جایزه in 30 Seconds
- Means 'prize', 'award', or 'reward' in English.
- Commonly paired with verbs like بردن (to win) and گرفتن (to receive).
- Used in contexts ranging from school rewards to international accolades like the Oscars.
- The formal plural is جوایز (javayez), while the casual plural is جایزهها (jayezeh-ha).
The Persian word جایزه (jayezeh) primarily translates to 'prize', 'award', or 'reward' in English. It is a highly common noun used across all levels of Persian, from basic daily conversations to formal academic and news contexts. Understanding this word is essential for learners as it frequently appears in contexts related to competitions, achievements, and positive reinforcement. The concept of giving and receiving a جایزه is deeply embedded in Persian culture, whether it is a small reward for a child's good behavior or a prestigious national award. The word originates from the Arabic root j-w-z, but its usage in modern Persian is entirely naturalized.
- Literal Meaning
- Prize or award given for an achievement.
- Common Usage
- Used in sports, academics, and daily life.
- Grammatical Role
- Noun (Ism), can take plural forms like جایزهها or جوایز.
او در مسابقه جایزه اول را برد.
این جایزه برای تو است.
مراسم اهدای جایزه فردا است.
من یک جایزه بزرگ گرفتم.
آنها جایزه نوبل را بردند.
When learning this word, it is crucial to practice its collocations. For instance, 'جایزه بردن' means to win a prize, while 'جایزه دادن' means to give a prize. The word is versatile and carries a universally positive connotation. In educational settings, teachers often use the promise of a جایزه to motivate students. In the entertainment industry, words like جشنواره (festival) are frequently followed by discussions of who won the جایزه. By mastering this word, learners unlock a significant portion of vocabulary related to success, motivation, and recognition in the Persian language. This word is a stepping stone to more complex vocabulary related to achievements and societal recognition.
Using جایزه correctly involves understanding its syntax and common verb pairings. As a noun, it can be the subject or object of a sentence. The most frequent verbs used with it are بردن (to win), گرفتن (to get/receive), and دادن (to give). For example, 'من جایزه بردم' (I won a prize). When specifying the type of prize, it is usually linked with an Ezafe, such as 'جایزه اول' (first prize) or 'جایزه نوبل' (Nobel prize).
- Subject Usage
- جایزه روی میز است. (The prize is on the table.)
- Object Usage
- او جایزه را گرفت. (He took the prize.)
- With Adjectives
- جایزه بزرگ (Big prize), جایزه نقدی (Cash prize).
معلم به دانشآموزان جایزه داد.
برنده جایزه خوشحال بود.
این جایزه ارزش زیادی دارد.
او شایسته این جایزه است.
مبلغ جایزه چقدر است؟
In formal contexts, such as news reports about the Oscars or Nobel prizes, you will often hear the broken plural form 'جوایز' (javayez). For example, 'توزیع جوایز' means the distribution of awards. Understanding these nuances helps learners transition from A1 to higher proficiency levels. Furthermore, the word can be used metaphorically. Sometimes, a good outcome or a peaceful moment is referred to as a جایزه from life or God, highlighting its deep-seated positive emotional resonance in Persian literature and daily conversation.
The word جایزه is ubiquitous in Persian media, daily conversations, and educational environments. You will hear it during sports broadcasts when commentators discuss the trophy or prize money. In schools, teachers use it to encourage children. On television, game shows frequently use the word to build excitement among contestants and the audience.
- Schools
- Teachers giving stickers or small gifts as a جایزه.
- TV Shows
- Game shows offering a جایزه نقدی (cash prize).
- News
- Reporting on international awards like the Oscars.
در اخبار شنیدم که او جایزه اسکار را برد.
برنامه تلویزیونی یک جایزه ویژه دارد.
بچهها منتظر جایزه خود هستند.
مسابقات ورزشی همیشه جایزه دارند.
او به عنوان جایزه یک ماشین گرفت.
Moreover, the concept of a جایزه extends to corporate environments where employees might receive a bonus, sometimes colloquially referred to as a جایزه or پاداش. When traveling in Iran or interacting with Persian speakers, you might also see signs for lotteries or promotional events using this word prominently to attract attention. Recognizing the contexts in which this word appears will significantly enhance your listening comprehension and cultural fluency, allowing you to engage more deeply with Persian entertainment and daily life.
While جایزه is a straightforward noun, learners often make mistakes regarding its plural forms, verb collocations, and pronunciation. A common error is using the wrong verb. For instance, translating 'to make a prize' literally instead of using 'تعیین کردن جایزه' (to set a prize). Another issue is confusing the regular plural 'جایزهها' with the formal broken plural 'جوایز' in inappropriate contexts.
- Wrong Verb
- Saying جایزه کردن instead of جایزه دادن.
- Plural Confusion
- Using جوایز in casual speech sounds unnatural.
- Pronunciation
- Over-pronouncing the final 'h' (ه).
Correct: من جایزه بردم. (I won a prize.)
Incorrect: من جایزه کردم. (Literal translation of 'I prized' - makes no sense.)
Correct: او به من جایزه داد. (He gave me a prize.)
Correct: ما جایزهها را دیدیم. (We saw the prizes - casual.)
Correct: اهدای جوایز آغاز شد. (The awarding of prizes began - formal.)
To avoid these mistakes, practice the word within full sentences rather than in isolation. Pay attention to native speakers and how they naturally connect the word with specific verbs. Also, remember that in Persian, the object marker 'را' (ra) is frequently used with definite prizes, e.g., 'جایزه را بردم' (I won THE prize). Forgetting the object marker when referring to a specific award is a common syntactic error among beginners. Consistent practice with sentence patterns will help solidify the correct usage.
There are several words in Persian that share a similar semantic field with جایزه. Understanding these nuances helps in choosing the right word for the right context. Words like پاداش (reward), هدیه (gift), and انعام (tip/gratuity) are often related but have distinct usages. While a جایزه is typically won in a competition or given for a specific notable achievement, a هدیه is given out of affection without a competitive aspect.
- پاداش (Padash)
- Reward, often for hard work or good behavior, not necessarily a competition.
- هدیه (Hediyeh)
- Gift or present, given freely.
- انعام (An'am)
- Tip or gratuity, usually given for service.
این جایزه مسابقه است. (This is the competition prize.)
این پاداش زحمات توست. (This is the reward for your efforts.)
من یک هدیه برای تولدت خریدم. (I bought a gift for your birthday.)
به پیشخدمت انعام دادم. (I gave a tip to the waiter.)
او مدال طلا را به عنوان جایزه گرفت. (He received the gold medal as a prize.)
By distinguishing between these terms, your Persian will sound much more natural and precise. For example, telling a friend you bought them a جایزه for their birthday might sound slightly humorous or imply they won a game to get it, whereas هدیه is the standard, expected term. Expanding your vocabulary to include these related terms will provide you with a richer, more expressive command of the Persian language, allowing you to navigate various social situations with ease and accuracy.
How Formal Is It?
Difficulty Rating
Grammar to Know
Using the object marker 'را' (ra) with definite nouns (جایزه را بردم).
Ezafe construction for describing nouns (جایزهِ بزرگ).
Pluralization rules in Persian (ha vs. Arabic broken plurals).
Compound verbs with nouns (جایزه دادن).
Comparative adjectives (این جایزه بهتر است).
Examples by Level
من یک جایزه گرفتم.
I got a prize.
Subject + Object + Verb (Simple Past)
این جایزه تو است.
This is your prize.
Use of possessive pronoun 'تو'.
او جایزه را دوست دارد.
He likes the prize.
Use of object marker 'را'.
جایزه روی میز است.
The prize is on the table.
Preposition 'روی' (on).
ما جایزه بردیم!
We won a prize!
Verb 'بردن' in first person plural.
آن جایزه بزرگ است.
That prize is big.
Adjective 'بزرگ' following the noun.
علی یک جایزه دارد.
Ali has a prize.
Verb 'داشتن' (to have).
من جایزه میخواهم.
I want a prize.
Verb 'خواستن' (to want) in present tense.
او در مسابقه جایزه اول را برد.
He won first prize in the competition.
Use of ordinal number 'اول'.
معلم به بهترین دانشآموز جایزه داد.
The teacher gave a prize to the best student.
Preposition 'به' (to).
جایزه این بازی یک ماشین است.
The prize for this game is a car.
Ezafe linking noun and specific game.
آیا تو تا به حال جایزه گرفتهای؟
Have you ever received a prize?
Present perfect tense.
آنها برای فیلم جدیدشان جایزه گرفتند.
They received a prize for their new movie.
Preposition 'برای' (for).
برادر من جایزه نقدی برد.
My brother won a cash prize.
Adjective 'نقدی' (cash).
من جایزهام را به مادرم دادم.
I gave my prize to my mother.
Possessive suffix 'ام'.
فردا مراسم اهدای جایزه است.
Tomorrow is the prize-giving ceremony.
Noun phrase 'مراسم اهدای جایزه'.
جایزه نوبل ادبیات امسال به یک نویسنده فرانسوی رسید.
This year's Nobel Prize in Literature went to a French author.
Complex Ezafe chain.
تلاشهای او سرانجام با یک جایزه معتبر شناخته شد.
His efforts were finally recognized with a prestigious award.
Passive voice concept using 'شناخته شد'.
بسیاری از هنرمندان برای کسب این جایزه رقابت میکنند.
Many artists compete to win this prize.
Infinitive phrase 'برای کسب'.
ارزش معنوی این جایزه بیشتر از ارزش مادی آن است.
The spiritual value of this prize is greater than its material value.
Comparative structure 'بیشتر از'.
هیئت داوران تصمیم گرفت جایزه ویژه را به او اهدا کند.
The jury decided to award the special prize to him.
Subjunctive mood 'اهدا کند'.
او تمام پول جایزه را به یک خیریه بخشید.
He donated all the prize money to a charity.
Use of 'تمام' (all).
بردن این جایزه آرزوی هر ورزشکاری است.
Winning this prize is the dream of every athlete.
Gerund 'بردن' as subject.
لیست نامزدهای دریافت جایزه فردا اعلام میشود.
The list of nominees to receive the prize will be announced tomorrow.
Passive voice in present tense.
کسب این جایزه بینالمللی نقطه عطفی در کارنامه حرفهای او بود.
Winning this international award was a turning point in his career.
Advanced vocabulary 'نقطه عطف'.
انتقادات زیادی به نحوه توزیع جوایز در جشنواره امسال وارد شد.
Much criticism was directed at the way prizes were distributed at this year's festival.
Formal plural 'جوایز' and passive structure.
این جایزه نه تنها یک افتخار شخصی، بلکه یک دستاورد ملی محسوب میشود.
This prize is considered not only a personal honor but a national achievement.
Correlative conjunction 'نه تنها... بلکه'.
شرکت در این مسابقه بدون در نظر گرفتن جایزه نیز ارزشمند است.
Participating in this competition is valuable even without considering the prize.
Prepositional phrase 'بدون در نظر گرفتن'.
برگزارکنندگان تصمیم گرفتند مبلغ جایزه را به دلیل تورم افزایش دهند.
The organizers decided to increase the prize amount due to inflation.
Causal phrase 'به دلیل'.
او با فروتنی جایزه را پذیرفت و از حامیانش تشکر کرد.
He humbly accepted the award and thanked his supporters.
Adverbial phrase 'با فروتنی'.
معیارهای انتخاب برنده جایزه باید کاملاً شفاف و عادلانه باشد.
The criteria for selecting the prize winner must be completely transparent and fair.
Modal verb 'باید' with subjunctive.
تاریخچه این جایزه به بیش از یک قرن پیش بازمیگردد.
The history of this prize dates back more than a century.
Phrasal verb 'بازمیگردد'.
اعطای این جایزه به وی، مهر تاییدی بر سالها تلاش بیوقفه او در عرصه علم بود.
Awarding this prize to him was a seal of approval on his years of relentless effort in the field of science.
Complex noun phrases and formal vocabulary.
بحث و جدلهای پیرامون مشروعیت این جایزه همچنان در محافل آکادمیک ادامه دارد.
Controversies surrounding the legitimacy of this prize continue in academic circles.
Advanced vocabulary 'مشروعیت' and 'محافل'.
وی در نطق پذیرش جایزه، به مسائل مبرم حقوق بشری اشاره کرد.
In his award acceptance speech, he referred to pressing human rights issues.
Formal term 'نطق پذیرش'.
این جایزه، فارغ از ارزش مادیاش، نمادی از مقاومت و ایستادگی است.
This prize, regardless of its material value, is a symbol of resistance and perseverance.
Phrase 'فارغ از'.
بسیاری معتقدند که این جایزه دستخوش سیاستزدگی شده و اعتبار پیشین خود را از دست داده است.
Many believe that this prize has become politicized and has lost its former prestige.
Advanced concept 'سیاستزدگی'.
او با انصراف از دریافت جایزه، اعتراض خود را به سیاستهای برگزارکنندگان نشان داد.
By declining to receive the prize, he showed his protest against the organizers' policies.
Gerund phrase 'با انصراف از'.
جوایز ادبی میتوانند شمشیر دو لبهای برای نویسندگان نوقلم باشند.
Literary prizes can be a double-edged sword for novice writers.
Idiom 'شمشیر دو لبه'.
تاسیس این جایزه با هدف تجلیل از نخبگان و فرهیختگان جامعه صورت گرفت.
The establishment of this prize was carried out with the aim of honoring the elites and intellectuals of society.
Formal passive construction 'صورت گرفت'.
نفسِ تخصیص چنین جایزهای، گویای تغییر پارادایم در سیاستگذاریهای فرهنگی کلان است.
The very allocation of such a prize is indicative of a paradigm shift in macro-cultural policymaking.
Highly formal and academic phrasing.
وی با استنکاف از پذیرش این جایزه، بر استغنای طبع و وارستگی خویش صحه گذاشت.
By refusing to accept this prize, he validated his independence of spirit and detachment.
Literary vocabulary 'استنکاف', 'استغنای طبع'.
این جوایز، در غایت امر، چیزی جز ابزارهایی برای هژمونی فرهنگی نهادهای قدرت نیستند.
These prizes, ultimately, are nothing but tools for the cultural hegemony of power institutions.
Philosophical and critical terminology.
تقلیل دستاوردهای بشری به یک جایزه نمادین، تقلیلی است که عمق فاجعه را میپوشاند.
Reducing human achievements to a symbolic prize is a reduction that masks the depth of the tragedy.
Complex rhetorical structure.
در سپهر ادبیات معاصر، این جایزه به مثابه سنگ محک برای سنجش عیار آثار هنری عمل میکند.
In the sphere of contemporary literature, this prize acts as a touchstone for measuring the caliber of artworks.
Metaphorical language 'سنگ محک'.
اعطای این جایزه، موجی از نقدهای هرمنوتیک را در میان منتقدان رادیکال برانگیخت.
The awarding of this prize provoked a wave of hermeneutic critiques among radical critics.
Specialized academic vocabulary.
آیا میتوان اصالت یک اثر را با سنجهی جوایز و فستیوالهای فرمایشی سنجید؟
Can the authenticity of a work be measured by the yardstick of dictated prizes and festivals?
Rhetorical question with critical tone.
تاریخ نشان داده است که بسیاری از شاهکارهای بلامنازع، در زمان حیات خالقانشان از هرگونه جایزهای بینصیب ماندهاند.
History has shown that many undisputed masterpieces remained deprived of any prize during their creators' lifetimes.
Elegant, formal narrative style.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
Often Confused With
Idioms & Expressions
Easily Confused
Sentence Patterns
How to Use It
Do not use جایزه for a bribe (رشوه) or a regular salary (حقوق).
Universally understood in Iran, Afghanistan (Dari), and Tajikistan (Tajik), though pronunciation may vary slightly.
- Using جایزه for a birthday gift instead of هدیه.
- Saying جایزه کردن instead of جایزه دادن.
- Pronouncing a hard 'h' at the end of the word.
- Using the formal plural جوایز in casual conversation with friends.
- Forgetting the object marker 'را' when talking about winning a specific prize (e.g., saying 'من جایزه بردم' when you mean 'I won THE prize' -> 'من جایزه را بردم').
Tips
Master the Ezafe
When describing the prize, use the Ezafe (the 'e' sound linking words). For example, 'جایزهِ بزرگ' (jayezeh-ye bozorg) means 'big prize'. This is crucial for adding adjectives or specifying the type of prize. Practice linking it smoothly.
Collocation Focus
Don't just memorize 'جایزه'. Memorize 'جایزه بردن' (to win a prize). Learning words in chunks makes speaking much easier. It prevents you from translating English verbs literally in your head.
Silent 'H'
Remember that the final 'ه' in جایزه is just a vowel marker in spoken Persian. Pronounce it like 'Jayeze'. Trying to force an 'h' sound at the end will mark you as a beginner.
Formal vs Informal Plural
If you are writing an essay or a formal email, use 'جوایز'. If you are texting a friend or speaking casually, use 'جایزهها'. Matching the register shows advanced language control.
The Crystal Simorgh
If you want to impress Iranians, learn about the 'سیمرغ بلورین' (Crystal Simorgh). It is the most famous جایزه in Iranian cinema. Mentioning it shows deep cultural appreciation.
Listen for 'Ra'
Because a prize is often a specific, definite object, you will frequently hear the object marker 'را' (ra) right after it: 'جایزه را گرفتم'. Train your ear to catch this combination.
Spelling Accuracy
Ensure you spell it with 'ز' (ze) and not 'ذ' (zal) or 'ض' (zad) or 'ظ' (za). Persian has multiple letters for the 'z' sound, but جایزه is always spelled with 'ز'.
Not for Birthdays
Never use جایزه when giving a birthday present. Use هدیه (hediyeh) instead. Using جایزه implies the birthday person had to compete to get their gift!
Passive Voice Practice
For B2/C1 learners, practice the passive voice with this word: 'جایزه داده شد' (The prize was given). This is exactly how it appears in news reports.
Reward Yourself
Use the word to motivate your own Persian studies! Tell yourself: 'اگر این درس را تمام کنم، به خودم جایزه میدهم' (If I finish this lesson, I will give myself a prize).
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine a 'JAY' (bird) saying 'EASY' (eze) when it wins a PRIZE: Jay-eze -> Jayezeh.
Word Origin
Arabic
Cultural Context
In some dialects, the final 'h' is completely silent, sounding like 'Jayeza' or 'Jayeze'.
Publicly receiving a جایزه is a matter of immense family pride and 'Aberoo' (face/honor).
Awards in Persian history were often given by kings to poets (called 'Selleh').
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Conversation Starters
"تا حالا تو یه مسابقه جایزه بردی؟ (Have you ever won a prize in a competition?)"
"بهترین جایزهای که تو بچگی گرفتی چی بود؟ (What was the best prize you got in childhood?)"
"دوست داری جایزه نقدی بگیری یا یه هدیه خاص؟ (Do you prefer a cash prize or a special gift?)"
"نظرت در مورد جوایز اسکار امسال چیه؟ (What do you think about this year's Oscar awards?)"
"اگه یه جایزه بزرگ ببری، با پولش چیکار میکنی؟ (If you win a big prize, what will you do with the money?)"
Journal Prompts
Write about a time you won a جایزه and how it made you feel.
Describe the most famous جایزه in your country and what it is given for.
If you could create a new جایزه, what would it be for and who would you give it to?
Discuss whether giving a جایزه to children is the best way to motivate them.
Write a short story about a character who loses a very important جایزه.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, جایزه can refer to physical objects like trophies, monetary rewards (جایزه نقدی), or even abstract honors. For example, winning a title can be considered a جایزه. It encompasses any form of recognized reward. It is very versatile. You can even use it metaphorically.
جایزهها is the regular Persian plural, used in everyday conversation and casual writing. جوایز is the Arabic broken plural, used in formal writing, news, and official contexts. Using جوایز in casual speech sounds overly formal. Using جایزهها in a news report might sound slightly unprofessional.
It is not natural to use جایزه for a birthday gift. The correct word for a gift is هدیه (hediyeh) or کادو (kado). جایزه implies that the recipient did something to earn it, like winning a game or achieving good grades. A birthday gift is given unconditionally.
The most common verbs are بردن (to win), گرفتن (to receive/get), and دادن (to give). In formal contexts, you might see کسب کردن (to acquire) or اهدا کردن (to award). Knowing these collocations is key to sounding natural.
It is translated literally using the Ezafe structure: جایزه نوبل (Jayezeh-ye Nobel). You can specify the category by adding another Ezafe, such as جایزه نوبل صلح (Nobel Peace Prize) or جایزه نوبل ادبیات (Nobel Prize in Literature). It is widely recognized in Persian media.
In formal, careful pronunciation, it is a very soft 'h'. However, in standard spoken Persian, the final 'h' (ه) acts as a vowel marker for the 'e' sound. So it is pronounced 'ja-ye-ze', not 'ja-ye-zeh'. Over-pronouncing the 'h' sounds unnatural.
No, جایزه is strictly a noun. To express the action of awarding, you must use a compound verb like جایزه دادن (to give a prize) or اهدا کردن (to award). You cannot conjugate جایزه itself.
جایزه نقدی (jayezeh-ye naghdi) specifically means a 'cash prize'. 'نقدی' comes from 'نقد' meaning cash. This is a very common phrase in advertisements, lotteries, and game shows to emphasize that the reward is money.
While not heavily idiomatic, phrases like 'انگار جایزه برده' (as if he won a prize) are used to describe someone who is extremely and noticeably happy about something, even if no actual prize is involved. It highlights the universal joy associated with the word.
Yes, its root is Arabic (جائزة). However, it has been fully integrated into the Persian language for centuries. It follows Persian grammatical rules (like taking the plural suffix 'ها') and is considered a core part of modern Persian vocabulary.
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Summary
The word جایزه is your go-to term for any prize or award in Persian. Mastering its collocations, especially 'جایزه بردن' (to win a prize), is essential for discussing achievements, competitions, and success at all proficiency levels.
- Means 'prize', 'award', or 'reward' in English.
- Commonly paired with verbs like بردن (to win) and گرفتن (to receive).
- Used in contexts ranging from school rewards to international accolades like the Oscars.
- The formal plural is جوایز (javayez), while the casual plural is جایزهها (jayezeh-ha).
Master the Ezafe
When describing the prize, use the Ezafe (the 'e' sound linking words). For example, 'جایزهِ بزرگ' (jayezeh-ye bozorg) means 'big prize'. This is crucial for adding adjectives or specifying the type of prize. Practice linking it smoothly.
Collocation Focus
Don't just memorize 'جایزه'. Memorize 'جایزه بردن' (to win a prize). Learning words in chunks makes speaking much easier. It prevents you from translating English verbs literally in your head.
Silent 'H'
Remember that the final 'ه' in جایزه is just a vowel marker in spoken Persian. Pronounce it like 'Jayeze'. Trying to force an 'h' sound at the end will mark you as a beginner.
Formal vs Informal Plural
If you are writing an essay or a formal email, use 'جوایز'. If you are texting a friend or speaking casually, use 'جایزهها'. Matching the register shows advanced language control.
Related Content
Related Grammar Rules
More general words
عادتوار
C1As a matter of habit; habitually.
عادی
A1Conforming to the usual or standard type; normal or ordinary.
عافیت
B2Well-being; the state of being comfortable, healthy, or happy.
عاجل
B2Requiring immediate attention or action; urgent.
عاقبت
C1The outcome or result of an action or event.
عاقل
A1Having or showing experience, knowledge, and good judgment; wise.
عالمگیر
C1Universal, worldwide, or affecting all parts of the world.
عالی
A1Excellent; extremely good or outstanding.
عام
B1General, common, public.
اعم از
B2Including; whether (used to introduce options).
