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A1 noun 11 min read

بخش

bakhsh
Examples بخش in 30 Seconds
Explanation بخش in your Level:
At the A1 level, you should learn 'bakhsh' as a simple word for 'part' or 'section.' It is most commonly used when talking about books or basic locations. For example, 'bakhsh-e avval' (part one) or 'bakhsh-e dovvom' (part two). You will encounter it in simple classroom instructions or when looking at a table of contents. At this stage, just remember that it is a noun and it usually takes the 'e' sound (Ezafe) to connect to other words. You might also hear it when someone refers to a part of a room or a part of a day, though other words like 'ghesmat' are also used. The key is to recognize that 'bakhsh' means a piece of something bigger. It is a very stable and common word that doesn't change its meaning much in basic contexts. You can use it to describe which part of a movie or a story you like. It's also helpful to know it when you see signs in a hospital or a large store, even if you don't know the specific department name yet. Just knowing that 'bakhsh' indicates a specific area will help you navigate. Focus on the pronunciation: 'bakhsh' (rhymes with 'marsh' but with a 'kh' sound).
At the A2 level, you begin to see 'bakhsh' in more specific contexts, particularly in administrative and medical settings. You should learn that a hospital is divided into many 'bakhsh-ha' (wards). If you are traveling in Iran, you might hear about different 'bakhsh-ha' of a city or a province. You will also start using it in compound phrases like 'bakhsh-e khosoosi' (private sector) or 'bakhsh-e dolati' (public sector) when discussing basic news or social topics. You should also be aware of its use in phonetics: 'bakhsh kardan' means to divide a word into syllables. This is a common way for learners to practice pronunciation. At this level, you should be able to distinguish between 'bakhsh' (a logical section) and 'tekke' (a physical piece). You can use 'bakhsh' to talk about your job department, like 'bakhsh-e forush' (sales department). You will also notice it in the structure of the news, with 'bakhsh-e khabari' appearing in TV schedules. Your goal is to use 'bakhsh' to categorize things in your environment and your studies.
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At the B1 level, your understanding of 'bakhsh' should expand to include its role in the Iranian administrative hierarchy. You should know that a 'bakhsh' is a district, smaller than a 'shahrestan.' This is important for reading maps or understanding regional news. You will also encounter the word in more abstract discussions, such as 'bakhsh-e bozorgi az mardom' (a large part of the people) or 'bakhshi az moshkelat' (part of the problems). You should start using 'bakhsh' more confidently in writing to organize your thoughts, using phrases like 'dar in bakhsh' (in this section) to transition between paragraphs. You will also see it in mathematical terms like 'bakhsh-pazir' (divisible). This level requires you to understand the nuance between 'bakhsh' and its synonyms like 'ghesmat' or 'fasl.' You should be able to explain why you chose 'bakhsh' in a specific sentence (e.g., because it's a formal department). You will also hear it in more complex media segments, like 'bakhsh-e tahlili' (analytical section) of a newspaper or broadcast.
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At the B2 level, 'bakhsh' becomes a tool for professional and academic precision. You should be comfortable using it in business contexts to describe sectors of the economy or departments within a corporation. You will encounter the word in legal and official documents where 'bakhsh-nameh' (circular/directive) might be mentioned, although the root is slightly different, the concept of a 'sectioned' or 'distributed' order is there. You should understand the historical and etymological connection to the word 'bakhshidan' (to grant/give/forgive), recognizing how the concept of 'portioning' or 'sharing' evolved into the modern word for 'section.' In literature, you will use 'bakhsh' to analyze the structure of novels or epic poems like the Shahnameh, which are divided into various 'bakhsh-ha.' You should also be able to use the word in complex grammatical structures, such as passive sentences: 'In dars be panj bakhsh tagsim shodeh ast' (This lesson has been divided into five sections). Your use of 'bakhsh' should reflect a sophisticated understanding of how Persian organizes information and physical space.
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At the C1 level, you should have a nuanced command of 'bakhsh' and its derivatives. You will explore its use in philosophy and high-level social science, discussing the 'bakhsh-bandi' (stratification) of society or the 'bakhsh-haye nakhodagah' (sections of the unconscious mind). You should be able to distinguish between 'bakhsh' and more obscure synonyms used in classical literature. You will encounter the word in complex legal statutes where specific 'bakhsh-ha' of the law are cited. Your ability to use 'bakhsh' in the 'bakhsh-dar' (district governor) context should include an understanding of the political implications of that role. You should also be able to use the word metaphorically, as in 'bakhshi az vojood-e man' (a part of my being). At this level, you are expected to understand the word in all its technical, administrative, and poetic shades. You will also recognize the word in various Persian dialects and how its usage might slightly vary in Dari or Tajik, where other words might be more prevalent for similar concepts.
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At the C2 level, 'bakhsh' is a word you use with the precision of a native scholar. You understand its deepest etymological roots in Old Persian and Avestan, where the root 'bag-' (to divide/distribute) gave rise to words for 'God' (Bhaga - the divider of fate) and 'portion.' You can discuss the evolution of the word from Middle Persian 'baxt' to the modern 'bakhsh.' In your own writing, you use 'bakhsh' to create perfectly structured academic or literary works. You are aware of its subtle connotations in different registers—how a surgeon uses 'bakhsh' differently than a politician or a poet. You can identify and correct the most subtle misuses of the word in others' speech or writing. You understand how 'bakhsh' functions in the largest scale of Persian thought, from the division of the universe in ancient cosmologies to the modern administrative divisions of the Islamic Republic. Your mastery is such that you can play with the word's various meanings in puns or sophisticated rhetorical devices, fully integrating 'bakhsh' into your high-level cognitive framework of the Persian language.
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Examples

بخش in 30 Seconds

  • Bakhsh means 'part' or 'section' in Persian.
  • It is used for hospital wards and administrative districts.
  • It differs from 'tekke' (physical piece) by being a logical division.
  • It is a very common A1 level word with wide professional use.
The Persian word بخش (pronounced 'bakhsh') is a foundational noun in the Persian language, primarily used to denote a part, segment, section, or division of a larger whole. At its most basic level, it corresponds to the English word 'part' or 'section.' However, its utility spans across various domains including literature, administration, medicine, and mathematics. In the context of a book, a bakhsh refers to a major division or section, often larger than a paragraph but sometimes used interchangeably with 'chapter' in casual speech, though 'fasl' is the more precise term for chapter. In the administrative hierarchy of Iran, a bakhsh is a specific type of subdivision, often translated as 'district' or 'county,' which sits below a 'shahrestan' (county/city) and above a 'dehestan' (rural district). This administrative usage highlights the word's inherent meaning of a structured, functional division.
Literal Meaning
A portion or share that has been divided from a larger entity.
Medical Context
In a hospital, 'bakhsh' refers to a ward or department, such as 'bakhsh-e zanan' (women's ward) or 'bakhsh-e moraghebat-haye vije' (ICU).

کدام بخش کتاب را بیشتر دوست داشتی؟ (Which part of the book did you like more?)

When people speak about their daily lives, they might use 'bakhsh' to describe a portion of their time or a segment of their responsibilities. It is a neutral word, suitable for both formal reports and informal conversations. For instance, in a business setting, one might refer to the 'bakhsh-e khosoosi' (private sector) or 'bakhsh-e dolati' (public sector). The versatility of this word lies in its ability to categorize abstract concepts as easily as physical objects. Unlike the word 'tekke,' which implies a broken piece or a physical fragment, 'bakhsh' implies a logical or planned division. This nuance is crucial for learners to grasp; you wouldn't use 'bakhsh' for a piece of cake (that would be 'tekke' or 'boresh'), but you would use it for a section of a project.

این بخش از شهر بسیار قدیمی است. (This part of the city is very old.)

In academic writing, 'bakhsh' is used to organize arguments and data. A thesis might be divided into several 'bakhsh-ha,' each dealing with a different aspect of the research. Even in broadcasting, the news is divided into different 'bakhsh-e khabari' (news segments), such as sports or weather. Understanding 'bakhsh' is essential because it appears in almost every professional and educational environment in Iran. It suggests a sense of order and classification that is central to Persian thought and organization.

او در بخش حسابداری کار می‌کند. (He works in the accounting department.)

Common Usage
Commonly used in compound verbs like 'bakhsh kardan' (to divide/distribute) or 'bakhsh-bandi' (classification).

بیمار به بخش جراحی منتقل شد. (The patient was transferred to the surgical ward.)

این بخش از فیلم خیلی غم‌انگیز بود. (This part of the movie was very sad.)

Using بخش effectively requires understanding its grammatical placement, which often involves the 'Ezafe' construction. The Ezafe is the short 'e' sound (or 'ye' after vowels) that links words together. For example, 'the first part' is 'bakhsh-e avval.' Here, the noun 'bakhsh' is the head of the phrase, and the adjective or modifying noun follows it. This structure is ubiquitous. When you want to specify which part you are talking about, you almost always use this connection. For instance, 'bakhsh-e bozorgi az jame'e' (a large part of society). Notice how 'bakhsh' acts as the container for the concept that follows.
Ezafe Usage
Noun + -e + Modifier. Example: بخشِ اول (Part one).

ما در بخش شمالی شهر زندگی می‌کنیم. (We live in the northern part of the city.)

In sentences involving locations, 'bakhsh' often functions as a prepositional object. You might say 'dar bakhsh-e...' (in the section of...). This is common in professional contexts: 'dar bakhsh-e forush' (in the sales department). The word can also be pluralized as 'bakhsh-ha' (sections/parts). For example, 'in ketab az se bakhsh تشکیل شده است' (This book is composed of three sections). Note that when used with numbers, the noun 'bakhsh' remains singular if the number precedes it, as is standard in Persian grammar (e.g., 'panj bakhsh' - five sections).

هر بخش از این پروژه مهم است. (Every part of this project is important.)

Another common usage is in the phrase 'bakhshi az' (a part of). This is a very useful phrase for generalizing or specifying subsets. 'Bakhshi az pool' (a part of the money), 'bakhshi az mardom' (a part of the people). In more formal or literary Persian, you might encounter 'bakhsh-bandi,' which is the act of dividing or categorizing. For example, 'bakhsh-bandi-ye dars-ha' (the categorization of lessons). In mathematical or scientific contexts, 'bakhsh-pazir' means 'divisible.' This shows how the root of 'bakhsh' (to divide/give) extends into technical terminology.

این عدد بر دو بخش‌پذیر است. (This number is divisible by two.)

Pluralization
بخش‌ها (Bakhsh-ha). Used when referring to multiple distinct segments or departments.

بخش‌های مختلف سازمان با هم همکاری می‌کنند. (Different sections of the organization cooperate with each other.)

Administrative Syntax
Often used in addresses: استان...، شهرستان...، بخش... (Province..., County..., District...).

او مسئول این بخش است. (He is responsible for this section.)

If you are in Iran or listening to Persian media, بخش is a word you will hear dozens of times a day. One of the most common places is on television. Every news broadcast is referred to as a 'bakhsh-e khabari.' For example, 'bakhsh-e khabari-ye sa'at-e bist-o-yek' (the 9:00 PM news segment). This usage emphasizes the structured nature of time and information. If you visit a hospital, the signage will be dominated by this word. You will see 'bakhsh-e orzhans' (emergency ward), 'bakhsh-e kodakan' (pediatrics ward), and 'bakhsh-e zayeman' (maternity ward). In this context, it is the standard term for any specialized medical area.
Media Usage
بخش خبری (News segment/broadcast). Found in TV and radio schedules.

به بخش ورزشی اخبار خوش آمدید. (Welcome to the sports section of the news.)

In the educational system, teachers use 'bakhsh' to divide lessons. A teacher might say, 'Emrooz bakhsh-e dovvom az dars-e chaharom ra mikhanim' (Today we will read the second section of lesson four). Students also use it when learning to spell. Persian syllables are called 'bakhsh,' and children are taught to 'bakhsh kardan' words to understand their phonetic structure. This is a core memory for almost every Persian speaker who attended primary school in Iran.

کلمه «مادر» دو بخش دارد. (The word 'mādar' has two syllables.)

In daily commerce, you might hear it in shopping malls or large department stores. 'Bakhsh-e pushak-e mardane' (men's clothing section). It helps navigate large spaces by categorizing products. Furthermore, in the tech world, Persian-speaking developers and users use 'bakhsh' for UI elements, like 'bakhsh-e tanzimat' (settings section) or 'bakhsh-e karbari' (user section/profile). Its prevalence in digital interfaces makes it a 'must-know' for anyone using Persian apps or websites.

لطفاً به بخش تنظیمات بروید. (Please go to the settings section.)

Public Spaces
بخش اطلاعات (Information desk/section). Common in airports and train stations.

این بخش از موزه به دوران هخامنشی مربوط است. (This section of the museum relates to the Achaemenid era.)

در بخش مراقبت‌های ویژه، سکوت را رعایت کنید. (Observe silence in the Intensive Care Unit.)

One of the most frequent errors English speakers make when using بخش is confusing it with other words for 'part' or 'piece,' such as 'قسمت' (ghesmat) or 'تکه' (tekke). While 'ghesmat' and 'bakhsh' are often synonyms, 'bakhsh' is generally more formal and suggests a deliberate, structural division. 'Ghesmat' is more versatile and common in everyday speech. For example, you can say 'ghesmat-e man' (my fate/my share), but you would rarely use 'bakhsh' in a spiritual or fatalistic sense. Using 'bakhsh' where 'tekke' is required is another common pitfall. 'Tekke' refers to a physical fragment, like a piece of bread ('tekke-ye noon') or a piece of glass. If you say 'bakhsh-e noon,' it sounds like you are discussing a theoretical or administrative division of the bread, which is quite odd.
Bakhsh vs. Tekke
Use 'Bakhsh' for structured sections (e.g., book chapters, hospital wards). Use 'Tekke' for physical pieces (e.g., cake, broken glass).

غلط: یک بخش کیک می‌خواهم. (Incorrect: I want a section of cake.)
درست: یک تکه کیک می‌خواهم. (Correct: I want a piece of cake.)

Another mistake involves the word 'fasl' (chapter). Learners often use 'bakhsh' for every chapter in a book. While not entirely wrong, 'fasl' is the specific term for a chapter in a numbered sequence. 'Bakhsh' usually refers to a larger 'Part' that might contain several chapters. For instance, a book might have 'Bakhsh-e Avval' (Part One), which then contains 'Fasl-e 1, 2, 3.' Confusing these can lead to ambiguity in academic or literary discussions.

کتاب دارای سه بخش و ده فصل است. (The book has three parts and ten chapters.)

Grammatically, forgetting the Ezafe is a constant struggle for beginners. Saying 'bakhsh avval' instead of 'bakhsh-e avval' is a clear sign of a non-native speaker. The linking vowel is essential for the phrase to make sense. Also, be careful with the word 'nahiye' or 'mantaghe' (area/zone). While 'bakhsh' can mean a part of a city, 'mantaghe' is the official term for urban zones (like District 1, District 2 in Tehran). Using 'bakhsh' in this specific administrative context might be technically understood but sounds slightly off to a local.
Administrative Nuance
Use 'Mantaghe' for city districts. Use 'Bakhsh' for rural/county subdivisions or hospital wards.

او در بخش یک تهران زندگی می‌کند. (Sounds awkward; better to use 'Mantaghe-ye yek').

این بخش از حرف‌هایت را نفهمیدم. (I didn't understand this part of your words.) - Correct usage for abstract segments.

To truly master بخش, you must see where it sits in the constellation of related Persian terms. The most common alternative is 'قسمت' (ghesmat). While often interchangeable, 'ghesmat' carries a broader range of meanings, including 'fate,' 'destiny,' or 'portion' in a more general sense. In daily conversation, 'ghesmat' is slightly more frequent. However, in technical, medical, or administrative contexts, 'bakhsh' is the preferred and more professional term. For instance, you will rarely see 'ghesmat-e orzhans' on a hospital sign; it is almost always 'bakhsh-e orzhans.'
Bakhsh vs. Ghesmat
Bakhsh: Formal, structural, technical (Ward, District, Part of a book). Ghesmat: Informal, general, abstract (Piece, Share, Fate).

این قسمت از سریال جالب بود. (This part of the series was interesting.) - Very common.

Another related word is 'فصل' (fasl). As mentioned, this specifically means 'chapter' or 'season.' If you are talking about the structural divisions of a book or a TV show season, 'fasl' is the correct choice. 'Bakhsh' would only be used if the book is divided into larger sections that encompass multiple chapters. Then there is 'تکه' (tekke), which means 'piece' or 'fragment.' This is used for physical objects that have been broken or cut, like 'tekke-ye sang' (piece of stone). Using 'bakhsh' here would imply the stone has a functional department, which is nonsensical.

کتاب ده فصل دارد. (The book has ten chapters.)

In more formal or literary contexts, you might encounter 'پاره' (pareh), which also means 'part' or 'piece' but often has a more poetic or archaic feel, or refers to a specific fragment (like 'pareh-ye tan' - a part of the body, often used metaphorically for one's child). 'Sho'be' (branch) is another alternative, but it is specifically used for branches of a bank, store, or organization. You wouldn't call a hospital ward a 'sho'be'; you would call it a 'bakhsh.' Understanding these distinctions allows you to choose the word that conveys the exact level of formality and the specific nature of the 'part' you are describing.
Sho'be vs. Bakhsh
Sho'be: Branch of an organization (e.g., Bank Melli, Sho'be-ye Tajrish). Bakhsh: Internal department or segment.

او به شعبه مرکزی بانک رفت. (He went to the central branch of the bank.)

این بخش از پازل کجاست؟ (Where is this part of the puzzle?) - Use 'tekke' for physical puzzle pieces!

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Examples by Level

1

این بخش کتاب خوب است.

This part (of the) book is good.

Simple Noun + Adjective construction.

2

بخش اول را بخوان.

Read the first part.

Ordinal number 'avval' following 'bakhsh' with Ezafe.

3

من در این بخش هستم.

I am in this section.

Use of 'dar' (in) with 'bakhsh'.

4

این بخش خیلی بزرگ است.

This section is very big.

'Kheyli' (very) modifying the adjective 'bozorg'.

5

کدام بخش را دوست داری؟

Which part do you like?

Interrogative 'kodam' (which) before the noun.

6

بخش دوم کجاست؟

Where is the second part?

Interrogative 'koja' (where) with the verb 'ast'.

7

او در بخش کودکان است.

He/She is in the children's ward.

Noun-Noun Ezafe: 'bakhsh-e kodakan'.

8

این یک بخش کوچک است.

This is a small part.

Indefinite 'yek' and 'e' suffix.

1

او در بخش فروش کار می‌کند.

He works in the sales department.

Present continuous implied or simple present 'kar mikonad'.

2

بیمارستان ده بخش دارد.

The hospital has ten wards.

Number precedes the singular noun 'bakhsh'.

3

این کلمه را بخش کن.

Divide this word into syllables.

Imperative form of the compound verb 'bakhsh kardan'.

4

بخش خصوصی در ایران فعال است.

The private sector is active in Iran.

Fixed phrase 'bakhsh-e khosoosi'.

5

لطفاً به بخش اطلاعات بروید.

Please go to the information section.

Polite imperative 'beravid'.

6

این بخش از شهر امن است.

This part of the city is safe.

Subject-predicate agreement.

7

بخش‌های مختلف فیلم را دیدم.

I saw different parts of the movie.

Plural 'bakhsh-ha' with Ezafe.

8

او رئیس این بخش است.

He is the head of this department.

Noun 'ra'is' connected via Ezafe.

1

این روستا در بخش مرکزی قرار دارد.

This village is located in the central district.

Administrative use of 'bakhsh'.

2

بخش بزرگی از جنگل سوخت.

A large part of the forest burned.

Past tense 'sukht' (burned).

3

او در بخش مراقبت‌های ویژه بستری است.

He is hospitalized in the ICU.

Specific medical terminology.

4

کتاب به چند بخش تقسیم می‌شود؟

How many sections is the book divided into?

Passive construction 'tagsim mishavad'.

5

بخش خبری ساعت نه شروع می‌شود.

The news segment starts at nine o'clock.

Compound noun 'bakhsh-e khabari'.

6

این بخش از پروژه زمان‌بر است.

This part of the project is time-consuming.

Compound adjective 'zaman-bar'.

7

بخش دولتی باید حمایت کند.

The government sector should support.

Modal verb 'bayad' with subjunctive.

8

او مسئول بخش حسابداری شد.

He became the head of the accounting department.

Linking verb 'shod' (became).

1

این طرح شامل سه بخش اصلی است.

This plan includes three main sections.

Verb 'shamel budan' (to include).

2

بخش‌بندی بازار برای تجارت ضروری است.

Market segmentation is essential for business.

Gerund/Noun 'bakhsh-bandi'.

3

او در بخش تحقیقات به نتایج خوبی رسید.

In the research department, he achieved good results.

Prepositional phrase 'dar bakhsh-e'.

4

بخش قابل توجهی از بودجه صرف آموزش شد.

A significant part of the budget was spent on education.

Adjectival phrase 'ghabel-e tavajjoh'.

5

بخش‌دار دستور تخلیه روستا را داد.

The district governor gave the order to evacuate the village.

Administrative title 'bakhsh-dar'.

6

این عدد بر پنج بخش‌پذیر نیست.

This number is not divisible by five.

Mathematical term 'bakhsh-pazir'.

7

بخش‌های نرم‌افزار نیاز به به‌روزرسانی دارند.

The software sections need updating.

Plural subject with plural verb.

8

او در بخش‌های مختلف جامعه نفوذ دارد.

He has influence in various sectors of society.

Abstract usage of 'bakhsh'.

1

تحلیل این بخش از متن دشوار است.

Analyzing this part of the text is difficult.

Infinitive 'tahlil' as subject.

2

بخش‌نامه‌ای جدید به ادارات ابلاغ شد.

A new circular/directive was issued to the offices.

Formal administrative term 'bakhsh-nameh'.

3

این نظریه بخش‌های مبهم زیادی دارد.

This theory has many ambiguous parts.

Adjective 'mobham' (ambiguous).

4

بخش وسیعی از اراضی به کشاورزی اختصاص یافت.

A vast part of the lands was allocated to agriculture.

Passive verb 'ekhtesas yaft'.

5

او بخش جدایی‌ناپذیر تیم ماست.

He is an inseparable part of our team.

Compound adjective 'jodayi-napazir'.

6

بخش‌بندی سیاسی منطقه تغییر کرده است.

The political segmentation of the region has changed.

Political/Geographical context.

7

هر بخش از این منظومه معنای خاصی دارد.

Each part of this poetic cycle has a specific meaning.

Literary analysis context.

8

بخش ناهشیار ذهن نقش مهمی در رفتار دارد.

The unconscious part of the mind plays an important role in behavior.

Psychological terminology.

1

واکاوی بخش‌های بنیادین هستی، هدف فلسفه است.

Analyzing the fundamental parts of existence is the goal of philosophy.

Academic/Philosophical register.

2

بخش‌بندی‌های کاذب نباید مانع وحدت ملی شود.

False segmentations should not hinder national unity.

Sociopolitical commentary.

3

این بخش از شاهنامه به نبرد رستم و سهراب می‌پردازد.

This section of the Shahnameh deals with the battle of Rostam and Sohrab.

Literary reference.

4

بخش‌های حاکمیتی باید پاسخگوی مردم باشند.

The governing sectors must be accountable to the people.

Formal political terminology.

5

تطور معنایی واژه «بخش» در متون پهلوی مشهود است.

The semantic evolution of the word 'bakhsh' is evident in Pahlavi texts.

Linguistic/Historical analysis.

6

او بخش اعظم عمر خود را وقف علم کرد.

He dedicated the greater part of his life to science.

Formal expression 'bakhsh-e a'zam'.

7

بخش‌بندی دقیق داده‌ها، صحت نتایج را تضمین می‌کند.

Precise segmentation of data guarantees the accuracy of results.

Scientific/Technical precision.

8

هر بخش از این معماری بازتابی از کیهان‌شناسی باستان است.

Each part of this architecture is a reflection of ancient cosmology.

Art history/Philosophical context.

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