. It can function as a prepositional phrase or as a conjunction. The way you frame the condition determines whether you use the short form or the extended clausal form. Mastering these patterns is a hallmark of the B2 level, as it allows for more nuanced and professional communication in Persian.

Pattern 1: Prepositional (Be-shart-e + Noun)
In this pattern, you link the condition directly to a noun or a gerund using the Ezafe (-e). This is common in formal documents and concise instructions. Example: Be-shart-e pardakht (On condition of payment).
Pattern 2: Conjunctive (Be-shart-i ke + Clause)
This is the most common way to use the word in speech. The suffix '-i' acts as a relative marker, and 'ke' introduces a new clause. Example: Be-shart-i ke biayi (On the condition that you come).

می‌توانی از ماشین من استفاده کنی، به‌شرط آنکه با احتیاط رانندگی کنی.

Translation: You can use my car, provided that you drive carefully.

One of the most important aspects of using به‌شرط is the verb mood that follows it. Because the condition is often a requirement for a future or hypothetical event, Persian speakers frequently use the Subjunctive Mood (eltezami). For example, in the sentence 'I will go provided you stay,' the verb 'stay' would be in the subjunctive form: Be-shart-i ke bemâni.

ما این قرارداد را امضا می‌کنیم، به‌شرطِ موافقت مدیرعامل.

Translation: We will sign this contract, on the condition of the CEO's agreement.

In academic writing, به‌شرط is used to define the parameters of a study or a theory. For instance, 'The results are valid be-shart-e sabet budan-e moteghayerha' (provided the variables remain constant). This demonstrates how the word scales from the kitchen table to the research laboratory. It is a tool for precision.

Negation
To negate the condition, you simply negate the following verb. Be-shart-i ke dir nakoni (On the condition that you aren't late). Note that the 'condition' itself is rarely negated; rather, the content of the condition is what changes.

همه چیز خوب پیش می‌رود، به‌شرطی که باران نبارد.

Translation: Everything will go well, provided it doesn't rain.

Finally, consider the use of the word in legal 'if-then' structures. In Persian law, 'Shart' creates a 'Mashrut-alah' (the person bound by the condition). While you don't need to know these technical terms, understanding that به‌شرط creates a specific 'bound' state for the parties involved helps you use it with the right level of authority.

If you spend time in Iran or among Persian speakers, you will encounter به‌شرط in a variety of vibrant, real-world contexts. It is not just a word found in textbooks; it is a staple of social negotiation and professional discourse. From the bustling Grand Bazaar of Tehran to the high-pressure environment of a corporate boardroom, this phrase defines the limits of agreement.

The Marketplace (Bazaar)
In the bazaar, trust is often built through conditions. You might hear a customer say, 'I'll take these melons be-shart-e chagh-u' (literally 'on the condition of the knife'), which means the seller must cut one open to prove it's ripe and sweet before the sale is finalized. This is a classic Iranian consumer right!
Family and Parenting
Iranian parents are masters of the conditional 'Yes.' You will hear be-shart-i ke constantly: 'You can go out with your friends, be-shart-i ke before 10 PM you are home.' It is the primary tool for teaching children about responsibility and consequences.

«می‌توانی در این اتاق بمانی، به‌شرطی که ساکت باشی.»

Translation: "You can stay in this room, provided that you are quiet." (Commonly heard in libraries or shared spaces).

In the world of Iranian media and news, به‌شرط is used to discuss international relations and political agreements. When a spokesperson says 'We will return to the deal be-shart-e raf-e tahrim-ha' (on the condition of the lifting of sanctions), they are using the word in its most formal, high-stakes capacity. Here, it signifies a non-negotiable demand.

توافق حاصل خواهد شد، به‌شرط آنکه هر دو طرف به تعهدات خود عمل کنند.

Translation: An agreement will be reached, provided that both sides fulfill their obligations.

Another place you'll hear this is in sports commentary. A commentator might say, 'The team will qualify for the next round be-shart-e bord dar bazi-ye ba'd' (on the condition of a win in the next game). This usage highlights the 'do or die' nature of the word—it sets a clear hurdle that must be cleared for success.

Workplace Dynamics
When negotiating a salary or a new project, an employee might say, 'I will take the responsibility be-shart-i ke resources are provided.' It is a professional way to manage expectations and ensure one has the tools to succeed.

من این پروژه را قبول می‌کنم، به‌شرطی که بودجه کافی اختصاص یابد.

Translation: I will accept this project, provided that sufficient budget is allocated.

In summary, به‌شرط is the glue of Persian social contracts. Whether it's about buying fruit, raising children, or signing international treaties, it is the word that specifies the 'how' and the 'only if' of the Persian-speaking world.

While به‌شرط is a common phrase, English speakers and even intermediate Persian learners often stumble over its grammatical nuances and social applications. Because it translates to 'provided that,' there is a tendency to use it exactly like the English equivalent, which can sometimes lead to awkward or grammatically incorrect Persian sentences.

Mistake 1: Forgetting the 'Ke' (Conjunction)
One of the most frequent errors is saying be-shart man biayam instead of be-shart-i ke man biayam. Without the 'i' and 'ke,' the word 'shart' acts as a noun, not a conjunction. You must include these markers if a full sentence follows.
Mistake 2: Confusing with 'Shart Bastan' (To Bet)
The root word shart also means 'bet' or 'wager' in the context of gambling or competition. Some learners mistakenly use be-shart when they mean they want to make a bet. To bet is shart bastan. Be-shart is strictly for conditions.

❌ غلط: من می‌آیم به‌شرط تو می‌آیی.

✅ درست: من می‌آیم به‌شرطی که تو بیایی.

Note: Notice the use of 'ke' and the change to the subjunctive mood 'biayi'.

Another subtle mistake involves the use of the Ezafe. When you use به‌شرط followed by a noun, you must add the Ezafe sound (-e). For example, 'on condition of success' is be-shart-e movafaghiat. Skipping this makes the sentence sound fragmented and uneducated.

Learners also often overuse به‌شرط where a simple agar (if) would suffice. If there is no specific negotiation or 'deal' involved, 'agar' is more natural. Using be-shart for every 'if' makes you sound like a lawyer at a dinner party—a bit too formal and rigid.

❌ غلط: به‌شرط تشنه هستی، آب بخور.

✅ درست: اگر تشنه هستی، آب بخور.

Explanation: You don't need a 'condition' to drink water if you're thirsty; it's a simple cause-effect 'if'.
Mistake 3: Incorrect Mood
Using the indicative mood instead of the subjunctive after be-shart-i ke is a common B2-level error. While modern colloquial Persian is sometimes lenient, formal Persian requires the subjunctive. Instead of be-shart-i ke miravi, use be-shart-i ke beravi.

Finally, be careful with the word mashrut. While related to shart, mashrut often refers specifically to academic probation in Iranian universities. If you say you are 'mashrut,' people will think you are failing your classes, not that you are setting a condition!

Persian is a language of incredible nuance, and there are several ways to express conditions depending on the level of formality and the specific meaning you wish to convey. While به‌شرط is excellent for negotiations, other words might be better suited for different contexts. Understanding these alternatives will help you sound more like a native speaker.

اگر (Agar) - If
The most general conditional. Use this for 'if' in almost any context. It is less intense than be-shart and doesn't necessarily imply a bargain.
در صورتی که (Dar Surati Ke) - In the event that
This is a slightly more formal version of 'if.' It is very common in business emails and formal instructions. It sounds more professional than agar but less 'contractual' than be-shart.
منوط به (Manut Be) - Contingent upon
This is high-level academic or legal Persian. It literally means 'attached to' or 'dependent on.' You would use this in a thesis or a high-level government report. Example: 'Success is manut be hard work.'

اجرای این طرح منوط به تأمین اعتبار است.

Translation: The implementation of this plan is contingent upon the provision of credit.

When comparing به‌شرط with ba in shart ke (with this condition that), the latter is even more emphatic. It explicitly points to the condition as a central point of the conversation. If you really want to make sure the other person understands your requirement, use ba in shart ke.

Comparison Table
  • Agar: General, everyday 'if'.
  • Be-shart: Negotiated 'if', a bargain.
  • Dar Surati Ke: Professional, formal 'if'.
  • Manut Be: Highly formal, logical dependency.

می‌آیم، به‌شرطی که شام با تو باشد!

Translation: I'll come, provided that dinner is on you! (Casual negotiation).

Another phrase to know is ba shart-o shurut (with conditions and terms). This is often used to describe an agreement that isn't simple. If someone says, 'He accepted the job ba shart-o shurut,' it means there were many strings attached. This helps you describe complex situations where a single condition wasn't enough.

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Examples by Level

1

من می‌آیم، به‌شرطی که تو هم بیایی.

I am coming, on the condition that you also come.

Basic use of 'be-shart-i ke' to link two simple actions.

2

بستنی می‌خرم به‌شرط اینکه خوب باشی.

I will buy ice cream provided that you are good.

Informal promise using a condition.

3

بازی می‌کنیم به‌شرطی که نوبت را رعایت کنی.

We will play provided you take turns.

Setting a simple rule for a social activity.

4

کمک می‌کنم به‌شرطی که گوش بدهی.

I will help provided that you listen.

Condition for assistance.

5

غذا می‌خورم به‌شرطی که خوشمزه باشد.

I will eat the food on the condition that it is delicious.

Simple preference expressed as a condition.

6

می‌رویم پارک به‌شرط اینکه باران نیاید.

We will go to the park provided it doesn't rain.

Condition based on weather.

7

کتاب را می‌دهم به‌شرطی که برگردانی.

I will give the book provided you return it.

Condition for lending an item.

8

پول می‌دهم به‌شرط اینکه کار کنی.

I will give money provided you work.

Basic exchange of money for service.

1

می‌توانی تلویزیون ببینی، به‌شرطی که درس‌هایت را تمام کنی.

You can watch TV, provided that you finish your lessons.

Using 'be-shart-i ke' with a compound verb.

2

میوه‌ها را می‌خرم به‌شرطِ تازه بودن.

I will buy the fruits on the condition of being fresh.

Use of 'be-shart-e' + noun/gerund.

3

با تو به سینما می‌آیم، به‌شرطی که فیلم کمدی باشد.

I'll go to the cinema with you, provided the movie is a comedy.

Condition for a social agreement.

4

این لباس را می‌پوشم به‌شرط اینکه تمیز باشد.

I'll wear this dress provided it's clean.

Daily condition for an action.

5

ماشین را به تو قرض می‌دهم به‌شرطی که بنزین بزنی.

I'll lend you the car provided you fill it with gas.

Specific condition for a favor.

6

فردا بیدار می‌شوم به‌شرطی که ساعت زنگ بزند.

I'll wake up tomorrow provided the alarm rings.

Condition based on an external event.

7

آشپزی می‌کنم به‌شرطی که تو ظرف‌ها را بشویی.

I'll cook provided you wash the dishes.

Negotiating household chores.

8

به تو زنگ می‌زنم به‌شرطی که شماره‌ات را داشته باشم.

I'll call you provided I have your number.

Logical condition for communication.

1

او قول داد که به ما کمک کند، به‌شرطی که رازش را فاش نکنیم.

He promised to help us, provided we don't reveal his secret.

Use of negative subjunctive after 'be-shart-i ke'.

2

می‌توانید در این مسابقه شرکت کنید به‌شرطِ داشتنِ کارتِ عضویت.

You can participate in this competition on the condition of having a membership card.

Formal prepositional use with Ezafe.

3

پروژه را تا فردا تمام می‌کنم به‌شرطی که برق قطع نشود.

I'll finish the project by tomorrow provided the power doesn't go out.

Relating a deadline to an external condition.

4

او خانه را اجاره می‌دهد به‌شرطی که حیوان خانگی نداشته باشید.

He rents the house provided you don't have a pet.

Condition in a rental agreement.

5

ما برنده می‌شویم به‌شرطی که با هم همکاری کنیم.

We will win provided we cooperate with each other.

Condition for a collective outcome.

6

سفر می‌رویم به‌شرطی که بودجه‌مان برسد.

We will go on a trip provided our budget is enough.

Financial condition for a plan.

7

من این کار را انجام می‌دهم به‌شرطی که به من اعتماد کنی.

I will do this work provided you trust me.

Abstract condition for an action.

8

او می‌آید به‌شرطی که از او عذرخواهی کنی.

He will come provided you apologize to him.

Interpersonal condition for resolution.

1

شرکت با استخدام شما موافقت می‌کند، به‌شرطی که دوره آموزشی را بگذرانید.

The company agrees to hire you, provided that you complete the training course.

Professional condition using a formal verb 'gozârandan'.

2

ما حاضریم قیمت را کاهش دهیم، به‌شرطِ خریدِ عمده.

We are ready to reduce the price, on the condition of bulk purchase.

Business negotiation using the prepositional form.

3

این دارو موثر خواهد بود، به‌شرطی که طبق دستور پزشک مصرف شود.

This medicine will be effective, provided it is consumed according to the doctor's instructions.

Medical condition using passive voice.

4

آزادی بیان تضمین می‌شود، به‌شرطی که به حقوق دیگران تجاوز نشود.

Freedom of expression is guaranteed, provided that the rights of others are not violated.

Social/Political condition with abstract concepts.

5

سرمایه‌گذاری در این بخش سودآور است، به‌شرطِ ثباتِ بازار.

Investing in this sector is profitable, on the condition of market stability.

Economic condition with a noun phrase.

6

او به تیم بازمی‌گردد به‌شرطی که مصدومیتش کاملاً بهبود یابد.

He will return to the team provided his injury fully heals.

Condition relating to physical health.

7

طرح تصویب می‌شود به‌شرطی که اصلاحات لازم انجام گیرد.

The plan will be approved provided the necessary reforms are made.

Administrative condition for approval.

8

من با تو همکاری می‌کنم به‌شرطی که شفافیت مالی وجود داشته باشد.

I will cooperate with you provided there is financial transparency.

Professional condition involving ethics.

1

توسعه پایدار تنها به‌شرطِ حفظِ منابعِ طبیعی امکان‌پذیر است.

Sustainable development is only possible on the condition of preserving natural resources.

High-level academic structure with 'tanhâ' for emphasis.

2

دولت با طرح پیشنهادی موافقت کرد، به‌شرط آنکه بار مالی اضافی ایجاد نکند.

The government agreed to the proposed plan, provided that it does not create an additional financial burden.

Formal conjunctive 'be-shart-e ân-ke'.

3

شکوفایی استعدادها به‌شرطِ وجودِ بستری مناسب میسر می‌شود.

The flourishing of talents becomes possible on the condition of the existence of a suitable platform.

Philosophical/Sociological use of 'be-shart-e'.

4

صلح پایدار به‌شرطی محقق می‌شود که عدالت در جامعه برقرار گردد.

Durable peace will be realized provided that justice is established in society.

Complex social condition with formal verbs.

5

این نظریه علمی معتبر است، به‌شرطی که در آزمایش‌های مکرر اثبات شود.

This scientific theory is valid, provided it is proven in repeated experiments.

Scientific conditionality.

6

دموکراسی به‌شرطی کارآمد است که شهروندان آگاهی سیاسی داشته باشند.

Democracy is efficient provided that citizens have political awareness.

Political theory condition.

7

موفقیت در این آزمون به‌شرطِ تمرکزِ کامل و تلاشِ مستمر است.

Success in this exam is on the condition of full focus and continuous effort.

Predicative use of the 'be-shart' phrase.

8

تغییرات اقلیمی مهار می‌شود به‌شرطی که همکاری بین‌المللی صورت گیرد.

Climate change will be contained provided that international cooperation takes place.

Global-scale conditional statement.

1

تحققِ آرمان‌هایِ بشری به‌شرطِ گذار از منافعِ فردی و گرایش به خیرِ جمعی است.

The realization of human ideals is on the condition of transcending individual interests and leaning towards the collective good.

Highly abstract and philosophical use of 'be-shart-e'.

2

این قرارداد لازم‌الاجراست، به‌شرط آنکه هیچ‌یک از مفاد آن با قوانین جاری مغایرت نداشته باشد.

This contract is enforceable, provided that none of its provisions contradict current laws.

Legal terminology and complex syntax.

3

شناختِ حقیقت به‌شرطِ رهایی از پیش‌فرض‌هایِ ذهنی میسر می‌گردد.

The knowledge of truth becomes possible on the condition of liberation from mental presuppositions.

Epistemological conditionality.

4

استقلالِ یک ملت به‌شرطِ تکیه بر توانمندی‌هایِ داخلی و نفیِ وابستگی است.

The independence of a nation is on the condition of relying on internal capabilities and rejecting dependency.

Nationalistic/Political discourse.

5

هنرِ متعالی به‌شرطی خلق می‌شود که هنرمند از قید و بندهایِ مادی رها شود.

Sublime art is created provided the artist is freed from material constraints.

Aesthetic theory condition.

6

ثباتِ اقتصادی به‌شرطی تداوم می‌یابد که اصلاحاتِ ساختاری در نظامِ بانکی اعمال گردد.

Economic stability continues provided that structural reforms are applied in the banking system.

High-level economic policy language.

7

عدالتِ قضایی به‌شرطِ استقلالِ کاملِ قوهِ قضائیه از جریان‌هایِ سیاسی تضمین می‌شود.

Judicial justice is guaranteed on the condition of the complete independence of the judiciary from political currents.

Constitutional law discourse.

8

پیشرفتِ علمی به‌شرطِ نقدِ مداوم و بازنگری در یافته‌هایِ پیشین است.

Scientific progress is on the condition of constant critique and revision of previous findings.

Philosophy of science condition.

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