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B2 noun 8 min read

مگر_اینکه

magar inke
Examples Notes & Tips مگر_اینکه in 30 Seconds
Explanation مگر_اینکه in your Level:
At the A1 level, you are just starting to learn how sentences connect. 'Magar inke' (مگر اینکه) might be a bit difficult because it uses the 'subjunctive' (a special verb form). For now, just think of it as a way to say 'unless.' Imagine you are saying 'No, unless...' For example: 'I don't go out, unless it is sunny.' In Persian, we say 'Man birun nemiravam, magar inke hava aftabi bashad.' It is like a secret door—usually, the door is closed (I don't go out), but if the sun is out, the door opens! Try to remember that it usually comes after a negative word like 'No' or 'Not.' You won't use this every day as a beginner, but knowing it helps you understand when people give you conditions. It is a very useful word for making rules. Just remember: 'Magar inke' = 'Unless.'
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As an A2 learner, you are building more complex sentences. 'Magar inke' is used when you want to set a condition for an action. It's very common when talking about your habits or plans. For instance, 'I don't drink coffee unless it's morning.' In Persian: 'Man ghahve nemikhoram magar inke sobh bashad.' Notice the word 'bashad' at the end; it's a special form of 'is.' You should start noticing that 'magar inke' often connects two parts of a sentence. The first part is something that usually doesn't happen, and the second part is the only reason it *would* happen. It's like saying 'Except if.' Practice using it with simple verbs like eating, going, or sleeping. 'I don't sleep unless I am tired.' This will help you sound more natural than just using 'if' (agar) all the time.
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At the B1 level, you should start focusing on the grammar of 'مگر اینکه.' The most important rule is that the verb following 'مگر اینکه' must be in the subjunctive mood (مضارع التزامی). This is because the condition is not a fact yet; it's a possibility. For example, 'We won't win unless we practice more' (Ma barande nemishavim magar inke bishtar tamrin konim). Here, 'konim' is the subjunctive form. You can use 'magar inke' to express many things: threats, promises, or logical exceptions. It's also a great time to learn the formal version, 'magar anke' (مگر آنکه), which you might see in books. Try to use it in your writing to connect ideas more smoothly. It shows that you understand how to express complex logic in Persian beyond just simple sentences.
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At the B2 level, 'مگر اینکه' is a tool for nuance. You should be comfortable using it in various contexts, from business negotiations to academic discussions. It often introduces a 'limiting condition.' For example, 'The economy will not improve unless the government changes its policy.' This phrase allows you to be precise about what is required for a change to occur. You should also recognize its role in the 'Negative-Positive' structure: the main clause is usually negative, and the 'magar inke' clause provides the positive exception. At this level, you should also be able to distinguish it from 'be joz inke' (except that) and 'ella inke' (unless - formal). Practice using it to debate topics—it's the perfect word for saying 'I agree, unless...' or 'That's impossible, unless...'
For C1 learners, 'مگر اینکه' is about stylistic choice and rhetorical precision. In advanced Persian, you might use it to create suspense or to emphasize the rarity of a condition. You should also be aware of its historical and literary variants, such as 'magar anke' in classical poetry, where it can sometimes carry a slightly different logical weight. At this level, you should analyze how 'magar inke' functions in legal texts to define exceptions and loopholes. You can also use it to express skepticism. For example, 'He won't help us, unless he has a hidden motive.' Here, the phrase implies that the condition is unlikely or suspicious. Your mastery of the subjunctive mood should be flawless when using this conjunction, and you should be able to manipulate the sentence structure for emphasis.
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At the C2 level, you have a near-native grasp of 'مگر اینکه.' You understand its deep logical function as a 'sine qua non' (an essential condition). You can use it in high-level academic writing, legal drafting, and philosophical discourse. You are aware of how it interacts with different tenses—for example, using it with the past subjunctive to talk about hypothetical past exceptions ('It wouldn't have happened unless...'). You also recognize its use in classical literature where 'magar' can sometimes mean 'perhaps' or 'is it the case that?', and you can distinguish these archaic meanings from the modern conditional 'unless.' Your usage is not just grammatically correct but also pragmatically appropriate, knowing exactly when to use 'ella inke' for solemnity or 'magar inke' for clarity.
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Examples Notes & Tips

مگر_اینکه in 30 Seconds

  • A vital conjunction meaning 'unless' or 'except if'.
  • Requires the subjunctive mood in the following verb.
  • Usually follows a negative statement to show the only exception.
  • Essential for B2+ level logical reasoning and nuanced speech.
The Persian phrase مگر اینکه (Magar Inke) is a sophisticated conjunction that translates most accurately to 'unless' or 'except if' in English. At its core, it introduces a specific condition that serves as the only exception to a previous statement. In the landscape of Persian grammar, it acts as a gatekeeper; it sets a rule and then immediately identifies the one scenario where that rule does not apply. For learners, mastering this phrase is a significant milestone because it signals a transition from basic linear thoughts to complex, conditional reasoning. People use مگر اینکه in both formal writing and daily conversation to express limitations, threats, promises, or logical deductions. It is ubiquitous in legal documents, where exceptions are paramount, but equally common in a mother's warning to a child: 'You can't go out unless you finish your homework.' The word magar itself has ancient roots and often carries a sense of 'but' or 'perhaps,' but when paired with inke, it becomes a focused conditional tool. Understanding its use requires an appreciation for the Persian subjunctive mood, as the verb following this phrase almost always shifts into the subjunctive form to reflect the hypothetical or conditional nature of the statement.
Grammatical Role
Conditional Conjunction requiring the subjunctive mood (التزامی) in the subordinate clause.

ما به سفر نمی‌رویم مگر اینکه هوا بهتر شود. (We won't go on the trip unless the weather gets better.)

In modern Tehrani dialect, you might hear it shortened or used with a slightly different intonation, but the structural requirement for the subjunctive remains a hallmark of correct usage. Whether you are negotiating a business deal or explaining why you were late, magar inke provides the logical 'out' that makes your Persian sound nuanced and native-like. It bridges the gap between a simple 'no' and a conditional 'yes.'
Register Variation
Formal: مگر آنکه (Magar Anke) | Informal: مگر اینکه (Magar Inke).

او هرگز کوتاه نمی‌آید مگر اینکه اشتباهش را بپذیرد. (He never backs down unless he admits his mistake.)

Using مگر اینکه correctly involves a two-part logical structure. The first part of the sentence usually establishes a general rule, a negative state, or a steady situation. The second part, introduced by magar inke, presents the 'escape clause.' One of the most critical aspects for English speakers to grasp is the mandatory use of the subjunctive mood in the verb that follows. For example, if you want to say 'unless he comes,' you must use the subjunctive bi-āyad (بیاید) rather than the simple present mi-āyad (می‌آید). This is because the condition is hypothetical—the person hasn't come yet, and the entire statement depends on that possibility.
Sentence Structure
[Main Clause (often negative)] + مگر اینکه + [Subordinate Clause (Subjunctive Verb)].
Consider the sentence 'I won't eat anything unless I'm very hungry.' In Persian, this becomes: Man chizi nemikhoram magar inke kheyli gorosne basham. Notice how basham (subjunctive of 'to be') is used. If you used hastam, the sentence would sound grammatically broken to a native ear. Another nuance is the position of the phrase. While it usually sits in the middle of the sentence, it can occasionally start a sentence for dramatic effect, though this is more common in literary contexts.

هیچ‌کس وارد نمی‌شود مگر اینکه کارت دعوت داشته باشد. (No one enters unless they have an invitation card.)

Logic Flow
Negative Statement -> Exception Introduced -> Conditional Outcome.
Furthermore, magar inke can be used to express a sense of 'unless perhaps' when the speaker is speculating. It’s also important to distinguish it from be joz inke (except that). While be joz inke focuses on a factual exception, magar inke focuses on a conditional one. If you say 'Everyone came except Ali,' you use be joz. If you say 'I won't come unless Ali comes,' you use magar inke.

پروژه تمام نمی‌شود مگر اینکه بودجه بیشتری بگیریم. (The project won't finish unless we get more budget.)

In the vibrant streets of Tehran or the quiet libraries of Shiraz, مگر اینکه is a staple of logical discourse. You will hear it in the workplace when managers set conditions for deadlines: 'The report is due tomorrow, unless there's a technical failure.' You will hear it in the grand bazaars during price negotiations: 'I won't sell it for a rial less, unless you buy three of them.' It is also a favorite of Persian parents, who use it to create boundaries with their children. Beyond the spoken word, it is a key component of Persian journalism and political commentary. Analysts use it to describe diplomatic conditions: 'Sanctions will not be lifted unless the agreement is signed.'
Common Contexts
Negotiations, legal contracts, parenting, academic debates, and technical troubleshooting.
In movies and TV dramas, characters often use this phrase during high-stakes arguments to offer a final ultimatum. It carries a certain weight of finality—it says 'this is the only way out.' For example, a character might say, 'I will never forgive you, unless you tell me the truth.' This usage highlights the emotional power of the phrase; it isn't just a logical connector, but a tool for setting terms in relationships.

دروغ نمی‌گویم مگر اینکه مجبور شوم. (I don't lie unless I'm forced to.)

Interestingly, in very casual speech, the 'inke' part is sometimes slightly swallowed, but the 'Magar' remains sharp and clear. If you are watching a Persian news broadcast (like BBC Persian or VOA Farsi), listen for how reporters use it to qualify statements made by officials. It is the language of precision.
Media Usage
Frequently used in news headlines to indicate conditional developments in foreign policy or economics.

قیمت‌ها پایین نمی‌آید مگر اینکه تولید افزایش یابد. (Prices won't go down unless production increases.)

The most frequent error for students learning مگر اینکه is failing to use the subjunctive mood in the following verb. Because English 'unless' is followed by the indicative (e.g., 'unless he *is*'), learners often default to the Persian indicative (e.g., magar inke hast). However, Persian logic dictates that since the condition hasn't happened yet, it must be subjunctive (magar inke bashad). Another common mistake is confusing magar inke with agar (if). While both are conditional, magar inke specifically implies an exception to a rule already stated, whereas agar is a neutral 'if.'
Mistake 1: Indicative Verb
Wrong: مگر اینکه می‌رود (Magar inke miravad) | Correct: مگر اینکه برود (Magar inke beravad).
Another pitfall is the placement of the word. Some learners try to use it as a standalone 'except,' but magar inke must introduce a full clause (with a verb). If you want to say 'except for Ali,' you should use be joz Ali or magar Ali, not magar inke Ali. The inke part literally means 'that,' so it expects a 'that-clause' to follow.

اشتباه: من نمی‌آیم مگر اینکه علی. (I won't come unless Ali.) - Incorrect because it lacks a verb.

Learners also sometimes struggle with the 'double negative' feel of the phrase. Since the main clause is often negative ('I *won't* go'), and magar inke introduces an exception, it can be mentally taxing to process. Remember: the part after magar inke is the 'only way' the first part changes.
Mistake 2: Confusing with 'Except'
Use 'Be joz' for nouns; use 'Magar inke' for actions/clauses.
Finally, avoid overusing it in places where va-gar-na (otherwise) is more appropriate. Magar inke is for the exception to a rule; va-gar-na is for the consequence of not meeting a condition.
In Persian, as in English, there are multiple ways to express conditions and exceptions. The closest synonym to مگر اینکه is الا اینکه (Ella inke), which is more formal and rooted in Arabic. While magar inke is perfectly acceptable in all registers, ella inke is often found in legal, religious, or highly academic texts. Another alternative is جز اینکه (joz inke), which can mean 'except that' or 'unless.' However, joz inke often focuses more on the fact of the exception rather than the condition.
Synonym Comparison
مگر اینکه: Standard 'Unless' | الا اینکه: Formal/Literary 'Unless' | جز اینکه: 'Except that'.
For those looking for a more poetic or archaic flair, مگر آنکه (Magar Anke) is the classic version of the phrase. You will see this in the works of Rumi or Hafez. In modern spoken Persian, people sometimes use مگر on its own to mean 'unless,' but this is usually when the verb is implied or in specific idiomatic structures.

او هرگز تسلیم نمی‌شود الا اینکه شکست را حس کند. (He never surrenders unless he feels defeat.) - Formal.

Another related structure is به شرطی که (be sharti ke), which means 'on the condition that.' While magar inke frames the condition as an exception to a negative, be sharti ke frames it as a requirement for a positive. 'I will come *on the condition that* you are there' vs 'I won't come *unless* you are there.' They are two sides of the same coin.
Contrast
Magar inke: Focuses on the exception | Be sharti ke: Focuses on the requirement.
Understanding these alternatives allows you to adjust your tone based on your audience, moving from the casual 'magar inke' of a friend's house to the 'ella inke' of a formal contract.

Fun Fact

In Classical Persian poetry, 'Magar' is often used at the beginning of a question to mean 'Is it possible that...?' or 'Perhaps.' This usage is still found in literature but is rare in modern daily speech.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /mæ.ɡær in.ke/
US /mɑ.ɡɑr in.ke/
The stress in 'magar' is on the second syllable: ma-GAR. In 'inke', the stress is on the first syllable: IN-ke.
Rhymes With
اگر (Agar) سفر (Safar) خبر (Khabar) نظر (Nazar) اثر (Asar) خطر (Khatar) پدر (Pedar) پیکر (Peykar)
Common Errors
  • Pronouncing 'magar' like 'major' (incorrect 'j' sound).
  • Putting stress on the first syllable of 'magar'.
  • Pronouncing 'inke' as 'ink' (forgetting the final 'e' sound).
  • Merging 'magar' and 'inke' into one word without a slight pause.
  • Using a hard 'g' like 'germ' instead of 'goat' in 'magar'.
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Examples by Level

1

من نمی‌آیم مگر اینکه تو بیایی.

I won't come unless you come.

Simple subjunctive 'bi-ayi' (you come).

2

غذا نمی‌خورم مگر اینکه گرسنه باشم.

I don't eat unless I am hungry.

Subjunctive 'basham' (I be/am).

3

او نمی‌خوابد مگر اینکه شب باشد.

He doesn't sleep unless it is night.

Subjunctive 'bashad' (it be/is).

4

بازی نمی‌کنیم مگر اینکه باران نبارد.

We don't play unless it doesn't rain.

Negative subjunctive 'nabarad'.

5

من نمی‌خرم مگر اینکه ارزان باشد.

I don't buy (it) unless it is cheap.

Subjunctive 'bashad'.

6

او نمی‌دود مگر اینکه ورزش کند.

He doesn't run unless he exercises.

Subjunctive 'konad'.

7

ما نمی‌رویم مگر اینکه علی باشد.

We don't go unless Ali is (there).

Subjunctive 'bashad'.

8

کتاب نمی‌خوانم مگر اینکه جالب باشد.

I don't read books unless they are interesting.

Subjunctive 'bashad'.

1

تلویزیون تماشا نمی‌کنم مگر اینکه فیلم خوبی داشته باشد.

I don't watch TV unless it has a good movie.

Subjunctive 'dashte bashad'.

2

قهوه نمی‌نوشم مگر اینکه شکر داشته باشد.

I don't drink coffee unless it has sugar.

Subjunctive 'dashte bashad'.

3

او به مهمانی نمی‌آید مگر اینکه او را دعوت کنی.

He won't come to the party unless you invite him.

Subjunctive 'da'vat koni'.

4

ما بیرون نمی‌رویم مگر اینکه هوا آفتابی شود.

We won't go out unless the weather becomes sunny.

Subjunctive 'shavad'.

5

ماشین نمی‌خرم مگر اینکه پول داشته باشم.

I won't buy a car unless I have money.

Subjunctive 'dashte basham'.

6

او درس نمی‌خواند مگر اینکه امتحان داشته باشد.

He doesn't study unless he has an exam.

Subjunctive 'dashte bashad'.

7

من میوه نمی‌خورم مگر اینکه شسته باشد.

I don't eat fruit unless it is washed.

Subjunctive 'shoste bashad' (past participle + subjunctive).

8

ما فوتبال بازی نمی‌کنیم مگر اینکه توپ داشته باشیم.

We don't play football unless we have a ball.

Subjunctive 'dashte bashim'.

1

او هرگز عذرخواهی نمی‌کند مگر اینکه بداند اشتباه کرده است.

He never apologizes unless he knows he has made a mistake.

Subjunctive 'bedanad' (he knows).

2

من این کار را انجام نمی‌دهم مگر اینکه تو به من کمک کنی.

I won't do this work unless you help me.

Subjunctive 'komak koni'.

3

پروژه تمام نمی‌شود مگر اینکه همه با هم همکاری کنند.

The project won't finish unless everyone cooperates.

Subjunctive 'hamkari konand'.

4

او به تو اعتماد نمی‌کند مگر اینکه صداقتت را ثابت کنی.

He won't trust you unless you prove your honesty.

Subjunctive 'sabet koni'.

5

ما نمی‌توانیم حرکت کنیم مگر اینکه ترافیک کمتر شود.

We can't move unless the traffic gets lighter.

Subjunctive 'shavad'.

6

او لباس جدید نمی‌خرد مگر اینکه لباس‌های قدیمی‌اش پاره شوند.

He doesn't buy new clothes unless his old ones get torn.

Subjunctive 'pare shavand'.

7

من به آنجا نمی‌روم مگر اینکه آدرس دقیق را داشته باشم.

I won't go there unless I have the exact address.

Subjunctive 'dashte basham'.

8

گیاهان رشد نمی‌کنند مگر اینکه به آن‌ها آب بدهی.

Plants don't grow unless you give them water.

Subjunctive 'bedahi'.

1

قرارداد امضا نمی‌شود مگر اینکه تمام شرایط رعایت شده باشد.

The contract won't be signed unless all conditions have been met.

Perfect Subjunctive 'ra'ayat shode bashad'.

2

هیچ تغییری رخ نمی‌دهد مگر اینکه خودمان بخواهیم.

No change occurs unless we ourselves want it.

Subjunctive 'bekhahim'.

3

او راز را فاش نمی‌کند مگر اینکه جانش در خطر باشد.

He won't reveal the secret unless his life is in danger.

Subjunctive 'bashad'.

4

دولت مالیات را کاهش نمی‌دهد مگر اینکه فشار عمومی زیاد شود.

The government won't reduce taxes unless public pressure increases.

Subjunctive 'shavad'.

5

این دستگاه کار نمی‌کند مگر اینکه باتری‌اش را عوض کنی.

This device won't work unless you change its battery.

Subjunctive 'avaz koni'.

6

او در مسابقه شرکت نمی‌کند مگر اینکه جایزه‌اش بزرگ باشد.

He won't participate in the competition unless the prize is big.

Subjunctive 'bashad'.

7

ما به توافق نمی‌رسیم مگر اینکه هر دو طرف کوتاه بیایند.

We won't reach an agreement unless both sides compromise.

Subjunctive 'kutah biyayand'.

8

امنیت برقرار نمی‌شود مگر اینکه قانون اجرا شود.

Security won't be established unless the law is enforced.

Subjunctive 'ejra shavad'.

1

تحول فرهنگی میسر نیست مگر اینکه نهادهای آموزشی دگرگون شوند.

Cultural transformation is not possible unless educational institutions are transformed.

Subjunctive 'degargun shavand'.

2

او هرگز به آن شهر باز نمی‌گردد مگر اینکه خاطرات تلخش را فراموش کند.

He will never return to that city unless he forgets his bitter memories.

Subjunctive 'faramush konad'.

3

بحران اقتصادی فروکش نمی‌کند مگر اینکه اصلاحات ساختاری صورت گیرد.

The economic crisis won't subside unless structural reforms take place.

Subjunctive 'surat girad'.

4

حقیقت آشکار نمی‌شود مگر اینکه تمام شواهد بررسی شوند.

The truth won't be revealed unless all evidence is examined.

Subjunctive 'barresi shavand'.

5

صلح پایدار نخواهد بود مگر اینکه عدالت رعایت شود.

Peace will not be lasting unless justice is observed.

Subjunctive 'ra'ayat shavad'.

6

نویسنده قلم بر زمین نمی‌گذارد مگر اینکه پیامش را رسانده باشد.

The writer does not put down the pen unless they have delivered their message.

Perfect Subjunctive 'resande bashad'.

7

او هیچ مسئولیتی را نمی‌پذیرد مگر اینکه اختیارات کامل داشته باشد.

He won't accept any responsibility unless he has full authority.

Subjunctive 'dashte bashad'.

8

جامعه به پویایی نمی‌رسد مگر اینکه آزادی بیان تضمین شود.

Society won't reach dynamism unless freedom of speech is guaranteed.

Subjunctive 'tazmin shavad'.

1

نیل به سعادت حقیقی ممکن نگردد مگر آنکه آدمی از بند تمایلات نفسانی برهد.

Attaining true bliss is impossible unless man frees himself from the bonds of carnal desires.

Archaic/Formal 'Magar anke' + Subjunctive 'berahad'.

2

هیچ نظریه‌ای ابطال نمی‌گردد مگر اینکه شواهد تجربی خلاف آن را ثابت کنند.

No theory is falsified unless empirical evidence proves otherwise.

Subjunctive 'sabet konand'.

3

عدالت قضایی محقق نمی‌شود مگر اینکه استقلال قوه قضاییه حفظ شود.

Judicial justice is not realized unless the independence of the judiciary is maintained.

Subjunctive 'hefz shavad'.

4

فلسفه به بن‌بست می‌رسد مگر اینکه پرسش‌های بنیادین بازتعریف شوند.

Philosophy reaches a dead end unless fundamental questions are redefined.

Subjunctive 'bazta'rif shavand'.

5

توسعه پایدار محالی بیش نیست مگر اینکه محیط زیست در اولویت قرار گیرد.

Sustainable development is nothing but an impossibility unless the environment is prioritized.

Subjunctive 'gharar girad'.

6

هنر از معنا تهی می‌شود مگر اینکه با روح زمانه پیوند بخورد.

Art becomes devoid of meaning unless it connects with the spirit of the times.

Subjunctive 'peyvand bokhorad'.

7

دموکراسی به استبداد می‌گراید مگر اینکه نهادهای مدنی هوشیار باشند.

Democracy leans toward tyranny unless civil institutions are vigilant.

Subjunctive 'hoshyar bashand'.

8

هیچ تمدنی پایدار نمی‌ماند مگر اینکه بر مدار اخلاق استوار باشد.

No civilization remains lasting unless it is established on the axis of morality.

Subjunctive 'ostovar bashad'.

Common Collocations

مگر اینکه مجبور شوم
مگر اینکه خلاف آن ثابت شود
مگر اینکه معجزه‌ای رخ دهد
مگر اینکه خودت بخواهی
مگر اینکه هوا اجازه دهد
مگر اینکه اتفاق خاصی بیفتد
مگر اینکه راه دیگری نباشد
مگر اینکه خیلی دیر شود
مگر اینکه اشتباه کرده باشم
مگر اینکه لازم باشد

Common Phrases

مگر اینکه خواب باشی

— Unless you are asleep. Used to imply someone must be unaware of a clear situation.

همه خبر دارند مگر اینکه خواب باشی!

مگر اینکه از روی نعش من رد شوی

— Unless you walk over my dead body. A strong way to say 'never'.

اجازه نمی‌دهم این کار را بکنی مگر اینکه از روی نعش من رد شوی!

مگر اینکه سنگ از آسمان ببارد

— Unless stones rain from the sky. Implies something is almost certain not to change.

من می‌آیم مگر اینکه سنگ از آسمان ببارد.

مگر اینکه معجزه شود

— Unless a miracle happens. Used when a situation seems hopeless.

او زنده نمی‌ماند مگر اینکه معجزه شود.

مگر اینکه عقلت را از دست داده باشی

— Unless you've lost your mind. Used to challenge someone's decision.

چرا این کار را کردی؟ مگر اینکه عقلت را از دست داده باشی!

مگر اینکه خلافش ثابت شود

— Unless the opposite is proven. Standard legal and logical phrase.

این حرف درست است مگر اینکه خلافش ثابت شود.

مگر اینکه مجبور باشیم

— Unless we are forced. Used to express reluctance.

ما اینجا نمی‌مانیم مگر اینکه مجبور باشیم.

مگر اینکه فراموش کرده باشم

— Unless I've forgotten. Used to qualify a memory.

نام او علی بود، مگر اینکه فراموش کرده باشم.

مگر اینکه خودت ببینی

— Unless you see it for yourself. Used when something is hard to believe.

باور نمی‌کنی مگر اینکه خودت ببینی.

مگر اینکه خیلی خوش‌شانس باشیم

— Unless we are very lucky. Used to express low probability.

بلیت پیدا نمی‌کنیم مگر اینکه خیلی خوش‌شانس باشیم.

Idioms & Expressions

"مگر اینکه کوه به کوه برسد"

— Literally 'unless mountain reaches mountain'. Based on the proverb 'mountain doesn't reach mountain, but man reaches man.' Used to imply something impossible.

ما دیگر همدیگر را نمی‌بینیم مگر اینکه کوه به کوه برسد.

Informal/Poetic
"مگر اینکه آسمان تپد"

— Unless the sky collapses. Meaning something will absolutely not happen.

او پولش را به کسی نمی‌دهد مگر اینکه آسمان تپد.

Archaic/Idiomatic
"مگر اینکه دم در بیاورد"

— Unless it grows a tail. Used for something absurd or impossible.

این ماشین دیگر راه نمی‌افتد مگر اینکه دم در بیاورد.

Slang
"مگر اینکه خدا بخواهد"

— Unless God wills it. A very common religious/cultural qualifier for future events.

همه چیز درست می‌شود مگر اینکه خدا نخواهد.

Religious/Daily
"مگر اینکه خوابش را ببینی"

— Unless you see it in your dreams. Meaning 'it will never happen.'

تو برنده نمی‌شوی مگر اینکه خوابش را ببینی.

Informal
"مگر اینکه از دماغ فیل افتاده باشد"

— Unless they fell out of an elephant's nose (meaning they are very arrogant). Used to explain someone's snobbish behavior.

او با ما حرف نمی‌زند مگر اینکه از دماغ فیل افتاده باشد.

Idiomatic/Sarcastic
"مگر اینکه تیرت به سنگ بخورد"

— Unless your arrow hits a stone (meaning you fail).

تو ادامه می‌دهی مگر اینکه تیرت به سنگ بخورد.

Literary/Idiomatic
"مگر اینکه ورق برگردد"

— Unless the leaf turns (meaning the situation changes completely).

ما می‌بازیم مگر اینکه ورق برگردد.

Neutral/Idiomatic
"مگر اینکه زیر پایش علف سبز شود"

— Unless grass grows under their feet (meaning they wait a very long time).

او نمی‌آید مگر اینکه زیر پایش علف سبز شود.

Informal
"مگر اینکه آفتاب از مغرب دربیاید"

— Unless the sun rises from the west. Used for something that will never happen.

او با تو آشتی نمی‌کند مگر اینکه آفتاب از مغرب دربیاید.

Idiomatic

Word Family

Related

اگر (If)
مگر (But/Except/Perhaps)
اینکه (That/The fact that)
وگرنه (Otherwise)
هرگز (Never)
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Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Magar' as 'My Guard'. Your guard says 'NO' to everyone, 'Magar Inke' (unless) they have the secret password. It's the gatekeeper of the sentence.

Visual Association

Imagine a big red 'X' over a door. Next to the door is a small keyhole labeled 'Magar Inke'. The only way to get through the 'X' is the specific key (the condition).

Word Origin

The word 'Magar' is derived from Middle Persian 'ma-agar' (ma = not, agar = if). It literally meant 'if not.' Over time, it evolved into a particle used for exceptions and questions.

Original meaning: If not / Unless.

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