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A2 adjective 9 min read

مبهم

mobham
Examples مبهم in 30 Seconds
Explanation مبهم in your Level:
At the A1 level, you don't need to worry about the complex philosophical meanings of 'mobham'. Simply think of it as 'not clear'. Imagine you are looking at a picture that is blurry, or someone tells you 'go there' without pointing where. That is 'mobham'. For a beginner, this word is useful for saying 'I don't understand because it's not clear'. You can use it in very short sentences like 'In aks mobham ast' (This photo is blurry/vague). At this stage, it helps you express that the difficulty in communication isn't just your lack of vocabulary, but the information itself is 'fuzzy'. Focus on the basic sound 'mob-ham' and its association with 'unclear' visual things.
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At the A2 level, you can start using 'mobham' to describe simple instructions, directions, or stories. If a friend tells you a story but skips the important parts, you can say 'Dāstān-e to mobham ast' (Your story is vague). You are now moving from just physical things (like photos) to simple abstract things (like a short explanation). You should be able to use it with the Ezafe construction, such as 'harf-e mobham' (a vague word/statement). This level is about recognizing that 'mobham' is the opposite of 'roshan' (clear). When you hear a teacher give a homework assignment that you don't fully understand, using 'mobham' is a polite way to ask for more details.
At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'mobham' in more varied contexts, including feelings and memories. You can talk about 'khāterāt-e mobham' (vague memories) or 'hes-e mobham' (a vague feeling). You are starting to see the word in newspapers or simple books. At this level, you should also distinguish 'mobham' from its synonyms like 'gong'. You might use it to describe a movie plot that was a bit confusing or a news report that didn't give all the facts. Your sentences should become more complex, such as 'Dalil-e raftār-e u barāye man mobham bud' (The reason for his behavior was vague/unclear to me). You are beginning to understand that 'mobham' can describe social situations, not just objects.
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At the B2 level, 'mobham' becomes a tool for critical thinking and analysis. You will use it to discuss academic topics, political statements, or literary themes. You should be able to identify 'ebhām' (the noun form, meaning ambiguity) in a text. At this stage, you might use 'mobham' to critique an argument, saying 'In nazar-e shomā kamelan mobham ast' (This opinion of yours is completely vague). You are also expected to understand the nuance between 'mobham' and 'ebhām-āmiz' (ambiguous/mysterious). You can participate in debates about social issues where the future might be 'mobham' (uncertain). Your vocabulary is now rich enough to use 'mobham' to describe complex systems, legal terms, or abstract artistic concepts.
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At the C1 level, you use 'mobham' with the precision of a native speaker. You understand its role in Persian rhetoric and literature. You can discuss how a poet like Hafez uses 'ebhām' (ambiguity) as a deliberate literary device to allow multiple interpretations of a verse. You can use 'mobham' in high-level professional environments, such as during a contract negotiation where you point out 'band-hā-ye mobham' (vague clauses) that could lead to legal risks. You understand the subtle emotional weight the word carries in different registers. You can also use related forms like 'mubham' (the Arabic pronunciation sometimes used in very formal Persian) or 'mubhamāt' (ambiguities/obscurities). Your usage reflects a deep understanding of Persian semantics.
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At the C2 level, you have mastered the philosophical and metaphysical depths of 'mobham'. You can engage in academic discourse about the 'ontological ambiguity' of certain concepts using this word. You can navigate the most complex classical and modern Persian texts where 'mobham' is used to describe the nature of existence or the divine. You are aware of the word's history, its Arabic roots, and its evolution in Persian literature over a thousand years. You can use it to describe the most subtle nuances of human thought and expression, where clarity is not just absent, but perhaps impossible. At this level, 'mobham' is not just a word for 'unclear'; it is a category of thought that you use to analyze the world around you.
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Examples

مبهم in 30 Seconds

  • Mobham means vague or unclear in Persian.
  • It is used for both physical and abstract things.
  • It is a common adjective in formal and informal speech.
  • The opposite of mobham is vāzeh or roshan.

The Persian word مبهم (pronounced as 'mob-ham') is an essential adjective used to describe anything that lacks clarity, precision, or transparency. Derived from Arabic roots, it has seamlessly integrated into the Persian language to cover a wide spectrum of 'unclearness.' Whether you are talking about a blurry photograph, a confusing legal clause, a vague memory from childhood, or an ambiguous answer given by a politician, this is the word you need. In everyday Persian life, you might hear it when someone is frustrated by a lack of information or when a student finds a teacher's explanation difficult to grasp. It suggests a state where the essence of something is hidden or not fully revealed, much like looking through a fogged-up window.

Semantic Range
It spans from physical obscurity (like a dim light) to intellectual uncertainty (like a complex philosophical concept).

پاسخ مدیر به سوالات ما بسیار مبهم بود و هیچ‌کس قانع نشد.

Translation: The manager's response to our questions was very vague, and no one was convinced.

In the context of Iranian culture, where communication can sometimes be indirect (influenced by social norms like Ta'arof), the word mobham often carries a slightly negative connotation in professional settings but a mysterious, almost poetic one in literature. When a poet describes a 'mobham' gaze, they are referring to a look that is deep, full of hidden meanings, and impossible to decode at first glance. However, in a contract, a 'mobham' clause is a liability. Understanding the weight of this word allows you to navigate the nuances of Persian social interactions, where being too direct is sometimes avoided, but being too 'mobham' can lead to significant misunderstandings. It is the linguistic antithesis of 'roshan' (clear/bright) and 'vāzeh' (explicit).

Common Pairings
Often paired with 'gozāresh' (report), 'āyandeh' (future), or 'tasvir' (image).

آینده پروژه به دلیل کمبود بودجه هنوز مبهم است.

Translation: The future of the project is still obscure due to the lack of budget.

Furthermore, in the realm of psychology and emotions, Iranians use this word to describe feelings that they cannot quite put a finger on. If you feel a sense of unease but don't know why, you might describe it as a 'hes-e mobham' (a vague feeling). This demonstrates the word's versatility in moving from the concrete world of logic and law to the abstract world of human emotion and artistic expression. It is a high-frequency word in news broadcasts, especially when discussing international relations or economic forecasts where outcomes are uncertain.

Using مبهم correctly requires an understanding of Persian adjective placement. In Persian, adjectives typically follow the noun they modify, connected by the 'Ezafe' construction (a short 'e' sound). For example, 'a vague plan' becomes 'barnameh-ye mobham'. It functions as a standard descriptive adjective and does not change based on the gender of the noun (as Persian has no grammatical gender). However, it can be used as a predicate adjective after the verb 'budan' (to be) or 'shodan' (to become), such as 'in moshkel mobham ast' (this problem is vague).

Sentence Structure 1: Attribution
Noun + Ezafe + مبهم (e.g., خاطرات مبهم - vague memories)

من فقط چند خاطره‌ی مبهم از دوران کودکی‌ام در شیراز دارم.

Translation: I only have a few vague memories of my childhood in Shiraz.

When you want to intensify the vagueness, you can use adverbs like 'kheyli' (very) or 'kamelan' (completely). 'Kamelan mobham' (completely ambiguous) is a common phrase used to dismiss an argument or a proposal that lacks substance. Interestingly, 'mobham' can also be used in more complex grammatical structures involving 'be nazar residan' (to seem). For instance, 'in dastur-al-amal be nazar mobham mi-resad' (this instruction seems vague). This is a more formal way to express doubt about clarity.

Sentence Structure 2: Predicative
Subject + مبهم + Verb (e.g., همه چیز مبهم بود - everything was vague)

دلیل استعفای او هنوز برای همکارانش مبهم باقی مانده است.

Translation: The reason for his resignation still remains obscure for his colleagues.

In academic writing, 'mobham' is often contrasted with 'moshakhas' (specific/defined). A common critique in Iranian universities is that a student's thesis statement is 'mobham' and needs more 'shaffāfiyat' (transparency/clarity). If you are writing an essay in Persian, using 'mobham' to describe a concept that requires further elaboration is a sign of sophisticated vocabulary. It shows you understand the difference between something that is simply 'not known' and something that is 'unclear' by nature or by poor description.

You will encounter مبهم in a variety of real-world scenarios in Iran. One of the most common places is the evening news (Akhbar). News anchors often use it when reporting on diplomatic negotiations or economic policies that haven't been fully detailed. For example, 'mofād-e gharārdād mobham ast' (the contents of the contract are vague). This usage highlights the word's role in serious, formal discourse. It suggests that there is information available, but it is not sufficient for a clear understanding.

In the Courtroom
Lawyers use 'mobham' to challenge evidence or witness testimonies that are not precise enough to hold up in court.

شهادت شاهد به قدری مبهم بود که قاضی آن را نپذیرفت.

Translation: The witness's testimony was so vague that the judge did not accept it.

In the arts, especially in the thriving Iranian cinema and contemporary painting scenes, 'mobham' is a word of praise. A film with a 'mobham' ending (pāyān-e mobham) is often seen as more intellectual and thought-provoking than one with a clear-cut happy ending. It allows the audience to interpret the story in multiple ways. Critics might discuss the 'faza-ye mobham' (vague/mysterious atmosphere) of a noir film or an abstract painting. Here, the word moves away from 'confusion' and toward 'artistic ambiguity'.

Daily Life
In a café, friends might discuss a 'mobham' text message received from an ex-partner, trying to decode the hidden intent.

پیامی که فرستادی خیلی مبهم است؛ منظورت چیست؟

Translation: The message you sent is very vague; what do you mean?

Finally, in the tech world in Iran, users might describe a poorly designed user interface or confusing error messages as 'mobham'. If a website's navigation doesn't make sense, a Persian speaker might say, 'rāhnamā-ye sāyt kheyli mobham ast' (the site's guide is very vague). This shows that the word is perfectly adapted to modern, digital-age frustrations as well as ancient poetic mysteries.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make is confusing مبهم (mobham) with gong (گنگ). While they are often synonyms, 'gong' primarily means 'mute' or 'speechless' in its literal sense. When used to mean 'vague,' 'gong' implies a lack of clarity that stems from a lack of sound or a failure to articulate properly. 'Mobham,' on the other hand, is a broader term that suggests the information itself is inherently unclear or hidden, regardless of how it was spoken. If a concept is hard to understand, it is 'mobham'; if a person is mumbling, their speech is 'gong'.

Mistake 1: Confusing with 'Tārik'
Learners sometimes use 'tārik' (dark) to mean vague. While 'tārik' can be metaphorical, 'mobham' is the standard word for intellectual ambiguity.

Wrong: توضیحات او تاریک بود.
Right: توضیحات او مبهم بود.

Another error is related to the intensity of the word. Some learners use 'mobham' when they simply mean 'unknown' (nā-moshakhas). If you don't know the time of a meeting, it is 'nā-moshakhas' (not specified). If the time was given but in a confusing way (e.g., 'sometime in the afternoon'), then it is 'mobham'. Using 'mobham' when you mean 'unspecified' can sound overly dramatic or imply that someone is intentionally being secretive.

Mistake 2: Pronunciation
Ensure you don't pronounce it as 'mob-hem'. The second syllable is 'ham' (like 'hum' in English but with a short 'a').

Lastly, be careful with the word 'pichideh' (complex). While something 'mobham' is often 'pichideh', they are not the same. A complex math problem is 'pichideh', but if the instructions on how to solve it are poorly written, those instructions are 'mobham'. Mixing these up can lead to confusion about whether the difficulty lies in the subject matter itself or in the way it is being presented. Always ask yourself: Is it hard because it's complicated, or is it hard because it's unclear? If it's the latter, 'mobham' is your word.

To truly master Persian, you need to know which 'flavor' of ambiguity you are dealing with. While مبهم is the most versatile term, several alternatives provide more specific nuances. Gong (گنگ), as mentioned, focuses on the lack of clarity in expression or sound. It is often used for speech or thoughts that haven't quite formed yet. Nā-moshakhas (نامشخص) is strictly for things that have not been determined or specified, like an unknown date or a person whose identity is yet to be revealed.

Mobham vs. Gong
Mobham = Ambiguous in meaning.
Gong = Unclear in delivery or articulation.

عبارت‌های مبهم در قانون می‌تواند باعث سوءتفاهم شود.

Translation: Ambiguous phrases in the law can cause misunderstandings.

Another sophisticated alternative is Ebhām-āmiz (ابهام‌آمیز). This is an adjective derived from the noun 'ebhām' (ambiguity) and the suffix '-āmiz' (mixed with/full of). It is more formal than 'mobham' and is often used to describe actions or statements that are intentionally shrouded in mystery. For example, 'yek labkhand-e ebhām-āmiz' (an ambiguous smile) sounds more literary and deliberate than 'yek labkhand-e mobham'. It suggests that the ambiguity is a quality of the thing itself.

Comparison Table
  • Mobham: General vagueness/ambiguity.
  • Gong: Muddled, incoherent, or mute clarity.
  • Nā-moshakhas: Unspecified, undefined, or unknown.
  • Tārik: Dark, obscure (metaphorical/literary).

In poetic contexts, you might also find marmuz (mysterious/secretive). While 'mobham' describes the state of being unclear, 'marmuz' describes the feeling of something being hidden on purpose with a hint of suspicion. If a person's behavior is 'mobham', they are just hard to read. If their behavior is 'marmuz', you might suspect they are up to no good. Choosing the right word among these synonyms will make your Persian sound much more natural and precise.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /mob.hæm/
US /mob.hæm/
The stress is on the second syllable: mob-HAM.
Rhymes With
درهم (derham) برهم (barham) مبهم (mobham) اعظم (azam) محرم (moharram) عالم (ālam) آدم (ādam) کم (kam)
Common Errors
  • Pronouncing it as 'mob-hem' (with an 'e' sound).
  • Skipping the 'h' sound and saying 'mobam'.
  • Over-stressing the first syllable.
  • Pronouncing the 'o' as a long 'u' (mubham) - though this is acceptable in some formal contexts, 'mobham' is standard.
  • Mixing it up with 'mohem' (important).
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Examples by Level

1

این عکس خیلی مبهم است.

This photo is very vague/blurry.

Simple Subject + Adverb + Adjective + Verb structure.

2

اسم او برای من مبهم بود.

His/her name was vague (unclear) to me.

Using 'mobham' with a simple noun.

3

راه مبهم است.

The path is vague/unclear.

Basic 'Noun is Adjective' pattern.

4

من یک سوال مبهم دارم.

I have a vague question.

Adjective following the noun with Ezafe (-e).

5

حرف‌های او مبهم بود.

His words were vague.

Plural noun with a singular adjective.

6

این رنگ مبهم است.

This color is vague (hard to define).

Using 'mobham' for physical attributes.

7

نقشه مبهم است.

The map is vague.

Standard predicative use.

8

صدای تو مبهم است.

Your voice is vague (muffled/unclear).

Applying 'mobham' to auditory stimuli.

1

آدرس خانه کمی مبهم بود.

The house address was a bit vague.

Use of 'kami' (a bit) as a qualifier.

2

او به من یک جواب مبهم داد.

He gave me a vague answer.

Simple past tense with an adjective-noun pair.

3

آینده هنوز برای ما مبهم است.

The future is still vague for us.

Using 'hanuz' (still) to show ongoing state.

4

داستان کتاب کمی مبهم است.

The book's story is a bit vague.

Possessive Ezafe (dāstān-e ketāb) + Adjective.

5

توضیحات معلم مبهم بود.

The teacher's explanations were vague.

Formal plural noun used with 'mobham'.

6

من خاطره‌ای مبهم از آن روز دارم.

I have a vague memory of that day.

Indefinite noun (khātereh-i) + Adjective.

7

قوانین بازی خیلی مبهم هستند.

The rules of the game are very vague.

Plural verb 'hastand' used with a plural subject.

8

این نامه خیلی مبهم نوشته شده است.

This letter is written very vaguely.

Passive construction (neveshteh shodeh ast).

1

او همیشه با لحنی مبهم صحبت می‌کند.

He always speaks with a vague tone.

Using 'lahn' (tone) as the noun.

2

شرایط قرارداد برای من مبهم باقی ماند.

The contract terms remained vague to me.

Using 'bāghi māndan' (to remain) as a linking verb.

3

یک حس مبهم به من می‌گوید که او می‌آید.

A vague feeling tells me that he is coming.

Using 'hes' (feeling) as an abstract subject.

4

نقاط مبهم زیادی در این پرونده وجود دارد.

There are many vague points in this case.

Noun phrase 'noghāt-e mobham' (vague points).

5

پاسخ‌های او بیشتر سوال ایجاد کرد چون مبهم بود.

His answers created more questions because they were vague.

Causal conjunction 'chon' (because).

6

تصویر مبهمی از دزد در دوربین ثبت شد.

A vague image of the thief was recorded on the camera.

Indefinite marker '-i' added to the adjective.

7

هدف نهایی پروژه هنوز مبهم است.

The ultimate goal of the project is still vague.

Compound noun 'hadaf-e nahāyi' (ultimate goal).

8

او با یک لبخند مبهم اتاق را ترک کرد.

He left the room with a vague smile.

Prepositional phrase 'bā yek labkhand-e mobham'.

1

نویسنده تعمداً پایان داستان را مبهم رها کرده است.

The author has deliberately left the end of the story vague.

Adverb 'ta'ammodan' (deliberately) + 'rahā kardan' (to leave/abandon).

2

بیانیه سیاسی دولت بسیار مبهم و دوپهلو بود.

The government's political statement was very vague and ambiguous.

Using 'do-pahlu' (double-sided/ambiguous) as a synonym.

3

این نظریه به دلیل مفاهیم مبهمش مورد انتقاد قرار گرفت.

This theory was criticized due to its vague concepts.

Possessive suffix '-ash' attached to the plural noun.

4

گزارش‌های اولیه از محل حادثه بسیار مبهم هستند.

Initial reports from the scene of the accident are very vague.

Subject-verb agreement with a plural subject.

5

او در مورد گذشته‌اش همیشه مبهم حرف می‌زند.

He always talks vaguely about his past.

Using 'mobham' as an adverbial adjective.

6

ابهامات موجود در متن باعث سوءتفاهم شد.

The existing ambiguities in the text caused a misunderstanding.

Using the plural noun form 'abhāmāt' (ambiguities).

7

ساختار این سازمان برای دنیای بیرون مبهم است.

The structure of this organization is vague to the outside world.

Prepositional phrase 'barāye donyā-ye birun'.

8

لحن مبهم او باعث شد که کسی به او اعتماد نکند.

His vague tone caused no one to trust him.

Resultative clause using 'bā'es shod' (caused).

1

شعر حافظ پر از استعاره‌های مبهم و چندلایه است.

Hafez's poetry is full of vague and multi-layered metaphors.

Using 'chand-lāyeh' (multi-layered) to complement 'mobham'.

2

این سند حقوقی حاوی اصطلاحات مبهمی است که نیاز به تفسیر دارند.

This legal document contains vague terms that require interpretation.

Relative clause 'ke niyāz be tafsir dārand'.

3

فلسفه مدرن اغلب با مفاهیم مبهم و انتزاعی سر و کار دارد.

Modern philosophy often deals with vague and abstract concepts.

Using 'entezā'i' (abstract) alongside 'mobham'.

4

او با ذکاوتی خاص، پاسخ‌های مبهمی به بازجو داد.

With a specific cleverness, he gave vague answers to the interrogator.

Prepositional phrase 'bā zakāvati khās'.

5

ابهام در کلام او نه از ضعف، بلکه از رندی اوست.

The ambiguity in his speech is not from weakness, but from his 'Randi' (cleverness/hypocrisy).

Using 'ebhām' (noun) as the subject.

6

مرز بین واقعیت و خیال در این فیلم بسیار مبهم است.

The border between reality and fantasy in this film is very vague.

Subject 'marz-e bin-e vāghe'iyat va khiyāl'.

7

استراتژی شرکت در مواجهه با بحران هنوز مبهم باقی مانده است.

The company's strategy in facing the crisis still remains vague.

Formal noun 'movājeheh' (facing/confronting).

8

منظور او از این کنایه برای همه مبهم بود.

His meaning behind this irony/sarcasm was vague to everyone.

Using 'kenāyeh' (allusion/irony) with 'mobham'.

1

در متون عرفانی، حقیقت همواره در هاله‌ای مبهم از رمز و راز پوشیده شده است.

In mystical texts, truth is always shrouded in a vague aura of mystery.

Metaphorical use of 'hāleh' (halo/aura).

2

ابهام ساختاری در این رمان، بازتابی از آشفتگی ذهنی قهرمان داستان است.

The structural ambiguity in this novel is a reflection of the protagonist's mental turmoil.

Using 'bāztāb' (reflection) and 'āshoftegi' (turmoil).

3

برخی منتقدان معتقدند که سبک نقاشی او بیش از حد مبهم و دست‌نیافتنی است.

Some critics believe his painting style is excessively vague and inaccessible.

Adverbial phrase 'bish az had' (excessively).

4

پیچیدگی‌های دیپلماتیک باعث شد که توافق‌نامه در بسیاری از بندها مبهم بماند.

Diplomatic complexities caused the agreement to remain vague in many clauses.

Complex causal sentence structure.

5

ذات مبهم زبان، امکان هرگونه تفاهم کامل را سلب می‌کند.

The vague nature of language deprives the possibility of any complete understanding.

Philosophical subject 'zāt-e mobham-e zabān'.

6

او در یادداشت‌هایش به شکلی مبهم به توطئه‌ای علیه خود اشاره کرده است.

In his notes, he has vaguely referred to a conspiracy against himself.

Adverbial use 'be shekli mobham' (in a vague way).

7

ابهامات کلامی او غالباً پوششی برای عدم صداقتش بود.

His verbal ambiguities were often a cover for his lack of honesty.

Using 'ebhāmāt' (plural noun) as a psychological defense.

8

تصویری که او از مدینه فاضله ارائه می‌دهد، بسیار مبهم و آرمانی است.

The image he presents of a utopia is very vague and idealistic.

Using 'ārmāni' (idealistic) to contrast with 'mobham'.

Common Collocations

خاطره مبهم
پاسخ مبهم
آینده مبهم
تصویر مبهم
دلیل مبهم
عبارت مبهم
احساس مبهم
قانون مبهم
پایان مبهم
نقطه مبهم

Common Phrases

در هاله‌ای از ابهام

— To be shrouded in mystery or uncertainty. Used for events whose outcome is unknown.

سرنوشت توافق در هاله‌ای از ابهام است.

کلمات مبهم

— Vague words that don't convey a clear meaning. Often used in criticism.

از به کار بردن کلمات مبهم خودداری کنید.

وضعیت مبهم

— An unclear situation where the next step is not obvious.

ما در وضعیت مبهمی قرار داریم.

گزارش مبهم

— A report that lacks necessary details or is confusing.

گزارش مبهم پلیس کمکی به ما نکرد.

طرح مبهم

— A plan or design that is not well thought out or clear.

این یک طرح مبهم برای آینده است.

پاسخ‌های مبهم و سربالا

— Vague and evasive answers. A common idiomatic pairing.

او فقط پاسخ‌های مبهم و سربالا داد.

ابهام‌زدایی کردن

— To clarify or remove ambiguity from something.

باید از این قانون ابهام‌زدایی شود.

خیلی مبهم حرف زدن

— To speak very vaguely, often implying being secretive.

چرا اینقدر مبهم حرف می‌زنی؟

نقاط مبهم ذهنی

— Mental confusions or things one doesn't fully understand yet.

او تمام نقاط مبهم ذهنی مرا برطرف کرد.

تصویری مبهم و تار

— A vague and blurry image. Often used for old photos or memories.

فقط تصویری مبهم و تار از آن شب یادم هست.

Idioms & Expressions

"در هاله‌ای از ابهام بودن"

— To be completely uncertain or surrounded by mystery, like a person in a thick fog.

نتیجه انتخابات در هاله‌ای از ابهام است.

Formal
"آب را گل‌آلود کردن"

— While not using 'mobham', it means to make things vague/confusing to take advantage of it.

او می‌خواهد با مبهم کردن موضوع، آب را گل‌آلود کند.

Informal
"دوپهلو حرف زدن"

— To speak in a way that can be interpreted in two ways, being intentionally vague.

سیاستمداران معمولاً دوپهلو حرف می‌زنند.

Neutral
"رندانه سخن گفتن"

— To speak cleverly and vaguely, a trait admired in classical Persian culture.

او رندانه و مبهم پاسخ داد تا رازش فاش نشود.

Literary
"سر بسته گفتن"

— To say something in a closed/vague way, without going into details.

او سر بسته و مبهم به مشکلاتش اشاره کرد.

Informal
"در پرده سخن گفتن"

— To speak 'behind a curtain', meaning to use metaphors and vague language.

شاعران بزرگ همیشه در پرده و مبهم سخن می‌گویند.

Literary
"گنگ و ویج"

— To be confused and vague in one's head, usually after a shock.

بعد از تصادف، ذهنم گنگ و مبهم بود.

Informal
"یک خط در میان گفتن"

— To skip parts of a story, making the whole narrative vague.

او داستان را یک خط در میان و مبهم تعریف کرد.

Informal
"کنایه‌آمیز حرف زدن"

— To speak through allusions and vague hints.

حرف‌های کنایه‌آمیز و مبهم او مرا ناراحت کرد.

Neutral
"مبهم‌گویی"

— The act of speaking vaguely as a habit or strategy.

او در مبهم‌گویی استاد است.

Formal

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Word Origin

The word 'مبهم' is the passive participle (ism-e maf'ul) of the Arabic verb 'أبهم' (abhama), which comes from the root 'ب-ه-م' (B-H-M). In Arabic, this root relates to things that are solid, speechless, or lacking a clear opening.

Original meaning: The original meaning in Arabic referred to something 'solid' or 'closed' like a wall, implying that no light or understanding can pass through it.

Semitic root (Arabic) integrated into the Indo-European (Persian) lexicon.
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This Word in Other Languages

مبهم Arabic
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