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قانون اساسی

B2 noun #6,000 most common 10 min read

قانون اساسی

ghânun-e asâsi Top 6,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips قانون اساسی in 30 Seconds

Explanation قانون اساسی in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to know the complex legal details of 'قانون اساسی'. You should simply recognize it as a very important 'big law' for a country. It is like the 'rules of the house' but for a whole nation. You might see it in simple news headlines. Think of it as 'The Number One Law'. Even at this level, knowing that 'Qanun' means 'Law' is very helpful, as you will see it in many other places like 'Qanun-e Traffic' (Traffic rules).

At the A2 level, you can start using 'قانون اساسی' in simple sentences. You might say 'Iran has a constitution' (ایران قانون اساسی دارد). You understand that it is a formal word used by leaders and on TV. You can distinguish it from a simple 'rule' (ghaede) or 'law' (qanun) because this one is 'Asasi' (fundamental/basic). You should be able to identify it as a compound noun where the 'e' sound (Ezafe) connects the two parts.

At the B1 level, you should understand the role of the 'قانون اساسی' in society. You can talk about it in the context of rights and duties. For example, 'The constitution says everyone is equal' (قانون اساسی می‌گوید همه برابر هستند). You are becoming familiar with common verbs that go with it, like 'to read' (khandan) or 'to respect' (ehteram gozashtan). You can follow a simple news story that mentions the constitution without getting lost in the technical jargon.

At the B2 level (the target level for this word), you should be able to discuss the 'قانون اساسی' in detail. You can explain its historical importance, talk about 'amendments' (eslahat), and discuss 'violations' (naghz). You understand that it is the foundation of the legal system and can use it in formal writing or debates. You can handle abstract concepts like 'the spirit of the constitution' or 'constitutional rights' with confidence and correct grammar.

At the C1 level, you use 'قانون اساسی' with professional precision. You can discuss 'constitutional jurisprudence' (feqh-e qanun-e asasi) or the 'interpretation' (tafsir) of specific articles. You are aware of the historical evolution of the document from 1906 to the present day. You can compare the constitutions of different countries in Persian, using sophisticated vocabulary to describe the separation of powers and the checks and balances defined within the document.

At the C2 level, 'قانون اساسی' is a tool for deep philosophical and legal analysis. You can write academic papers on the hermeneutics of the constitution or debate the legitimacy of constitutional changes throughout history. You understand the most obscure legal terms associated with it and can navigate the most complex formal registers of Persian. You can critique the document's language and its practical application in the highest courts of law.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

قانون اساسی in 30 Seconds

The 'Ghanun-e Asasi' is the supreme legal document of a nation, serving as the ultimate authority for all legislation and governmental actions within the state.
It defines the separation of powers between the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, ensuring a structured and predictable system of national governance.
The term is historically significant in Iran, representing the 1906 transition from absolute power to a constitutional system that recognizes the rights of the people.
In modern usage, it is essential for discussing civil liberties, legal challenges, and the institutional framework of any Persian-speaking or international political entity.

The term قانون اساسی (pronounced 'Ghanun-e Asasi') is a compound noun that serves as the bedrock of political and legal discourse in the Persian-speaking world. Literally translated as the 'Fundamental Law,' it refers to the system of fundamental principles according to which a nation or state is governed. In the context of modern Iran, it specifically points to the document established after the 1979 Revolution, but historically, the term gained its primary significance during the Persian Constitutional Revolution (Mashruteh) of 1906. This word is not merely a legal term; it represents the transition from absolute monarchy to a system defined by the rule of law and the distribution of power.

Legal Primacy: It is often called the 'Mother of Laws' (Madar-e Qavanin) because no other legislation can contradict its articles. It defines the structure of the government, the rights of the citizens, and the limits of official power.
Social Contract: In sociopolitical discussions, using this term implies an appeal to the highest authority of the land. It is the document that theoretically binds the people and the state together in a mutual agreement of governance.

You will encounter قانون اساسی in various settings ranging from high-level academic debates in law schools to daily news reports concerning parliamentary decisions or judicial reviews. When a politician is accused of overstepping their bounds, critics will often cite a specific article of the قانون اساسی to justify their opposition. It is a word heavy with historical weight, representing the long struggle for democratic representation and legal clarity in the region.

احترام به قانون اساسی وظیفه هر شهروند و مسئولی است.
— Respecting the Constitution is the duty of every citizen and official.

Furthermore, the term is used internationally. When Persian speakers talk about the 'US Constitution' or the 'Basic Law of Germany,' they use the same phrase. It is a universal concept adapted into the Persian linguistic framework to describe the ultimate authority in any sovereign state. Whether discussing the separation of powers (Tafkik-e Ghova) or the protection of minority rights, قانون اساسی remains the central point of reference.

تغییر در قانون اساسی نیازمند رفراندوم است.
— Changing the Constitution requires a referendum.

Historical Context: The first قانون اساسی of Iran was signed in 1906 by Mozaffar ad-Din Shah Qajar, marking the end of absolute monarchy and the beginning of the parliamentary era.

In summary, this term is indispensable for anyone looking to understand Persian history, law, or politics. It is a B2-level word because it requires an understanding of abstract legal concepts and the ability to navigate formal registers of language. When you use this word, you are engaging with the very foundation of how a society organizes itself and protects the rights of its members against the potential for arbitrary rule.

حقوق بشر در فصل سوم قانون اساسی ذکر شده است.
— Human rights are mentioned in the third chapter of the Constitution.

Using قانون اساسی correctly requires an understanding of its role as a proper noun in many contexts, even though it functions as a regular noun phrase grammatically. It is almost always used with the Ezafe construction when linked to a country or a specific attribute. For example, 'The Constitution of Iran' is قانون اساسی ایران. Because it is a highly formal term, it is rarely found in casual slang, but it is ubiquitous in journalism and academic writing.

Subject of a Sentence: When the Constitution is the actor: 'قانون اساسی آزادی بیان را تضمین می‌کند' (The Constitution guarantees freedom of speech).
Object of a Verb: When an action is performed on it: 'مجلس باید قانون اساسی را رعایت کند' (The Parliament must observe the Constitution).

این مصوبه با قانون اساسی مغایرت دارد.
— This enactment is in conflict with the Constitution.

The phrase is often paired with verbs like تصویب کردن (to ratify), اصلاح کردن (to amend), نقض کردن (to violate), and تفسیر کردن (to interpret). For instance, 'The Guardian Council interprets the Constitution' would be شورای نگهبان قانون اساسی را تفسیر می‌کند. Note that in Persian, the word 'Asasi' (Fundamental) acts as an adjective modifying 'Qanun' (Law), joined by the invisible or short vowel 'e' (Ezafe).

او به قانون اساسی سوگند یاد کرد.
— He took an oath on the Constitution.

In complex sentences, you might see the phrase used to describe the nature of a government. 'نظام مشروطه بر پایه قانون اساسی استوار است' (The constitutional system is based on the Constitution). This highlights the word's role in defining the very essence of a state's political identity. It is also common in legal challenges: 'وکیل مدافع ادعا کرد که این حکم خلاف قانون اساسی است' (The defense lawyer claimed that this verdict is against the Constitution).

بسیاری از کشورها قانون اساسی خود را بازنگری کرده‌اند.
— Many countries have revised their Constitution.

Prepositional Usage: Common prepositions used: 'طبقِ' (according to), 'بر اساسِ' (based on), 'در' (in), and 'علیهِ' (against). Example: 'طبق قانون اساسی، آموزش رایگان است' (According to the constitution, education is free).

Finally, when discussing multiple nations, the plural form قوانین اساسی (Ghavanin-e Asasi) is used. 'قوانین اساسی کشورهای مختلف تفاوت‌های زیادی دارند' (The constitutions of different countries have many differences). Mastering these patterns will allow you to discuss politics and law with the precision expected of a B2 or C1 level speaker.

The term قانون اساسی is a staple of the Persian public sphere. If you turn on the news in Iran, Tajikistan, or Afghanistan (where the equivalent 'Qanon-e Asasi' is used), you are likely to hear it within the first ten minutes of a political broadcast. It is the language of the state, the judiciary, and the intelligentsia. Unlike some academic terms that remain confined to books, this phrase is part of the national consciousness.

Broadcast Media: News anchors frequently report on 'Constitutional Council' (Shora-ye Negahban) meetings or parliamentary sessions where the 'Constitutional compatibility' of a law is debated.
Educational Institutions: In universities, particularly in Law, Political Science, and History departments, 'Constitutional Law' (Hoquq-e Asasi) is a foundational course where this term is dissected daily.

گزارشگر گفت: مجلس در حال بررسی تطبیق این طرح با قانون اساسی است.
— The reporter said: The parliament is reviewing the compatibility of this plan with the Constitution.

In the streets, during times of political change or protest, you will see قانون اساسی written on banners or chanted in slogans. It becomes a tool for civil rights advocacy. Activists might demand the 'full implementation of the Constitution' (Ejray-e kamel-e Ghanun-e Asasi), highlighting that the word carries emotional and aspirational weight for the public, not just technical meaning for lawyers.

در تجمعات، مردم خواستار اجرای بدون تنازل قانون اساسی شدند.
— In the rallies, people demanded the uncompromising implementation of the Constitution.

In literature and historical documentaries, the term is used to discuss the 'Mashruteh' period. Authors like Ahmad Kasravi or Fereydun Adamiyat use it to describe the birth of modern Iranian political thought. Hearing it in these contexts provides a sense of the long-term struggle for justice (Edalat) and the establishment of the 'House of Justice' (Edalat-khaneh), which was the precursor to the parliament.

تاریخ‌نگار توضیح داد که چگونه قانون اساسی مشروطه تدوین شد.
— The historian explained how the Constitutional Revolution's constitution was drafted.

Official Oaths: During the inauguration of a President or the swearing-in of members of Parliament, the term is central to the oath of office, symbolizing their commitment to the legal framework of the nation.

Whether in the courtroom, the classroom, or the living room during the 9 PM news, قانون اساسی is a word that signals a shift to serious, consequential discussion. It is the vocabulary of citizenship and the rule of law.

Learning a high-level term like قانون اساسی comes with several pitfalls. The most common mistakes are usually related to confusing it with other types of laws or misapplying the grammar of the compound phrase. Because 'Qanun' is used for every type of regulation, learners often fail to distinguish the 'Fundamental Law' from 'Civil Law' or 'Criminal Law'.

Confusion with Civil Law: Many students confuse قانون اساسی (Constitution) with قانون مدنی (Civil Law). While the former deals with the structure of the state and basic rights, the latter deals with contracts, marriage, and property. You cannot use them interchangeably.
Ezafe Omission: In speaking, learners often forget the 'e' sound connecting the two words. Saying 'Ghanun Asasi' without the Ezafe sounds disjointed and incorrect. It must be 'Ghanun-e Asasi'.

اشتباه: این مسئله در قانون مدنی کشور آمده است. (در حالی که منظور قانون اساسی است)
— Mistake: This issue is in the Civil Law of the country. (When meaning the Constitution)

Another frequent error is the misplacement of the adjective. Some learners might try to say 'Asasi Qanun' following English word order (Fundamental Law). In Persian, the adjective follows the noun. Always remember: Noun (Qanun) + Ezafe (-e) + Adjective (Asasi).

درست: قانون اساسی | نادرست: اساسی قانون
— Correct: Ghanun-e Asasi | Incorrect: Asasi Ghanun

Finally, avoid using قانون اساسی when you just mean a 'basic rule' in a game or a household. For a simple rule, use 'Ghanun-e sade' or 'Ghaede'. 'Qanun-e Asasi' is strictly reserved for the macro-level legal framework of a nation. Using it for small things sounds overly dramatic or sarcastic.

او فکر می‌کند حرفش قانون اساسی است! (استفاده کنایه‌آمیز)
— He thinks his word is the Constitution! (Sarcastic usage)

Spelling Note: Make sure not to confuse 'Asasi' (اساسی) with 'Asami' (اسامی - names). It's a small visual difference but changes the meaning entirely.

While قانون اساسی is the standard term, there are several related words that you might encounter depending on the historical or legal context. Understanding the nuances between these can significantly elevate your Persian proficiency.

نظام‌نامه (Nezam-nameh): This is an older term, often used in the early 20th century to mean 'regulations' or 'statutes'. In the early days of the Constitutional Revolution, it was sometimes used to refer to the constitutional documents before the term 'Qanun-e Asasi' became fully standardized.
منشور (Manshur): Meaning 'Charter'. This is used for documents like the 'Charter of the United Nations' (Manshur-e Sazman-e Melal) or the 'Cyrus Cylinder' (Manshur-e Kourosh). It implies a foundational declaration of rights but isn't necessarily the governing document of a specific state's internal structure like a constitution is.

تفاوت قانون اساسی و منشور در دامنه اجرایی آن‌هاست.
— The difference between a constitution and a charter lies in their scope of implementation.

Another word is میثاق (Misaq), which means 'Covenant'. This is often used in international law, such as the 'International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights'. It carries a more solemn, almost religious or moral connotation of a binding promise. While a قانون اساسی is a 'Misaq' between the people and the state, 'Misaq' is the broader, more abstract term.

قانون اساسی میثاق ملی یک کشور است.
— The Constitution is the national covenant of a country.

In a more general sense, you might hear قانون پایه (Qanun-e Payeh), which is a literal translation of 'Basic Law'. While understood, it is much less common than 'Qanun-e Asasi' and is usually used only when translating foreign legal concepts that specifically use the phrase 'Basic Law' (like Germany's Grundgesetz).

Summary Table

قانون اساسی: Formal, state-level, governing document.
منشور: Charter, often international or rights-focused.
میثاق: Covenant, emphasizes the binding agreement.
نظام‌نامه: Older term for regulations/statutes.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

Before 'Qanun-e Asasi' became the standard term, some Persian speakers suggested using the word 'Dad-nameh' (Justice-letter) to sound more purely Persian, but the Arabic-derived term eventually won out due to its established use in Ottoman legal reforms.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ɡɒːnuːne æsɒːsiː/

US /ɡɑːnuːne æsɑːsiː/

The stress falls on the final syllable of 'Ghanun' and the final 'i' of 'Asasi'.

Rhymes With

سیاسی (Siyasi - Political) احساسی (Ehsasi - Emotional) شناسی (Shenasi - Knowledge/Suffix) حساسی (Hassasi - Sensitive) لباسی (Lebasi - Clothing-related) سپاسی (Sepasi - Thanking) ناسپاسی (Nasepasi - Ingratitude) اقتباسی (Eghtebasi - Derivative)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'Ghanun' like the English 'Cannon'.
Omitting the Ezafe 'e' between the two words.
Stressing the first syllable instead of the last.
Confusing the 'gh' (ق) sound with a 'k' sound.
Shortening the long 'i' at the end of 'Asasi'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 4/5

Requires familiarity with formal Persian vocabulary and the Ezafe construction.

Writing 5/5

Writing about this topic requires advanced grammar and knowledge of political terminology.

Speaking 3/5

The phrase itself is easy to say, but using it in a coherent argument is challenging.

Listening 4/5

Often heard in fast-paced news broadcasts with other complex words.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

قانون اساس دولت مجلس حق

Learn Next

حاکمیت تفکیک قوا رفراندوم لایحه مصوبه

Advanced

هرمنوتیک حقوقی مشروطیت تئوکراسی سکولاریسم حقوق شهروندی

Grammar to Know

Ezafe Construction

قانونِ اساسی (Ghanun-e Asasi)

Adjective Placement

قانون (Noun) + اساسی (Adjective)

Compound Nouns

قانون اساسی functions as a single unit of meaning.

Formal Plurals

قوانین (Plural of Qanun)

Subjunctive with 'Bayad'

باید به قانون اساسی احترام گذاشت.

Examples by Level

این قانون اساسی است.

This is the constitution.

Simple subject-predicate sentence.

قانون اساسی مهم است.

The constitution is important.

Adjective 'mohem' modifying the noun phrase.

من قانون اساسی را دیدم.

I saw the constitution.

Direct object with 'ra'.

کتاب قانون اساسی کجاست؟

Where is the constitution book?

Question form.

او قانون اساسی را می‌خواند.

He reads the constitution.

Present continuous sense.

ایران قانون اساسی دارد.

Iran has a constitution.

Possession with 'dashtan'.

این یک قانون اساسی جدید است.

This is a new constitution.

Indefinite 'yek' and adjective 'jadid'.

ما به قانون اساسی نیاز داریم.

We need the constitution.

Verb 'niyaz dashtan' with preposition 'be'.

همه باید به قانون اساسی احترام بگذارند.

Everyone must respect the constitution.

Modal 'bayad' with subjunctive.

قانون اساسی حقوق ما را می‌گوید.

The constitution tells our rights.

Simple present 'miguyad'.

او درباره قانون اساسی سوال کرد.

He asked about the constitution.

Preposition 'darbare-ye'.

قانون اساسی در تلویزیون بود.

The constitution was on TV.

Past tense 'bud'.

این قانون اساسی خیلی قدیمی است.

This constitution is very old.

Adverb 'kheyli'.

ما در مدرسه قانون اساسی را یاد می‌گیریم.

We learn the constitution in school.

Compound verb 'yad gereftan'.

رئیس‌جمهور قانون اساسی را امضا کرد.

The president signed the constitution.

Past tense 'emza kard'.

آیا شما قانون اساسی را خوانده‌اید؟

Have you read the constitution?

Present perfect question.

قانون اساسی ضامن آزادی‌های فردی است.

The constitution is the guarantor of individual freedoms.

Abstract noun 'zamen'.

هیچ قانونی نباید با قانون اساسی مخالف باشد.

No law should be contrary to the constitution.

Negative 'hich' with 'nabayad'.

مردم برای داشتن قانون اساسی مبارزه کردند.

People fought to have a constitution.

Gerund 'dashtan' after 'baraye'.

در قانون اساسی، وظایف دولت مشخص شده است.

In the constitution, the duties of the government are specified.

Passive voice 'moshakhas shode ast'.

تغییر دادن قانون اساسی کار آسانی نیست.

Changing the constitution is not an easy task.

Compound subject with 'taghyir dadan'.

شورای نگهبان بر اجرای قانون اساسی نظارت می‌کند.

The Guardian Council oversees the implementation of the constitution.

Verb 'nezarat kardan' with 'bar'.

هر کشوری قانون اساسی خاص خود را دارد.

Every country has its own specific constitution.

Reflexive 'khod'.

او یک نسخه از قانون اساسی را در خانه دارد.

He has a copy of the constitution at home.

Noun 'noskhe' (copy).

تفکیک قوا یکی از اصول بنیادین قانون اساسی است.

The separation of powers is one of the fundamental principles of the constitution.

Superlative sense with 'yaki az'.

قانون اساسی مشروطه نقطه عطفی در تاریخ ایران بود.

The Constitutional Revolution's constitution was a turning point in Iranian history.

Idiomatic 'noghte-ye atf'.

حق حاکمیت ملی در قانون اساسی به رسمیت شناخته شده است.

The right to national sovereignty is recognized in the constitution.

Passive phrase 'be rasmiyat shenakhte shode'.

نمایندگان مجلس به قانون اساسی سوگند وفاداری یاد می‌کنند.

Members of Parliament take an oath of loyalty to the constitution.

Compound verb 'sogand yad kardan'.

تفسیر قانون اساسی بر عهده نهادهای خاصی است.

The interpretation of the constitution is the responsibility of specific institutions.

Phrase 'bar ohde-ye' (responsibility of).

هرگونه تخطی از قانون اساسی پیگرد قانونی دارد.

Any violation of the constitution has legal consequences.

Formal word 'takhatti' (violation).

قانون اساسی چارچوب کلی نظام سیاسی را تعیین می‌کند.

The constitution determines the general framework of the political system.

Noun 'charchoub' (framework).

بازنگری در قانون اساسی در سال ۱۳۶۸ انجام شد.

The revision of the constitution took place in 1989.

Noun 'baznegari' (revision).

اصول قانون اساسی باید با مقتضیات زمان تطبیق داده شوند.

The principles of the constitution must be adapted to the requirements of the time.

Complex passive 'tatbiq dade shavand'.

حاکمیت قانون بدون یک قانون اساسی مقتدر میسر نیست.

The rule of law is not possible without a powerful constitution.

Formal adjective 'moyassar' (possible).

قانون اساسی تجلی اراده جمعی یک ملت برای عدالت است.

The constitution is the manifestation of the collective will of a nation for justice.

Metaphorical 'tajalli' (manifestation).

برخی حقوقدانان معتقد به قرائت دموکراتیک از قانون اساسی هستند.

Some jurists believe in a democratic reading of the constitution.

Noun 'ghera'at' (reading/interpretation).

صیانت از قانون اساسی از وظایف اصلی دیوان عالی است.

Safeguarding the constitution is one of the main duties of the Supreme Court.

Formal noun 'siyanat' (safeguarding).

قانون اساسی مرز میان استبداد و مردم‌سالاری را ترسیم می‌کند.

The constitution draws the line between tyranny and democracy.

Verb 'tarsim kardan' (to draw/sketch).

ابهامات موجود در قانون اساسی می‌تواند منجر به بحران‌های سیاسی شود.

Existing ambiguities in the constitution can lead to political crises.

Noun 'ebhamat' (ambiguities).

قانون اساسی نباید ابزاری برای تثبیت قدرت حاکمان باشد.

The constitution should not be a tool for stabilizing the power of rulers.

Gerund 'tasbit' (stabilizing).

هرمنوتیک حقوقی در مواجهه با متون قانون اساسی اهمیت بسزایی دارد.

Legal hermeneutics is of great importance when dealing with constitutional texts.

High-level academic vocabulary.

مشروعیت سیاسی نظام‌ها در گرو پایبندی به قانون اساسی است.

The political legitimacy of systems depends on adherence to the constitution.

Idiomatic 'dar gerow-ye' (depends on).

قانون اساسی باید به مثابه یک موجود زنده و پویا تلقی شود.

The constitution should be regarded as a living and dynamic entity.

Simile 'be masabe-ye'.

تضاد دیالکتیکی میان نص و روح قانون اساسی همواره مورد بحث بوده است.

The dialectical conflict between the letter and the spirit of the constitution has always been debated.

Technical terms 'nas' and 'ruh'.

فلسفه حقوق زیربنای تدوین هر قانون اساسی مدرنی محسوب می‌شود.

Legal philosophy is considered the foundation for drafting any modern constitution.

Passive 'mahsoub mishavad'.

قانون اساسی بازتاب‌دهنده توازن قوای اجتماعی در زمان نگارش آن است.

The constitution reflects the balance of social forces at the time of its writing.

Participle 'baztab-dahande'.

گذار به دموکراسی مستلزم نهادینه‌سازی ارزش‌های قانون اساسی است.

The transition to democracy requires the institutionalization of constitutional values.

Verb 'mostalzem' (requires).

اصالت‌گرایی در تفسیر قانون اساسی یکی از رویکردهای چالش‌برانگیز است.

Originalism in interpreting the constitution is one of the challenging approaches.

Complex noun 'esalat-gara'i'.

Common Collocations

اصلاح قانون اساسی

نقض قانون اساسی

طبق قانون اساسی

تفسیر قانون اساسی

وفاداری به قانون اساسی

بازنگری قانون اساسی

مغایرت با قانون اساسی

اجرای قانون اساسی

اصول قانون اساسی

پیش‌نویس قانون اساسی

Common Phrases

قانون اساسی مشروطه

— Referring to the 1906 constitution of Iran.

قانون اساسی مشروطه اولین قانون اساسی ایران بود.

قانون اساسی جمهوری اسلامی

— The current constitution of Iran established in 1979.

قانون اساسی جمهوری اسلامی دارای ۱۷۷ اصل است.

فصل اول قانون اساسی

— The first chapter of the constitution.

فصل اول قانون اساسی به اصول کلی می‌پردازد.

تطبیق با قانون اساسی

— Ensuring a law matches the constitution.

تطبیق قوانین با قانون اساسی ضروری است.

حفاظت از قانون اساسی

— Protecting the constitution from being ignored or changed illegally.

همه نهادها باید در حفاظت از قانون اساسی کوشا باشند.

روح قانون اساسی

— The underlying intent or philosophy of the constitution.

باید به روح قانون اساسی توجه کرد، نه فقط به کلمات آن.

تخطی از قانون اساسی

— Stepping outside the boundaries of the constitution.

هیچ مقامی حق تخطی از قانون اساسی را ندارد.

متمم قانون اساسی

— The amendment or supplement to the constitution.

متمم قانون اساسی مشروطه بخش‌های مهمی را اضافه کرد.

حقوق مصرح در قانون اساسی

— Rights explicitly stated in the constitution.

دولت باید به حقوق مصرح در قانون اساسی احترام بگذارد.

همه‌پرسی قانون اساسی

— A referendum to approve or change the constitution.

همه‌پرسی قانون اساسی در فروردین ۱۳۵۸ برگزار شد.

Often Confused With

قانون اساسی vs قانون مدنی

Civil law (contracts, family) vs Constitutional law (state structure).

قانون اساسی vs قانون مجازات

Penal code (crimes and punishments) vs Constitutional law.

قانون اساسی vs آیین‌نامه

Bylaws or specific regulations vs the supreme Constitution.

Idioms & Expressions

"حرفش قانون اساسی است"

— Used sarcastically to say someone thinks their opinion is absolute and unchallengeable.

فکر نکن هر چه می‌گویی قانون اساسی است!

Informal

"خط قرمز قانون اساسی"

— The absolute limits defined by the constitution that cannot be crossed.

استقلال کشور خط قرمز قانون اساسی است.

Political

"ستون فقرات قانون اساسی"

— The most essential and central parts of the constitution.

حقوق ملت ستون فقرات قانون اساسی ماست.

Journalistic

"مادر قوانین"

— Referring to the constitution as the source of all other laws.

قانون اساسی مادر قوانین کشور محسوب می‌شود.

Formal

"چتر قانون اساسی"

— The protection or scope provided by the constitution to all citizens.

همه اقوام زیر چتر قانون اساسی هستند.

Political

"میثاق خون"

— Sometimes used to describe the constitution as a document signed with the blood of martyrs (in revolutionary contexts).

این قانون اساسی میثاق خون شهیدان است.

Ideological

"دیوار کوتاه قانون اساسی"

— Used when the constitution is easily blamed or ignored (rare, but used in critiques).

نباید اجازه داد قانون اساسی به دیوار کوتاهی تبدیل شود.

Critical

"زیر پا گذاشتن قانون اساسی"

— To completely ignore or trample upon the constitution.

آنها با این کار قانون اساسی را زیر پا گذاشتند.

General

"نور چشمی قانون اساسی"

— A specific right or group that is highly favored or protected by the constitution.

عدالت اجتماعی نور چشمی قانون اساسی ماست.

Literary

"فصل‌الخطاب بودن قانون اساسی"

— The constitution being the final word in any dispute.

در اختلافات سیاسی، قانون اساسی باید فصل‌الخطاب باشد.

Formal

Easily Confused

قانون اساسی vs اساسی

It can mean 'fundamental' in any context.

'Asasi' is an adjective. 'Qanun-e Asasi' is the specific noun for Constitution.

این یک مشکل اساسی است (This is a fundamental problem).

قانون اساسی vs قانون

A general word for any law.

All 'Qanun-e Asasi' are 'Qanun', but not all 'Qanun' are 'Asasi'.

قانون راهنمایی و رانندگی (Traffic law).

قانون اساسی vs منشور

Both are foundational documents.

A 'Manshur' is a charter (like UN), 'Qanun-e Asasi' is a state's internal law.

منشور حقوق بشر (Charter of Human rights).

قانون اساسی vs نظام‌نامه

Historical overlap.

Nezam-nameh is mostly for specific organizational rules now.

نظام‌نامه داخلی شرکت (Company's internal regulations).

قانون اساسی vs فرمان

Both relate to power.

A 'Farman' is a specific decree by a ruler; a 'Qanun-e Asasi' is a systematic framework.

فرمان پادشاه (The King's decree).

Sentence Patterns

من [قانون اساسی] را دوست دارم.

من قانون اساسی را دوست دارم.

طبق [قانون اساسی]، ما حق داریم...

طبق قانون اساسی، ما حق داریم رای بدهیم.

[قانون اساسی] چارچوبِ [نظام] را مشخص می‌کند.

قانون اساسی چارچوب نظام را مشخص می‌کند.

تطبیقِ [قوانین] با [قانون اساسی] بر عهده [نهاد] است.

تطبیق قوانین با قانون اساسی بر عهده شورای نگهبان است.

هرگونه [تأویل] از [قانون اساسی] باید [روشمند] باشد.

هرگونه تأویل از قانون اساسی باید روشمند باشد.

او به [قانون اساسی] سوگند یاد کرد.

او به قانون اساسی سوگند یاد کرد.

این کار [نقضِ] قانون اساسی است.

این کار نقض قانون اساسی است.

این کتابِ [قانون اساسی] است.

این کتاب قانون اساسی است.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

High in formal contexts; Low in casual street talk.

Common Mistakes

Using 'Qanun-e Madani' for Constitution. → Qanun-e Asasi
Madani means Civil. Asasi means Fundamental/Constitutional.
Saying 'Asasi Qanun'. → Qanun-e Asasi
Persian adjectives follow the noun.
Omitting the Ezafe. → Ghanun-e Asasi
The Ezafe is required to link the noun and adjective.
Using it for a small club's rules. → Asas-nameh
Qanun-e Asasi is only for sovereign states.
Pluralizing as 'Qanun-e Asasi-ha'. → Ghavanin-e Asasi
Use the broken plural of the noun 'Qanun'.

Tips

The Ezafe

Always remember the short 'e' sound between 'Ghanun' and 'Asasi'. Without it, you are just saying two separate words: 'Law' and 'Fundamental'.

Asas vs Asasi

Asas is the noun (foundation). Asasi is the adjective (fundamental). The constitution is the fundamental law.

Mashruteh

Learning about the 'Mashruteh' period will give you a lot of context for how this word is used in Iranian history books.

Clarity

Speak the word clearly. It’s a high-status word, and slurring it might make you sound less proficient than you are.

Specific Contexts

Only use this word for countries. For anything else (clubs, schools, companies), use 'Asas-nameh'.

Formal Documents

In formal letters, the first letter of each word isn't capitalized (since Persian has no capitals), but the phrase is often given its own space or bolded.

Identify the 'Asl'

When you hear 'Asl-e... Ghanun-e Asasi', they are talking about a specific Article of the Constitution.

The Base

Think: 'Asasi' sounds like 'A-Base-y'. It's the 'Base Law'.

CEFR Level

Don't worry if you don't use it every day. It's a B2 word meant for discussing complex topics like politics and society.

Evolution

Remember that the word has stayed the same even though the government systems changed in 1979.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Ghanun' as a 'Cannon' (a heavy law) and 'Asasi' as the 'Asas' (Foundation). The 'Cannon of the Foundation' is the Constitution.

Visual Association

Imagine a giant stone building (The State). At the very bottom, in the foundation stones, the words 'Qanun-e Asasi' are carved in gold. Without these stones, the whole building falls.

Word Web

Sovereignty Parliament Rights Articles Amendment Justice Democracy State

Challenge

Try to write three sentences explaining what the most important right is in your country's قانون اساسی. Use the phrase 'طبق قانون اساسی' (According to the constitution) at least once.

Word Origin

The word 'قانون' (Qanun) entered Persian from Arabic, which borrowed it from the Greek 'kanōn' (κανών), meaning a 'measuring rod' or 'rule'. The word 'اساسی' (Asasi) is the adjectival form of 'اساس' (Asas), which is an Arabic word meaning 'foundation' or 'base'.

Original meaning: The 'Fundamental Measuring Rod' or the 'Basic Rule'.

Semitic (Arabic) roots integrated into Indo-European (Persian) grammar.

Cultural Context

Discussions about the Constitution in Iran can be politically sensitive. It is best to use the term in a purely linguistic or historical context if you are unsure of your audience's political leanings.

In English-speaking countries, 'The Constitution' is often treated with almost religious reverence (especially in the US). In Persian, while respected, the term is often discussed more in terms of its 'full implementation' or 'revision' due to the different political histories of the region.

The 1906 Iranian Constitution (Mashruteh) The 1979 Constitution of the Islamic Republic The 2004 Constitution of Afghanistan (historical context)

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

News and Media

خبرنگار از قانون اساسی گفت.
بحث بر سر قانون اساسی است.
تیتر اول درباره قانون اساسی بود.
گزارش ویژه از قانون اساسی.

University / Academic

استاد قانون اساسی را تحلیل کرد.
واحد حقوق قانون اساسی.
مقاله درباره تاریخ قانون اساسی.
سمینار بررسی قانون اساسی.

Legal / Courtroom

وکیل به قانون اساسی استناد کرد.
حکم بر خلاف قانون اساسی است.
تفسیر رسمی از قانون اساسی.
رعایت سلسله مراتب قانون اساسی.

Political Debates

ما باید قانون اساسی را اصلاح کنیم.
این حزب به قانون اساسی پایبند نیست.
ظرفیت‌های مغفول قانون اساسی.
میثاق ما قانون اساسی است.

Historical Discussion

جنبش مشروطه و قانون اساسی.
امضای قانون اساسی توسط شاه.
تغییرات قانون اساسی در طول زمان.
نقش علما در تدوین قانون اساسی.

Conversation Starters

"آیا می‌دانستید که ایران اولین کشور در خاورمیانه بود که قانون اساسی داشت؟"

"به نظر شما مهم‌ترین اصل در قانون اساسی یک کشور چیست؟"

"آیا تا به حال متن کامل قانون اساسی کشورتان را خوانده‌اید؟"

"چگونه می‌توان قانون اساسی را با نیازهای دنیای امروز هماهنگ کرد؟"

"نقش قانون اساسی در حفاظت از حقوق اقلیت‌ها چیست؟"

Journal Prompts

اگر می‌توانستید یک اصل به قانون اساسی اضافه کنید، آن اصل چه بود و چرا؟

تفاوت بین داشتن یک قانون اساسی خوب و اجرای درست آن را توضیح دهید.

احساس خود را در مورد اهمیت قانون‌مداری در جامعه بنویسید.

یک روز را تصور کنید که در آن هیچ قانون اساسی وجود ندارد؛ چه اتفاقی می‌افتد؟

درباره تاریخچه مبارزات مردم برای رسیدن به قانون اساسی در کشورتان تحقیق کنید و بنویسید.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Qanun is a general term for any law or regulation. Qanun-e Asasi specifically refers to the Constitution, which is the highest law in a country's legal hierarchy.

No, for a company, you should use 'Asas-nameh' (Articles of Association) or 'A'in-nameh' (Regulations). Qanun-e Asasi is only for nations.

Yes, it is highly formal and used in professional, legal, and academic settings.

You can say 'Asasi' (as in Hoquq-e Asasi - Constitutional Law) or use the phrase 'Mashruteh' in historical contexts.

The plural is 'Ghavanin-e Asasi' (قوانین اساسی).

According to the document itself, the 'Shora-ye Negahban' (Guardian Council) is responsible for its interpretation.

In the context of 'The Constitution', yes. 'Asasi' means fundamental, so 'Fundamental Law' is the literal meaning.

In very informal notes, people might just write 'ق.ا.', but it is never abbreviated in speech or formal writing.

An 'Estebdad' (Tyranny) or 'Hokumat-e Khodkameh' (Autocratic government).

The word itself is secular/legal, but in the context of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Qanun-e Asasi is heavily based on Islamic principles.