خواست in 30 Seconds

  • A noun meaning a strong desire, hope, wish, or demand.
  • Used for personal aspirations and collective requirements.
  • Can range from a gentle wish to a firm demand.
  • Often appears with prepositions like 'به' (be).

Understanding 'خواست' (khāst)

The Persian word 'خواست' (khāst) is a versatile noun that signifies a strong desire, hope, wish, or even a demand. It's a fundamental word used in various contexts, reflecting the inner aspirations and needs of individuals and groups. Whether it's a personal yearning for something or a collective aspiration, 'خواست' captures that essential human drive.

Core Meaning
A deep-seated longing or ambition; something one earnestly wishes for or requires.
Usage Nuances
It can range from a simple personal wish to a formal demand, depending on the context and the tone of the speaker.

Consider this example: 'مردم همیشه خواستار زندگی بهتر بوده‌اند.' (Mardom hamisheh khāstegār-e zendegi-ye behtar budēand.) - 'People have always desired a better life.' Here, 'خواست' (in its derived form 'خواستار' - khāstegār, meaning 'desirer' or 'one who desires') clearly expresses a universal human aspiration.

این فیلم به خواست تماشاگران ساخته شد. (In film be khāst-e tamāshāgarān sākhteh shod.) - This film was made according to the audience's wishes.

The word can also imply a more forceful claim or requirement. For instance, in a negotiation, 'خواست' could refer to the demands being made by one party. It's important to pay attention to the surrounding words and the overall situation to grasp the precise shade of meaning.

In essence, 'خواست' is about what someone wants, needs, or expects. It’s a word that reflects motivation, ambition, and the driving forces behind actions and decisions. Mastering its usage will significantly enhance your comprehension of Persian conversations and texts, allowing you to understand the underlying desires and intentions being expressed.

Related Concepts
Desire, aspiration, wish, demand, requirement, longing, ambition, expectation.
Common Scenarios
Personal goals, customer feedback, political demands, artistic creation influenced by public opinion, family needs.

Constructing Sentences with 'خواست'

Using 'خواست' (khāst) effectively in Persian sentences requires understanding its grammatical role and the common constructions it appears in. As a noun, it typically functions as the subject or object of a sentence, or follows prepositions to indicate the target of a desire or demand.

As a Subject
When 'خواست' is the subject, it represents the desire or demand itself as the actor. For example: 'خواست او برآورده شد.' (Khāst-e u barāvardeh shod.) - 'His wish was fulfilled.' Here, 'خواست' is the thing that was fulfilled.
As an Object
'خواست' can also be the object of a verb, indicating what is desired or demanded. For instance: 'ما این خواست را رد کردیم.' (Mā in khāst rā rad kardim.) - 'We rejected this demand.' The demand is what was rejected.

A very common and important construction involves the preposition 'به' (be), forming phrases like 'به خواستِ' (be khāst-e), meaning 'according to the wish of' or 'in response to the demand of'. This structure is frequently used to show that an action was taken to satisfy someone's desire.

این تغییرات به خواست مشتریان اعمال شد. (In taghyirāt be khāst-e moshtariyān am'āl shod.) - These changes were implemented according to the customers' wishes.

Another related form is 'خواستن' (khāstan), the verb 'to want'. Understanding the relationship between the verb and the noun is crucial. The noun 'خواست' often represents the result or the embodiment of the action of 'خواستن'. For example, 'او خواست که برود.' (U khāst keh baravad.) - 'He wanted to go.' The noun form might be related to the specific desire to go, like 'خواستِ رفتن' (khāst-e raftan) - 'the desire to go'.

The word can also be modified by adjectives to specify the nature of the desire, such as 'خواستِ قلبی' (khāst-e qalbi) - 'heartfelt wish' or 'خواستِ منطقی' (khāst-e mangheqi) - 'reasonable demand'. Pay attention to these modifiers as they add significant detail to the meaning.

Sentence Structures
Subject + Verb + Object (where 'خواست' is subject or object)
Preposition + 'خواست' + Noun/Pronoun (e.g., 'به خواستِ')
Adjective + 'خواست' (e.g., 'خواستِ مهم')

Practice constructing your own sentences using these patterns. Experiment with different subjects and verbs to see how 'خواست' fits into various grammatical frameworks. This hands-on approach is key to internalizing its usage.

Real-World Encounters with 'خواست'

The Persian word 'خواست' (khāst) is not confined to textbooks; it's a living word spoken and written in numerous everyday situations. Understanding where and how it's used will give you a practical grasp of its significance.

Everyday Conversations
In casual conversations, 'خواست' often refers to personal wishes or desires. For instance, someone might say, 'خواست من این بود که یک سفر بروم.' (Khāst-e man in bud keh yek safar baravam.) - 'My wish was to go on a trip.' You'll hear it when people discuss their hopes, dreams, or simple preferences.
News and Media
News reports frequently use 'خواست' to describe public demands, political aspirations, or the needs of a community. For example, a headline might read: 'مردم خواستار رسیدگی به مشکلاتشان هستند.' (Mardom khāstegār-e residgi be moshkelāt-eshān hastand.) - 'People are demanding attention to their problems.' (Here, the derived form 'خواستار' is used).

این یک خواست عمومی بود که نادیده گرفته شد. (In yek khāst-e عمومی bud keh nādideh gereftē shod.) - This was a public demand that was ignored.

In business and customer service, 'خواست' is essential. Businesses aim to fulfill customer 'خواست‌ها' (khāst-hā - plural of khāst). You might hear phrases like, 'ما به خواست شما احترام می‌گذاریم.' (Mā be khāst-e shomā ehterām mighozārim.) - 'We respect your wishes.' This shows a focus on customer satisfaction.

In literature and film, 'خواست' can be used to express deeper emotional yearnings, aspirations for change, or even unfulfilled desires that drive the plot. It adds a layer of emotional depth to characters and narratives.

Specific Contexts
Political speeches and manifestos (demands, goals)
Customer service interactions (wishes, requests)
Personal discussions about future plans and dreams
Legal or contractual discussions (terms, requirements)

To truly hear 'خواست' in action, immerse yourself in Persian media – watch movies, listen to music, follow news channels, and engage in conversations with native speakers. You'll quickly notice its prevalence and the various ways it shapes communication.

Avoiding Pitfalls with 'خواست'

While 'خواست' (khāst) is a common word, learners can sometimes misapply it or confuse it with similar terms. Being aware of these common mistakes will help you use the word more accurately and confidently.

Confusing with the Verb 'خواستن' (khāstan)
The most frequent confusion arises between the noun 'خواست' and the verb 'خواستن' (khāstan - to want). While related, they are distinct parts of speech. Using 'خواست' where the verb is needed can lead to grammatically incorrect sentences. For example, saying 'من خواست که بروم' (Man khāst keh baravam) is incorrect; it should be 'من خواستم که بروم' (Man khāstam keh baravam - I wanted to go).
Incorrect Pluralization
Persian nouns sometimes form plurals by adding '-hā' or '-ān'. While 'خواست' can have a plural form ('خواست‌ها' - khāst-hā), learners might incorrectly apply plural markers or use the singular form when multiple desires are implied. For instance, referring to 'all the wishes' might incorrectly be stated without the plural marker.

Mistake: او خواست های زیادی داشت. (U khāst-hā-ye ziyādi dāsht.) - Incorrect: 'خواست های' is awkward. Correct: او خواسته‌های زیادی داشت. (U khāstēhā-ye ziyādi dāsht.) or او امیال زیادی داشت. (U amyāl-e ziyādi dāsht.)

Misunderstanding the nuance between 'wish' and 'demand' can also be an issue. While 'خواست' can encompass both, context is key. Using it to express a polite wish when a strong demand is intended, or vice versa, can alter the perceived tone and intent of the communication.

Another potential pitfall is the misuse of prepositions. While 'به خواستِ' (be khāst-e) is common, other prepositions might be incorrectly attached. Always ensure that the preposition used logically connects 'خواست' to the rest of the sentence, especially when indicating the beneficiary or the target of the desire.

Common Errors Summarized
Using 'خواست' as a verb instead of 'خواستن'.
Incorrect pluralization or applying plural markers inappropriately.
Misinterpreting the nuance between 'wish' and 'demand' without considering context.
Incorrect preposition usage with 'خواست'.

By actively practicing and paying attention to these common errors, you can refine your understanding and use of 'خواست', making your Persian communication more natural and accurate.

Exploring Nuances: Words Like 'خواست'

The Persian language offers a rich vocabulary for expressing desires and aspirations. While 'خواست' (khāst) is a core term, understanding its synonyms and related words will help you choose the most precise word for any given situation.

آرزو (ārezoo)
'آرزو' generally refers to a wish, hope, or longing, often for something more idealistic or less concrete than 'خواست'. It carries a slightly more romantic or aspirational tone. 'خواست' can be a more direct demand or a practical need.
میل (meyl)
'میل' signifies inclination, desire, or appetite. It's often used for more personal, sometimes even physical, desires. While 'خواست' can be a strong demand, 'میل' is more about a preference or a leaning towards something.

Example Comparison:

'خواست' (khāst): 'خواست مردم تغییر رژیم بود.' (Khāst-e mardom taghyir-e rezhim bud.) - The people's demand was a change of regime. (Strong, political)

'آرزو' (ārezoo): 'آرزوی او سفر به ماه بود.' (Ārezoo-ye u safar be māh bud.) - His wish was to travel to the moon. (Idealistic, dreamlike)

'میل' (meyl): 'میل به غذاهای شیرین دارد.' (Meyl be ghazāhā-ye shirin dārad.) - He has a desire/appetite for sweet foods. (Preference, inclination)

تمنا (tamannā)
'تمنا' implies a plea, a earnest request, or a begging. It's often used in more formal or emotional contexts where someone is asking for something with great sincerity. It's softer than a demand but more earnest than a simple wish.
تقاضا (taghāzā)
'تقاضا' is a formal demand or request, often used in official or legal contexts. It's very similar to 'خواست' when 'خواست' is used as a demand, but 'تقاضا' sounds more official and less personal.

The verb form 'خواستن' (khāstan - to want) is the root from which 'خواست' (noun) derives its meaning. However, when speaking, you might use synonyms of 'want' as well, such as 'اراده کردن' (erādeh kardan - to intend/will) or 'نیاز داشتن' (niyāz dāshtan - to need), depending on the specific context.

By familiarizing yourself with these related terms, you can express a wider range of desires and understand the subtle differences in meaning, leading to more nuanced and accurate Persian communication.

Fun Fact

The verb 'خواستن' (to want) is one of the most fundamental verbs in Persian, and its noun form 'خواست' carries a significant weight in expressing human motivation and aspiration. The related term 'خواستگار' (khāstegār) specifically means 'suitor' in the context of marriage, highlighting a very specific and important 'desire'.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /xwɒːst/
US /xwɑːst/
The stress is on the first syllable: KHAAST.
Rhymes With
lost cost frost crossed tossed bossed exhaust embossed
Common Errors
  • Pronouncing 'kh' as 'k' or 'h'.
  • Making the 'a' sound too short or like in 'cat'.
  • Not fully pronouncing the final 't' sound.

Examples by Level

1

من آب می‌خواهم.

I want water.

Uses the verb 'خواستن' (khāstan - to want).

2

او یک اسباب بازی خواست.

He/She asked for a toy.

Uses the verb 'خواستن' (khāstan - to ask for).

3

این غذای من است.

This is my food.

Simple possessive statement.

4

کتاب را می‌خواهم.

I want the book.

Using the verb 'خواستن' with a definite object.

5

آنها خانه می‌خواهند.

They want a house.

Plural subject with a singular object of desire.

6

تو چه می‌خواهی؟

What do you want?

Question form of 'خواستن'.

7

او یک سیب خواست.

He/She asked for an apple.

Using the verb 'خواستن' for a request.

8

من خوابم می‌آید.

I am sleepy.

Idiomatic expression for feeling sleepy.

1

خواهش می‌کنم، یک لیوان آب بدهید.

Please, give me a glass of water.

Uses 'خواهش کردن' (to request/beg) which is related to desire.

2

آنها برای خانه جدیدشان پول خواستند.

They asked for money for their new house.

Uses the verb 'خواستن' for a specific need.

3

من آرزوی دیدن دریا را دارم.

I wish to see the sea.

Uses 'آرزو' (wish) and the verb 'داشتن' (to have).

4

این هدیه را به خواست شما آوردم.

I brought this gift according to your wish.

Uses the noun 'خواست' with the preposition 'به'.

5

او همیشه خواستار پیشرفت بود.

He always desired progress.

Uses the derived adjective/noun 'خواستار' (desirer/desiring).

6

ما خواستیم که فردا برویم.

We wanted to go tomorrow.

Uses the past tense of the verb 'خواستن'.

7

این یک خواست منطقی است.

This is a reasonable demand.

Uses the noun 'خواست' with an adjective.

8

آیا او این را می‌خواهد؟

Does he/she want this?

Interrogative form of the verb 'خواستن'.

1

خواست مردم برای تغییرات اساسی در جامعه آشکار بود.

The people's desire for fundamental changes in society was evident.

Uses the noun 'خواست' as the subject, referring to a collective desire.

2

او با لحنی قاطع خواستار توضیح شد.

He demanded an explanation in a firm tone.

Uses the derived form 'خواستار' (demanding) with an adverb.

3

این پروژه بر اساس خواست کارفرمایان پیش می‌رود.

This project is proceeding based on the employers' wishes.

Uses the structure 'بر اساس خواستِ' (based on the wish of).

4

شکست او ناشی از برآورده نشدن خواسته‌هایش بود.

His failure was due to his unfulfilled desires.

Uses the plural noun 'خواسته‌ها' (desires/wishes).

5

یک خواست قلبی داشتم که هرگز فراموش نمی‌کنم.

I had a heartfelt wish that I will never forget.

Uses the noun 'خواست' with the adjective 'قلبی' (heartfelt).

6

آنها به خواست ما توجهی نکردند.

They paid no attention to our demand.

Uses the structure 'به خواستِ' (to the wish/demand of).

7

توانایی درک خواسته‌های دیگران مهم است.

The ability to understand others' desires is important.

Uses the noun 'خواسته‌ها' (desires) as the object of 'درک' (understanding).

8

او خواست که در مراسم شرکت کند.

He wanted to attend the ceremony.

Uses the verb 'خواستن' in the past tense with a subordinate clause.

1

تفسیرهای مختلفی از خواست تاریخی مردم وجود دارد.

There are various interpretations of the historical will/desire of the people.

Uses 'خواست' in a historical and collective sense.

2

عدم برآورده شدن خواسته‌های صنفی منجر به اعتصاب شد.

The non-fulfillment of the union's demands led to a strike.

Uses 'خواسته‌ها' (demands) in a socio-economic context.

3

رسانه‌ها اغلب خواست عمومی را منعکس می‌کنند.

The media often reflects the public's demand/will.

Uses 'خواست عمومی' (public demand/will).

4

این لایحه برای تحقق خواسته‌های فعالان محیط زیست تدوین شده است.

This bill has been drafted to realize the demands of environmental activists.

Uses 'تحقق خواسته‌ها' (realization of demands).

5

بسیاری از هنرمندان، خواست درونی خود را در آثارشان بیان می‌کنند.

Many artists express their inner desire in their works.

Uses 'خواست درونی' (inner desire).

6

مسئولان قول دادند که به خواست مردم رسیدگی کنند.

Officials promised to address the people's demands.

Uses 'به خواستِ رسیدگی کردن' (to address the demand).

7

درک عمق خواسته‌های پنهان، کلید موفقیت در مذاکرات است.

Understanding the depth of hidden desires is key to successful negotiations.

Uses 'خواسته‌های پنهان' (hidden desires).

8

او خواستار بازنگری در سیاست‌های قبلی شد.

He called for a review of previous policies.

Uses 'خواستار' (demanding/calling for).

1

فلسفه هنر گاهی به دنبال کشف خواست غایی بشر است.

The philosophy of art sometimes seeks to discover the ultimate human desire.

Uses 'خواست غایی' (ultimate desire) in a philosophical context.

2

تحولات اجتماعی اغلب ریشه در خواست‌های سرکوب‌شده‌ی نسل‌های پیشین دارد.

Social transformations often have their roots in the suppressed desires of previous generations.

Uses 'خواست‌های سرکوب‌شده' (suppressed desires).

3

جامعه‌شناسی به تحلیل خواسته‌های جمعی و تأثیر آن بر ساختارهای اجتماعی می‌پردازد.

Sociology deals with the analysis of collective desires and their impact on social structures.

Uses 'خواسته‌های جمعی' (collective desires) in an academic context.

4

درک ناخودآگاه جمعی و خواست‌های ناگفته‌ی آن، برای تحلیل فرهنگی ضروری است.

Understanding the collective unconscious and its unspoken desires is essential for cultural analysis.

Uses 'خواست‌های ناگفته' (unspoken desires) in a psychological/cultural context.

5

سیاستمداران باید بتوانند خواست‌های متضاد اقشار مختلف جامعه را مدیریت کنند.

Politicians must be able to manage the contradictory demands of different segments of society.

Uses 'خواست‌های متضاد' (contradictory demands).

6

این اثر هنری تجلی خواست هنرمند برای آزادی بیان است.

This work of art is a manifestation of the artist's desire for freedom of expression.

Uses 'تجلی خواست' (manifestation of desire).

7

فروید معتقد بود که بسیاری از رفتارهای انسان ناشی از خواست‌های غریزی است.

Freud believed that many human behaviors stem from instinctual desires.

Uses 'خواست‌های غریزی' (instinctual desires) in a psychoanalytic context.

8

تکنولوژی‌های نوین، خواست انسان برای ارتباط سریع‌تر و مؤثرتر را برآورده ساخته‌اند.

New technologies have fulfilled humanity's desire for faster and more effective communication.

Uses 'خواست انسان' (human desire) and 'برآورده ساخته‌اند' (have fulfilled).

1

کشف ریشه‌های اگزیستانسیالیستی خواست انسان برای معنا، موضوعی عمیق در فلسفه است.

Exploring the existentialist roots of humanity's desire for meaning is a profound subject in philosophy.

Uses 'خواست انسان برای معنا' (human desire for meaning) in a philosophical context.

2

تغییرات پارادایمی در علم اغلب پاسخی به خواست‌های معرفت‌شناختی جامعه علمی است.

Paradigmatic shifts in science are often a response to the epistemological desires of the scientific community.

Uses 'خواست‌های معرفت‌شناختی' (epistemological desires) in an academic context.

3

روانکاوی به کاوش خواست‌های ناخودآگاه و تأثیر آن‌ها بر پویایی‌های فردی و اجتماعی می‌پردازد.

Psychoanalysis explores unconscious desires and their impact on individual and social dynamics.

Uses 'خواست‌های ناخودآگاه' (unconscious desires) in a psychoanalytic context.

4

درک تطور فرهنگی مستلزم شناخت خواست‌های بنیادین بشری است که در طول زمان تکامل یافته‌اند.

Understanding cultural evolution requires recognizing fundamental human desires that have evolved over time.

Uses 'خواست‌های بنیادین بشری' (fundamental human desires).

5

استعمار همواره با خواست سلطه‌جویانه و بهره‌کشی از منابع همراه بوده است.

Colonialism has always been accompanied by a desire for dominance and exploitation of resources.

Uses 'خواست سلطه‌جویانه' (desire for dominance).

6

هنر پست‌مدرن اغلب خواست هنرمند برای به چالش کشیدن مفاهیم سنتی را بازتاب می‌دهد.

Postmodern art often reflects the artist's desire to challenge traditional concepts.

Uses 'خواست هنرمند' (artist's desire) in an artistic context.

7

نظریه‌های انتقادی بر تحلیل خواست‌های پنهان در ساختارهای قدرت تأکید دارند.

Critical theories emphasize the analysis of hidden desires within power structures.

Uses 'خواست‌های پنهان' (hidden desires) in a critical theory context.

8

تکنولوژی‌های اطلاعاتی، خواست انسان برای دسترسی آنی به دانش را تا حد زیادی برآورده کرده‌اند.

Information technologies have largely fulfilled humanity's desire for immediate access to knowledge.

Uses 'خواست انسان' (human desire) and 'دسترسی آنی' (immediate access).

Common Collocations

خواست قلبی (khāst-e qalbi)
خواست عمومی (khāst-e عمومی)
برآورده کردن خواست (barāvardeh kardan-e khāst)
به خواستِ (be khāst-e)
خواستار بودن (khāstegār budan)
خواسته‌های نامعقول (khāst-hā-ye nāma'qul)
خواست اساسی (khāst-e asāsi)
ناشی از خواست (nāshi az khāst)
به رسمیت شناختن خواست (be rasmiyat shenākhtan-e khāst)
خواست دیرینه (khāst-e dirineh)

Common Phrases

خواستن (khāstan)

— To want, to ask for, to demand. This is the verb form, closely related to the noun 'خواست'.

من یک فنجان چای می‌خواهم. (Man yek fenjān chay mikhāham.) - I want a cup of tea.

به خواستِ کسی (be khāst-e kasi)

— According to someone's wish, at someone's demand, based on someone's desire.

این کار به خواست شما انجام شد. (In kār be khāst-e shomā anjām shod.) - This was done according to your wish.

خواستارِ کسی/چیزی بودن (khāstegār-e kasi/chizi budan)

— To desire someone/something, to be a seeker of someone/something.

او خواستارِ پیشرفت در شغلش بود. (U khāstegār-e pishraft dar shoghlesh bud.) - He desired progress in his job.

برآورده کردن خواست (barāvardeh kardan-e khāst)

— To fulfill a wish or demand.

ما تلاش می‌کنیم خواست شما را برآورده کنیم. (Mā talāsh mikonim khāst-e shomā rā barāvardeh konim.) - We try to fulfill your wish.

خواستِ قلبی (khāst-e qalbi)

— A heartfelt wish, a deep desire.

این خواست قلبی من بود که به اینجا بیایم. (In khāst-e qalbi-ye man bud keh be injā biyāyam.) - This was my heartfelt wish to come here.

خواست عمومی (khāst-e عمومی)

— Public demand, the will of the people.

خواست عمومی برای تغییرات سیاسی محسوس بود. (Khāst-e عمومی barāye taghyirāt-e siyāsi mahsus bud.) - The public demand for political changes was palpable.

خواسته‌های نامشروع (khāst-hā-ye nāmaru')

— Illegitimate or unlawful demands/desires.

او هرگز خواسته‌های نامشروع را قبول نمی‌کند. (U hargez khāst-hā-ye nāmaru' rā qabul nemikonad.) - He never accepts illegitimate demands.

خواستارِ صلح بودن (khāstegār-e solh budan)

— To desire peace, to be a proponent of peace.

ملت ما خواستار صلح در منطقه است. (Mellat-e mā khāstegār-e solh dar manteqeh ast.) - Our nation desires peace in the region.

ناشی از خواست (nāshi az khāst)

— Stemming from a desire/demand.

این تظاهرات ناشی از خواست مردم برای آزادی بود. (In tazāhorāt nāshi az khāst-e mardom barāye āzādi bud.) - These demonstrations stemmed from the people's desire for freedom.

خواستِ اصلی (khāst-e asli)

— The main desire, the primary request.

خواست اصلی او بازگشت به خانه بود. (Khāst-e asli-ye u bāzgasht be khāneh bud.) - His main desire was to return home.

Idioms & Expressions

"آب خواستن (āb khāstan)"

— Literally 'to ask for water', but can metaphorically mean to seek help or succor in a dire situation, or to signal one's imminent demise (less common).

وقتی دید اوضاع خراب است، آب خواست.

Informal/Figurative
"دل خواستن (del khāstan)"

— To have a strong craving or longing for something, often food or a specific experience.

امروز دلم یک غذای سنتی خواست.

Informal/Figurative
"کسی را خواستن (kasi rā khāstan)"

— To summon someone, to ask for someone to come.

رئیس شما را خواست.

Neutral/Formal
"مرگ را خواستن (marg rā khāstan)"

— To court death, to be suicidal, to wish for death.

با این کارهایت مرگ را برای خودت خواستی.

Figurative/Strong
"خواسته یا ناخواسته"

— Willingly or unwillingly, whether one wants to or not.

خواسته یا ناخواسته، باید این مسئولیت را قبول کنیم.

Neutral
"خواستنِ جانِ کسی (khāstan-e jān-e kasi)"

— To try to kill someone, to seek someone's life.

دشمنانش خواستار جان او بودند.

Figurative/Serious
"آنچه دل خواست"

— Whatever the heart desired; to have one's fill of something.

در مهمانی آنچه دل خواست خوردیم.

Figurative/Informal
"خواستنِ حق"

— To demand one's right.

مردم خواستارِ حق طبیعی خود بودند.

Formal/Political
"خواستنِ یک جرعه آب"

— To ask for a drink of water (can be literal or figurative for needing relief).

از شدت گرما، فقط خواستنِ یک جرعه آب را داشت.

Figurative/Literal
"خواستنِ سرنوشت"

— To be destined for something, to have fate decree it.

شاید خواستنِ سرنوشت این بود که ما همدیگر را ملاقات کنیم.

Figurative/Philosophical

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

Related

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a person standing at a crossroads, holding a sign that says 'KHAAST' (like 'cost' but with a 'kh' sound). This sign represents their desires and choices. They are choosing between different paths based on their 'khāst'.

Visual Association

Visualize a large, ornate chest overflowing with treasures. This chest represents a deep desire or a collection of wishes. The word 'خواست' is written on the lid of the chest.

Word Web

Desire Hope Wish Demand Aspiration Yearning Requirement Longing

Challenge

Try to write five sentences using 'خواست' in different contexts: one personal wish, one public demand, one situation using 'به خواستِ', one with a derived form like 'خواستار', and one using a synonym like 'آرزو' to contrast.

Word Origin

The word 'خواست' originates from the Middle Persian word 'hwāst', which itself is derived from the verb root meaning 'to want' or 'to desire'. This root is common across many Indo-Iranian languages.

Original meaning: The core meaning has always been related to desire, will, or wish.

Indo-Iranian (specifically Persian)

Cultural Context

While 'خواست' can be a direct demand, in polite social interactions, especially when expressing personal wishes, it's often softened with polite phrasing or context. However, in formal or political settings, it can be a strong and clear statement of intent or requirement.

In English-speaking cultures, similar concepts exist with words like 'wish,' 'desire,' 'demand,' and 'aspiration.' However, the Persian 'خواست' often carries a slightly more potent or encompassing meaning, bridging the gap between a simple wish and a firm requirement.

The epic poem 'Shahnameh' often depicts the desires and ambitions of kings and heroes, reflecting the concept of 'خواست' in historical and mythical contexts. Persian proverbs frequently touch upon the nature of desires and the fulfillment (or lack thereof) of wishes. Modern Iranian cinema and literature frequently explore the personal and societal 'خواست‌ها' of individuals navigating complex realities.
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