قبض in 30 Seconds
- Ghabz is the standard Persian word for a utility bill (electricity, water, gas) or a fine ticket issued by authorities.
- It differs from 'resid' (receipt) because a ghabz is often the request for payment, while a resid is the proof of payment.
- In legal terms, it refers to the act of taking possession of an item, which is crucial in many Iranian contracts.
- In spiritual and literary contexts, it describes a state of emotional or spiritual 'contraction' or sadness, paired with 'bast' (expansion).
The Persian word قبض (pronounced 'ghabz') is a multifaceted noun that primarily refers to a document acknowledging the receipt of payment or services, most commonly associated with utility bills in modern Iranian society. At its core, the word originates from Arabic, meaning 'to seize' or 'to take hold of.' In a practical, everyday context for an A2 learner, think of it as the physical or digital paper that tells you how much you owe for electricity, water, or gas. However, its semantic range extends far beyond the mailbox. It encompasses legal possession, physiological states, and even profound mystical experiences in Sufi philosophy.
- Utility Context
- The most frequent use: 'قبض برق' (Electricity bill) or 'قبض تلفن' (Phone bill).
- Legal Context
- Refers to the act of taking possession of a property or item after a transaction.
- Spiritual Context
- In Sufism, 'Ghabz' represents a state of spiritual contraction or 'dark night of the soul,' contrasted with 'Bast' (expansion).
"ببخشید، قبض آب را کجا باید پرداخت کنم؟" (Excuse me, where should I pay the water bill?)
Understanding 'Ghabz' requires recognizing that it is not just a 'receipt' (which is usually 'resid'). A 'resid' is what you get *after* you pay; a 'ghabz' is often the demand for payment or the official voucher used to facilitate that payment. In historical texts, you might see it used to describe the grip of a hand on a sword hilt (قبضه شمشیر), showing the root meaning of 'grasping.' This physical grasping evolved into the legal grasping of property and the financial grasping of a debt record.
او قبض انبار را به من داد. (He gave me the warehouse receipt/voucher.)
- Medical Nuance
- In traditional medicine, it refers to astringency or constipation (contraction of the bowels).
Using قبض correctly depends heavily on the verb it is paired with. For general learners, the most important collocations involve payment and issuance. To 'pay a bill,' we use 'پرداخت کردن' (pardākht kardan) or 'تسویه کردن' (tasviye kardan). To 'issue a bill,' the verb is 'صادر کردن' (sāder kardan). If you are at a parking lot or a warehouse, you might 'receive' a 'ghabz' (تحویل گرفتن).
آیا قبض جریمه را پرداخت کردی؟ (Did you pay the fine/ticket?)
In legal and formal Persian, 'ghabz' is used in the phrase 'قبض و اقباض' (ghabz o eghbāz), which refers to the mutual delivery and receipt of goods in a contract. This is a high-level term used in real estate or major trade. For a student, sticking to utility bills is the safest bet. Note that 'ghabz' is a noun, but it can act as a modifier in compound nouns like 'قبضرسید' (receipt voucher).
- Common Verbs
- Pardākhtan (To pay), Gereftan (To take/receive), Gom kardan (To lose).
When discussing the spiritual or psychological state of 'contraction,' the verb 'دچار ... شدن' (dochār ... shodan) is often used. 'او دچار قبض شده است' means he is in a state of spiritual desolation or creative block. This shows the incredible versatility of the word from the mundane (paying for water) to the metaphysical (the state of the heart).
You will encounter قبض in several distinct environments. The most common is the domestic sphere. Iranian families frequently discuss 'ghabz' when the monthly expenses arrive. You might hear a father asking, 'قبض برق این ماه چقدر شده؟' (How much is the electricity bill this month?). In the digital age, you will see this word in banking apps (اپلیکیشنهای بانکی) under the section 'پرداخت قبوض' (Payment of bills - 'ghobouz' is the Arabic plural).
شناسه قبض را وارد کنید. (Enter the bill ID.)
Another common place is the post office or a government 'Pishkhan' office. When you send a parcel, the clerk hands you a 'ghabz' which serves as your tracking document and proof of payment. In traffic situations, if a policeman pulls you over, the ticket he writes is a 'ghabz-e jarimeh' (fine bill). In literature and classical poetry (like Rumi or Hafez), you will hear 'ghabz' used to describe the tightening of the heart, a sophisticated emotional state.
- ATM/Bank
- You will see 'پرداخت قبض' on every ATM screen in Iran.
- Parking Lots
- The small slip of paper given at entry is a 'ghabz'.
The most frequent mistake for English speakers is confusing قبض with رسید (resid). While both can be translated as 'receipt,' they are used at different stages of a transaction. A 'ghabz' is usually the document that *requests* payment or represents an *outstanding* voucher (like a bill or a parking slip). A 'resid' is the document you receive *after* the money has changed hands to prove the transaction is complete.
Incorrect: من قبض خرید نان را دارم. (I have the 'bill' for buying bread - usually 'resid' is better here for a store receipt.)
Another mistake is using 'ghabz' for a restaurant bill. In a restaurant, it is more common to ask for the 'صورتحساب' (soorat-hesāb) or 'فاکتور' (fāktor). Using 'ghabz' in a cafe might sound slightly unnatural, though understandable. Additionally, learners often forget that the plural of 'ghabz' in formal contexts is the irregular Arabic plural 'قبوض' (ghobouz), though 'قبضها' is acceptable in casual speech.
To master قبض, you must distinguish it from its synonyms. صورتحساب (soorat-hesāb) is the most direct synonym for 'invoice' or 'statement.' It is used in business and banking. فاکتور (fāktor) is borrowed from French/English and is used specifically for commercial invoices listing items purchased.
- رسید (Resid)
- A receipt given after payment. Focuses on the 'arrival' of money.
- بیجک (Bijak)
- An old-fashioned or bazaar term for a waybill or memo of goods.
- حواله (Havāleh)
- A money order or transfer slip.
In the context of 'contraction,' synonyms include تنگی (tangi - tightness) or انقباض (enghibāz - scientific/medical contraction). While 'ghabz' is used for spiritual contraction, 'enghibāz' is used for muscle contractions. Understanding these nuances prevents you from using a spiritual term in a biology class or a utility term in a business meeting.
How Formal Is It?
Difficulty Rating
Grammar to Know
Ezafe construction
Compound verbs with 'kardan'
Arabic irregular plurals
Examples by Level
این قبض چیست؟
What is this bill?
Simple subject-predicate structure.
قبض آب کجاست؟
Where is the water bill?
Interrogative sentence.
من قبض دارم.
I have a bill.
Verb 'dāshtan' (to have).
قبض برق گران است.
The electricity bill is expensive.
Adjective usage.
این قبض من است.
This is my bill.
Possessive 'man'.
قبض را بده.
Give the bill.
Imperative mood.
یک قبض روی میز است.
There is a bill on the table.
Existential 'ast'.
او قبض را دید.
He saw the bill.
Past tense.
من قبض تلفن را پرداخت کردم.
I paid the phone bill.
Compound verb 'pardākht kardan'.
باید این قبض را به بانک ببری.
You must take this bill to the bank.
Modal verb 'bāyad'.
آیا قبض گاز را آوردی؟
Did you bring the gas bill?
Question in past tense.
قبض جریمه خیلی زیاد بود.
The fine bill was very high.
Intensifier 'kheyli'.
او قبض را در جیبش گذاشت.
He put the bill in his pocket.
Preposition 'dar'.
ما هر ماه سه قبض داریم.
We have three bills every month.
Plurality and frequency.
لطفاً قبض را به من نشان بده.
Please show me the bill.
Polite imperative.
او قبض انبار را گم کرد.
He lost the warehouse receipt.
Compound noun 'ghabz-e anbār'.
شناسه قبض روی برگه نوشته شده است.
The bill ID is written on the sheet.
Passive voice 'neveshte shode ast'.
بدون قبض نمیتوانی کالا را تحویل بگیری.
Without the voucher, you cannot take delivery of the goods.
Conditional 'bedoon-e'.
او برای پرداخت قبوض از اپلیکیشن استفاده میکند.
He uses an app to pay the bills.
Arabic plural 'ghobouz'.
قبض پارکینگ را گم نکن.
Don't lose the parking slip.
Negative imperative.
این قبض نشاندهنده پرداخت شماست.
This voucher represents your payment.
Present participle 'neshān-dahandeh'.
مهلت پرداخت این قبض تمام شده است.
The deadline for paying this bill has expired.
Noun phrase 'mohlat-e pardākht'.
صادر کردن قبض جدید زمان میبرد.
Issuing a new bill takes time.
Gerund 'sāder kardan'.
او قبض را به دقت بررسی کرد.
He examined the bill carefully.
Adverbial phrase 'be deghat'.
در حقوق، قبض شرط صحت برخی قراردادهاست.
In law, possession is a condition for the validity of some contracts.
Legal terminology.
او در حالت قبض روحی به سر میبرد.
He is in a state of spiritual contraction.
Metaphorical usage.
قبض و اقباض در معامله ملک ضروری است.
Delivery and receipt are essential in a real estate transaction.
Paired nouns (ghabz o eghbāz).
نویسنده دچار قبض خلاقیت شده بود.
The writer was suffering from a creative block (contraction of creativity).
Abstract usage.
این قبض به منزله مالکیت شماست.
This voucher is equivalent to your ownership.
Formal phrase 'be manzaleh-ye'.
دولت برای کنترل مصرف، قبوض را پلکانی کرد.
The government made bills tiered to control consumption.
Economic context.
او قبضه شمشیر را محکم گرفت.
He gripped the hilt of the sword firmly.
Related word 'ghabzeh'.
قبض مالیاتی او بسیار سنگین بود.
His tax assessment/bill was very heavy.
Compound noun.
عارفان معتقدند که قبض و بسط دو بال سلوک هستند.
Mystics believe that contraction and expansion are the two wings of the spiritual journey.
Philosophical terminology.
مفهوم قبض در فقه اسلامی ابعاد پیچیدهای دارد.
The concept of 'ghabz' (taking possession) in Islamic jurisprudence has complex dimensions.
Academic register.
او در قبض و بسط روزگار، آرامش خود را حفظ کرد.
In the ups and downs (contraction and expansion) of life, he maintained his calm.
Idiomatic literary usage.
قبض روح در ادبیات کلاسیک به معنای مرگ است.
The seizing of the soul in classical literature means death.
Thematic analysis.
این ملک در قبض قدرت اوست.
This property is within the grasp of his power.
Metaphorical 'grasp'.
او به قبض و اقباض ثمن معامله اعتراض کرد.
He objected to the delivery and receipt of the transaction price.
Advanced legal phrasing.
تجربه قبض میتواند مقدمهای برای بسط باشد.
The experience of contraction can be a prelude to expansion.
Abstract logic.
قبض و بسط تئوریک شریعت، کتابی از سروش است.
The Theoretical Contraction and Expansion of Sharia is a book by Soroush.
Proper noun/Title.
تحقق هبه منوط به قبض موهوبه است.
The realization of a gift is contingent upon the taking possession of the gifted item.
Archaic legal syntax.
در این مقام، قبض بر بسط غلبه مییابد.
In this station (spiritual), contraction overcomes expansion.
High-level mystical discourse.
قبض ید در دعاوی تصرف عدوانی نقش کلیدی دارد.
The 'grasp of the hand' (possession) plays a key role in forced entry/possession lawsuits.
Specialized legal jargon.
او با قبضهای آهنین بر کشور حکومت میکرد.
He ruled the country with an iron fist (grip).
Political metaphor.
شاعر از قبض دل در فراق یار میگوید.
The poet speaks of the heart's contraction in the absence of the beloved.
Poetic sentiment.
قبض و بسط مدرنیته در جوامع سنتی مشهود است.
The contraction and expansion of modernity is evident in traditional societies.
Sociological analysis.
وی در قبض و اقباض مبیع تعلل ورزید.
He hesitated in the delivery and receipt of the sold item.
Formal verb 'ta'allol varzidan'.
قبض در لغت به معنای گرفتن و در اصطلاح به معنای تصرف است.
Ghabz literally means taking and technically means possession.
Definitional structure.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
Often Confused With
Idioms & Expressions
Easily Confused
Sentence Patterns
How to Use It
Used for warehouse and shipping vouchers.
Essential for living in an Iranian household.
Key term in 'Erfan' (Gnosticism).
- Using 'ghabz' for a store receipt.
- Saying 'ghabz dādan' for paying a bill.
- Confusing 'ghabz' with 'gharz' (debt).
- Using 'ghabz' for a restaurant check.
- Mispronouncing it as 'Gabz'.
Tips
Bill vs. Receipt
Remember: Ghabz is the bill you get *before* paying. Resid is the receipt you get *after* paying. Don't mix them up at the store! Using the wrong one might confuse the clerk.
Digital Bills
In Iran, keep your 'Shenaseh Ghabz' in your phone notes. Since paper bills are rare, having the ID ready makes paying much faster. Most people pay all their bills at once at the end of the month.
Spiritual Moods
If you feel down or uninspired, you can poetically say you are in a state of 'ghabz'. It's a sophisticated way to describe a 'blue' mood. It implies that a state of 'bast' (joy) will eventually follow.
Compound Verbs
Always pair 'ghabz' with 'pardākht kardan' for paying. For receiving, use 'gereftan' or 'tahvil gereftan'. This makes your Persian sound natural and fluent. Avoid using simple 'dādan' for paying bills.
The 'Gh' Sound
The 'Gh' in 'Ghabz' is a voiced uvular fricative. It's similar to the French 'r' but deeper in the throat. Practice saying it without making it sound like a 'G' or a 'K'. It's the same sound as in 'Ghom'.
Possession is Key
In legal contexts, 'ghabz' is about 'taking'. If you buy a house, the 'ghabz' of the keys is a symbolic act of taking possession. It's more than just a piece of paper; it's a legal transition. This is vital in Iranian property law.
The Grab Mnemonic
Think: 'I GRAB the GHABZ'. The sounds are similar. You grab the bill from the mailbox. This simple association helps you remember the word's meaning and sound simultaneously.
Formal Plurals
When writing an email to a landlord or a company, use 'قبوض' (ghobouz). It shows a higher level of education and respect for the language's formal structures. 'Ghabz-ha' is strictly for casual talk.
Store Vouchers
If you leave an item for repair, the slip they give you is a 'ghabz'. You must present this 'ghabz' to get your item back. It acts as your claim check. Always keep it in a safe place.
Arabic Roots
Knowing the root Q-B-D (to seize) helps you understand related words like 'ghabzeh' (handle) and 'enghibāz' (contraction). It's a very productive root in Persian. It connects physical, legal, and spiritual concepts.
Memorize It
Word Origin
Arabic
Cultural Context
The concept of Ghabz (sadness/contraction) is seen as a necessary stage for spiritual growth.
In a restaurant, never call the bill a 'ghabz'; use 'soorat-hesab' to be polite.
Paper bills are being phased out in Iran in favor of SMS notifications.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Conversation Starters
"آیا قبض برق این ماه شما هم زیاد آمده؟"
"چطور میتوانم قبوضم را آنلاین پرداخت کنم؟"
"آیا تا به حال قبض جریمه گرفتهاید؟"
"به نظر شما قبض و بسط روحی برای هنرمندان لازم است؟"
"تفاوت قبض و رسید در چیست؟"
Journal Prompts
امروز چه قبضهایی را پرداخت کردی؟
درباره زمانی بنویس که قبض جریمه گرفتی و ناراحت شدی.
آیا امروز احساس 'قبض' (دلتنگی) داری یا 'بسط' (شادی)؟
اهمیت قبض و اقباض در یک معامله عادلانه چیست؟
چرا دولتها قبضهای کاغذی را حذف میکنند؟
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, in many contexts, especially utilities, 'ghabz' acts as an invoice. However, for business sales, 'fāktor' is more common. 'Ghabz' implies an official or government-issued demand. It is widely used for electricity and water. In modern Persian, it is the standard term for these bills.
It's better to use 'soorat-hesāb'. While people will understand you, 'ghabz' sounds a bit like you're being fined by the restaurant! Stick to 'soorat-hesāb' or 'fāktor' in commercial settings. 'Ghabz' is more for services or official vouchers. It has a slightly more formal or administrative tone.
It is a famous pair of concepts in Sufism. 'Ghabz' is spiritual contraction (feeling distant from God/uninspired), and 'Bast' is expansion (feeling joyful/connected). It's a psychological cycle. Poets often use this to describe their internal states. It is considered a natural part of the human experience.
You usually need the 'Shenāseh Ghabz' (Bill ID) and 'Shenāseh Pardākht' (Payment ID). You can pay via ATMs, mobile apps, or USSD codes. Most people now use apps like 'Apart' or '724'. Paper bills are rarely used now. You will receive the details via SMS.
Literally 'the seizing of the soul.' It is a formal or poetic way to say someone died. It refers to the Angel of Death taking the soul. It can also be used hyperbolically to mean being extremely terrified. For example, 'I was so scared I felt ghabz-e rooh'.
Yes, 'ghabz-e jarimeh' is the standard term for a traffic fine. Also, the small slip you get when entering a parking lot is called a 'ghabz-e pārking'. You must return it when you leave. If you lose it, you might have to pay a penalty. It serves as proof of the time you entered.
The common plural is 'ghabz-hā'. However, in formal writing, banking, and law, the Arabic broken plural 'ghobouz' (قبوض) is very common. You will see 'پرداخت قبوض' on bank menus. Both are correct, but 'ghobouz' is more professional. In casual conversation, 'ghabz-hā' is fine.
It is a warehouse receipt. When you leave goods in a warehouse, they give you this document. You need it to get your goods back. It is a legal document of possession. It's very important in trade and logistics. Losing it can cause major legal headaches.
In traditional Persian medicine (Teb-e Sonnati), yes. It refers to the 'contraction' of the digestive system. However, in modern medical Persian, 'yuboosat' is much more common. You might still hear 'ghabz' in this context from older generations or traditional doctors. It follows the root meaning of 'tightening'.
This is a legal term meaning 'delivery and receipt'. It refers to the moment in a contract where the seller gives the item and the buyer takes it. It is a crucial step for the legal completion of a sale. It ensures that both parties have fulfilled their physical obligations. It is often mentioned in real estate contracts.
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Summary
While 'Ghabz' most commonly helps you navigate daily chores like paying bills in Iran, its deep roots in law and mysticism make it a bridge between the mundane and the profound in Persian culture.
- Ghabz is the standard Persian word for a utility bill (electricity, water, gas) or a fine ticket issued by authorities.
- It differs from 'resid' (receipt) because a ghabz is often the request for payment, while a resid is the proof of payment.
- In legal terms, it refers to the act of taking possession of an item, which is crucial in many Iranian contracts.
- In spiritual and literary contexts, it describes a state of emotional or spiritual 'contraction' or sadness, paired with 'bast' (expansion).
Bill vs. Receipt
Remember: Ghabz is the bill you get *before* paying. Resid is the receipt you get *after* paying. Don't mix them up at the store! Using the wrong one might confuse the clerk.
Digital Bills
In Iran, keep your 'Shenaseh Ghabz' in your phone notes. Since paper bills are rare, having the ID ready makes paying much faster. Most people pay all their bills at once at the end of the month.
Spiritual Moods
If you feel down or uninspired, you can poetically say you are in a state of 'ghabz'. It's a sophisticated way to describe a 'blue' mood. It implies that a state of 'bast' (joy) will eventually follow.
Compound Verbs
Always pair 'ghabz' with 'pardākht kardan' for paying. For receiving, use 'gereftan' or 'tahvil gereftan'. This makes your Persian sound natural and fluent. Avoid using simple 'dādan' for paying bills.
Related Content
Related Phrases
More daily_life words
عابر بانک
A2An ATM (Automated Teller Machine).
عادت
A2Habit; a regular tendency or practice.
عصر
A1Afternoon; evening
عطر
A1A fragrant liquid applied to the body; perfume.
عینک
A1Glasses, spectacles.
عینک آفتابی
A1Glasses with tinted lenses to protect the eyes from the sun; sunglasses.
ابزار
A1A device or implement, especially one held in the hand; a tool.
اداره پست
A2A place where postal services are handled, post office.
ادکلن
A2A light perfume, especially one used by men.
اجاره کردن
A1To pay money for the use of something for a period; to rent.
