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بیکار

A2 adjective #3,000 most common 10 min read

بیکار

bikar Top 3,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips بیکار in 30 Seconds

Explanation بیکار in your Level:

At the A1 level, you only need to know 'bikar' as a simple word for 'not busy.' If you want to go out with a friend, you ask 'Bikari?' (Are you free?). It's one of the first adjectives you learn to describe your state. You can use it with the verb 'to be' (hastam, hasti, ast). For example, 'Man emrouz bikaram' (I am free today). At this stage, don't worry about the economic meanings. Just think of it as the opposite of 'mashghool' (busy). You might also hear it in very simple sentences like 'He has no job.' The word is easy to remember because 'bi' means 'no' and 'kar' means 'work.' It is a very common word in basic conversations about daily schedules and meeting up with friends.

At the A2 level, you start to see 'bikar' in more varied contexts. You understand that it means both 'unemployed' and 'idle.' You can use it to describe yourself or others in terms of their job status. You should be able to form sentences like 'My brother is unemployed' (Baradaram bikar ast). You also begin to learn compound forms like 'bikar neshastan' (to sit idle/do nothing). You can distinguish between 'bikar' (the adjective) and 'bikari' (the noun, unemployment). You might encounter it in simple stories or news headlines about people looking for work. You should also be comfortable using it to ask about someone's availability for the weekend or an evening out, recognizing that it's a very common social lubricant in Persian culture.

By B1, you are expected to use 'bikar' with more grammatical precision. You can use it in complex sentences with conjunctions like 'chon' (because) or 'agar' (if). You understand the social implications of the word in Iran. You can discuss the 'nerkhe bikari' (unemployment rate) in a basic way. You are also becoming aware of the synonyms and how they differ. For instance, you know that 'vaght dashtan' is a bit more formal than 'bikar boodan.' You can use 'bikar' to describe objects or situations, not just people. For example, 'The machine is idle.' You also start to recognize the word in idioms and common phrases, such as 'bikar o bi-aar' (someone who is idle and doesn't care), which adds a layer of descriptive depth to your vocabulary.

At the B2 level, you can use 'bikar' in professional and academic discussions. You can talk about the causes and effects of 'bikari' on society. You understand the nuance of using 'joyaye kar' (job seeker) instead of 'bikar' in a professional context. You are comfortable with the word's appearance in literature and more complex media reports. You can use 'bikar' to express frustration with inaction, such as 'We shouldn't just stand here idle while the environment is being destroyed.' You also understand the cultural nuances of the word, such as how it can be used teasingly among friends without being offensive. Your ability to switch between the literal 'unemployed' and the figurative 'idle' is fluid and natural.

At the C1 level, you have a deep understanding of the etymological and philosophical roots of 'bikar.' You can appreciate its use in classical poetry where 'kar' refers to spiritual work. You can use the word in high-level debates about labor laws, economic policy, and social welfare. You are aware of rare synonyms and archaic uses. You can detect subtle sarcasm or social commentary when a writer uses 'bikar' to describe a certain class of people. You can also use the word to describe abstract concepts, like a 'bikar' mind or a 'bikar' heart, with poetic flair. Your usage is indistinguishable from a native speaker, and you can navigate the most sensitive social situations involving the term with ease.

At the C2 level, 'bikar' is just one tool in a massive arsenal of Persian vocabulary. You can analyze the linguistic evolution of the prefix 'bi-' and how it combines with other nouns. You can discuss the sociological impact of the 'bikari' crisis in various decades of Iranian history using precise terminology. You can write essays or give speeches where 'bikar' is used to illustrate complex points about human nature, productivity, and the state. You are also fully aware of all regional variations and slang terms related to 'bikar' across the Persian-speaking world (Iran, Afghanistan, Tajikistan). You can play with the word in puns, double entendres, and sophisticated humor.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

بیکار in 30 Seconds

Bikar literally means 'without work' and is used for both unemployment and free time.
It is a compound of the prefix 'bi-' (without) and 'kar' (work/job).
In social settings, asking 'Bikari?' is a friendly way to check someone's availability.
The noun form 'bikari' refers to the concept of unemployment in economic terms.

The Persian word بیکار (bīkār) is a cornerstone of daily conversation, economic discourse, and social interaction in the Persian-speaking world. At its most fundamental level, it is a compound adjective formed by the privative prefix بی- (bī-), meaning 'without,' and the noun کار (kār), meaning 'work,' 'job,' or 'task.' Consequently, its literal translation is 'without work.' However, its usage spans a spectrum from a neutral description of one's employment status to a more nuanced indication of temporary idleness or even a subtle social critique. Understanding when and how to use this word requires an appreciation of the Persian cultural attitude toward productivity and leisure.

Socio-Economic Context: In a formal or statistical context, بیکار refers specifically to the unemployed population. When government officials discuss the 'unemployment rate' (نرخ بیکاری - nerkhe bīkārī), they are referring to individuals who are capable of working but do not have a position. In this sense, it is a clinical, objective term used in news reports and academic papers to describe labor market conditions.

متأسفانه بسیاری از جوانان تحصیل‌کرده در حال حاضر بیکار هستند.
(Unfortunately, many educated youths are currently unemployed.)

Casual Interaction: In daily life, the word takes on a much lighter meaning. If a friend asks, 'Are you bīkār tomorrow?', they aren't asking about your employment status; they are asking if you have any free time or if you are 'idle.' It is synonymous with being 'free' or 'not busy.' This distinction is crucial for learners to avoid taking offense or causing confusion.

Beyond these two main uses, بیکار can also imply a state of uselessness or lack of purpose. If an object is described as 'bikar,' it might mean it is sitting idle and not being utilized. In a more derogatory sense, calling someone a 'bikar' can imply they are lazy or a 'good-for-nothing,' though this depends heavily on tone and context. Usually, to avoid this negative connotation, speakers might use more specific terms like 'tanbal' (lazy). Thus, the word serves as a bridge between the macroeconomic reality of a nation and the micro-social planning of a weekend outing.

اگر بیکاری، بیا با هم بریم پیاده‌روی.
(If you are free/idle, let's go for a walk together.)

Philosophical Nuance: In Persian literature, the state of being 'bikar' is sometimes contrasted with the state of 'eshq' (love) or 'ebadat' (worship). A heart that is 'bikar' is one that lacks a divine or emotional occupation. This elevated usage shows that even a simple word for 'unemployed' has roots in the deeper Persian intellectual tradition of keeping the mind and soul occupied with meaningful pursuits.

Using بیکار correctly involves matching its grammatical role to the intended meaning. As an adjective, it usually follows the noun it modifies or functions as a predicate after the verb 'to be' (بودن - būdan). Because Persian is a pro-drop language, the subject is often omitted, and the verb ending indicates who is 'bikar.' For example, بیکارم (bīkāram) means 'I am unemployed' or 'I am free.'

Describing Employment Status: When talking about the job market, you will often see it paired with words like 'shodan' (to become) or 'mandan' (to remain). For instance, 'bikar shodan' means to lose one's job or become unemployed. This is a common way to describe a change in professional circumstances.

او بعد از تعطیلی کارخانه بیکار شد.
(He became unemployed after the factory closed.)

Asking for Availability: In informal settings, 'bikar' is the go-to word for checking if someone is busy. It is less formal than asking آیا وقت دارید؟ (Do you have time?). It implies a sense of 'are you just hanging around?' which makes the subsequent invitation feel low-pressure and friendly.

فردا عصر بیکاری؟ می‌خوام برم خرید.
(Are you free tomorrow evening? I want to go shopping.)

Another interesting usage is in compound verbs or phrases that describe 'doing nothing.' For example, بیکار نشستن (bīkār neshastan) literally means 'to sit idle.' This is often used to criticize inaction when something should be done. It’s not just about not having a job; it’s about the active choice to remain inactive.

نباید در برابر این همه مشکل بیکار بنشینیم.
(We should not sit idle in the face of all these problems.)

The 'Bikar' of Objects: While primarily used for people, you might occasionally hear 'bikar' used for machinery or tools that are not in use. If a tractor is 'bikar' in the field, it means it's not currently being operated. This usage is more common in rural or industrial settings.

The word بیکار resonates through various layers of Iranian society, and where you hear it often dictates its underlying emotional weight. From the bustling bazaars of Tehran to the quiet evening news broadcasts, this word is ubiquitous. Understanding its environmental context helps a learner grasp the 'vibe' of the conversation.

On the Evening News: In the media, 'bikar' is almost always part of a larger economic discussion. You will hear terms like جمعیت بیکار (unemployed population) or بحران بیکاری (unemployment crisis). Here, the tone is serious, analytical, and often somber. News anchors use it to deliver statistics about the country's economic health.

نرخ زنان بیکار در مناطق روستایی افزایش یافته است.
(The rate of unemployed women in rural areas has increased.)

In Family Living Rooms: Within the family unit, 'bikar' is frequently used to discuss the future of younger members. Parents might worry about a son who is 'bikar' after graduation. Conversely, it's used jokingly among siblings: 'Are you so bikar that you've been staring at your phone for three hours?' This informal, teasing use is very common.

مگه بیکاری که همش داری با من بحث می‌کنی؟
(Are you so idle/bored that you're constantly arguing with me?)

In the workplace, you might hear it during slow periods. A manager might say, 'We can't have the staff just bikar standing around.' It implies a need for efficiency. Additionally, in the world of freelancing—which is growing in Iran—many people describe their 'between projects' phase as being 'bikar,' though they might prefer the more modern 'freelancer' tag in formal settings.

وقتی توی مغازه مشتری نیست، کارکنان بیکار می‌مانند.
(When there are no customers in the shop, the staff remain idle.)

Social Media and Slang: On Iranian Twitter (X) or Instagram, 'bikar' is often used in memes. Users might post 'Only a bikar person would have noticed this detail in the movie.' It becomes a badge of someone who has enough free time to be extremely observant or to engage in trivial internet debates.

English speakers often face a few hurdles when translating 'bikar' because the English language separates 'unemployed' (a professional status) from 'free' (a temporal status) more strictly than Persian does. Here are the most common pitfalls and how to navigate them effectively.

Mistake 1: Confusing 'Bikar' with 'Azad': In English, we say 'I am free tonight.' A common mistake is to translate this as 'Man emshab azadam.' While 'azad' means free, it refers to freedom/liberty (like a prisoner being freed). To say you have no plans, 'bikar' or 'vaght daram' (I have time) is much more natural. Saying 'azadam' in this context sounds like you've just been released from a burden or a jail.

❌ من امشب آزادم. (I am free/liberated tonight.)
✅ من امشب بیکارم. (I am free/not busy tonight.)

Mistake 2: Accidental Insults: If you tell someone 'To bikari!' (You are unemployed/idle!) with a harsh tone, it can sound like you are calling them a loser or a loafer. It’s important to use a questioning or soft tone if you are just asking about their schedule. Context is king. In a formal setting, calling a colleague 'bikar' is very rude as it implies they aren't doing their job.

Another mistake involves the noun form. Learners often say 'Man bikari daram' (I have unemployment). This is incorrect. You should say 'Man bikaram' (I am unemployed) or 'Man kar nadaram' (I don't have a job). 'Bikari' is used for the general concept or the rate, not usually as something an individual 'possesses' in that phrasing.

❌ من بیکاری دارم. (Incorrect)
✅ من بیکارم. (I am unemployed.)

Mistake 3: Misusing 'Bikar' for 'Vacation': If you are on holiday, you are not 'bikar.' You are 'dar tatilat' (on vacation). Using 'bikar' implies you have nothing to do and might even be looking for work. If you tell your boss you were 'bikar' for two weeks, they might think you didn't have any tasks, whereas 'tatilat' means you were officially off-duty.

While بیکار is the most common term, Persian offers a rich variety of alternatives that carry slightly different shades of meaning. Choosing the right one can make your Persian sound more sophisticated and precise.

Comparison: Bikar vs. Faragh (فارغ): Bikar: Generally means 'without work' or 'idle.' It can be negative or neutral.
Faragh: Means 'disengaged' or 'finished with a task.' It is often more positive, implying that you've completed your duties and are now free to relax. For example, 'Faragh-al-tahsil' means a graduate (finished with studies).

او از درس و مشق فارغ شد.
(He finished/became free from his lessons and homework.)

Comparison: Bikar vs. Joyaye Kar (جویای کار): Bikar: Focuses on the state of not having a job.
Joyaye Kar: Literally means 'seeker of work.' This is the professional way to say you are unemployed but actively looking. It is what you would write on a CV or LinkedIn profile.

من مهندس برق و جویای کار هستم.
(I am an electrical engineer and a job seeker.)

Other related words include معطل (mo'attal), which means 'stalled' or 'delayed,' and الاف (allāf), which is a very slangy, somewhat derogatory term for someone who is just wasting time or loitering. You might also hear ولگرد (velgard) for a 'vagabond' or 'wanderer,' which is a much harsher version of being idle.

ما را دو ساعت اینجا معطل کردند.
(They kept us stalled/waiting here for two hours.)

Comparison: Bikar vs. Tanbal (تنبل): Bikar: Refers to the lack of an activity or job.
Tanbal: Refers to a personality trait: laziness. One can be 'bikar' (unemployed) but not 'tanbal' (lazy), as they might be working hard to find a job.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"جناب مدیر، تعدادی از کارکنان بیکار شده‌اند."

Neutral

"او به دنبال کار می‌گردد چون بیکار است."

Informal

"بیکاری؟ پاشو بریم بیرون."

Child friendly

"عروسک‌ها بیکار توی قفسه نشسته‌اند."

Slang

"طرف خیلی بیکاره که این همه چرت و پرت میگه."

Fun Fact

The word 'kar' in Persian is a distant cousin of the English word 'create,' as they share an ancient Indo-European root related to doing/making.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /biːˈkɑːr/

US /biˈkɑr/

The stress is typically on the second syllable: bi-KAR.

Rhymes With

کار (kār) تار (tār) مار (mār) بار (bār) دار (dār) سار (sār) نار (nār) یار (yār)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'bi' as 'bye'. It should always be 'bee'.
Shortening the 'a' in 'kar'. It should be a long 'aa' sound.
Forgetting to roll the 'r' slightly at the end.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize due to the simple prefix 'bi-'.

Writing 2/5

Simple spelling with no complex characters.

Speaking 2/5

Commonly used and easy to pronounce.

Listening 3/5

Must distinguish between 'unemployed' and 'free' based on context.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

کار (work) بی (without) هست (is)

Learn Next

شغل (job) استخدام (employment) درآمد (income)

Advanced

رکود اقتصادی (economic recession) کارآفرینی (entrepreneurship) بهره‌وری (productivity)

Grammar to Know

The privative prefix 'bi-'

بیکار (without work), بی‌پول (without money), بی‌آب (without water).

Compound verbs with 'shodan'

بیکار شدن (to become unemployed).

Noun formation with '-i'

بیکار (adj) -> بیکاری (noun).

Pluralization of people adjectives

بیکار -> بیکاران (the unemployed).

Adjective placement

مرد بیکار (unemployed man) - follows the noun with ezafe.

Examples by Level

من امروز بیکارم.

I am free today.

Simple adjective use with 'hastam'.

آیا تو بیکاری؟

Are you free?

Question form using the second person singular.

او بیکار است.

He/she is unemployed.

Third person singular 'ast'.

ما بیکار هستیم.

We are free.

First person plural 'hastim'.

آن‌ها بیکار نیستند.

They are not free/unemployed.

Negative form using 'nistand'.

علی بیکار است؟

Is Ali free?

Subject + adjective + verb question.

من فردا بیکارم.

I am free tomorrow.

Future time adverb 'farda' used with present tense for future meaning.

بیکار نباش!

Don't be idle!

Imperative negative 'nabash'.

برادرم شش ماه است که بیکار است.

My brother has been unemployed for six months.

Duration 'shesh mah ast' added to the sentence.

اگر بیکاری، بیا بریم سینما.

If you are free, let's go to the cinema.

Conditional 'agar' clause.

او بعد از جنگ بیکار شد.

He became unemployed after the war.

Compound verb 'bikar shodan' (to become unemployed).

بسیاری از مردم در این شهر بیکار هستند.

Many people in this city are unemployed.

Quantifier 'basiyari az' (many of).

چرا بیکار نشسته‌ای؟ کاری انجام بده.

Why are you sitting idle? Do something.

Present perfect 'neshaste-i' used for a state.

او یک کارگر بیکار است.

He is an unemployed worker.

Adjective modifying the noun 'kargar'.

من نمی‌خواهم بیکار بمانم.

I don't want to remain unemployed.

Modal 'nemikhaham' + 'bikar manand'.

آیا در کشور شما افراد بیکار زیاد هستند؟

Are there many unemployed people in your country?

Question about existence using 'hastand'.

دولت باید برای جوانان بیکار چاره‌ای بیندیشد.

The government must find a solution for unemployed youth.

Modal 'bayad' + subjunctive 'beandishad'.

او به دلیل رکود اقتصادی بیکار شد.

He became unemployed due to the economic recession.

Reason 'be dalile' (due to) added.

بیکار ماندن برای مدت طولانی سخت است.

Remaining unemployed for a long time is difficult.

Gerund-like use of 'bikar mandan' as a subject.

او ترجیح می‌دهد بیکار باشد تا اینکه در آن شرکت کار کند.

He prefers to be unemployed than to work in that company.

Comparison 'tarjih midahad... ta inke'.

وقتی بیکارم، معمولاً کتاب می‌خوانم.

When I am free, I usually read books.

Temporal clause 'vaghti' (when).

او از اینکه بیکار است خجالت می‌کشد.

He is ashamed of being unemployed.

Preposition 'az' followed by a 'ke' clause.

نرخ بیکاری در سال گذشته کاهش یافت.

The unemployment rate decreased last year.

Noun form 'bikari' used in a formal sentence.

بیکاران می‌توانند از بیمه بیکاری استفاده کنند.

The unemployed can use unemployment insurance.

Plural noun 'bikaran' (the unemployed).

بیکاری یکی از بزرگترین معضلات اجتماعی است.

Unemployment is one of the biggest social problems.

Superlative 'bozorgtarin' and noun 'mo'zal'.

او با وجود مهارت‌های زیاد، همچنان بیکار است.

Despite having many skills, he is still unemployed.

Concessive 'ba vojoude' (despite).

او نمی‌تواند بیکار نشستن دیگران را تحمل کند.

He cannot tolerate others sitting idle.

Infinitive as object 'bikar neshastan'.

بسیاری از فارغ‌التحصیلان بلافاصله بیکار می‌شوند.

Many graduates immediately become unemployed.

Adverb 'belafasele' (immediately).

او تمام روز را بیکار در خانه می‌چرخد.

He wanders around the house idle all day.

Adverbial use of 'bikar'.

بیکاری پنهان در بخش کشاورزی بسیار بالاست.

Hidden unemployment is very high in the agricultural sector.

Technical term 'bikari-ye penhan' (hidden unemployment).

او از بیکاری خسته شده و به دنبال هر شغلی است.

He is tired of being unemployed and is looking for any job.

Resultative state 'khaste shode'.

بیکار بودن بهتر از انجام دادن کار بیهوده است.

Being idle is better than doing useless work.

Comparative 'behtar az'.

تبعات روانی بیکاری طولانی‌مدت بر خانواده‌ها مخرب است.

The psychological consequences of long-term unemployment on families are destructive.

Complex noun phrase 'taba'ate ravani-ye bikari'.

او هرگز بیکار نمی‌ماند و همیشه پروژه‌ای در دست دارد.

He never stays idle and always has a project in hand.

Negative habitual 'hargez... nemimanad'.

بیکاری اصطکاکی بخشی طبیعی از هر اقتصاد پویا است.

Frictional unemployment is a natural part of any dynamic economy.

Economic term 'bikari-ye estekhaki'.

شاعر در این بیت، دل بیکار را به کویر تشبیه کرده است.

In this verse, the poet has likened the idle heart to a desert.

Literary analysis vocabulary.

او با لحنی تمسخرآمیز پرسید: «مگر بیکاری که به این جزئیات دقت می‌کنی؟»

He asked mockingly, 'Are you so idle that you notice these details?'

Reported speech with tone description.

سیاست‌های پولی جدید با هدف کاهش نرخ بیکاری تدوین شده‌اند.

New monetary policies have been drafted with the aim of reducing the unemployment rate.

Passive voice 'tadvin shode-and'.

او از اینکه بیکار و بی‌مصرف به نظر برسد، وحشت داشت.

He was terrified of appearing idle and useless.

Complex emotional verb 'vahshat dasht'.

بیکاری ساختاری نیازمند بازآموزی گسترده نیروی کار است.

Structural unemployment requires extensive retraining of the workforce.

Technical term 'bikari-ye sakhtari'.

پدیده بیکاری در جوامع مدرن، ابعادی فراتر از مسائل اقتصادی یافته است.

The phenomenon of unemployment in modern societies has taken on dimensions beyond economic issues.

Sophisticated abstract phrasing.

او در دوران استراحت، خود را بیکار نمی‌دانست، بلکه در حال بازسازی قوای ذهنی بود.

During his rest period, he did not consider himself idle, but rather in the process of mental restoration.

Nuanced contrast using 'balke' (but rather).

تحلیلگران بر این باورند که بیکاری تکنولوژیک در دهه آینده چالش‌برانگیز خواهد بود.

Analysts believe that technological unemployment will be challenging in the coming decade.

Future predictive phrasing 'chalesh-barangiz khahad boud'.

او با مهارتی خاص، از بیکاری اجباری خود برای نوشتن رمان استفاده کرد.

With specific skill, he used his forced unemployment to write a novel.

Compound modifier 'bikari-ye ejbari'.

مفهوم بیکاری در فلسفه اگزیستانسیالیسم با ملال و پوچی پیوند خورده است.

The concept of idleness in existentialist philosophy is linked with boredom and absurdity.

Philosophical terminology.

دولت‌ها برای مهار بیکاری ادواری، دست به اقدامات محرک اقتصادی می‌زنند.

Governments take economic stimulus measures to curb cyclical unemployment.

Policy-oriented vocabulary.

او در مواجهه با بیکاری، به جای یأس، به کارآفرینی روی آورد.

In the face of unemployment, instead of despair, he turned to entrepreneurship.

Contrastive structure 'be jaye... be... rouy avard'.

بیکاری مزمن می‌تواند منجر به فرسایش سرمایه انسانی در یک کشور شود.

Chronic unemployment can lead to the erosion of human capital in a country.

High-level academic noun 'farsayesh-e sarmaye-ye ensani'.

Common Collocations

نرخ بیکاری

بیمه بیکاری

بیکار نشستن

بیکار شدن

بیکار ماندن

آدم بیکار

بیکار و بی‌آر

بیکاری مفرط

بیکاری فصلی

بیکار گشتن

Common Phrases

بیکاری؟

— Are you free? / Do you have nothing better to do?

بیکاری؟ بیا بریم بیرون.

بیکار نمان

— Don't stay idle; keep yourself busy.

همیشه سعی کن یاد بگیری، بیکار نمان.

از بیکاری

— Out of boredom or having nothing to do.

از بیکاری نشستم فیلم دیدم.

بیکار و علاف

— Idle and wasting time (negative).

همه روز را بیکار و علاف بود.

بیکار الدوله

— A humorous/sarcastic term for someone very idle.

او واقعاً بیکار الدوله است!

بیکاری کشیدن

— To suffer through a period of unemployment.

او سال‌ها بیکاری کشیده است.

دست از کار بیکار شدن

— To be stopped from working (less common).

او را از کار بیکار کردند.

بیکار هستی؟

— Are you free? (Slightly more formal than 'Bikari?').

فردا عصر بیکار هستی؟

بیکار نباشیم

— Let's not be idle (let's do something).

بیا یک کاری بکنیم، بیکار نباشیم.

بیکاری مطلق

— Absolute unemployment.

او در وضعیت بیکاری مطلق قرار دارد.

Often Confused With

بیکار vs آزاد (Azad)

Azad means free in terms of liberty, while Bikar means free in terms of time/schedule.

بیکار vs تعطیل (Tatil)

Tatil refers to an official holiday or being closed, while Bikar is a personal state of having no work.

بیکار vs تنبل (Tanbal)

Tanbal is a personality trait (lazy), whereas Bikar is a state of employment or availability.

Idioms & Expressions

"بیکار و بی‌آر"

— Someone who is idle and lacks any sense of responsibility or shame about it.

او یک جوان بیکار و بی‌آر است که فقط می‌خورد و می‌خوابد.

Informal/Critical

"بیکار نشستن"

— To take no action in a situation that requires it; to be passive.

در برابر ظلم نباید بیکار نشست.

Neutral

"از بیکاری مگس پراندن"

— To be so idle that one is 'shooing flies' (bored out of one's mind).

مغازه خلوت است و او دارد مگس می‌پراند.

Informal/Idiomatic

"بیکاری به سرش زده"

— He is doing strange things because he has too much free time.

بیکاری به سرش زده که این همه حرف می‌زند.

Informal

"بیکار الدوله"

— A mock title for someone who is professional at being idle.

پسرش یک بیکار الدوله واقعی است.

Sarcastic

"کار را به کاردان سپردن و بیکار ماندن"

— Giving the job to the expert and then having nothing to do oneself.

کار را به او دادم و حالا خودم بیکار مانده‌ام.

Neutral

"بیکاری درد بی‌درمان است"

— Unemployment is an incurable pain (proverbial).

قدیمی‌ها می‌گفتند بیکاری درد بی‌درمان است.

Literary

"بیکاری فساد می‌آورد"

— Idleness leads to corruption/trouble.

باید برای جوانان شغل ایجاد کرد چون بیکاری فساد می‌آورد.

Moralistic

"بیکار گشتن"

— To wander around with no purpose.

او فقط در کوچه و خیابان بیکار می‌گردد.

Informal

"بیکار ماندن دست"

— To have one's hands idle (not having any work to do).

خیاط نباید دستش بیکار بماند.

Neutral

Easily Confused

بیکار vs کاری (Kari)

Sounds like the opposite but means 'effective' or 'hardworking'.

Bikar is 'without work', Kari is 'related to work' or 'industrious'.

او آدم کاری‌ای است. (He is a hardworking person.)

بیکار vs باکار (Ba-kar)

Logical opposite prefix 'ba' (with).

This is not a standard word; the opposite is 'shaghel' or 'mashghool'.

N/A

بیکار vs بیکاره (Bikareh)

Similar sound.

Bikareh is often more derogatory, implying a 'good-for-nothing' person.

او یک آدم بیکاره است.

بیکار vs بی‌کار (Bi-kar)

Spelling variation.

Usually written as one word 'بیکار', but sometimes separated; meaning remains the same.

بیکار

بیکار vs بیکاری (Bikari)

Noun vs Adjective.

Bikar is the person (unemployed), Bikari is the state (unemployment).

بیکاری بد است.

Sentence Patterns

من [زمان] بیکارم.

من فردا بیکارم.

اگر بیکاری، [فعل].

اگر بیکاری، بیا کمک کن.

او به خاطر [دلیل] بیکار شد.

او به خاطر بیماری بیکار شد.

[اسم] باعث بیکاری می‌شود.

تکنولوژی باعث بیکاری می‌شود.

بیکاری منجر به [نتیجه] می‌گردد.

بیکاری منجر به افسردگی می‌گردد.

در ورای ظاهر بیکار او، [مفهوم].

در ورای ظاهر بیکار او، ذهنی فعال نهفته است.

بیکار ماندن بهتر از [کار بد].

بیکار ماندن بهتر از دزدی کردن است.

چرا [شخص] بیکار است؟

چرا پدرت بیکار است؟

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in both spoken and written Persian.

Common Mistakes

Using 'azad' for 'free time'. → Using 'bikar' or 'vaght-e azad'.
'Azad' refers to freedom/liberty.
Saying 'Man bikari daram'. → Saying 'Man bikaram'.
You 'are' unemployed, you don't 'have' unemployment.
Confusing 'bikar' with 'tanbal'. → Using 'bikar' for status and 'tanbal' for character.
One is a situation, the other is laziness.
Using 'bikar' for an official holiday. → Using 'tatil'.
'Bikar' is for individuals, 'tatil' is for days/institutions.
Pronouncing 'bi' as 'bye'. → Pronouncing it as 'bee'.
The Persian letter 'ye' sounds like 'ee'.

Tips

Asking to Hang Out

When you want to see if a friend is free, simply ask 'Bikari?'. It's the most natural way.

Prefix Power

Remember the prefix 'bi-' means 'without'. It's used in many words like 'bi-pool' (penniless).

Sensitivity

Be empathetic when discussing 'bikari' in Iran, as it is a sensitive economic reality for many.

Professionalism

Use 'joyaye kar' on your CV, not 'bikar'.

News Keywords

If you hear 'nerkh' (rate), 'bikari' is likely the next word.

The Long 'A'

Make sure the 'a' in 'kar' is long and deep, like in 'father'.

Spelling

It's one of the easiest words to spell: B-Y-K-A-R (in Persian script).

Avoiding Offense

Don't call your boss 'bikar' even if they look like they have nothing to do!

Bikar vs. Mashghool

Always keep this pair in mind as the primary busy/not-busy contrast.

The Car Story

Use the 'Bee without a Car' story to never forget the meaning.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'Bee' (Bi) that is 'Car'-less (Kar). Without a car, the bee can't go to work, so it is 'Bikar' (unemployed).

Visual Association

Imagine a person sitting on a park bench looking at their empty hands. The hands represent 'No work' (Bi-Kar).

Word Web

Jobless Free Idle Unemployed Available Bored Leisure Vacancy

Challenge

Try to use 'bikar' in three different ways today: once to ask a friend if they are free, once to describe an unemployed person in a story, and once to describe an idle object.

Word Origin

Derived from Middle Persian. The prefix 'bi-' is a common Indo-European privative (like 'un-' or 'without'). 'Kar' comes from the Old Persian root 'kar-', meaning 'to do' or 'to make.'

Original meaning: Literally 'without doing' or 'without action.'

Indo-European (Iranian branch).

Cultural Context

Be careful when using 'bikar' with older generations; they may perceive it as a lack of ambition if used to describe oneself too casually.

In English, 'unemployed' sounds very formal, but 'bikar' is used for both formal unemployment and just having 'free time.'

Used in various Iranian social-realist films like those by Asghar Farhadi to highlight economic struggles. Commonly found in the lyrics of modern Iranian rock and hip-hop songs discussing social issues. Mentioned in classical texts as a state to be avoided by those seeking wisdom.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Job Market

دنبال کار گشتن
از کار اخراج شدن
مصاحبه کاری
رزومه فرستادن

Socializing

وقت آزاد
بیرون رفتن
تفریح کردن
قرار گذاشتن

Economic News

تورم
رشد اقتصادی
فقر
تولید ملی

Daily Life

خستگی
حوصله سر رفتن
وقت گذرانی
سرگرمی

Workplace

وظایف
مسئولیت
اضافه کاری
مرخصی

Conversation Starters

"آیا در شهر شما نرخ بیکاری بالاست؟ (Is the unemployment rate high in your city?)"

"وقتی بیکاری، چه کارهایی انجام می‌دهی؟ (What do you do when you are free?)"

"به نظر تو بهترین راه برای کاهش بیکاری چیست؟ (What do you think is the best way to reduce unemployment?)"

"آیا تا به حال برای مدت طولانی بیکار بوده‌ای؟ (Have you ever been unemployed for a long time?)"

"دوست داری در زمان بیکاری مهارت جدیدی یاد بگیری؟ (Do you like to learn a new skill during your free time?)"

Journal Prompts

درباره یک روز که کاملاً بیکار بودی بنویس. (Write about a day when you were completely free/idle.)

چگونه بیکاری می‌تواند بر روحیه انسان تأثیر بگذارد؟ (How can unemployment affect a person's morale?)

اگر دولت بودی، برای بیکاران چه می‌کردی؟ (If you were the government, what would you do for the unemployed?)

تفاوت بین 'بیکار بودن' و 'استراحت کردن' چیست؟ (What is the difference between 'being idle' and 'resting'?)

یک داستان کوتاه درباره کسی که بیکار شد و سپس موفق شد بنویس. (Write a short story about someone who became unemployed and then succeeded.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, 'bikar' just means they don't have a job or are free at the moment. A wealthy person can be 'bikar' if they aren't working.

Usually, 'kharab' is used for broken. 'Bikar' would mean the machine is functional but not being used.

It depends on the tone. In a friendly context, it's neutral. If used to mock someone's lack of productivity, it can be rude.

The most direct opposites are 'mashghool' (busy) and 'shaghel' (employed).

You say 'nerkh-e bikari' (نرخ بیکاری).

It's better to say 'Man bikaram' or 'Man vaghtam azade.' 'Azadam' sounds like you are free from prison.

Yes, it is used in Dari Persian with the same meanings.

Sometimes, in a figurative sense, if something or someone provides no value, they might be called 'bikar' or 'bikareh'.

You say 'Man bikar shodam'.

Yes, 'bikaran' (formal) or 'bikar-ha' (informal).