بنا بر

The Persian phrase بنا بر (Bana bar) is a sophisticated compound preposition that translates most accurately to 'according to', 'based on', or 'on the basis of' in English. To understand its essence, one must look at its components: بنا (Bana) which means building, foundation, or structure, and بر (bar) which means 'on' or 'upon'. Literally, it suggests placing a statement or a fact 'upon the foundation' of another source. This etymological roots give the phrase a sense of architectural stability and logical grounding. When a Persian speaker uses this phrase, they are not just citing a source; they are signaling that the information they are about to provide is supported by a solid structural base. In the landscape of Persian linguistics, this phrase occupies a middle-to-high register. It is significantly more formal than the casual ways of citing information, such as saying 'فلانی گفت' (so-and-so said). It creates a professional distance between the speaker and the information, making it a staple in journalism, academic writing, and legal discourse. However, its usage is not restricted to dusty law books. In the modern era, you will hear it in evening news broadcasts, read it in digital newspapers, and encounter it in business meetings where data-driven decisions are made. The phrase serves as a logical bridge, connecting a premise to a conclusion. For example, if a meteorologist says 'According to the maps, it will rain,' they would use 'بنا بر'. It implies a systematic observation rather than a mere guess. This nuance is crucial for learners; using 'بنا بر' elevates your speech from basic conversational Persian to a level that commands respect and demonstrates intellectual clarity. It suggests that you are a person who values evidence and structured thought. In the social fabric of Iran, where rhetoric and the art of speaking (Sokhanvari) are highly prized, choosing a phrase like 'بنا بر' instead of a simpler alternative can change the entire tone of a conversation, moving it from a casual chat to an informed discussion. Furthermore, the phrase is versatile in its application. It can precede a person (Bana bar gofte-ye ra'is - According to the president), a document (Bana bar gozaresh - According to the report), or even an abstract concept (Bana bar maslahat - Based on expediency). This flexibility makes it one of the most useful tools in a B1 level learner's toolkit, as it allows for the construction of complex, evidence-based sentences without requiring overly complicated verb conjugations.

Grammatical Category

Compound Preposition (حرف اضافه مرکب)

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Formal, Academic, and Journalistic

Logical Function

Attribution and Evidence-based Reasoning

Comparing 'بنا بر' with its synonyms is essential for mastery. While 'طبق' (Tebgh) is very common and often interchangeable, 'بنا بر' carries a slightly more analytical weight. 'طبق' often refers to following a rule or a template (like following a recipe), whereas 'بنا بر' refers to building a conclusion based on a source. Another cousin is 'بر اساس' (Bar asaase), which is literally 'on the basis of'. While 'بر اساس' is very common in modern Persian, 'بنا بر' retains a classical, almost literary elegance that makes it a favorite in high-end journalism. When you listen to the BBC Persian or Iran International, you will notice that 'بنا بر' is frequently used to introduce reports from third-party sources where the journalist wants to maintain objectivity. It creates a linguistic shield, attributing the information clearly to its origin. For a learner, mastering this phrase is a rite of passage into the world of 'Formal Persian' (Persian-e Rasmi). It bridges the gap between the simple S-V-O sentences of A2 and the nuanced, multi-clause arguments of B2 and C1 levels. It allows you to cite authorities, refer to historical documents, and discuss scientific findings with the appropriate level of gravitas. In summary, 'بنا بر' is more than just a translation of 'according to'; it is a marker of intellectual rigor and formal proficiency in the Persian language.

Using بنا بر correctly requires an understanding of Persian sentence structure and the role of prepositions. In Persian, prepositions usually precede the noun they modify. 'بنا بر' follows this rule strictly. The most common structure is: [بنا بر] + [Noun/Source] + [Comma/Pause] + [Main Clause]. For example, 'بنا بر اخبار، فردا تعطیل است' (According to the news, tomorrow is a holiday). One of the most critical aspects of using 'بنا بر' is its placement. While it usually appears at the beginning of a sentence to set the context, it can also be embedded within a sentence to provide justification for a specific action or state. For instance, 'دولت، بنا بر مصلحت عمومی، تصمیم جدیدی گرفت' (The government, based on public interest, made a new decision). Here, the phrase is used as an adverbial insertion, providing the 'why' behind the 'what'. This flexibility allows speakers to emphasize the source of their information at different points in the narrative. When using 'بنا بر' with people, it is often combined with the word 'گفته' (gofteh - saying/words). So instead of just saying 'بنا بر علی' (According to Ali), which sounds slightly clipped, it is more natural and formal to say 'بنا بر گفته‌ی علی' (According to Ali's words). This 'Ezafe' construction (the 'ye' sound connecting 'gofteh' and 'Ali') is a hallmark of sophisticated Persian. Another common usage pattern involves legal or bureaucratic contexts. You will often see 'بنا بر ماده‌ی...' (According to article...) in legal documents. In these cases, the phrase is not just a stylistic choice but a legal necessity, linking a specific action to a specific law. Learners should also be aware of the rhythmic quality 'بنا بر' brings to a sentence. Persian is a language of 'Ahang' (melody), and 'بنا بر' provides a strong, trochaic start to a sentence that signals to the listener that an important piece of information is coming. It prepares the ear for a factual statement. In written Persian, particularly in 'Ketabi' (bookish) style, 'بنا بر' is often used to avoid repetition. If a writer has already used 'طبق' in the previous sentence, they will switch to 'بنا بر' to maintain lexical variety. This is an important tip for those preparing for Persian proficiency exams like the SAMFA. Variety in using prepositions of attribution is a key metric for higher scores. Furthermore, 'بنا بر' can be used with pronouns. To say 'According to it/that', you would say 'بنا بر آن'. This is often used in logical arguments: 'بنا بر آن، می‌توان نتیجه گرفت که...' (Based on that, one can conclude that...). This usage is vital for developing persuasive writing skills in Persian. It allows the writer to build a chain of logic, where each new point is 'built upon' the previous one. For English speakers, the closest parallel is 'On the strength of' or 'Per'. While 'Per' is very transactional, 'بنا بر' retains a bit more of its 'foundation' imagery. When practicing, try to replace your basic 'Man fekr mikonam' (I think) with 'Bana bar etela'at-e man' (According to my information). This small shift immediately makes your Persian sound more professional and authoritative. It moves the focus from your personal opinion to the data or sources you possess, which is a key cultural nuance in Iranian professional environments where modesty and evidence are valued over blunt personal assertions.

Common Structure 1

بنا بر + Noun (Source of info)

Common Structure 2

بنا بر گفته‌ی + Person (According to [person]'s words)

Common Structure 3

بنا بر این (Therefore / Based on this)

If you turn on a Persian-language news channel, بنا بر is likely one of the first words you will hear. It is the lifeblood of the 'Khabar' (News) ecosystem. News anchors use it to attribute information to news agencies like IRNA, ISNA, or Reuters. For example, 'بنا بر گزارش خبرگزاری‌ها...' (According to news agency reports...). This usage is so ubiquitous that it has become a mental trigger for listeners to pay attention to the source. In the Iranian education system, from high school through university, students are taught to use 'بنا بر' when citing researchers or theories. If you are reading a Persian textbook on sociology or physics, you will see 'بنا بر نظریه‌ی...' (According to the theory of...). This reinforces the idea that knowledge is built upon the foundations laid by others. Another fascinating place where you encounter this word is in the world of religious and philosophical discourse. In 'Hawza' (seminary) environments or in academic studies of 'Feqh' (jurisprudence), scholars use 'بنا بر' to cite 'Hadith' (traditions) or the opinions of past 'Mojtahids' (jurists). It provides the necessary framework for interpreting complex texts. In daily life, you might hear it in more formal social settings, such as a parent-teacher meeting or a doctor's consultation. A doctor might say, 'بنا بر آزمایش‌های شما...' (Based on your tests...), which adds a layer of professional authority to the diagnosis. In the digital world, Persian bloggers and tech reviewers use it when comparing products: 'بنا بر مشخصات فنی...' (Based on the technical specifications...). This shows how the word has successfully transitioned from classical literature to the modern, fast-paced world of technology. Interestingly, even in Persian cinema and TV dramas, 'بنا بر' is used to distinguish the 'educated' or 'upper-class' characters. A character who uses 'بنا بر' instead of 'از رویِ' (from on top of/based on) is often perceived as more articulate or perhaps more manipulative, depending on the context. It is a linguistic marker of 'Adab' (politeness/culture). For an English speaker living in an Iranian city like Tehran or Shiraz, you'll see this phrase on official government signage or in the terms and conditions of your mobile phone contract. It is everywhere that structure and authority are required. Even in sports commentary, you'll hear: 'بنا بر تصمیم داور...' (According to the referee's decision...). This wide range of contexts—from the sacred to the secular, from the legal to the athletic—proves that 'بنا بر' is a foundational pillar of modern Persian communication. It is not just a word; it is a way of organizing reality through the lens of authority and evidence. When you start hearing 'بنا بر' in your daily interactions, it is a sign that you are moving beyond the 'tourist' level of the language and entering the 'citizen' level, where you can engage with the institutional and intellectual life of Persian-speaking societies.

Domain: Journalism

Used to cite reports, agencies, and witnesses.

Domain: Law

Used to cite articles, codes, and judicial precedents.

Domain: Science

Used to cite theories, data, and experimental results.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make with بنا بر is confusing it with بنابراین (Bana-bar-in). While they look similar, they function differently. 'بنا بر' is a preposition that needs a noun following it (According to X), while 'بنابراین' is a conjunction that stands alone or starts a clause (Therefore / So). A learner might say 'Bana bar, man raftam' when they mean 'Therefore, I went'. This is a major grammatical error. Another common pitfall is the misuse of the 'Ezafe' (the short 'e' sound). Unlike many Persian prepositions that require an Ezafe (like 'Ruye' - on top of), 'بنا بر' does NOT take an Ezafe between 'Bana' and 'bar'. It is two distinct words functioning as one unit. However, the noun that follows 'bar' MIGHT take an Ezafe if it's part of a possessive phrase. For example: 'بنا بر گزارشِ پلیس' (Bana bar gozaresh-e polis). Learners often get confused and say 'Bana-ye bar' or 'Bana-re', which are incorrect. Another mistake is using 'بنا بر' in situations that are too casual. For instance, if you're telling a friend what your mom said about dinner, saying 'بنا بر گفته‌ی مادرم' (According to my mother's statement) sounds hilariously formal, almost as if your mother issued a formal press release about the Ghormeh Sabzi. In such cases, 'مامانم گفت' (My mom said) is much better. Furthermore, learners sometimes struggle with the difference between 'بنا بر' and 'به دلیلِ' (Because of). While they can overlap, 'بنا بر' emphasizes the source/foundation, while 'به دلیل' emphasizes the cause. If you say 'Bana bar baran, man nayamadam' (According to the rain, I didn't come), it sounds strange. You should say 'Be dalil-e baran' (Because of the rain). 'بنا بر' should be used when the rain is a piece of information from a source, like 'Bana bar gozaresh-e hava-shenasi' (According to the weather report). Another nuance is the word order. In English, we can say 'The results, according to the study, are...' In Persian, while you can insert 'بنا بر' in the middle, it's much more common and clearer to put it at the start. Beginners often try to mirror English syntax too closely, leading to clunky Persian sentences. Lastly, don't confuse 'بنا بر' with 'بر ضدِ' (Against). Although both start with 'Bar', they are opposites in function. 'بنا بر' supports a claim with a source, while 'بر ضد' opposes it. Paying attention to these subtle distinctions will prevent you from sounding like a translation machine and help you sound like a true 'Farsi-zaban' (Persian speaker).

Mistake 1: Confusion with 'Therefore'

Using 'بنا بر' when you mean 'بنابراین' (Therefore).

Mistake 2: Over-formalization

Using it in casual family conversations where 'Goft' (Said) is enough.

Mistake 3: Logical Substitution

Confusing 'According to' (source) with 'Because of' (cause).

Persian is rich with synonyms for 'according to', and choosing the right one depends entirely on the context and the level of formality you wish to convey. The most common alternative is طبقِ (Tebgh-e). 'Tebgh' is very versatile and used in both spoken and written Persian. While 'بنا بر' feels like a 'foundation', 'طبق' feels like a 'match' or 'conformity'. You use 'طبق' when something is done exactly as instructed, like 'طبقِ دستور' (According to the order). Another heavy-hitter is بر اساسِ (Bar asaase). This is literally 'on the basis of'. It is very popular in modern journalism and academic writing. It is slightly more 'scientific' than 'بنا بر'. If you are discussing data or a logical framework, 'بر اساس' is an excellent choice. Then we have مطابقِ (Motabeghe), which means 'in accordance with' or 'consistent with'. This is often used when comparing two things to see if they match. For example, 'مطابق با استانداردها' (In accordance with standards). For citing what people say, به گفته‌ی (Be gofte-ye) is the most natural and frequent choice in news and storytelling. It focuses specifically on the 'saying' (gofteh) of the person. If you want to sound very legal or official, you might use به موجبِ (Be moujebe), which means 'by virtue of' or 'pursuant to'. This is almost exclusively found in contracts and laws. Another formal option is حسبِ (Hasbe), which is an Arabic loanword used in phrases like 'حسبِ معمول' (According to custom/as usual) or 'حسبِ دستور' (As per orders). It carries an air of old-world bureaucratic authority. بر پایه (Bar paye-ye) is another synonym, very similar to 'بر اساس', meaning 'based on the pillar/base of'. It is often used in architectural or highly structural metaphors. Lastly, به استنادِ (Be estenaade) means 'citing' or 'relying on'. This is used when you are using a document as evidence in an argument. Understanding these differences allows you to paint with a much finer brush. For example, if you are a journalist, you might start your article with 'بنا بر گزارش‌ها' (According to reports), use 'به گفته‌ی شاهدان' (According to witnesses) in the middle, and conclude with 'بر اساس شواهد' (Based on evidence). This variety makes your writing professional and engaging. For a learner, start with 'طبق' for everyday use and 'بنا بر' for when you want to impress or be formal. As you progress, add 'بر اساس' and 'به گفته‌ی' to your repertoire. These four will cover 90% of your needs in Persian. The remaining ones like 'به موجب' and 'حسب' are 'nice-to-haves' that you will encounter as you dive deeper into specialized Persian literature or legal texts. By comparing these words, we see that Persian offers a spectrum of 'attribution', ranging from the simple act of repeating words to the complex act of citing legal authority.

بنا بر (Bana bar)

Formal, foundational, used for news and logic.

طبقِ (Tebgh-e)

Common, implies following a rule or pattern.

بر اساسِ (Bar asaase)

Modern, analytical, used for data and systems.

به گفته‌ی (Be gofte-ye)

Specific to citing what a person has said.