This page in your language

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

Home
Learn
Persian
Vocabulary
کمبود

B1 noun #4,000 most common 10 min read

کمبود

Top 4,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips کمبود in 30 Seconds

Explanation کمبود in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to use the word 'kambud' often, but you will hear it. At this stage, you mostly learn the word 'kam' (little). However, understanding 'kambud' helps you understand when people talk about problems. For example, if you are in a shop and they don't have enough water, they might say 'kambud-e ab.' You can think of it as a more formal way to say 'not enough.' Instead of saying 'ab kam ast' (water is little), people say 'kambud-e ab' (water shortage). It is a noun, so it acts like a name for the problem. At A1, focus on recognizing it in simple phrases like 'kambud-e pul' (shortage of money) or 'kambud-e vaqt' (shortage of time). You can use it to explain why you can't do something. For example, 'I can't come because of kambud-e vaqt.' This level is about basic identification and understanding that this word points to a problem of 'not having enough.' You might see it in very simple news headlines or on signs in a city during a drought. It's one of those 'grown-up' words that makes your basic Persian sound a bit more serious and clear. Even if you just use 'kam' most of the time, knowing 'kambud' will help you understand others better.

At the A2 level, you should start using 'kambud' in your own sentences, especially when talking about health, daily needs, or simple problems. You are now familiar with the 'Ezafe' (the -e sound), so you can construct phrases like 'kambud-e ghaza' (food shortage) or 'kambud-e khab' (lack of sleep). This word is very useful for describing your daily life. For example, you can tell your teacher, 'I couldn't do my homework because of kambud-e vaqt.' Or you can tell a friend, 'I feel tired because of kambud-e vitamin.' At this level, you should also recognize that 'kambud' is often followed by a noun. You are moving away from simple adjectives and starting to use nouns to describe situations. You might also notice it in simple weather reports or community announcements. It's a key word for expressing limitations. Instead of just saying 'I don't have money,' saying 'I have a shortage of money' (kambud-e pul daram) sounds slightly more objective and less personal. It's also a good time to learn the opposite word, 'faravani' (abundance), though 'kambud' is much more common in daily conversation. Practice using it with 'darim' (we have) or 'vojud darad' (there is).

At the B1 level, you are expected to use 'kambud' fluently in various contexts. This is the level where you move beyond physical items (like water or money) and start using 'kambud' for abstract concepts. You should be able to discuss 'kambud-e e'temad be nafs' (lack of self-confidence), 'kambud-e tajrobe' (lack of experience), or 'kambud-e emkanat' (lack of facilities). You are also starting to read more complex texts, such as news articles or blog posts, where 'kambud' is a staple word. You should understand how it fits into more complex sentence structures, such as 'be dalil-e kambud-e...' (due to the shortage of...). At B1, you should also be aware of the social nuance of the word—how it's used to critique a situation or a system. For instance, discussing the 'kambud-e faza-ye sabz' (lack of green space) in a city is a typical B1-level conversation topic. You should also be able to use it in the plural form 'kambud-ha' to refer to general deficiencies in a plan or a project. This level is about precision; using 'kambud' instead of just 'kam' shows that you understand the difference between a quantity and a state of deficiency. It is also the level where you might encounter the derogatory slang 'kambudi,' and you should understand its context even if you don't use it yourself.

At the B2 level, 'kambud' becomes a tool for sophisticated analysis. You will use it in academic writing, professional reports, and formal debates. You should be able to distinguish 'kambud' from its synonyms like 'kasri' (deficit) and 'noqsan' (defect). For example, in a business context, you would know to use 'kasri-ye budje' for a budget deficit but 'kambud-e neru-ye ensani' for a staffing shortage. You should also be comfortable using it in passive constructions or as part of complex subjects. For example: 'Kambud-e shadid-e manabe-ye abi ba'es-e negaranihaye gostarde shode ast' (The severe shortage of water resources has caused widespread concerns). At this level, you should also be able to discuss the causes and effects of 'kambud' in a structured way. You might read sociological texts about the 'kambud-e mohebat' (lack of affection) in modern families or economic analyses of 'kambud-e arz' (foreign currency shortage). You should also be able to use intensifying adjectives correctly, such as 'kambud-e faza-ye amuzeshi' or 'kambud-e mozmen' (chronic shortage). Your ability to use 'kambud' to describe systemic issues rather than just personal problems is a hallmark of the B2 level.

At the C1 level, you are exploring the nuances of 'kambud' in literature, high-level journalism, and specialized fields. You should be able to recognize and use more literary synonyms like 'qellat' or 'kam-o-kast' in the appropriate registers. You will encounter 'kambud' in philosophical discussions about the 'kambud-e ma'na' (lack of meaning) in the modern world or in legal documents discussing 'kambud-e adelle' (lack of evidence). Your usage should be flawless, and you should be able to use the word to create rhetorical effects. For example, using 'kambud' in a series of parallel structures to highlight multiple failures in a policy. You should also be deeply familiar with the cultural connotations—how 'kambud' has shaped Iranian history and social psychology, particularly in relation to resources and political life. At this level, you don't just know the word; you know the weight it carries in different Iranian discourses. You can analyze how a writer uses the word 'kambud' to evoke a sense of crisis or urgency. You should also be able to use it in complex idiomatic expressions and understand the subtle difference between 'kambud' and 'foqdan' (total absence) in a legal or scientific context.

At the C2 level, your mastery of 'kambud' is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. You can use the word in any context, from the most technical economic treatise to the most delicate poetic metaphor. You understand the historical etymology of the word and how its usage has evolved in Persian literature over centuries. You can engage in deep debates about 'kambud-e hoviyat' (identity crisis/lack of identity) or 'kambud-e ravesh-shenasi' (methodological deficiency) in research. At this level, you are also capable of playing with the word, perhaps using it ironically or in complex wordplay. You can navigate the most formal registers where 'kambud' might be replaced by highly specific Arabic-derived terms, and you know exactly when 'kambud' is still the most powerful choice. You can write extensive essays or deliver speeches where 'kambud' is a central theme, connecting it to broader global and local issues with ease. You are also sensitive to the most subtle shades of meaning—for instance, how 'kambud' might imply a temporary state whereas other words might imply a permanent condition. Your command of the word is total, reflecting a deep immersion in the Persian language and its socio-cultural landscape.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

کمبود in 30 Seconds

Kambud means 'shortage' or 'lack' and is formed from 'kam' (little) and 'bud' (being).
It is a noun used with the Ezafe (-e) to describe deficiencies in water, money, health, or emotions.
Commonly heard in news regarding economic crises or medical advice about vitamin deficiencies.
It is different from the adjective 'kam' and the financial term 'kasri'.

The Persian word کمبود (pronounced 'kambud') is a vital noun in the Persian language, particularly for intermediate learners who are moving beyond simple adjectives like 'kam' (little/few). Structurally, it is a compound noun formed from kam (meaning 'little' or 'less') and bud (the past stem of the verb 'budan', meaning 'to be' or 'existence'). Therefore, it literally translates to 'little-being' or 'scant existence.' In practical usage, it translates most accurately to 'shortage,' 'deficiency,' 'lack,' or 'deficit.' It is a versatile word used across multiple domains—from medical diagnoses to economic reports and everyday social complaints. Unlike the word 'adam' (non-existence), کمبود implies that something exists but not in sufficient quantities to meet a specific need or standard. It is most frequently used in the construct 'kambud-e [noun],' which means 'a shortage of [noun].'

Economic Context: In Iranian news and economic discussions, this word appears constantly regarding market fluctuations. For instance, a 'shortage of sugar' or 'shortage of foreign currency' (kambud-e arz) are common headlines. It suggests a gap between supply and demand.
Medical Context: Doctors use this word to describe vitamin or mineral deficiencies. 'Kambud-e vitamin-e D' (Vitamin D deficiency) is a common diagnosis. It indicates that the body lacks the necessary level of a substance for optimal health.
Psychological Context: In a more informal or psychological sense, 'kambud' can refer to emotional voids, such as a 'lack of affection' (kambud-e mohabbat). In slang, calling someone 'kambudi' implies they have an inferiority complex or are constantly seeking attention to fill an internal void.

بسیاری از کشورها با کمبود منابع آب شیرین مواجه هستند.
(Many countries are facing a shortage of fresh water resources.)

پزشک به من گفت که کمبود آهن دارم.
(The doctor told me that I have an iron deficiency.)

این پروژه به دلیل کمبود بودجه متوقف شد.
(This project was stopped due to a budget deficit.)

کمبود وقت یکی از بزرگترین چالش‌های زندگی مدرن است.
(Lack of time is one of the biggest challenges of modern life.)

او همیشه از کمبود اعتماد به نفس رنج می‌برد.
(He always suffers from a lack of self-confidence.)

Beyond these specific uses, understanding 'kambud' allows you to express critical needs. It sits between 'niyaz' (need) and 'foqdan' (total absence). While 'niyaz' describes the feeling of wanting something, 'kambud' describes the objective state of that thing being insufficient. For example, if you say 'I have a need for money' (Niyaz be pul daram), you are expressing a desire. If you say 'I have a shortage of money' (Kambud-e pul daram), you are describing a financial deficit. This distinction is crucial for precise communication in Persian, especially in professional or academic settings where objective descriptions are preferred over subjective feelings.

Using کمبود correctly requires an understanding of Persian sentence structure, specifically the use of the Ezafe. In almost all cases, 'kambud' acts as the head of a noun phrase. You identify the shortage, add the -e suffix, and then name the item that is scarce. This word is typically the subject or the object of a sentence. When it is the subject, it often pairs with verbs like 'vojud dashtan' (to exist) or 'ehsas shodan' (to be felt). When it is an object, it often follows verbs like 'jobran kardan' (to compensate for/make up for) or 'da' kardan' (to remove/resolve).

As a Subject: When 'kambud' is the subject, the sentence often describes the existence of a problem. Example: 'Kambud-e daru dar bimarestanha moshkel-saz shode ast' (The shortage of medicine in hospitals has become problematic). Here, the shortage itself is the thing performing the action of 'becoming problematic.'
As an Object: When 'kambud' is the object, the sentence usually describes an action taken to address the scarcity. Example: 'Ma bayad kambud-e neru-ye ensani ra jobran konim' (We must compensate for the shortage of human resources). Here, the direct object marker 'ra' is often used if the shortage is specific.
In Prepositional Phrases: It is very common to see 'be dalil-e' (due to) or 'be ellat-e' (because of) followed by 'kambud'. Example: 'Be dalil-e kambud-e barq, karkhaneha ta'til shodand' (Due to the shortage of electricity, the factories were closed).

دولت برای رفع کمبود مسکن برنامه‌های جدیدی دارد.
(The government has new plans to resolve the housing shortage.)

آیا شما هم با کمبود خواب مواجه هستید؟
(Are you also facing a lack of sleep?)

این گیاه به خاطر کمبود نور خورشید زرد شده است.
(This plant has turned yellow because of the lack of sunlight.)

Furthermore, 'kambud' can be used in a plural form 'kambud-ha' to refer to various types of shortages or deficiencies. For instance, 'Kambud-ha-ye in tarh bayad bar-rasi shavand' (The deficiencies of this plan must be investigated). This is particularly useful in formal reports or critiques where multiple flaws are identified. You can also intensify the word using adjectives like 'shadid' (severe) or 'moza'ef' (double/increased). 'Kambud-e shadid-e mavad-e ghaza'i' translates to 'a severe shortage of food materials.' Mastering these patterns allows for nuanced expression of scarcity, moving from simple physical items to complex abstract concepts.

In everyday Iranian life, کمبود is a word that echoes through the streets, the airwaves, and the digital space. It is a word that defines many of the socio-economic challenges faced by the population. If you walk through a bazaar in Tehran and find that a certain brand of oil or a specific spare part for a car is missing, the shopkeeper will likely shrug and say, 'Kambud darim' (We have a shortage). In this context, it isn't just a clinical term; it's a shared social reality. On the evening news (Akhbar), you will hear news anchors discussing 'Kambud-e gaz' (gas shortage) during the cold winters, or 'Kambud-e nishkar' (sugar cane shortage) affecting the price of sweets before the Persian New Year (Nowruz).

Environmental Activism: Iran is a semi-arid country, and 'Kambud-e Ab' (water shortage) is perhaps the most frequent use of the word in public discourse. You will see it on billboards urging people to save water and in documentaries about the drying of Lake Urmia or the Zayanderud river.
The Education System: In schools and universities, professors might talk about 'Kambud-e manabe' (lack of resources) or 'Kambud-e faza-ye amuzeshi' (lack of educational space). It is a standard term in administrative and academic critiques.
Social Media and Slang: On platforms like Instagram or Twitter, young Iranians might use 'kambud' more metaphorically. They might speak of 'Kambud-e shadi' (lack of joy) or 'Kambud-e azadi' (lack of freedom). As mentioned before, calling someone 'kambudi' is a common, though slightly derogatory, way to describe someone who acts out because of an inferiority complex.

اخبار از کمبود شدید دارو در داروخانه‌ها خبر می‌دهد.
(The news reports a severe shortage of medicine in pharmacies.)

ما با کمبود شدید پارکینگ در مرکز شهر روبرو هستیم.
(We are facing a severe lack of parking in the city center.)

In a professional setting, such as a business meeting, you will hear 'kambud' used to justify delays or budget increases. A manager might say, 'Be dalil-e kambud-e budje, nemitavanim in poroje ra edame dehim' (Due to a lack of budget, we cannot continue this project). In this context, the word carries a weight of finality and objective reality. It is not just an excuse; it is a statement of fact regarding resources. Understanding this word helps you navigate the practicalities of Iranian life, from understanding why a store is closed to comprehending the larger national dialogues about climate change and economics.

For English speakers, the most common mistake is confusing the noun کمبود (shortage) with the adjective کم (little/few). While they share a root, their grammatical functions are entirely different. You cannot use 'kam' to mean 'a shortage.' For example, saying 'Kam-e ab darim' is grammatically incorrect; you must say 'Kambud-e ab darim.' Another frequent error is the confusion between 'kambud' and 'kasri.' While both can mean 'deficit,' 'kasri' is almost exclusively used for mathematical or financial totals (like a budget deficit), whereas 'kambud' is used for physical objects or abstract qualities.

Mistake 1: Using 'Kam' instead of 'Kambud': Incorrect: 'In shahr kam-e park darad.' (This city has few park). Correct: 'In shahr kambud-e park darad.' (This city has a shortage of parks). Remember that 'kam' is an adjective describing quantity, while 'kambud' is the state of that quantity being insufficient.
Mistake 2: Forgetting the Ezafe: Incorrect: 'Kambud ab.' Correct: 'Kambud-e ab.' In Persian, nouns that modify other nouns must be linked with the -e sound. Without it, the sentence sounds disjointed and uneducated.
Mistake 3: Overusing 'Kambud' for 'None': If there is absolutely zero of something, 'foqdan' or 'nabud' is more appropriate. 'Kambud' suggests there is some, but not enough. If a store has no bread at all, they might say 'nan nadarim' (we don't have bread) rather than 'kambud-e nan darim.'

اشتباه: من کم وقت دارم. (باید بگویید: من کمبود وقت دارم یا وقتم کم است.)
(Mistake: I have 'little' time. Correct: I have a 'shortage' of time or my time is little.)

Another nuance is the difference between 'kambud' and 'qellat.' 'Qellat' is an Arabic-rooted synonym that is much more formal and often used in literary or highly technical contexts. For everyday speech and standard writing, 'kambud' is the safer and more natural choice. Finally, remember that 'kambud' is a noun, so it cannot be used as a verb. You must pair it with 'dashtan' (to have) or 'vojud dashtan' (to exist). For example, 'Kambud vojud darad' (A shortage exists) is correct, while 'In poroje kambud mikonad' is meaningless.

While کمبود is the most common word for 'shortage,' the Persian language offers several alternatives depending on the register and the specific nature of the lack. Understanding these nuances will elevate your Persian from B1 to a more advanced level. The most direct synonyms are 'kasri,' 'noqsan,' 'qellat,' and 'kam-o-kast.' Each carries a slightly different flavor. 'Kasri' is mathematical, 'noqsan' implies a flaw or defect, 'qellat' is formal and implies rarity, and 'kam-o-kast' is often used to describe the shortcomings or imperfections of a plan or a piece of work.

Kasri (کسری): Used primarily for financial deficits. 'Kasri-ye budje' (budget deficit) is the standard term. You wouldn't use 'kasri' for a lack of vitamins; that would sound strange to a native speaker.
Noqsan (نقصان): This word implies that something is missing which makes the whole incomplete or defective. It's often used in philosophy or technical descriptions of machinery. If a machine is missing a part, it has a 'noqsan.'
Qellat (قلت): An Arabic loanword used in very formal Persian. It refers to the 'scarcity' or 'paucity' of something. For example, 'qellat-e manabe' (scarcity of resources) might appear in a high-level academic paper.
Kam-o-kast (کم‌وکاست): A compound word often used to mean 'shortcomings' or 'imperfections.' You might say, 'In gozaresh kam-o-kast-ha-ye ziadi darad' (This report has many shortcomings).

او سعی کرد کم‌وکاست‌های کارش را بپوشاند.
(He tried to cover up the shortcomings of his work.)

کسری تجاری کشور در سال گذشته افزایش یافت.
(The country's trade deficit increased last year.)

In summary, while 'kambud' is your 'go-to' word for any kind of shortage, being aware of 'kasri' for money and 'kam-o-kast' for quality will make your Persian sound much more sophisticated. The word 'kambud' itself is highly resilient and remains the most frequently used term in both spoken and written Persian for describing the gap between what we have and what we need.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

The 'bud' part of 'kambud' is the same root as the English word 'be'. So 'kambud' is etymologically related to saying something 'is little'.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /kæmˈbuːd/

US /kæmˈbud/

The stress is on the second syllable: kam-BUD.

Rhymes With

Nabud (non-existent) Sud (profit) Rud (river) Zud (fast) Dud (smoke) Pud (weft in weaving) Khoshnud (happy) Amud (perpendicular)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'kam' like 'calm' (it should be a short 'æ').
Pronouncing 'bud' like 'mud' (it should be a long 'u' like in 'mood').
Putting stress on the first syllable.
Merging the two syllables into one sound.
Missing the 'd' at the end.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to recognize in texts as it often appears in headlines.

Writing 4/5

Requires correct use of the Ezafe and compound noun structure.

Speaking 3/5

Very common in daily speech, especially for complaints.

Listening 3/5

Clear pronunciation, usually easy to catch in news or conversation.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

کم (Kam) بودن (Budan) داشتن (Dashtan) آب (Ab) وقت (Vaqt)

Learn Next

کسری (Kasri) مازاد (Mazad) بحران (Bohran) منابع (Manabe) جبران کردن (Jobran kardan)

Advanced

قحطی (Qahti - Famine) مضیقه (Maziqe - Strait/Hardship) کفاف (Kafaf - Sufficiency) بسندگی (Basandegi - Adequacy) تهی‌دستی (Tohi-dasti - Poverty/Empty-handedness)

Grammar to Know

The Ezafe Construction

کمبودِ وقت (Shortage of time)

Compound Noun Formation

کم + بود = کمبود

Direct Object Marker 'Ra'

او کمبود را جبران کرد. (He compensated for the shortage.)

Pluralization with '-ha'

کمبودها (Shortages)

Prepositional Phrases with 'Be Dalil-e'

به دلیل کمبود پول (Due to the lack of money)

Examples by Level

ما کمبود آب داریم.

We have a water shortage.

Simple subject + object + verb.

کمبود وقت مشکل بزرگی است.

Lack of time is a big problem.

Kambud as a subject.

او کمبود پول دارد.

He has a shortage of money.

Kambud-e + noun.

کمبود میوه در بازار.

Shortage of fruit in the market.

Noun phrase.

کمبود نان بد است.

Bread shortage is bad.

Simple sentence.

آیا کمبود جا دارید؟

Do you have a shortage of space?

Question form.

کمبود خواب دارم.

I have a lack of sleep.

First person usage.

شهر ما کمبود پارک دارد.

Our city has a lack of parks.

Possessive city + object.

به دلیل کمبود باران، گل‌ها خشک شدند.

Due to the lack of rain, the flowers dried up.

Using 'be dalil-e' (due to).

کمبود ویتامین باعث بیماری می‌شود.

Vitamin deficiency causes illness.

Subject + verb 'ba'es shodan'.

ما در این کلاس کمبود صندلی داریم.

We have a shortage of chairs in this class.

Prepositional phrase 'dar in kelas'.

کمبود نور برای گیاهان خوب نیست.

Lack of light is not good for plants.

Kambud as subject + negative verb.

او به خاطر کمبود وقت نیامد.

He didn't come because of a lack of time.

Using 'be khater-e' (because of).

کمبود انرژی در بدن حس می‌شود.

A lack of energy is felt in the body.

Passive-like verb 'hes shodan'.

این مغازه کمبود جنس دارد.

This shop has a shortage of goods.

Subject + object + verb.

کمبود امکانات در روستاها مشهود است.

The lack of facilities in villages is evident.

Adjective 'moshhud' (evident).

کمبود اعتماد به نفس مانع موفقیت او شد.

Lack of self-confidence hindered his success.

Abstract noun phrase.

بسیاری از جوانان با کمبود فرصت‌های شغلی روبرو هستند.

Many young people are facing a lack of job opportunities.

Verb 'movajeh budan' (to be facing).

دولت باید کمبود بودجه را جبران کند.

The government must compensate for the budget deficit.

Verb 'jobran kardan' (to compensate).

کمبود محبت در دوران کودکی اثرات بدی دارد.

Lack of affection in childhood has bad effects.

Compound subject with prepositional phrase.

این پروژه به دلیل کمبود نیروی متخصص متوقف شد.

This project was stopped due to a lack of specialized personnel.

Complex noun phrase 'neru-ye motakhasses'.

کمبود آهن در زنان بسیار شایع است.

Iron deficiency is very common in women.

Scientific context.

او از کمبود تمرکز رنج می‌برد.

He suffers from a lack of concentration.

Verb 'ranj bordan' (to suffer).

کمبود جا در کتابخانه مشکل‌ساز شده است.

Lack of space in the library has become problematic.

Adjective 'moshkel-saz'.

کمبود شدید منابع آبی تهدیدی برای کشاورزی است.

Severe shortage of water resources is a threat to agriculture.

Intensifier 'shadid'.

رفع کمبود مسکن نیازمند برنامه‌ریزی دقیق است.

Resolving the housing shortage requires careful planning.

Gerund 'raf-e' (resolving) as part of the subject.

کشور با کمبود ارز برای واردات کالاهای اساسی مواجه است.

The country is facing a lack of foreign currency for importing basic goods.

Economic terminology.

کمبود پروتئین می‌تواند رشد کودکان را مختل کند.

Protein deficiency can disrupt children's growth.

Modal verb 'mitavanad' + 'mokhtal kardan'.

گزارش‌ها نشان‌دهنده کمبود شدید داروهای خاص است.

Reports indicate a severe shortage of specific medicines.

Participle 'neshan-dahande' (indicating).

کمبود امنیت شغلی یکی از دغدغه‌های اصلی کارگران است.

Lack of job security is one of the main concerns of workers.

Abstract concept 'amniyat-e shoghli'.

این محله از کمبود امکانات رفاهی و تفریحی رنج می‌برد.

This neighborhood suffers from a lack of welfare and recreational facilities.

Compound objects.

کمبود اطلاعات دقیق مانع از تصمیم‌گیری درست شد.

Lack of accurate information prevented a correct decision.

Complex subject with 'mane' az' (preventing).

کمبود مشروعیت سیاسی می‌تواند منجر به بحران‌های اجتماعی شود.

A lack of political legitimacy can lead to social crises.

High-level political vocabulary.

نویسنده در این کتاب به کمبود معنویت در جهان مدرن می‌پردازد.

In this book, the author addresses the lack of spirituality in the modern world.

Verb 'pardakhtan be' (to address/deal with).

کمبود نقدینگی در بانک‌ها باعث رکود اقتصادی شده است.

Lack of liquidity in banks has caused economic stagnation.

Technical economic term 'naqdinegi'.

او همواره از کمبود یک راهنمای دلسوز در زندگی‌اش گلایه داشت.

He always complained about the lack of a compassionate mentor in his life.

Verb 'gelaye dashtan' (to complain/lament).

کمبود شواهد کافی باعث تبرئه متهم در دادگاه شد.

Lack of sufficient evidence led to the acquittal of the accused in court.

Legal context.

بحران هوایی اخیر ناشی از کمبود قطعات یدکی بود.

The recent aviation crisis was due to a shortage of spare parts.

Phrase 'nashi az' (resulting from).

کمبود تخصص در سطوح مدیریتی به وضوح دیده می‌شود.

A lack of expertise at management levels is clearly seen.

Passive construction 'dide mishavad'.

کمبود ویتامین‌های گروه ب می‌تواند بر سیستم عصبی تأثیر بگذارد.

Deficiency of B-group vitamins can affect the nervous system.

Biological/Medical context.

کمبود مبانی نظری در این پژوهش، اعتبار نتایج را زیر سؤال می‌برد.

The lack of theoretical foundations in this research calls the validity of the results into question.

Academic critique phrase 'zir-e soal bordan'.

فیلسوفان اگزیستانسیالیست بر کمبود معنا در ساحت هستی تأکید دارند.

Existentialist philosophers emphasize the lack of meaning in the realm of existence.

Philosophical terminology.

کمبود زیرساخت‌های لازم، مانع از تحقق اهداف توسعه پایدار است.

The lack of necessary infrastructure is an obstacle to achieving sustainable development goals.

Formal policy language.

تراژدی‌های بزرگ اغلب بر پایه کمبود بصیرت در قهرمان داستان بنا می‌شوند.

Great tragedies are often built on the lack of insight in the protagonist.

Literary analysis.

کمبود منابع فسیلی، جهان را به سمت انرژی‌های تجدیدپذیر سوق داده است.

The shortage of fossil resources has driven the world toward renewable energies.

Verb 'suq dadan' (to drive/push toward).

کمبود همدلی در تعاملات اجتماعی معاصر، نگران‌کننده به نظر می‌رسد.

The lack of empathy in contemporary social interactions seems worrying.

Sociological observation.

کمبود شفافیت در فرآیندهای مالی، زمینه‌ساز فساد اداری است.

Lack of transparency in financial processes paves the way for administrative corruption.

Political/Legal analysis.

این نظریه به دلیل کمبود انطباق با واقعیت‌های تجربی رد شد.

This theory was rejected due to a lack of alignment with empirical realities.

Scientific methodology language.

Common Collocations

کمبود آب

کمبود وقت

کمبود ویتامین

کمبود بودجه

کمبود خواب

کمبود اعتماد به نفس

کمبود نیروی انسانی

کمبود مواد غذایی

کمبود مسکن

کمبود انرژی

Common Phrases

رفع کمبود

— To resolve or eliminate a shortage.

برای رفع کمبود آب تلاش می‌کنیم.

جبران کمبود

— To compensate for a lack or deficiency.

او با مطالعه زیاد کمبود تجربه را جبران کرد.

مواجه شدن با کمبود

— To face or encounter a shortage.

بسیاری از صنایع با کمبود گاز مواجه شده‌اند.

احساس کمبود کردن

— To feel a lack or void (often emotional).

او در زندگی‌اش احساس کمبود می‌کند.

به دلیل کمبود

— Due to the shortage of...

به دلیل کمبود جا، مهمان نپذیرفتیم.

کمبود شدید

— Severe shortage.

کمبود شدید دارو نگران‌کننده است.

بررسی کمبودها

— Investigating the deficiencies.

مدیر در حال بررسی کمبودهای شرکت است.

پوشش دادن کمبود

— To cover or fill a gap/shortage.

این وام کمبود مالی ما را پوشش می‌دهد.

ناشی از کمبود

— Resulting from a shortage.

این بیماری ناشی از کمبود کلسیم است.

کمبود امکانات

— Lack of facilities or resources.

دانش‌آموزان از کمبود امکانات گلایه دارند.

Often Confused With

کمبود vs کم (Kam)

Kam is an adjective (little), while Kambud is a noun (shortage).

کمبود vs کسری (Kasri)

Kasri is for financial/numerical deficits; Kambud is for general shortages.

کمبود vs فقدان (Foqdan)

Foqdan means total absence; Kambud means not enough.

Idioms & Expressions

"کمبود داشتن"

— Slang for having an inferiority complex or being emotionally needy.

زیاد به او توجه نکن، کمبود دارد.

Informal

"عقده کمبود"

— Inferiority complex (psychological term).

رفتارهای او ناشی از عقده کمبود است.

Neutral

"کم‌وکاست نداشتن"

— To be perfect or complete without any flaws.

پذیرایی آن‌ها هیچ کم‌وکاستی نداشت.

Neutral

"در تنگنای کمبود قرار گرفتن"

— To be squeezed by a shortage (usually financial).

شرکت در تنگنای کمبود نقدینگی است.

Formal

"کمبود محبت"

— Lack of love/affection, often used to explain bad behavior.

بچه‌هایی که کمبود محبت دارند، پرخاشگر می‌شوند.

Neutral

"کمبود آوردن"

— To run short of something while doing a task.

وسط آشپزی نمک کمبود آوردم.

Informal

"دست و پنجه نرم کردن با کمبود"

— To struggle with a shortage.

مردم با کمبود برق دست و پنجه نرم می‌کنند.

Journalistic

"رخنه کردن کمبود"

— When a shortage seeps into a system.

کمبود در تمام بخش‌ها رخنه کرده است.

Literary

"فریاد از کمبود"

— Crying out because of a shortage (metaphorical).

کشاورزان از کمبود آب فریادشان بلند است.

Informal

"کمبود زدن"

— To strike as a shortage (rare but used in some dialects).

امسال کمبود باران زده است.

Dialectal

Easily Confused

کمبود vs کمی (Kami)

Both are nouns related to 'kam'.

Kami is more abstract (scarcity), while Kambud is specific (shortage of a specific thing).

کمیِ وقت vs کمبودِ وقت

کمبود vs نقصان (Noqsan)

Both mean something is missing.

Noqsan implies a flaw or decrease in quality/quantity of a whole; Kambud is a lack of supply.

نقصان در عقل vs کمبود آب

کمبود vs قحطی (Qahti)

Both relate to not having enough.

Qahti is 'famine' or extreme scarcity; Kambud is a general shortage.

قحطی نان vs کمبود نان

کمبود vs تنگنا (Tangna)

Both describe difficult situations with resources.

Tangna is the 'strait' or 'pressure' caused by a shortage; Kambud is the shortage itself.

تنگنای مالی vs کمبود پول

کمبود vs کم‌وکاست (Kam-o-kast)

Both mean something is lacking.

Kam-o-kast refers to small flaws or missing details; Kambud is a substantial shortage.

کم‌وکاست‌های گزارش vs کمبود بودجه

Sentence Patterns

[Subject] کمبود [Noun] دارد.

من کمبود وقت دارم.

به دلیل کمبود [Noun]، [Result].

به دلیل کمبود آب، درختان خشک شدند.

[Subject] با کمبود [Noun] مواجه است.

کشور با کمبود انرژی مواجه است.

برای رفع کمبود [Noun]، باید [Action].

برای رفع کمبود مسکن، باید خانه‌های جدید ساخت.

ناشی از کمبود [Noun] است.

این مشکل ناشی از کمبود بصیرت است.

کمبود [Noun] در ساحت [Domain] مشهود است.

کمبود معنا در ساحت هستی مشهود است.

احساس کمبود [Noun] کردن

او احساس کمبود محبت می‌کند.

کمبود [Noun] مانع از [Action] شد.

کمبود بودجه مانع از ادامه طرح شد.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Very common in both news and daily life.

Common Mistakes

من کم وقت دارم. → من کمبود وقت دارم.
You cannot use the adjective 'kam' as a noun for 'shortage'.
کتابخانه کمبود کتاب. → کتابخانه کمبودِ کتاب دارد.
You need a verb (darad) and an Ezafe (-e) to make a complete sentence.
کمبودِ پولِ بودجه. → کسریِ بودجه.
In financial contexts like budgets, 'kasri' is more appropriate than 'kambud'.
او یک کمبودی است. → او کمبود اعتماد به نفس دارد.
Calling someone 'a kambudi' is slangy and rude; describe the specific lack instead.
کمبودِ کاملِ غذا. → فقدانِ کاملِ غذا.
If the lack is 'total', 'foqdan' is a better word than 'kambud'.

Tips

The Ezafe Rule

Never forget the short 'e' sound after 'kambud' when specifying the item. It's 'kambud-e vaqt', not 'kambud vaqt'.

Kambud vs. Kasri

Use 'kambud' for things you can touch or feel (water, love) and 'kasri' for numbers and money (budget).

Mind the Slang

Calling someone 'kambudi' is an insult. It means they are attention-seeking due to an inferiority complex.

News Keywords

When you hear 'kambud', listen for 'shadid' (severe) or 'bohran' (crisis) nearby. They often go together.

Formal Reports

Use the plural 'kambud-ha' when listing different problems in a project or plan.

Daily Complaints

To sound like a native, use 'kambud-e vaqt' instead of 'vaqt nadaram' when you want to sound more polite or objective.

Health Check

Learn 'kambud-e vitamin' and 'kambud-e ahan' (iron) as they are the most common medical uses.

Kam + Bud

Remember: Kam (Little) + Bud (Being). A 'Little Being' of something is a shortage.

Water Crisis

'Kambud-e Ab' is a major issue in Iran. Knowing this phrase helps you understand many public discussions.

Business Justification

Use 'kambud-e budje' or 'kambud-e neru' to professionally explain why a deadline might be missed.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Kam' as 'Minimal' and 'Bud' as 'Being'. Kambud is a 'Minimal Being' or 'Shortage'.

Visual Association

Imagine a water tank that is only 10% full. Label the empty part 'Kambud'.

Word Web

Shortage Deficit Lack Scarcity Vitamin Water Money Time

Challenge

Write three sentences about things you feel a shortage of this week (e.g., sleep, time, coffee) using 'kambud-e'.

Word Origin

The word is a compound of the Middle Persian 'kam' and 'bud'. 'Kam' descends from Old Persian 'kamna' (few/small). 'Bud' is the past stem of 'budan' (to be), which comes from the Proto-Indo-European root *bhu- (to become/exist).

Original meaning: The literal meaning is 'scant existence' or 'being little'.

Indo-European -> Indo-Iranian -> Iranian -> Persian

Cultural Context

Avoid using 'kambudi' to describe people in polite company as it implies a psychological defect.

English speakers might use 'lack' or 'shortage' interchangeably, but in Persian, 'kambud' is the most versatile term for both.

Environmental campaigns: 'Kambud-e Ab ra jeddi begirim' (Let's take water shortage seriously). Psychology books: 'Kambud-e E'temad be Nafs' (Lack of Self-Confidence). News headlines about 'Kambud-e Budje' (Budget Deficit).

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Medical

کمبود ویتامین
کمبود آهن
کمبود کلسیم
رفع کمبود مواد مغذی

Economy

کمبود بودجه
کمبود نقدینگی
کمبود ارز
کمبود کالا در بازار

Environment

کمبود آب
کمبود بارش
بحران کمبود منابع
کمبود انرژی

Daily Life

کمبود وقت
کمبود جا
کمبود خواب
کمبود پارکینگ

Psychology

کمبود اعتماد به نفس
کمبود محبت
احساس کمبود
عقده کمبود

Conversation Starters

"آیا شما هم با کمبود وقت در طول روز مواجه هستید؟ (Do you also face a lack of time during the day?)"

"به نظر شما چطور می‌توان کمبود آب را در شهر حل کرد؟ (How do you think the water shortage in the city can be solved?)"

"آیا تا به حال دچار کمبود ویتامین شده‌اید؟ (Have you ever suffered from a vitamin deficiency?)"

"فکر می‌کنید کمبود اعتماد به نفس چه تأثیری بر زندگی دارد؟ (What effect do you think a lack of self-confidence has on life?)"

"چرا در این منطقه کمبود پارکینگ وجود دارد؟ (Why is there a lack of parking in this area?)"

Journal Prompts

در مورد زمانی بنویسید که با کمبود وقت مواجه بودید و چگونه آن را مدیریت کردید. (Write about a time when you faced a lack of time and how you managed it.)

تأثیرات کمبود خواب بر روی سلامت روان خود را شرح دهید. (Describe the effects of lack of sleep on your mental health.)

اگر مسئول بودید، چگونه کمبود امکانات در مدرسه‌تان را رفع می‌کردید؟ (If you were in charge, how would you resolve the lack of facilities in your school?)

آیا در زندگی‌تان احساس کمبود چیزی را دارید؟ آن چیست؟ (Do you feel a lack of something in your life? What is it?)

نقش دولت در رفع کمبودهای اقتصادی جامعه چیست؟ (What is the government's role in resolving the economic deficiencies of society?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, but be careful. If you say someone 'kambud darad', it often implies they have an emotional deficiency or an inferiority complex. It's quite informal and can be offensive.

'Kambud' is used for general shortages (water, time, vitamins). 'Kasri' is specifically for deficits in numbers or money (budget deficit, weight deficit).

It is neutral. It's used in everyday speech ('kambud-e khab daram') and in formal news reports ('kambud-e manabe-ye abi').

You add '-ha' to make 'kambud-ha'. This is used when talking about multiple different types of shortages or deficiencies.

Yes, when followed by the noun it describes (e.g., 'kambud-e ab'). If it's at the end of a sentence or standing alone, it doesn't.

No, for 'rare' you should use 'kamyab'. 'Kambud' is the noun for the state of being scarce/short.

'Dashtan' (to have), 'vojud dashtan' (to exist), and 'movajeh budan' (to be facing) are the most common.

No, 'kam' is an adjective. You can say 'ab kam ast' (water is little), but 'kambud-e ab' (water shortage) is the correct noun phrase.

The most common opposites are 'faravani' (abundance) or 'mazad' (surplus).

Yes, very frequently. It's the standard word for vitamin or mineral deficiencies (e.g., 'kambud-e kalsiyam').