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مهربان بودن

B1 verb #1,500 most common 10 min read

مهربان بودن

mehraban budan Top 1,500

At the A1 level, 'Mehrabān budan' is one of the first descriptive phrases you learn. It is used to describe people in your family or your friends. You learn it as a simple 'Adjective + Is' structure. For example, 'Mādar-am mehrabān ast' (My mother is kind). At this stage, you don't need to worry about complex tenses. You just need to know that 'mehrabān' means kind and it goes before the verb 'ast' (is). You also learn that Iranians value kindness very much. It is a 'positive' word. You might use it to describe your teacher or a doctor. The focus is on basic identification: Who is kind? My friend is kind. Are you kind? Yes, I am kind. It's about building a basic vocabulary of personality traits to help you introduce yourself and others in a simple way. You will also learn the imperative 'Mehrabān bāsh' as a simple command often found in children's books or basic moral lessons. The goal is to recognize the word when you hear it and use it in short, three-word sentences.

At the A2 level, you start to expand how you use 'Mehrabān budan'. You begin to use prepositions, specifically 'bā' (with). You learn that you are kind 'with' someone. For example, 'Man bā dust-am mehrabān hastam' (I am kind to my friend). You also start using the past tense: 'U mehrabān bud' (He was kind). You might use intensifiers like 'kheyli' (very) to say 'U kheyli mehrabān ast'. At this level, you can describe people's characters in more detail during conversations about your family, your childhood, or your colleagues. You also start to see the word in simple stories or news snippets. You understand that 'mehrabān' is a compound of 'mehr' and 'bān', though you might not know the full history yet. You are able to ask questions like 'Cherā u mehrabān nist?' (Why is he not kind?). This level is about moving from simple labels to describing relationships and past experiences using the concept of kindness.

At the B1 level, which is the intermediate stage, you use 'Mehrabān budan' in more complex sentence structures. You start using the subjunctive mood, such as 'Mohem ast ke mehrabān bāshim' (It is important that we be kind). You also use it in relative clauses: 'Kasāni ke mehrabān hastand, dustān-e ziādi dārand' (People who are kind have many friends). You begin to understand the cultural nuances, such as how 'mehrabān' is used in Ta'arof to show respect and warmth. You can discuss the importance of kindness in society or in your personal life. You also start to distinguish between 'mehrabān' and its synonyms like 'delsuz' (compassionate) or 'khosh-ghalb' (good-hearted). You can write short paragraphs about a person you admire, explaining why their kindness is important. This level requires you to use the word naturally in a variety of tenses and moods, and to understand its role in Persian social etiquette.

At the B2 level, you are expected to use 'Mehrabān budan' with greater precision and in more abstract discussions. You can talk about the philosophy of kindness or its impact on mental health. You use advanced grammar like the passive voice or conditional sentences: 'Agar hameh mehrabān budand, donyā jā-ye behtari bud' (If everyone were kind, the world would be a better place). You also start to recognize the word in more formal contexts, such as literature, newspapers, and formal speeches. You understand the historical and etymological roots of 'Mehr' and how it relates to ancient Persian culture. You can participate in debates about social issues, using 'mehrabāni' as a key concept. Your vocabulary expands to include related nouns and adverbs like 'mehrabānāneh' (kindly) and 'mehrabāni' (kindness). You are able to appreciate the use of the word in modern Persian poetry and songs, understanding the emotional weight it carries beyond its literal definition.

At the C1 level, you have a deep, nuanced understanding of 'Mehrabān budan'. You can analyze its use in classical Persian literature, such as the works of Saadi or Hafez, where 'Mehr' is a central theme. You understand the subtle differences between 'mehrabān' and more obscure synonyms like 'moshfegh' or 'ra'uf'. You can use the word in highly formal or academic contexts, discussing the role of 'Mehr' in Persian ethics and mysticism. You are sensitive to the register of the word and can use it appropriately in everything from a legal document to a romantic poem. You can also identify and use idiomatic expressions involving kindness. Your ability to use the word is indistinguishable from a native speaker, and you can explain the cultural significance of 'Mehrabāni Wall' or other social phenomena to others. You understand how the concept of being kind is tied to the Persian identity and its history of hospitality and 'javānmardi' (chivalry).

At the C2 level, you master the concept of 'Mehrabān budan' in all its complexity. You can engage in high-level philosophical or literary analysis of the term. You understand its connection to Mithraism and how the concept of 'Mehr' has evolved over millennia in the Iranian plateau. You can interpret the most complex poetic metaphors involving 'Mehr' and 'Mehrabāni'. You use the word with perfect stylistic flair, choosing it or its synonyms to create specific emotional or rhetorical effects. You are aware of the most subtle connotations, such as when 'mehrabān' might be used ironically or in a specific regional dialect. You can write essays or give lectures on the evolution of Persian moral vocabulary, with 'Mehrabān budan' as a primary example. For you, the word is not just a vocabulary item but a window into the entire history of Persian thought and emotion. You can navigate the most complex social situations in Iran using the nuances of kindness and Ta'arof with total ease and cultural fluency.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

مهربان بودن in 30 Seconds

A fundamental Persian verb phrase meaning 'to be kind' or 'to show warmth'.
Derived from 'Mehr' (love/light), it carries deep cultural and historical significance in Iran.
Grammatically used with the preposition 'bā' (with) to indicate the recipient of kindness.
Essential for daily conversation, literature, and understanding Persian social etiquette (Ta'arof).

The Persian phrase مهربان بودن (Mehrabān budan) is a cornerstone of Iranian social ethics and linguistic expression. At its simplest level, it translates to 'to be kind,' but the cultural weight it carries is far more profound than its English counterpart. The word Mehrabān is derived from Mehr, an ancient Persian concept encompassing love, sun, friendship, and Mithraic light. Therefore, being kind in Persian isn't just a polite action; it is an act of radiating warmth and light toward others.

Etymological Root: The root 'Mehr' connects to the Zoroastrian divinity of contracts and light, suggesting that kindness is a fundamental covenant between humans.
Social Function: In the context of Ta'arof (Persian etiquette), being kind is the baseline for all social interactions, ensuring harmony and mutual respect.
Emotional Depth: Unlike 'being nice,' which can be superficial, 'Mehrabān budan' implies a deep-seated compassion that stems from the heart (del).

او همیشه با حیوانات مهربان است.

(He/She is always kind to animals.)

When we analyze the structure, مهربان acts as the adjective and بودن as the linking verb. In modern Persian, this is one of the most frequently used compound descriptors for character. It transcends age and status; a child can be kind to an elder, and a king can be kind to a subject. The concept is also deeply embedded in Persian poetry, from Rumi to Hafez, where the 'Kind Friend' (Yār-e Mehrabān) often refers to the Divine or a spiritual guide. In everyday speech, calling someone 'Mehrabān' is one of the highest compliments you can pay to their character, suggesting they are selfless and warm-hearted.

سعی کن با همه مهربان باشی.

(Try to be kind to everyone.)

Furthermore, the concept of 'Mehr' is associated with the month of Mehr in the Persian calendar (beginning of autumn), symbolizing a time of harvest and sharing. This seasonal connection reinforces the idea that kindness is a fruit of human maturity. When you use this verb, you are not just describing a temporary mood but often a permanent trait of a person's soul. It is the opposite of being 'namahrabān' (unkind) or 'sang-del' (stone-hearted).

مادرم بسیار مهربان بود.

(My mother was very kind.)

دنیا به آدم‌های مهربان نیاز دارد.

(The world needs kind people.)

با من مهربان باش.

(Be kind to me.)

Synonym Note: While 'khub' means good, 'mehrabān' specifically targets the emotional warmth of the person.

Using مهربان بودن correctly involves understanding the conjugation of the auxiliary verb budan (to be) and the prepositional requirements. In Persian, adjectives like 'mehrabān' remain static while the verb 'budan' changes according to the subject and tense. This makes it relatively straightforward for learners, but the nuance lies in the prepositions used to direct that kindness.

Prepositional Usage: The most common preposition used with this verb is با (bā), meaning 'with'. In Persian, you are kind 'with' someone, not 'to' them in the English sense.
Tense Variations: Present: مهربان هستم (I am kind). Past: مهربان بودم (I was kind). Future: مهربان خواهم بود (I will be kind).

او همیشه با من مهربان است.

(He/She is always kind with/to me.)

When using the imperative form (giving a command or advice), we use the root باش (bāsh). This is very common in moral teachings and parenting. For example, 'Mehrabān bāsh' (Be kind). If you want to say 'Try to be kind,' you would use the subjunctive: 'Sa'y kon mehrabān bāshi.' The flexibility of this verb allows it to be used in formal literature and casual street slang without changing its core meaning. However, in very formal settings, you might see مهربان می‌باشند instead of مهربان هستند.

لطفاً با غریبه‌ها مهربان باشید.

(Please be kind to strangers.)

Another important aspect is the use of intensifiers. Words like kheyli (very), besyār (much/very - formal), and vaghe'an (really) are frequently placed before 'mehrabān'. For example, 'U vaghe'an mehrabān ast' (He is really kind). In poetic contexts, you might see 'mehrabān-tar' (kinder) or 'mehrabān-tarin' (kindest). The superlative 'mehrabān-tarin' is often used to describe God or a mother in Persian culture.

او مهربان‌ترین انسانی است که می‌شناسم.

(He/She is the kindest human I know.)

باید با خودت مهربان باشی.

(You must be kind to yourself.)

چرا امروز اینقدر مهربان شده‌ای؟

(Why have you become so kind today? - implying a change from the norm.)

Negative Form: To say 'not kind', use 'namahrabān' or simply negate the verb: 'mehrabān nist' (he is not kind).

You will encounter مهربان بودن in almost every facet of Iranian life, from the most intimate family settings to formal public discourse. It is a word that bridges the gap between the mundane and the spiritual. In a typical Iranian household, a mother might tell her child, 'Bā barādar-at mehrabān bāsh' (Be kind to your brother), emphasizing the importance of familial harmony. In the workplace, a manager might be praised for being 'modir-e mehrabān' (a kind manager), which in Iran often implies someone who is understanding of personal circumstances and treats employees like family.

In Literature: Classical Persian poetry is saturated with the concept of 'Mehr'. Rumi often speaks of the 'Kind Beloved' who heals the soul.
In Media: TV hosts frequently use the phrase 'Mardom-e mehrabān-e Irān' (The kind people of Iran) to address their audience, appealing to a shared national identity of hospitality.

او به مهربان بودن معروف است.

(He/She is famous for being kind.)

If you visit Iran, you will hear this word often in the context of hospitality. A host might say, 'Shomā kheyli mehrabān hastid' (You are very kind) when you bring a small gift or offer a compliment. It is a standard part of the Ta'arof vocabulary. Furthermore, in religious or spiritual contexts, the attributes of God in Islam often include 'Rahmān' and 'Rahim', which are frequently translated or explained in Persian using the concept of 'Mehrabāni'. The opening phrase of the Quran, 'Bismillah ar-Rahman ar-Rahim', is commonly translated into Persian as 'Be nām-e khodāvand-e bakhshandeh-ye mehrabān' (In the name of the forgiving, kind God).

خداوند بسیار مهربان است.

(God is very kind.)

In modern pop culture, Persian songs (especially ballads) frequently use 'Mehrabān' to describe a lover or a lost friend. The word evokes a sense of nostalgia and longing. For example, a song might lament, 'Yār-e mehrabān-am raft' (My kind beloved left). In educational settings, teachers are encouraged to be 'mehrabān' to foster a better learning environment. You will also see this word on charity posters and social campaigns, where 'mehrabāni' is promoted as a social duty to help the poor or the sick.

بیایید با هم مهربان باشیم.

(Let's be kind to each other.)

معلم ما خیلی مهربان بود.

(Our teacher was very kind.)

او قلبی مهربان دارد.

(He/She has a kind heart.)

Public Service: Police and public servants are often reminded in training to be 'mehrabān' with the public to build trust.

While مهربان بودن is a relatively simple concept, learners often make mistakes regarding prepositions, word order, and confusing it with similar-sounding or similar-meaning words. The most frequent error is using the English-style preposition 'be' (to) instead of the Persian 'bā' (with).

Preposition Error: Incorrect: او به من مهربان است. Correct: او با من مهربان است. (He is kind WITH me.)
Confusion with 'Khub': 'Khub' means good/well. Saying 'U khub ast' might mean they are a good person or just doing well health-wise. 'Mehrabān' specifically denotes kindness.

نباید نامهربان باشیم.

(We shouldn't be unkind.)

Another common mistake is the misplacement of the adjective in complex sentences. In Persian, the adjective 'mehrabān' must stay close to the verb 'budan' or the noun it describes. For example, 'Zan-e mehrabān' (The kind woman) vs 'Zan mehrabān ast' (The woman is kind). Beginners sometimes forget the 'ezafe' (-e) when using it as an attributive adjective. Also, be careful with the word 'Mehrabāni' (kindness). It is a noun. You 'do' kindness (mehrabāni kardan) or 'have' kindness (mehrabāni dāshtan), but you 'are' kind (mehrabān budan).

او با مهربانی صحبت کرد.

(He spoke with kindness - Here 'mehrabāni' is a noun.)

Furthermore, some learners confuse 'Mehrabān' with 'Moshfegh' (compassionate) or 'Ra'uf' (lenient/merciful). While they are related, 'Mehrabān' is the most general and common term. 'Ra'uf' is more formal and often used in religious contexts. Another pitfall is the pronunciation of the 'h' in 'Mehrabān'. It should be a soft, breathy 'h', not a harsh 'kh'. If you say 'Mekhrabān', it sounds like a different, non-existent word. Lastly, remember that in Persian, being 'too kind' can sometimes be described as 'sādeh-lowh' (naive), so context matters when praising someone's kindness to ensure it isn't interpreted as being easily fooled.

آیا او واقعاً مهربان است؟

(Is he really kind?)

او بسیار مهربان به نظر می‌رسد.

(He seems very kind.)

او مهربان نبود.

(He was not kind.)

Pronunciation Tip: The stress is on the last syllable: mehrabāN.

Persian is a language rich in synonyms for emotional states. While مهربان بودن is the most common way to express being kind, several other verbs and adjectives offer nuanced alternatives depending on the level of formality and the specific type of kindness being described.

باگذشت بودن (Bā-gozasht budan): This means 'to be forgiving' or 'self-sacrificing'. It is a specific type of kindness where one overlooks others' faults.
رئوف بودن (Ra'uf budan): A more formal, often religious term meaning 'to be merciful' or 'extremely compassionate'.
لطیف بودن (Latif budan): Literally 'to be delicate' or 'gentle'. It describes a kind person who is soft-spoken and sensitive.

او بسیار دلسوز است.

(He is very sympathetic/compassionate - literally 'heart-burning'.)

Another important related term is خوش‌قلب (Khosh-ghalb), which means 'good-hearted'. While 'mehrabān' describes the outward behavior, 'khosh-ghalb' describes the internal nature of the person. You might also hear بامحبت (Bā-mohabat), which means 'affectionate'. This is often used for people who show their kindness through physical touch or warm words. In contrast, خیرخواه (Kheyr-khāh) means 'well-wisher', describing someone who is kind in their intentions and wants the best for others.

پدربزرگم مردی خوش‌قلب بود.

(My grandfather was a good-hearted man.)

In formal writing, you might encounter مشفّق (Moshfegh), which implies a protective, fatherly, or mentor-like kindness. For example, a teacher's advice might be described as 'moshfeghāneh' (compassionate/kindly). On the other hand, نازنین (Nāzanin) is an adjective often used as a noun to mean 'dear' or 'kind one', frequently used in poetry and endearing addresses. Understanding these synonyms helps you choose the right word for the right social context, whether you are writing a formal letter or talking to a close friend.

ای دوست نازنین من!

(O my dear/kind friend!)

او همیشه خیرخواه همه است.

(He is always a well-wisher to everyone.)

رفتار او بسیار محترمانه و مهربانانه بود.

(His behavior was very respectful and kind.)

Antonym Check: The direct opposite is 'Birahem' (merciless) or 'Bad-khu' (ill-tempered).

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Informal

Difficulty Rating

Grammar to Know

Examples by Level

مادر من مهربان است.

My mother is kind.

Simple Subject + Adjective + Verb structure.

او یک دوست مهربان است.

He/She is a kind friend.

Use of 'yek' for 'a'.

آیا تو مهربان هستی؟

Are you kind?

Question form with 'hasti'.

سگ من خیلی مهربان است.

My dog is very kind.

Using 'kheyli' as an intensifier.

معلم ما مهربان بود.

Our teacher was kind.

Past tense 'bud'.

با من مهربان باش.

Be kind to me.

Imperative 'bāsh'.

آنها مهربان هستند.

They are kind.

Plural subject and verb.

اسم او مهربان است.

His/Her name is Mehraban.

Mehraban can also be a name.

او با همه مهربان است.

He is kind to everyone.

Preposition 'bā' meaning 'with/to'.

دیروز با من مهربان بودی.

You were kind to me yesterday.

Past tense with time adverb 'diruz'.

باید با حیوانات مهربان باشیم.

We must be kind to animals.

Modal verb 'bāyad' + subjunctive.

او اصلاً مهربان نیست.

He is not kind at all.

Negation 'nist' and 'aslan' (at all).

چرا با او مهربان نبودی؟

Why weren't you kind to him?

Negative past tense question.

او سعی می‌کند مهربان باشد.

He tries to be kind.

Verb 'sa'y kardan' + subjunctive.

پدرم همیشه با ما مهربان بود.

My father was always kind to us.

Use of 'hamisheh' (always).

او قلبی مهربان دارد.

He has a kind heart.

Using 'mehrabān' as an adjective for 'heart'.

اگر مهربان باشی، مردم تو را دوست خواهند داشت.

If you are kind, people will like you.

First conditional sentence.

او به خاطر مهربان بودن در محله معروف است.

He is famous in the neighborhood for being kind.

Gerund-like use of 'budan'.

فکر می‌کنم او مهربان‌ترین فردی است که دیده‌ام.

I think he is the kindest person I've seen.

Superlative 'mehrabān-tarin'.

او یاد گرفت که با خودش مهربان‌تر باشد.

He learned to be kinder to himself.

Comparative 'mehrabān-tar'.

مهربان بودن همیشه آسان نیست.

Being kind is not always easy.

Subject is the infinitive phrase.

او با لحنی مهربان با من صحبت کرد.

He spoke to me in a kind tone.

Adjective modifying 'lahn' (tone).

امیدوارم همیشه با هم مهربان بمانیم.

I hope we always stay kind to each other.

Verb 'māndan' (to stay) used with adjective.

او با وجود مشکلات، همچنان مهربان است.

Despite problems, he is still kind.

Use of 'bā vojud-e' (despite).

مهربان بودن یکی از ویژگی‌های بارز فرهنگ ایرانی است.

Being kind is one of the prominent features of Iranian culture.

Formal academic tone.

او ترجیح می‌دهد با دشمنانش هم مهربان باشد.

He prefers to be kind even to his enemies.

Use of 'ham' (even/also).

قدرت واقعی در مهربان بودن نهفته است.

True power lies in being kind.

Abstract philosophical statement.

او با رفتاری مهربانانه، تنش را کاهش داد.

With a kindly behavior, he reduced the tension.

Adverbial form 'mehrabānāneh'.

جامعه به افرادی نیاز دارد که مهربان بودن را ترویج کنند.

Society needs individuals who promote being kind.

Relative clause with 'ke'.

او همیشه در پی یافتن راهی برای مهربان‌تر بودن است.

He is always seeking a way to be kinder.

Compound sentence structure.

مهربان بودن نباید با ساده‌لوحی اشتباه گرفته شود.

Being kind should not be mistaken for naivety.

Passive voice 'eshtebāh gerefteh shavad'.

او با صبر و مهربانی، به شاگردانش درس می‌داد.

With patience and kindness, he taught his students.

Noun form 'mehrabāni' used with 'bā'.

در ادبیات کلاسیک، مهربان بودن صفتی الهی تلقی می‌شود.

In classical literature, being kind is considered a divine attribute.

Formal literary register.

او با چنان مهربانی‌ای برخورد کرد که همه متعجب شدند.

He acted with such kindness that everyone was surprised.

Use of 'chonān... ke' (such... that).

مفهوم 'مهر' در ایران باستان فراتر از صرفاً مهربان بودن بود.

The concept of 'Mehr' in ancient Iran was beyond just being kind.

Historical analysis context.

او تجسم عینی مهربان بودن در عصر حاضر است.

He is the objective embodiment of being kind in the present age.

Advanced vocabulary 'tajassom-e eyni'.

سیاستمداران باید بیاموزند که مهربان بودن ضعف نیست.

Politicians must learn that being kind is not a weakness.

Complex argumentative structure.

او با نگاهی مهربان، تمام کینه‌ها را از دل زدود.

With a kind look, he wiped away all grudges from the heart.

Poetic and metaphorical language.

مهربان بودن در دنیای مادی امروز، گوهری کمیاب است.

Being kind in today's material world is a rare gem.

Metaphorical expression.

او در نهایتِ مهربانی، از حق خود گذشت.

In the ultimate kindness, he gave up his right.

Use of 'dar nahāyat-e' (in the ultimate).

تجلیِ ذاتِ باری‌تعالی در مهربان بودنِ بی‌قید و شرط نهفته است.

The manifestation of the Divine Essence lies in unconditional kindness.

High-level mystical/theological register.

او با رویکردی مشفقانه و مهربان، گره از مشکلات گشود.

With a compassionate and kind approach, he untied the knots of problems.

Idiomatic 'gereh goshudan' (untie knots).

دیالکتیکِ قدرت و مهربان بودن در تاریخِ سیاسیِ ایران قابل بررسی است.

The dialectic of power and being kind in Iran's political history is worth examining.

Academic philosophical jargon.

او در سلوکِ فردیِ خود، مهربان بودن را به مثابهِ یک فریضه می‌بیند.

In his individual spiritual journey, he sees being kind as an obligation.

Use of 'be masābeh-ye' (as/like).

ظرافت‌هایِ زبانیِ 'مهربان بودن' در گویش‌های مختلف، غنایِ فرهنگیِ ما را نشان می‌دهد.

The linguistic nuances of 'being kind' in various dialects show our cultural richness.

Linguistic analysis context.

او با ایثار و مهربانیِ زایدالوصفی، جانِ خود را فدا کرد.

With indescribable sacrifice and kindness, he gave his life.

Advanced adjective 'zāyed-ol-vasf'.

مداقه در مفهومِ مهربان بودن، ما را به لایه‌هایِ عمیق‌ترِ انسانیت رهنمون می‌شود.

Scrutiny of the concept of being kind leads us to deeper layers of humanity.

Formal verb 'rahnemun shodan'.

او با طبعی مهربان، بر ناملایماتِ روزگار فائق آمد.

With a kind nature, he overcame the hardships of the times.

Idiomatic 'fā'egh āmadan' (to overcome).

Common Collocations

بسیار مهربان

واقعاً مهربان

همیشه مهربان

ذاتاً مهربان

بیش از حد مهربان

با غریبه‌ها مهربان

با حیوانات مهربان

با خود مهربان

قلب مهربان

نگاه مهربان

Common Phrases

خیلی مهربانی

لطفاً مهربان باش

او آدم مهربانی است

مهربان باشیم

یار مهربان

مادر مهربان

خدای مهربان

با من مهربان باش

چقدر مهربانی!

همیشه مهربان بمان

Often Confused With

مهربان بودن vs خوب بودن

مهربان بودن vs مهربانی

مهربان بودن vs مهمان‌نواز

Idioms & Expressions

Easily Confused

مهربان بودن vs

Sentence Patterns

How to Use It

nuance

Can sometimes imply being too soft if used in a critical context.

formality

Universal across all registers.

Common Mistakes

Using 'be' instead of 'bā'.
Confusing the noun 'mehrabāni' with the adjective 'mehrabān'.
Forgetting the 'ast' in 'U mehrabān ast'.
Pronouncing 'h' as 'kh'.
Using 'mehrabān' to mean 'happy'.

Tips

Hospitality

Being kind is the heart of Iranian hospitality. Always show kindness to guests.

Prepositions

Always use 'bā' (with) when you are kind to someone. This is a very common mistake for English speakers.

Synonyms

Learn 'khosh-ghalb' to describe someone who is 'good-hearted' inside.

Casual Persian

In Tehran, people often say 'mehrabūne' instead of 'mehrabān ast'.

Ancient Roots

Remember 'Mehr' means sun and love. Kindness is like sunlight.

Ta'arof

Use 'Shomā kheyli mehrabān hastid' as a polite way to say thank you.

Poetry

Look for 'Mehr' in Rumi's poems to see how it's used spiritually.

Daily Practice

Try to find one person every day to describe as 'mehrabān' in your head.

Adverbs

Use 'mehrabānāneh' to describe kind actions, like 'he smiled kindly'.

Self-Kindness

Don't forget to use 'bā khod mehrabān budan' in your self-care journals.

Memorize It

Word Origin

Middle Persian 'mihrabān'. 'Mihr' (Mithra/Love) + 'bān' (suffix meaning keeper/guardian).

Cultural Context

Central theme in the works of Saadi Shirazi.

Used frequently in Ta'arof to acknowledge someone's generosity.

Connected to the attributes of God (Rahmān/Rahim).

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Conversation Starters

"به نظر شما مهربان‌ترین آدم دنیا کیست؟"

"چطور می‌توانیم با دیگران مهربان‌تر باشیم؟"

"آیا مهربان بودن همیشه خوب است؟"

"یک خاطره از مهربانی یک غریبه بگویید."

"در فرهنگ شما مهربانی چه جایگاهی دارد؟"

Journal Prompts

امروز چطور با کسی مهربان بودی؟

یک نامه به معلم مهربان دوران کودکی‌ات بنویس.

چرا مهربان بودن با خودمان سخت است؟

توصیف کن که یک دنیای مهربان چه شکلی است.

آیا مهربانی می‌تواند دنیا را تغییر دهد؟

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, you can use it for animals or even metaphorically for things like 'the kind sun' or 'a kind breeze'.

'Mehraban' is general kindness and warmth. 'Delsuz' implies a deep sympathy or feeling someone else's pain.

Yes, it is used as a male name in Iran, though it is not very common today.

You say 'Bā khodat mehrabān bāsh'.

It is used in both. In formal settings, you might use 'besyār' instead of 'kheyli'.

The most direct opposite is 'Nāmehrabān'.

Yes, it is a primary translation for the attributes of God in Islam (Rahman/Rahim).

Usually, it describes a person's character or behavior, not a situation.

You say 'Mehrabān-tarin'.

Yes, it is a soft 'h' sound, like in 'hello'.