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مقدار

A1 noun #1,000 most common 10 min read

مقدار

meqdar Top 1,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips مقدار in 30 Seconds

Explanation مقدار in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should learn 'meghdār' as a way to say 'some' or 'a bit'. It is most useful when you are talking about food, drink, or basic needs. You will usually see it in the phrase 'yek meghdār' (a little bit). For example, if you are at a dinner table, you might say 'yek meghdār āb' (some water). It helps you ask for things without needing to know exact numbers. At this stage, don't worry about complex grammar; just think of it as a word that means 'an amount' of something you can't count one by one. It is a very polite and useful word to know when you are a guest in an Iranian home. You will also hear it in very simple sentences like 'Meghdār-e namak ziyād ast' (The amount of salt is a lot). This level is all about survival and basic communication, and 'meghdār' is a key tool for that.

At the A2 level, you begin to use 'meghdār' to describe more than just food. You might use it to talk about time ('yek meghdār vaght' - some time) or money ('yek meghdār pul' - some money). You should also start noticing the difference between 'meghdār' and 'tedād'. Remember, 'meghdār' is for things like water, happiness, or work, while 'tedād' is for things like books, friends, or cars. You will also start using adjectives with it, like 'meghdār-e kam' (a small amount) or 'meghdār-e ziyād' (a large amount). This allows you to give more detail in your descriptions. You might also encounter the word in simple instructions or signs. Understanding 'meghdār' at this level helps you move from very basic phrases to more complete sentences that describe the world around you with more accuracy.

By the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'meghdār' in a variety of contexts, including work and social issues. You will start to see it in news headlines and more formal writing. You should understand how to use the Ezafe construction correctly: 'meghdār-e tahrandāzi' (the amount of shooting) or 'meghdār-e masraf' (the amount of consumption). You will also learn common phrases like 'be meghdār-e کافی' (in sufficient amount). At this level, you are expected to handle more abstract uses, such as 'meghdār-e energy' or 'meghdār-e talāsh' (amount of effort). You should also be able to distinguish 'meghdār' from its synonyms like 'mizān' in most contexts, even if you still use 'meghdār' as your primary word. This is the stage where your vocabulary becomes more flexible and you can discuss topics like the environment or the economy using this word.

At the B2 level, you should have a nuanced understanding of 'meghdār'. You will encounter it in academic texts, literature, and professional reports. You should be familiar with the plural form 'maghādir' and know when it is appropriate to use it (usually in scientific or statistical contexts). You will also understand how 'meghdār' functions in complex sentence structures, such as those involving conditional clauses or passive voice. For example, 'Meghdār-e khosārat bāyad ta'yin shavad' (The amount of damage must be determined). You will also start to appreciate the word's use in classical and modern poetry, where it might represent the 'measure' of a person's character or fate. Your ability to use 'meghdār' correctly in both speech and writing will be a sign of your advancing proficiency in Persian.

At the C1 level, 'meghdār' is a tool for precision and stylistic variation. You will use it to discuss complex scientific data, legal contracts, or philosophical arguments. You should be able to explain the subtle differences between 'meghdār', 'mizān', 'ghadr', and 'kammiyat' to others. You will encounter 'meghdār' in high-level literature where it might be used metaphorically or as part of archaic expressions. You should be able to use the word in the 'be meghdār-e...' construction to specify exact proportions in technical writing. Your usage should be flawless, and you should be able to catch and correct errors in 'meghdār' vs 'tedād' in others' speech. At this level, you are not just using the word; you are mastering its place within the vast web of the Persian language's synonyms and related concepts.

At the C2 level, your mastery of 'meghdār' is equivalent to that of an educated native speaker. You can use it in any register, from the most informal slang to the most formal academic or legal prose. You understand its historical evolution from Arabic and its role in the development of Persian scientific terminology. You can appreciate the word's use in the most complex classical texts, such as the works of Avicenna or Nasir al-Din al-Tusi, where 'meghdār' was used to define the very nature of physical existence and magnitude. You can use the word with perfect rhythmic and stylistic awareness in your own creative writing or oratory. For you, 'meghdār' is no longer just a vocabulary item; it is a versatile concept that you can manipulate to express the finest shades of meaning in the Persian language.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

مقدار in 30 Seconds

Meghdār means 'amount' or 'quantity' in Persian.
It is used for uncountable things like water, time, or feelings.
Commonly used in the phrase 'yek meghdār' to mean 'some' or 'a bit'.
It is different from 'tedād', which is used for countable items like people.

The Persian word مقدار (pronounced 'meghdār') is a fundamental noun that every learner of the Persian language must master early in their journey. At its core, it translates to 'quantity', 'amount', or 'measure'. However, its utility extends far beyond simple mathematics. It is the go-to word when you want to describe how much of something exists, especially when that something is uncountable or perceived as a collective mass. Whether you are in a bustling bazaar in Tehran asking for a specific amount of saffron, or in a scientific laboratory discussing the magnitude of a physical force, meghdār is your linguistic anchor.

Daily Life Usage: In everyday Persian, you will hear this word most frequently in the context of cooking and shopping. When a recipe calls for a 'certain amount' of an ingredient, it uses مقدار. It is also used to express vague quantities, such as 'a bit' or 'some' (یک مقدار). It bridges the gap between precise measurement and general estimation.
Abstract Concepts: Beyond physical objects, meghdār is applied to abstract nouns. One might speak of the 'amount of pain' (مقدار درد) someone is feeling, the 'amount of love' (مقدار عشق) in a relationship, or the 'amount of progress' (مقدار پیشرفت) made in a project. This versatility makes it one of the most hardworking nouns in the Persian lexicon.

لطفاً مقدار کمی نمک به غذا اضافه کنید.
— Please add a small amount of salt to the food.

Historically, the word has roots in Arabic but has been fully integrated into Persian for over a millennium. In classical Persian literature, poets like Rumi and Hafez used meghdār to discuss the 'measure' of one's soul or the 'extent' of divine grace. In modern Iranian society, it has taken on a more technical role in economics and science, often appearing in news reports regarding the 'amount of inflation' or the 'quantity of exports'.

این مقدار پول برای خرید کتاب کافی نیست.
— This amount of money is not enough to buy the book.

Formal vs. Informal: While 'meghdār' is perfectly acceptable in all registers, informal speech often shortens the phrase 'yek meghdār' (a certain amount) to just 'ye meghdār'. In formal writing, especially academic papers, you will see the plural form 'maghādir' (مقادیر) used to describe various data points or values.

Understanding the nuance of meghdār also involves knowing what it is NOT. It is distinct from 'tedād' (تعداد), which is used for countable items (like people or cars). If you can count it 1, 2, 3, use 'tedād'. If you measure it by volume, weight, or intensity, use مقدار. This distinction is a common hurdle for English speakers, as 'amount' and 'number' are often confused in English as well.

ما به مقدار زیادی آب نیاز داریم.
— We need a large amount of water.

Using مقدار correctly requires an understanding of Persian syntax and the 'Ezafe' construction. Most commonly, meghdār acts as the head of a noun phrase, followed by the noun it is quantifying. This relationship is usually linked by the short 'e' sound (Ezafe), though in many cases involving 'yek' (one/a), the Ezafe is omitted in spoken Persian.

The 'Yek' Construction: When you want to say 'a bit' or 'some', you use 'yek meghdār' (یک مقدار). For example, 'yek meghdār nān' (some bread). In this structure, 'meghdār' functions almost like an adjective or a quantifier, similar to 'some' in English.
The 'Meghdār-e' Construction: When referring to a specific quantity, you use the Ezafe: 'meghdār-e namak' (the amount of salt). This is used when the quantity itself is the subject or object of the sentence, such as 'The amount of salt was high' (مقدار نمک زیاد بود).

آیا می‌توانی مقدار کالری این غذا را بگویی؟
— Can you tell the amount of calories in this food?

One of the most powerful ways to use meghdār is in combination with adjectives like 'ziyād' (much/large) or 'kam' (little/small). By saying 'meghdār-e ziyādi' (a large amount), you create a very natural-sounding phrase that works in both formal and informal contexts. Note the addition of the 'i' (ya-ye vahdat) at the end of 'ziyād', which emphasizes the indefinite nature of the large quantity.

او مقدار زیادی وقت صرف مطالعه کرد.
— He spent a large amount of time studying.

In mathematical or scientific contexts, meghdār is used to define the value of a variable. For instance, 'meghdār-e x' (the value of x). This shows the word's transition from a physical quantity to a logical or numerical value. It is also used in the phrase 'be meghdār-e' (to the extent of / in the amount of), which is common in legal and financial documents to specify exact sums of money or degrees of liability.

دانشمندان در حال اندازه‌گیری مقدار آلودگی هوا هستند.
— Scientists are measuring the amount of air pollution.

Using with Verbs: 'Meghdār' often pairs with verbs like 'afzāyesh yāftan' (to increase) or 'kāhesh yāftan' (to decrease). For example: 'Meghdār-e tolid afzāyesh yāft' (The amount of production increased). It also pairs with 'ta'yin kardan' (to determine) when one needs to set or find a specific value.

To truly understand مقدار, you need to hear it in its natural habitats. From the domestic sphere to the professional world, this word is omnipresent. Let's explore where you are most likely to encounter it in an Iranian or Persian-speaking environment.

In the Kitchen (آشپزخانه): Persian cuisine is famous for its precise balance of flavors. You will hear grandmothers and chefs alike saying 'be meghdār-e lāzem' (as much as necessary). This is the Persian equivalent of 'to taste' or 'a pinch'. It implies a level of intuition that comes with experience. If you ask for a recipe, they might say: 'Meghdāri za'farān ezafe kon' (Add some saffron).
In the News (اخبار): Turn on any Persian news channel like BBC Persian or VOA Farsi, and you will hear 'meghdār' used in economic reports. Phrases like 'meghdār-e nakhāles-e dākheli' (Gross Domestic Product - though 'tolid' is more common here, 'meghdār' is used for the values) or 'meghdār-e vāredāt' (amount of imports) are standard. It provides a sense of gravity and precision to the reporting.

در این دستور پخت، مقدار شکر بستگی به ذائقه شما دارد.
— In this recipe, the amount of sugar depends on your taste.

In the shopping malls of North Tehran or the traditional bazaars of Isfahan, 'meghdār' is used when negotiating or specifying quantities of bulk goods. If you are buying nuts (ājil), you might say 'In meghdār kāfi ast' (This amount is enough). The shopkeeper might reply, 'Yek meghdār bishtar bar-dārid' (Take a little bit more).

گزارش‌ها نشان می‌دهد که مقدار بارش باران امسال کاهش یافته است.
— Reports show that the amount of rainfall has decreased this year.

Academic settings are another prime location for this word. In a Persian university, a professor of mathematics or physics will use 'meghdār' constantly to refer to values, magnitudes, and quantities. 'Meghdār-e motaghayer' (the value of the variable) is a phrase every Iranian student knows by heart. Even in humanities, one might discuss the 'meghdār-e ta'sir' (the amount of influence) of a particular historical event.

استاد مقدار دقیق خطا را در محاسبات مشخص کرد.
— The professor specified the exact amount of error in the calculations.

Even though مقدار seems straightforward, English speakers often stumble when integrating it into their Persian. The most common errors revolve around the countability of nouns and the confusion with similar-sounding or similar-meaning words.

Confusing 'Meghdār' with 'Tedād': This is the number one mistake. English uses 'amount' for both mass and sometimes count nouns (though 'number' is technically correct for count nouns). In Persian, the line is strict. You cannot say 'meghdār-e mardom' (the amount of people); you must say 'tedād-e mardom' (the number of people). Use 'meghdār' for things you can't count individually, like water, sand, or time.
Misplacing the Ezafe: Learners often forget the Ezafe when connecting 'meghdār' to the following noun. Saying 'meghdār namak' sounds broken. It must be 'meghdār-e namak'. However, remember that in the phrase 'yek meghdār', the Ezafe is often dropped in speech, which can be confusing for beginners.

❌ اشتباه: مقدار دانش‌آموزان در کلاس زیاد است.
✅ درست: تعداد دانش‌آموزان در کلاس زیاد است.

Another subtle mistake is using 'meghdār' when 'andāze' (size/measure) is more appropriate. While they overlap, 'andāze' is usually used for physical dimensions (length, width, height) or clothing sizes. If you are talking about the size of a room, use 'andāze'. If you are talking about the volume of air inside it, use 'meghdār'.

اشتباه رایج: استفاده از مقدار برای چیزهای قابل شمارش.
— Common mistake: Using 'meghdār' for countable things.

Finally, watch out for the plural form 'maghādir'. While it exists, it is quite formal. Using it in a casual conversation with friends about the 'amounts of food' you ate might sound overly academic or even slightly humorous. Stick to the singular 'meghdār' for most everyday situations.

من یک مقدار خسته هستم. (Correct usage for 'a bit')
— I am a bit tired.

To expand your Persian vocabulary, it is essential to know the synonyms and near-synonyms of مقدار. Each alternative carries a slightly different shade of meaning or level of formality.

میزان (Mizān): This is the most common synonym for 'meghdār' in formal and journalistic contexts. It often implies a 'rate' or 'level'. For example, 'mizān-e tavarrom' (the rate of inflation) or 'mizān-e darmad' (the level of income). While 'meghdār' focuses on the quantity itself, 'mizān' often focuses on the measurement relative to a scale.
قدر (Ghadr): This word is more literary and abstract. It is used in phrases like 'آن قدر' (ān ghadr - that much) or 'هر قدر' (har ghadr - however much). It also means 'value' or 'worth' in a spiritual or social sense, such as 'ghadr-e dānestan' (to appreciate the value of something).
اندازه (Andāze): As mentioned before, this focuses on size, dimensions, or proportions. 'Be andāze-ye' means 'as much as' or 'the size of'. It is very common in cooking: 'be andāze-ye yek ghashogh' (the size/amount of one spoon).

میزان بیکاری در سال گذشته کاهش یافت.
— The rate of unemployment decreased last year.

In scientific contexts, you might encounter 'kammiyat' (کمیت), which specifically means 'quantity' as opposed to 'keyfiyat' (quality). This is a technical term used in philosophy and physics. For more informal 'bits' of things, you can use 'yek zare' (a tiny bit) or 'yek kam' (a little).

او قدر زحمات شما را می‌داند.
— He knows the value of your efforts.

Lastly, consider 'hadd' (حد), which means 'limit' or 'extent'. While not a direct synonym for quantity, it is used when the quantity reaches a certain threshold. 'Ta haddi' (to some extent) is a very useful phrase for qualifying your statements in Persian.

این کار اندازه مشخصی ندارد.
— This work does not have a specific size/measure.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The same root 'q-d-r' gives us the word 'Ghodrat' (power) and 'Ghadre' (value). In Persian, 'meghdār' specifically took the role of physical or abstract quantity.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /mɛɡˈdɑːr/

US /mɛɡˈdɑːr/

The stress is on the second syllable: megh-DĀR.

Rhymes With

بیدار (bidār - awake) دیوار (divār - wall) بهار (bahār - spring) انار (anār - pomegranate) کار (kār - work) تار (tār - string/dark) یار (yār - friend/beloved) سوار (savār - rider)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'gh' as a hard 'g' like in 'goat'. It should be more like a gargling sound.
Shortening the final 'ā' sound.
Misplacing the stress on the first syllable.
Confusing the 'e' sound with an 'a' sound (maghdar).
Not making the 'd' dental (tip of tongue against teeth).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize, but don't confuse it with 'mohadar' (drugs) or other similar shapes.

Writing 3/5

The 'gh' (ق) and 'd' (د) sequence needs practice for fluid handwriting.

Speaking 3/5

Mastering the 'gh' sound is the main challenge for English speakers.

Listening 2/5

Very common and usually clearly pronounced in most contexts.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

آب (water) نان (bread) زیاد (much) کم (little) چیست (what is)

Learn Next

تعداد (number) میزان (rate) اندازه (size) وزن (weight) قیمت (price)

Advanced

کمیت (quantity) کیفیت (quality) معیار (criterion) شاخص (index) توزیع (distribution)

Grammar to Know

Ezafe Construction

مقدارِ نمک (The amount of salt)

Indefinite 'i' (Ya-ye Vahdat)

مقداری آب (A certain amount of water)

Quantifiers before Nouns

یک مقدار پول (Some money)

Countable vs Uncountable Nouns

Use 'meghdār' for water, 'tedād' for glasses.

Pluralization of Abstract Nouns

مقادیر زیادی انرژی (Large amounts of energy)

Examples by Level

من یک مقدار آب می‌خواهم.

I want some water.

Uses 'yek meghdār' as 'some'.

مقدار نمک زیاد است.

The amount of salt is a lot.

Subject-predicate structure.

یک مقدار نان بخور.

Eat some bread.

Imperative sentence.

این مقدار پول کافی است؟

Is this amount of money enough?

Question form.

من یک مقدار خسته هستم.

I am a bit tired.

Used with an adjective.

مقدار شیر کم است.

The amount of milk is low.

Simple description.

لطفاً یک مقدار صبر کنید.

Please wait a bit.

Polite request.

این مقدار چای برای من زیاد است.

This amount of tea is too much for me.

Personal preference.

او مقدار زیادی کتاب دارد.

He has a large amount of books (Note: 'tedād' is better here, but 'meghdār' is sometimes heard).

Using 'meghdār-e ziyādi'.

مقدار باران دیشب خیلی زیاد بود.

The amount of rain last night was very much.

Past tense.

ما به یک مقدار وقت نیاز داریم.

We need some time.

Abstract noun usage.

آیا مقدار شکر را می‌دانی؟

Do you know the amount of sugar?

Direct object.

او یک مقدار فارسی بلد است.

He knows a bit of Persian.

Quantifying knowledge.

مقدار کالری این میوه کم است.

The amount of calories in this fruit is low.

Health context.

لطفاً مقدار بیشتری برنج بکشید.

Please serve a larger amount of rice.

Comparative adjective.

این مقدار بنزین برای سفر کافی نیست.

This amount of gasoline is not enough for the trip.

Negative sentence.

مقدار صادرات نفت افزایش یافته است.

The amount of oil exports has increased.

Present perfect tense.

باید مقدار مصرف آب را مدیریت کنیم.

We must manage the amount of water consumption.

Modal verb 'bāyad'.

او مقدار قابل توجهی پول اهدا کرد.

He donated a significant amount of money.

Using 'ghābel-e tavajjoh' (significant).

مقدار استرس در محیط کار زیاد است.

The amount of stress in the workplace is high.

Abstract concept.

دانشمندان مقدار اکسیژن را در مریخ بررسی می‌کنند.

Scientists are examining the amount of oxygen on Mars.

Scientific context.

این دارو باید به مقدار دقیق مصرف شود.

This medicine must be consumed in the exact amount.

Passive voice.

مقدار یادگیری دانش‌آموزان متفاوت است.

The amount of students' learning is different.

Possessive Ezafe.

او به مقدار کافی استراحت نکرده است.

He has not rested a sufficient amount.

Adverbial phrase.

مقدار خلوص این طلا بسیار بالا است.

The amount of purity of this gold is very high.

Technical noun.

دولت مقدار بودجه را برای آموزش افزایش داد.

The government increased the amount of budget for education.

Political context.

مقدار ویتامین موجود در این سبزیجات عالی است.

The amount of vitamins present in these vegetables is excellent.

Using 'mojud' (present/existing).

او مقدار زیادی از دارایی خود را از دست داد.

He lost a large amount of his assets.

Financial loss.

مقدار آلودگی صوتی در شهر نگران‌کننده است.

The amount of noise pollution in the city is worrying.

Environmental issue.

باید مقدار دقیق مواد شیمیایی را اندازه بگیریم.

We must measure the exact amount of chemicals.

Precision.

مقدار انرژی تولید شده توسط نیروگاه بادی زیاد است.

The amount of energy produced by the wind farm is high.

Passive participle 'tolid shode'.

او به مقدار لازم در مورد پروژه تحقیق کرده است.

He has researched the project as much as necessary.

Standard phrase 'be meghdār-e lāzem'.

مقدار تابش اشعه ماوراء بنفش امروز خطرناک است.

The amount of UV radiation today is dangerous.

Scientific terminology.

تحلیلگران مقدار ریسک سرمایه‌گذاری را ارزیابی کردند.

Analysts evaluated the amount of investment risk.

Professional context.

مقدار نفوذ فرهنگ بیگانه در جامعه مورد بحث است.

The amount of foreign cultural influence in society is under discussion.

Sociological context.

او مقدار قابل ملاحظه‌ای از وقتش را به خیریه اختصاص می‌دهد.

He dedicates a considerable amount of his time to charity.

Formal adjective 'ghābel-e molāheze'.

مقدار رطوبت هوا در مناطق شمالی ایران بسیار بالا است.

The amount of air humidity in northern regions of Iran is very high.

Geographical context.

پزشک مقدار دوز دارو را برای بیمار تغییر داد.

The doctor changed the amount of the drug dose for the patient.

Medical context.

مقدار تقاضا برای این محصول فراتر از انتظار بود.

The amount of demand for this product was beyond expectations.

Economic context.

مقدار کربن دی‌اکسید در جو به سرعت در حال افزایش است.

The amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is rapidly increasing.

Global warming context.

مقدار انحراف معیار در این توزیع آماری ناچیز است.

The amount of standard deviation in this statistical distribution is negligible.

Advanced statistics.

او به تبیین مقدار معرفت‌شناختی این نظریه پرداخت.

He proceeded to explain the epistemological value of this theory.

Philosophical terminology.

مقدار جرم حجمی این ماده در شرایط استاندارد سنجیده شد.

The density (mass per volume) of this substance was measured under standard conditions.

Physics terminology.

مقدار بدهی‌های معوقه بانک‌ها به رقم بی‌سابقه‌ای رسیده است.

The amount of banks' non-performing loans has reached an unprecedented figure.

Banking/Financial terminology.

مقدار تخلخل در این سنگ‌های رسوبی بسیار زیاد است.

The amount of porosity in these sedimentary rocks is very high.

Geological terminology.

نویسنده مقدار قابل توجهی از متن را به توصیف فضا اختصاص داده است.

The author has dedicated a significant amount of the text to describing the atmosphere.

Literary analysis.

مقدار گشتاور موتور در دورهای پایین بهینه شده است.

The amount of engine torque has been optimized at low RPMs.

Engineering terminology.

مقدار تاب‌آوری جامعه در برابر بحران‌های اقتصادی سنجیده شد.

The amount of societal resilience against economic crises was measured.

Sociological/Political analysis.

Common Collocations

مقدار کافی

مقدار زیادی

مقدار لازم

مقدار ناچیز

مقدار دقیق

مقدار قابل توجه

یک مقدار

مقدار مصرف

مقدار کالری

مقدار تولید

Common Phrases

به مقدار لازم

— As much as needed. Used primarily in recipes.

فلفل به مقدار لازم.

یک مقدار

— A little bit or some. Used in almost every conversation.

یک مقدار آب می‌خواهم.

مقدار زیادی

— A lot of or a large amount of.

او مقدار زیادی وقت دارد.

تا چه مقدار

— To what extent or how much.

تا چه مقدار به او اعتماد داری؟

به همان مقدار

— By the same amount or to the same extent.

او هم به همان مقدار مقصر است.

مقدار کمی

— A small amount of.

فقط مقدار کمی شکر بریز.

بیش از مقدار

— More than the amount (excessive).

بیش از مقدار لازم حرف نزن.

کمترین مقدار

— The minimum amount.

کمترین مقدار ممکن را بخر.

بیشترین مقدار

— The maximum amount.

بیشترین مقدار سود را بردیم.

مقدار معین

— A specific or fixed amount.

در زمان معین و مقدار معین مصرف کنید.

Often Confused With

مقدار vs تعداد (tedād)

Used for countable items. 'Meghdār' is for uncountable items.

مقدار vs اندازه (andāze)

Used for physical size or dimensions. 'Meghdār' is for quantity/volume.

مقدار vs میزان (mizān)

Often interchangeable, but 'mizān' is more formal and refers to rates/levels.

Idioms & Expressions

"به مقدار کافی"

— Sufficiently. Used to say something is enough.

او به مقدار کافی درس خوانده است.

Neutral

"قدر و مقدار"

— Worth and value. Used to describe someone's status or the importance of something.

او قدر و مقدار این هدیه را نمی‌داند.

Literary

"بی‌مقدار"

— Worthless or insignificant. Literally 'without amount'.

این هدیه بی‌مقدار را از من بپذیرید.

Polite/Formal

"به هر مقدار"

— In any amount or whatever the cost.

به هر مقدار که باشد، آن را می‌خرم.

Neutral

"مقدار کردن"

— To measure or estimate (less common than 'andāze gereftan').

باید این را مقدار کنیم.

Old-fashioned

"در خور مقدار"

— Appropriate to the value or status.

پاداشی در خور مقدار کارش گرفت.

Formal

"یک مقدارِ... (with emphasis)"

— Used sarcastically to mean 'a lot' or 'too much'.

یک مقدارِ زیادی مهربان است! (He's way too kind!)

Informal

"به مقدارِ سرِ سوزن"

— A tiny amount (the size of a needle tip).

حتی به مقدار سر سوزن هم شک ندارم.

Informal

"مقدار دادن"

— In computer science, to assign a value.

به متغیر x مقدار بدهید.

Technical

"هم‌مقدار"

— Equivalent in amount.

این دو کالا هم‌مقدار هستند.

Formal

Easily Confused

مقدار vs مخدر (mokhader)

Similar visual shape in script.

'Mokhader' means drug/narcotic. 'Meghdār' means amount.

او مقدار زیادی مخدر داشت. (He had a large amount of drugs.)

مقدار vs مقتدر (moghtader)

Same root (q-d-r).

'Moghtader' means powerful/authoritative. 'Meghdār' is a noun for quantity.

یک رهبر مقتدر (A powerful leader).

مقدار vs مقدر (moghadar)

Same root and very similar spelling.

'Moghadar' means destined or ordained. 'Meghdār' is amount.

سرنوشت محتوم و مقدر (Inevitable and destined fate).

مقدار vs مقعد (magh'ad)

Visual similarity for beginners.

'Magh'ad' is an anatomical term (anus). Be very careful with spelling!

N/A

مقدار vs مقدس (moghadas)

Starts with 'mogh-'.

'Moghadas' means holy or sacred.

شهر مقدس (Holy city).

Sentence Patterns

من یک مقدار [Noun] می‌خواهم.

من یک مقدار آب می‌خواهم.

مقدار [Noun] زیاد/کم است.

مقدار نمک زیاد است.

باید مقدار [Noun] را افزایش/کاهش دهیم.

باید مقدار تولید را افزایش دهیم.

مقدار [Noun] بستگی به [Noun] دارد.

مقدار سود بستگی به بازار دارد.

مقدار قابل توجهی از [Noun] صرف [Noun] شد.

مقدار قابل توجهی از بودجه صرف آموزش شد.

تبیین مقدار [Adjective] [Noun] امری ضروری است.

تبیین مقدار معرفت‌شناختی این نظریه امری ضروری است.

Any

[Noun] به مقدار لازم.

نمک به مقدار لازم.

Any

یک مقدار [Adjective] هستم.

یک مقدار نگران هستم.

Word Family

Nouns

مقادیر (maghādir - plural)

قدر (ghadr - value)

تقدیر (taghdir - destiny/appreciation)

Verbs

قدردانی کردن (ghadrdāni kardan - to appreciate)

اندازه گرفتن (andāze gereftan - to measure)

Adjectives

بی‌مقدار (bi-meghdār - worthless)

قدرتمند (ghodratmand - powerful - related root)

تعداد (tedād)

میزان (mizān)

اندازه (andāze)

کمیت (kammiyat)

بسیار (besiyār)

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in both spoken and written Persian.

Common Mistakes

مقدار کتاب‌ها (Meghdār-e ketābhā) → تعداد کتاب‌ها (Tedād-e ketābhā)
Books are countable, so you must use 'tedād' (number) instead of 'meghdār' (amount).
مقدار دانش‌آموز (Meghdār-e dānesh-āmuz) → تعداد دانش‌آموزان (Tedād-e dānesh-āmuzān)
You cannot have an 'amount' of students; you have a 'number' of students.
یک مقدار خسته‌ام (without 'yek' in formal writing) → کمی خسته هستم (Kami khaste hastam)
While 'yek meghdār' is fine in speech, 'kami' or 'meghdāri' is more appropriate in formal writing for 'a bit'.
مقدار طول (Meghdār-e tul) → اندازه طول (Andāze-ye tul)
For physical dimensions like length, 'andāze' is more precise than 'meghdār'.
مقدارها (Meghdārhā) → مقادیر (Maghādir)
While 'meghdārhā' is technically possible, the Arabic broken plural 'maghādir' is much more common in formal contexts.

Tips

The Ezafe Rule

Always use the Ezafe (the 'e' sound) when 'meghdār' is followed by a specific noun, like 'meghdār-e āb'. The only exception is the common phrase 'yek meghdār' in casual speech.

Meghdār vs. Tedād

Remember: Meghdār is for 'How much' (uncountable), Tedād is for 'How many' (countable). This distinction is vital for sounding natural.

Casual Pronunciation

In Tehran, people often say 'ye meghdār' instead of 'yek meghdār'. If you want to sound like a local, try shortening the 'yek'.

Polite Offering

When offering food, Iranians often use 'yek meghdār' to sound humble. 'Yek meghdār ghazā bokhorid' (Eat a bit of food) is a standard polite invitation.

Formal Alternatives

In essays, try using 'میزان' (mizān) or 'کمیت' (kammiyat) to avoid repeating 'meghdār' too many times. It makes your writing more sophisticated.

Identify the Root

Recognizing the 'q-d-r' root will help you understand related words like 'ghadr' (value) and 'ghodrat' (power) when you hear them.

The 'M' Rule

M for Meghdār, M for Mass. Use it for mass nouns like water, sand, and air.

Abstract Amounts

Don't be afraid to use 'meghdār' for feelings. 'Meghdār-e nārāhati' (amount of sadness) is a perfectly normal way to express intensity.

Scientific Values

In math, 'meghdār' is the word for 'value'. 'Meghdār-e x rā peydā konid' means 'Find the value of x'.

Be Meghdār-e Lāzem

Memorize this phrase for cooking. It's the most common way to say 'as needed' in Persian recipes.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Meghdār' as 'Measure-Door'. You open the door to see the measure or amount of what's inside.

Visual Association

Imagine a measuring cup filled with water. On the side of the cup, instead of numbers, it says 'مقدار'.

Word Web

Water Sugar Time Money Salt Love Stress Energy

Challenge

Try to use 'yek meghdār' in three different sentences today: one about food, one about time, and one about a feeling.

Word Origin

Derived from the Arabic root 'q-d-r' (ق-د-ر), which relates to measuring, decreeing, or having power/ability.

Original meaning: The act of measuring or the measure/extent of something.

Semitic (Arabic) root, integrated into Indo-European (Persian).

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities, but using 'bi-meghdār' (worthless) to describe a person is a strong insult.

English speakers often confuse 'amount' and 'number'. Persian has a stricter divide with 'meghdār' and 'tedād'.

Used in the 'Shahnameh' to describe the extent of armies. Common in the 'Masnavi' of Rumi regarding spiritual measures. Frequently appears in modern Iranian pop songs about 'amounts of love'.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Cooking

به مقدار لازم
مقدار شکر
یک مقدار نمک
مقدار آب

Finance

مقدار پول
مقدار سود
مقدار بدهی
مقدار سرمایه

Science

مقدار انرژی
مقدار فشار
مقدار جرم
مقدار متغیر

Emotions

مقدار عشق
مقدار درد
مقدار شادی
مقدار استرس

Time

یک مقدار وقت
مقدار زمان لازم
مقدار تاخیر
یک مقدار صبر

Conversation Starters

"آیا می‌دانی مقدار شکر در این نوشابه چقدر است؟ (Do you know how much sugar is in this soda?)"

"یک مقدار وقت داری با هم صحبت کنیم؟ (Do you have some time for us to talk?)"

"به نظر تو مقدار حقوق‌ها امسال زیاد می‌شود؟ (Do you think the amount of salaries will increase this year?)"

"چقدر (چه مقدار) فارسی بلدی؟ (How much Persian do you know?)"

"مقدار باران در شهر شما چطور است؟ (How is the amount of rain in your city?)"

Journal Prompts

امروز یک مقدار در مورد اهداف خود بنویسید. (Write a bit about your goals today.)

چه مقدار از وقت خود را در شبکه های اجتماعی می‌گذرانید؟ (How much of your time do you spend on social media?)

آیا مقدار پولی که دارید برای خوشحالی کافی است؟ (Is the amount of money you have enough for happiness?)

یک مقدار از خاطرات کودکی خود را توصیف کنید. (Describe a bit of your childhood memories.)

مقدار استرس خود را در هفته گذشته ارزیابی کنید. (Evaluate the amount of your stress in the past week.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, you should use 'tedād' for people because they are countable. Saying 'meghdār-e mardom' is grammatically incorrect in Persian, just as saying 'the amount of people' is often criticized in English. Always use 'tedād-e mardom'.

'Meghdār' is a general word for quantity. 'Mizān' is more formal and often refers to a rate, level, or a value on a scale (like the rate of inflation or the level of humidity). In many cases, they are interchangeable, but 'mizān' sounds more professional.

The most common way is 'yek meghdār'. In informal speech, you can also say 'ye kam' or 'ye zare'. 'Yek meghdār' is safe and polite in all situations.

Yes, 'meghdār' is very common with money. You can say 'yek meghdār pul' (some money) or 'meghdār-e ziyādi pul' (a large amount of money).

The plural is 'maghādir' (مقادیر). It is an Arabic broken plural. It is mostly used in formal, scientific, or mathematical contexts to refer to multiple values or quantities.

Yes, in the form 'mقدری' (meghdāri) or 'yek meghdār', it can function adverbially to mean 'somewhat' or 'a bit'. For example: 'meghdāri khaste' (somewhat tired).

The most common phrase is 'be meghdār-e lāzem', which means 'as much as necessary' or 'to taste'. You will see this for salt, pepper, and spices.

Yes, they both come from the Arabic root q-d-r, which relates to the ability to measure or the power to decree. This is why 'meghdār' can also imply the 'extent' or 'magnitude' of something powerful.

Yes, 'yek meghdār vaght' (some time) is a very common expression. It is used when the duration is not precisely defined.

It is a neutral word. It is used in daily conversation, but it is also perfectly acceptable in formal writing and scientific papers. It is one of the most versatile words in Persian.