At the A1 level, you should know that 'bi-khatar' means 'safe' or 'not dangerous'. You can use it for very simple things. For example, if you see a small dog and you are afraid, someone might say 'bi-khatar' to tell you the dog is okay and will not bite. It is made of two parts: 'bi' (without) and 'khatar' (danger). It is a very useful word for beginners because it helps you understand if something is okay to touch or do. You will often hear it in short sentences like 'In bi-khatar ast' (This is safe). Learning this word early helps you feel more comfortable when you are in a new place speaking Persian. You can use it to ask questions too, like 'Bi-khatar ast?' (Is it safe?). This is a fundamental building block for your Persian vocabulary.
At the A2 level, you start using 'bi-khatar' to describe more things in your daily life. You can use it to describe food, toys, or simple activities. You should also understand how to use it with the Ezafe, like 'ghazâ-ye bi-khatar' (safe food). At this level, you can begin to compare it with its opposite, 'khatarnâk' (dangerous). You might use it in sentences to give advice to friends, such as 'In kâr bi-khatar ast, negaran nabâsh' (This task is safe, don't worry). You are also becoming aware that 'bi-' is a prefix that means 'without', which helps you learn other words like 'bi-shabâhat' (without similarity) later on. It is a word that helps you communicate basic needs and safety concerns clearly to others.
At the B1 level, you should be able to use 'bi-khatar' in more complex situations and understand its nuances. You can use it to discuss medical side effects, environmental safety, and technical topics. You should know the difference between 'bi-khatar' (harmless) and 'amn' (secure). For example, you would use 'bi-khatar' for a chemical but 'amn' for a building. You can also start using comparative and superlative forms, like 'bi-khatartarin râh' (the safest/most harmless way). At this level, you can participate in conversations about health and safety, using 'bi-khatar' to express opinions or provide detailed reassurances. You are moving beyond simple descriptions to using the word in a way that reflects a deeper understanding of Persian grammar and context.
At the B2 level, your use of 'bi-khatar' becomes more precise and varied. You can use it in formal writing and understand it in news reports or academic texts. You should be comfortable with its use in technical terms like 'zobale-hâye bi-khatar' (non-hazardous waste). You can also use it metaphorically to describe social situations or person's character (someone who is 'harmless' and won't cause trouble). You are aware of the register and can choose between 'bi-khatar' and more formal synonyms like 'bi-gazand' depending on the audience. Your sentences are more complex, often using 'bi-khatar' in subordinate clauses or with various adverbs of degree like 'nesbatan' (relatively) or 'kamâ-bish' (more or less).
At the C1 level, you have a sophisticated grasp of 'bi-khatar'. You can identify its use in literature and understand the subtle emotional weight it might carry in a poem or a high-level political speech. You can discuss the etymology and the productivity of the 'bi-' prefix in depth. You are able to explain the difference between 'bi-khatari' (the state of being harmless) and 'imeni' (safety/security systems) to others. You can use the word in legal or highly specialized contexts, such as 'dafn-e bi-khatar' (safe disposal) in environmental law. Your usage is indistinguishable from a native speaker, and you can use the word to create subtle rhetorical effects, such as using litotes ('not exactly harmless') to imply danger in a sophisticated way.
At the C2 level, you possess a masterly command of 'bi-khatar' and all its related forms. You can appreciate the word's role in the broader Persian linguistic landscape, including its historical development. You can use it in any context, from the most casual slang to the most rigorous academic dissertation. You understand the philosophical implications of 'bi-khatar' in Sufi poetry, where the 'path of love' is famously NOT 'bi-khatar'. You can play with the word in puns or complex metaphors. You are fully aware of how the word interacts with Persian culture, hospitality, and the concept of 'Ta'arof'. Your ability to use 'bi-khatar' and its alternatives allows you to navigate the most delicate social and professional situations in the Persian-speaking world with complete confidence.

بی‌خطر in 30 Seconds

  • Means 'harmless' or 'safe' (literally 'without danger').
  • Used for objects, animals, medicine, and situations.
  • The opposite of 'khatarnâk' (dangerous).
  • Essential for daily reassurance and technical safety.

The Persian word بی‌خطر (pronounced bi-khatar) is a compound adjective that translates directly to 'harmless' or 'safe' in English. It is formed by the prefix بی- (bi-), which means 'without' or '-less', and the noun خطر (khatar), which means 'danger' or 'risk'. Understanding this word is crucial for navigating everyday life in Iran, from reading product labels to understanding medical advice or discussing the temperament of a pet. Unlike the word امن (amn), which focuses on the state of being secure or protected, بی‌خطر specifically describes the inherent quality of an object, animal, or situation as lacking the capacity to cause harm. For example, if you are hiking in the Alborz mountains and encounter a snake, a local might reassure you by saying it is بی‌خطر, meaning it is non-venomous and poses no threat.

Linguistic Structure
The prefix 'bi-' is one of the most productive prefixes in Persian, functioning much like the English suffix '-less'. When combined with 'khatar', it creates a definitive negation of risk. It is used in both formal and informal registers without change.
Common Usage
You will encounter this word frequently in medical contexts (side effects), environmental safety (non-toxic materials), and social interactions (describing a person who is gentle or a situation that is low-stakes).

نگران نباش، این دارو کاملاً بی‌خطر است و هیچ عوارضی ندارد.

Don't worry, this medicine is completely harmless and has no side effects.

In a cultural context, Iranians often use this word to provide comfort. If a child is playing with a stray cat, a parent might check if the cat is بی‌خطر. In the realm of technology, a software update might be described as بی‌خطر if it doesn't risk deleting user data. It is a word that builds trust. When someone describes an activity as بی‌خطر, they are giving a guarantee of safety. However, it is important to distinguish it from 'safe' in a political or security sense; you wouldn't usually describe a 'safe house' as 'bi-khatar', but rather as 'amn'. 'Bi-khatar' is about the absence of an active threat or destructive potential within the subject itself.

آیا این اسباب‌بازی برای کودکان بی‌خطر است؟

Is this toy harmless for children?

Furthermore, in the world of Persian literature and poetry, while 'khatar' (danger) is a common theme representing the trials of love or travel, 'bi-khatar' is often used to describe a path that is easy or a situation that lacks the 'fire' of passion or risk. In modern technical Persian, it is the standard translation for 'hazard-free' or 'non-hazardous'. For example, 'waste disposal' that is safe is called 'dafn-e bi-khatar-e zobaleh'. This demonstrates the word's transition from simple everyday speech to specialized technical terminology. It is a stable, essential adjective for any B1 learner to master.

Grammatically, بی‌خطر functions as a standard adjective in Persian. It usually follows the noun it modifies, connected by the Ezafe construction (an '-e' or '-ye' sound). For instance, 'a harmless animal' becomes heyvân-e bi-khatar. It can also function as a predicate adjective following the verb 'to be' (budan). Because it is a compound word, it remains invariable; it does not change based on the gender or number of the noun, as Persian lacks grammatical gender and adjectives don't pluralize when modifying plural nouns.

Placement
Noun + Ezafe + بی‌خطر (e.g., مارِ بی‌خطر - mâr-e bi-khatar - harmless snake).
Comparison
To say 'more harmless', you add '-tar' (بی‌خطرتر). To say 'most harmless', you add '-tarin' (بی‌خطرترین).

این مسیر برای پیاده‌روی بی‌خطر به نظر می‌رسد.

This path seems safe for walking.

One interesting aspect of using بی‌خطر is its versatility in expressing varying degrees of safety. While it literally means 'without danger', it is often paired with intensifiers like کاملاً (kâmelan - completely) or نسبتاً (nesbatan - relatively). In a sentence like 'The situation is relatively harmless', you would say vaz'iyat nesbatan bi-khatar ast. It is also common to see it in negative constructions, though less frequent than its opposite khatarnâk (dangerous). For example, in kâr chandan bi-khatar nist (this task isn't quite harmless/safe).

او به دنبال یک سرگرمی بی‌خطر برای روزهای تعطیل است.

He is looking for a harmless hobby for the holidays.

In formal writing, such as scientific reports or legal documents, بی‌خطر is used to define standards. A 'harmless substance' is mâdde-ye bi-khatar. In these contexts, the word carries a weight of evidence—it implies that tests have been conducted and no risk was found. In contrast, in a casual setting, it might just be an opinion. If a friend says 'the neighborhood is bi-khatar at night', they are speaking from experience. Mastering the usage of this word allows the learner to express a fundamental binary: is there a risk, or is there not? By using بی‌خطر, you are leaning into the comfort of the latter.

You will hear بی‌خطر in a variety of real-world Iranian environments. One of the most common places is the pharmacy (dârukhâne). When a pharmacist explains how to take a supplement or a mild cream, they will often reassure the patient by saying 'In dâru bi-khatar ast'. This is meant to alleviate fears of allergic reactions or severe side effects. Similarly, in the kitchen, if someone is using a new appliance or a specific ingredient that looks unusual, a family member might note that it is بی‌خطر. It is a word of domestic reassurance.

On the News
News anchors use it when reporting on environmental issues, such as 'safe levels of radiation' or 'harmless weather patterns'.
In Nature
Tour guides use it to describe local flora and fauna, especially when tourists are worried about insects or plants.

گزارش‌ها نشان می‌دهد که این زباله‌های شیمیایی اکنون بی‌خطر شده‌اند.

Reports show that these chemical wastes have now become harmless.

In the bustling bazaars of Tehran or Isfahan, you might hear it in a more metaphorical sense. A merchant might describe a particular deal or a product as بی‌خطر, meaning there is no financial risk involved or the product is of guaranteed quality. In the digital age, Iranian tech blogs and social media users use the word to describe 'safe' downloads or links. 'In link bi-khatar ast' (This link is safe/harmless) is a common phrase used to warn against malware. It has effectively bridged the gap between traditional safety and modern cybersecurity.

خیالت راحت باشد، این سگ خیلی بی‌خطر و مهربان است.

Rest assured, this dog is very harmless and kind.

Lastly, in educational settings, teachers use بی‌خطر to describe science experiments that students can perform at home. It sets a boundary for what is permissible. If you are learning Persian through movies or TV series, you will notice characters using this word to de-escalate tension. When a character is suspected of being a threat, they might say 'Man bi-khataram' (I am harmless), trying to convince others of their peaceful intentions. This wide range of applications makes it one of the most useful adjectives in the Persian language.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make when using بی‌خطر is confusing it with the word امن (amn). While both can be translated as 'safe', they are not always interchangeable. Amn refers to security, protection from external threats, or a state of peace. For example, a city is amn, not bi-khatar. Using bi-khatar for a city would sound like you are saying the city itself doesn't possess the quality of being dangerous, which is linguistically awkward. Bi-khatar is for objects, substances, or inherent traits.

Mistake 1: Confusion with 'Amn'
Incorrect: این شهر بی‌خطر است. (This city is harmless.) Correct: این شهر امن است. (This city is safe/secure.)
Mistake 2: Spelling the Prefix
Learners often forget the 'ye' (ی) in 'bi' or attach it directly to 'khatar' without a half-space, which can be seen as a minor orthographic error.

اشتباه: این چاقو امن است. درست: این چاقو بی‌خطر است.

Common Error: Using 'amn' for a physical object like a knife when 'bi-khatar' is meant.

Another mistake is the over-reliance on بی‌خطر for abstract concepts where sâlem (healthy/sound) or dorost (correct) might be better. If you want to say a plan is 'safe' (meaning it will likely succeed), bi-khatar is okay, but motma'en (reliable/sure) is often more natural. Furthermore, learners sometimes struggle with the pronunciation of the 'kh' sound, pronouncing it like a 'k'. This can change the word entirely or make it unintelligible. The 'kh' must be raspy and voiced from the throat.

او فکر می‌کرد که این کار بی‌خطر است، اما اشتباه می‌کرد.

He thought this task was harmless, but he was wrong.

Finally, beware of the register. While بی‌خطر is versatile, in extremely formal or poetic Persian, you might encounter بی‌بیم (bi-bim - without fear) or بی‌گزند (bi-gazand - without harm/injury). Using بی‌خطر in a high-literary context isn't 'wrong', but it might feel too modern or plain. However, for 99% of conversations and modern writing, بی‌خطر is your best and most accurate choice. Just keep the distinction between 'harmless' (bi-khatar) and 'secure' (amn) clear in your mind.

To truly master the concept of safety in Persian, you should be aware of the synonyms and alternatives to بی‌خطر. The most prominent alternative is سالم (sâlem), which means 'healthy' or 'whole'. While بی‌خطر means something won't hurt you, sâlem often means something is in good condition or is beneficial. For example, 'harmless food' is ghazâ-ye bi-khatar, but 'healthy food' is ghazâ-ye sâlem. Another important word is مطمئن (motma'en), meaning 'reliable' or 'certain'. If you are taking a 'safe' route, you might call it râh-e motma'en.

Bi-khatar vs. Amn
Bi-khatar: Inherent harmlessness (e.g., a toy). Amn: Security/protection (e.g., a country).
Bi-khatar vs. Bi-gazand
Bi-gazand is more formal/literary, often used in prayers or wishes like 'May you stay without harm' (Bi-gazand bâshid).

این روشِ بی‌خطرتری برای حل مشکل است.

This is a more harmless/safer method to solve the problem.

In technical fields, you might hear غیرسمی (gheyr-e sammi) for 'non-toxic' or ایمن (iman) for 'safe/secure' in an engineering context. Iman is closely related to the English word 'immune' and is used for safety systems. For example, a 'safety belt' is kamarband-e imeni. While بی‌خطر describes the lack of danger, imeni describes the system that ensures safety. Understanding these nuances helps you choose the right word for the right situation, making your Persian sound more sophisticated and precise.

سفر بی‌خطری داشته باشید!

Have a safe trip! (Literally: Have a trip without danger!)

Lastly, consider the antonym خطرناک (khatarnâk). Most learners learn 'khatarnâk' first, but بی‌خطر is equally important. In many cases, Persian speakers prefer to use the negative of the positive rather than the negative word itself to sound more polite or less alarming. Instead of saying 'This path is dangerous', they might say 'This path is not bi-khatar'. This subtle shift in phrasing is a key part of Persian 'Ta'arof' and social etiquette. By expanding your vocabulary to include these alternatives, you gain a deeper insight into the Persian worldview of risk and safety.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"این فرآیند از نظر زیست‌محیطی بی‌خطر تلقی می‌گردد."

Neutral

"این دارو بی‌خطر است."

Informal

"خیالت تخت، بی‌خطره!"

Child friendly

"ببین، این پیشی خیلی بی‌خطره."

Slang

"طرف بی‌خطره، نترس."

Fun Fact

The prefix 'bi-' is cognate with the English 'without' and is used in hundreds of Persian words to create opposites.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /biː xætæɾ/
US /biː xætæɾ/
The stress is typically on the second syllable: bi-khaTAR.
Rhymes With
Khatar (Danger) Safar (Trip) Nafar (Person) Khabar (News) Asar (Effect) Zarrar (Harm) Pedar (Father) Dokhtar (Daughter)
Common Errors
  • Pronouncing 'kh' as 'k' (bitar).
  • Shortening the 'bi' sound.
  • Adding an extra vowel between 'kh' and 't'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

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

Writing 3/5

Requires correct use of the half-space.

Speaking 4/5

The 'kh' sound can be challenging for English speakers.

Listening 2/5

Clear pronunciation usually makes it easy to hear.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

خطر بی امن سالم است

Learn Next

خطرناک مخاطره ایمنی آسیب ضرر

Advanced

بی‌گزند مصون ریسک‌ناپذیر تضمین پدافند

Grammar to Know

The prefix 'bi-' (without) is used to create adjectives of negation.

بی‌ادب (impolite), بی‌خطر (harmless)

Adjectives follow the noun they modify with an Ezafe.

حیوانِ بی‌خطر

Comparatives are formed by adding '-tar'.

بی‌خطرتر

Superlatives are formed by adding '-tarin'.

بی‌خطرترین

Adjectives do not change for gender or number in Persian.

زن بی‌خطر / مردان بی‌خطر

Examples by Level

1

این سگ بی‌خطر است.

This dog is harmless.

Simple Subject + Adjective + Verb construction.

2

آیا این آب بی‌خطر است؟

Is this water safe?

Question form using 'Âyâ'.

3

نگران نباش، بی‌خطر است.

Don't worry, it's safe.

Imperative 'negaran nabâsh' + statement.

4

این اسباب‌بازی بی‌خطر است.

This toy is harmless.

Noun + Adjective.

5

او یک مار بی‌خطر دارد.

He has a harmless snake.

Use of Ezafe '-e' between 'mâr' and 'bi-khatar'.

6

غذا بی‌خطر است.

The food is safe.

Simple predicate adjective.

7

این بازی بی‌خطر است.

This game is harmless.

Describing an activity.

8

بچه‌ها، اینجا بی‌خطر است.

Children, it's safe here.

Addressing a group.

1

این دارو برای شما بی‌خطر است.

This medicine is safe for you.

Prepositional phrase 'barâye shomâ'.

2

او فکر می‌کند این ورزش بی‌خطر است.

He thinks this sport is harmless.

Indirect speech with 'fekr mikonad'.

3

ما به دنبال یک راه بی‌خطر هستیم.

We are looking for a safe way.

Compound verb 'be donbâl-e ... budan'.

4

این گربه کاملاً بی‌خطر به نظر می‌رسد.

This cat seems completely harmless.

Use of intensifier 'kâmelan'.

5

آیا این رنگ برای پوست بی‌خطر است؟

Is this paint safe for the skin?

Asking about physical safety.

6

این چاقو برای بچه‌ها بی‌خطر نیست.

This knife is not safe for children.

Negative form 'nist'.

7

سفر بی‌خطری داشته باشید.

Have a safe trip.

Subjunctive wish 'dâshte bâshid'.

8

این حشره بی‌خطر است و نیش نمی‌زند.

This insect is harmless and doesn't bite.

Connecting two clauses with 'va'.

1

پزشک گفت که این عمل جراحی بی‌خطر است.

The doctor said that this surgery is safe.

Reported speech using 'ke'.

2

استفاده از این مواد شیمیایی بی‌خطر نیست.

Using these chemicals is not harmless.

Gerund-like use of 'estefâde'.

3

آن‌ها به دنبال بی‌خطرترین مسیر کوهنوردی بودند.

They were looking for the safest climbing route.

Superlative 'bi-khatartarin'.

4

این نرم‌افزار برای کامپیوتر شما بی‌خطر است.

This software is safe for your computer.

Technical context.

5

او همیشه کارهای بی‌خطر را ترجیح می‌دهد.

He always prefers harmless tasks.

Plural noun with adjective.

6

گیاهان این منطقه عمدتاً بی‌خطر هستند.

The plants of this region are mostly harmless.

Adverb 'omdatan' (mostly).

7

آیا این روش برای محیط زیست بی‌خطر است؟

Is this method safe for the environment?

Environmental context.

8

او مردی بی‌خطر و آرام است.

He is a harmless and quiet man.

Describing personality.

1

دولت تضمین کرده است که این پروژه بی‌خطر خواهد بود.

The government has guaranteed that this project will be safe.

Future tense 'khâhad bud'.

2

بسیاری از داروها در صورت مصرف درست، بی‌خطر هستند.

Many drugs are harmless if consumed correctly.

Conditional phrase 'dar surat-e'.

3

این گاز بی‌بو و بی‌رنگ، اما بی‌خطر نیست.

This gas is odorless and colorless, but not harmless.

Contrast using 'ammâ'.

4

او با احتیاط و به شکلی بی‌خطر رانندگی می‌کند.

He drives cautiously and in a safe manner.

Adverbial phrase 'be shekl-e'.

5

دفع بی‌خطر زباله‌های بیمارستانی بسیار مهم است.

Safe disposal of hospital waste is very important.

Compound noun phrase.

6

این آزمایش تحت شرایط بی‌خطر انجام شد.

This experiment was conducted under safe conditions.

Passive voice 'anjâm shod'.

7

او سعی کرد موقعیت را بی‌خطر جلوه دهد.

He tried to make the situation appear harmless.

Causative-like 'jelve dâdan'.

8

آیا این سرمایه‌گذاری واقعاً بی‌خطر است؟

Is this investment really safe/risk-free?

Financial context.

1

ماهیت بی‌خطر این پدیده هنوز به اثبات نرسیده است.

The harmless nature of this phenomenon has not yet been proven.

Abstract noun 'mâhiyat'.

2

او با لحنی که بی‌خطر به نظر می‌رسید، تهدیدش را پنهان کرد.

With a tone that seemed harmless, he hid his threat.

Relative clause with 'ke'.

3

در متون کلاسیک، هیچ راهی به سوی معشوق بی‌خطر نیست.

In classical texts, no path toward the beloved is without danger.

Literary/Philosophical context.

4

باید بین ریسک‌های ضروری و خطرات بی‌خطر تمایز قائل شد.

One must distinguish between necessary risks and harmless dangers.

Complex verb 'tamâyoz ghâ'el shodan'.

5

او در دنیای سیاست، مهره‌ای بی‌خطر تلقی می‌شد.

In the world of politics, he was considered a harmless pawn.

Metaphorical usage.

6

این اصلاحات، برخلاف ظاهر بی‌خطرشان، پیامدهای بزرگی دارند.

These reforms, despite their harmless appearance, have great consequences.

Contrast with 'bar-khallâf-e'.

7

پژوهشگران بر بی‌خطر بودن این واکسن تأکید ورزیدند.

Researchers emphasized the safety of this vaccine.

Substantive adjective 'bi-khatar budan'.

8

او زندگی بی‌خطر و دور از حاشیه‌ای را برگزیده است.

He has chosen a safe life far from controversy.

Perfect tense 'bargozide ast'.

1

تقلیل مفاهیم پیچیده به گزاره‌های بی‌خطر، از آفات نقد مدرن است.

Reducing complex concepts to harmless propositions is one of the banes of modern criticism.

High-level academic structure.

2

او با مهارتی بی‌نظیر، کلمات گزنده را در پوششی بی‌خطر ارائه داد.

With unparalleled skill, he presented biting words in a harmless cover.

Advanced descriptive language.

3

در این جستار، به بررسی جنبه‌های بی‌خطر و پرخطر تکنولوژی می‌پردازیم.

In this essay, we examine the harmless and dangerous aspects of technology.

Formal introductory phrase.

4

سکوت او نه از روی رضایت، بلکه نوعی اعتراض بی‌خطر بود.

His silence was not out of consent, but a kind of harmless protest.

Correlative 'na az ruye... balke'.

5

این دارو، علی‌رغم ادعای بی‌خطر بودن، در بلندمدت آسیب‌زا است.

This drug, despite claims of being harmless, is harmful in the long run.

Complex concession clause.

6

او در پی ایجاد فضایی بی‌خطر برای تبادل آرا بود.

He was seeking to create a safe space for the exchange of ideas.

Abstract usage of 'fazâ' (space).

7

شاعرانه‌ترین لحظات، گاه در بی‌خطرترین اتفاقات روزمره نهفته‌اند.

The most poetic moments are sometimes hidden in the most harmless everyday events.

Superlative used poetically.

8

او فرضیه‌ای بی‌خطر را به چالشی بزرگ تبدیل کرد.

He turned a harmless hypothesis into a great challenge.

Action-oriented formal sentence.

Common Collocations

داروی بی‌خطر
حیوان بی‌خطر
مسیر بی‌خطر
روش بی‌خطر
مواد بی‌خطر
بازی بی‌خطر
سرمایه‌گذاری بی‌خطر
زباله بی‌خطر
شغلی بی‌خطر
آزمایش بی‌خطر

Common Phrases

سفر بی‌خطر

— A common wish for someone departing.

سفر بی‌خطر، خداحافظ!

بی‌خطر و بی‌صدا

— Describing something that is both safe and quiet/unobtrusive.

او کارش را بی‌خطر و بی‌صدا انجام داد.

راه بی‌خطر

— The safe way or the path of least resistance.

همیشه راه بی‌خطر را انتخاب کن.

کاملاً بی‌خطر

— Emphasizing absolute safety.

این منطقه کاملاً بی‌خطر است.

به ظاهر بی‌خطر

— Something that looks safe but might not be.

این پیشنهاد به ظاهر بی‌خطر است.

بی‌خطر بودن

— The state of being harmless.

او بر بی‌خطر بودن دارو تأکید کرد.

یک فرد بی‌خطر

— A person who is not a threat.

او فقط یک فرد بی‌خطر است.

بازی‌های بی‌خطر

— Safe games/activities.

بچه‌ها باید بازی‌های بی‌خطر انجام دهند.

محیط بی‌خطر

— A safe environment.

ایجاد محیط بی‌خطر برای کارگران لازم است.

بی‌خطر ماندن

— To remain safe/unharmed.

او از این حادثه بی‌خطر ماند.

Often Confused With

بی‌خطر vs امن (Amn)

Amn refers to security/protection; Bi-khatar refers to the absence of harm.

بی‌خطر vs سالم (Sâlem)

Sâlem means healthy/whole; Bi-khatar means not dangerous.

بی‌خطر vs بی‌ضرر (Bi-zarar)

Bi-zarar means without loss or damage; Bi-khatar is more general for danger.

Idioms & Expressions

"بی‌خطر از کنار چیزی گذشتن"

— To escape a situation without damage.

او بی‌خطر از کنار این بحران گذشت.

Neutral
"سرِ بی‌خطر و تنِ سالم"

— A wish for total safety and health.

برای شما سرِ بی‌خطر و تنِ سالم آرزو می‌کنم.

Formal/Poetic
"موش بی‌خطر"

— Someone who is harmless but perhaps weak or insignificant.

او مثل یک موش بی‌خطر است.

Informal
"بی‌خطر و بی‌دردسر"

— Safe and without trouble.

یک زندگی بی‌خطر و بی‌دردسر دارد.

Neutral
"آبِ بی‌خطر"

— Metaphor for a calm, safe situation.

ما فعلاً در آب‌های بی‌خطر هستیم.

Literary
"مارِ بی‌خطر"

— A person who looks dangerous but is actually harmless.

نترس، او فقط یک مارِ بی‌خطر است.

Informal
"بی‌خطر به مقصد رسیدن"

— To reach a goal without issues.

پروژه بی‌خطر به مقصد رسید.

Neutral
"سایه‌ی بی‌خطر"

— A safe refuge.

او در سایه‌ی بی‌خطرِ خانواده‌اش بزرگ شد.

Poetic
"حرفِ بی‌خطر"

— A neutral or safe comment that won't cause offense.

او فقط حرف‌های بی‌خطر می‌زند.

Neutral
"بی‌خطر کردن"

— To neutralize a threat.

باید این بمب را بی‌خطر کنیم.

Neutral/Technical

Easily Confused

بی‌خطر vs ایمن (Iman)

Both mean safe.

Iman is for safety systems or immunity; Bi-khatar is for inherent harmlessness.

کمربند ایمنی (Safety belt) vs. اسباب‌بازی بی‌خطر (Harmless toy).

بی‌خطر vs بی‌آزار (Bi-âzâr)

Both mean harmless.

Bi-âzâr is usually for living beings that don't bother others; Bi-khatar is for anything that isn't dangerous.

پیرمرد بی‌آزار vs. داروی بی‌خطر.

بی‌خطر vs مطمئن (Motma'en)

Both can translate to 'safe'.

Motma'en means reliable or sure; Bi-khatar means no danger.

سرمایه‌گذاری مطمئن (Reliable investment) vs. مسیر بی‌خطر (Safe path).

بی‌خطر vs بی‌بیم (Bi-bim)

Literary synonym.

Bi-bim is poetic ('without fear'); Bi-khatar is common and practical.

راه بی‌بیم (Fearless path) vs. جاده بی‌خطر (Safe road).

بی‌خطر vs خوش‌خیم (Khosh-kheym)

Used in medical contexts.

Khosh-kheym means 'benign' (specifically for tumors); Bi-khatar is more general.

تومور خوش‌خیم vs. داروی بی‌خطر.

Sentence Patterns

A1

[Subject] [bi-khatar] ast.

این سگ بی‌خطر است.

A2

Âyâ [Subject] [bi-khatar] ast?

آیا این غذا بی‌خطر است؟

B1

In [Noun] barâye [Person] [bi-khatar] ast.

این دارو برای شما بی‌خطر است.

B2

[Subject] kâmelan [bi-khatar] be nazar mi-resad.

این موقعیت کاملاً بی‌خطر به نظر می‌رسد.

C1

Mahiyat-e [Noun] [bi-khatar] ast.

ماهیت این آزمایش بی‌خطر است.

C2

[Subject] dar pushashi [bi-khatar] era'e shod.

او تهدید را در پوششی بی‌خطر ارائه داد.

B1

[Noun]-e [bi-khatar]-tarin râh ast.

این بی‌خطرترین راه است.

A2

Negaran nabâsh, [Subject] [bi-khatar] ast.

نگران نباش، این آب بی‌خطر است.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

Related

How to Use It

frequency

Common in daily speech, technical writing, and safety warnings.

Common Mistakes
  • این شهر بی‌خطر است. این شهر امن است.

    Cities are 'amn' (secure), not 'bi-khatar' (harmless).

  • بی خطر بی‌خطر

    Writing with a full space instead of a half-space is a common orthographic error.

  • این چاقو امن است. این چاقو بی‌خطر است.

    Physical objects that don't cause harm are 'bi-khatar', not 'amn'.

  • Pronouncing 'kh' as 'k'. Pronouncing 'kh' raspy.

    Incorrect pronunciation can lead to total misunderstanding.

  • او بی‌خطر است (meaning he is safe from danger). او در امان است.

    'Bi-khatar' means the person *is* harmless, not that they *are safe* from something.

Tips

Prefix Power

Learn the 'bi-' prefix. It's a shortcut to learning hundreds of opposites in Persian.

The Raspy KH

Practice the 'kh' sound by clearing your throat gently. It’s the key to being understood.

Amn vs. Bi-khatar

Remember: Amn = Secure (places); Bi-khatar = Harmless (things/animals).

Reassurance

Use 'bi-khatar' to make your Persian-speaking friends feel at ease when introducing them to something new.

Half-Space

Use the ZWNJ (Zero Width Non-Joiner) for the half-space in 'بی‌خطر' to look like a pro.

Intensifiers

Add 'kâmelan' (completely) before 'bi-khatar' for extra emphasis.

Antonym Check

Always learn 'khatarnâk' and 'bi-khatar' together as a pair.

Technical Persian

If you work in science or engineering, 'bi-khatar' is the standard for 'non-hazardous'.

Polite Negation

Saying 'bi-khatar nist' (it's not harmless) is often more polite than 'khatarnâk ast' (it's dangerous).

Listen for Stress

The stress is on the end of the word. Listen to native speakers to get the rhythm right.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'Bee' (bi) that is 'Caught' (khat) in a 'Tar' (tar) pit. It can't sting you, so it is 'bi-khatar' (harmless).

Visual Association

Imagine a green shield with a crossed-out skull and crossbones. The shield represents safety, and the crossed-out danger is 'bi-khatar'.

Word Web

Safe Harmless Non-toxic Secure Gentle Risk-free Protected Benign

Challenge

Try to find five items in your room and describe them as 'bi-khatar' or 'khatarnâk' in Persian.

Word Origin

Formed from the Persian prefix 'bi-' and the Arabic-derived noun 'khatar'. 'Khatar' originally refers to something that moves or shakes, implying instability.

Original meaning: Being without the state of instability or danger.

Indo-European (Persian) + Semitic (Arabic root).

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities, but avoid calling a serious threat 'bi-khatar' as it can be seen as mocking or dangerously misleading.

English speakers might use 'safe' for everything, but in Persian, remember to use 'bi-khatar' specifically for 'harmless'.

Often used in health public service announcements in Iran. Appears in children's educational books about nature. Commonly found on warning labels (or the absence thereof).

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Medical

  • عوارض بی‌خطر
  • داروی بی‌خطر
  • دوز بی‌خطر
  • عمل بی‌خطر

Nature

  • حیوان بی‌خطر
  • گیاه بی‌خطر
  • مار بی‌خطر
  • حشره بی‌خطر

Travel

  • سفر بی‌خطر
  • مسیر بی‌خطر
  • جاده بی‌خطر
  • پرواز بی‌خطر

Technology

  • فایل بی‌خطر
  • لینک بی‌خطر
  • سایت بی‌خطر
  • برنامه بی‌خطر

Domestic

  • اسباب‌بازی بی‌خطر
  • شوینده بی‌خطر
  • اجاق بی‌خطر
  • رنگ بی‌خطر

Conversation Starters

"آیا این محله برای پیاده‌روی شبانه بی‌خطر است؟"

"به نظر شما کدام ورزش برای سالمندان بی‌خطرتر است؟"

"آیا این قارچ‌هایی که در جنگل پیدا کردیم بی‌خطر هستند؟"

"چگونه می‌توانیم زباله‌های اتمی را به صورت بی‌خطر دفع کنیم؟"

"آیا این گربه بی‌خطر است یا ممکن است چنگ بزند؟"

Journal Prompts

درباره زمانی بنویسید که فکر می‌کردید چیزی خطرناک است اما بعداً فهمیدید بی‌خطر است.

آیا ترجیح می‌دهید زندگی بی‌خطری داشته باشید یا ریسک کردن را دوست دارید؟ چرا؟

توصیف کنید که چگونه یک محیط کار بی‌خطر ایجاد می‌کنید.

سه چیزی را که در خانه شما بی‌خطر هستند و سه چیزی که ممکن است خطرناک باشند نام ببرید.

نظر خود را درباره استفاده بی‌خطر از اینترنت برای کودکان بنویسید.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is better to use 'amn' (امن) for a neighborhood. 'Bi-khatar' implies the neighborhood itself doesn't have the quality of danger, which is less natural than saying it is secure/peaceful.

'Bi-khatar' means 'without danger' (no risk of injury), while 'bi-zarar' means 'without harm/loss' (no negative impact). They are often interchangeable, but 'bi-khatar' is more common for physical safety.

It is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal settings. In very informal speech, the 'ast' is shortened to 'e' (bi-khatare).

You add 'tarin' to the end: 'bi-khatartarin' (بی‌خطرترین).

Yes, but it usually means the person is unassuming or not a threat. 'He is a harmless man' would be 'u mard-e bi-khatari ast'.

Yes, pronouncing it as 'k' will make the word sound like 'bi-tar', which is not a word. The 'kh' is essential.

Yes, it can be used for investments, though 'motma'en' (reliable) or 'bi-risk' (modern slang) are also common.

In modern Persian, it is written with 'bi' (بی), a half-space, and then 'khatar' (خطر).

Yes, 'bi-khatar kardan' (بی‌خطر کردن) is used, for example, for neutralizing a bomb or treating waste.

Yes, if you want to say food is safe to eat (no poison/bacteria), you can use 'bi-khatar'.

Test Yourself 58 questions

writing

Write a sentence in Persian: 'This toy is harmless for my brother.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write a sentence in Persian: 'Is it safe to drink this water?'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Translate: 'The doctor confirmed the safety of the new medicine.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Describe a harmless animal in three Persian sentences.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write a wish for someone going on a trip.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'This medicine is harmless' in Persian.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Ask 'Is this path safe?' in Persian.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Tell your friend not to worry because the dog is harmless.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Pronounce 'bi-khatartarin' correctly.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Explain the difference between 'amn' and 'bi-khatar' in Persian.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen to the word: 'بی‌خطر'. What does it mean?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen: 'این جاده بی‌خطر نیست.' Is the road safe?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen: 'سفر بی‌خطری داشته باشید.' What is the speaker wishing?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen: 'او بی‌خطرترین راه را انتخاب کرد.' Which way did he choose?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen: 'بی‌خطر بودن این پروژه تضمین شده است.' Is the project's safety guaranteed?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write: 'The safest route is through the valley.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'It looks harmless' in Persian.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:

/ 58 correct

Perfect score!

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