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مدرسه

A1 noun #700 most common 11 min read

مدرسه

madrese Top 700

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips مدرسه in 30 Seconds

Explanation مدرسه in your Level:

At the A1 level, the word 'madreseh' is one of the most basic nouns you will learn. It is used to describe a place you go to every day. You will learn to say 'I go to school' (Man be madreseh miravam) and 'I am at school' (Man dar madreseh hastam). The focus is on simple subject-verb-object structures and basic prepositions. You should be able to identify the school building and talk about your school bag (kif-e madreseh) or your teacher (moallem-e madreseh). The word is concrete and refers to the physical location of learning. You will also learn the names of basic school items like books (ketab) and pencils (medad) in the context of 'madreseh'. At this stage, don't worry about complex plural forms; just focus on the singular 'madreseh'.

At the A2 level, you begin to expand your use of 'madreseh' to describe your daily routine and school environment in more detail. You can talk about what time school starts (Madreseh key shoru mishavad?) and when it ends. You will start using adjectives to describe your school, such as 'big' (bozorg), 'small' (kuchek), 'old' (ghadimi), or 'new' (nosaz). You can also describe your classmates (ham-kelasi) and your favorite subjects. You will begin to use the plural 'madreseh-ha' when talking about multiple schools in your neighborhood. You should also be able to understand simple announcements about school holidays (tatilat-e madreseh).

At the B1 level, you can discuss the school system more broadly. You can explain the difference between public schools (madreseh-ye dolati) and private schools (madreseh-ye gheyr-e-entefayi). You can talk about your experiences in school, your favorite teachers, and the challenges of certain subjects. You will start using the word 'madreseh' in more complex sentences with conjunctions like 'because' (chon) and 'although' (ba inke). For example: 'I like my school because the teachers are very kind.' You will also become familiar with the Arabic plural 'madares' in the context of reading news or official school reports. You can discuss school rules and extracurricular activities like sports or music.

At the B2 level, you can engage in more abstract discussions involving 'madreseh'. You can talk about educational reforms, the quality of education in different schools, and the social role of schools in society. You can express opinions on school uniforms, standardized testing, and the pressure students face. Your vocabulary will include terms like 'nezam-e amoozeshi' (educational system) and 'mohit-e madreseh' (school environment). You can understand and participate in debates about the pros and cons of different types of schools. You will also be able to use 'madreseh' in idiomatic expressions and understand its metaphorical use in literature and media.

At the C1 level, you have a deep understanding of the historical and cultural nuances of the word 'madreseh'. You can discuss the evolution of the Persian school system from the traditional 'maktab' to the modern 'madreseh'. You can analyze literary texts that use the school as a setting or a metaphor for life and growth. You are comfortable using the word in academic contexts, such as writing essays about educational philosophy or social history. You can distinguish between the various registers of the word, from colloquial speech to formal administrative language. You understand the subtle differences in meaning when 'madreseh' is used in different Persian-speaking regions like Afghanistan or Tajikistan.

At the C2 level, you have mastered the word 'madreseh' in all its complexity. You can discuss the etymology of the word and its cognates in other languages. You can engage in high-level academic research or professional work within the educational sector in a Persian-speaking country. You can interpret complex legal and policy documents regarding schools and education. You are sensitive to the stylistic choices between using 'madreseh', 'dabestan', 'dabirestan', or 'madares' in creative writing or formal oratory. You can appreciate the use of the word in classical Persian poetry and modern social critiques, understanding the full weight of its cultural and historical baggage.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

مدرسه in 30 Seconds

The Persian word 'madreseh' (مدرسه) means 'school' and is used for primary and secondary education levels, covering children from approximately ages 6 to 18.
It is derived from the Arabic root for 'study' and is a foundational noun in the Persian language, essential for daily conversation and cultural understanding.
In modern usage, it refers to both the physical building and the educational institution, distinct from 'daneshgah' (university) and 'amoozeshgah' (specialized institute).
Commonly paired with verbs like 'raftan' (to go) and 'dars khandan' (to study), it appears in various formal and informal registers across the Persian-speaking world.

The Persian word مدرسه (madreseh) is the primary term for 'school' in the Persian-speaking world. Derived from the Arabic root d-r-s (د-ر-س), which relates to the act of studying, teaching, or giving a lesson, it encompasses a wide range of educational settings. In contemporary Iran, Afghanistan, and Tajikistan, it refers most commonly to primary and secondary educational institutions where children and teenagers receive their formal education. However, its usage is nuanced and varies depending on the historical and cultural context. Historically, a madreseh was often a theological seminary, but in modern secular contexts, it is the standard word for any general education school. When you use this word, you are referring to the physical building, the administrative institution, and the social environment where learning occurs.

Primary Definition: An institution for educating children, typically covering grades one through twelve.
Physical Context: The building or campus where students gather to attend classes and participate in extracurricular activities.
Social Context: The period of life spent in school, or the community of students, teachers, and staff.

امروز بچه‌ها به مدرسه رفتند.
(Emruz bacche-ha be madreseh raftand.)
Today the children went to school.

In everyday conversation, madreseh is used to describe the daily routine of students. For example, when a parent asks a child, 'How was school today?' they use this word. It is also used in administrative terms, such as modir-e madreseh (school principal) or daftar-e madreseh (school office). Unlike 'university' (daneshgah), madreseh specifically targets the K-12 range. In some religious contexts, particularly in English-speaking media, the word 'madrasa' is used to refer specifically to Islamic religious schools, but in the Persian language, madreseh remains the generic and most common word for any standard school, including secular public and private schools.

کی از مدرسه برمی‌گردی؟
(Key az madreseh barmigardi?)
When do you return from school?

The word also appears in various compound forms and cultural expressions. For instance, madreseh-ye shabaneh refers to a night school, often for adults who work during the day. Historically, the 'Dar ol-Fonun' established in 1851 was the first modern madreseh in Iran, marking a shift from traditional religious education to modern sciences. Understanding madreseh is essential for anyone interacting with Persian-speaking families, as the school system is a central pillar of social life and social mobility in these cultures.

این مدرسه خیلی قدیمی است.
(In madreseh kheyli ghadimi ast.)
This school is very old.

Historical Usage: Formerly used for higher education in philosophy and theology before the modern university system.
Modern Usage: Standard term for elementary, middle, and high schools.

من در مدرسه دوستان زیادی دارم.
(Man dar madreseh doustan-e ziadi daram.)
I have many friends at school.

لباس مدرسه من آبی است.
(Lebas-e madreseh-ye man abi ast.)
My school uniform is blue.

Using مدرسه correctly in Persian involves understanding its relationship with prepositions and verbs. The most common preposition used with madreseh is be (to) when indicating direction or movement, and dar (in/at) when indicating location. In spoken Persian, dar is often replaced by tu (inside) or simply omitted with the use of the 'ezafe' construction in certain contexts. Verbs like raftan (to go), amadan (to come), dars khandan (to study), and sabt-e nam kardan (to enroll) are frequently paired with this noun. Let's explore how these components come together to form natural-sounding sentences.

Directional Usage: Using 'be' (to) for going to school: 'Be madreseh miravam' (I am going to school).
Locational Usage: Using 'dar' (at/in) for being at school: 'Dar madreseh hastam' (I am at school).
Possessive Usage: Using the ezafe to link 'school' to other nouns: 'Modir-e madreseh' (The school principal).

فردا مدرسه تعطیل است.
(Farda madreseh tatil ast.)
Tomorrow school is closed/holiday.

When discussing plural schools, Persian speakers use two forms: the regular Persian plural madreseh-ha (مدرسه‌ها) and the Arabic broken plural madares (مدارس). While madreseh-ha is more common in everyday speech, madares is frequently used in formal writing, news reports, and official government documents (e.g., 'Vezarat-e Amoozesh o Parvaresh' or the Ministry of Education). For example, a news headline might read 'Madares-e Tehran farda tatil hastand' (Tehran schools are closed tomorrow). Understanding when to use which plural form adds a layer of sophistication to your Persian skills.

او در یک مدرسه غیرانتفاعی درس می‌خواند.
(Ou dar yek madreseh-ye gheyr-e-entefayi dars mikhand.)
He/She studies in a private school.

Furthermore, madreseh can be modified by various adjectives to specify the type of school. Madreseh-ye ebtedayi (elementary school), madreseh-ye راهنمایی (middle school - though now often called 'dore-ye avval-e motavaseteh'), and madreseh-ye dabirestan (high school) are common. Note that 'dabirestan' is often used on its own without the word 'madreseh'. In compound verbs, madreseh raftan is a fixed expression meaning 'to go to school' in the sense of being a student, similar to how we say 'to go to college' in English.

باید برای مدرسه کتاب بخریم.
(Bayad baraye madreseh ketab bekharim.)
We must buy books for school.

Common Verb Pairings: Raftan (to go), Amadan (to come), Sabt-e nam kardan (to register), Tamam kardan (to finish).
Common Adjective Pairings: Dolati (public), Gheyr-e-entefayi (private), Namouneh (exemplary), Mokhtalet (co-ed).

پدرم مرا به مدرسه رساند.
(Pedaram mara be madreseh resand.)
My father dropped me off at school.

او بهترین شاگرد مدرسه است.
(Ou behtarin shagerd-e madreseh ast.)
He/She is the best student in the school.

The word مدرسه is ubiquitous in Persian-speaking societies, appearing in diverse contexts from family breakfast tables to national television broadcasts. One of the most common places you will hear it is in the context of family life. Parents frequently discuss their children's madreseh schedules, homework, and teachers. In the mornings, you might hear neighbors calling out to each other about the school bus or walking their kids to the local madreseh. This word is deeply tied to the rhythm of daily life, especially during the academic year from September to June.

Daily Life: Conversations about school runs, homework, and school holidays.
Media and News: Reports on educational policies, school closures due to weather or pollution, and exam results.
Literature and Film: Coming-of-age stories and social dramas often center around the school environment.

اخبار گفت که فردا همه مدرسه‌ها باز هستند.
(Akhbar goft ke farda hame-ye madreseh-ha baz hastand.)
The news said that all schools are open tomorrow.

In the media, madreseh is a frequent topic of discussion. During the winter months in cities like Tehran, you will often hear the word in news bulletins regarding school closures due to air pollution or heavy snowfall. In these instances, the plural madares is often used. Furthermore, Iranian cinema, which is world-renowned, frequently uses the school as a setting to explore broader social themes. Films like Abbas Kiarostami's 'Where Is the Friend's Home?' or 'Homework' (Mashgh-e Shab) provide profound insights into the Iranian madreseh system and the lives of students.

او در مدرسه موسیقی درس می‌دهد.
(Ou dar madreseh-ye musighi dars midahad.)
He/She teaches at a music school.

Another context where you will hear this word is in the workplace, specifically among teachers and educational professionals. They might discuss shoraye madreseh (the school council) or anjoman-e olia va morabbian (the Parent-Teacher Association). Even in nostalgic conversations among adults, the phrase doran-e madreseh (school days) is frequently used to evoke memories of childhood and youth. Whether it's a formal announcement or a casual chat, madreseh is a foundational word for navigating Persian culture.

دوران مدرسه بهترین دوران زندگی من بود.
(Doran-e madreseh behtarin doran-e zendegi-ye man bud.)
School days were the best time of my life.

Official Contexts: Government decrees, educational certificates, and job applications.
Nostalgic Contexts: Reunions, storytelling, and memoirs.

زنگ مدرسه خورد.
(Zang-e madreseh khord.)
The school bell rang.

ما در مدرسه فوتبال بازی می‌کنیم.
(Ma dar madreseh futbal bazi mikonim.)
We play football at school.

Learning to use مدرسه correctly involves avoiding several common pitfalls that English speakers often encounter. One of the most frequent mistakes is confusing madreseh with daneshgah (university). In English, we sometimes use 'school' as a generic term for any educational level, including higher education (e.g., 'law school' or 'med school'). In Persian, however, madreseh is strictly for K-12. If you are a university student, you should say 'be daneshgah miravam' rather than 'be madreseh miravam', unless you are specifically referring to a specialized school within a university, which is rare in common parlance.

Mistake 1: Confusing Levels: Using 'madreseh' for university or college. Use 'daneshgah' instead.
Mistake 2: Preposition Errors: Using 'dar' when movement is implied, or 'be' when location is implied.
Mistake 3: Pluralization: Overusing 'madares' in casual speech or 'madreseh-ha' in very formal documents.

غلط: من به مدرسه می‌روم (وقتی دانشجو هستید).
(Ghalat: Man be madreseh miravam - when you are a university student.)
Wrong: I go to school (when you mean university).

Another common error relates to the use of prepositions. English speakers might translate 'at school' literally as dar madreseh, which is correct, but they often forget that in Persian, the preposition be is essential when there is a verb of motion. Saying 'Man madreseh miravam' without the be is common in colloquial speech, but for a learner, it's important to know the standard form be madreseh miravam. Additionally, confusing the word madreseh with dars (lesson) is a common slip. Remember: madreseh is the place, dars is the content you study.

درست: او در مدرسه است.
(Dorost: Ou dar madreseh ast.)
Correct: He/She is at school.

Finally, be careful with the plural forms. While madares is the Arabic broken plural, it is very common in Persian. However, using it in a very casual sentence like 'Madares-e ma khube' (Our schools are good) might sound slightly too formal or 'bookish'. Stick to madreseh-ha for everyday talk. Also, avoid using madreseh when you mean a specific type of vocational training center, which is usually called an amoozeshgah. For example, a driving school is a amoozeshgah-e ranandegi, not a madreseh-ye ranandegi.

غلط: مدرسه رانندگی
(Ghalat: Madreseh-ye ranandegi)
Wrong: Driving school (use 'amoozeshgah').

Confusing Word: Daneshgah (University) - for higher education.
Confusing Word: Amoozeshgah (Institute/Training Center) - for specific skills like art or driving.

بچه‌ها در حیاط مدرسه هستند.
(Bacche-ha dar hayat-e madreseh hastand.)
The children are in the school yard.

من از مدرسه خسته شده‌ام.
(Man az madreseh khasteh shodeh-am.)
I am tired of school.

While مدرسه is the most common term for school, Persian offers several other words that specify the level of education or the type of institution. Understanding these alternatives will help you be more precise in your communication. For instance, if you want to specify 'elementary school', you use dabestan. For 'high school', you use dabirestan. These terms are often used instead of madreseh when the speaker wants to be specific about the age group or the academic level being discussed.

Dabestan (دبستان): Elementary/Primary school (Grades 1-6). More specific than 'madreseh'.
Dabirestan (دبیرستان): High school (Grades 10-12). In the modern system, this is the second stage of secondary education.
Amoozeshgah (آموزشگاه): An institute or private academy for specific subjects like languages, art, or music.

برادرم به دبستان می‌رود.
(Baradaram be dabestan miravad.)
My brother goes to elementary school.

Another historical and religious alternative is maktab. In the past, a maktab was a traditional school where children learned the Quran and basic literacy. Today, the word is rarely used for modern schools but might appear in literature or when discussing traditional education systems. In Afghanistan, maktab is actually the standard word for 'school' (equivalent to the Iranian madreseh). This is a key regional difference to keep in mind if you are traveling between Persian-speaking countries.

او در دبیرستان ریاضی می‌خواند.
(Ou dar dabirestan riazi mikhand.)
He/She studies math in high school.

For higher education, as mentioned before, daneshgah is the word for university. For technical or vocational schools, you might hear honarestan. These schools focus on practical skills like mechanics, graphic design, or agriculture. Using the correct term shows a deeper understanding of the Persian educational landscape. For example, saying 'Man dar honarestan dars mikhanam' tells the listener that you are pursuing a technical path rather than a purely academic one.

این آموزشگاه زبان خیلی خوب است.
(In amoozeshgah-e zaban kheyli khub ast.)
This language institute is very good.

Honarestan (هنرستان): Technical or vocational high school.
Daneshgah (دانشگاه): University or college.

خواهرم در دانشگاه پزشکی می‌خواند.
(Khaharam dar daneshgah pezeshki mikhand.)
My sister studies medicine at the university.

او به هنرستان می‌رود تا نجاری یاد بگیرد.
(Ou be honarestan miravad ta najari yad begirad.)
He goes to a vocational school to learn carpentry.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

While 'madreseh' is used for general schools in Persian today, in the Middle Ages, the 'Madrasa' was one of the highest forms of educational institutions in the world, where scholars studied everything from theology to astronomy and mathematics. The University of Al-Quaraouiyine, often cited as the oldest existing university, was originally founded as a madrasa.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /mæd.re.ˈse/

US /mæd.rɛ.ˈseɪ/

The primary stress is on the final syllable: mad-re-SEH.

Rhymes With

هندسه (hendeseh - geometry) وسوسه (vasvaseh - temptation) مؤسسه (mo'asseseh - institution) مقایسه (moghayeseh - comparison) جثه (josseh - body/physique) خمسه (khamseh - quintet) کیسه (kiseh - bag/pouch) ریسه (riseh - string of lights)

Common Errors

Pronouncing the final 'h' too strongly. In modern Persian, it's a silent 'h' that just indicates a final 'e' sound.
Putting the stress on the first syllable like the English word 'madness'.
Confusing the 'd' and 'r' sounds; ensure they are distinct.
Using a long 'a' (as in 'father') for the first vowel instead of a short 'a' (as in 'cat').
Pronouncing it as 'mad-rays' (forgetting the middle 'e').

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

The word is short and uses common letters. Very easy to recognize.

Writing 2/5

Requires remembering the 'h' at the end and the 's' (seen) in the middle.

Speaking 1/5

Pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers.

Listening 1/5

Clear and distinct sound, rarely confused with other common words.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

کتاب (Book) معلم (Teacher) درس (Lesson) رفتن (To go) بچه (Child)

Learn Next

دانشگاه (University) کلاس (Class) امتحان (Exam) دانش‌آموز (Student) تکلیف (Homework)

Advanced

برنامه درسی (Curriculum) آموزش و پرورش (Ministry of Education) کمک‌آموزشی (Educational aid) استعداد درخشان (Gifted talent) کنکور (University entrance exam)

Grammar to Know

Ezafe Construction

مدرسهِ من (Madreseh-ye man) - My school. The 'ye' is added because the word ends in a silent 'h'.

Pluralization of Nouns Ending in 'h'

مدرسه‌ها (Madreseh-ha). The 'h' remains, and 'ha' is added.

Preposition 'be' with Verbs of Motion

به مدرسه می‌روم. (I go to school.) Always use 'be' for direction.

Preposition 'dar' for Location

در مدرسه هستم. (I am at school.)

Arabic Broken Plurals in Persian

مدارس (Madares). Many Arabic words in Persian use their original broken plural forms in formal contexts.

Examples by Level

من به مدرسه می‌روم.

I go to school.

Subject (Man) + Preposition (be) + Noun (madreseh) + Verb (miravam).

مدرسه کجاست؟

Where is the school?

Noun (madreseh) + Interrogative (koja) + Verb (ast).

این مدرسه بزرگ است.

This school is big.

Demonstrative (In) + Noun (madreseh) + Adjective (bozorg) + Verb (ast).

او در مدرسه است.

He/She is at school.

Subject (Ou) + Preposition (dar) + Noun (madreseh) + Verb (ast).

کتاب من در مدرسه است.

My book is at school.

Noun + Possessive (ketab-e man) + Preposition (dar) + Noun (madreseh) + Verb (ast).

مدرسه ما دور است.

Our school is far.

Noun + Possessive (madreseh-ye ma) + Adjective (dur) + Verb (ast).

امروز مدرسه تعطیل است.

Today school is closed.

Adverb (Emruz) + Noun (madreseh) + Adjective (tatil) + Verb (ast).

اسم مدرسه چیست؟

What is the name of the school?

Noun (esm) + Ezafe + Noun (madreseh) + Interrogative (chist).

من هر روز ساعت هفت به مدرسه می‌روم.

I go to school every day at seven o'clock.

Use of 'har ruz' (every day) and time expression.

مدرسه ما حیاط بزرگی دارد.

Our school has a big yard.

Noun (madreseh) + Ezafe + Possessive (ma) + Noun (hayat) + Adjective (bozorgi) + Verb (darad).

من در مدرسه دوستان زیادی دارم.

I have many friends at school.

Preposition (dar) + Noun (madreseh) + Noun (doustan) + Adjective (ziadi).

آیا تو مدرسه را دوست داری؟

Do you like school?

Interrogative (aya) + Subject (to) + Noun + Object marker (ra) + Verb (doust dari).

مدرسه ما نزدیک خانه است.

Our school is near the house.

Adjective (nazdik) + Noun (khaneh).

ما در مدرسه ناهار می‌خوریم.

We eat lunch at school.

Subject (ma) + Preposition (dar) + Noun (madreseh) + Noun (nahar) + Verb (mikhorim).

معلم مدرسه ما خیلی مهربان است.

Our school teacher is very kind.

Noun (moallem) + Ezafe + Noun (madreseh) + Ezafe + Possessive (ma).

دیروز به مدرسه نرفتم چون مریض بودم.

Yesterday I didn't go to school because I was sick.

Use of 'chon' (because) to connect two clauses.

والدین من می‌خواهند مرا در یک مدرسه خصوصی ثبت‌نام کنند.

My parents want to enroll me in a private school.

Compound verb 'sabt-e nam kardan' (to enroll).

در ایران، مدرسه‌ها در فصل تابستان تعطیل هستند.

In Iran, schools are closed during the summer season.

Plural noun 'madreseh-ha' with plural verb 'hastand'.

او می‌خواهد بعد از تمام کردن مدرسه به دانشگاه برود.

He/She wants to go to university after finishing school.

Prepositional phrase 'ba'd az tamam kardan-e madreseh'.

کتابخانه‌ی مدرسه ما کتاب‌های خیلی خوبی دارد.

Our school library has very good books.

Noun (ketabkhaneh) + Ezafe + Noun (madreseh).

مدیر مدرسه درباره قوانین جدید صحبت کرد.

The school principal spoke about the new rules.

Noun (modir) + Ezafe + Noun (madreseh).

ما باید برای پروژه‌ی مدرسه به موزه برویم.

We have to go to the museum for the school project.

Noun (prozheh) + Ezafe + Noun (madreseh).

مدرسه دولتی هزینه‌ی کمتری نسبت به مدرسه خصوصی دارد.

Public school costs less than private school.

Comparison using 'nesbat be' (compared to).

او در مسابقات ورزشی مدرسه مدال طلا گرفت.

He/She won a gold medal in the school sports competitions.

Noun (mosabeghat) + Ezafe + Adjective (varzeshi) + Ezafe + Noun (madreseh).

نظام آموزشی باید محیط مدرسه را برای دانش‌آموزان جذاب‌تر کند.

The educational system should make the school environment more attractive for students.

Use of 'bayad' (should/must) and comparative adjective 'jazzab-tar'.

بسیاری از مدارس به دلیل آلودگی هوا تعطیل شدند.

Many schools were closed due to air pollution.

Use of Arabic plural 'madares' and passive verb 'tatil shodand'.

نقش مدرسه در تربیت اجتماعی کودکان بسیار حیاتی است.

The role of school in the social upbringing of children is very vital.

Noun (naghsh) + Ezafe + Noun (madreseh).

او خاطرات خوشی از دوران مدرسه خود دارد.

He/She has happy memories of his/her school days.

Noun phrase 'doran-e madreseh' (school days/era).

برخی معتقدند که مدرسه باید مهارت‌های زندگی را هم آموزش دهد.

Some believe that school should also teach life skills.

Subordinate clause starting with 'ke' (that).

ارتباط بین خانه و مدرسه برای موفقیت دانش‌آموز ضروری است.

The connection between home and school is essential for student success.

Noun (ertebat) + Preposition (beyn-e) + Noun (khaneh) + Conjunction (va) + Noun (madreseh).

مدرسه هوشمند از تکنولوژی‌های نوین برای آموزش استفاده می‌کند.

A smart school uses modern technologies for teaching.

Noun (madreseh) + Adjective (hushmand).

او به عنوان معلم در یک مدرسه روستایی کار می‌کند.

He/She works as a teacher in a rural school.

Noun (madreseh) + Adjective (roustayi).

تحول در ساختار مدارس نیازمند یک برنامه‌ریزی بلندمدت است.

Transformation in the structure of schools requires long-term planning.

Noun (tahavvol) + Preposition (dar) + Noun (sakhtar-e madares).

مدرسه نباید صرفاً مکانی برای انتقال دانش باشد، بلکه باید خلاقیت را پرورش دهد.

School should not merely be a place for transferring knowledge, but should also nurture creativity.

Use of 'nabayad' (should not) and 'balke' (but rather).

در ادبیات معاصر، مدرسه گاهی به عنوان نمادی از نظم و انضباط خشک تصویر می‌شود.

In contemporary literature, school is sometimes depicted as a symbol of rigid order and discipline.

Passive construction 'tasvir mishavad'.

تفاوت‌های فرهنگی در برخورد با نهاد مدرسه در جوامع مختلف مشهود است.

Cultural differences in dealing with the institution of school are evident in different societies.

Noun (nahad-e madreseh) meaning 'the institution of school'.

او در پایان‌نامه‌اش به بررسی تاریخچه مدارس نوین در ایران پرداخته است.

In his/her thesis, he/she has examined the history of modern schools in Iran.

Compound verb 'be barresi pardakhtan' (to engage in the examination of).

عدالت آموزشی به معنای دسترسی یکسان همه کودکان به مدارس باکیفیت است.

Educational justice means equal access for all children to high-quality schools.

Noun phrase 'madares-e ba-keyfiyat'.

مدرسه باقریه یکی از نمونه‌های برجسته معماری مدارس سنتی است.

Bagherieh School is one of the prominent examples of traditional school architecture.

Proper noun 'Madreseh-ye Bagherieh'.

روانشناسی تربیتی به مطالعه رفتار دانش‌آموزان در محیط مدرسه می‌پردازد.

Educational psychology deals with the study of student behavior in the school environment.

Noun phrase 'mohit-e madreseh'.

واکاوی مفهوم مدرسه در متون کلاسیک نشان‌دهنده پیوند عمیق علم و اخلاق است.

Analyzing the concept of 'madreseh' in classical texts shows the deep link between science and ethics.

Advanced noun 'vakavi' (analysis/probing).

گذار از مکتب‌خانه‌های سنتی به مدارس مدرن، نقطه عطفی در تاریخ فرهنگی ایران بود.

The transition from traditional 'maktab-khanehs' to modern schools was a turning point in Iran's cultural history.

Noun 'gozar' (transition) and 'noghte-ye atf' (turning point).

مدرسه در این رمان، استعاره‌ای است از جامعه‌ای که در آن فردیت سرکوب می‌شود.

The school in this novel is a metaphor for a society in which individuality is suppressed.

Noun 'este'areh' (metaphor).

سیاست‌گذاری‌های کلان در حوزه مدارس باید با نیازهای بومی هماهنگ باشد.

Macro-policies in the field of schools must be coordinated with local needs.

Noun phrase 'siasat-gozari-haye kalan'.

نقد ساختارگرایانه بر نهاد مدرسه، بر بازتولید طبقات اجتماعی تاکید دارد.

Structuralist critique of the school institution emphasizes the reproduction of social classes.

Adjective 'sakhtar-garayaneh' (structuralist).

مدرسه چهارباغ اصفهان، تجلی‌گاه هنر کاشی‌کاری و معماری دوران صفوی است.

Chaharbagh School in Isfahan is the manifestation of tiling art and architecture of the Safavid era.

Noun 'tajalli-gah' (manifestation/place of manifestation).

پدیدارشناسی تجربه زیسته دانش‌آموزان در مدارس محروم، ابعاد تازه‌ای از فقر را آشکار می‌کند.

The phenomenology of the lived experience of students in deprived schools reveals new dimensions of poverty.

Advanced term 'padidar-shenasi' (phenomenology).

دیالکتیک میان آموزش رسمی در مدرسه و آموزش غیررسمی در فضای مجازی، چالش‌برانگیز است.

The dialectic between formal education in school and informal education in cyberspace is challenging.

Noun 'dialektik' (dialectic).

Common Collocations

مدرسه رفتن

مدیر مدرسه

حیاط مدرسه

لباس مدرسه

کیف مدرسه

مدرسه دولتی

مدرسه خصوصی

مدرسه شبانه

زنگ مدرسه

اردوی مدرسه

Common Phrases

مدرسه چطور بود؟

— How was school? Used by parents to ask children about their day.

سلام پسرم، مدرسه چطور بود؟

از مدرسه برگشتن

— To return from school.

او همین الان از مدرسه برگشت.

مدرسه تعطیل است

— School is closed/holiday.

به خاطر برف، فردا مدرسه تعطیل است.

آماده شدن برای مدرسه

— Getting ready for school.

بچه‌ها دارند برای مدرسه آماده می‌شوند.

ترک تحصیل کردن از مدرسه

— To drop out of school.

او در سن شانزده سالگی از مدرسه ترک تحصیل کرد.

بهترین شاگرد مدرسه

— The best student in the school.

او همیشه بهترین شاگرد مدرسه بود.

هم‌کلاسی مدرسه

— School classmate.

او یکی از قدیمی‌ترین هم‌کلاسی‌های مدرسه من است.

دوران مدرسه

— School years/era.

دوران مدرسه خیلی زود گذشت.

سرویس مدرسه

— School bus/shuttle service.

سرویس مدرسه جلوی در منتظر است.

کارنامه مدرسه

— School report card.

امروز کارنامه مدرسه‌ام را گرفتم.

Often Confused With

مدرسه vs دانشگاه (Daneshgah)

English speakers use 'school' for university, but Persian speakers do not. Use 'daneshgah' for higher education.

مدرسه vs درس (Dars)

Don't confuse the place (madreseh) with the subject or lesson (dars).

مدرسه vs آموزشگاه (Amoozeshgah)

Use 'amoozeshgah' for private institutes (languages, music) and 'madreseh' for general education.

Idioms & Expressions

"مدرسه پیرمردها"

— Literally 'Old Men's School'. Used humorously to describe a place or group where everyone is old or acts old.

اینجا مثل مدرسه پیرمردهاست، همه ساکت نشسته‌اند.

Informal

"درس مدرسه دادن"

— To lecture someone or treat them like a child (often in a condescending way).

لازم نیست به من درس مدرسه بدهی، خودم می‌دانم چه کار کنم.

Informal

"از مدرسه فرار کردن"

— To play truant or skip school. Can also metaphorically mean avoiding responsibilities.

او در نوجوانی زیاد از مدرسه فرار می‌کرد.

Neutral

"مدرسه زندگی"

— The school of life. Learning through experience rather than formal education.

او سواد زیادی ندارد اما در مدرسه زندگی خیلی چیزها یاد گرفته است.

Literary

"شاگرد تنبل مدرسه"

— The lazy student of the school. Used to describe someone who is always behind or underperforming.

در سیاست، او همیشه شاگرد تنبل مدرسه بوده است.

Informal

"سر کلاس مدرسه نشستن"

— To be in a position where one is learning or being instructed.

همه ما باید دوباره سر کلاس مدرسه بنشینیم و اخلاق یاد بگیریم.

Metaphorical

"مدرسه موش‌ها"

— A famous Iranian puppet show. Used to refer to a chaotic or cute group of children.

کلاس امروز شبیه مدرسه موش‌ها شده بود.

Cultural/Informal

"کتاب و مدرسه را بوسیدن و کنار گذاشتن"

— To quit studying or education entirely.

او بعد از دیپلم، کتاب و مدرسه را بوسید و کنار گذاشت و رفت سر کار.

Informal

"بوی مدرسه"

— The 'smell' of school. Used to describe the feeling or atmosphere of the beginning of the school year.

شهریور که می‌آید، بوی مدرسه در هوا می‌پیچد.

Poetic

"مدرسه رفتن (به معنای یاد گرفتن)"

— To have been taught a lesson (often by life or a person).

او هنوز باید خیلی مدرسه برود تا بفهمد دنیا دست کیست.

Informal

Easily Confused

مدرسه vs مکتب (Maktab)

Both mean school.

In Iran, 'maktab' is historical/religious. In Afghanistan, it's the standard word for school.

او در مکتب درس می‌خواند (Common in Kabul).

مدرسه vs کلاس (Kelas)

Sometimes used interchangeably in English ('I have school' vs 'I have class').

'Kelas' is the specific room or the specific session. 'Madreseh' is the institution.

کلاس ما در طبقه دوم است.

مدرسه vs دبستان (Dabestan)

Both refer to school.

'Dabestan' is specifically primary school. 'Madreseh' is generic.

بچه‌های کوچک به دبستان می‌روند.

مدرسه vs دبیرستان (Dabirestan)

Both refer to school.

'Dabirestan' is specifically high school.

او سال آخر دبیرستان است.

مدرسه vs هنرستان (Honarestan)

Both refer to school.

'Honarestan' is for technical/vocational training.

او در هنرستان نجاری یاد می‌گیرد.

Sentence Patterns

[Subject] be madreseh miravad.

Ali be madreseh miravad.

[Subject] dar madreseh ast.

Sara dar madreseh ast.

Madreseh-ye [Name/Possessive] [Adjective] ast.

Madreseh-ye ma kheyli bozorg ast.

Man dar madreseh [Subject] dars mikhanam.

Man dar madreseh riazi dars mikhanam.

Be dalil-e [Reason], madares tatil shodand.

Be dalil-e barf, madares tatil shodand.

Naghsh-e madreseh dar [Concept] ghabel-e enkar nist.

Naghsh-e madreseh dar tarbiat-e koudak ghabel-e enkar nist.

Vakavi-ye sakhtar-e madares neshangah-e [Concept] ast.

Vakavi-ye sakhtar-e madares neshangah-e tahavvolat-e ejtemayi ast.

Key az madreseh barmigardi?

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in daily life, media, and literature.

Common Mistakes

Using 'madreseh' for university. → دانشگاه (Daneshgah)
In Persian, 'madreseh' only refers to K-12 education. Higher education has its own specific term.
Saying 'Man dar madreseh miravam'. → من به مدرسه می‌روم.
The preposition 'be' is used for movement towards a destination. 'Dar' is only for being at a location.
Pronouncing the final 'h' as a hard 'h'. → madrese (short 'e' at the end)
The final 'h' in Persian words like 'madreseh' is a 'silent he' (he-ye jami) and is pronounced as a short 'e'.
Using 'madreseh' for a language institute. → آموزشگاه زبان (Amoozeshgah-e zaban)
Specialized institutes for skills are called 'amoozeshgah', not 'madreseh'.
Omitting the 'ye' in 'madreseh-ye ma'. → مدرسه ما (pronounced madreseh-ye ma)
When a word ends in a silent 'h', the Ezafe is written as a small 'ye' or just pronounced as 'ye'.

Tips

Using the Ezafe

When adding a possessive or adjective to 'madreseh', remember the 'ye' sound: 'madreseh-ye man' (my school). This is because the word ends in a silent 'h' which functions as a vowel.

Specific Levels

While 'madreseh' is fine, using 'dabestan' (elementary) or 'dabirestan' (high school) makes you sound more like a native speaker who knows the system.

School Names

Schools in Iran are almost always named after people. If you see a sign with a person's name followed by 'madreseh', it's likely a school named in their honor.

Silent H

Don't pronounce the final 'h' in 'madreseh'. It's just there for spelling. The word ends with a short 'e' sound.

Formal Plural

If you are writing a formal letter or an academic paper, use 'madares' instead of 'madreseh-ha' to show a higher level of literacy.

News Keywords

In news broadcasts, listen for 'tatili-ye madares' (school closures). This is a very common phrase during winters in Iran.

School Run

To say 'I'm taking the kids to school', use the verb 'resandan': 'Bacche-ha ro miresounam madrese'.

School of Life

Use 'madreseh-ye zendegi' when talking about someone who is wise but perhaps not formally educated.

Afghanistan Usage

If you are speaking with someone from Afghanistan, try using 'maktab' instead of 'madreseh' to sound more natural to them.

Root Connection

Connecting 'madreseh' to 'dars' (lesson) and 'moallem' (teacher) helps you remember the whole family of educational words.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'MAD' scientists and 'RE'searchers in a 'SE'minar. A 'MAD-RE-SEH' is where they all started learning their basics.

Visual Association

Imagine a large building with a giant 'DARS' (lesson) book on the roof. This is the 'MA-DRESEH' (place of dars).

Word Web

Teacher (Moallem) Student (Danesh-amouz) Book (Ketab) Homework (Taklif) Classroom (Kelas) Exam (Emtehan) Grade (Nomreh) Principal (Modir)

Challenge

Try to name five objects you can find in a 'madreseh' in Persian without looking at a dictionary.

Word Origin

The word 'madreseh' originates from the Arabic word 'madrasah' (مدرسة). It is a 'noun of place' formed from the root 'd-r-s' (د-ر-س), which means to study, read, or learn. In Arabic grammar, the prefix 'ma-' often denotes a location where the action of the root takes place. Therefore, 'madreseh' literally means 'the place of studying'.

Original meaning: A place of study or instruction, historically referring to a college for Islamic instruction.

Semitic (Arabic root) adopted into Indo-European (Persian).

Cultural Context

Be aware that in some contexts, discussing 'madreseh' might lead to conversations about the gender-segregated nature of schools in Iran.

In English, 'madrasa' often has a specific religious connotation, but in Persian, it is the everyday word for any school, including secular ones.

Madreseh-ye Dar ol-Fonun (The first modern school in Iran) Madreseh-ye Moosh-ha (Famous puppet show) Madreseh-i ke Miraftim (A famous memoir/book)

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At home with family

مشق‌های مدرسه‌ات رو نوشتی؟
فردا مدرسه داری؟
کیف مدرسه‌ات کجاست؟
باید زود بخوابی تا فردا برای مدرسه بیدار بشی.

In the street/transportation

ببخشید، مدرسه حافظ کجاست؟
سرویس مدرسه ساعت چند میاد؟
این اتوبوس به سمت مدرسه می‌ره؟
خیابان جلوی مدرسه خیلی شلوغه.

Official/Administrative

پرونده تحصیلی مدرسه
گواهی اشتغال به تحصیل در مدرسه
جلسه انجمن اولیا و مربیان مدرسه
ثبت‌نام اینترنتی مدارس

News and Media

تعطیلی مدارس به علت بارش برف
نوسازی مدارس فرسوده
نتایج امتحانات نهایی مدارس
کمبود معلم در مدارس ابتدایی

Socializing with friends

یادش بخیر دوران مدرسه!
تو کدوم مدرسه درس خوندی؟
معلم‌های مدرسه‌تون چطور بودن؟
دوست داری برگردی به دوران مدرسه؟

Conversation Starters

"آیا تو مدرسه را دوست داشتی؟ (Did you like school?)"

"بهترین خاطره تو از دوران مدرسه چیست؟ (What is your best memory from school?)"

"مدرسه در کشور تو چطور است؟ (How is school in your country?)"

"کدام درس در مدرسه برای تو سخت‌تر بود؟ (Which subject in school was harder for you?)"

"آیا هنوز با دوستان دوران مدرسه‌ات در ارتباط هستی؟ (Are you still in touch with your school friends?)"

Journal Prompts

درباره اولین روز مدرسه‌ات بنویس. چه احساسی داشتی؟ (Write about your first day of school. How did you feel?)

اگر مدیر یک مدرسه بودی، چه قوانینی را تغییر می‌دادی؟ (If you were a school principal, what rules would you change?)

تفاوت‌های بین مدرسه و دانشگاه را توصیف کن. (Describe the differences between school and university.)

نقش مدرسه در شکل‌گیری شخصیت انسان چیست؟ (What is the role of school in shaping a person's character?)

یک روز ایده‌آل در مدرسه برای تو چگونه است؟ (What is an ideal day at school like for you?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, 'madreseh' is strictly for primary and secondary education (K-12). For university, you must use the word 'daneshgah'. Using 'madreseh' for university would sound very strange to a native speaker.

There are two plurals: 'madreseh-ha' (regular Persian) and 'madares' (Arabic broken plural). 'Madreseh-ha' is common in speech, while 'madares' is common in formal writing and news.

The most common term is 'madreseh-ye gheyr-e-entefayi' (مدرسه غیرانتفاعی). You might also hear 'madreseh-ye khousousi', but the former is the official term used in Iran.

In English, 'madrasa' often implies an Islamic school, but in Persian, 'madreseh' is the generic word for any school, including secular public schools and specialized art schools.

Historically, 'maktab' was a traditional primary school. Today, in Iran, 'madreseh' is the modern word. However, in Afghanistan, 'maktab' is still the standard word for a modern school.

You say 'Man dar madreseh hastam'. In colloquial speech, you might hear 'Man tu madrese-am'.

The school year in Iran starts on the first day of the Persian month of Mehr, which corresponds to September 22nd or 23rd. This day is called 'Mehr-e Avval'.

Persian does not have grammatical gender, so 'madreseh' is neither masculine nor feminine. This makes it easier to use with adjectives and verbs!

It means 'night school'. These are schools that hold classes in the evening, usually for adults or students who work during the day.

No, for specialized training like driving, music, or languages, you should use 'amoozeshgah'. So, 'amoozeshgah-e ranandegi' is the correct term for a driving school.