This page in your language

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

A2 noun #700 most common 11 min read

دین

din Top 700

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips دین in 30 Seconds

Explanation دین in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'دین' (Din) is introduced as a basic noun meaning 'religion'. Students learn it to describe their identity or the identity of others in simple terms. At this stage, you don't need to know the complex theological history of the word. You just need to be able to say things like 'My religion is Islam' or 'He is a religious person'. It's often taught alongside other identity markers like nationality and job. The focus is on recognition and simple sentence construction. You will see it in basic reading passages about families or famous people where their background is mentioned. It's a high-frequency word because of its cultural importance, but at A1, the usage is very literal and limited to identifying major faiths.

At the A2 level, you begin to use 'دین' in more descriptive sentences. You might talk about religious holidays or simple customs. You learn the adjective form 'دینی' (religious) and how to use it with nouns like 'کتاب' (book) or 'مدرسه' (school). You also start to use prepositions with 'دین', such as 'در دین ما' (in our religion). At this level, you can ask simple questions about someone's beliefs or describe the religion of a country you are visiting. You are also introduced to the idea that there are different religions (دین‌های مختلف) and can list a few of them in Persian. The focus is on expanding your vocabulary around the word to include related terms like 'خدا' (God) and 'دعا' (prayer).

At the B1 level, you move beyond simple identification to discussing the role of religion in life and society. You can explain why religion is important to some people or describe a religious ceremony in some detail. You start to use the plural 'ادیان' (Adyan) in more formal contexts. You can also handle more abstract sentences, such as 'Religion can help people find peace'. At this stage, you are expected to understand the difference between 'دین' (religion) and 'مذهب' (sect) in a general sense. You might read short articles or listen to interviews where people talk about their values, and 'دین' will frequently appear as a framework for those values. You also learn common idioms that include the word.

At the B2 level, you can engage in more complex discussions about 'دین'. This includes topics like the relationship between religion and science, religion in politics, or the history of religions in the Middle East. You can use a wider range of synonyms like 'آیین' and 'کیش' to vary your language. You are able to understand and use more sophisticated grammatical structures involving 'دین', such as complex relative clauses. You can also express nuanced opinions on religious freedom or secularism. Your vocabulary includes academic terms related to religion, and you can follow a lecture or a detailed news report on religious affairs. You are also more aware of the cultural sensitivities surrounding the word in different Persian-speaking regions.

At the C1 level, you have a deep understanding of the word 'دین' and its various connotations in literature, philosophy, and law. You can read classical Persian poetry where 'دین' is used metaphorically and understand the layers of meaning intended by the poet. You can participate in high-level debates about the 'Philosophy of Religion' (فلسفه دین) or 'Sociology of Religion'. You are comfortable with the Arabic-influenced terminology often found in religious discourse. You can write detailed essays analyzing the impact of religion on Persian culture and history. Your use of the word is precise, and you can navigate the subtle differences between 'Din', 'Shariat', and 'Tariqat' with ease. You also understand the historical evolution of the word from its ancient Iranian roots.

At the C2 level, you have mastered the word 'دین' in all its complexity. You can interpret the most obscure religious texts and understand the finest points of theological debate. You are aware of the word's usage in different dialects of Persian and its historical shifts over centuries. You can use the word with the same level of nuance as a highly educated native speaker, whether in a legal, poetic, or everyday context. You understand the deep intertextuality of 'دین' in Persian culture, where a single mention of the word can evoke centuries of tradition, conflict, and spiritual searching. You can produce professional-grade translations or original works that involve complex religious concepts without losing any of the original's depth or tone.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

دین in 30 Seconds

Din is the primary Persian word for 'religion', covering faith, worship, and moral systems.
It has ancient roots in the word 'Daena', meaning conscience or spiritual insight.
The word is used both for institutional religions and personal spiritual paths.
It is a central concept in Persian culture, law, and daily social interaction.

The Persian word دین (Din) is a profound and multifaceted term that translates most directly to 'religion' in English. However, its resonance in the Persian-speaking world, particularly within the contexts of Iran, Afghanistan, and Tajikistan, carries layers of historical, spiritual, and social weight that go beyond a simple dictionary definition. At its core, Din refers to a comprehensive system of faith, worship, and moral conduct. It is not merely a set of beliefs held in private but is often viewed as a 'way of life' or a 'path' that guides an individual's interactions with the divine, the self, and society. In the modern Persian language, the word is used to categorize major world religions like Islam, Christianity, Judaism, and Zoroastrianism, but it also appears in philosophical discussions regarding the nature of conscience and internal moral compass.

Spiritual Foundation: In a spiritual context, دین represents the bond between the creator and the created. It encompasses the rituals (manasek), the theology (kalam), and the ethics (akhlaq) that define a believer's identity. When someone says 'Din-e man' (my religion), they are often expressing their deepest values and the framework through which they interpret the universe.
Social and Legal Identity: Socially, دین serves as a primary marker of identity. In many Persian-speaking societies, religious affiliation is a standard part of public records and social categorization. It influences family laws, such as marriage and inheritance, making the word a frequent fixture in legal and administrative discourse.
Historical Evolution: The term has ancient roots, evolving from the Avestan word 'Daena,' which signified 'insight' or 'conscience.' This historical depth means that even in secular or poetic contexts, دین can evoke a sense of internal truth and the light of the soul, rather than just organized institutional structures.

احترام به هر دین و آیینی نشانه انسانیت است.

Translation: Respecting every religion and tradition is a sign of humanity.

People use this word in a variety of settings. In a formal academic setting, one might discuss 'Adyan-e Shargh' (Eastern Religions). In a casual conversation, a friend might ask about another's 'Din' out of curiosity or to understand their dietary restrictions. It is also a staple in political rhetoric, where the relationship between 'Din' and 'Siyasat' (politics) is a subject of constant debate. Furthermore, the word appears frequently in classical Persian poetry, where Rumi or Hafez might contrast 'Din' (outward religion) with 'Eshgh' (divine love), often suggesting that true spirituality transcends the rigid boundaries of formal religious structures.

او درباره تاریخ دین مطالعه می‌کند.

Translation: He is studying the history of religion.

در قانون اساسی، آزادی دین ذکر شده است.

Translation: In the constitution, freedom of religion is mentioned.

پدربزرگ من مردی با دین و ایمان بود.

Translation: My grandfather was a man of religion and faith.

تفاوت‌های میان دین و اخلاق چیست؟

Translation: What are the differences between religion and ethics?

Using دین (Din) correctly in a sentence requires understanding its grammatical role as a noun and its common pairings with adjectives and verbs. Because it is a core concept, it often appears at the beginning of sentences as a subject or at the end as an object of a preposition. In Persian, nouns don't change for case, but the 'Ezafe' construction (the short 'e' sound connecting words) is crucial when describing a specific religion or an attribute of religion.

As a Subject: When دین is the subject, it often describes a general truth or a state of being. For example, 'Din bakhshi az farhang ast' (Religion is a part of culture). Here, the word sets the topic for the entire statement.
With the Ezafe Construction: To specify a religion, you add the 'e' sound: 'Din-e Eslam' (The religion of Islam), 'Din-e Masihiyat' (The religion of Christianity). This is the most common way to identify specific faiths in conversation.
In Prepositional Phrases: Common prepositions used with دین include 'dar' (in), 'be' (to/into), and 'az' (from). For example, 'Dar in din...' (In this religion...) or 'Be din-e jadidi garavidan' (To convert to a new religion).

هر دین کتاب مقدسی دارد.

Translation: Every religion has a holy book.

When describing a person's relationship to religion, verbs like 'dashtan' (to have), 'paziroftan' (to accept), and 'peyravi kardan' (to follow) are frequently used. For instance, 'U dini nadarad' (He has no religion/He is irreligious) or 'Anha az din-e khod defa mikonand' (They defend their religion). In more formal or literary contexts, you might encounter the verb 'mote'aghed budan' (to be a believer/convinced) used in conjunction with religious concepts.

آیا شما به دین خاصی اعتقاد دارید؟

Translation: Do you believe in a specific religion?

مطالعه دین‌های مختلف جالب است.

Translation: Studying different religions is interesting. (Note: Here 'din-ha' is used as a regular Persian plural).

او از دین خود برنگشته است.

Translation: He has not turned away from his religion.

اصول دین در مدارس تدریس می‌شود.

Translation: The principles of religion are taught in schools.

The word دین (Din) is ubiquitous in Persian-speaking environments, appearing in contexts ranging from the most sacred to the most mundane. Because religion plays a central role in the social and political fabric of countries like Iran and Afghanistan, you will hear this word daily. It is a staple of news broadcasts, educational curriculum, legal proceedings, and family gatherings. Understanding where you'll encounter it helps in grasping its various connotations.

In the Media and News: News anchors frequently use دین when reporting on international affairs, religious festivals, or government policies. Phrases like 'Vezarat-e Farhang va Ershad-e Eslami' (Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance) or discussions on 'Zadi-ye Din' (Religious freedom) are common. It is also used in debates about the role of faith in modern society.
In Educational Settings: In schools, 'Dini' is a specific subject. Students study the 'Osul-e Din' (Principles of Religion) and 'Furu-e Din' (Branches of Religion). In universities, 'Adyan va Erfan' (Religions and Mysticism) is a popular field of study, where the word دین is analyzed from historical and sociological perspectives.
In Legal and Official Documents: When filling out forms for a national ID card (Shenasnameh) or passport in Iran, there is often a section for 'Din'. Here, the word is used as a formal classification of one's legal status, which can affect certain civil rights and obligations.

برنامه‌ی تلویزیونی درباره‌ی گفتگوی دین‌ها بود.

Translation: The TV program was about the dialogue between religions.

Beyond formal settings, دین is deeply embedded in the Persian language through idioms and everyday expressions. You might hear an elderly person praising someone by saying they have 'Din va Iman' (Religion and Faith), implying they are trustworthy and moral. Conversely, in political or social critiques, people might discuss 'Din-zadegi' (being tired of or alienated from religion). In the bazaar or business dealings, 'Din' can sometimes be used metaphorically to refer to one's word or honor, though 'Gharz' is the literal word for financial debt (interestingly, 'Din' in Arabic can mean debt, but in Persian, it almost exclusively means religion).

او استاد الهیات و فلسفه دین است.

Translation: He is a professor of theology and the philosophy of religion.

در این شهر، پیروان دین‌های مختلف در کنار هم زندگی می‌کنند.

Translation: In this city, followers of different religions live alongside each other.

کتاب‌های زیادی درباره‌ی دین در کتابخانه موجود است.

Translation: Many books about religion are available in the library.

او به دین به عنوان یک پدیده اجتماعی نگاه می‌کند.

Translation: He looks at religion as a social phenomenon.

While دین (Din) is a relatively straightforward word, English speakers and Persian learners often encounter specific pitfalls when using it. These mistakes usually stem from confusing it with related terms, misapplying Arabic grammar rules that Persian has adopted, or misunderstanding the cultural nuances of religious terminology in the Middle East.

Confusing 'Din' and 'Mazhab': The most common error is using 'Din' when 'Mazhab' is more appropriate. In English, 'religion' can cover both the broad faith (Islam) and the specific branch (Shia). In Persian, 'Din' is the broad faith, while 'Mazhab' is the specific sect. Saying 'Din-e Jafari' is technically incorrect; it should be 'Mazhab-e Jafari'.
Misusing the Plural 'Adyan': Persian uses both the regular plural 'Din-ha' and the Arabic plural 'Adyan'. Learners often use 'Adyan' in casual speech, where it sounds overly formal or academic. Conversely, they might use 'Din-ha' in a formal essay where 'Adyan' would be more sophisticated. Rule of thumb: use 'Din-ha' for everyday talk and 'Adyan' for literature or news.
The 'Debt' Confusion: In Arabic, 'Dayn' (spelled the same as 'Din' in Persian: دین) means debt. While Persian has borrowed 'Din' for religion, it uses 'Gharz' or 'Bedehi' for financial debt. However, in some religious-legal contexts in Persian, 'Dayn' (pronounced slightly differently or identified by context) can refer to a moral or religious obligation/debt. Beginners often get confused when they see 'Din' in a context that seems to be about owing something.

اشتباه: او به دین تسنن است. (Correct: او مذهب تسنن دارد.)

Translation: Mistake: He is of the Sunni religion. (Correct: He is of the Sunni sect.)

Another mistake involves the adjective form 'Dini'. English speakers might say 'Din ketab' (Religion book) instead of 'Ketab-e Dini' (Religious book). Remember that in Persian, you must use the adjective form with the Ezafe to describe a noun's quality. Additionally, be careful with the word 'Bi-din' (irreligious/atheist). While it is a literal translation, in some contexts, it can be used as a harsh insult or a legal accusation, so it should be used with caution in sensitive social situations.

اشتباه: دین او مسیحی است. (Better: او مسیحی است / دین او مسیحیت است.)

Translation: Mistake: His religion is Christian. (Better: He is Christian / His religion is Christianity.)

اشتباه: مطالعه‌ی دین‌ها. (Better in formal writing: مطالعه‌ی ادیان.)

Translation: Mistake: Studying religions (casual). Better: Studying religions (formal/academic).

اشتباه: او دین ندارد. (Note: This can be very sensitive; use 'اعتقادات مذهبی ندارد' for a more neutral tone.)

Translation: Note: 'He has no religion' can be blunt; 'He has no religious beliefs' is softer.

Persian is a language rich in synonyms and related terms, many of which have subtle differences in register and meaning. When discussing دین (Din), it is helpful to know the alternatives to express specific nuances of faith, tradition, and belief.

مذهب (Mazhab): As mentioned, Mazhab usually refers to a sect or school of thought within a religion. However, in modern Iranian Persian, it is often used interchangeably with 'Din' in casual speech. Comparison: 'Din' is the umbrella; 'Mazhab' is the specific branch.
آیین (Ayin): This word translates to 'rite,' 'ritual,' or 'creed.' It is often used for ancient or non-Abrahamic traditions, such as 'Ayin-e Zartosht' (The Zoroastrian creed). It carries a more cultural and ritualistic connotation than the theological 'Din'.
کیش (Kish): A more literary and poetic term for religion or faith. You will see this in classical poetry or high-level literature. It evokes a sense of personal devotion and path.
ایمان (Iman): While 'Din' is the system, Iman is the internal state of faith. One can have a 'Din' (belong to a religion) without necessarily having strong 'Iman' (personal conviction).
شریعت (Shariat): This refers specifically to the legal and canonical laws of a religion, particularly Islam. It is the 'law' aspect of 'Din'.

او به آیین‌های باستانی علاقه دارد.

Translation: He is interested in ancient rites/creeds.

Choosing between these words depends on your context. If you are writing a legal document, 'Din' and 'Mazhab' are standard. If you are writing a poem, 'Kish' or 'Ayin' might add more flavor. If you are discussing someone's personal piety, 'Iman' is the better choice. In academic religious studies, you will often see the phrase 'Adyan va Mazaheb' (Religions and Sects) to cover all bases.

تفاوت میان دین و مذهب در چیست؟

Translation: What is the difference between religion and sect?

او مردی پاک‌کیش است.

Translation: He is a man of pure faith (literary).

حفظ ایمان در سختی‌ها دشوار است.

Translation: Maintaining faith during hardships is difficult.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"ادیان الهی همواره بر صلح تأکید داشته‌اند."

Neutral

"او درباره دین‌های مختلف مطالعه می‌کند."

Informal

"دین و ایمون نداره که!"

Child friendly

"دین به ما یاد میده که مهربون باشیم."

Slang

"دینم رو ادا کردم."

Fun Fact

While the Persian word 'Din' is identical in spelling to the Arabic word 'Din', the Persian word has its own distinct pre-Islamic Iranian lineage, though the two meanings eventually merged after the Islamic conquest.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /diːn/

US /din/

The stress is on the single syllable.

Rhymes With

بین (Bin) چین (Chin) زمین (Zamin) آمین (Amin) نشین (Neshin) همین (Hamin) آذین (Azin) نگین (Negin)

Common Errors

Shortening the 'i' sound to 'dĭn' (like the English word for noise).
Confusing it with 'don' (a different word).
Not pronouncing the 'n' clearly at the end.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

The word itself is easy to read, but it often appears in complex theological texts.

Writing 1/5

Very simple to write (only three letters).

Speaking 1/5

Easy to pronounce correctly.

Listening 2/5

Must distinguish between 'Din' and 'Adyan' (plural).

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

خدا (God) ایمان (Faith) کتاب (Book) مردم (People) خوب (Good)

Learn Next

مذهب (Sect) عبادت (Worship) پیامبر (Prophet) بهشت (Heaven) جهنم (Hell)

Advanced

پدیدارشناسی (Phenomenology) هرمنوتیک (Hermeneutics) سکولاریسم (Secularism) کلام (Theology)

Grammar to Know

Ezafe Construction

دینِ اسلام (Din-e Eslam)

Arabic Broken Plurals

ادیان (Adyan) as plural of دین

Adjective Suffix '-i'

دینی (Dini) from دین

Compound Noun Formation

دین‌شناسی (Din-shenasi)

Prepositional Usage

در دین (Dar din), به دین (Be din)

Examples by Level

دین من اسلام است.

My religion is Islam.

Simple subject-predicate sentence.

آیا او دین دارد؟

Does he have a religion?

Simple question with 'aya'.

نام این دین چیست؟

What is the name of this religion?

Using 'nam' (name) and 'chist' (what is).

او به دین خود علاقه دارد.

He likes his religion.

Using 'be... alaghe dashtan' (to be interested in/like).

دین یک موضوع مهم است.

Religion is an important subject.

Adjective 'mohem' (important) modifying 'mozu' (subject).

ما در مورد دین صحبت می‌کنیم.

We are talking about religion.

Present continuous tense.

این کتاب درباره دین است.

This book is about religion.

Using 'darbareye' (about).

دین او مسیحی است.

His religion is Christian.

Simple identity statement.

او کتاب‌های دینی زیادی می‌خواند.

He reads many religious books.

Adjective 'dini' (religious) with plural 'ketab-ha'.

در مدرسه ما درس دین داریم.

In our school, we have a religion lesson.

Using 'dars' (lesson/subject).

دین‌های مختلفی در جهان وجود دارد.

There are different religions in the world.

Plural 'din-ha' with 'mokhtalef' (different).

او به دین جدیدی گرویده است.

He has converted to a new religion.

Present perfect tense of 'geravidan' (to convert/turn to).

آیا دین در زندگی شما نقش دارد؟

Does religion have a role in your life?

Using 'naghsh dashtan' (to have a role).

او درباره تاریخ دین مطالعه می‌کند.

He studies the history of religion.

Compound noun 'tarikh-e din'.

مردم به دین‌های خود احترام می‌گذارند.

People respect their religions.

Using 'ehteram gozashtan' (to respect).

دین می‌تواند به انسان آرامش بدهد.

Religion can give peace to humans.

Using 'tavanestan' (can) and 'aramesh' (peace).

آزادی دین یکی از حقوق بشر است.

Freedom of religion is one of the human rights.

Compound noun 'azadi-ye din'.

او معتقد است که دین و اخلاق جدا نیستند.

He believes that religion and ethics are not separate.

Subordinate clause starting with 'ke' (that).

بسیاری از جنگ‌ها در تاریخ به نام دین بوده‌اند.

Many wars in history have been in the name of religion.

Using 'be nam-e' (in the name of).

او در حال تحقیق درباره ادیان باستانی است.

He is researching ancient religions.

Using the Arabic plural 'adyan'.

تأثیر دین بر فرهنگ جامعه غیرقابل انکار است.

The influence of religion on society's culture is undeniable.

Using 'tasir' (influence) and 'gheyr-e ghabl-e enkar' (undeniable).

او سعی می‌کند دستورات دین خود را انجام دهد.

He tries to perform the commands of his religion.

Using 'dasturat' (commands/orders).

گفتگوی میان ادیان برای صلح جهانی ضروری است.

Dialogue between religions is essential for world peace.

Using 'goftogu' (dialogue) and 'zaruri' (essential).

او از کودکی با آموزه‌های دین آشنا شد.

He became familiar with the teachings of religion from childhood.

Using 'amuze-ha' (teachings) and 'ashna shodan' (to become familiar).

رابطه بین دین و سیاست همیشه بحث‌برانگیز بوده است.

The relationship between religion and politics has always been controversial.

Using 'bahs-bar-angiz' (controversial).

جامعه‌شناسان نقش دین را در ساختار خانواده بررسی می‌کنند.

Sociologists examine the role of religion in the family structure.

Using 'jame'e-shenasan' (sociologists) and 'sakhtar' (structure).

او مقاله‌ای درباره سکولاریسم و دین نوشته است.

He has written an article about secularism and religion.

Using 'maghale' (article).

برخی معتقدند که دین باید از دولت جدا باشد.

Some believe that religion should be separate from the state.

Using 'joda budan' (to be separate).

تنوع ادیان در این منطقه بسیار زیاد است.

The diversity of religions in this region is very high.

Using 'tanavo' (diversity).

او به بررسی تطبیقی ادیان علاقه دارد.

He is interested in the comparative study of religions.

Using 'barresi-ye tatbiqi' (comparative study).

دین در دوران مدرن با چالش‌های جدیدی روبروست.

Religion faces new challenges in the modern era.

Using 'ru-be-ru budan' (to face/be across from).

فلسفه دین به پرسش‌های بنیادین درباره خدا می‌پردازد.

The philosophy of religion deals with fundamental questions about God.

Using 'be... pardakhtan' (to deal with/address).

عرفان پلی میان دین ظاهری و تجربه باطنی است.

Mysticism is a bridge between outward religion and inward experience.

Using 'zaheri' (outward) and 'bateni' (inward).

او در تز دکتری خود به هرمنوتیک دین پرداخته است.

In his doctoral thesis, he addressed the hermeneutics of religion.

Using 'hermenutik' and 'tez-e doktora'.

کثرت‌گرایی دینی یکی از مباحث مهم کلام جدید است.

Religious pluralism is one of the important topics of modern theology.

Using 'kasrat-garayi' (pluralism) and 'kalam-e jadid' (modern theology).

شاعر در این بیت، دین را با عشق مقایسه کرده است.

In this verse, the poet has compared religion with love.

Using 'beyt' (verse) and 'moghayese kardan' (to compare).

تجلی دین در هنر و معماری اسلامی مشهود است.

The manifestation of religion in Islamic art and architecture is evident.

Using 'tajalli' (manifestation) and 'mashhud' (evident).

او به نقد عقلانی سنت‌های دینی می‌پردازد.

He addresses the rational critique of religious traditions.

Using 'naghd-e aghlani' (rational critique).

رابطه دین و مدرنیته پیچیده و چندبعدی است.

The relationship between religion and modernity is complex and multi-dimensional.

Using 'chand-ba'di' (multi-dimensional).

او بر ضرورت بازاندیشی در مفاهیم دینی تأکید کرد.

He emphasized the necessity of rethinking religious concepts.

Using 'baz-andishi' (rethinking) and 'ta'kid kardan' (to emphasize).

واکاوی پدیدارشناختی دین مستلزم تعلیق پیش‌فرض‌هاست.

A phenomenological analysis of religion requires the suspension of preconceptions.

Using 'vakavi-ye padidarshenakhti' (phenomenological analysis).

او به بررسی تطور تاریخی واژه 'دین' در متون پهلوی پرداخت.

He examined the historical evolution of the word 'Din' in Pahlavi texts.

Using 'tatavvor-e tarikhi' (historical evolution) and 'motun-e Pahlavi'.

دیالکتیک میان دین و عقل در قرون وسطی به اوج خود رسید.

The dialectic between religion and reason reached its peak in the Middle Ages.

Using 'diyalektik' and 'be owj residan' (to reach the peak).

نویسنده بر این باور است که دین در ساحت قدسی معنا می‌یابد.

The author believes that religion finds meaning in the sacred realm.

Using 'sahat-e ghodsi' (sacred realm).

او به تبیین کارکردهای روان‌شناختی دین در جوامع بحران‌زده پرداخت.

He explained the psychological functions of religion in crisis-stricken societies.

Using 'tabyin' (explanation/elucidation) and 'karkard-ha' (functions).

در این منظومه، تقابل میان دین ریایی و دین راستین ترسیم شده است.

In this epic, the contrast between hypocritical religion and true religion is depicted.

Using 'din-e riyayi' (hypocritical religion) and 'din-e rastin' (true religion).

او به نقد ساختارشکنانه از نهادهای دینی سنتی دست زد.

He engaged in a deconstructive critique of traditional religious institutions.

Using 'sakhtar-shekanane' (deconstructive).

ارتباط وثیقی میان جهان‌بینی دینی و کنش‌های اجتماعی وجود دارد.

There is a close connection between religious worldview and social actions.

Using 'ertebat-e vasiq' (close/firm connection) and 'jahan-bini' (worldview).

Common Collocations

اصول دین

فروع دین

آزادی دین

تبلیغ دین

تغییر دین

فلسفه دین

جامعه‌شناسی دین

پیروان دین

کتاب دینی

مراسم دینی

Common Phrases

دین و ایمان

— Total faith and religious conviction.

او مردی با دین و ایمان است.

دین خود را ادا کردن

— To fulfill one's duty or obligation (often metaphorical).

او با این کار دین خود را به میهن ادا کرد.

به دین کسی درآمدن

— To convert to someone's religion.

او به دین اسلام درآمد.

دین رسمی

— The official state religion.

دین رسمی ایران اسلام است.

ادیان الهی

— Divine/Abrahamic religions.

یهودیت یکی از ادیان الهی است.

دین و دولت

— Religion and state.

رابطه دین و دولت در تاریخ پیچیده است.

دین‌داری

— Religiosity or being religious.

دین‌داری او برای همه عیان است.

دین‌گریزی

— Moving away from religion.

او مقاله‌ای درباره علل دین‌گریزی نوشت.

دین‌ستیز

— Anti-religious.

او عقاید دین‌ستیزانه دارد.

دین‌مدار

— Religion-oriented or religious-centered.

او در یک خانواده دین‌مدار بزرگ شد.

Often Confused With

دین vs مذهب

Often used interchangeably, but 'Mazhab' specifically means a sect.

دین vs دنیا

Spelled similarly to 'Din' in some scripts, but means 'world'.

دین vs دِین (Dayn)

Spelled the same, but means 'debt' or 'obligation'.

Idioms & Expressions

"دین و دل باختن"

— To lose one's heart and faith (usually to a beloved).

او با یک نگاه دین و دل به او باخت.

Poetic

"دین خود را فروختن"

— To betray one's beliefs for worldly gain.

او برای پول دین خود را فروخت.

Formal/Critical

"بی‌دین و ایمان"

— Unprincipled or untrustworthy (literally: without religion and faith).

مواظب باش، او آدم بی‌دین و ایمانی است.

Informal/Insulting

"دین به گردن داشتن"

— To owe a moral debt to someone.

من به تو دین به گردن دارم.

Neutral

"دین و دنیا را داشتن"

— To have both spiritual and material success.

او سعی می‌کند هم دین و هم دنیا را داشته باشد.

Neutral

"از دین برگشتن"

— To apostatize or lose faith.

او از دین خود برگشته است.

Formal

"دین کسی را بر باد دادن"

— To destroy someone's faith or reputation.

زیبایی او دین زاهد را بر باد داد.

Poetic

"دین‌فروشی کردن"

— To use religion for personal or political profit.

او با دین‌فروشی به مقام رسید.

Critical

"دین‌دار و متدین"

— Very religious and pious.

او از خانواده‌ای دین‌دار و متدین است.

Formal

"دین و آیین داشتن"

— To have principles and a code of conduct.

هر انسانی باید برای خود دین و آیینی داشته باشد.

Neutral

Easily Confused

دین vs مذهب

Both translate to religion/sect.

Din is the broad category (e.g., Islam); Mazhab is the specific branch (e.g., Shia).

دین او اسلام و مذهبش شیعه است.

دین vs آیین

Both refer to systems of belief.

Ayin focuses more on rituals and traditions; Din is more theological.

آیین‌های نوروزی زیبا هستند.

دین vs کیش

Both mean faith/religion.

Kish is more literary and poetic; Din is the standard word.

او بر کیش باستانی است.

دین vs ایمان

Both relate to belief.

Iman is internal faith; Din is the external system.

ایمان در قلب انسان است.

دین vs شریعت

Both relate to religious systems.

Shariat is the legal code of a religion; Din is the whole religion.

او متخصص شریعت است.

Sentence Patterns

دین من [Religion] است.

دین من اسلام است.

او به [Religion] علاقه دارد.

او به دین زرتشتی علاقه دارد.

در این دین، [Action] مهم است.

در این دین، کمک به دیگران مهم است.

رابطه میان دین و [Subject] پیچیده است.

رابطه میان دین و علم پیچیده است.

تجلی [Concept] در دین مشهود است.

تجلی هنر در دین مشهود است.

واکاوی [Aspect] دین مستلزم [Requirement] است.

واکاوی تاریخی دین مستلزم مطالعه متون کهن است.

او از پیروان دین [Religion] است.

او از پیروان دین مسیحی است.

این یک کتاب [Adjective] است.

این یک کتاب دینی است.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Very High

Common Mistakes

Using 'Din' for a sect. → Using 'Mazhab'.
You should say 'Mazhab-e Hanafi', not 'Din-e Hanafi'.
Shortening the 'i' sound. → Long 'ee' sound.
Shortening it makes it sound like 'Din' (noise) in English, which is incorrect in Persian.
Saying 'Din ketab'. → Ketab-e Dini.
You must use the adjective form with the Ezafe to describe a noun.
Using 'Adyan' in very casual talk. → Din-ha.
'Adyan' is formal; 'Din-ha' is more natural for daily conversation.
Confusing 'Din' with 'Donya'. → Using them in their proper contexts.
'Din' is spiritual; 'Donya' is material. They are often paired but distinct.

Tips

Use the Ezafe

Always remember the 'e' sound when connecting 'Din' to the name of a religion, like 'Din-e Eslam'.

Learn 'Adyan'

Even if you are a beginner, recognizing 'Adyan' will help you understand news and formal speech.

Be Respectful

When discussing religion in Iran or Afghanistan, use polite terms like 'Eteghadat' (beliefs) instead of just 'Din'.

Long 'i'

Make sure to pronounce the 'i' in 'Din' as a long vowel, like 'ee' in 'green'.

Formal vs Informal

In formal writing, prefer 'ادیان' and 'متدین' over 'دین‌ها' and 'دین‌دار'.

Moral Debt

If you hear 'Din' in a context about doing a favor, it might mean a moral debt (Dayn).

Read Poetry

Classical poems are a great way to see how 'Din' is used metaphorically.

Religious Holidays

Learning the names of 'Din' will help you understand the calendar and holidays in the region.

News Keywords

'Din' and 'Adyan' are keywords in any news segment about social issues.

The Compass Mnemonic

Visualize 'Din' as a compass guiding your path.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Din' as the 'Dean' of your life's school. Just as a Dean sets the rules and values for a college, 'Din' sets the rules and values for your faith.

Visual Association

Imagine a compass. The needle is 'Din', always pointing you toward what your faith considers the 'North' or the right path.

Word Web

God Faith Islam Ethics Ritual Prophet Holy Book Prayer

Challenge

Try to write three sentences using 'Din' to describe three different world religions in Persian.

Word Origin

The word 'Din' in Persian comes from the Middle Persian 'dēn', which originates from the Avestan 'daēnā'.

Original meaning: In Avestan, 'daēnā' meant 'insight', 'conscience', or 'revelation'. It was the spiritual part of the human soul that would meet the person after death.

Indo-European (Indo-Iranian branch).

Cultural Context

Be respectful when discussing 'Din' in Persian-speaking countries, as it is a deeply personal and sometimes politically sensitive topic.

In English-speaking countries, 'religion' is often seen as a private matter. In Persian-speaking cultures, 'Din' is often more public and communal.

The Quran (often referred to as the book of Din) The Shahnameh (mentions ancient Iranian 'Din') Rumi's Masnavi (explores the inner meaning of Din)

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Legal/Official

دین رسمی
آزادی دین
تغییر دین
ثبت دین

Academic/Study

تاریخ ادیان
فلسفه دین
جامعه‌شناسی دین
ادیان تطبیقی

Spiritual/Personal

دین من
اعتقادات دینی
ایمان و دین
راه دین

Social/General

مراسم دینی
کتاب دینی
اخلاق و دین
پیروان دین

Literary/Poetic

کیش و دین
دین و دل
رهرو دین
نور دین

Conversation Starters

"نظر شما درباره نقش دین در جامعه مدرن چیست؟"

"آیا در کشور شما آزادی دین وجود دارد؟"

"کدام دین در منطقه شما پیروان بیشتری دارد؟"

"آیا تا به حال درباره ادیان باستانی مطالعه کرده‌اید؟"

"به نظر شما تفاوت اصلی میان دین و اخلاق چیست؟"

Journal Prompts

دین در زندگی شخصی شما چه جایگاهی دارد؟ (What place does religion have in your personal life?)

تأثیر دین بر فرهنگ کشورتان را توصیف کنید. (Describe the influence of religion on your country's culture.)

اگر می‌توانستید درباره یک دین جدید تحقیق کنید، کدام را انتخاب می‌کردید؟ (If you could research a new religion, which would you choose?)

آیا فکر می‌کنید صلح جهانی بدون گفتگو میان ادیان ممکن است؟ (Do you think world peace is possible without dialogue between religions?)

یک خاطره از شرکت در یک مراسم دینی بنویسید. (Write a memory of participating in a religious ceremony.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

The plural of 'Din' can be 'Din-ha' (regular Persian plural) or 'Adyan' (Arabic broken plural). 'Adyan' is more common in formal and academic contexts.

In Arabic, 'Dayn' (spelled the same) means debt. In Persian, 'Din' almost always means religion, but 'Dayn' is used in formal or religious contexts to mean a moral or legal obligation.

The adjective for religious is 'Dini' (for things like books or schools) or 'Din-dar' (for people who are pious).

Yes, religion is a significant part of life in Persian-speaking countries. While the word itself is neutral, the context in which you use it can be sensitive.

Think of 'Din' as the whole tree (e.g., Christianity) and 'Mazhab' as the branches (e.g., Catholicism, Protestantism).

You say 'Azadi-ye Din' (آزادی دین).

Yes, very frequently. Poets often contrast 'Din' (outward ritual) with 'Eshgh' (divine love) or 'Iman' (true faith).

It means the 'Principles of Religion', which are the core beliefs of a faith.

Yes, 'Din' is a general term for any system of faith, including Buddhism, Hinduism, etc.

Technically, 'Bi-dini' (irreligion), but in a philosophical sense, it is often contrasted with 'Donya' (the material world).