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دستور

A1 noun #3,800 most common 9 min read

دستور

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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips دستور in 30 Seconds

Explanation دستور in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should focus on 'Dastur' in its most practical, everyday contexts. Think of it as 'instructions' or 'recipe.' You will most likely encounter it when talking about food or basic school rules. At this stage, you don't need to worry about the complex political or grammatical nuances. Just remember that if you want to know how to make a Persian dish, you ask for the 'Dastur.' You should also recognize the verb 'Dastur dâdan' as 'to tell someone to do something' in a strong way. For example, 'Mo'allem dastur dâd' (The teacher ordered). You might also see it in the context of 'Dastur-e zaban' (Grammar) in your very first Persian lessons. It is a foundational noun that helps you understand that some things in life have a specific order or set of steps that must be followed. Practice using it in simple sentences like 'Dastur-e pokht-e in ghaza chist?' (What is the recipe for this food?). This will help you get comfortable with the 'Ezafe' construction as well.

At the A2 level, you can start using 'Dastur' in more varied social situations. You should understand the difference between 'Dastur' (a command) and 'Khahesh' (a request). You will begin to see 'Dastur' in workplace contexts, such as 'Dastur-e kar' (work agenda or instructions). At this level, you should be able to use the phrase 'tebghe dastur' (according to the order) to explain why you are doing something. For example, 'Tebghe dastur-e modir, man inja hastam' (According to the manager's order, I am here). You will also learn more about 'Dastur-e zaban' and start to see that it isn't just one rule, but a whole system. You should be able to follow simple 'Dastur-al-amal-ha' (instructions) for assembling furniture or using a machine. Your vocabulary is expanding to see 'Dastur' not just as a single word, but as a part of compound phrases that organize daily life and work tasks.

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable with the administrative and formal uses of 'Dastur.' You will encounter it in news reports, where officials give 'Dasturat' (plural) to various departments. You should understand the nuance of 'Dastur-e jalseh' (meeting agenda) and be able to participate in a meeting where the 'Dastur' is discussed. This level requires you to understand the passive voice and how 'Dastur' is used within it, such as 'Dastur dâde shod' (The order was given). You should also begin to appreciate the polite use of the word in Ta'arof, such as 'Dastur bedid' (Give an order/How can I help you?). This shows a higher level of cultural integration. You are moving beyond literal meanings into the social and professional implications of the word. You can now describe a process using a 'Dastur-al-amal' and explain the logic behind certain grammatical rules in 'Dastur-e zaban.'

At the B2 level, you should understand the historical and etymological weight of 'Dastur.' You can distinguish it from 'Farman' (royal decree) and 'Hokm' (legal verdict) with precision. You will encounter 'Dastur' in more complex texts, such as those discussing the 'Dastur-e Asasi' (Constitution). Your understanding of 'Dastur-e zaban' should be sophisticated enough to discuss prescriptive versus descriptive grammar. You should be able to use 'Dastur' in metaphorical ways, such as 'Dastur-e tabi'at' (the order of nature). In professional settings, you can write a 'Dastur-al-amal' (protocol) for others to follow. You understand that 'Dastur' implies a hierarchy and you know how to navigate that hierarchy using appropriate levels of formality. You are also aware of the Arabic-influenced plural 'Dasturat' and when it is more appropriate than the Persian 'Dastur-ha.'

At the C1 level, 'Dastur' becomes a tool for analyzing power structures and systemic rules. you will encounter the word in classical literature and historical documents, where it might refer to a high-ranking official (a 'Dastur'). You should be able to debate the merits of a 'Dastur-e Asasi' and understand the linguistic evolution of 'Dastur' from a person to an abstract concept. Your command of 'Dastur-e zaban' is near-native, allowing you to understand subtle deviations from the 'Dastur' for poetic or rhetorical effect. You can use 'Dastur' in high-level academic writing, such as discussing the 'Dastur-e zihni' (mental grammar) in linguistics. You understand the nuances of how 'Dastur' interacts with Persian identity and the historical 'orders' that have shaped the nation. Your use of the word is no longer just about following instructions, but about understanding the very fabric of rules that govern society and language.

At the C2 level, your mastery of 'Dastur' is absolute. You can use it with all its historical, legal, and linguistic baggage. You are capable of analyzing the 'Dastur-e asasi' of different eras and comparing them. You understand the most obscure uses of the word in Sufi literature or ancient administrative texts. You can play with the word's meanings in creative writing, using the tension between 'command' and 'recipe' or 'grammar.' You are a master of the 'Dasturat' of formal Persian, moving seamlessly between the most archaic and the most modern usages. You can lead high-level negotiations where the 'Dastur-e jalseh' is a strategic tool. For you, 'Dastur' is not just a word, but a concept that encapsulates the Persian approach to order, authority, and the structured beauty of the language itself. You can critique 'Dastur-e zaban' textbooks and offer your own interpretations of linguistic 'orders.'

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

دستور in 30 Seconds

Dastur is the primary Persian word for 'order' or 'command,' used in both formal and informal settings.
It uniquely covers three main areas: official directives, culinary recipes, and linguistic grammar rules.
Commonly paired with 'dâdan' (to give) to form the compound verb 'dastur dâdan' (to command).
Essential for navigating Iranian bureaucracy, kitchens, and language classrooms alike.

The Persian word دستور (Dastur) is a multifaceted noun that serves as a pillar in both everyday conversation and formal administrative language. At its most fundamental level, it translates to 'command' or 'order,' deriving from the historical concept of an authoritative direction given by a superior. However, for a language learner, its beauty lies in its versatility. It is not merely a military term; it is the word you will use when asking for a cooking recipe (دستور پخت), when discussing the structural rules of a language (دستور زبان), or when referring to the agenda of a formal meeting (دستور جلسه).

The Etymological Root: The word is composed of 'Dast' (hand) and the suffix '-ur' (related to 'var' or holder/doer). Historically, it referred to a person of high authority, such as a vizier or a Zoroastrian priest, who held the 'command' in their hands. Over centuries, the meaning shifted from the person holding the authority to the authoritative instruction itself.

In a modern context, if you are in a Persian kitchen, you might hear someone ask for the دستور of a specific dish. Here, it functions exactly like the English word 'instructions' or 'recipe.' It implies a step-by-step guide that must be followed to achieve a desired result. This nuance of 'guideline' is what bridges the gap between a military 'order' and a linguistic 'grammar rule.'

مادرم دستور پخت قورمه سبزی را به من داد.
Translation: My mother gave me the recipe (instructions) for Ghormeh Sabzi.

Linguistic Context: In linguistics, Dastur-e Zaban is the formal term for grammar. It represents the 'orders' or 'laws' that govern how words interact. Unlike 'Grammar' in English which sometimes feels like a dry academic term, 'Dastur' carries a weight of structural necessity.

Furthermore, in political science and law, the Dastur-e Asasi refers to the 'Fundamental Order' or the Constitution of a nation. This demonstrates how the word scales from the smallest instruction in a kitchen to the highest law of a land. Understanding 'Dastur' is key to understanding how Persian speakers conceptualize authority and structure.

مدیر دستور داد که جلسه فورا شروع شود.
Translation: The manager ordered that the meeting should start immediately.

Social Nuance: In polite Persian society (Ta'arof), one might say Dastur bedid (Give an order) as a way of saying 'How can I help you?' or 'What would you like me to do?'. It is a humble way of placing oneself at the service of another.

Using دستور (Dastur) correctly requires understanding its role as both a noun and its function within compound verbs. The most common verb pairing is دستور دادن (Dastur dâdan), which means 'to give an order' or 'to command.' This is used in professional, military, and sometimes domestic settings. For example, if a doctor gives you instructions on how to take medicine, they are giving you a 'Dastur.'

پزشک دستور داد که استراحت کنم.
Translation: The doctor ordered (instructed) that I should rest.

Grammatical Placement: As a noun, 'Dastur' often takes the Ezafe construction (-e) to link with its specific type. Dastur-e Kar (Work order), Dastur-e Ghaza (Recipe/Food instruction), or Dastur-e Zaban (Grammar). It usually precedes the specific modifier.

In a formal or administrative context, you might encounter the phrase طبق دستور (tebghe dastur), meaning 'according to the order' or 'as instructed.' This is a very common way to justify an action in a bureaucracy. If a clerk tells you they cannot process a paper, they might say it is 'tebghe dastur' from a higher authority.

او طبق دستور رئیس عمل کرد.
Translation: He acted according to the president's order.

The 'Agenda' Meaning: In a business meeting, you will hear Dastur-e Jalseh. This literally means the 'order of the meeting.' If someone says 'What is on the agenda?', they ask: Dastur-e jalseh chist?

Another interesting usage is in the phrase Dastur-e Kar (Agenda/To-do list). When something is 'on the agenda' of a government or a person, it means it is a priority to be addressed. It implies that the item has been officially recognized as something that requires action.

این موضوع در دستور کار ما نیست.
Translation: This subject is not on our agenda (work plan).

Pluralization: The plural of Dastur is Dastur-ha (regular) or sometimes Dasturat (more formal/Arabic style), though 'Dasturat' is frequently used in official documents to refer to a set of multiple instructions or directives.

The word دستور is ubiquitous in Iranian life, but the context changes its 'flavor' significantly. You will hear it in the kitchen, the classroom, the courtroom, and the barracks. Understanding these environments will help you grasp the word's full semantic range.

1. The Kitchen (The Recipe): In Iranian households, cooking is an art passed down through generations. You will hear younger people asking elders for the Dastur-e Pokht of a specific stew or rice dish. On television, cooking shows are essentially long explanations of a 'Dastur'.

آیا دستور این کیک را داری؟
Translation: Do you have the recipe (instructions) for this cake?

2. The Classroom (The Grammar): From the first grade, Iranian children learn Dastur-e Zaban-e Farsi. In this context, 'Dastur' is the authority of the language itself. If a teacher says 'This is against the Dastur,' they mean it is grammatically incorrect. It implies that the language has a natural 'order' that must be respected.

In academic discussions, 'Dastur' is often used to describe the logic of a system. You might hear a computer scientist talk about the 'Dastur' of a program, though Dasturat-e Rayaneh-i (Computer instructions) is more technical.

دستور زبان فارسی بسیار منطقی است.
Translation: Persian grammar is very logical.

3. Formal and Legal Settings: In news broadcasts, you will frequently hear about a Dastur-e Vizheh (Special order) issued by a high-ranking official. This could be a decree from the President or a judge. It carries the weight of law and requires immediate compliance.

Finally, you will hear it in the phrase Dastur-al-amal, which means 'protocol' or 'instruction manual.' Whether you are buying a new appliance or following a medical protocol for COVID-19, you are following a Dastur-al-amal.

لطفاً دستورالعمل را با دقت بخوانید.
Translation: Please read the manual (instruction protocol) carefully.

Learners of Persian often encounter confusion with دستور (Dastur) because it overlaps with several other words that mean 'order,' 'rule,' or 'request.' Understanding the boundaries of each term is crucial for natural-sounding speech.

Dastur vs. Farman: While both mean 'order,' Farman is much more grand and authoritative. A king issues a Farman. A manager issues a Dastur. If you use 'Farman' for a simple recipe, it will sound like a royal decree for a cake, which is humorous but incorrect.

Another common mistake is confusing Dastur with Gha'edeh (Rule). While grammar is 'Dastur-e Zaban,' a general rule of thumb or a rule in a game is often called a Gha'edeh or Ghanun (Law). You wouldn't say 'The Dastur of football is not to touch the ball with your hands'; you would use Ghanun.

اشتباه: دستور بازی شطرنج چیست؟ (غلط)
درست: قوانین بازی شطرنج چیست؟
Explanation: Use 'Ghavanin' (Laws/Rules) for games, not 'Dastur'.

Confusion with 'Order' in Restaurants: In English, we 'order' food in a restaurant. In Persian, you do not use 'Dastur' for this. You use Sefaresh dâdan. If you tell a waiter 'Man dastur midaham...' (I command...), they will think you are a very rude person or a villain from a movie!

One subtle mistake is the use of the plural. While Dasturat is correct, using it in casual settings can sound overly bureaucratic. If you are talking to a friend about a recipe, stick to the singular Dastur or the simple plural Dastur-ha.

او به من دستور داد که ساکت باشم.
Correct usage: Here 'Dastur' is used for a direct, authoritative instruction.

Preposition Errors: When giving an order *to* someone, the preposition is 'be' (به). Example: Be u dastur dâdam (I gave an order to him). Forgetting the 'be' is a common learner error.

To truly master دستور, you must see where it sits in the hierarchy of related Persian terms. Persian has a rich vocabulary for authority, rules, and requests, and choosing the right one depends on the 'register' (formality level) and the specific context.

1. فرمان (Farmân): Register: High/Formal/Military. Usage: Used for decrees from kings, high military commanders, or God. It also means 'steering wheel' in a car (the thing that 'commands' the wheels). Use this for epic or very serious contexts.

2. حکم (Hokm): Register: Legal/Administrative. Usage: Refers to a verdict, a court ruling, or an official appointment. If you are appointed as a manager, you receive a Hokm. It is more about a 'ruling' than a simple 'instruction'.

تفاوت: دستور برای اجراست، اما حکم برای تعیین تکلیف است.
Comparison: A 'Dastur' is for execution (doing), while a 'Hokm' is for determination (status).

3. امر (Amr): Register: Formal/Literary. Usage: Often used in the context of 'Amr-o-Nahi' (Commanding and Forbidding). It is the root of the word Amir (commander). In daily life, 'Amri dârid?' is a very polite way to say 'Do you have any requests/orders for me?'

4. قاعده (Ghâ'edeh): Register: Technical/General. Usage: Refers to a 'rule' or 'principle'. While 'Dastur' is the system of grammar, a specific rule within that system could be called a 'Gha'edeh'. It is more abstract than 'Dastur'.

In summary, Dastur is the most versatile term, covering everything from kitchen recipes to grammar to administrative orders. It is less formal than Farmân but more authoritative than a simple Khahesh (request).

ما باید از دستورات ایمنی پیروی کنیم.
Translation: We must follow the safety instructions (orders).

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

In Parsi communities in India today, 'Dastur' is still the title for a high priest, preserving the word's ancient 2,000-year-old meaning.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /dæsˈtuːr/

US /dæsˈtur/

The stress is on the second syllable: das-TUR.

Rhymes With

Noor (Light) Door (Far) Shoor (Passion) Moor (Ant) Zoor (Force) Tanur (Oven) Santoor (Musical instrument) Maghroor (Proud)

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'u' like the 'u' in 'bus' (it should be like 'boot').
Not rolling the 'r' at the end.
Putting the stress on the first syllable.
Pronouncing 'das' like 'dose'.
Making the 't' too aspirated (Persian 't' is softer).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

The word is easy to recognize but its meaning changes based on context.

Writing 3/5

Requires understanding of the Ezafe construction to link it correctly.

Speaking 2/5

Pronunciation is straightforward, but tone is important to avoid sounding rude.

Listening 2/5

Common in news and daily life; usually clear in speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

دست (Hand) دادن (To give) زبان (Language) غذا (Food) کار (Work)

Learn Next

فرمان (Command) حکم (Verdict) قانون (Law) اجرا (Execution) اطاعت (Obedience)

Advanced

قانون اساسی (Constitution) تکوین (Formation/Creation) منشور (Charter) ابلاغیه (Notification)

Grammar to Know

Ezafe Construction

دستورِ پخت (Dastur-e pokht)

Compound Verbs with 'Dâdan'

دستور دادن (Dastur dâdan)

Subjunctive mood after 'Dastur dâdan'

او دستور داد که من بروم (He ordered that I go).

Formal Pluralization (-at)

دستورات (Dasturat)

Preposition 'be' for indirect objects

به او دستور دادم.

Examples by Level

این دستور پخت خیلی ساده است.

This recipe is very simple.

Dastur-e pokht is a common compound noun for recipe.

معلم به دانش‌آموز دستور داد.

The teacher gave an order to the student.

Uses the 'be' (to) preposition for the recipient of the order.

دستور زبان فارسی را دوست دارم.

I like Persian grammar.

Dastur-e zaban is the standard term for grammar.

لطفاً به من دستور بدهید.

Please give me an order (Tell me what to do).

Polite imperative form of 'dastur dâdan'.

او دستورات را انجام داد.

He carried out the orders.

Dasturat is the formal plural form.

این دستور برای چیست؟

What is this order/instruction for?

Simple question structure.

مادرم دستور غذا را نوشت.

My mother wrote the food recipe.

Dastur-e ghaza is synonymous with dastur-e pokht.

پدر دستور داد که بخوابم.

Father ordered me to sleep.

Use of 'ke' (that) to introduce the command clause.

طبق دستور مدیر، کار را شروع کردیم.

According to the manager's order, we started the work.

'Tebghe' means 'according to'.

دستور جلسه امروز چیست؟

What is the agenda for today's meeting?

'Dastur-e jalseh' is the standard term for 'agenda'.

شما باید دستورالعمل را بخوانید.

You must read the instruction manual.

'Dastur-al-amal' means protocol or manual.

او بدون دستور من جایی نمی‌رود.

He doesn't go anywhere without my order.

'Bedun-e' means 'without'.

دستورات پزشک را فراموش نکن.

Don't forget the doctor's instructions.

Negative imperative of 'farâmush kardan'.

این یک دستور رسمی است.

This is an official order.

'Rasmi' means official.

دستور کار ما تغییر کرده است.

Our work plan (agenda) has changed.

Present perfect tense 'taghyir kardeh ast'.

او همیشه دستور می‌دهد.

He is always giving orders (bossy).

Habitual present tense.

رئیس‌جمهور دستور ویژه‌ای صادر کرد.

The president issued a special order.

'Sâder kardan' is the formal verb for issuing an order.

این موضوع در دستور کار دولت قرار دارد.

This issue is on the government's agenda.

'Dar dastur-e kar gharâr dâshtan' means to be on the agenda.

او از دستورات ما سرپیچی کرد.

He disobeyed our orders.

'Sar-pichi kardan' is the verb for disobeying.

دستورالعمل‌های بهداشتی را رعایت کنید.

Observe the health protocols/instructions.

'Ra'âyat kardan' means to observe or follow a rule.

آیا شما دستور جدیدی دارید؟

Do you have any new orders/requests?

Can be used politely in service contexts.

دستور زبان بخشی از هویت ملی است.

Grammar is a part of national identity.

Abstract usage of 'Dastur-e zaban'.

او تحت دستور مستقیم فرمانده بود.

He was under the direct command of the commander.

'Taht-e' means 'under' in a hierarchical sense.

دستور پخت‌های سنتی در حال فراموشی هستند.

Traditional recipes are being forgotten.

Continuous present passive-like structure.

قانون اساسی، دستور برتر کشور است.

The constitution is the supreme order (law) of the country.

Using 'Dastur' to mean supreme law.

این دستورالعمل اجرایی بسیار پیچیده است.

This executive protocol is very complex.

'Ejrâ-i' means executive or operational.

او با لحنی دستورگونه صحبت می‌کرد.

He was speaking in a commanding (order-like) tone.

The suffix '-guneh' means '-like' or 'in the manner of'.

دستورات متناقض باعث سردرگمی شد.

Contradictory orders caused confusion.

'Motenâghed' means contradictory.

او صلاحیت صدور دستور را ندارد.

He does not have the authority to issue an order.

'Salâhiyat' means competence or authority.

دستور زبان توصیفی به دنبال کشف قواعد واقعی است.

Descriptive grammar seeks to discover real rules.

'Towsifi' means descriptive.

این پروژه در دستور کار فوری قرار گرفت.

This project was placed on the urgent agenda.

'Fowri' means immediate or urgent.

او از دستورات اخلاقی پیروی می‌کند.

He follows moral commands/principles.

'Akhlâghi' means moral or ethical.

دستور در متون کهن به معنای وزیر بود.

In ancient texts, 'Dastur' meant a vizier or minister.

Historical semantic shift.

او به نقد دستور زبان سنتی پرداخت.

He engaged in a critique of traditional grammar.

'Be ... pardâkhtan' means to engage in or start doing.

دستورات حکومتی باید با قانون منطبق باشند.

Government directives must be consistent with the law.

'Montabegh' means consistent or aligned.

این یک دستورالعمل جامع برای توسعه پایدار است.

This is a comprehensive protocol for sustainable development.

'Jâme' means comprehensive.

او همواره در پی دستورات الهی بود.

He was always seeking divine commands.

'Elâhi' means divine.

دستور زبان جهانی فرضیه‌ای در زبان‌شناسی است.

Universal grammar is a hypothesis in linguistics.

Translation of Chomsky's 'Universal Grammar'.

او با قدرت تمام دستور به عقب‌نشینی داد.

With all his power, he ordered a retreat.

'Aghab-neshini' means retreat.

این تغییرات در دستور کار مجمع عمومی است.

These changes are on the General Assembly's agenda.

'Majma-e Omumi' means General Assembly.

دستور اساسی مشروطه، نقطه عطفی در تاریخ بود.

The Constitutional Decree was a turning point in history.

Refers to the 1906 Constitution.

او به تبیین دستورات فلسفی کانت پرداخت.

He set out to explain Kant's philosophical imperatives.

'Tabyin' means explanation/elucidation.

ساختار دستور زبانی شعر حافظ بسیار پیچیده است.

The grammatical structure of Hafez's poetry is very complex.

Adjectival form 'dastur-zabâni'.

دستورات اداری نباید ناقض حقوق شهروندی باشند.

Administrative directives must not violate citizenship rights.

'Nâghiz' means violating/contradicting.

او در کتاب خود به بازاندیشی در دستور زبان پرداخت.

In his book, he engaged in a rethinking of grammar.

'Bâz-andishi' means rethinking.

سلسله‌مراتب قدرت بر اساس دستورات ابلاغی است.

The hierarchy of power is based on the issued directives.

'Eblâghi' means communicated or officially issued.

او به عنوان یک 'دستور' در دربار ساسانی خدمت می‌کرد.

He served as a 'Dastur' (high official) in the Sassanid court.

Archaic use of the noun for a person.

دستورالعمل‌های اخلاقی در ادبیات تعلیماتی موج می‌زند.

Ethical instructions are abundant in didactic literature.

'Mowj mizand' is an idiom for 'is abundant'.

Common Collocations

دستور زبان

دستور پخت

دستور جلسه

دستور دادن

طبق دستور

دستور اساسی

دستورالعمل

دستور کار

صدور دستور

تحت دستور

Common Phrases

دستور بفرمایید

— A very polite way to say 'Please tell me what you need' or 'I am at your service.'

سلام قربان، دستور بفرمایید.

در دستور کار بودن

— To be on the agenda or to be a current priority.

این پروژه در دستور کار ماست.

دستور از بالا

— An order from 'above' (higher management or government).

این یک دستور از بالاست.

دستور مستقیم

— A direct order that must be followed without delay.

او دستور مستقیم گرفت.

خارج از دستور

— Outside the agenda or irrelevant to the current topic.

این حرف‌ها خارج از دستور است.

دستور کتبی

— A written order, usually more formal and binding.

من نیاز به دستور کتبی دارم.

دستور شفاهی

— A verbal order.

او دستور شفاهی داد.

دستور موقت

— A temporary order or injunction.

دادگاه دستور موقت صادر کرد.

دستور اکید

— A strict or emphatic order.

مدیر دستور اکید داد.

دستور نهایی

— The final instruction or order.

منتظر دستور نهایی هستیم.

Often Confused With

دستور vs سفارش (Sefâresh)

Sefâresh is for ordering food in a restaurant or ordering a product. Dastur is for giving a command.

دستور vs قانون (Ghânun)

Ghânun is a law. Dastur is a specific order or the general grammar/recipe.

دستور vs درخواست (Darkhâst)

Darkhâst is a request. Dastur is a command.

Idioms & Expressions

"دستور دادن و گرفتن"

— To be in a position of power where one manages everything.

او در این خانه فقط دستور می‌دهد و می‌گیرد.

Informal

"گوش به دستور بودن"

— To be ready and waiting for orders.

همه سربازان گوش به دستور هستند.

Neutral

"دستور از شما، اطاعت از ما"

— A polite phrase meaning 'Your wish is my command.'

هر چه بگویید؛ دستور از شما، اطاعت از ما.

Polite/Formal

"بند دستور بودن"

— To be strictly tied to following orders without thinking.

او خیلی بند دستور است و خلاقیت ندارد.

Informal

"دستور دادن به باد"

— Giving orders that no one follows; shouting into the wind.

حرف‌های او مثل دستور دادن به باد است.

Literary

"دستور روی دستور"

— Piling up conflicting or excessive orders.

با این همه دستور روی دستور، گیج شدم.

Informal

"دستورِ دل"

— The command of the heart (following one's emotions).

او فقط به دستور دلش عمل می‌کند.

Literary/Poetic

"دستورِ قضا"

— The decree of fate or destiny.

در برابر دستور قضا چه می‌توان کرد؟

Archaic/Poetic

"بی‌دستور"

— Without permission or without a plan.

او بی‌دستور وارد اتاق شد.

Neutral

"دستورِ نو"

— A new order or a new way of doing things.

او دستور نویی در سیاست آورد.

Formal

Easily Confused

دستور vs فرمان (Farmân)

Both mean command.

Farmân is for kings/military; Dastur is for everyone else and also means grammar/recipe.

فرمان پادشاه (King's decree) vs دستور پخت (Recipe).

دستور vs حکم (Hokm)

Both involve authority.

Hokm is a legal verdict; Dastur is an instruction to act.

حکم دادگاه (Court verdict) vs دستور مدیر (Manager's order).

دستور vs قاعده (Ghâ'edeh)

Both involve rules.

Ghâ'edeh is a logical rule; Dastur is a command or systemic grammar.

قاعده کلی (General rule) vs دستور زبان (Grammar).

دستور vs نسخه (Noskheh)

Both can mean medical instruction.

Noskheh is the physical paper/prescription; Dastur is the instruction on how to use it.

نسخه دکتر (Doctor's prescription) vs دستور دارو (Medicine instructions).

دستور vs اجازه (Ejâzeh)

Both relate to permission/authority.

Ejâzeh is permission (can I?); Dastur is a command (do it!).

اجازه گرفتم (I got permission) vs دستور گرفتم (I got an order).

Sentence Patterns

[Subject] [Dastur] [Verb].

او دستور داد.

طبق دستورِ [Noun]...

طبق دستور مدیر، آمدم.

[Subject] دستور داد که [Subjunctive Clause].

پدر دستور داد که غذا بخوریم.

[Noun] در دستور کار قرار دارد.

این پروژه در دستور کار قرار دارد.

صدور دستورِ [Noun] توسط [Subject].

صدور دستور بازداشت توسط قاضی.

دستور بر [Noun] حاکم است.

دستور بر کل سیستم حاکم است.

دستورِ [Noun] را بده.

دستور غذا را بده.

از دستورِ [Noun] سرپیچی کردن.

از دستور قانون سرپیچی نکن.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in all domains of Persian life.

Common Mistakes

Using 'Dastur' to order pizza. → Use 'Sefâresh'.
'Dastur' is for authority/rules, 'Sefâresh' is for commercial orders.
Saying 'Dastur-e man' when you mean 'My request'. → Use 'Darkhâst-e man'.
'Dastur' implies you are the boss; 'Darkhâst' is more neutral.
Forgetting the 'be' in 'Dastur dâdan be [someone]'. → Be u dastur dâdam.
The recipient of an order needs the preposition 'be'.
Using 'Dastur' for game rules. → Use 'Ghânun' or 'Gha'edeh'.
'Dastur' is for systems like language or recipes, not usually games.
Confusing 'Dastur' with 'Dast' (Hand). → Dast (Hand), Dastur (Order).
They are related but have very different meanings in a sentence.

Tips

Grammar context

When you see 'Dastur' in a book title, it's almost 100% about grammar rules.

Polite requests

Instead of 'Dastur midaham' (I order), use 'Khahesh mikonam' (I request) to be more likable.

Recipes

If you find a Persian recipe online, look for the heading 'Dastur-e Pokht'.

Agendas

At the start of a meeting, ask 'Dastur-e jalseh chist?' to sound professional.

Constitution

The term 'Dastur-e Asasi' is the formal way to say 'Constitution' in some historical contexts, though 'Ghânun-e Asasi' is more common now.

Stress

Always stress the end of the word: das-TUR. This is a common rule for Persian nouns.

Handy rule

Remember that 'Dast' means hand. A 'Dastur' is a rule handed down to you.

Official Memos

Official government orders are often called 'Dasturat-e Eblâghi'.

Ezafe

Don't forget the short 'e' sound (Ezafe) when saying 'Dastur-e zaban'.

Computer science

In computing, a 'command' or 'instruction' is also called 'Dastur'.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'Dast' (Hand) giving an 'Ur' (Order). Imagine a giant hand pointing and giving an order.

Visual Association

Visualize a chef holding a 'Dastur' (recipe) in one hand and a 'Dastur-e Zaban' (grammar book) in the other, while a general shouts a 'Dastur' (order).

Word Web

Hand (Dast) Order Grammar Recipe Agenda Protocol Authority Rule

Challenge

Try to use 'Dastur' in three different ways today: once for food, once for a rule, and once for an order.

Word Origin

Dastur comes from Middle Persian 'dastwar'. It is a combination of 'dast' (hand) and the suffix '-war' (meaning 'having' or 'holder').

Original meaning: A person who has the authority in their hand; a high official, vizier, or a Zoroastrian priest (Mobad).

Indo-European -> Indo-Iranian -> Iranian -> Persian.

Cultural Context

Be careful not to sound too bossy when using 'Dastur dâdan' in casual settings. It is better to use 'Khahesh kardan' (to request) with friends.

English speakers might find it strange that 'grammar' and 'recipe' use the same word as 'command.' Think of it as 'The way things must be done.'

The 'Dastur-e Asasi' of the Persian Constitutional Revolution (1906). Classical poems where 'Dastur' refers to a wise advisor. Modern Iranian cooking shows that always start with 'Dastur-e pokht'.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Professional Meeting

دستور جلسه چیست؟
این مورد در دستور کار نیست.
طبق دستور مدیریت عمل کنید.
دستورات جدید ابلاغ شد.

Cooking/Kitchen

دستور پخت این کیک را داری؟
دستور غذا خیلی سخت بود.
من طبق دستور پیش رفتم.
دستورات آشپزی مامان‌بزرگ.

School/Education

امروز دستور زبان داریم.
دستورات معلم را گوش کن.
قواعد دستور زبان فارسی.
امتحان دستور زبان.

Military/Police

دستور شلیک صادر شد.
او از دستور سرپیچی کرد.
دستور مستقیم فرمانده.
تحت دستور بودن.

Medical/Health

دستور پزشک برای مصرف دارو.
دستورالعمل‌های بهداشتی.
طبق دستور دکتر استراحت کن.
دستورات مراقبتی.

Conversation Starters

"آیا شما دستور پخت یک غذای ایرانی خوشمزه را بلدید؟"

"به نظر شما دستور زبان فارسی سخت است یا آسان؟"

"در شرکت شما، دستورات معمولاً چگونه ابلاغ می‌شوند؟"

"اگر شما رئیس بودید، اولین دستوری که می‌دادید چه بود؟"

"آیا تا به حال از دستوری سرپیچی کرده‌اید؟"

Journal Prompts

امروز چه دستوراتی از دیگران گرفتید و چه حسی داشتید؟

یک دستور پخت برای غذای مورد علاقه‌تان به فارسی بنویسید.

چرا داشتن دستور زبان برای یک زبان مهم است؟ نظر خود را بنویسید.

اگر قرار بود یک 'دستور اساسی' برای زندگی خود بنویسید، شامل چه مواردی بود؟

تفاوت بین 'خواهش کردن' و 'دستور دادن' را در فرهنگ خود توصیف کنید.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No. While 'Dastur-e Zaban' means grammar, 'Dastur' alone usually means 'order' or 'command.' You must look at the context to be sure. If you are in a Persian class, it's grammar. If you are in a kitchen, it's a recipe.

Do NOT use 'Dastur.' Use the word 'Sefâresh.' For example: 'Man ghaza sefâresh dâdam' (I ordered food). Using 'Dastur' would sound like you are commanding the food to appear.

In formal writing, news, and government documents, 'Dasturat' is preferred. In daily conversation, 'Dastur-ha' or just the singular 'Dastur' is more common.

Yes, specifically for the instructions on how to take the medicine. You might ask: 'Dastur-e masraf-e in daru chist?' (What are the instructions for using this medicine?).

It translates to 'Instruction manual' or 'Protocol.' It is a compound word used for step-by-step guides for machines or official procedures.

It is neutral. However, giving an order ('Dastur dâdan') can be perceived as rude if you don't have the authority. Using it in the phrase 'Dastur befarmâyid' is very polite.

You say 'Ketâb-e Dastur' or 'Ketâb-e Dastur-e Zaban.'

It means 'Agenda' or 'Work plan.' It's what you intend to do or what is scheduled to be done.

In modern Persian, no. In very old, classical Persian (like the Shahnameh), it could mean a vizier or high official, but you won't hear this today.

Yes, 'Eta'at kardan' (to obey) or 'Ejrâ kardan' (to execute/carry out).