This page in your language

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

Home
Learn
Persian
Vocabulary
جنایت

A2 noun #5,000 most common 6 min read

جنایت

Q: What is the plural form of 'جنایت'?

The plural form of 'جنایت' is 'جنایتها' (jenāyat-hā). This is used when referring to multiple crimes or offenses.

jenayat Top 5,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips جنایت in 30 Seconds

Explanation جنایت in your Level:

400+w

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

جنایت in 30 Seconds

A serious illegal act.
Punishable by law.
Harmful to individuals or society.
Used in legal and news contexts.

Noun: جنایت (jenāyat)

English Meaning: Crime, offense, felony, atrocity. It refers to an illegal act or a serious wrongdoing that is punishable by law.

Contexts: This word is commonly used in legal discussions, news reports about illegal activities, and when discussing serious wrongdoings. It carries a strong negative connotation and implies a violation of societal norms and laws.

پلیس در حال تحقیق درباره این جنایت است.

The police are investigating this crime.

Etymology: The word 'جنایت' is derived from the Arabic root 'ج ن ي' (j-n-y), which relates to sinning, committing a crime, or reaping the consequences of one's actions. It entered Persian through classical Arabic influence.

او به خاطر ارتکاب جنایت دستگیر شد.

He was arrested for committing a crime.

Usage Note: 'جنایت' is a strong term. It's not used for minor infractions like traffic violations but for more serious offenses such as murder, theft, assault, or other acts that deeply harm individuals or society. The gravity of the act is implied by the use of this word.

دادگاه به این جنایت رسیدگی می‌کند.

The court is dealing with this crime.

Basic Sentence Structure: Subject + Prepositional Phrase (optional) + جنایت + Verb

این یک جنایت بزرگ بود.

This was a great crime.

Using with 'to commit': The most common way to use 'جنایت' is with the verb 'مرتکب شدن' (mortakeb shodan) or 'ارتکاب دادن' (ertebād dādan), meaning 'to commit'.

او متهم به جنایت جنگی است.

He is accused of committing war crimes.

Describing the nature of the crime: You can use adjectives to describe the type or severity of the crime.

مقابله با جنایت سازمان‌یافته اولویت پلیس است.

Combating organized crime is a police priority.

گزارش‌ها حاکی از وقوع یک جنایت هولناک است.

Reports indicate a horrific crime has occurred.

News Reports: You will frequently encounter 'جنایت' in news broadcasts, newspaper articles, and online news portals when reporting on serious illegal activities, investigations, arrests, and court proceedings. The word emphasizes the severity of the act being reported.

اخبار امروز به جنایت اخیر در شهر پرداخت.

Today's news covered the recent crime in the city.

Legal and Judicial Contexts: In courtrooms, legal documents, police reports, and discussions among legal professionals, 'جنایت' is used to categorize and discuss offenses. It's a formal term used in the framework of the law.

وکیل مدافع به دفاع از موکلش در برابر اتهام جنایت پرداخت.

The defense lawyer defended his client against the charge of crime.

Social Commentary and Discussions: When people discuss societal issues, crime rates, or public safety, 'جنایت' might come up to refer to serious offenses that impact the community. It’s used to highlight the negative aspects of criminal behavior.

کاهش آمار جنایت در این منطقه مشهود است.

A decrease in crime rates in this area is evident.

Confusing with 'Jorm' (جرم): While both 'جنایت' (jenāyat) and 'جرم' (jorm) translate to 'crime' in English, 'جنایت' usually implies a more severe offense or felony, often involving violence or significant harm. 'جرم' can be used more broadly for any illegal act, including minor offenses. Using 'جنایت' for a minor infraction would be an overstatement.

Mistake: او به خاطر پارک دوبل جنایت کرد.

Incorrect: He committed a crime for double parking.

Overuse or Misapplication: 'جنایت' is a strong word. Using it for everyday annoyances or minor disagreements can dilute its impact and sound overly dramatic or even humorous in the wrong context. It's meant for acts that carry legal and moral weight.

Mistake: فراموش کردن تولد دوستم یک جنایت بود.

Incorrect: Forgetting my friend's birthday was a crime.

Incorrect Verb Collocation: While 'انجام دادن' (anjām dādan - to do/perform) can sometimes be used with 'جنایت', the more precise and common collocation is 'ارتکاب دادن' (ertebād dādan) or 'مرتکب شدن' (mortakeb shodan - to commit). Using a less specific verb might sound slightly unnatural in formal contexts.

Mistake: او جنایت را انجام داد.

Less natural: He performed the crime.

جرم (Jorm): This is the most common general term for 'crime' or 'offense'. 'جنایت' is often a type of 'جرم', specifically a more serious one. Think of 'جرم' as the umbrella term and 'جنایت' as a specific, grave category under it.; Example: او به اتهام جرم سرقت دستگیر شد. (He was arrested on charges of theft.); Example: جنایت قتل در این پرونده مطرح است. (The crime of murder is involved in this case.)

تخلف (Takhalof): This means 'violation', 'infraction', or 'misdemeanor'. It's used for less serious offenses that might not always lead to criminal charges but break rules or regulations. It's much milder than 'جنایت'.; Example: پارک کردن در این محل تخلف محسوب می‌شود. (Parking in this spot is considered a violation.); Comparison: A traffic ticket is a 'تخلف', while murder is a 'جنایت'.

خطا (Khata): This means 'error', 'mistake', or 'fault'. It's a very general term and can refer to unintentional wrongdoings or missteps, not necessarily illegal acts. It's much less formal and serious than 'جنایت'.; Example: در محاسباتم یک خطا رخ داده است. (An error has occurred in my calculations.); Comparison: A typo in a document is a 'خطا', while a robbery is a 'جنایت'.

بزه (Bozé): This is a more legalistic term for 'offense' or 'misdemeanor', often used in legal texts and academic discussions about criminal law. It's similar to 'جرم' but can sometimes lean towards less severe criminal acts.; Example: این پرونده شامل چندین بزه است. (This case involves several offenses.); Comparison: While 'جنایت' refers to a grave crime like murder, 'بزه' could cover a wider range of illegal acts, including theft or fraud.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The concept of 'جنایت' has evolved significantly throughout history. In ancient Persian societies, punishments and definitions of crimes were different from modern legal systems. The influence of Arabic and later European legal frameworks shaped the current understanding of the term.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /dʒɛˈnɑːjæt/

US /dʒɛˈnɑːjæt/

The stress falls on the second syllable: je-NA-yat.

Rhymes With

heyat seyat meyat deyhat keyat re'ayat shariat ne'ayat

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'j' as in 'jump' instead of the softer 'j' in 'judge'.
Shortening the 'a' sound in the stressed syllable.
Adding an extra syllable or misplacing the stress.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

CEFR A2 level. The word 'جنایت' is recognized in basic texts, but its full nuance might require understanding of legal or news contexts. Learners might encounter it in news headlines or simple crime reports.

Writing 3/5

CEFR A2 level. Learners at this level can use 'جنایت' in simple sentences to describe a crime, often with basic verbs like 'بود' (to be) or 'شد' (happened). More complex usage requires higher proficiency.

Speaking 3/5

CEFR A2 level. Can be used to talk about known crimes in simple terms. Fluency in using it in nuanced discussions requires B1 or higher.

Listening 3/5

CEFR A2 level. Understandable in straightforward contexts like news announcements or simple narratives about crimes.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

قانون (qānūn - law) پلیس (ples - police) دادگاه (dādgāh - court) مجرم (mojrem - criminal) ترس (tars - fear)

Learn Next

جرم (jorm - crime) مجازات (mojāzāt - punishment) قربانی (qorbānī - victim) تحقیق (tahqīq - investigation) متهم (mottaham - accused)

Advanced

بزهکاری (bozekārī - delinquency) کیفر (keyfar - penalty/punishment) شواهد (shavāhed - evidence) دادرسی (dādrasi - trial/judiciary process) حقوق بشر (hoqūq-e bashar - human rights)

Grammar to Know

Passive Voice (مجهول)

جنایت کشف شد. (Jenāyat kashf shod. - The crime was discovered.)

Genitive Construction (اضافه)

عامل جنایت دستگیر شد. (Āmel-e jenāyat dastgir shod. - The perpetrator of the crime was arrested.)

Using 'به خاطر' (because of/for)

او به خاطر جنایت زندانی شد. (Oo beh khāter-e jenāyat zendānī shod. - He was imprisoned because of the crime.)

Using 'علیه' (against)

این یک جنایت علیه بشریت است. (In yek jenāyat alayhé bashariyat ast. - This is a crime against humanity.)

Present Continuous Tense (حال استمراری)

پلیس در حال تحقیق درباره جنایت است. (Ples dar hāl-e tahqīq darbāreh-ye jenāyat ast. - The police are investigating the crime.)

Examples by Level

پلیس در حال بررسی جنایت است.

The police are investigating the crime.

The word 'جنایت' (jenāyat) is used as a noun. The preposition 'در' (dar - in/at) combined with 'حال' (hāl - state/condition) creates the continuous tense 'in the process of'.

این یک جنایت بزرگ بود.

This was a big crime.

'بزرگ' (bozorg) is an adjective modifying the noun 'جنایت'.

او به خاطر جنایت دستگیر شد.

He was arrested for the crime.

'به خاطر' (beh khāter - because of/for) introduces the reason for the arrest. 'دستگیر شد' (dastgir shod) is the passive past tense of 'to arrest'.

دادگاه به این جنایت رسیدگی می‌کند.

The court is dealing with this crime.

'رسیدگی کردن' (residegi kardan) means 'to handle' or 'to investigate', often used in legal contexts.

گزارش‌ها حاکی از وقوع جنایت است.

Reports indicate the occurrence of a crime.

'وقوع' (voqū') means 'occurrence'. 'حاکی از' (hāki az) means 'indicating'.

مردم از جنایت در شهر می‌ترسند.

People are afraid of crime in the city.

'می‌ترسند' (mi-tarsand) is the present tense of 'to be afraid'.

این یک جنایت علیه بشریت است.

This is a crime against humanity.

'علیه' (alayhé) means 'against'. This is a common phrase in international law.

پلیس به دنبال عامل جنایت است.

The police are looking for the perpetrator of the crime.

'عامل' (āmel) can mean 'agent', 'factor', or 'perpetrator' in this context. 'به دنبال ... است' (beh donbāl ... ast) means 'is looking for'.

مقابله با جنایت سازمان‌یافته یک چالش بزرگ است.

Combating organized crime is a big challenge.

'سازمان‌یافته' (sāzmān-yāfteh) means 'organized'. 'مقابله با' (moqābeleh bā) means 'confronting' or 'combating'.

قوانین سختگیرانه‌تری برای جلوگیری از جنایت وضع شد.

Stricter laws were enacted to prevent crime.

'قوانین' (qavānin) is plural for 'law'. 'سختگیرانه‌تر' (sakhtgīrāneh-tar) is comparative for 'stricter'. 'وضع شد' (vaz' shod) means 'was enacted'.

او متهم به ارتکاب جنایت مالی است.

He is accused of committing financial crimes.

'متهم به' (mottaham beh) means 'accused of'. 'ارتکاب' (ertekāb) is the noun form of 'to commit'.

جامعه باید در پیشگیری از جنایت نقش داشته باشد.

Society must play a role in crime prevention.

'پیشگیری' (pīshgīrī) means 'prevention'. 'نقش داشتن' (naqsh dāshtan) means 'to have a role'.

رسانه‌ها اغلب بر جنایت تمرکز می‌کنند.

The media often focuses on crime.

'رسانه‌ها' (resānehā) is plural for 'media'. 'تمرکز می‌کنند' (tamarkoz mikonand) means 'they focus'.

این جنایت احساس ناامنی را در مردم افزایش داد.

This crime increased the feeling of insecurity among people.

'احساس ناامنی' (ehsās-e nā-amni) means 'feeling of insecurity'. 'افزایش داد' (afzāyesh dād) means 'increased'.

مجازات سنگینی برای این نوع جنایت در نظر گرفته شده است.

A heavy punishment has been considered for this type of crime.

'مجازات' (mojāzāt) means 'punishment'. 'سنگین' (sangīn) means 'heavy'. 'در نظر گرفته شده است' (dar nazar gerefteh shodeh ast) is a passive perfect tense meaning 'has been considered'.

تحقیقات در مورد جنایت سایبری ادامه دارد.

Investigations into cybercrime are ongoing.

'سایبری' (sāyberī) means 'cyber'. 'ادامه دارد' (edāmeh dārad) means 'is ongoing'.

پیامدهای روانی و اجتماعی جنایت اغلب نادیده گرفته می‌شوند.

The psychological and social consequences of crime are often overlooked.

'پیامدها' (payāmadhā) means 'consequences'. 'روانی' (ravāni) means 'psychological'. 'اجتماعی' (ejtemā'ī) means 'social'. 'نادیده گرفته می‌شوند' (nādideh gerefteh mi-shavand) is passive voice meaning 'are overlooked'.

قانونگذار تلاش کرده است تا بین جنایت و تخلف تمایز قائل شود.

The legislator has tried to distinguish between felony and misdemeanor.

'قانونگذار' (qānungozār) means 'legislator'. 'تمایز قائل شدن' (tamāyoz qā'el shodan) means 'to distinguish'.

برخی معتقدند که ریشه‌های جنایت در نابرابری‌های اقتصادی نهفته است.

Some believe that the roots of crime lie in economic inequalities.

'ریشه‌ها' (rīshehā) means 'roots'. 'نابرابری‌ها' (nābarābarīhā) means 'inequalities'. 'نهفته است' (nahofteh ast) means 'lies' or 'is hidden'.

این جنایت نشان‌دهنده وخامت اوضاع امنیتی است.

This crime indicates the seriousness of the security situation.

'وخامت' (vokhāmat) means 'seriousness' or 'gravity'. 'اوضاع امنیتی' (owzā'-e amniyati) means 'security situation'.

رفع جنایت نیازمند رویکردی چندوجهی است.

Eradicating crime requires a multifaceted approach.

'رفع' (raf') means 'eradication' or 'removal'. 'چندوجهی' (chand-vajhī) means 'multifaceted'.

تحلیلگران اجتماعی به بررسی علل وقوع جنایت می‌پردازند.

Social analysts study the causes of crime.

'تحلیلگران' (tahlīlgarān) means 'analysts'. 'علل' (elal) means 'causes'. 'می‌پردازند' (mi-pardāzand) means 'they address' or 'they study'.

این جنایت موجی از خشم عمومی را برانگیخت.

This crime provoked a wave of public anger.

'موجی از' (mowji az) means 'a wave of'. 'خشم عمومی' (khashm-e omūmī) means 'public anger'. 'برانگیخت' (baran-gākht) means 'provoked' or 'aroused'.

سیستم قضایی برای رسیدگی به جنایات پیچیده با چالش‌هایی روبرو است.

The judicial system faces challenges in dealing with complex crimes.

'پیچیده' (pīchideh) means 'complex'. 'چالش‌ها' (chālesh-hā) means 'challenges'. 'روبرو است' (rooberoo ast) means 'faces'.

رواج جنایت سازمان‌یافته تهدیدی جدی برای ثبات اقتصادی و اجتماعی محسوب می‌شود.

The prevalence of organized crime is considered a serious threat to economic and social stability.

'رواج' (ravāj) means 'prevalence' or 'spread'. 'ثبات' (sobāt) means 'stability'. 'محسوب می‌شود' (mahsūb mi-shavad) means 'is considered'.

درک ماهیت جنایت مستلزم بررسی عمیق عوامل روانشناختی و جامعه‌شناختی است.

Understanding the nature of crime requires a deep examination of psychological and sociological factors.

'ماهیت' (māhiyat) means 'nature'. 'مستلزم' (mostalzam) means 'requires'. 'عوامل' (avāmel) means 'factors'.

کاهش نرخ جنایت اغلب با بهبود شرایط اقتصادی و افزایش فرصت‌های شغلی مرتبط است.

A decrease in crime rates is often linked to improved economic conditions and increased job opportunities.

'نرخ' (nerkh) means 'rate'. 'مرتبط است' (mortabet ast) means 'is linked' or 'is related'.

این جنایت نمونه بارزی از بی‌توجهی به حقوق اولیه انسان‌ها بود.

This crime was a clear example of disregard for basic human rights.

'نمونه بارز' (nemūneh-ye bārez) means 'clear example'. 'بی‌توجهی' (bī-tavajjohī) means 'disregard'. 'حقوق اولیه' (hoqūq-e avvalīyeh) means 'basic rights'.

نظام حقوقی سعی در ایجاد تعادل بین مجازات جنایت و اصلاح مجرم دارد.

The legal system strives to balance the punishment of crime with the rehabilitation of the offender.

'نظام حقوقی' (nezām-e hoqūqī) means 'legal system'. 'اصلاح' (eslāh) means 'rehabilitation' or 'reform'.

فرهنگ‌سازی و آموزش عمومی نقش حیاتی در پیشگیری از وقوع جنایت ایفا می‌کنند.

Cultural development and public education play a vital role in preventing crime.

'فرهنگ‌سازی' (farhang-sāzī) means 'cultural development'. 'حیاتی' (hayāti) means 'vital'. 'ایفا می‌کنند' (īfā mikonand) means 'they play' (a role).

بررسی سوابق تاریخی نشان می‌دهد که جنایت همواره بخشی از تاریخ بشر بوده است.

Historical records show that crime has always been a part of human history.

'سوابق تاریخی' (savābeq-e tārīkhī) means 'historical records'. 'همواره' (hamvāreh) means 'always'.

شدت و فراوانی جنایت در مناطق محروم بیشتر است.

The severity and frequency of crime are higher in deprived areas.

'شدت' (sheddat) means 'severity'. 'فراوانی' (farāvānī) means 'frequency'. 'محروم' (mahrūm) means 'deprived'.

تحولات پارادایمی در جرم‌شناسی، نگاه ما را به ماهیت و علل جنایت دگرگون کرده است.

Paradigm shifts in criminology have transformed our view of the nature and causes of crime.

'تحولات پارادایمی' (tahavvolāt-e pāradāymī) means 'paradigm shifts'. 'جرم‌شناسی' (jorm-shenāsī) means 'criminology'. 'دگرگون کرده است' (degargūn kardeh ast) means 'has transformed'.

درک پویایی‌های پیچیده بین عوامل فردی، اجتماعی و محیطی در بروز جنایت امری حیاتی است.

Understanding the complex dynamics between individual, social, and environmental factors is crucial in the occurrence of crime.

'پویایی‌ها' (pūyāyīhā) means 'dynamics'. 'بروز' (borūz) means 'occurrence' or 'manifestation'.

سیاست‌های پیشگیرانه مبتنی بر شواهد، اثربخشی بیشتری در کاهش جنایت نسبت به رویکردهای صرفاً تنبیهی دارند.

Evidence-based preventive policies have greater effectiveness in reducing crime than purely punitive approaches.

'مبتنی بر شواهد' (mabtanī bar shavāhed) means 'evidence-based'. 'اثربخشی' (asar-bakhshī) means 'effectiveness'. 'صرفاً' (serfan) means 'purely'.

جامعه‌شناسی جنایت به بررسی چگونگی شکل‌گیری هنجارها و انحراف از آن‌ها می‌پردازد.

The sociology of crime examines how norms are formed and deviated from.

'جامعه‌شناسی' (jāme'eh-shenāsī) means 'sociology'. 'هنجارها' (henjār-hā) means 'norms'. 'انحراف' (enherāf) means 'deviation'.

تأثیرات رسانه‌ای شدن جنایت بر ادراک عمومی و واکنش‌های اجتماعی قابل تأمل است.

The media effects of the sensationalization of crime on public perception and social reactions are worth considering.

'رسانه‌ای شدن' (resāneh-ī shodan) means 'media sensationalization'. 'ادراک عمومی' (edrāk-e omūmī) means 'public perception'. 'قابل تأمل' (qābel-e ta'ammol) means 'worth considering'.

فهم ریشه‌های تاریخی و فرهنگی جنایت برای تدوین راهبردهای مؤثر ضروری است.

Understanding the historical and cultural roots of crime is essential for developing effective strategies.

'تدوین' (tadvin) means 'development' or 'formulation'. 'راهبردها' (rāh-bord-hā) means 'strategies'.

نظریه‌های پساساختارگرا، مفهوم سنتی جنایت را به چالش می‌کشند.

Post-structuralist theories challenge the traditional concept of crime.

'نظریه‌های پساساختارگرا' (nazariyehā-ye pasāsākhtārgarrā) means 'post-structuralist theories'. 'به چالش می‌کشند' (beh chālesh mi-keshand) means 'they challenge'.

جایگاه جنایت در ادبیات و هنر، بازتابی از دغدغه‌های عمیق انسانی است.

The place of crime in literature and art is a reflection of deep human concerns.

'جایگاه' (jāygāh) means 'place' or 'position'. 'بازتابی از' (bāztābī az) means 'a reflection of'. 'دغدغه‌ها' (daghdaghehā) means 'concerns'.

Common Collocations

ارتکاب جنایت

جنایت جنگی

جنایت علیه بشریت

پیشگیری از جنایت

عامل جنایت

پیامدهای جنایت

جنایت سازمان‌یافته

گزارش جنایت

مجازات جنایت

مجرم جنایت

Common Phrases

مرتکب جنایت شدن

— To commit a crime.

او اعتراف کرد که مرتکب جنایت شده است.

جنایت بزرگ

— A major crime, a grave offense.

این یک جنایت بزرگ بود که جامعه را تکان داد.

جنایتکار

— Criminal (noun).

پلیس به دنبال جنایتکار فراری است.

جنایتکارانه

— Criminal (adjective).

اقدامات او جنایتکارانه بود.

جنایت و مکافات

— Crime and punishment (title of a famous novel, used metaphorically).

در زندگی، هر جنایت و مکافاتی دارد.

قربانی جنایت

— Victim of a crime.

حمایت از قربانی جنایت ضروری است.

صحنه جنایت

— Crime scene.

پلیس صحنه جنایت را محاصره کرد.

تحت تعقیب جنایت

— Wanted for crime.

او تحت تعقیب جنایت‌های متعدد است.

مقابله با جنایت

— To combat crime.

دولت برای مقابله با جنایت تلاش می‌کند.

جنایت حل نشده

— Unsolved crime.

این جنایت حل نشده باقی مانده است.

Often Confused With

جنایت vs جرم (jorm)

'جرم' is a more general term for 'crime'. 'جنایت' typically refers to a more severe offense, a felony, whereas 'جرم' can encompass minor offenses as well.

جنایت vs تخلف (takhalof)

'تخلف' means 'violation' or 'infraction' and is used for less serious offenses that may not always be criminal in nature, like traffic violations.

جنایت vs عمل (amal)

'عمل' simply means 'act' or 'deed'. It needs modifiers to specify if it's a good or bad act, unlike 'جنایت' which inherently implies a wrong, illegal act.

Idioms & Expressions

"دستش به خون آلوده است"

— Literally 'his hand is stained with blood'. This idiom means someone has committed a serious crime, often murder.

با توجه به شواهد، دستش به خون آلوده است.

Emotive, Formal

"چشم طمع به مال کسی داشتن"

— Literally 'to have a covetous eye on someone's property'. While not directly 'جنایت', it describes the intent that can lead to crimes like theft or robbery.

نباید چشم طمع به مال دیگران داشت.

Moral, General

"آب از سرش گذشته است"

— Literally 'the water has passed over his head'. This implies someone has gone too far, often in committing wrongdoing or a crime, and there's no turning back.

او آنقدر دروغ گفت که دیگر آب از سرش گذشته است.

Informal, Emotive

"گناه نابخشودنی"

— An unforgivable sin or crime. Emphasizes the extreme severity and moral reprehensibility.

خیانت به وطن گناهی نابخشودنی است.

Moral, Emotive

"ریشه در فساد داشتن"

— To be rooted in corruption. Often used to explain the underlying causes of crime and injustice.

بسیاری از مشکلات جامعه ریشه در فساد دارند.

Sociological, Formal

"لکه ننگ"

— A stain of shame or disgrace. Refers to something that brings dishonor, often a crime or a shameful act.

این جنایت لکه ننگی بر دامن خانواده اوست.

Emotive, Formal

"فراتر از قانون"

— Above the law. Describes someone who acts with impunity, often implying they commit crimes without consequence.

بعضی قدرتمندان خود را فراتر از قانون می‌دانند.

Political, Sociological

"بازی با آتش"

— Playing with fire. Engaging in dangerous activities that could lead to severe consequences, including criminal acts.

درگیر شدن با خلافکاران مثل بازی با آتش است.

Cautionary, General

"دل به دریا زدن"

— Literally 'to throw oneself into the sea'. To take a risk, often a daring one, which could sometimes involve illegal activities.

برای انجام این کار باید دل به دریا زد.

Motivational, General

"خاک خوردن پرونده"

— Literally 'for the case to eat dust'. Means a case has been neglected or forgotten, often due to inaction or corruption, which can allow crimes to go unpunished.

پرونده جنایت سال‌هاست که خاک می‌خورد.

Legal, Cynical

Easily Confused

جنایت vs جرم (jorm)

Both translate to 'crime' in English and refer to illegal acts.

'جرم' is a broader term that can include minor offenses, while 'جنایت' specifically denotes a more serious crime, often a felony, with significant legal and social consequences. Think of 'جنایت' as a severe type of 'جرم'.

او متهم به جرم سرقت شد. (He was accused of the crime of theft.) vs. این یک جنایت بزرگ است. (This is a major crime.)

جنایت vs تخلف (takhalof)

Both refer to actions that break rules.

'تخلف' is generally a minor violation of rules or regulations, often administrative or minor legal offenses that don't carry the same gravity as a 'جنایت'. A parking ticket is a 'تخلف', while murder is a 'جنایت'.

قانون تخلفات رانندگی را به روز کرد. (The law was updated for traffic violations.) vs. پلیس در حال بررسی جنایت بود. (The police were investigating the crime.)

جنایت vs خطا (khata)

Both can refer to something going wrong.

'خطا' means 'mistake' or 'error' and is usually unintentional or less serious. 'جنایت' is an intentional, illegal act that causes harm and is punishable by law. A typo is a 'خطا', while theft is a 'جنایت'.

من در محاسبه یک خطا کردم. (I made a mistake in the calculation.) vs. او به خاطر جنایت دستگیر شد. (He was arrested for the crime.)

جنایت vs بزه (bozé)

Both are legal terms for offenses.

'بزه' is a more technical legal term, often used in academic or formal legal contexts, and can refer to a wider range of offenses, including misdemeanors. 'جنایت' is more commonly used in general discourse and media to denote serious felonies.

این پرونده شامل چندین بزه است. (This case involves several offenses.) vs. آن جنایت جامعه را شوکه کرد. (That crime shocked the society.)

جنایت vs عمل شنیع (amal-e shenī')

Both describe negative actions.

'عمل شنیع' specifically means a 'heinous act' or 'atrocity', emphasizing the extreme moral reprehensibility and horror of the act. While a 'جنایت' can be heinous, 'عمل شنیع' highlights the repulsive nature more strongly and is often used for particularly brutal or shocking crimes.

آن عمل شنیع هیچ توجیهی ندارد. (That heinous act has no justification.) vs. پلیس در حال تحقیق درباره جنایت بود. (The police were investigating the crime.)

Sentence Patterns

Subject + جنایت + Verb.

جنایت رخ داد.

Subject + Prepositional Phrase + جنایت + Verb.

او به خاطر جنایت دستگیر شد.

Adjective + جنایت + Verb.

جنایت سازمان‌یافته افزایش یافت.

Noun (Subject) + جنایت + Verb.

جامعه با جنایت مبارزه می‌کند.

Noun + Genitive Noun + جنایت + Verb.

پیامدهای جنایت جدی بود.

Subject + Prepositional Phrase + جنایت + Verb.

تحقیقات در مورد جنایت ادامه دارد.

Noun + Passive Verb Phrase + جنایت.

قوانین سختگیرانه‌تری برای جلوگیری از جنایت وضع شد.

Subject + Verb + Prepositional Phrase + جنایت.

تحلیلگران به بررسی علل وقوع جنایت می‌پردازند.

Word Family

Nouns

جنایتکار (jenāyatkār - criminal)

جنایتکارانه (jenāyatkārāneh - criminality)

Adjectives

جنایتکارانه (jenāyatkārāneh - criminal)

جرم (jorm - crime)

تخلف (takhalof - violation)

مجرم (mojrem - criminal)

قانون (qānūn - law)

دادگاه (dādgāh - court)

How to Use It

frequency

Medium-High in contexts related to law, news, and social issues.

Common Mistakes

Using 'جنایت' for minor offenses. → Using 'جرم' or 'تخلف' for minor offenses.
Learners sometimes use 'جنایت' to describe any wrongdoing, but it's reserved for serious crimes. For minor issues like a traffic ticket, 'تخلف' is more appropriate. For general crimes, 'جرم' is often used.
Incorrect pronunciation, stressing the wrong syllable. → Stress the second syllable: je-NA-yat.
Misplacing the stress can make the word difficult to understand. Ensure the 'NAH' sound is emphasized.
Confusing 'جنایت' with 'خطا' (mistake). → Use 'خطا' for errors and 'جنایت' for illegal acts.
'خطا' implies an unintentional error, while 'جنایت' is a deliberate, illegal act punishable by law. They are not interchangeable.
Using 'انجام دادن' (to do) instead of 'ارتکاب دادن' (to commit) with 'جنایت'. → مرتکب جنایت شدن / ارتکاب جنایت.
While understandable, 'ارتکاب دادن' or 'مرتکب شدن' are the standard and more formal collocations for committing a crime, especially in legal or news contexts.
Using 'جنایت' in overly informal or casual settings. → Use 'جنایت' in formal, legal, or news contexts, and less severe terms for casual conversations.
'جنایت' has a strong, serious connotation. Using it casually can sound overly dramatic or inappropriate, diluting its impact.

Tips

Distinguish Severity

Remember that 'جنایت' is a strong word for serious crimes. For minor offenses, use 'جرم' or 'تخلف' to avoid overstatement and maintain accuracy in your Persian communication.

Stress and Sound

Pay attention to the stress on the second syllable ('NAH') in 'جنایت' (je-NA-yat). Practice the pronunciation to ensure it sounds natural and is easily understood by native speakers.

Legal and News Contexts

You'll most frequently encounter 'جنایت' in formal settings like legal discussions, news reports about crimes, and official statements. Familiarize yourself with these contexts to better understand its usage.

Collocations are Key

Learn common phrases like 'ارتکاب جنایت' (to commit a crime) and 'جنایت جنگی' (war crime). Mastering these collocations will significantly improve your fluency and accuracy when using the word.

Visual Association

Create a mental image of a crime scene, perhaps with police tape and a magnifying glass. Associating 'جنایت' with such a visual can help solidify its meaning in your memory.

Passive Voice Usage

Be aware that 'جنایت' is often used in passive sentences, especially in news reports, like 'جنایت کشف شد' (The crime was discovered). Practice forming passive sentences with this word.

Compare with 'Jorm'

Actively compare 'جنایت' with 'جرم' (jorm). Understanding when to use the more severe term 'جنایت' versus the general term 'جرم' is crucial for accurate Persian usage.

Sentence Construction Practice

Try writing your own sentences using 'جنایت' in different contexts. The more you practice, the more comfortable you'll become with its usage and grammatical patterns.

Cultural Weight

Understand that 'جنایت' carries significant cultural weight, reflecting societal values regarding harm, justice, and law. Its usage often evokes strong emotions and reactions.

Listen for Nuance

When listening to Persian media or conversations, pay attention to how 'جنایت' is used. Does it refer to a widely known event, or is it used more generally? This will help you grasp its subtle meanings.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a judge saying, 'This is a grave situation, a real 'jenāyat'!' The 'jen' sounds like 'genocide' (a severe crime), and 'ayat' sounds like 'awful', emphasizing the badness of the act.

Visual Association

Picture a dark alley with a broken window, police tape, and a shadowy figure. This visual represents a crime scene, the essence of 'جنایت'.

Word Web

Crime Offense Felony Wrongdoing Illegal Act Punishable Law Justice Police Court

Challenge

Try to describe a news headline about a crime using the word 'جنایت' and one of its synonyms.

Word Origin

The word 'جنایت' is derived from the Arabic root 'ج ن ي' (j-n-y), which relates to sinning, committing a crime, or reaping the consequences of one's actions. It entered Persian through classical Arabic influence and has been a part of the Persian lexicon for centuries.

Original meaning: The Arabic root 'ج ن ي' carries meanings related to sinning, doing wrong, and reaping what one sows.

Indo-Iranian, related to Semitic roots via Arabic loanword.

Cultural Context

The word 'جنایت' refers to serious and often disturbing acts. When discussing it, be mindful of the potential emotional impact on listeners or readers, especially if they have been affected by crime. Use it appropriately in formal or factual contexts.

In English-speaking cultures, 'crime' is a common term, with 'felony' denoting a more serious offense, akin to the weight of 'جنایت'. The legal systems share the goal of maintaining order and punishing offenders.

The novel 'Crime and Punishment' by Fyodor Dostoevsky is a classic exploration of the themes surrounding crime and its consequences. The concept of 'crimes against humanity' is a significant area of international law, reflecting the universal condemnation of certain severe acts. Historical accounts of major crimes and their impact on societies provide context for understanding the societal response to 'جنایت'.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

News reporting on crime incidents.

گزارش جنایت
کشف جنایت
تحقیقات جنایی

Legal proceedings and discussions.

ارتکاب جنایت
مجازات جنایت
دادگاه جنایی

Discussions about social issues and safety.

پیشگیری از جنایت
افزایش جنایت
کاهش جنایت

Historical accounts of wrongdoing.

جنایت بزرگ
جنایت جنگی
جنایت علیه بشریت

Moral and ethical discussions.

عواقب جنایت
ریشه‌های جنایت
جنایتکار

Conversation Starters

"What are some common types of crimes reported in the news?"

"How do you think society can best prevent crime?"

"What is the difference between a crime and a violation?"

"Have you ever heard of a famous crime case in Iran?"

"What role does the media play in how we perceive crime?"

Journal Prompts

Write a short news report about a fictional crime in your city.

Describe the potential consequences of a serious crime on a community.

Reflect on the importance of law and order in society.

Imagine you are a detective. What steps would you take to investigate a crime?

Discuss the concept of justice and its relationship to crime.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

'جنایت' (jenāyat) generally refers to a more serious crime, often a felony, implying significant harm or violation of law. 'جرم' (jorm) is a broader term for any illegal act or crime, which can include minor offenses. Think of 'جنایت' as a severe category within the larger umbrella of 'جرم'. For example, murder is a 'جنایت', while a parking violation might be considered a 'جرم' or 'تخلف'.

'جنایت' is used for serious offenses that are punishable by imprisonment or significant fines and are considered grave violations of the law. 'تخلف' (takhalof) is used for minor violations or infractions, such as traffic offenses or breaking minor regulations, which usually result in smaller fines or warnings.

Yes, 'جنایت' can be used for non-violent acts if they are serious enough to be considered grave offenses under the law. For instance, large-scale financial fraud, treason, or serious cybercrimes can be classified as 'جنایت' depending on the legal system and the severity of the act.

The plural form of 'جنایت' is 'جنایت‌ها' (jenāyat-hā). This is used when referring to multiple crimes or offenses.

In news reports, 'جنایت' is used to describe serious illegal acts that have occurred. It emphasizes the gravity of the event. You might see phrases like 'وقوع جنایت' (occurrence of a crime), 'تحقیقات جنایی' (criminal investigation), or 'عامل جنایت' (perpetrator of the crime).

Yes, 'جنایت' inherently carries a strong negative connotation. It refers to illegal and harmful acts, so it is always used to describe wrongdoing and is never used in a positive or neutral context.

The most common verb used with 'جنایت' is 'ارتکاب دادن' (ertebād dādan) or 'مرتکب شدن' (mortakeb shodan), meaning 'to commit'. You can also use verbs like 'رخ دادن' (rokh dādan - to occur) or 'وقوع یافتن' (voqū' yāftan - to happen/occur).

Yes, 'جنایت' is often used for serious offenses like murder, armed robbery, arson, treason, and crimes against humanity. It denotes acts that severely violate laws and societal norms.

'جنایت' is an act that violates the law. The law defines what constitutes a crime and prescribes the punishments for it. 'جنایت' is essentially the breaking of legal codes.

The direct opposite of 'جنایت' in terms of action would be acts of goodness, kindness, or adherence to the law. Words like 'نیکی' (nikī - goodness), 'فضیلت' (fazīlat - virtue), and 'عدالت' (edālat - justice) represent the positive counterparts to the negative act of crime.