قابل اطمینان
قابل اطمینان in 30 Seconds
- A versatile adjective meaning 'reliable' or 'trustworthy' in Persian.
- Used for people, machines, information, and abstract systems.
- Formed by 'ghābel' (capable) and 'etmīnān' (trust) with an Ezafe.
- Essential for professional, academic, and daily social interactions in Iran.
The Persian term قابل اطمینان (ghābel-e etmīnān) is a sophisticated yet essential compound adjective that translates to 'reliable,' 'dependable,' or 'trustworthy.' To understand its full weight in Persian culture and language, one must look at its two components. The word ghābel means 'capable of' or 'worthy of,' while etmīnān refers to 'confidence,' 'assurance,' or 'peace of mind.' When combined through the Ezafe construction (the short '-e' sound), they create a concept that describes someone or something that provides a solid foundation for trust. In Iranian society, where personal relationships and word-of-mouth reputations are paramount, being described as قابل اطمینان is one of the highest compliments a professional or a friend can receive. It suggests not just a lack of failure, but a consistent history of excellence and integrity.
- Character Reference
- When describing a person, it implies they are steady, honest, and will follow through on their promises regardless of the circumstances. It is often used in letters of recommendation or when introducing a business partner.
- Technical Reliability
- In a modern context, this term is frequently applied to technology, vehicles, and data. A 'ghābel-e etmīnān' source of information is one that is verified and authoritative, much like a peer-reviewed journal or a primary historical document.
- Emotional Safety
- Beyond logistics, the word carries a nuance of emotional security. A friend who is 'ghābel-e etmīnān' is someone you can share secrets with, knowing they will protect your vulnerability.
او همیشه یک دوست قابل اطمینان بوده است و در سختیها کنار من ماند.
— translation: He has always been a reliable friend and stayed by my side during hardships.
The usage of this word spans across various registers, from formal legal documents to casual conversations about which brand of refrigerator to buy. In a formal setting, you might hear a politician or a CEO discuss a 'ghābel-e etmīnān' strategy, emphasizing that the plan has been rigorously tested and is likely to succeed. In a more domestic setting, a parent might tell their child to find a 'ghābel-e etmīnān' person to walk home with. The flexibility of the word stems from the root etmīnān, which is deeply rooted in the concept of 'Tamanina' (inner peace and stillness). Therefore, something that is reliable is something that stops the heart from worrying.
ما به دنبال یک منبع انرژی قابل اطمینان برای کارخانه هستیم.
— translation: We are looking for a reliable energy source for the factory.
Wait, there is more to consider regarding the grammar. Because it is a compound adjective, it remains static regardless of the gender or number of the noun it describes (as Persian lacks grammatical gender). However, the placement is crucial. It almost always follows the noun it modifies, connected by the Ezafe. If you want to say 'a reliable car,' you say māshīn-e ghābel-e etmīnān. If you want to say 'the reliability of this car,' you would shift the structure to ghābel-e etmīnān būdan-e īn māshīn. This versatility allows the speaker to emphasize either the quality itself or the object possessing the quality.
آیا این وبسایت برای خرید آنلاین قابل اطمینان است؟
— translation: Is this website reliable for online shopping?
Using قابل اطمینان correctly requires an understanding of how Persian adjectives function within the sentence structure. Unlike English, where 'reliable' precedes the noun, in Persian, the adjective follows the noun. The connection is made using the Ezafe, which is an unstressed '-e' sound attached to the end of the noun. For example, to say 'a reliable worker,' you combine kārgar (worker) and ghābel-e etmīnān to get kārgar-e ghābel-e etmīnān. This structure is the backbone of Persian descriptive phrases and must be mastered to sound natural.
- Predicate Usage
- When the word acts as a predicate (e.g., 'The car IS reliable'), you place it at the end of the clause before the linking verb. Example: īn dūst-e man ghābel-e etmīnān ast (This friend of mine is reliable).
- Attributive Usage
- When it directly describes a noun within a larger phrase. Example: man be yek rahbar-e ghābel-e etmīnān nīāz dāram (I need a reliable leader).
نتایج این آزمایش علمی کاملاً قابل اطمینان هستند.
— translation: The results of this scientific experiment are completely reliable.
One of the most interesting ways to use this word is in the negative. By adding the prefix ghayr-e (non-/un-), you create the antonym: غیر قابل اطمینان (unreliable). This is extremely common in political discourse or when discussing faulty machinery. For instance, 'an unreliable witness' would be shāhed-e ghayr-e ghābel-e etmīnān. Notice how the Ezafe continues to chain the words together like links in a fence. This compounding ability is a hallmark of Persian's Indo-European roots mixed with its heavy Semitic vocabulary influence.
او به دلیل رفتارهای غیر قابل اطمینان، شغلش را از دست داد.
— translation: He lost his job due to unreliable behaviors.
In complex sentences, قابل اطمینان can be modified by adverbs of degree like besyār (very), kamtar (less), or kāmelan (completely). For example: īn ravash besyār ghābel-e etmīnān ast (This method is very reliable). When writing, ensure that the ye or kasra (the Ezafe marker) is clearly understood or written if you are using formal script, as it distinguishes the adjective from a list of nouns. In spoken Persian, the '-e' at the end of 'ghābel' is always pronounced clearly to signal the upcoming 'etmīnān'.
ما به یک سیستم امنیتی قابل اطمینان برای خانه نیاز داریم.
— translation: We need a reliable security system for the house.
You will encounter قابل اطمینان in a wide variety of real-life scenarios in Iran and Persian-speaking communities. One of the most common places is in the world of commerce and trade. If you are walking through a Bazaar in Tehran or Isfahan, you might hear one merchant vouching for another by saying, 'Ishūn ādam-e ghābel-e etmīnānī hastand' (He is a reliable person). This isn't just small talk; it's a social contract that facilitates business in a culture where trust is the primary currency.
- News and Media
- Broadcasters frequently use this term when discussing 'manābe-e ghābel-e etmīnān' (reliable sources). In an era of misinformation, emphasizing the reliability of a news source is a key part of journalistic integrity in the Persian-speaking world.
- Academic and Scientific Circles
- In universities, professors discuss 'dādeh-hā-ye ghābel-e etmīnān' (reliable data). If a student presents a thesis based on shaky evidence, the critique will often be that the foundation of their argument is not 'ghābel-e etmīnān'.
طبق اخبار رسیده از منابع قابل اطمینان، فردا تعطیل است.
— translation: According to news received from reliable sources, tomorrow is a holiday.
Another frequent setting is in mechanical and automotive discussions. Iranians are famously passionate about cars, and because of economic sanctions, keeping a car running for decades is a common necessity. Therefore, when someone is looking to buy a used car, the primary question isn't just about speed or luxury, but about whether the car is 'ghābel-e etmīnān.' A 'reliable' Peugeot or Samand is worth its weight in gold. You'll hear mechanics using this word to reassure customers after a repair: 'Khāyal-etūn rāhat, dīge ghābel-e etmīnāne' (Rest easy, it's reliable now).
Furthermore, in the realm of psychology and self-help—which has seen a massive boom in Iran over the last two decades—the term is used to discuss 'del-bandī-ye ghābel-e etmīnān' (secure attachment). Therapists use it to describe the kind of relationship a child should have with their parents, or the trust needed between partners. It transcends the physical world and enters the realm of the psyche, describing a state of being where one can let their guard down.
او به عنوان یک کارمند قابل اطمینان، همیشه وظایفش را به موقع انجام میدهد.
— translation: As a reliable employee, he always performs his duties on time.
Even for intermediate learners, قابل اطمینان can present some pitfalls. The most common mistake is confusing it with the simple adjective motma'en (sure/confident). While they share the same root, their usage is distinct. Motma'en usually describes a person's state of mind ('I am sure'), whereas ghābel-e etmīnān describes a quality of an object or person ('He is reliable'). If you say 'man ghābel-e etmīnān hastam' to mean 'I am sure,' you are actually telling people 'I am a trustworthy person,' which might sound a bit arrogant or out of context.
- Mistaking 'Motma'en' for 'Ghābel-e etmīnān'
- Incorrect: 'In māshīn motma'en ast' (This car is confident). Correct: 'In māshīn ghābel-e etmīnān ast' (This car is reliable).
- Ezafe Omission
- Learners often forget the '-e' between 'ghābel' and 'etmīnān'. Without it, the two words are just a list of nouns and don't function as a compound adjective. It must be 'ghābel-E etmīnān'.
اشتباه: من مطمئن هستم که او میآید. (Correct usage of Motma'en, but don't use Ghabel-e Etminan here!)
Another mistake involves the word order. Because English speakers are used to 'Reliable Friend,' they might try to say 'Ghābel-e etmīnān dūst.' This is a fundamental error in Persian syntax. The noun dūst must come first. Remember the rule: Noun + Ezafe + Adjective. So, dūst-e ghābel-e etmīnān. Additionally, some learners try to pluralize 'ghābel' when describing plural nouns. In Persian, adjectives (especially compound ones) do not take plural endings. It is dūstān-e ghābel-e etmīnān (reliable friends), not dūstān-e ghābelān-e etmīnān.
Finally, be careful with the register. While قابل اطمینان is perfectly fine in spoken Persian, some people might use the more colloquial harf-nadāre (it has no words/it's perfect) or dorost-o-hesābī (proper and calculated) to describe a reliable person or thing. Using 'ghābel-e etmīnān' in a very casual setting with close friends might sound slightly formal, though never incorrect. However, in any professional or serious context, it is the gold standard term to use.
درست: او یک فرد قابل اطمینان است.
— (Correct: He is a reliable individual.)
Persian is a language rich with synonyms, each carrying a slightly different 'flavor' or register. While قابل اطمینان is the most versatile term for 'reliable,' you might choose others based on whether you are talking about a person's character, a machine's performance, or a piece of information's validity.
- معتمد (Mo'tamad)
- This word is specifically used for people. It means 'trusted' or 'trustworthy.' You would use this for a family lawyer, a long-time assistant, or a village elder. It has a more personal, human touch than 'ghābel-e etmīnān.'
- موثق (Movassagh)
- This is a highly formal and academic term, usually applied to sources, news, or historical documents. If a historian says a manuscript is 'movassagh,' they mean it is authenticated and reliable. You wouldn't usually use this for a car or a microwave.
- پایدار (Pāydār)
- Meaning 'stable' or 'enduring.' While not a direct synonym for 'reliable,' it is used in technical contexts to describe a system that doesn't crash. A 'pāydār' connection is a reliable internet connection.
او یکی از معتمدترین افراد محله است.
— translation: He is one of the most trusted people in the neighborhood.
When comparing these, think about the 'object' of your trust. If you trust a person's heart and intentions, use Mo'tamad. If you trust a person's or object's performance and consistency, use Ghābel-e etmīnān. If you are citing a fact in a university paper, use Movassagh. There is also the word Amīn, which is a classical and religious term meaning 'trustworthy'—famously the title given to the Prophet Muhammad (Muhammad-e Amīn). Using 'Amīn' today sounds very traditional and poetic.
In colloquial Persian, you might also hear G قرص (ghors), which literally means 'pill' but figuratively means 'solid' or 'firm.' If someone's word is 'ghors,' it is reliable and unbreakable. 'Damesh ghors-e' means he has strong backing or he is a solid, reliable guy. This is very common in the 'Lūti' (street-smart/tough) register of Tehran. However, as a learner, using قابل اطمینان will make you sound educated and clear in any situation.
این گزارش بر اساس اسناد موثق تهیه شده است.
— translation: This report has been prepared based on reliable (authenticated) documents.
How Formal Is It?
Fun Fact
The root of 'etmīnān' is the same as the word 'Tamanina,' which in Islamic philosophy refers to the highest state of a soul that has found total peace and stillness in truth.
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing 'gh' as a hard 'g' (like 'go'). It should be deeper in the throat.
- Skipping the linking 'e' (Ezafe) between 'ghābel' and 'etmīnān'.
- Shortening the long 'ā' in 'nān' to a short 'a' like in 'cat'.
- Misplacing the stress on 'ghā' instead of the end of the word.
- Confusing the 't' in 'etmīnān' with a 'd' sound.
Difficulty Rating
The word is long but follows standard phonetic rules. Once you recognize 'ghābel,' it's easy.
Requires correct spelling of 'etmīnān' with 't' (ط) and 'n' sounds.
The Ezafe connection must be smooth to sound natural.
Very distinct sound, especially the 'etmīnān' part, making it easy to catch.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Ezafe Construction
In 'dūst-e ghābel-e etmīnān', the '-e' connects the noun to its quality.
Compound Adjectives
Ghābel-e etmīnān is treated as a single unit and does not take plural markers.
Negation with 'Ghayr-e'
Adding 'ghayr-e' before 'ghābel' makes the adjective negative (unreliable).
Indefinite 'i'
To say 'A reliable source', you add 'i' to the end: 'manba-e ghābel-e etmīnān-ī'.
Adverbial Placement
Adverbs like 'khaylī' (very) come before 'ghābel-e etmīnān'.
Examples by Level
او یک دوست قابل اطمینان است.
He is a reliable friend.
Noun (dūst) + Ezafe (-e) + Adjective (ghābel-e etmīnān).
این ماشین قدیمی اما قابل اطمینان است.
This car is old but reliable.
Predicate usage at the end of the sentence.
ساعت من قابل اطمینان است.
My watch is reliable.
Possessive (sāat-e man) followed by the adjective.
او برادر قابل اطمینانی دارد.
He has a reliable brother.
Indefinite 'i' added to the adjective (etmīnān-ī).
آیا این سگ قابل اطمینان است؟
Is this dog reliable (trustworthy)?
Question form using 'āyā'.
معلم ما خیلی قابل اطمینان است.
Our teacher is very reliable.
Use of 'khaylī' (very) to modify the adjective.
این نقشه قابل اطمینان نیست.
This map is not reliable.
Negative form using 'nīst'.
او یک کارگر قابل اطمینان است.
He is a reliable worker.
Simple attributive adjective structure.
ما به یک راهنمای قابل اطمینان نیاز داریم.
We need a reliable guide.
Compound verb 'nīāz dāštan' (to need).
این وبسایت برای اخبار قابل اطمینان است.
This website is reliable for news.
Prepositional phrase 'barāye akhbār'.
او همیشه اطلاعات قابل اطمینان میدهد.
He always gives reliable information.
Plural noun 'ettelā'āt' followed by the adjective.
آیا این قفل قابل اطمینان است؟
Is this lock reliable?
Describing the physical security of an object.
دوچرخه او خیلی قابل اطمینان نیست.
His bicycle is not very reliable.
Negative 'nīst' with the intensifier 'khaylī'.
من به دنبال یک منبع قابل اطمینان میگردم.
I am looking for a reliable source.
Verb 'gashtan' (to search/look for).
او یک آشپز قابل اطمینان برای رستوران است.
He is a reliable cook for the restaurant.
Linking a profession with the quality.
این روش برای یادگیری زبان قابل اطمینان است.
This method is reliable for language learning.
Describing an abstract concept (a method).
شرکت ما به دنبال شرکای تجاری قابل اطمینان است.
Our company is looking for reliable business partners.
Plural 'shorakā' (partners) with Ezafe.
او به عنوان یک شاهد قابل اطمینان در دادگاه حاضر شد.
He appeared in court as a reliable witness.
Phrase 'be onvān-e' (as a/in the role of).
نتایج آزمایشها نشان میدهد که این دارو قابل اطمینان است.
The test results show that this medicine is reliable.
Subordinate clause starting with 'ke'.
پیدا کردن یک مکانیک قابل اطمینان کار سختی است.
Finding a reliable mechanic is a difficult task.
Gerund phrase 'peydā kardan-e...' as the subject.
او برای حل این مشکل، راه حل قابل اطمینانی پیشنهاد داد.
He suggested a reliable solution to solve this problem.
Adjective describing 'rāh-e hal' (solution).
آیا این بانک برای سرمایهگذاری قابل اطمینان است؟
Is this bank reliable for investment?
Context of financial security.
بسیاری از مردم به دنبال منابع انرژی قابل اطمینان هستند.
Many people are looking for reliable energy sources.
Plural subject 'mardom' (people) with 'hastand'.
او فردی قابل اطمینان است که هرگز زیر قولش نمیزند.
He is a reliable individual who never breaks his promise.
Relative clause 'ke...' describing the person.
اعتبار این مقاله به دلیل استفاده از منابع غیر قابل اطمینان زیر سوال رفت.
The credibility of this article was questioned due to the use of unreliable sources.
Use of the antonym 'ghayr-e ghābel-e etmīnān'.
در شرایط بحرانی، داشتن یک تیم قابل اطمینان بسیار حیاتی است.
In critical conditions, having a reliable team is very vital.
Noun phrase as the subject of the sentence.
او با ارائه مدارک قابل اطمینان، بیگناهی خود را ثابت کرد.
By providing reliable documents, he proved his innocence.
Prepositional phrase 'bā arā'eh-ye' (by providing).
این نرمافزار هنوز برای استفاده در مقیاس بزرگ قابل اطمینان نیست.
This software is not yet reliable for large-scale use.
Adverb 'hanūz' (yet/still) with negative verb.
او همواره به عنوان یکی از ستونهای قابل اطمینان خانواده شناخته میشود.
He is always known as one of the reliable pillars of the family.
Metaphorical use of 'sotūn' (pillar).
آیا تکنولوژی تشخیص چهره در حال حاضر به اندازه کافی قابل اطمینان است؟
Is facial recognition technology currently reliable enough?
Comparative phrase 'be andāze-ye kāfī' (enough).
دولت باید یک شبکه حمل و نقل عمومی قابل اطمینان ایجاد کند.
The government must create a reliable public transportation network.
Modal verb 'bāyad' (must) + subjunctive 'ījād konad'.
او در تمام طول مسیر، یک همراه قابل اطمینان برای من بود.
He was a reliable companion for me throughout the entire journey.
Describing a long-term quality of a person.
فقدان یک سیستم نظارتی قابل اطمینان منجر به بروز فساد مالی شد.
The lack of a reliable monitoring system led to the occurrence of financial corruption.
Complex formal sentence structure with 'menjar be... shod'.
تحلیلگران معتقدند که این پیشبینیها بر پایه فرضیات قابل اطمینانی نیستند.
Analysts believe that these predictions are not based on reliable assumptions.
Passive-like structure 'bar pāye-ye... nīstand'.
او با اتکا به حافظه قابل اطمینان خود، تمام جزئیات حادثه را بازگو کرد.
Relying on his reliable memory, he recounted all the details of the incident.
Phrase 'bā ettekā be' (relying on/leaning on).
ایجاد یک زیرساخت دیجیتال قابل اطمینان، اولویت اول توسعه اقتصادی است.
Creating a reliable digital infrastructure is the first priority of economic development.
Abstract noun phrase as a complex subject.
در متون کلاسیک، شخصیتهایی که قابل اطمینان نیستند، اغلب باعث تراژدی میشوند.
In classical texts, characters who are not reliable often cause tragedy.
Relative clause 'ke... nīstand' within a prepositional phrase.
ارزیابی قابل اطمینان بودن یک تست روانشناسی نیازمند بررسیهای آماری دقیق است.
Assessing the reliability of a psychological test requires precise statistical reviews.
Gerund construction 'ghābel-e etmīnān būdan-e...'.
او همواره سعی میکند تصویری قابل اطمینان از خود در رسانهها ارائه دهد.
He always tries to present a reliable image of himself in the media.
Object phrase 'tasvīr-ī ghābel-e etmīnān'.
آیا میتوان به وعدههای انتخاباتی او به عنوان یک منبع قابل اطمینان نگریست؟
Can his election promises be viewed as a reliable source?
Impersonal 'mītavān' (one can) + 'negrīst' (to look/view).
در این رمان، نویسنده با استفاده از یک راوی غیر قابل اطمینان، خواننده را به چالش میکشد.
In this novel, the author challenges the reader by using an unreliable narrator.
Literary term 'rāvī-ye ghayr-e ghābel-e etmīnān'.
ثبات استراتژیک در منطقه مستلزم وجود بازیگران سیاسی قابل اطمینان و متعهد است.
Strategic stability in the region requires the existence of reliable and committed political actors.
Highly formal political vocabulary.
او با ظرافتی خاص، مرز بین یک دوست قابل اطمینان و یک رقیب زیرک را ترسیم کرد.
With a specific subtlety, he drew the line between a reliable friend and a clever rival.
Nuanced description of social dynamics.
عدم دسترسی به دادههای قابل اطمینان، فرآیند تصمیمگیری کلان را با مخاطره مواجه کرده است.
Lack of access to reliable data has put the macro decision-making process at risk.
Complex causative structure '... rā bā mokhātere movājeh karde ast'.
فلسفه مدرن پرسشهای بنیادینی درباره قابل اطمینان بودن حواس پنجگانه مطرح میکند.
Modern philosophy raises fundamental questions about the reliability of the five senses.
Philosophical context for reliability.
او به چنان جایگاهی از اعتبار رسیده است که سخنانش سندی قابل اطمینان تلقی میشوند.
He has reached such a position of credibility that his words are considered a reliable document.
Result clause 'ke... talaghī mī-shavand'.
در دنیای پرشتاب امروز، یافتن لنگرگاهی قابل اطمینان در میان تلاطم اخبار دشوار است.
In today's fast-paced world, finding a reliable anchor amidst the turbulence of news is difficult.
Metaphorical use in high-level prose.
پایداری این سازه به دلیل استفاده از مصالح غیر قابل اطمینان، به شدت در خطر است.
The stability of this structure is severely at risk due to the use of unreliable materials.
Technical/Engineering context.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— In a reliable manner. Used to describe how a task is performed.
این دستگاه به طور قابل اطمینان کار میکند.
— A reliable individual. A standard way to describe someone's character.
او همیشه فردی قابل اطمینان بوده است.
— Completely reliable. Adding emphasis to the quality.
نتایج این تحقیق کاملاً قابل اطمینان است.
— Very reliable. A common intensifier in spoken and written Persian.
این مدل گوشی بسیار قابل اطمینان است.
— A reliable source said... A standard news reporting opening.
یک منبع قابل اطمینان گفت که مذاکرات ادامه دارد.
— Not so reliable. A polite way to express doubt.
حافظه او در این سن نه چندان قابل اطمینان است.
— Technically reliable. Used in engineering and IT contexts.
این هواپیما از نظر فنی قابل اطمینان است.
— Overly reliable (rarely used, usually positive).
او گاهی بیش از حد قابل اطمینان و فداکار است.
— Truly reliable. Used for sincere personal recommendations.
این تعمیرکار واقعاً قابل اطمینان است.
— Morally reliable. Used in ethical discussions.
او از هر نظر، به لحاظ اخلاقی قابل اطمینان است.
Often Confused With
Motma'en means 'sure' or 'confident' (inner state), while Ghabel-e etminan means 'reliable' (external quality).
E'temad is the noun 'trust,' whereas Ghabel-e etminan is the adjective 'trustworthy/reliable'.
Bavar-kardani means 'believable.' Something can be believable but not necessarily reliable (consistent).
Idioms & Expressions
— His word doesn't become two. Means he is a man of his word and completely reliable.
روی او حساب کن، حرفش دوتا نمیشود.
Informal— To be behind someone like a mountain. Implies being a reliable supporter.
پدرم همیشه مثل کوه پشت من و قابل اطمینان بوده است.
Neutral/Poetic— A 'proper' person. Implies they are reliable, educated, and trustworthy.
او واقعاً یک آدم حسابی و قابل اطمینان است.
Colloquial— To count on someone. The act of relying on a reliable person.
من همیشه میتوانم روی تو به عنوان یک دوست قابل اطمینان حساب کنم.
General— To have passed one's test. Means someone has proven their reliability over time.
این ماشین امتحان خود را پس داده و کاملاً قابل اطمینان است.
Neutral— To trust someone with eyes closed. To trust a highly reliable person completely.
او آنقدر قابل اطمینان است که میتوان چشمبسته به او اعتماد کرد.
Informal— The bottom stone of the mill. Describes a reliable person who bears the heavy burdens.
مادر در خانواده ما سنگ زیرین آسیاب و تکیهگاهی قابل اطمینان است.
Literary— His word is a document. Means his verbal promise is as reliable as a legal paper.
او فردی قدیمی است و حرفش برای ما سند و قابل اطمینان است.
Formal/Traditional— A strong support/backrest. A metaphor for a reliable person.
او تکیهگاهی محکم و قابل اطمینان در روزهای سخت است.
Neutral— A loose-mouthed person. The opposite of a reliable person (unreliable with secrets).
او آدم دهنلقی است و اصلاً قابل اطمینان نیست.
InformalEasily Confused
They share the same root (T-M-N).
Motma'en is often used for the person feeling the trust, while Ghabel-e etminan is for the object being trusted. Also, Motma'en can mean 'safe' in some contexts.
من مطمئنم (I am sure) vs او قابل اطمینان است (He is reliable).
Both translate to 'reliable'.
Movassagh is almost exclusively for information, news, and documents. You don't call a washing machine 'movassagh'.
منبع موثق (reliable source) vs ماشین قابل اطمینان (reliable car).
Both describe someone you can trust.
Mo'tamad implies a deep, personal trust, often in a position of authority or traditional role. Ghabel-e etminan is more about consistent performance.
وکیل معتمد (trusted lawyer) vs کارمند قابل اطمینان (reliable employee).
Both imply something that doesn't fail.
Paydar means 'stable' or 'lasting.' Use it for peace, connections, or structures. Use Ghabel-e etminan for the quality of being able to be trusted.
صلح پایدار (stable peace) vs دوست قابل اطمینان (reliable friend).
Both can mean 'good' or 'correct'.
Dorost means 'right/correct.' A person who is 'dorost' is honest, but 'ghabel-e etminan' specifically highlights their reliability over time.
جواب درست (correct answer) vs فرد قابل اطمینان (reliable person).
Sentence Patterns
[Noun] + [Adjective] + [Verb]
این مرد قابل اطمینان است.
من به [Noun] + [Adjective] + نیاز دارم
من به یک ساعت قابل اطمینان نیاز دارم.
او [Noun] + [Adjective] + ای است که...
او دوست قابل اطمینانی است که همیشه کمک میکند.
[Noun] + به دلیل + [Adjective] + بودن...
این شرکت به دلیل قابل اطمینان بودن معروف است.
با اتکا به [Noun] + [Adjective]...
با اتکا به منابع قابل اطمینان، میتوان نتیجه گرفت...
مرز بین [Noun] و [Adjective] بودن...
مرز بین وفاداری و قابل اطمینان بودن بسیار باریک است.
آیا این [Noun] برای [Activity] قابل اطمینان است؟
آیا این سایت برای خرید قابل اطمینان است؟
او خیلی [Adjective] نیست.
او خیلی قابل اطمینان نیست.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
Extremely high in news, business, and character descriptions.
-
Using 'Motma'en' to mean 'Reliable' for a car.
→
این ماشین قابل اطمینان است.
'Motma'en' usually refers to a feeling of certainty or a safe place. For functional reliability, 'ghābel-e etmīnān' is the correct choice.
-
Omitting the Ezafe: 'ghābel etmīnān'.
→
قابلِ اطمینان (ghābel-e etmīnān)
The Ezafe is the 'glue' that holds compound adjectives together in Persian. Without it, the phrase is broken.
-
Pluralizing the adjective: 'dūstān-e ghābel-e etmīnānān'.
→
دوستانِ قابل اطمینان
In Persian, adjectives do not take plural endings. The plurality is shown only on the noun.
-
Using 'Ghābel-e etmīnān' to mean 'I am sure'.
→
من مطمئن هستم.
If you say 'man ghābel-e etmīnān hastam', you are saying 'I am a trustworthy person,' not 'I am certain about something.'
-
Wrong word order: 'ghābel-e etmīnān dūst'.
→
دوستِ قابل اطمینان
Adjectives must follow the noun in Persian. This is the opposite of the English 'reliable friend' order.
Tips
Don't forget the Ezafe
Always remember the '-e' sound between 'ghābel' and 'etmīnān'. Without it, the phrase is grammatically incomplete and sounds like two separate nouns.
Use 'Ghayr-e' for Unreliable
Learning the negative form 'ghayr-e ghābel-e etmīnān' is just as important as the positive. It's the most common way to describe a bad service or a flaky person.
Emphasis on 'Etminan'
When you want to sound very sure, put a little extra stress on the 'nān' at the end of 'etmīnān'. This conveys extra confidence in your statement.
Bazaar Business
If you are doing business in Iran, use this word to describe your services or to ask about others. It is the key to building professional trust.
The 'T' is 'Tah'
Remember that 'etmīnān' uses the letter 'Ta' (ط), not 'Te' (ت). Visualizing the shape of 'ط' can help you remember the correct spelling.
Catching the 'Gh'
The 'Gh' sound at the start is very distinct. Once you train your ear to hear that uvular sound followed by 'ābel', you'll spot this word everywhere.
Reliable vs. Sure
Always check: are you describing a thing/person (use ghābel-e etmīnān) or your own feeling (use motma'en)? This prevents 90% of learner mistakes with this word.
Formal Reports
In formal reports, use 'بر اساس منابع قابل اطمینان' (based on reliable sources) to add authority to your statements.
Vouching for Friends
When introducing a friend to someone else, saying 'ū ghābel-e etmīnān ast' is the best way to ensure they are well-received.
The 'Able' Prefix
Learn 'ghābel-e' as a prefix meaning '-able'. This will help you learn dozens of other words like 'ghābel-e ghabūl' (acceptable) and 'ghābel-e ehtirām' (respectable).
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of a 'Gable' (ghābel) roof. A 'Gable' roof is strong and 'Capable.' Then think of 'At-Me-Nan' (etmīnān) - like 'At me, Nan (grandma).' You can always trust your Grandma. So, a Gable At-Me-Nan is a reliable roof/grandma!
Visual Association
Visualize a solid, old stone bridge. It has stood for centuries. It is 'ghābel-e etmīnān' because it never collapses and always gets you across the river.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to find three things in your room that are 'ghābel-e etmīnān' (like your bed or a sturdy chair) and three things that are 'ghayr-e ghābel-e etmīnān' (like a dying plant or a shaky table). Say the sentences out loud.
Word Origin
The phrase is a Persian compound using two Arabic-root words. 'Ghābel' comes from the Arabic root Q-B-L (to accept/receive), and 'Etmīnān' comes from the Arabic root T-M-N (to be still/at peace).
Original meaning: Worthy of peace of mind / Capable of providing certainty.
Indo-European (Persian) structure with Semitic (Arabic) loanwords.Cultural Context
Calling someone 'ghayr-e ghābel-e etmīnān' (unreliable) is a very strong insult in a professional setting. Use it with caution.
In English, 'reliable' is often functional (a reliable car), while 'trustworthy' is personal (a trustworthy friend). In Persian, 'ghābel-e etmīnān' covers both perfectly.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Job Interview
- من کارمندی قابل اطمینان هستم.
- سابقه کاری من قابل اطمینان است.
- به دنبال یک محیط کار قابل اطمینان میگردم.
- او توصیهنامهای قابل اطمینان دارد.
Buying a Car
- آیا موتور این ماشین قابل اطمینان است؟
- این برند به قابل اطمینان بودن معروف است.
- من یک ماشین دست دوم اما قابل اطمینان میخواهم.
- ترمزهای این وسیله قابل اطمینان نیستند.
Friendship/Relationships
- تو تنها دوست قابل اطمینان من هستی.
- او در شرایط سخت نشان داد که قابل اطمینان است.
- اعتماد به آدمهای غیر قابل اطمینان اشتباه است.
- یک رابطه سالم به شریک قابل اطمینان نیاز دارد.
Academic Research
- این منبع برای ارجاع قابل اطمینان نیست.
- ما باید از متدهای قابل اطمینان استفاده کنیم.
- نتایج این پژوهش قابل اطمینان به نظر میرسد.
- آیا این آمار قابل اطمینان است؟
Online Security
- این درگاه پرداخت قابل اطمینان است.
- آنتیویروس قابل اطمینانی نصب کنید.
- پسورد شما باید قابل اطمینان و قوی باشد.
- از سایتهای غیر قابل اطمینان خرید نکنید.
Conversation Starters
"به نظر تو، مهمترین ویژگی یک دوست قابل اطمینان چیست؟"
"آیا تا به حال ماشینی داشتهای که اصلاً قابل اطمینان نباشد؟"
"چگونه میتوانیم بفهمیم که یک منبع خبری قابل اطمینان است؟"
"در شغل تو، چه چیزی باعث میشود یک همکار قابل اطمینان به نظر برسد؟"
"آیا فکر میکنی تکنولوژیهای جدید واقعاً قابل اطمینان هستند؟"
Journal Prompts
درباره زمانی بنویسید که یک نفر ثابت کرد بسیار قابل اطمینان است و این موضوع چه تاثیری بر شما داشت.
سه ویژگی اصلی یک سیستم آموزشی قابل اطمینان از نظر شما چیست؟ توضیح دهید.
آیا خودتان را فردی قابل اطمینان میدانید؟ با ذکر مثالهایی از زندگی روزمره بنویسید.
چرا در دنیای امروز پیدا کردن منابع اطلاعاتی قابل اطمینان دشوارتر شده است؟
رابطه بین 'صداقت' و 'قابل اطمینان بودن' را در یک پاراگراف تحلیل کنید.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, absolutely! It is one of the most common ways to describe a reliable friend, colleague, or employee. It implies they are consistent and honest.
'Ghābel-e etmīnān' is more general and can be used for things and people. 'Mo'tamad' is specifically for people you trust with something important, like a secret or money.
It is neutral to formal. It is perfectly fine in daily conversation, but it is also the standard word used in news, books, and business meetings.
You simply add the prefix 'ghayr-e' to the beginning: 'ghayr-e ghābel-e etmīnān'. This is the standard way to negate the word.
Yes. If a website is safe for shopping or provides accurate information, you can call it a 'website-e ghābel-e etmīnān'.
'Etmīnān' is a noun meaning 'confidence,' 'assurance,' or 'certainty.' It comes from a root meaning peace and stillness.
In colloquial speech, people might say 'ghors' (solid) or 'dorost' (right), but 'ghābel-e etmīnān' is the most accurate and common full term.
No. Persian adjectives do not change for plural nouns. You just say 'dūstān-e ghābel-e etmīnān' (reliable friends).
It can be for English speakers. It is a voiced uvular fricative. Practice by making a gargling sound in the back of your throat.
Yes, it is very common to describe a car that doesn't break down as 'ghābel-e etmīnān'. It's a high priority for car buyers in Iran.
Test Yourself 190 questions
یک پاراگراف درباره بهترین دوست خود بنویسید و بگویید چرا او قابل اطمینان است.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
توضیح دهید که چرا داشتن یک ماشین قابل اطمینان برای شما مهم است.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
نامهای کوتاه به مدیر خود بنویسید و یک همکار قابل اطمینان را معرفی کنید.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
تفاوت بین 'مطمئن' و 'قابل اطمینان' را در دو جمله توضیح دهید.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
درباره یک منبع خبری که به آن اعتماد دارید بنویسید و از کلمه 'قابل اطمینان' استفاده کنید.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
یک خاطره بنویسید که در آن یک وسیله غیر قابل اطمینان باعث دردسر شما شد.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
به نظر شما چگونه میتوان در محیط کار به یک فرد قابل اطمینان تبدیل شد؟
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
نقش 'منابع قابل اطمینان' را در تحقیقات علمی بررسی کنید.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
درباره اهمیت 'قابل اطمینان بودن' در سیستمهای بانکی بنویسید.
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یک آگهی استخدام بنویسید و در آن ذکر کنید که به دنبال فردی قابل اطمینان هستید.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
آیا تکنولوژی تشخیص چهره قابل اطمینان است؟ نظر خود را بنویسید.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
چگونه میتوان 'غیر قابل اطمینان بودن' یک شاهد را در دادگاه ثابت کرد؟
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
درباره مفهوم 'راوی غیر قابل اطمینان' در ادبیات داستانی یک پاراگراف بنویسید.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
تاثیر اخبار غیر قابل اطمینان بر جامعه چیست؟
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یک راهنمای خرید برای انتخاب یک گوشی موبایل قابل اطمینان بنویسید.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
توصیف کنید که یک 'تکیهگاه قابل اطمینان' در زندگی شما کیست.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
چرا در روابط عاطفی، قابل اطمینان بودن از جذابیت مهمتر است؟
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
درباره ویژگیهای یک وبسایت قابل اطمینان برای خرید کتاب بنویسید.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
اگر یک سیستم حمل و نقل غیر قابل اطمینان باشد، چه مشکلاتی پیش میآید؟
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
خلاصهای از اهمیت 'دادههای قابل اطمینان' در آمار بنویسید.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
درباره یک وسیله قابل اطمینان که دارید صحبت کنید.
Read this aloud:
You said:
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چرا باید دوستان قابل اطمینان انتخاب کنیم؟
Read this aloud:
You said:
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یک منبع خبری قابل اطمینان معرفی کنید و دلیل خود را بگویید.
Read this aloud:
You said:
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اگر همکارتان غیر قابل اطمینان باشد، چه میکنید؟
Read this aloud:
You said:
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اهمیت قابل اطمینان بودن در تجارت را توضیح دهید.
Read this aloud:
You said:
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تلفظ صحیح 'قابل اطمینان' را تمرین کنید.
Read this aloud:
You said:
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آیا فکر میکنید هوش مصنوعی قابل اطمینان است؟
Read this aloud:
You said:
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یک خاطره از یک شخص غیر قابل اطمینان تعریف کنید.
Read this aloud:
You said:
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چگونه میتوان اعتماد دیگران را جلب کرد؟
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You said:
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ویژگیهای یک شاهد قابل اطمینان در دادگاه چیست؟
Read this aloud:
You said:
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چرا ماشینهای قدیمی گاهی از جدیدها قابل اطمینانتر هستند؟
Read this aloud:
You said:
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در مورد 'راوی غیر قابل اطمینان' در یک فیلم یا کتاب صحبت کنید.
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آیا آمار دولتی همیشه قابل اطمینان است؟
Read this aloud:
You said:
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بهترین راه برای تست کردن قابل اطمینان بودن یک نفر چیست؟
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You said:
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چرا در ایران 'کلمه' و 'قول' بسیار مهم است؟
Read this aloud:
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تفاوت 'قابل اطمینان' و 'مطمئن' را با مثال بگویید.
Read this aloud:
You said:
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آیا اینترنت یک منبع اطلاعاتی قابل اطمینان است؟
Read this aloud:
You said:
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در مورد یک برند قابل اطمینان که دوست دارید صحبت کنید.
Read this aloud:
You said:
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اهمیت 'امنیت و اطمینان' در خریدهای اینترنتی چیست؟
Read this aloud:
You said:
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چگونه میتوان یک سیستم حمل و نقل قابل اطمینان ساخت؟
Read this aloud:
You said:
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گوش دهید و بنویسید: 'او همیشه یک فرد قابل اطمینان بوده است.'
در فایل صوتی، گوینده چند بار کلمه 'اطمینان' را میگوید؟
آیا گوینده درباره یک ماشین حرف میزند یا یک آدم؟ (متن: این موتور قابل اطمینان است.)
تشخیص دهید که آیا جمله مثبت است یا منفی. (متن: این راه اصلاً قابل اطمینان نیست.)
کلمه جا افتاده را بنویسید: 'ما به دنبال منابع ________ هستیم.'
هدف گوینده از این جمله چیست؟ 'او حرفش دوتا نمیشود.'
تفاوت آهنگ صدا در گفتن 'قابل اطمینان' را در سوال و جواب تشخیص دهید.
در یک گزارش رادیویی، موضوع 'دادههای قابل اطمینان' چیست؟
بنویسید: 'غیر قابل اطمینان بودن این دستگاه ثابت شد.'
گوینده چه صفتی برای شاهد به کار برد؟
در این گفتگو، آیا دو نفر به هم اعتماد دارند؟
گوش دهید و کلمات مترادف را پیدا کنید.
جمله را کامل کنید: 'این وبسایت برای خرید ________ است.'
آیا لحن گوینده کنایهآمیز (Ironical) است؟
بنویسید: 'پیدا کردن دوست قابل اطمینان گنج است.'
/ 190 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
The word 'قابل اطمینان' (ghābel-e etmīnān) is the standard Persian term for reliability. It combines the concept of capability with the feeling of certainty. For example: 'او یک کارمند قابل اطمینان است' (He is a reliable employee).
- A versatile adjective meaning 'reliable' or 'trustworthy' in Persian.
- Used for people, machines, information, and abstract systems.
- Formed by 'ghābel' (capable) and 'etmīnān' (trust) with an Ezafe.
- Essential for professional, academic, and daily social interactions in Iran.
Don't forget the Ezafe
Always remember the '-e' sound between 'ghābel' and 'etmīnān'. Without it, the phrase is grammatically incomplete and sounds like two separate nouns.
Use 'Ghayr-e' for Unreliable
Learning the negative form 'ghayr-e ghābel-e etmīnān' is just as important as the positive. It's the most common way to describe a bad service or a flaky person.
Emphasis on 'Etminan'
When you want to sound very sure, put a little extra stress on the 'nān' at the end of 'etmīnān'. This conveys extra confidence in your statement.
Bazaar Business
If you are doing business in Iran, use this word to describe your services or to ask about others. It is the key to building professional trust.
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More business words
عادتأ
B2As is the custom or habit; customarily.
عامیانه
B2Characteristic of ordinary conversation rather than formal speech or writing; informal.
اعطا کردن
B2To grant or bestow (a right, power, or honor).
اعتبار
A2Credit; the ability of a customer to obtain goods or services before payment.
اعتبار دادن
B1To grant credit or give credibility to someone or something.
اعتبار مالی
B1Financial standing or reputation; available funds.
اعتباراً
B2On credit; by means of credibility.
اعتباردهنده
B2An entity that lends money or provides credit to another party.
اعتبارنامه
B1A qualification, achievement, or personal quality; credential.
اعتباری
B1Relating to credit, especially financial credit; based on trust or reputation.