برکناری in 30 Seconds
- Barkonāri is a formal Persian noun meaning 'dismissal' or 'removal' from a high-level position or office.
- It is commonly used in news headlines regarding politicians, CEOs, and sports coaches to indicate a formal end to their tenure.
- Grammatically, it is often paired with the preposition 'az' (from) and the verb 'kardan' (to do/make) in its verbal form.
- It differs from 'firing' (ekhrāj) by being more administrative and less focused on personal misconduct.
The Persian word برکناری (barkonāri) is a sophisticated noun that translates to 'dismissal', 'removal', or 'ouster'. At its core, it describes the formal act of stripping someone of their professional duties, political office, or administrative rank. Unlike the more blunt or colloquial terms for being fired, barkonāri carries a weight of officiality and is frequently encountered in the realms of high-stakes politics, corporate governance, and sports management. It implies a top-down decision where an authority figure or a governing body concludes that an individual should no longer hold their current position. This term is essential for anyone following Persian-language news, as it appears daily in headlines regarding cabinet reshuffles, managerial changes in large firms, or the sudden departure of national team coaches.
- Etymological Breakdown
- The word is a compound of 'bar' (meaning on or at), 'kenār' (meaning side or edge), and the suffix '-i' which transforms the phrase into a noun. Literally, it suggests the act of 'putting someone to the side' or 'sidelining' them from the center of action.
- Political Register
- In a political context, it refers to the dismissal of ministers, ambassadors, or governors. It is often used in the phrase 'عزل و برکناری' (dismissal and removal), emphasizing the legal and administrative termination of power.
- Corporate and Professional Use
- Within a company, this word describes the removal of a CEO or a board member. It is distinct from 'اخراج' (ekhrāj - firing) because it usually involves a formal procedure or a vote of no confidence rather than a simple termination for misconduct.
خبر برکناری وزیر اقتصاد در تمام روزنامهها منتشر شد.
Understanding the nuance of this word requires looking at its social implications. In Iranian culture, a 'barkonāri' is often a face-saving way to describe a loss of power compared to more derogatory terms. It suggests that the person might still remain within the system but has been removed from a specific 'side' or 'position'. However, it can also signal a major scandal. For instance, if a sports coach is removed after a string of losses, the media will use this term to describe the official end of their contract. It is a word that demands attention because it signifies a shift in the status quo.
هیئت مدیره به برکناری مدیرعامل رأی داد.
When using this word, remember it is almost always followed by the preposition 'از' (az - from) to indicate the position being vacated. For example, 'برکناری از مقام' (removal from office) or 'برکناری از کار' (removal from work). This structure is vital for grammatical correctness. Historically, the word has been used in Persian literature to describe the fall of viziers and court officials, giving it a slightly dramatic or historical undertone that persists in modern formal writing. It is a high-frequency word in journalism, law, and business administration, making it a cornerstone for B2-level learners who wish to engage with Persian media or professional environments.
Using برکناری correctly involves understanding its role as a verbal noun. It functions as the subject or object of a sentence, often paired with verbs like 'خواستار شدن' (to demand), 'اعلام کردن' (to announce), or 'پذیرفتن' (to accept). Because it is a formal word, the sentences surrounding it usually adopt a formal or semi-formal tone. For English speakers, think of it as the difference between saying 'he was fired' (informal) and 'his removal was finalized' (formal). The latter is the territory of barkonāri.
- Sentence Structure 1: The Subject
- When 'barkonāri' is the subject, it often leads to a result. Example: 'برکناری او باعث تعجب همگان شد' (His removal caused everyone's surprise). Here, the noun acts as the catalyst for the action.
- Sentence Structure 2: The Object
- When it is the object, it is being acted upon. Example: 'مردم خواستار برکناری شهردار هستند' (The people are demanding the dismissal of the mayor). This is a common phrase in political reporting.
پس از شکستهای پیاپی، برکناری سرمربی قطعی به نظر میرسید.
A key grammatical point is the 'Ezafe' construction. You almost always link barkonāri to the person being removed using the -e sound. For example: barkonāri-ye ra'is (the removal of the president). If you want to specify the position they are being removed from, use the preposition 'az'. Example: 'برکناری از قدرت' (removal from power). This combination creates a very precise and professional description of the event.
دولت هیچ دلیلی برای برکناری ناگهانی سفیر ارائه نکرد.
In advanced Persian, you might see this word used in passive constructions or as part of complex legal sentences. For example, 'حکم برکناری' (the dismissal decree). This refers to the physical or official document that terminates someone's employment. Learning to pair barkonāri with its common adjectives like 'ناگهانی' (nagahāni - sudden), 'غیرمنتظره' (gheyr-e montazere - unexpected), or 'اجباری' (ejbāri - forced) will greatly enhance your descriptive capabilities in Persian. This word is a bridge to understanding how authority and accountability are discussed in the Iranian public sphere.
The word برکناری is a staple of Persian media and official discourse. If you turn on IRIB (Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting) news or read newspapers like 'Etela'at' or 'Shargh', you will encounter this word whenever there is a change in the cabinet or a shift in administrative leadership. It is the 'serious' word for a job loss, used when the person involved holds a significant amount of responsibility. In contrast, you wouldn't typically hear this word used for a waiter being let go from a restaurant; that would be 'ekhrāj'.
- Television News
- News anchors use 'barkonāri' to report on international affairs as well. For example, the removal of a foreign prime minister or a high-ranking general in another country is always translated using this term. It provides a sense of formality and neutrality to the reporting.
- Political Activism
- During protests or political movements, you might hear chants or see placards saying 'خواستار برکناری...' (Demanding the removal of...). It is a powerful word used to challenge those in power.
اخبار ساعت نه شب، خبر برکناری استاندار را تایید کرد.
In the business world, you will hear this during shareholder meetings or in financial news. When a company’s performance drops, the 'barkonāri' of the leadership team is often discussed as a solution. In these settings, the word is associated with accountability and institutional change. It is also common in sports commentary. Iranian football fans are very passionate, and after a bad loss for teams like Persepolis or Esteghlal, the word 'barkonāri' becomes the most searched term on social media as fans call for the coach to be replaced.
شایعاتی در مورد برکناری رئیس فدراسیون فوتبال شنیده میشود.
Finally, you might hear this word in legal or academic discussions about constitutional law. The process of removing a president or a high judge (impeachment) involves the concept of 'barkonāri'. In these high-level discussions, the word is used to describe the mechanisms of checks and balances. By paying attention to this word, you gain a window into how Iranian society manages leadership and authority across different sectors. It is not just a word for 'leaving a job'; it is a word for the formal termination of power.
One of the most common mistakes learners make with برکناری is confusing it with other words for 'leaving' or 'losing' a job. Persian has several terms for this, and using the wrong one can change the tone of your sentence significantly. For example, 'استعفا' (este'fā) means resignation. If you say someone was 'barkonār' when they actually resigned, you are implying they were forced out against their will, which could be a sensitive error in a professional or political context.
- Mistake 1: Confusing with 'Ekhrāj'
- Learners often use 'اخراج' (ekhrāj) for everything. 'Ekhrāj' is 'firing' and often implies misconduct, like stealing or being late. 'Barkonāri' is 'removal' and is used for high-level positions, often for political or strategic reasons rather than personal failure.
- Mistake 2: Incorrect Preposition
- Using 'در' (dar - in) instead of 'از' (az - from). You are removed *from* a position, not *in* a position. Always use 'برکناری از مقام'.
اشتباه: او از شرکت برکنار شد (وقتی خودش استعفا داده بود).
Another subtle mistake is the misapplication of register. Using barkonāri in a very casual conversation about a friend losing their part-time job at a cafe might sound overly dramatic or even sarcastic. It’s better to use 'بیکار شدن' (bikār shodan - to become unemployed) or 'اخراج شدن' (ekhrāj shodan - to be fired) for everyday situations. Save barkonāri for the CEO, the politician, or the official.
درست: برکناری او از این سمت، تصمیمی دشوار بود.
Finally, watch out for the spelling and pronunciation of the 'k' and 'n'. Some learners accidentally swap sounds or shorten the 'ā' (alef). It is 'bar-ko-nā-ri'. Clear pronunciation is key in formal settings where this word is most likely to be used. By avoiding these common pitfalls, you will sound much more natural and precise when discussing professional transitions in Persian.
Persian is a language rich in synonyms, each carrying a different shade of meaning. While برکناری is the standard term for dismissal, you will often encounter other words depending on the level of formality and the specific context of the removal.
- عزل (Azl)
- This is an Arabic-rooted word that is even more formal than 'barkonāri'. It is almost exclusively used in legal, historical, or high-political contexts. You 'azl' a king or a supreme judge. It carries a sense of absolute authority removing a subordinate.
- اخراج (Ekhrāj)
- As mentioned before, this means 'expulsion' or 'firing'. It is used when someone is kicked out for doing something wrong. You can be 'ekhrāj' from a school, a club, or a job. It is much more negative than 'barkonāri'.
- کنارهگیری (Kenāre-giri)
- This means 'stepping aside' or 'stepping down'. It is often used as a polite euphemism for resignation or removal. If a politician wants to save face, they might say they are 'kenāre-giri' rather than being 'barkonār'.
تفاوت بین برکناری و عزل در میزان تشریفات قانونی است.
Another alternative is 'لغو حکم' (laghv-e hokm), which literally means 'cancellation of the decree'. This is used when an official appointment is revoked. For example, if a person was appointed as a director yesterday but the decision was changed today, their 'hokm' (decree) is 'laghv' (cancelled). This is a very specific administrative term.
او به جای برکناری، ترجیح داد خود استعفا دهد.
Understanding these alternatives allows you to navigate the complexities of Persian social and professional hierarchy. If you are writing a formal letter or an essay, choosing 'barkonāri' or 'azl' shows a high level of linguistic competence. If you are speaking casually, 'bikār shodan' is safer. By mastering these synonyms, you can express the exact nature of a departure from a role, whether it was a forced ouster, a legal removal, or a polite exit.
Pronunciation Guide
Examples by Level
برکناری او بد بود.
His dismissal was bad.
Simple subject-predicate structure.
او از کار برکنار شد.
He was dismissed from work.
Passive verb usage.
چرا برکناری؟
Why dismissal?
Short question.
برکناری مربی فوتبال.
The dismissal of the football coach.
Noun phrase.
من برکناری را دوست ندارم.
I do not like dismissal.
Direct object with 'rā'.
خبر برکناری آمد.
The news of dismissal came.
Simple past tense.
برکناری مدیر سخت است.
The dismissal of the manager is hard.
Adjective describing a noun.
او بعد از برکناری رفت.
He left after the dismissal.
Prepositional phrase with 'ba'd az'.
برکناری ناگهانی وزیر همه را متعجب کرد.
The sudden dismissal of the minister surprised everyone.
Adjective 'nagahāni' modifying the noun.
او دلیل برکناری خود را نمیدانست.
He didn't know the reason for his dismissal.
Possessive 'khod' after the noun.
رئیس شرکت حکم برکناری او را امضا کرد.
The company president signed his dismissal decree.
Compound noun 'hokm-e barkonāri'.
برکناری از این مقام آسان نیست.
Removal from this position is not easy.
Preposition 'az' for position.
همه درباره برکناری او حرف میزنند.
Everyone is talking about his dismissal.
Preposition 'darbāre-ye' (about).
برکناری او عادلانه نبود.
His dismissal was not fair.
Negative adjective 'ādelāne nabud'.
پس از برکناری، او به خانه برگشت.
After the dismissal, he returned home.
Time clause with 'pas az'.
برکناری کارمندان زیاد شد.
The dismissal of employees increased.
Plural noun 'kārmandān'.
دولت برکناری استاندار را به طور رسمی اعلام کرد.
The government officially announced the governor's dismissal.
Adverbial phrase 'be tour-e rasmi'.
برکناری از قدرت میتواند عواقب زیادی داشته باشد.
Removal from power can have many consequences.
Modal verb 'mitavānad'.
بسیاری از مردم خواستار برکناری شهردار هستند.
Many people are demanding the mayor's dismissal.
Present continuous with 'khāstār hastand'.
او برکناری خود را یک توطئه سیاسی دانست.
He considered his dismissal a political conspiracy.
Verb 'dānestan' used as 'to consider'.
شایعه برکناری مدیرعامل باعث کاهش ارزش سهام شد.
The rumor of the CEO's dismissal caused a drop in stock value.
Noun 'shāye'e' (rumor).
برکناری او به دلیل تخلفات مالی صورت گرفت.
His dismissal took place due to financial violations.
Passive construction 'surat gereft'.
او هیچگاه برکناری خود را نپذیرفت.
He never accepted his dismissal.
Negative past tense with 'hichgāh'.
برکناری او از تیم ملی، خبر اول ورزش بود.
His removal from the national team was the top sports news.
Appositive structure.
برکناری دستهجمعی مدیران، شوک بزرگی به بازار وارد کرد.
The mass dismissal of managers dealt a great shock to the market.
Compound adjective 'daste-jam'i'.
مجلس در حال بررسی طرح برکناری وزیر است.
The parliament is reviewing the plan for the minister's removal.
Present progressive 'dar hāl-e barresi'.
برکناری او از این سمت، نتیجه اختلافات داخلی بود.
His removal from this position was the result of internal disputes.
Noun 'ekhtelāfāt' (disputes).
او برکناری را به ماندن در شرایط تحقیرآمیز ترجیح داد.
He preferred dismissal to staying in humiliating conditions.
Verb 'tarjih dādan' (to prefer).
برکناری ناگهانی فرمانده، سوالات زیادی را در ذهن ایجاد کرد.
The commander's sudden removal raised many questions in minds.
Plural object 'savālāt'.
قانون اساسی شرایط برکناری رئیسجمهور را مشخص کرده است.
The constitution has specified the conditions for the president's removal.
Present perfect 'moshakhas karde ast'.
برکناری او از هیئت مدیره با رأی اکثریت انجام شد.
His removal from the board of directors was done by a majority vote.
Noun 'aksariat' (majority).
او پس از برکناری، علیه شرکت شکایت کرد.
After the dismissal, he filed a lawsuit against the company.
Verb 'shekāyat kardan' (to complain/sue).
برکناری وی از این مقام حاکمیتی، بازتاب گستردهای در رسانههای بینالمللی داشت.
His removal from this sovereign position had a wide reflection in international media.
Use of 'vey' (formal 'he') and 'hākemiyati' (sovereign).
تحلیلگران برکناری او را آغازی بر تغییرات ساختاری در دولت میدانند.
Analysts consider his dismissal as the beginning of structural changes in the government.
Complex object 'āghāzi bar...'.
برکناری بدون دلیل موجه، نقض صریح قوانین کار محسوب میشود.
Dismissal without a justifiable reason is considered an explicit violation of labor laws.
Passive 'mohsub mishavad'.
او برکناری خود را بهایی برای ایستادگی بر اصول خویش میدانست.
He considered his dismissal a price for standing by his principles.
Metaphorical use of 'bahā' (price).
برکناری تدریجی نیروهای قدیمی، فضا را برای جوانگرایی باز کرد.
The gradual removal of old forces opened the space for youth-oriented policies.
Noun 'javān-garāyi'.
حکم برکناری وی توسط دیوان عالی کشور لغو شد.
His dismissal decree was revoked by the Supreme Court.
Passive with 'tavasot-e'.
برکناری از این مسئولیت خطیر، باری را از دوش او برداشت.
Removal from this grave responsibility lifted a burden from his shoulders.
Idiomatic 'bāri az dush bardāshtan'.
او با وجود برکناری، همچنان نفوذ خود را در حزب حفظ کرده است.
Despite the dismissal, he has still maintained his influence in the party.
Preposition 'bā vojud-e' (despite).
برکناری وی از اریکه قدرت، نقطه عطفی در تاریخ معاصر آن کشور به شمار میرود.
His removal from the throne of power is considered a turning point in that country's contemporary history.
Literary 'arike-ye ghodrat'.
پیامدهای ژئوپلیتیک برکناری ناگهانی وزیر امور خارجه غیرقابل پیشبینی است.
The geopolitical consequences of the foreign minister's sudden removal are unpredictable.
Complex adjective 'gheyr-e ghābel-e pish-bini'.
برکناری و عزل مقامات بلندپایه مستلزم رعایت تشریفات قانونی پیچیدهای است.
The dismissal and removal of high-ranking officials requires compliance with complex legal formalities.
Verb 'mostalzem budan' (to require).
او برکناری را فرجامی ناگزیر برای سیاستهای بلندپروازانه خود میدید.
He saw dismissal as an inevitable end for his ambitious policies.
Literary 'farjām' (end/fate).
فشار افکار عمومی در نهایت منجر به برکناری شهردار فاسد شد.
Public opinion pressure eventually led to the dismissal of the corrupt mayor.
Phrase 'monjar be... shodan'.
برکناری وی از سمت خود، شائبههای زیادی را در محافل سیاسی برانگیخت.
His removal from his position sparked many suspicions in political circles.
Noun 'shā'ebe' (suspicion/ambiguity).
او برکناری را نه یک شکست، بلکه فرصتی برای بازنگری در اهدافش تلقی کرد.
He regarded dismissal not as a failure, but as an opportunity to revise his goals.
Structure 'na... balke...' (not... but...).
برکناری از سِمتهای کلیدی معمولاً با تغییر در رویکردهای کلان مدیریتی همراه است.
Removal from key positions is usually accompanied by a change in macro-management approaches.
Adjective 'kalān' (macro).
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— Being let go from a job. Used in general professional contexts.
او از برکناری از کار میترسد.
— Removal from political power. Used for leaders and dictators.
برکناری از قدرت برای او دشوار بود.
— Dismissal due to corruption. A common news trope.
برکناری چندین مسئول به دلیل فساد مالی.
— A respectful dismissal (often a forced resignation).
دولت به دنبال برکناری محترمانه او بود.
Idioms & Expressions
— To stay away or remain detached from something. Not directly dismissal, but related root.
او از جنجالها برکنار ماند.
Formal— The power to hire and fire; appointments and dismissals.
حق عزل و نصب با مدیرعامل است.
Formal— To force someone to stay at home (i.e., to fire them and end their career).
او را با برکناری، خانهنشین کردند.
Idiomatic/Informal— To pull the rug out from under someone (often leading to their dismissal).
همکارانش زیر پایش را کشیدند تا برکنار شود.
Informal— To finalize someone's dismissal; to put the 'stamp' of removal on them.
شورای شهر مهر برکناری بر پرونده شهردار زد.
Journalistic— To fall from a high position (metaphorically).
بعد از برکناری، گویی از اسب افتاده بود.
Literary— To be set aside; to be removed from active duty.
او به تدریج از تصمیمگیریها کنار گذاشته شد.
Neutral— To get someone fired or dismissed through gossip or plotting.
بالاخره پنبه او را زدند و برکنارش کردند.
Informal/Slang— To end someone's professional career (literally: to read the funeral prayer for their job).
با این اشتباه، فاتحه برکناریاش خوانده شد.
InformalSummary
Barkonāri (برکناری) is your go-to word for formal dismissals in professional and political contexts. Example: 'برکناری وزیر' (The minister's dismissal) signals a significant shift in authority and is a staple of Persian media vocabulary.
- Barkonāri is a formal Persian noun meaning 'dismissal' or 'removal' from a high-level position or office.
- It is commonly used in news headlines regarding politicians, CEOs, and sports coaches to indicate a formal end to their tenure.
- Grammatically, it is often paired with the preposition 'az' (from) and the verb 'kardan' (to do/make) in its verbal form.
- It differs from 'firing' (ekhrāj) by being more administrative and less focused on personal misconduct.
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عادتأ
B2As is the custom or habit; customarily.
عامیانه
B2Characteristic of ordinary conversation rather than formal speech or writing; informal.
اعطا کردن
B2To grant or bestow (a right, power, or honor).
اعتبار
A2Credit; the ability of a customer to obtain goods or services before payment.
اعتبار دادن
B1To grant credit or give credibility to someone or something.
اعتبار مالی
B1Financial standing or reputation; available funds.
اعتباراً
B2On credit; by means of credibility.
اعتباردهنده
B2An entity that lends money or provides credit to another party.
اعتبارنامه
B1A qualification, achievement, or personal quality; credential.
اعتباری
B1Relating to credit, especially financial credit; based on trust or reputation.
