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B1 noun #3,000 most common 13 min read

حمله

Q: Is 'hamalaat' the only plural for 'hamleh'?

No, 'hamleh-ha' (حملهها) is also used, especially in informal spoken Persian. However, 'hamalaat' (حملات) is the formal Arabic-style plural and is preferred in news, literature, and formal writing.

hamle Top 3,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips حمله in 30 Seconds

Explanation حمله in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should learn 'hamleh' as a basic word for 'attack'. You will mostly see it in very simple sentences about animals or basic actions. For example, 'The cat attacks the mouse' or 'The dog attacks'. At this stage, you don't need to worry about complex political or medical meanings. Focus on the compound verb 'hamleh kardan'. Remember that in Persian, we say 'attack TO someone'. So, if you want to say 'The dog attacks me', you say 'Sag be man hamleh mikonad'. The word is easy to recognize because it is short and often used in stories about animals. It is important to learn it early because it helps you describe basic interactions where one thing acts aggressively toward another. You might also hear it in very simple sports contexts, like when children are playing and someone says 'Attack!' to their teammates. Just remember: [Subject] + [be] + [Object] + [hamleh mikonad]. This simple pattern will cover almost everything you need at the beginner level. Don't worry about the plural form 'hamalaat' yet; just use 'hamleh' for now.

At the A2 level, you begin to use 'hamleh' in slightly more varied contexts. You can start talking about sports like football, where 'hamleh' refers to the offense. You will learn that 'khat-e hamleh' means the forward line of a team. You also start to see the word in basic news headlines, such as a report about a small incident in a city. At this level, you should be comfortable using 'hamleh' in different tenses: 'hamleh kard' (past), 'hamleh mikonad' (present), and 'hamleh khahad kard' (future). You will also encounter the word in medical contexts, specifically 'hamleh-ye ghalbi' (heart attack), which is a very common and useful phrase to know for emergencies. You should also start noticing the difference between 'hamleh' (the noun) and 'hamleh kardan' (the verb). For instance, 'An attack happened' is 'Yek hamleh rokh daad'. This level is about expanding the word from just animals to simple human and social situations. You are also introduced to the idea that 'hamleh' can be metaphorical, like a 'verbal attack', though you will mostly use it literally.

As a B1 (Intermediate) learner, you should be able to use 'hamleh' in more complex sentence structures. You will learn the formal plural 'hamalaat' and use it when discussing historical events or news reports. At this level, you should understand the passive construction 'mored-e hamleh gharar gereftan' (to be attacked). This is crucial for reading news articles where the focus is on the victim rather than the attacker. You will also learn more specific types of attacks, such as 'hamleh-ye moshaki' (missile attack) or 'hamleh-ye sayberi' (cyber attack). You should be able to discuss the causes and consequences of an attack using connecting words like 'chon' (because) or 'be dalil-e' (due to). For example, 'Due to the attack, the city was destroyed'. You also start to distinguish 'hamleh' from its synonyms like 'hojum' (onslaught) and 'tajaavoz' (aggression). B1 learners should also be aware of the word 'zed-e hamleh' (counter-attack), which is very common in sports and military discussions. Your vocabulary is now rich enough to describe a sequence of events: first the defense, then the attack, then the counter-attack.

At the B2 level, you use 'hamleh' with nuance and precision. You can participate in debates about security, politics, or sports strategy using this word. You understand the subtle difference between 'hamleh' and 'hojum'—using 'hojum' when describing a massive rush of people and 'hamleh' for a more targeted strike. You are comfortable with formal Persian and can read editorial pieces where 'hamleh' might be used to describe an attack on someone's ideas or reputation. You also learn idiomatic expressions and more advanced collocations, such as 'hamleh-ye gaz-anbari' (pincer movement/attack). In medical contexts, you can discuss 'hamleh-haye panik' (panic attacks) or 'hamleh-haye asabi' (nervous breakdowns) in detail. Your grammar is refined enough to use 'hamleh' in complex conditional sentences: 'If they hadn't attacked, the peace treaty would have been signed'. You also recognize the word in literature and poetry, where it might take on more abstract meanings. At B2, you are not just using the word; you are choosing it over other options to convey a specific tone or intensity.

At the C1 level, your use of 'hamleh' is sophisticated and contextually perfect. You can analyze the rhetoric of news reports, noting how the choice of 'hamleh' vs. 'tajaavoz' (aggression) or 'amaliat' (operation) reflects a particular political bias. You are familiar with historical texts where 'hamleh' describes the great invasions of the past, like the Mongol invasion (hamleh-ye Moghol). You can use the word in academic writing, perhaps discussing the 'attack' of a virus on the immune system or the 'attack' of inflation on the economy. You understand the etymological roots and can appreciate the word's place within the broader family of Arabic-derived Persian words. You can also use related verbs like 'mored-e hojum gharar dadan' or 'mored-e tak-o-taz gharar dadan' for stylistic variety. C1 learners can use 'hamleh' to describe complex psychological phenomena, such as the ego's defense mechanisms against an 'attack' from the subconscious. Your mastery allows you to use the word in every possible register, from the street slang of a football fan to the high-flown language of a diplomat.

At the C2 level, you have a native-like command of 'hamleh'. You can use it in highly specialized fields such as law, philosophy, or advanced medicine with total accuracy. You might use it in a legal argument to describe an 'attack' on a witness's credibility or in a philosophical treatise to describe an 'attack' on a particular school of thought. You are aware of the most obscure synonyms and archaic forms, such as 'shabikhun' for a surprise night attack, and you use them for specific literary effect. You can interpret the most complex metaphors in Persian poetry where 'hamleh' might represent the overwhelming force of fate or the divine. You can write long, complex articles or reports where 'hamleh' and its derivatives are used to build a coherent and persuasive narrative. At this stage, the word is a tool you manipulate with ease, understanding every possible connotation, historical baggage, and emotional resonance it carries in the Persian-speaking world. You can also translate the word into English (or other languages) while preserving the exact nuance, whether it's 'assault', 'strike', 'bout', or 'onset'.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

حمله in 30 Seconds

The word 'hamleh' is the primary Persian noun for 'attack', covering military, sports, medical, and metaphorical contexts with high frequency in daily use.
Grammatically, it is usually used with the light verb 'kardan' (to do) and requires the preposition 'be' (to) before the target of the attack.
It has an Arabic origin and its formal plural is 'hamalaat', which you will frequently see in news reports and historical texts.
Beyond physical violence, it describes heart attacks, panic attacks, offensive plays in sports, and digital hacking incidents in modern Persian.

The Persian word حمله (pronounced 'hamleh') is a versatile and essential noun in the Persian language, primarily translated as 'attack' or 'assault' in English. It encompasses a wide range of meanings, from physical military confrontations to metaphorical or biological occurrences. In its most literal sense, it describes an aggressive act initiated by one party to harm, defeat, or overcome another. Whether you are discussing history, current events, sports, or even medicine, this word will frequently appear in your vocabulary. The beauty of 'hamleh' lies in its adaptability; it is not restricted to the battlefield. For instance, in a sports context, it refers to an offensive move toward the opponent's goal. In medicine, it is used to describe sudden health crises, such as a heart attack (حمله قلبی). Understanding this word requires looking at it through various lenses: the intentionality of the actor, the suddenness of the event, and the impact on the target.

Military Context: In warfare, 'hamleh' refers to a strategic offensive. It is the moment troops move forward to engage the enemy. It implies a transition from a defensive posture to an active, aggressive one.

ارتش برای یک حمله بزرگ آماده می‌شود. (The army is preparing for a major attack.)

Beyond the physical, 'hamleh' is used in the digital age to describe cyber-attacks. When a hacker attempts to breach a system, it is called a حمله سایبری. This modern application shows how the word has evolved to match contemporary challenges. Furthermore, in psychological or social settings, one might face a 'verbal attack' or a sudden 'panic attack' (حمله پانیک). The word carries a weight of suddenness and intensity. It is rarely used for slow, gradual processes; rather, it signifies a sharp, distinct event that disrupts the status quo. To master this word, a learner must recognize that while the core meaning is 'attack,' the specific nuance changes based on the accompanying adjectives or the general theme of the conversation.

Sports Context: In football or basketball, 'hamleh' refers to the offensive phase of the game. A team 'goes on the attack' to score a goal or point.

تیم ما در تمام بازی در حال حمله بود. (Our team was attacking throughout the whole game.)

Medical Context: It denotes a sudden onset of symptoms. 'Hamleh-ye ghalbi' is the standard term for a myocardial infarction or heart attack.

او دچار حمله قلبی شد. (He suffered a heart attack.)

In everyday Persian, you might also hear it in the context of animals. A dog attacking a passerby or a lion attacking its prey uses this term. It implies a predatory or defensive strike. The word is powerful and evokes a sense of urgency. When you hear 'hamleh' in a news broadcast, it usually precedes a report on conflict or significant social unrest. It is a 'hard' word, often associated with news, history books, and intense sports commentary. However, its use in medical contexts adds a layer of vulnerability, where the 'attack' is something happening inside the body rather than from an external enemy. This duality makes it a fascinating word to study for intermediate learners.

خرس به کوهنورد حمله کرد. (The bear attacked the hiker.)

حمله هوایی دیشب صورت گرفت. (The air attack took place last night.)

Using the word حمله correctly in Persian involves understanding its role as a noun and how it functions within compound verbs. The most common way to express the action of attacking is to use the compound verb حمله کردن (hamleh kardan). When you use this verb, you must pay attention to the preposition that connects the attacker to the target. In Persian, you attack 'to' someone or something, using the preposition به (be). This is a crucial distinction for English speakers who are used to saying 'attack [someone]' directly without a preposition. For example, instead of saying 'He attacked me,' a Persian speaker says 'He to me attack did' (او به من حمله کرد). This structure is consistent across all tenses and levels of formality.

The Preposition 'Be': Always use 'be' (to) before the object being attacked. Failure to do so is a common beginner mistake.

سگ به غریبه حمله کرد. (The dog attacked the stranger.)

Another important grammatical aspect is the use of 'hamleh' in its plural form, حملات (hamalaat). This is an Arabic-style plural often used in formal writing, news, and military reports. When referring to multiple attacks, such as a series of airstrikes or repeated cyber-attacks, حملات is the preferred term. For instance, 'The attacks continued for three days' would be حملات به مدت سه روز ادامه داشت. In casual conversation, you might hear the Persian plural حمله‌ها (hamleh-ha), but حملات remains very common due to the word's Arabic roots. Furthermore, 'hamleh' can be part of an Ezafe construction to describe the type of attack. For example, حمله وحشیانه (vashiyaaneh) means a 'brutal attack,' where 'vashiyaaneh' acts as an adjective describing the noun 'hamleh'.

Compound Nouns: Persian often combines 'hamleh' with other nouns to create specific terms, like 'hamleh-ye moshaki' (missile attack).

حملات هوایی باعث تخریب شهر شدند. (The air attacks caused the destruction of the city.)

In more advanced usage, 'hamleh' is used with the verb بردن (bordan - to carry/take) in specific literary or older contexts, though 'kardan' is the standard in modern Persian. You might also encounter the word in the context of 'counter-attack,' which is پاتک (paatak) or ضدحمله (zed-e hamleh). The prefix 'zed-' means 'anti' or 'counter'. So, if a team is defending and suddenly rushes forward, they are performing a zed-e hamleh. This is a very common term in sports commentary. Learning these variations allows you to describe complex scenarios with precision. Whether you are writing a formal essay about historical invasions or talking to a friend about a recent football match, knowing how to manipulate the word 'hamleh' and its associated prepositions is key to fluency.

The Passive Voice: To say 'was attacked', use the phrase 'mored-e hamleh vaghe shod' or 'mored-e hamleh gharar gereft'.

کشور مورد حمله قرار گرفت. (The country was attacked / came under attack.)

آن‌ها یک ضدحمله سریع انجام دادند. (They carried out a quick counter-attack.)

The word حمله is a staple of Persian media. If you turn on a news channel like BBC Persian, Iran International, or IRIB, you are almost guaranteed to hear it within the first ten minutes, especially during the international news segment. It is used to report on geopolitical tensions, military strikes, and terrorist incidents. For example, news anchors frequently use phrases like حمله تروریستی (terrorist attack) or حمله موشکی (missile attack). Because of the region's complex history, this word has a high frequency in political discourse. It is also used in official government statements, where leaders might condemn an 'attack' on their sovereignty or national interests. In these contexts, the word carries a formal and serious tone.

News Broadcasts: Used for reporting conflicts, bombings, or cyber warfare. It is the standard term for any aggressive act reported in the media.

اخبار از یک حمله سایبری به بانک‌ها خبر داد. (The news reported a cyber attack on the banks.)

Another very common place to hear 'hamleh' is in the world of sports, particularly football (soccer), which is the most popular sport in Iran and Afghanistan. Commentators use it to describe a team's offensive play. You will hear them shout حمله! when a player is running toward the goal with the ball. It creates excitement and urgency. Phrases like خط حمله (line of attack / forward line) are used to describe the strikers in a team. In this context, the word is energetic and positive for the attacking team's fans. Similarly, in martial arts—which are also very popular in Persian-speaking countries—instructors use 'hamleh' to signal an offensive move during training or competition. It is a word of action and movement.

Sports Commentary: Refers to offensive maneuvers. 'Khat-e hamleh' is the term for the forward players in a team.

مهاجم تیم در موقعیت حمله قرار دارد. (The team's striker is in an attacking position.)

In a medical or psychological setting, 'hamleh' is used by doctors and patients alike. If someone has a panic attack, they would say حمله پانیک بهم دست داد (I had a panic attack). In hospitals, حمله قلبی (heart attack) and حمله مغزی (stroke, though 'sekteh' is more common for stroke) are standard terms. This usage is vital for anyone living in or traveling to a Persian-speaking country, as it is necessary for describing medical emergencies. Lastly, you might hear it in nature documentaries or while hiking, referring to wildlife. A warning like مراقب باش، ممکنه حمله کنه! (Watch out, it might attack!) is something you hope not to hear, but it is a practical use of the word in daily life.

Medical Settings: Essential for describing sudden health issues like heart or panic attacks.

او بعد از شنیدن خبر دچار حمله عصبی شد. (He had a nervous breakdown/attack after hearing the news.)

در مستند دیدیم که کوسه به قایق حمله کرد. (In the documentary, we saw the shark attack the boat.)

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make when using حمله is omitting the preposition به (be). In English, 'attack' is a transitive verb that takes a direct object (e.g., 'The lion attacked the zebra'). However, in Persian, 'hamleh kardan' is a compound verb that requires the preposition 'be' to link the action to the recipient. Beginners often say سگ من را حمله کرد (The dog attacked me - literal but wrong) instead of the correct سگ به من حمله کرد. This is a fundamental structural difference that learners must internalize. Without 'be', the sentence feels incomplete and grammatically broken to a native speaker. Think of it as 'The dog made an attack *to* me'.

Preposition Error: Mistake: [Attacker] [Target] hamleh kard. Correct: [Attacker] BE [Target] hamleh kard.

اشتباه: گرگ گوسفند را حمله کرد. درست: گرگ به گوسفند حمله کرد. (Wrong: The wolf attacked the sheep. Right: The wolf attacked [to] the sheep.)

Another mistake involves confusing 'hamleh' with words that sound similar or have related meanings. For example, حمل (haml) means 'carrying' or 'transportation' (as in 'haml-o-naghl'). Because they share the same Arabic root (H-M-L), learners sometimes mix them up. However, 'hamleh' has a 'heh' at the end and a completely different meaning. Another point of confusion is between 'hamleh' and هجوم (hojum). While both can mean 'attack' or 'assault,' 'hojum' implies a massive, overwhelming rush or onslaught by a large group, whereas 'hamleh' is the general term for any attack. Using 'hojum' for a single person's action might sound overly dramatic or incorrect depending on the context.

Confusing with 'Haml': Don't confuse 'hamleh' (attack) with 'haml' (carrying/transport). The extra 'e' sound at the end is vital.

شرکت حمل و نقل (Transport company) vs حمله نظامی (Military attack).

Lastly, learners sometimes struggle with the passive form. In English, we say 'The city was attacked.' In Persian, you cannot simply use a passive verb form of 'hamleh kardan'. Instead, you must use the auxiliary phrase مورد حمله قرار گرفتن (mored-e hamleh gharar gereftan), which literally means 'to be placed in the position of attack'. Attempting to conjugate 'hamleh kardan' passively (like 'hamleh shod') is often incorrect or awkward. Mastering this multi-word construction is essential for describing victims of an attack. Furthermore, ensure you don't use 'hamleh' when you mean 'criticism' (enteghad), unless the criticism is so aggressive it feels like a personal assault. Using the wrong intensity of the word can lead to misunderstandings about the severity of a situation.

Passive Voice Complexity: Use 'mored-e hamleh قرار گرفت' for 'was attacked'. It is a common stumbling block for those translating literally from English.

پایگاه نظامی مورد حمله قرار گرفت. (The military base was attacked.)

او به جای انتقاد، به شخصیت من حمله کرد. (Instead of criticism, he attacked my character.)

While حمله is the most common word for 'attack,' Persian offers several synonyms and related terms that carry different nuances. Understanding these alternatives will help you choose the right word for the right situation and make your Persian sound more natural and sophisticated. The most frequent synonym is هجوم (hojum). While 'hamleh' is a general attack, 'hojum' implies a sudden, massive rush, often by a crowd or a large force. It carries the connotation of 'swarming' or 'storming'. For example, you might use 'hojum' to describe fans rushing onto a field or a massive influx of refugees. It feels more chaotic and overwhelming than a calculated 'hamleh'.

Hojum (هجوم) vs. Hamleh: 'Hojum' is an onslaught or a swarm. Use it for large groups or overwhelming force. 'Hamleh' is more general and can be a single person or entity.

هجوم مردم به فروشگاه‌ها برای خرید (The rush/onslaught of people to stores for shopping.)

Another term is تک (tak), which is primarily used in military contexts to mean a 'charge' or a 'strike'. It is less common in daily speech but very frequent in military history or reports. Then there is یوروش (yurush), a word of Turkic origin used in Persian to describe a sudden, violent raid or assault. It sounds more archaic or literary than 'hamleh'. For 'aggression' in a more political or abstract sense, you might use تجاوز (tajaavoz). While 'tajaavoz' can mean 'rape' in certain contexts, in a political or military sense, it means 'aggression' or 'violation' of borders. It implies an illegal or immoral crossing of boundaries, whereas 'hamleh' is simply the act of attacking itself.

Tajaavoz (تجاوز) vs. Hamleh: 'Tajaavoz' means aggression or violation (border crossing). 'Hamleh' is the specific act of the strike.

تجاوز به مرزهای کشور محکوم است. (Aggression against/violation of the country's borders is condemned.)

In the context of sports, specifically defense vs. offense, the opposite of 'hamleh' is دفاع (defaa - defense). A well-rounded learner should always learn these pairs together. If you are describing a debate, you might use 'hamleh' for a sharp rebuttal, but you could also use تاختن (taakhtan - to gallop/to attack verbally) in a more poetic or intense way. For example, 'He galloped (attacked) upon his opponents' arguments' (بر نظرات مخالفان خود تاخت). This variety allows you to express different levels of intensity and formality. By comparing 'hamleh' with 'hojum', 'tak', and 'tajaavoz', you gain a deeper understanding of the Persian world-view regarding conflict and action.

Defaa (دفاع): The direct antonym meaning 'defense'. Essential for sports and military discussions.

بهترین دفاع، حمله است. (The best defense is an attack/offense.)

سردار دستور تک نهایی را صادر کرد. (The commander issued the order for the final charge/strike.)

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

Although the root H-M-L means 'to carry' (like in 'hamel' - carrier), in Persian, 'hamleh' almost exclusively means 'attack'. To say 'carrying', Persian uses 'haml'.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /hæmˈle/

US /hæmˈleɪ/

The stress is typically on the second syllable: ham-LEH.

Rhymes With

جمله (jomleh - sentence) دجله (dejleh - Tigris) پله (pelleh - step) قله (gholleh - peak) حله (hilleh - trick/Hillah) پیله (pileh - cocoon) میله (mileh - rod) حیله (heyleh - ruse)

Common Errors

Pronouncing it as 'ham-lay' with a very long 'ay'.
Dropping the 'h' at the beginning.
Confusing the 'h' sound with the heavier Arabic 'H' sound (though in Persian they sound the same).
Confusing the word with 'haml' (carrying).
Not pronouncing the 'h' clearly at the end of the first syllable if spoken slowly.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to recognize in text, though the plural 'hamalaat' might confuse beginners.

Writing 4/5

Requires remembering the 'be' preposition and the compound verb structure.

Speaking 3/5

Pronunciation is straightforward, but using the correct preposition in real-time takes practice.

Listening 3/5

Very common in news and sports, making it easy to pick out once learned.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

کردن (to do) به (to) دشمن (enemy) جنگ (war) سگ (dog)

Learn Next

دفاع (defense) تهاجم (aggression) موشک (missile) قلب (heart) سایبری (cyber)

Advanced

شبیخون (night raid) پاتک (counter-attack) تجاوز (violation/aggression) آفند (offensive)

Grammar to Know

Compound Verbs with 'Kardan'

حمله (noun) + کردن (verb) = حمله کردن (to attack).

Indirect Object with 'Be'

Always use 'be' for the target: به دشمن حمله کرد.

Arabic Plurals in Persian

حمله (singular) -> حملات (Arabic plural used in formal Persian).

The Ezafe Construction for Adjectives

حمله (noun) + -ye (ezafe) + وحشیانه (adjective) = حمله وحشیانه.

Passive Construction with 'Mored-e...'

مورد حمله قرار گرفتن (To be the subject/target of an attack).

Examples by Level

سگ به گربه حمله کرد.

The dog attacked the cat.

Note the use of 'be' before 'gorbeh' (cat).

ببر به شکار حمله می‌کند.

The tiger attacks the prey.

Present tense: 'hamleh mikonad'.

خرس به او حمله کرد.

The bear attacked him.

Past tense: 'hamleh kard'.

بچه به توپ حمله کرد.

The child attacked the ball.

Used here for a playful, energetic movement.

آن‌ها حمله کردند.

They attacked.

Plural subject with plural verb.

شیر به زرافه حمله کرد.

The lion attacked the giraffe.

Standard subject-preposition-object-verb order.

او به من حمله کرد.

He attacked me.

Pronoun 'man' (me) used with 'be'.

کوسه به قایق حمله می‌کند.

The shark attacks the boat.

Habitual present or immediate action.

تیم ما در حال حمله است.

Our team is attacking.

'Dar haal-e' indicates continuous action.

او دچار حمله قلبی شد.

He suffered a heart attack.

'Hamleh-ye ghalbi' is a fixed medical term.

سربازان به دشمن حمله کردند.

The soldiers attacked the enemy.

Military context for A2 learners.

مراقب باش! سگ حمله می‌کند.

Watch out! The dog attacks.

Imperative 'moragheb baash' used with the verb.

دیروز یک حمله در شهر رخ داد.

An attack happened in the city yesterday.

'Rokh daadan' means to happen/occur.

او به نظرات من حمله کرد.

He attacked my opinions.

Metaphorical use for verbal disagreement.

خط حمله تیم خیلی قوی است.

The team's forward line is very strong.

'Khat-e hamleh' is the offensive line.

گرگ‌ها به گله حمله کردند.

The wolves attacked the flock.

Plural noun 'gorg-ha' (wolves).

کشور همسایه به مرزها حمله کرد.

The neighboring country attacked the borders.

Political context involving borders.

حملات هوایی دیشب ادامه داشت.

The air attacks continued last night.

Uses the formal plural 'hamalaat'.

او به دلیل حمله پانیک به بیمارستان رفت.

He went to the hospital due to a panic attack.

'Be dalil-e' means 'because of'.

پلیس مانع از حمله تروریستی شد.

The police prevented a terrorist attack.

'Maane' shodan' means to prevent.

هکرها یک حمله سایبری انجام دادند.

The hackers carried out a cyber attack.

'Hamleh-ye sayberi' is modern terminology.

آن‌ها برای حمله نهایی آماده می‌شوند.

They are preparing for the final attack.

'Aamaadeh shodan' means to get ready.

مهاجمان به بانک حمله کردند.

The attackers attacked the bank.

'Mohaajemaan' means attackers.

تیم مقابل ضدحمله سریعی انجام داد.

The opposing team carried out a quick counter-attack.

'Zed-e hamleh' means counter-attack.

نویسنده به سیاست‌های دولت حمله کرد.

The author attacked the government's policies.

Abstract attack on policies/ideas.

کشتی جنگی مورد حمله قرار گرفت.

The warship was attacked.

Passive voice: 'mored-e hamleh gharar gereft'.

حمله وحشیانه به غیرنظامیان محکوم شد.

The brutal attack on civilians was condemned.

'Vahshiyaaneh' (brutal) as an adjective.

سیستم دفاعی حمله را دفع کرد.

The defense system repelled the attack.

'Daf' kardan' means to repel or ward off.

او از یک حمله عصبی شدید رنج می‌برد.

He suffers from a severe nervous attack.

'Ranj bordan' means to suffer.

حملات شیمیایی در جنگ ممنوع است.

Chemical attacks are forbidden in war.

'Mamnu' is the word for forbidden.

او به شخصیت رقیب خود حمله کرد.

He attacked his rival's character.

Personal attack context.

فرمانده دستور توقف حمله را داد.

The commander gave the order to stop the attack.

'Dastur-e tavaghof' (order of stop).

منتقدان به مبانی فلسفی کتاب حمله کردند.

Critics attacked the book's philosophical foundations.

Academic/intellectual context.

حمله مغول پیامدهای ویرانگری برای ایران داشت.

The Mongol invasion had devastating consequences for Iran.

Historical reference to 'Hamleh-ye Moghol'.

ویروس به سیستم ایمنی بدن حمله می‌کند.

The virus attacks the body's immune system.

Scientific/biological context.

او با کلمات تند به رقیبش حمله برد.

He attacked his rival with sharp words.

Uses 'hamleh bordan' for stylistic effect.

حملات پی‌درپی باعث تضعیف روحیه شد.

Consecutive attacks caused a weakening of morale.

'Pay-dar-pay' means consecutive/repeated.

این یک حمله مستقیم به آزادی بیان است.

This is a direct attack on freedom of speech.

Abstract political/social concept.

او مورد هجوم و حمله خبرنگاران قرار گرفت.

He was swarmed and attacked by journalists.

Combines 'hojum' and 'hamleh' for emphasis.

استراتژی آن‌ها بر پایه حمله گازانبری بود.

Their strategy was based on a pincer movement/attack.

Advanced military term 'gaz-anbari'.

حمله به کیان خانواده در جوامع مدرن نگران‌کننده است.

The attack on the essence of the family in modern societies is concerning.

Sociological/Philosophical register.

او در رساله‌اش به جزم‌اندیشی حمله می‌کند.

In his treatise, he attacks dogmatism.

Formal academic 'resaleh' (treatise).

شبیخون دشمن در دل شب غافلگیرکننده بود.

The enemy's night raid in the heart of the night was surprising.

Uses the archaic/literary 'shabikhun'.

حملات لفظی در پارلمان به اوج خود رسید.

Verbal attacks in parliament reached their peak.

'Hamalaat-e lafzi' (verbal attacks).

این دارو از حمله مجدد سلول‌های سرطانی جلوگیری می‌کند.

This medicine prevents the re-attack of cancer cells.

Advanced medical/biological usage.

شاعر به تزویر و ریا در اشعارش حمله می‌برد.

The poet attacks hypocrisy and deceit in his poems.

Literary analysis of poetry.

حملات سایبری زیرساخت‌های حیاتی را هدف قرار دادند.

Cyber attacks targeted critical infrastructure.

Complex nouns: 'zir-saakht-haye hayaati'.

او به ساحت مقدس هنر حمله کرده است.

He has attacked the sacred realm of art.

Highly formal and metaphorical 'saahat-e moghadas'.

Common Collocations

حمله قلبی

حمله سایبری

حمله موشکی

حمله تروریستی

خط حمله

حمله پانیک

حمله هوایی

حمله وحشیانه

حمله انتحاری

ضدحمله سریع

Common Phrases

حمله کردن به کسی

— To attack someone physically or verbally.

چرا به من حمله می‌کنی؟

مورد حمله قرار گرفتن

— To be attacked (passive form).

شهر مورد حمله قرار گرفت.

دست به حمله زدن

— To launch or initiate an attack.

ارتش دست به حمله زد.

دفع حمله

— Repelling or warding off an attack.

سربازان موفق به دفع حمله شدند.

حمله به جلو

— Moving forward in an attack (often sports).

تیم با تمام قوا به جلو حمله کرد.

حمله لفظی

— A verbal attack or harsh criticism.

حمله لفظی تند به وزیر.

آماده‌باش برای حمله

— Being on alert for an attack.

نیروها در حالت آماده‌باش برای حمله هستند.

حمله مغزی

— A stroke (though 'sekteh' is more common).

او دچار حمله مغزی شد.

حمله غافلگیرانه

— A surprise attack.

دشمن یک حمله غافلگیرانه انجام داد.

شدت حمله

— The intensity or severity of the attack.

شدت حمله بسیار زیاد بود.

Often Confused With

حمله vs حمل (haml)

Means 'carrying' or 'transport'. It lacks the 'e' at the end and has a totally different meaning.

حمله vs حامی (haami)

Means 'supporter' or 'protector'. Sounds vaguely similar to the first syllable but is the opposite in meaning.

حمله vs هجوم (hojum)

Often used interchangeably, but 'hojum' implies a larger, more chaotic crowd or onslaught.

Idioms & Expressions

"بهترین دفاع، حمله است"

— The best defense is a good offense.

در این بازی، بهترین دفاع حمله است.

General

"حمله گازانبری"

— A pincer movement; attacking from two sides to trap the enemy.

آن‌ها با یک حمله گازانبری ما را محاصره کردند.

Military/Strategic

"به سیم آخر زدن و حمله کردن"

— To lose patience and launch a desperate or final attack.

او به سیم آخر زد و به رئیسش حمله کرد.

Informal

"حمله بردن به سفره"

— To start eating very greedily and quickly (humorous).

بچه‌ها گرسنه بودند و به سفره حمله بردند.

Informal

"حمله به قلب دشمن"

— To strike at the most vital part of an opponent's position.

ما باید به قلب دشمن حمله کنیم.

Figurative

"حمله برق‌آسا"

— A lightning-fast attack (Blitzkrieg style).

یک حمله برق‌آسا کار را تمام کرد.

Formal

"حمله به سنگر"

— Attacking a stronghold; can be used for challenging a firm belief.

او به سنگر سنت‌ها حمله کرد.

Literary

"حمله با دست خالی"

— Attacking without resources or weapons; a brave but risky move.

او با دست خالی به مشکلات حمله کرد.

Metaphorical

"حمله کور"

— A blind attack; attacking without a clear target or plan.

این یک حمله کور و بی‌هدف بود.

Neutral

"حمله به نان مردم"

— Attacking people's livelihoods (e.g., through bad economic policy).

گرانی، حمله به نان مردم است.

Political/Social

Easily Confused

حمله vs حمل

Shared Arabic root H-M-L.

'Haml' is the act of transporting something, while 'hamleh' is the act of attacking. One is peaceful (usually), the other is aggressive.

حمل بار (carrying cargo) vs حمله نظامی (military attack).

حمله vs هجوم

Synonymous meanings.

'Hamleh' can be a single, precise strike. 'Hojum' is a mass movement or a swarm of people/animals.

حمله یک سرباز (attack of one soldier) vs هجوم تماشاگران (onslaught of spectators).

حمله vs تهاجم

Both mean attack/aggression.

'Tahaajom' is more formal and often refers to a large-scale invasion or a general state of aggression.

تهاجم فرهنگی (cultural invasion/aggression).

حمله vs تجاوز

Both involve crossing a line to harm.

'Tajaavoz' specifically means violating a boundary or a right. It is more about the 'trespass' than the 'strike'.

تجاوز به مرز (border violation).

حمله vs پاتک

Related to attack.

'Paatak' is specifically a 'counter-attack'. It is the response to a 'hamleh'.

دشمن حمله کرد و ما پاتک زدیم.

Sentence Patterns

[Subject] به [Object] حمله کرد.

گربه به موش حمله کرد.

[Subject] دچار [Type] حمله شد.

او دچار حمله قلبی شد.

[Subject] مورد حمله قرار گرفت.

پایگاه مورد حمله قرار گرفت.

[Subject] ضدحمله انجام داد.

تیم ما ضدحمله انجام داد.

حمله به [Abstract Concept] محکوم شد.

حمله به آزادی بیان محکوم شد.

[Subject] با [Adjective] به [Object] حمله برد.

او با تندی به رقیبش حمله برد.

حملات پی‌درپی [Result].

حملات پی‌درپی باعث سقوط شهر شد.

حمله به کیان [Something] نگران‌کننده است.

حمله به کیان خانواده نگران‌کننده است.

Word Family

Nouns

حمله (attack)

حملات (attacks - formal plural)

مهاجم (attacker)

تهاجم (aggression/invasion)

ضدحمله (counter-attack)

Verbs

حمله کردن (to attack)

حمله بردن (to charge/attack - literary)

مورد حمله قرار گرفتن (to be attacked)

Adjectives

تهاجمی (aggressive/offensive)

حمله‌ای (related to attack - rare)

قابل حمله (attackable - rare)

جنگ (war)

دفاع (defense)

هجوم (onslaught)

تجاوز (aggression)

پاتک (counter-attack)

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in news, sports, and medical contexts.

Common Mistakes

سگ من را حمله کرد. → سگ به من حمله کرد.
You must use the preposition 'be' (to) with the verb 'hamleh kardan'.
او حمل قلبی داشت. → او حمله قلبی داشت.
Don't confuse 'hamleh' (attack) with 'haml' (carrying). The 'e' at the end is essential.
شهر حمله شد. → شهر مورد حمله قرار گرفت.
The passive voice for 'attack' requires the 'mored-e... gharar gereftan' construction.
آن‌ها یک هجوم موشکی کردند. → آن‌ها یک حمله موشکی کردند.
'Hojum' is for mass rushes/swarms; for a specific military strike like a missile, 'hamleh' is the correct term.
استفاده از 'حمله' برای انتقاد ملایم. → استفاده از 'انتقاد'.
'Hamleh' implies a very harsh or aggressive assault. Don't use it for simple, constructive criticism.

Tips

Always use 'Be'

Remember that 'hamleh kardan' is an intransitive verb phrase that takes an indirect object with 'be'. Never say 'man ra hamleh kard'.

Formal Plural

Use 'hamalaat' in your essays and formal emails. It sounds much more professional than 'hamleh-ha'.

Forward Line

Learn 'khat-e hamleh' if you want to talk about soccer. It's the standard term for the strikers.

Emergency Use

In an emergency, 'hamleh-ye ghalbi' is a life-saving phrase to know. It is understood by all Persian speakers.

News Keywords

When you hear 'hamalaat' on the news, pay attention to the word immediately following it (like 'havayi' or 'sayberi') to know the type of attack.

Passive Voice

Master the phrase 'mored-e hamleh gharar gereftan'. It is the most natural way to express the passive in Persian for this word.

Historical Context

Understanding 'Hamleh-ye Moghol' helps you understand why Persian culture is so resilient. History is often taught through these 'attacks'.

Ham-Let

Think of Shakespeare's Hamlet being 'attacked' by his uncle. Hamleh sounds like Hamlet.

Verbal Attacks

Use 'hamleh-ye lafzi' when someone is being unfairly critical in a debate. It's a very effective and precise term.

Counter-Attacks

Learn 'zed-e hamleh' and 'paatak'. Using these correctly shows a high level of Persian proficiency.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'HAM' and 'LET'. Imagine a giant HAM coming to LET you have it! It's an 'attack' by a giant piece of meat.

Visual Association

Visualize a soldier or a soccer player rushing forward with the word 'HAMLEH' written on their jersey. The 'H' looks like a person lunging.

Word Web

War Soccer Heart Attack Panic Soldier Goal Hacker Lion

Challenge

Try to use 'hamleh' in three different ways today: once for an animal, once for a sport, and once for a news event you read about.

Word Origin

The word 'حمله' (hamleh) is derived from the Arabic root 'ح-م-ل' (H-M-L), which primarily relates to 'carrying' or 'bearing a burden'. In Arabic, 'hamla' refers to a campaign, a charge, or an onset.

Original meaning: A charge or a campaign; literally the act of 'carrying' an assault forward.

Semitic (Arabic) root, integrated into the Indo-European (Persian) language system.

Cultural Context

Be careful when using 'hamleh' in political discussions, as it can be a very sensitive and polarizing word depending on the context.

English speakers often use 'attack' for criticism; Persians do the same with 'hamleh', but it sounds slightly more aggressive in Persian.

Hamleh-ye Moghol (The Mongol Invasion) - A major historical event. The movie 'Hamleh be H-3' - A famous Iranian war movie. Khat-e Hamleh (The Forward Line) - A common term in Iranian sports media.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Military

حمله نظامی (military attack)
دستور حمله (order to attack)
حمله غافلگیرانه (surprise attack)
عقب‌نشینی بعد از حمله (retreat after attack)

Sports

خط حمله (forward line)
حمله به دروازه (attack on the goal)
ضدحمله (counter-attack)
مهاجم (striker/attacker)

Medical

حمله قلبی (heart attack)
حمله مغزی (stroke)
حمله پانیک (panic attack)
دچار حمله شدن (to suffer an attack)

Cyber/Tech

حمله سایبری (cyber attack)
حمله هکری (hacking attack)
دفع حمله سایبری (repelling a cyber attack)
امنیت در برابر حمله (security against attack)

Animals/Nature

حمله حیوان وحشی (wild animal attack)
حمله برای دفاع (attack for defense)
حمله به گله (attack on the flock)
نشانه های حمله (signs of an attack)

Conversation Starters

"آیا تا به حال شاهد یک حمله قلبی بوده‌اید؟ (Have you ever witnessed a heart attack?)"

"به نظر شما بهترین راه برای مقابله با حملات سایبری چیست؟ (What do you think is the best way to deal with cyber attacks?)"

"تیم مورد علاقه شما در خط حمله چه بازیکنانی دارد؟ (What players does your favorite team have in the forward line?)"

"چرا بعضی از حیوانات بدون دلیل حمله می‌کنند؟ (Why do some animals attack without reason?)"

"در تاریخ، کدام حمله را مهم‌تر می‌دانید؟ (In history, which attack do you consider more important?)"

Journal Prompts

درباره زمانی بنویسید که احساس کردید مورد حمله لفظی قرار گرفته‌اید و چگونه پاسخ دادید. (Write about a time you felt verbally attacked and how you responded.)

توصیف کنید که اگر یک حمله سایبری بزرگ رخ دهد، زندگی شما چگونه تغییر می‌کند. (Describe how your life would change if a major cyber attack occurred.)

یک داستان کوتاه درباره یک حمله غافلگیرانه در یک بازی ورزشی بنویسید. (Write a short story about a surprise attack in a sports game.)

چرا دفاع کردن گاهی سخت‌تر از حمله کردن است؟ (Why is defending sometimes harder than attacking?)

درباره اهمیت پیشگیری از حملات قلبی در جامعه تحقیق و یادداشت کنید. (Research and note the importance of preventing heart attacks in society.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, 'hamleh' is very versatile. It is used for medical conditions like 'heart attack' (hamleh-ye ghalbi), sports maneuvers (offense), and even verbal criticism (hamleh-ye lafzi). In modern times, it is also the standard word for 'cyber attack' (hamleh-ye sayberi).

The correct preposition is 'be' (به). In Persian, you always attack 'to' someone. For example, 'Sag be man hamleh kard' (The dog attacked me). Omitting 'be' is a very common mistake for English speakers.

While both mean 'attack', 'hojum' implies a massive, overwhelming rush or onslaught, usually by a large group. 'Hamleh' is a more general term that can describe an attack by a single person, a small group, or a strategic military strike.

The standard term is 'حمله قلبی' (hamleh-ye ghalbi). You can also use 'سکته قلبی' (sekteh-ye ghalbi), which is perhaps even more common in medical contexts, but 'hamleh' is perfectly understood.

No, 'hamleh-ha' (حمله‌ها) is also used, especially in informal spoken Persian. However, 'hamalaat' (حملات) is the formal Arabic-style plural and is preferred in news, literature, and formal writing.

Yes, 'حمله پانیک' (hamleh-ye panik) is the standard way to say panic attack in Persian. It describes the sudden onset of intense fear or anxiety.

It means 'counter-attack'. 'Zed' is a prefix meaning 'anti' or 'counter'. It is very common in sports commentary when a team quickly moves from defense to offense.

It is a neutral word. It can be used in very informal settings (like a dog attacking a cat) or in extremely formal military and political documents.

You use the passive construction: 'Shahr mored-e hamleh gharar gereft'. This literally means 'The city was placed in the position of attack'.

Not exactly. You can use it to describe a very aggressive verbal criticism (hamleh-ye lafzi), but for a simple insult, you should use 'tohin'.