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B1 adverb 8 min read

دو برابر

do barābar
Practice it Examples Notes & Tips دو برابر in 30 Seconds
Explanation دو برابر in your Level:
A1 learners are just beginning to grasp basic sentence structures and common vocabulary. At this level, the concept of 'doubling' might be introduced through simple counting or very basic comparisons, perhaps with visual aids showing 'one' and then 'two'. The focus would be on recognizing the number 'two' (دو) and understanding that 'barābar' relates to equality or likeness. Sentences would be extremely simple, like 'This is two.' (این دو است - In do ast), without necessarily using 'دو برابر'. The abstract concept of 'twice the amount' is beyond A1.
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A2 learners can understand sentences and frequently used expressions relating to areas of most immediate relevance (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment). They can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters. For 'دو برابر', an A2 learner might understand it in very concrete, visual contexts. For example, seeing two apples and then four apples, and being told 'این دو برابر آن است' (This is double that) might be grasped with context. They could potentially recognize it in simple statements about quantity increase, like 'The price became double', but constructing such sentences independently would be challenging. Focus is on recognition in simple contexts.
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B1 learners can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. They can deal with most situations likely to arise whilst travelling in an area where the language is spoken. They can produce simple connected text on topics which are familiar or of personal interest. They can describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes & ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans. At B1, learners are expected to understand and use 'دو برابر' in contexts involving everyday quantity changes, price increases, and simple comparisons. They can form sentences like 'The price of bread doubled' or 'This is twice as big as that'. They can explain simple situations involving doubling.
B2 learners can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in their field of specialization. They can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party. They can produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options. At B2, learners can use 'دو برابر' with greater precision and in more complex sentence structures. They can discuss economic growth, statistical changes, and comparative data, understanding its implications. They can also use it in more abstract comparisons, like 'his effort was double ours'. They are comfortable using it in formal and informal settings.
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C1 learners can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognize implicit meaning. They can express themselves fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions. They can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes. They can produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organizational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices. At C1, 'دو برابر' is used naturally in nuanced discussions, including economic forecasts, scientific analyses, and sophisticated comparisons. Learners can discuss scenarios where doubling is a key factor, analyze trends involving multiplicative growth, and use it in figurative or idiomatic ways if applicable. They can also explain the significance of doubling in various scenarios.
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C2 learners have an ease of understanding almost everything heard or read. They can summarize information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation. They can express themselves spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in more complex situations. At C2, 'دو برابر' is used with the highest level of fluency and precision. Learners can engage in highly specialized discussions, debates, or academic writing where precise quantitative descriptions are crucial. They can analyze complex data sets, understand subtle implications of doubling in advanced contexts, and use it in sophisticated literary or rhetorical applications. It's fully integrated into their native-like command of the language.
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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

دو برابر in 30 Seconds

  • Doubly; to twice the extent or amount.
  • Means exactly two times more than the original.
  • Commonly used for prices, quantities, and size comparisons.
  • Persian equivalent of 'double' or 'twofold'.

The Persian word دو برابر (do barābar) is an adverb that signifies doubling something, meaning to twice the extent, amount, or number. It's a very common and useful term in everyday Persian conversations, business contexts, and even in academic discussions when discussing quantities, increases, or comparisons.

Literal Breakdown
'دو' (do) means 'two', and 'برابر' (barābar) means 'equal' or 'equivalent'. So, literally, it translates to 'two equal parts' or 'twice as much'.
Usage Scenarios
You'll encounter 'دو برابر' when talking about:

  • Increases in price or quantity: If something costs twice as much as before, or if the production doubled.
  • Comparisons: When comparing two things where one is twice as large, heavy, or numerous as the other.
  • Growth or Development: Describing something that has grown or developed to twice its previous size or capacity.
  • Effort or Intensity: Sometimes used to describe putting in twice the effort or working at twice the intensity.

قیمت این محصول دو برابر شد. (Gheymat-e in mahsool do barābar shod.) - The price of this product became double.

تعداد کارگران دو برابر افزایش یافت. (Te'dād-e kārgarān do barābar afzāyesh yāft.) - The number of workers increased twofold.

Using دو برابر (do barābar) correctly involves understanding its role as an adverb modifying verbs or adjectives that indicate quantity, increase, or comparison. It typically follows the verb or the noun it's describing, often in conjunction with verbs like 'شدن' (shodan - to become), 'افزایش یافتن' (afzāyesh yāftan - to increase), 'بودن' (budan - to be), or 'کردن' (kardan - to make).

Modifying Verbs
When 'دو برابر' modifies a verb, it indicates the extent to which the action's result is doubled. For example:

  • The price doubled: قیمت دو برابر شد. (Gheymat do barābar shod.) - Here, 'دو برابر' modifies 'شد' (became).
  • The population increased twofold: جمعیت دو برابر افزایش یافت. (Jam'iyat do barābar afzāyesh yāft.) - 'دو برابر' modifies 'افزایش یافت' (increased).
  • We worked twice as hard: ما دو برابر کار کردیم. (Mā do barābar kār kardim.) - 'دو برابر' modifies 'کار کردیم' (worked).
Modifying Adjectives/Nouns (Implicitly)
While technically an adverb, 'دو برابر' often functions to describe a noun by indicating its doubled quantity or size, usually with a linking verb like 'بودن' (to be). For instance:

  • This is twice the size: این دو برابر است. (In do barābar ast.) - Implicitly, 'this is twice the size of something else'.
  • His salary is double mine: حقوق او دو برابر حقوق من است. (Hoqooq-e oo do barābar-e hoqooq-e man ast.) - Here, 'دو برابر' describes the relationship between the salaries.

این ساختمان دو برابر ساختمان قبلی ماست. (In sākhtemān do barābar-e sākhtemān-e qabli-ye māst.) - This building is twice as big as our previous building.

You'll hear دو برابر (do barābar) frequently in various real-life situations in Persian-speaking communities. Its straightforward meaning makes it applicable across many different contexts, from casual chats to more formal discussions.

Everyday Conversations
In daily life, people use 'دو برابر' to talk about everyday occurrences. For instance, when discussing grocery shopping, a family might say:

  • 'قیمت گوجه فرنگی دو برابر شده است!' (Gheymat-e gojeh farangi do barābar shode ast!) - 'The price of tomatoes has doubled!'

Or when talking about personal achievements:

  • 'این ماه درآمد من دو برابر ماه پیش بود.' (In māh darāmad-e man do barābar-e māh-e pish bood.) - 'My income this month was double last month's.'
Business and Finance
In business settings, 'دو برابر' is essential for reporting growth, comparing market shares, or discussing financial performance.

  • 'سود شرکت دو برابر شد.' (Sood-e sherkat do barābar shod.) - 'The company's profit doubled.'
  • 'بازار هدف ما دو برابر شده است.' (Bāzār-e hadaf-e mā do barābar shode ast.) - 'Our target market has doubled.'
News and Media
News reports often use 'دو برابر' to highlight significant changes.

  • 'تعداد گردشگران ورودی دو برابر افزایش یافته است.' (Te'dād-e gardeshgarān-e voroodi do barābar afzāyesh yāfteh ast.) - 'The number of incoming tourists has increased twofold.'
Academic and Technical Contexts
In scientific or technical fields, it's used to describe scaled-up experiments or doubled measurements.

  • 'غلظت ماده در محلول دو برابر شد.' (Ghelzat-e māddah dar mahlool do barābar shod.) - 'The concentration of the substance in the solution doubled.'

این فناوری دو برابر سریع‌تر از نسل قبلی عمل می‌کند. (In fanāvari do barābar sarī'tar az nasl-e qabli amal mīkonad.) - This technology works twice as fast as the previous generation.

While دو برابر (do barābar) is a straightforward term, learners might sometimes misuse it, especially in relation to other comparative structures or by incorrectly placing it in a sentence. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid.

Confusing with 'Double' as a Verb
In English, 'to double' can be a verb. In Persian, 'دو برابر' is primarily an adverb. While it's often used with verbs like 'شدن' (to become) to express the idea of doubling, directly using 'دو برابر' as a standalone verb is incorrect.

  • Incorrect: من پولم را دو برابر کردم. (Man poolam rā do barābar kardam.) - This is actually correct in the sense of 'I made my money double' or 'I doubled my money' where 'کردم' is the verb and 'دو برابر' modifies the outcome. However, learners might try to use it where a more direct verb is needed.
  • Correct usage: The price doubled: قیمت دو برابر شد. (Gheymat do barābar shod.)
  • Incorrect attempt: قیمت دو برابر کرد. (Gheymat do barābar kard.) - This implies someone actively made the price double, which is grammatically awkward without a clear subject performing the action.
Incorrect Placement
The placement of 'دو برابر' is usually after the verb it modifies or after the noun it describes in a comparative sense. Placing it too far from the verb or at the very beginning of a sentence without proper context can sound unnatural.

  • Correct: او دو برابر ما پول دارد. (Oo do barābar-e mā pool dārad.) - He has twice as much money as us.
  • Less natural: او پول دارد دو برابر ما. (Oo pool dārad do barābar-e mā.) - While understandable, it's less fluid.
Overuse or Redundancy
Sometimes, learners might use 'دو برابر' when a simpler comparison or a different quantity is intended, leading to exaggeration or inaccuracy.

  • Instead of 'much more': If something is just a little more, saying 'دو برابر' is incorrect.
  • Correct: This task took me twice as long: این کار دو برابر طول کشید. (In kār do barābar tool keshīd.)
  • Incorrect if it wasn't double: If it only took 1.5 times as long, 'دو برابر' would be wrong.

Mistake: او دو برابر ما تلاش کرد. (Oo do barābar-e mā talāsh kard.) - He tried twice as hard as us. (Correct usage, but if he only tried slightly harder, this would be an exaggeration)

While دو برابر (do barābar) is a very common and direct way to express doubling, Persian offers other words and phrases that can convey similar meanings, sometimes with slightly different nuances or in different contexts. Understanding these alternatives can enrich your vocabulary and allow for more precise expression.

Other ways to express 'double' or 'twice'
1. مضاعف (mo'azzaf): This word, borrowed from Arabic, also means 'doubled' or 'multiplied'. It's often used in more formal or technical contexts.

  • Example: افزایش مضاعف (afzāyesh-e mo'azzaf) - a doubled increase.
  • Comparison: 'دو برابر' is more common in everyday speech, while 'مضاعف' might appear in financial reports or scientific papers.

2. دو چندان (do chandān): This phrase literally means 'twofold' or 'twice as much'. It's very similar in meaning to 'دو برابر' and often interchangeable.

  • Example: هزینه کار دو چندان شد. (Hazineh-ye kār do chandān shod.) - The cost of work became twofold.
  • Comparison: Both 'دو برابر' and 'دو چندان' are widely used and understood. 'دو چندان' might sometimes feel slightly more emphatic or literary.

3. یک برابر دیگر (yek barābar-e digar): This is a more descriptive way to say 'another equal amount', effectively meaning 'double'.

  • Example: این مقدار، یک برابر دیگر هم نیاز دارد. (In meghdār, yek barābar-e digar ham niyāz dārad.) - This amount needs another equal amount (meaning double the current amount).
  • Comparison: This is less common as a direct adverb like 'دو برابر' and is more of a descriptive phrase.
Phrases for 'more than double' or 'much more'
If you want to express something that is significantly more than double, you might use phrases like:

  • بیش از دو برابر (bīsh az do barābar): More than double.
  • چند برابر (chand barābar): Several times as much (e.g., 'سه برابر' - three times, 'چهار برابر' - four times).

مقدار تولید دو چندان شده است. (Meghdār-e tolid do chandān shode ast.) - The production amount has become twofold.

این مشکل بیش از دو برابر پیچیده است. (In moshkel bīsh az do barābar pechideh ast.) - This problem is more than twice as complicated.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

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Neutral

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Informal

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Child friendly

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Fun Fact

The word 'barābar' itself has roots related to balance and equality. Think of scales that are balanced – they are 'barābar'. So, 'do barābar' evokes the image of having two sets of scales that are perfectly balanced, signifying twice the amount.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /doʊ bærɑːbær/
US /doʊ bærɑːbær/
The primary stress is on the second syllable of 'barābar' (do ba-RA-bar).
Rhymes With
برابر (barābar) هم‌برابر (ham-barābar) برابرکار (barābar-kār) برابرکننده (barābar-konandeh) برابرنگر (barābar-negar) برابرگر (barābar-gar) بی‌برابر (bi-barābar) نابرابر (nābarābar)
Common Errors
  • Pronouncing the 'r' too lightly or like an English 'r'.
  • Not opening the mouth enough for the 'a' sounds.
  • Incorrect stress placement, e.g., stressing the first syllable of 'barābar'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

At B1 level, learners can understand straightforward texts. 'دو برابر' appears in contexts discussing quantities, prices, and simple comparisons, which are common in everyday reading materials. Recognizing its meaning and function within sentences is generally manageable.

Writing 3/5

Learners at B1 can start using 'دو برابر' in their writing to describe simple increases or comparisons. The challenge lies in integrating it naturally into more complex sentence structures and ensuring accurate contextual use.

Speaking 3/5

Speaking with 'دو برابر' requires recall and correct placement. Learners can use it in simple conversational contexts to describe doubling, but spontaneous use in varied situations might require practice.

Listening 3/5

Recognizing 'دو برابر' in spoken Persian is aided by its commonality. Listeners at B1 should be able to identify it in clear speech, especially when discussing familiar topics like prices or quantities.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

دو (two) برابر (equal) شد (became) بود (was/is) بیشتر (more)

Learn Next

چند برابر (several times) سه برابر (threefold) یکسان (equal) نصف (half)

Advanced

مضاعف (multiplied/doubled - formal) دو چندان (twofold) رشد تصاعدی (exponential growth)

Grammar to Know

Using 'شدن' (to become) with adverbs of quantity/degree.

قیمت دو برابر شد. (The price became double.) Here, 'دو برابر' describes the state the price changed to.

Comparative structures using 'تر از' (more than).

این ساختمان دو برابر آن ساختمان است. (This building is double that building.) While 'تر از' isn't directly used here, the concept of comparison is inherent. For 'more than double', you'd say 'بیش از دو برابر'.

Adverbial phrases modifying verbs.

او دو برابر کار کرد. (He worked twice as much.) 'دو برابر' modifies the verb 'کار کرد' (worked).

Using 'کردن' (to make/do) to indicate causing a doubling.

آنها تولید را دو برابر کردند. (They doubled the production.) Here, 'دو برابر' describes the result of the action 'کردند'.

Implicit comparisons with 'است' (is).

این دو برابر است. (This is double.) This implies comparison to an understood previous state or another object.

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Examples by Level

1

این دو سیب است، آن دو برابر است.

This is two apples, that is double.

Simple comparison with visual context.

2

قیمت شد دو برابر.

The price became double.

Basic verb 'شد' (became) with 'دو برابر'.

3

این یکی، آن دو برابر.

This one, that is double.

Simple comparative structure.

4

یک، دو، چهار. چهار دو برابر است.

One, two, four. Four is double.

Focus on numerical doubling.

5

خانه ما کوچک بود، حالا دو برابر است.

Our house was small, now it is double.

Simple past and present comparison of size.

6

او دو کتاب دارد، من چهار کتاب دارم. من دو برابر دارم.

He has two books, I have four books. I have double.

Simple quantity comparison.

7

این را دو برابر کن.

Make this double.

Imperative form, basic command.

8

او دو برابر غذا خورد.

He ate double the food.

Adverb modifying a verb.

1

قیمت این کالا دو برابر شد.

The price of this item doubled.

Common usage with 'شدن' (to become).

2

تعداد دانش‌آموزان مدرسه دو برابر افزایش یافت.

The number of students in the school increased twofold.

Used with 'افزایش یافتن' (to increase).

3

او دو برابر من کار کرد.

He worked twice as much as me.

Comparison of effort or quantity.

4

این ساختمان دو برابر ساختمان قبلی ماست.

This building is twice as big as our previous building.

Comparison of size using 'است' (is).

5

برای رسیدن به هدف، باید دو برابر تلاش کنیم.

To reach the goal, we must try twice as hard.

Expressing increased effort required.

6

میزان سود امسال دو برابر سال گذشته بود.

This year's profit was double last year's.

Financial comparison.

7

آنها جمعیت شهر را دو برابر کردند.

They doubled the city's population.

Using 'کردن' (to make/do) to indicate causing doubling.

8

این سیب دو برابر آن سیب است.

This apple is double that apple.

Direct comparison of size.

1

نرخ تورم در این دوره دو برابر شد.

The inflation rate doubled during this period.

Used in economic contexts with abstract nouns.

2

تولید ما دو برابر ظرفیت قبلی است.

Our production is double the previous capacity.

Comparing production to capacity.

3

او دو برابر آنچه انتظار داشتیم، موفق شد.

He succeeded twice as much as we expected.

Comparing success levels.

4

برای اجرای این پروژه، بودجه را دو برابر کردیم.

We doubled the budget to implement this project.

Formal business/project context.

5

سرعت اینترنت دو برابر شده است.

The internet speed has doubled.

Describing technological improvement.

6

میزان سرمایه‌گذاری او دو برابر کل بازار بود.

His investment amount was double the entire market.

Financial comparison, potentially hyperbolic.

7

این قانون دو برابر سخت‌گیرانه‌تر از قبل است.

This law is twice as strict as before.

Comparing levels of strictness or intensity.

8

ما دو برابر بیشتر از رقبا فروش داشتیم.

We had twice as much sales as the competitors.

Business sales comparison.

1

رشد اقتصادی کشور دو برابر پیش‌بینی‌ها بود.

The country's economic growth was double the predictions.

Sophisticated economic analysis.

2

این راه حل دو برابر کارآمدتر از روش قبلی است.

This solution is twice as efficient as the previous method.

Comparing efficiency in technical or problem-solving contexts.

3

تأثیر این دارو دو برابر دوز پایین‌تر است.

The effect of this medication is double that of the lower dose.

Scientific/medical context, precise comparison.

4

این تحول دو برابر چشمگیرتر از انتظار بود.

This transformation was twice as remarkable as expected.

Expressing magnitude of impact or change.

5

استراتژی جدید، بازده را دو برابر خواهد کرد.

The new strategy will double the returns.

Future projection in business strategy.

6

میزان آگاهی عمومی نسبت به این مسئله دو برابر شده است.

Public awareness regarding this issue has doubled.

Social or public awareness context.

7

فشار وارده بر سیستم دو برابر شد.

The pressure exerted on the system doubled.

Technical or engineering context.

8

این رویداد دو برابر مهم‌تر از رویداد سال گذشته بود.

This event was twice as important as last year's event.

Comparing significance or importance.

1

میزان همبستگی بین این دو متغیر دو برابر شد.

The correlation between these two variables doubled.

Statistical analysis, precise quantitative description.

2

این کشف، درک ما را از پدیده‌های کیهانی دو برابر کرد.

This discovery doubled our understanding of cosmic phenomena.

Figurative use in scientific discovery, implying a leap in understanding.

3

ضریب نفوذ این فناوری در بازار دو برابر پیش‌بینی اولیه بود.

The penetration rate of this technology in the market was double the initial forecast.

Advanced market analysis and forecasting.

4

تأثیرات جانبی این درمان، دو برابر دوز کمتر آن است.

The side effects of this treatment are double those of its lower dose.

Precise comparison of adverse effects in a medical context.

5

این اقدام، دو برابر پیامدهای غیرمنتظره‌ای داشت.

This action had twice the unexpected consequences.

Discussing the magnitude of unforeseen outcomes.

6

تراکم اطلاعات در این متن، دو برابر متون مشابه است.

The information density in this text is double that of similar texts.

Literary or analytical comparison of information content.

7

مقاومت این ماده دو برابر مقاومت فلزات رایج است.

The resistance of this material is double that of common metals.

Technical specifications and material properties.

8

این تغییر پارادایم، دو برابر چالش‌برانگیزتر از قبل بود.

This paradigm shift was twice as challenging as before.

Describing the difficulty of conceptual or systemic changes.

Common Collocations

دو برابر شدن
دو برابر افزایش یافتن
دو برابر کردن
دو برابر بود
دو برابر بیشتر
دو برابر زمان
دو برابر هزینه
دو برابر ظرفیت
دو برابر شدن جمعیت
دو برابر شدن سود

Common Phrases

قیمت دو برابر شد.

— The price doubled.

قیمت نان در این ماه دو برابر شد.

تعداد دو برابر شد.

— The number doubled.

تعداد بازدیدکنندگان سایت در یک هفته دو برابر شد.

دو برابر بیشتر

— Twice as much/many (more).

این ماشین دو برابر بیشتر از ماشین قبلی من بنزین مصرف می‌کند.

دو برابر زحمت

— Twice the effort/trouble.

این کار دو برابر زحمت داشت.

دو برابر اندازه

— Twice the size.

این جعبه دو برابر اندازه جعبه قبلی است.

دو برابر سرعت

— Twice the speed.

اینترنت جدید دو برابر سرعت قبلی است.

دو برابر حجم

— Twice the volume.

این بطری دو برابر حجم آن بطری کوچک است.

دو برابر تلاش

— Twice the effort.

برای موفقیت، باید دو برابر تلاش کنیم.

دو برابر هزینه

— Twice the cost.

این پروژه دو برابر هزینه اولیه را داشت.

دو برابر سود

— Double profit.

سرمایه‌گذاری ما دو برابر سود به همراه داشت.

Often Confused With

دو برابر vs بیشتر

'بیشتر' (bīhtar) means 'more'. 'دو برابر' specifically means twice as much. If something is just a little more, 'بیشتر' is correct. If it's exactly twice, 'دو برابر' is correct.

دو برابر vs هم‌اندازه

'هم‌اندازه' (ham-andāzeh) means 'the same size' or 'equal'. This is the opposite of doubling.

دو برابر vs چند برابر

'چند برابر' (chand barābar) means 'several times' or 'multiple times'. 'دو برابر' is a specific multiple (two times), whereas 'چند برابر' is general and requires a specific number to be stated (e.g., 'سه برابر' - three times).

Easily Confused

دو برابر vs دو چندان

Both 'دو برابر' and 'دو چندان' mean 'twofold' or 'double'.

'دو برابر' is perhaps slightly more common in everyday speech for direct numerical doubling. 'دو چندان' can sometimes carry a slightly more emphatic or literary tone, but they are largely interchangeable in many contexts. Think of 'دو برابر' as 'two times equal' and 'دو چندان' as 'twofold'.

قیمت دو برابر شد. (The price doubled.) vs. هزینه کار دو چندان شد. (The cost of work became twofold.) Both are correct.

دو برابر vs مضاعف

Like 'دو برابر', 'مضاعف' (mo'azzaf) also means 'doubled' or 'multiplied'.

'مضاعف' is a more formal and often technical term, borrowed from Arabic. It's frequently seen in academic papers, financial reports, or legal documents. 'دو برابر' is the everyday, common term for doubling.

افزایش مضاعف در تولید (A doubled increase in production - formal) vs. تولید ما دو برابر شد (Our production doubled - common).

دو برابر vs یکسان

'یکسان' (yeksān) means 'equal' or 'the same', which is related to the concept of 'barābar' (equal).

'دو برابر' implies a ratio of 2:1, meaning one quantity is twice another. 'یکسان' implies a ratio of 1:1, meaning quantities are the same. They represent opposite ends of a comparison spectrum – doubling versus remaining the same.

این دو مقدار یکسان هستند. (These two amounts are the same.) vs. این مقدار دو برابر آن است. (This amount is double that one.)

دو برابر vs بیشتر

Both terms relate to increase or quantity.

'بیشتر' (bīhtar) simply means 'more'. It doesn't specify the amount of increase. 'دو برابر' specifically means 'twice the amount'. You can have 'بیشتر' than double, or 'بیشتر' than half, etc. 'دو برابر' is a precise quantification of increase.

او پول بیشتری دارد. (He has more money.) vs. او دو برابر من پول دارد. (He has twice as much money as me.)

دو برابر vs نصف

Both are quantitative terms indicating a relationship between two amounts.

'دو برابر' signifies multiplication by two, indicating a larger quantity. 'نصف' (nesf) signifies division by two, indicating a smaller quantity (half). They are essentially inverse operations.

قیمت دو برابر شد. (The price doubled.) vs. قیمت نصف شد. (The price halved.)

Sentence Patterns

A2

Subject + دو برابر + شد.

قیمت دو برابر شد.

A2

Subject + دو برابر + است.

این دو برابر است.

B1

Subject + دو برابر + Verb.

او دو برابر کار کرد.

B1

Subject + دو برابر + Verb.

تعداد دو برابر افزایش یافت.

B1

Noun + دو برابر + Noun + است.

این ساختمان دو برابر آن ساختمان است.

B2

Subject + دو برابر + Verb.

نرخ تورم دو برابر شد.

B2

Subject + دو برابر + Verb.

ما تولید را دو برابر کردیم.

C1

Subject + دو برابر + Verb/Adjective phrase.

این راه حل دو برابر کارآمدتر است.

Word Family

Nouns

برابری equality, parity
برابر equal, equivalent (can be used as an adjective or noun)

Verbs

برابر کردن to make equal, to equate
برابر شدن to become equal

Adjectives

برابر equal, equivalent

Related

دو two
چند برابر several times, multiple times
سه برابر threefold
نصف half
یکسان equal, the same
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How to Use It

frequency

Very High

Common Mistakes
  • Using 'دو برابر' as a standalone verb. → قیمت دو برابر شد. (The price doubled.)

    In Persian, 'دو برابر' is primarily an adverb. It needs to be paired with a verb like 'شد' (to become) or 'کرد' (to make) to express the action of doubling.

  • Confusing 'دو برابر' with 'بیشتر'. → این کار دو برابر زمان برد. (This took twice as long.)

    'دو برابر' means exactly twice. 'بیشتر' just means 'more'. If something took only slightly longer, 'بیشتر' would be appropriate, not 'دو برابر'.

  • Incorrect placement in comparative sentences. → او دو برابر ما پول دارد. (He has twice as much money as us.)

    Placing 'دو برابر' correctly is important. It often follows the noun it modifies or the verb it describes. Awkward placement can make the sentence unnatural.

  • Using 'دو برابر' when a different multiple is intended. → این پروژه سه برابر زمان برد. (This project took three times as long.)

    'دو برابر' specifically means twice. For other multiples, use 'چند برابر' and specify the number, like 'سه برابر' (three times) or 'چهار برابر' (four times).

  • Overusing 'دو برابر' when a simpler term suffices. → قیمت کمی افزایش یافت. (The price increased slightly.)

    While 'دو برابر' is useful, it signifies a significant increase. If the increase is minor, simpler terms like 'کمی بیشتر شد' (became a bit more) are more accurate.

Tips

Master the 'R' Sound

The Persian 'ر' (r) is often rolled or trilled, unlike the English 'r'. Practice this sound to make your pronunciation of 'دو برابر' more authentic. Listen to native speakers and try to imitate their 'r' sound, especially in 'barābar'.

Learn Related Terms

Expand your understanding by learning related words like 'نصف' (half), 'یکسان' (equal), and 'چند برابر' (several times). This will help you express a wider range of quantitative relationships.

Visual Association

Create a mental image for 'دو برابر'. Picture two identical objects side-by-side, or imagine multiplying something by 2. This visual cue can help you recall the word and its meaning.

Active Recall

Try to use 'دو برابر' in your own sentences daily. Write them down, say them out loud, or even try to explain its meaning to someone else. Active practice is crucial for retention.

Verb Pairings

Notice which verbs commonly pair with 'دو برابر', such as 'شد' (to become), 'کرد' (to make), and 'یافت' (to find/increase). Understanding these common collocations will help you form correct sentences.

Distinguish from 'More'

Remember that 'دو برابر' means exactly twice. If something is just 'more', use 'بیشتر'. Don't confuse 'دو برابر' with general increase.

Formal vs. Informal

While 'دو برابر' is versatile, be aware that in very formal settings, synonyms like 'مضاعف' might be preferred. However, for most situations, 'دو برابر' is perfectly acceptable.

Real-World Application

Listen for 'دو برابر' in Persian news, conversations, or media. Understanding its use in authentic contexts will solidify your grasp of the word.

Use in Comparisons

Practice comparing two things using 'دو برابر'. For example, compare the size of objects, the cost of items, or the amount of effort required for different tasks.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine you have a plate with two cookies (دو). Then someone gives you another plate with exactly two cookies (برابر - equal amount). Now you have two plates, each with two cookies, making it 'دو برابر' (twice the amount) of cookies overall. Or, think of a scale. If one side has two apples, and the other side has two apples, they are 'barābar' (equal). Now imagine you have two such balanced scales – that's 'do barābar' (twice the equality).

Visual Association

Picture a recipe that calls for 1 cup of flour. To make 'دو برابر' (double) the recipe, you would need 2 cups of flour. Visualize two identical stacks of books, representing 'دو برابر'. Or think of a ruler where one measurement is marked, and then another identical measurement is marked right next to it – that's 'دو برابر'.

Word Web

Quantity Increase Comparison Twice Double Amount Price Size

Challenge

Try to find five instances in your daily life where something has doubled or is twice as much. Write a simple Persian sentence for each using 'دو برابر'.

Word Origin

The word 'دو برابر' is a compound Persian term. 'دو' (do) means 'two', and 'برابر' (barābar) means 'equal' or 'equivalent'. Together, they literally mean 'two equal parts' or 'twice equal'. This construction is common in Persian for forming adverbs and comparative phrases.

Original meaning: Literally 'two equal' or 'two equivalents'.

Indo-Iranian (Persian)

Cultural Context

While 'دو برابر' itself is neutral, the context in which it's used can carry emotional weight. A doubling of prices for essential goods might cause distress, while a doubling of profits might be celebrated. Be mindful of the surrounding situation.

In English-speaking contexts, 'double', 'twice', or 'twofold' serve the same function. The concept is universal.

In financial news, reporting on company profits often uses terms like 'profits doubled' (سود دو برابر شد). In discussions about population growth, statements like 'the city's population doubled' (جمعیت شهر دو برابر شد) are common. In everyday consumer contexts, price increases are often described as doubling (e.g., 'The price of gasoline doubled').

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Shopping and Prices

  • قیمت دو برابر شد.
  • این دو برابر آن است.
  • دو برابر بیشتر خریدم.

Business and Finance

  • سود دو برابر شد.
  • تولید را دو برابر کردیم.
  • دو برابر ظرفیت کار می‌کنیم.

Comparisons of Size and Quantity

  • این دو برابر آن است.
  • دو برابر حجم دارد.
  • او دو برابر ما پول دارد.

Describing Increases

  • جمعیت دو برابر شد.
  • تعداد دانش‌آموزان دو برابر افزایش یافت.
  • دو برابر زمان برد.

Effort and Performance

  • دو برابر تلاش کردیم.
  • او دو برابر ما کار کرد.
  • سرعت دو برابر شده است.

Conversation Starters

"Imagine prices doubled overnight. How would that affect your daily life?"

"Can you think of a time when something you bought was twice the quality you expected?"

"If you could double your salary instantly, what's the first thing you'd do?"

"How has technology doubled our capabilities in recent years?"

"What's the biggest increase you've ever witnessed, perhaps double or more?"

Journal Prompts

Write about a time when a goal seemed twice as difficult to achieve as you initially thought. How did you overcome it?

Describe a situation where you had to put in 'دو برابر' effort to succeed. What motivated you?

Reflect on the impact of a doubling in something significant – like population, cost of living, or even knowledge. How does it change things?

Imagine you are explaining the concept of 'دو برابر' to someone who has never heard the word. Use examples from your own life.

Write a short story where the main character discovers something that is literally 'دو برابر' its normal size or power. What happens next?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, 'دو برابر' can be used for both concrete and abstract concepts. For concrete things, you might say 'این ساختمان دو برابر آن ساختمان است' (This building is twice as big as that building). For abstract concepts, you could say 'تلاش او دو برابر تلاش ما بود' (His effort was twice ours) or 'این مشکل دو برابر پیچیده است' (This problem is twice as complicated).

Technically, 'دو برابر' functions as an adverb modifying verbs or describing quantities. However, in phrases like 'دو برابر قیمت' (double the price), it acts adjectivally, specifying the price. It's very common to see it used this way, especially in spoken Persian.

'دو برابر' and 'دو چندان' are very similar and often interchangeable, both meaning 'twofold' or 'double'. 'دو برابر' is generally more common in everyday conversation. 'دو چندان' can sometimes sound slightly more formal or literary, but the distinction is subtle.

You would use the phrase 'بیش از دو برابر' (bīsh az do barābar). For example, 'ترافیک بیش از دو برابر شد' means 'The traffic more than doubled'.

No, 'دو برابر' specifically means 'twice' or 'double' (related to the number two). For other multiples, you would use 'چند برابر' (chand barābar) and specify the number, like 'سه برابر' (seh barābar - threefold), 'چهار برابر' (chahār barābar - fourfold), etc.

Yes, there are verb forms. 'دو برابر کردن' (do barābar kardan) means 'to double' something (transitive, e.g., 'He doubled the price'). 'دو برابر شدن' (do barābar shodan) means 'to become double' (intransitive, e.g., 'The price doubled').

The opposite in terms of quantity reduction would be 'نصف' (nesf), meaning 'half'. If something is not double, it could be 'یکسان' (yeksān - equal) or 'کمتر' (komtar - less).

The pronunciation is roughly 'do ba-RA-bar', with the stress on the second syllable of 'barābar'. The 'a' sounds are open 'ah', and the 'r' is often a rolled 'r'. Listen to audio examples for precise pronunciation.

'مضاعف' (mo'azzaf) is a more formal or technical term for 'doubled' or 'multiplied'. You'd encounter it in academic writing, financial reports, or formal legal documents, whereas 'دو برابر' is the common, everyday term.

Absolutely. You can say 'او دو برابر ما تلاش کرد' (He tried twice as hard as us) or 'باید دو برابر زحمت بکشیم' (We must put in twice the effort).

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