At the A1 level, this phrase is quite advanced. You can think of it as a way to say 'using a rule'. For example, if you say 'I look at the price to buy a shirt,' you are using price as a 'Melāk'. In simple Persian, we might just say 'I choose based on price' (بر اساس قیمت انتخاب می‌کنم). At this stage, just recognize that 'Melāk' means a 'rule' or 'reason' for a choice. You don't need to use it in long sentences yet, but knowing it helps you understand formal signs or simple instructions in a classroom where a teacher might say 'Your homework is the criterion for your grade.'
At A2, you are beginning to form more complex sentences. 'Melāk qarār dādan' helps you explain *why* you made a decision. Instead of just saying 'I like this,' you can say 'I set the color as the criterion' (من رنگ را ملاک قرار دادم). This sounds much more organized. You will mostly see this in the past tense or simple present. It is useful for describing simple processes, like how you choose a restaurant or a book. It’s a step up from 'because' (چون) because it focuses on the specific standard you used.
At the B1 level, you should start using this verb in social and semi-formal contexts. You can use it to discuss your opinions on social issues or work. For example, 'In my country, education is set as the criterion for a good job.' You are now comfortable with the 'rā' (را) marker and can conjugate 'qarār dādan' in various tenses like the future or the present continuous. You might hear this in news snippets or read it in blogs about lifestyle and self-improvement, where authors talk about the criteria for success or happiness.
B2 is the target level for this word. You should use 'ملاک قرار دادن' naturally to describe institutional policies, legal standards, and complex decision-making processes. You understand that this verb implies a sense of fairness and objectivity. You can use it in the subjunctive (باید ملاک قرار دهیم) to give advice or in the passive voice (ملاک قرار داده شد) to describe official results. You can also differentiate it from synonyms like 'me'yar' or 'mabnā' depending on whether you are talking about a scientific measurement or a social standard.
At C1, you use this verb to engage in deep analysis. You might critique a government's policy by questioning what they 'set as the criterion' for economic growth. You can use the phrase in complex grammatical structures, such as relative clauses or as part of a gerund. You also understand the historical and philosophical weight of the word 'Melāk'. You can use it to discuss abstract concepts like 'truth' or 'justice' and how different cultures 'set different criteria' for these ideals. Your usage is fluid, and you can switch between formal and very formal registers effortlessly.
At the C2 level, 'ملاک قرار دادن' is a tool for precision in high-level academic writing, legal drafting, or philosophical debate. You can use it to deconstruct arguments, showing how a particular 'Melāk' might be flawed or biased. You are aware of its etymological roots and can use it in poetic or highly rhetorical ways. You might use it in the context of 'Epistemology' (شناخت‌شناسی) to discuss the criteria for knowledge itself. At this level, the word is not just a verb; it is a conceptual framework you use to navigate the most complex layers of the Persian language.

ملاک قرار دادن in 30 Seconds

  • To set something as a formal standard.
  • Used in professional and academic Persian.
  • Focuses on the 'why' of a decision.
  • Implies objectivity and systematic judgment.

The Persian compound verb ملاک قرار دادن (melāk qarār dādan) is a sophisticated and essential term for anyone aiming for professional or academic fluency. At its core, it means to establish something as a benchmark, a standard, or a fundamental criterion for evaluation. Unlike the simpler verb 'to choose' (انتخاب کردن), this expression implies a systematic process where a specific rule or attribute is used to judge other things or people. It is the linguistic bridge between a simple preference and a formalized standard.

Formal Evaluation
In administrative or educational contexts, it refers to the metrics used to pass or fail candidates. For example, 'We set the exam score as the criterion for hiring.'

شورای شهر، پایداری محیط زیست را ملاک قرار دادن تا پروژه‌های جدید را تصویب کنند.

Translation: The city council set environmental sustainability as the criterion to approve new projects.

The term is composed of 'Melāk' (criterion/yardstick) and 'Qarār dādan' (to place/set). When you 'place a criterion,' you are essentially drawing a line in the sand. This word is ubiquitous in Persian news, legal discussions, and high-level business meetings. It suggests objectivity. If a manager says they are 'setting performance as the criterion,' they are signaling to their team that personal feelings will not influence their decisions. It is a word of accountability and structure.

Social Context
Even in social settings, it can be used to discuss values. One might say, 'I set honesty as the criterion for my friendships.'

نباید ثروت را برای ازدواج ملاک قرار داد.

Philosophically, this verb is about the 'Me'yar' (measure). In Persian literature and modern discourse, the debate often centers on what we should 'Melāk qarār dādan' for progress—tradition or modernity? By using this verb, you are engaging in a higher level of Persian thought, moving beyond the physical world into the realm of logic and ethics. It requires the use of the object marker 'rā' (را) because you are taking a specific concept and 'placing' it as the rule. Understanding this nuance is key to mastering B2 level Persian.

Using ملاک قرار دادن requires a clear understanding of Persian sentence structure, specifically the transitive nature of compound verbs. The formula is usually: [Subject] + [Object/Criterion] + [rā] + [Melāk] + [Qarār dādan]. Because it is a formal verb, it often appears in the past tense for decisions already made, or in the subjunctive form for recommendations and rules.

ما باید تخصص را ملاک قرار دهیم.

Translation: We must set expertise as the criterion.
Active Voice
In active sentences, the agent is clearly deciding the standard. 'The university set the GPA as the criterion for the scholarship.'

One interesting aspect of this verb is its flexibility with different prepositions in complex sentences. While the criterion itself takes 'rā', the context or the 'for what' part often uses 'barāye' (for) or 'dar' (in). For instance, 'In the selection of the best film, the jury set the screenplay as the criterion.' Here, 'screenplay' (فیلمنامه) is the object of 'Melāk qarār dādan'.

آن‌ها تجربه کاری را ملاک قرار ندادند.

Translation: They did not set work experience as the criterion.
Passive Construction
In formal reports, you might see 'ملاک قرار گرفته است' (has been set as the criterion). This shifts the focus from the decision-maker to the standard itself.

When using it in questions, it often sounds like an inquiry into policy: 'What did you set as the criterion for this ranking?' (چه چیزی را برای این رتبه‌بندی ملاک قرار دادید؟). It is vital to remember that 'Melāk' functions as a noun within this compound verb, meaning 'the thing that is owned/the foundation'. Therefore, you are literally 'placing a foundation'. This visualization helps in remembering why the word order is so strict. In spoken Persian, the 'rā' might be softened to 'o', but the formal structure remains highly respected.

You are most likely to encounter ملاک قرار دادن in the 'News and Politics' section of an Iranian newspaper or broadcast. It is the language of governance and bureaucracy. When a new law is passed, officials will explain what they 'set as the criterion' for the new regulations. It is also a staple of academic discourse in Iran. Professors use it to define the scope of their research or the methodology of their experiments.

The Newsroom
Broadcasters use it to explain economic indicators: 'The Central Bank set the inflation rate as the criterion for interest rate changes.'

در دادگاه، شواهد عینی را ملاک قرار می‌دهند.

Translation: In court, they set objective evidence as the criterion.

Beyond the news, you will hear it in corporate offices during performance reviews. A HR manager might say, 'For this promotion, we set leadership skills as the criterion.' It is also very common in the context of the 'Konkur' (Iran's national university entrance exam). Students and parents constantly discuss what the Ministry of Education has 'set as the criterion' for admission to top-tier universities like the University of Tehran.

Academic Seminars
Researchers will state: 'We set the 2015 census data as the criterion for our population analysis.'

In documentaries and historical analysis, historians use this verb to describe the values of past eras. For example, 'In the Sassanid era, noble birth was set as the criterion for holding high office.' By hearing this word in these varied contexts, you begin to see it as more than just a verb; it is a tool for categorization and judgment that defines how Persian-speaking societies organize information and hierarchy.

One of the most frequent errors for English speakers is confusing ملاک قرار دادن with انتخاب کردن (to choose). While they are related, 'choice' is about the final selection, whereas 'setting a criterion' is about the rule that leads to that selection. You don't 'melaak' a person; you 'melaak' a quality that helps you pick the person.

Wrong Verb Pairing
Learners sometimes say 'ملاک کردن' (Melāk kardan). This is incorrect. The standard compound verb always uses 'qarār dādan' (to place).

❌ من قد او را ملاک کردم.

✅ من قد او را ملاک قرار دادم.

Another mistake is omitting the 'rā' (را). Since 'Melāk' is the standard being placed, the noun that represents that standard must be marked as the direct object. Forgetting 'rā' makes the sentence sound fragmented and ungrammatical in formal Persian. Additionally, students often struggle with the preposition 'barāye'. They might say 'Melāk barāye...' when they should say '[Object] rā melāk qarār dādan barāye [Purpose]'.

Confusion with 'Me'yar'
While 'Me'yar' and 'Melāk' are synonyms, 'Melāk qarār dādan' is a fixed idiomatic unit. You can say 'Me'yar qarār dādan', but 'Melāk' is more common in legal and administrative Persian.

Finally, watch out for the tense. Because setting a criterion is often a prerequisite for an action, it is frequently used in the past participle or the perfect tense ('ملاک قرار داده است'). Learners often stick to the simple present, which can sound unnatural in a report-style context. Practice saying 'Melaak gharaar daade-im' (We have set as a criterion) to sound more like a native speaker in professional environments.

To truly master Persian at a B2 level, you must know the synonyms and subtle alternatives to ملاک قرار دادن. Each carries a slightly different 'flavor' or register. The most direct synonym is معیار قرار دادن (me'yār qarār dādan). While virtually interchangeable, 'Me'yar' is often used in scientific or mathematical contexts, whereas 'Melāk' is more common in social and legal settings.

Comparison: Melāk vs. Mabnā
Mabnā qarār dādan (مبنا قرار دادن) means 'to use as a basis'. It implies that the thing is the foundation upon which everything else is built, whereas 'Melāk' is specifically for judgment.

آن‌ها الگو قرار دادن را به جای ملاک قرار دادن ترجیح دادند.

Translation: They preferred 'setting as a model' instead of 'setting as a criterion'.

Another alternative is شاخص قرار دادن (shākhes qarār dādan), which means 'to use as an indicator'. This is very common in economics and statistics. If you are talking about someone's behavior as a representative sample, you might use 'Shākhes'. If you are talking about the rule you use to judge them, you use 'Melāk'.

For a more informal or general sense, you can use مبنای کار بودن (to be the basis of work). However, in a professional interview or a university essay, sticking to 'Melāk qarār dādan' shows a command of formal Persian logic. In summary, choose 'Melāk' for judgment, 'Mabnā' for foundations, 'Me'yar' for measurements, and 'Shākhes' for indicators. Understanding these distinctions is what separates an intermediate learner from an advanced speaker.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The word 'Malak' (angel) and 'Malek' (king) share the same root in Arabic as 'Melāk', but 'Melāk' specifically refers to the structural foundation or rule in Persian logic.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /mɛˈlɑːk kæˈrɑːr dɑːˈdæn/
US /meˈlɑk kɑˈrɑr dɑˈdæn/
The primary stress is on the last syllable of the final word: dā-DÁN. Secondary stress on 'lāk' and 'rār'.
Rhymes With
خاک (Khāk) پاک (Pāk) تاک (Tāk) چاک (Chāk) باک (Bāk) ساک (Sāk) لاک (Lāk) خوراک (Khorāk)
Common Errors
  • Pronouncing 'Melāk' like 'Me-lack' (short a). It should be long 'ā'.
  • Using a soft 'k' instead of the Persian 'q' in 'qarār'.
  • Stressing the first syllable of 'qarār'.
  • Merging the two 'a' sounds in 'dādan' into one short sound.
  • Mispronouncing 'Melāk' as 'Malak' (which means angel).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 4/5

Requires understanding of compound verbs and formal vocabulary.

Writing 4/5

Challenging to use the 'rā' marker and conjugation correctly in formal contexts.

Speaking 3/5

Once learned, it is easy to slot into opinion-based conversations.

Listening 4/5

Common in news and formal speeches, which are often fast-paced.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

قرار دادن معیار انتخاب بر اساس قضاوت

Learn Next

منوط کردن مبنا قرار دادن اولویت‌بندی شاخص ارزیابی

Advanced

هرمنوتیک معرفت‌شناسی شایسته‌سالاری بافتار تاریخی نسبیت‌گرایی

Grammar to Know

Compound Verb Conjugation

قرار دادن conjugates like any other verb: قرار می‌دهم، قرار دادم، قرار خواهم داد.

The 'rā' Object Marker

The noun before 'Melāk' must have 'rā' if it is a specific criterion: 'تخصص را ملاک قرار داد'.

Subjunctive with 'Bāyad'

باید کیفیت را ملاک قرار دهیم (We must set quality as the criterion).

Passive Voice with 'Gereftan'

این موضوع ملاک قرار گرفت (This subject was set as the criterion).

Negative Imperative

ظاهر را ملاک قرار نده (Don't set appearance as the criterion).

Examples by Level

1

من قیمت را ملاک قرار می‌دهم.

I set the price as the criterion.

Simple present tense.

2

او مهربانی را ملاک قرار داد.

He set kindness as the criterion.

Simple past tense.

3

آیا شما نمره را ملاک قرار می‌دهید؟

Do you set the grade as the criterion?

Question form.

4

ما زمان را ملاک قرار دادیم.

We set time as the criterion.

Plural subject.

5

آن‌ها زیبایی را ملاک قرار می‌دهند.

They set beauty as the criterion.

Third person plural.

6

این را ملاک قرار نده.

Don't set this as the criterion.

Imperative negative.

7

پول ملاک نیست.

Money is not the criterion.

Simple noun usage (not the verb).

8

من تجربه را ملاک قرار دادم.

I set experience as the criterion.

Focus on the object 'experience'.

1

برای خرید ماشین، امنیت را ملاک قرار دادیم.

For buying a car, we set safety as the criterion.

Use of 'barāye' (for).

2

او همیشه صداقت را ملاک قرار می‌دهد.

He always sets honesty as the criterion.

Use of frequency adverb 'hamishe'.

3

چرا این موضوع را ملاک قرار دادی؟

Why did you set this subject as the criterion?

Question with 'cherā'.

4

ما باید کیفیت را ملاک قرار دهیم.

We must set quality as the criterion.

Modal verb 'bāyad' + subjunctive.

5

آن‌ها نتایج پارسال را ملاک قرار دادند.

They set last year's results as the criterion.

Compound object.

6

او حرف‌های مردم را ملاک قرار نمی‌دهد.

She doesn't set people's words as the criterion.

Negative present.

7

آیا قد را برای والیبال ملاک قرار می‌دهند؟

Do they set height as the criterion for volleyball?

Contextual usage.

8

من سواد را ملاک قرار می‌دهم.

I set literacy/knowledge as the criterion.

Abstract noun as object.

1

در استخدام جدید، مهارت‌های فنی را ملاک قرار دادیم.

In the new hiring, we set technical skills as the criterion.

Professional context.

2

دولت باید رفاه مردم را ملاک قرار دهد.

The government must set the people's welfare as the criterion.

Political context.

3

او در انتخاب دوست، وفاداری را ملاک قرار می‌دهد.

In choosing a friend, he sets loyalty as the criterion.

Social context.

4

ما نباید ظاهر را ملاک قرار دهیم.

We should not set appearance as the criterion.

Prohibitive advice.

5

آیا شما سوابق کاری را ملاک قرار خواهید داد؟

Will you set work records as the criterion?

Future tense.

6

آن‌ها معیارهای علمی را ملاک قرار داده‌اند.

They have set scientific standards as the criterion.

Present perfect tense.

7

او عدالت را در قضاوت خود ملاک قرار داد.

He set justice as the criterion in his judgment.

Prepositional phrase 'dar qazāvat'.

8

معلم تلاش دانش‌آموز را ملاک قرار می‌دهد، نه فقط نمره را.

The teacher sets the student's effort as the criterion, not just the grade.

Comparison with 'na faqat'.

1

شورای نگهبان قانون اساسی را ملاک قرار می‌دهد.

The Guardian Council sets the Constitution as the criterion.

Legal context.

2

برای ارتقای شغلی، نوآوری را ملاک قرار داده‌ایم.

For job promotion, we have set innovation as the criterion.

Corporate policy context.

3

نباید تعصبات مذهبی را در علم ملاک قرار داد.

Religious biases should not be set as a criterion in science.

Impersonal 'nabāyad' + infinitive-like structure.

4

محققان داده‌های آماری را ملاک قرار دادند تا فرضیه را ثابت کنند.

Researchers set statistical data as the criterion to prove the hypothesis.

Complex sentence with purpose clause.

5

چه شاخص‌هایی را برای سنجش فقر ملاک قرار می‌دهید؟

What indicators do you set as the criterion for measuring poverty?

Interrogative with multiple nouns.

6

او منافع ملی را بر منافع شخصی ملاک قرار داد.

He set national interests as the criterion over personal interests.

Comparison using 'bar' (over).

7

در این مسابقه، سرعت و دقت را همزمان ملاک قرار می‌دهند.

In this competition, they set speed and accuracy as criteria simultaneously.

Multiple objects.

8

ما باید استانداردهای بین‌المللی را ملاک قرار دهیم.

We must set international standards as the criterion.

Global context.

1

در تحلیل تاریخ، نباید ارزش‌های امروزی را ملاک قرار داد.

In analyzing history, one should not set today's values as the criterion.

Historiographical context.

2

فیلسوفان عقلانیت را ملاک قرار دادن برای کشف حقیقت.

Philosophers set rationality as the criterion for discovering truth.

Philosophical register.

3

این شرکت پایداری زیست‌محیطی را ملاک قرار داده است.

This company has set environmental sustainability as its criterion.

ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) context.

4

او در نقد ادبی، ساختار متن را ملاک قرار می‌دهد.

In literary criticism, he sets the text's structure as the criterion.

Academic register.

5

چگونه می‌توان سعادت بشری را ملاک قرار داد؟

How can one set human prosperity as the criterion?

Rhetorical question.

6

آن‌ها شایسته‌سالاری را ملاک قرار دادند تا فساد را کاهش دهند.

They set meritocracy as the criterion to reduce corruption.

Sociopolitical analysis.

7

در این پژوهش، متغیرهای مستقل ملاک قرار گرفته‌اند.

In this research, independent variables have been set as the criteria.

Passive voice 'qarār gerefte-and'.

8

او اخلاق وظیفه‌گرا را ملاک قرار داد.

He set deontological ethics as the criterion.

Specialized terminology.

1

پارادایم‌های حاکم بر جامعه، جهان‌بینی ما را ملاک قرار می‌دهند.

The dominant paradigms of society set our worldview as the criterion.

Sociological theory.

2

در تدوین استراتژی‌های کلان، متغیرهای ژئوپلیتیک ملاک قرار داده می‌شوند.

In drafting macro strategies, geopolitical variables are set as the criteria.

Strategic planning register.

3

او با ملاک قرار دادن اصول بنیادین، به نقد مدرنیته پرداخت.

By setting fundamental principles as the criterion, he proceeded to critique modernity.

Gerund-like usage with 'bā'.

4

عدم ملاک قرار دادن شواهد تجربی، منجر به شکست پروژه شد.

The failure to set empirical evidence as the criterion led to the project's failure.

Nominalized phrase as subject.

5

آیا می‌توان شهود قلبی را در مسائل فقهی ملاک قرار داد؟

Can one set heart-centered intuition as a criterion in jurisprudential matters?

Theological debate.

6

این رویکرد، انسان‌محوری را ملاک قرار داده و طبیعت را نادیده می‌گیرد.

This approach sets anthropocentrism as the criterion and ignores nature.

Critical theory.

7

در بازخوانی متون کهن، باید بافتار تاریخی را ملاک قرار داد.

In rereading ancient texts, one must set the historical context as the criterion.

Hermeneutic context.

8

او نسبیت‌گرایی فرهنگی را ملاک قرار داد تا از قضاوت پرهیز کند.

He set cultural relativism as the criterion to avoid judgment.

Anthropological register.

Common Collocations

قانون را ملاک قرار دادن
تجربه را ملاک قرار دادن
نمره را ملاک قرار دادن
صداقت را ملاک قرار دادن
شایستگی را ملاک قرار دادن
سوابق را ملاک قرار دادن
ظاهر را ملاک قرار دادن
سود را ملاک قرار دادن
اخلاق را ملاک قرار دادن
آمار را ملاک قرار دادن

Common Phrases

ملاک قرار دادن حق

— To use truth/rightness as the standard.

او همیشه حق را ملاک قرار می‌دهد.

ملاک قرار دادن عقل

— To use logic/reason as the standard.

باید عقل را ملاک قرار داد.

ملاک قرار دادن وجدان

— To use conscience as the standard.

وجدان خود را ملاک قرار دهید.

ملاک قرار دادن سنت

— To use tradition as the standard.

آن‌ها سنت را ملاک قرار دادند.

ملاک قرار دادن مدرنیته

— To use modernity as the standard.

جامعه مدرنیته را ملاک قرار داده است.

ملاک قرار دادن منافع

— To use interests as the standard.

او فقط منافع خود را ملاک قرار داد.

ملاک قرار دادن دانش

— To use knowledge as the standard.

دانش را ملاک قرار دهید.

ملاک قرار دادن رتبه

— To use rank/grade as the standard.

رتبه کنکور را ملاک قرار دادند.

ملاک قرار دادن سن

— To use age as the criterion.

آن‌ها سن را ملاک قرار ندادند.

ملاک قرار دادن جنسیت

— To use gender as the criterion.

نباید جنسیت را ملاک قرار داد.

Often Confused With

ملاک قرار دادن vs انتخاب کردن

To choose (the result), whereas 'Melāk qarār dādan' is the rule used to make the choice.

ملاک قرار دادن vs اهمیت دادن

To give importance to something, but not necessarily using it as a formal standard.

ملاک قرار دادن vs مقایسه کردن

To compare two things, while 'Melāk' is the yardstick used for that comparison.

Idioms & Expressions

"ملاک عمل قرار دادن"

— To use something as the basis for action or execution.

این دستورالعمل را ملاک عمل قرار دهید.

Official
"ملاک سنجش قرار دادن"

— To use something specifically for measurement or evaluation.

ما تورم را ملاک سنجش قرار دادیم.

Economic
"ملاک قضاوت قرار دادن"

— To use something as the basis for a final judgment.

رفتار او را ملاک قضاوت قرار نده.

Social
"ملاک انتخاب قرار دادن"

— To use something as the basis for a selection.

زیبایی را ملاک انتخاب قرار داد.

General
"ملاک تشخیص قرار دادن"

— To use something as the basis for diagnosis or identification.

علائم را ملاک تشخیص قرار دادند.

Medical
"ملاک اعتبار قرار دادن"

— To use something as the basis for validity.

امضا را ملاک اعتبار قرار می‌دهند.

Legal
"ملاک رتبه‌بندی قرار دادن"

— To use something for ranking purposes.

کیفیت را ملاک رتبه‌بندی قرار دادیم.

Academic
"ملاک تفکیک قرار دادن"

— To use something to separate or distinguish between things.

رنگ را ملاک تفکیک قرار دادند.

Technical
"ملاک مقایسه قرار دادن"

— To use something as a point of comparison.

قیمت را ملاک مقایسه قرار دادیم.

Neutral
"ملاک تایید قرار دادن"

— To use something as the basis for approval.

رضایت مشتری را ملاک تایید قرار دادند.

Business

Easily Confused

ملاک قرار دادن vs معیار

They are synonyms.

Me'yar is more common in science/math; Melāk is more common in law/social contexts.

معیار اندازه‌گیری (Measurement standard) vs ملاک قضاوت (Judgment criterion).

ملاک قرار دادن vs مبنا

Both refer to a starting point.

Mabnā is the 'basis' or 'foundation' of a theory; Melāk is the 'standard' for a decision.

مبنای فلسفی (Philosophical basis) vs ملاک انتخاب (Selection criterion).

ملاک قرار دادن vs شاخص

Both relate to measurement.

Shākhes is an 'indicator' (like a pointer); Melāk is the 'rule' itself.

شاخص بورس (Stock market indicator) vs ملاک پذیرش (Admission criterion).

ملاک قرار دادن vs الگو

Both are things to follow.

Olgoo is a 'model' or 'pattern' to imitate; Melāk is a 'standard' to judge by.

الگوی رفتاری (Behavioral model) vs ملاک اخلاقی (Ethical criterion).

ملاک قرار دادن vs قاعده

Both are rules.

Qā'ede is a general 'rule' or 'formula'; Melāk is a specific 'standard' for a specific judgment.

قاعده دستوری (Grammar rule) vs ملاک نمره‌دهی (Grading criterion).

Sentence Patterns

A2

من [Noun] را ملاک قرار می‌دهم.

من قیمت را ملاک قرار می‌دهم.

B1

ما باید [Noun] را ملاک قرار دهیم.

ما باید کیفیت را ملاک قرار دهیم.

B2

آن‌ها [Noun] را برای [Goal] ملاک قرار دادند.

آن‌ها تجربه را برای استخدام ملاک قرار دادند.

B2

نباید [Noun] را ملاک قرار داد.

نباید سن را ملاک قرار داد.

C1

با ملاک قرار دادن [Noun]، می‌توان گفت...

با ملاک قرار دادن آمار، می‌توان گفت فقر کاهش یافته است.

C1

[Noun] به عنوان ملاک قرار گرفته است.

قانون به عنوان ملاک قرار گرفته است.

C2

عدم ملاک قرار دادن [Noun] باعث [Result] شد.

عدم ملاک قرار دادن شواهد باعث شکست شد.

C2

آیا می‌توان [Abstract Noun] را ملاک قرار داد؟

آیا می‌توان شهود را ملاک قرار داد؟

Word Family

Nouns

ملاک (Criterion)
قرار (Placement/Decision)
معیار (Standard)
مبنا (Basis)

Verbs

قرار دادن (To place)
قرار گرفتن (To be placed)
ملاک بودن (To be the criterion)

Adjectives

ملاکی (Criterial - rare)
معیارمند (Standardized)

Related

سنجش (Measurement)
ارزیابی (Evaluation)
داوری (Judgment)
گزینش (Selection)
استاندارد (Standard)

How to Use It

frequency

High in news, law, and education; Medium in daily conversation.

Common Mistakes
  • ملاک کردن (Melāk kardan) ملاک قرار دادن (Melāk qarār dādan)

    The auxiliary verb must be 'qarār dādan', not 'kardan'.

  • من قیمت ملاک قرار دادم. من قیمت را ملاک قرار دادم.

    Missing the 'rā' marker for the direct object.

  • ملاک قرار دادن برای او او را ملاک قرار دادن (if he is the standard)

    Confusing the person being judged with the standard itself.

  • ملاکت قرار دادن ملاک قرار دادن

    Misspelling the word 'Melāk' as 'Malāk' (angel).

  • استفاده از ملاک قرار دادن ملاک قرار دادن

    Redundant use of 'استفاده' (use). The verb already means 'to use as a criterion'.

Tips

The 'rā' Rule

Always place 'rā' after the criterion noun. Example: 'Tahsilāt rā melāk qarār dādand'.

Professionalism

Use this verb in job applications to describe your decision-making process. It sounds very professional.

Synonym Swap

Try swapping 'Melāk' with 'Me'yar' in your practice to become comfortable with both.

The Long 'ā'

Ensure 'Melāk' rhymes with 'dark', not 'back'. The long 'ā' is crucial for correct Persian.

News Watching

Watch the Iranian news (IRIB or BBC Persian) and listen for this phrase during policy reports.

Subjunctive Mood

Practice using it with 'bāyad' (must) to give formal recommendations: 'Bāyad adālat rā melāk qarār dādan'.

Marriage Context

Understand that 'Melāk' is a key word in Iranian marriage discussions.

Mental Yardstick

Visualize a yardstick every time you say 'Melāk' to remember its meaning as a measure.

Passive Forms

Be ready to hear 'Melāk qarār gereft', which means 'was set as the criterion'.

Metric-Melāk

Associate 'Melāk' with 'Metric'—both start with 'M' and deal with standards.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Melāk' as a 'Metal Lock'. You are 'placing' (qarār dādan) a 'Metal Lock' on a decision to make it firm and standard.

Visual Association

Imagine a judge placing a heavy gold yardstick (the Melāk) on top of a pile of documents to measure them.

Word Web

Rule Standard Law Judge Measure Decision Selection Policy

Challenge

Try to list three things you 'Melāk qarār dādan' when choosing a new movie to watch. Write them in Persian.

Word Origin

The word 'Melāk' comes from the Arabic root M-L-K (م-ل-ک), which relates to possession, kingship, or the essential core of something. In Persian, it evolved to mean the 'foundation' or 'criterion' of a matter. 'Qarār dādan' is a Persian compound verb meaning 'to place' or 'to fix'.

Original meaning: The foundation or essential part of a thing that is owned or established.

Perso-Arabic (Arabic loanword + Persian auxiliary verb).

Cultural Context

Be careful when discussing 'Melāk' in personal relationships, as it can sound a bit cold or transactional if used too strictly.

In English, we might say 'to benchmark' or 'to prioritize', but Persian uses this specific compound verb to cover all formal standards.

Used frequently in the speeches of the Supreme Leader of Iran regarding 'Melaak-e Amal' (The criterion for action). Common in the 'Law of Civil Liability' in Iran. A key term in the 'Konkur' (National Exam) guidelines.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Job Interviews

  • شایستگی را ملاک قرار دادن
  • تجربه را ملاک قرار دادن
  • تحصیلات را ملاک قرار دادن
  • مهارت را ملاک قرار دادن

Legal/Court

  • قانون را ملاک قرار دادن
  • شواهد را ملاک قرار دادن
  • اعتراف را ملاک قرار دادن
  • عدالت را ملاک قرار دادن

Academic Research

  • داده‌ها را ملاک قرار دادن
  • فرضیه را ملاک قرار دادن
  • منابع را ملاک قرار دادن
  • روش علمی را ملاک قرار دادن

Purchasing/Economics

  • قیمت را ملاک قرار دادن
  • کیفیت را ملاک قرار دادن
  • برند را ملاک قرار دادن
  • تورم را ملاک قرار دادن

Social Relationships

  • اخلاق را ملاک قرار دادن
  • پول را ملاک قرار دادن
  • ظاهر را ملاک قرار دادن
  • صداقت را ملاک قرار دادن

Conversation Starters

"شما برای انتخاب دوست چه چیزی را ملاک قرار می‌دهید؟"

"آیا در کشور شما، نمره ملاک قرار دادن برای موفقیت درست است؟"

"در خرید گوشی موبایل، چه ویژگی‌هایی را ملاک قرار می‌دهید؟"

"به نظر شما، دولت باید چه چیزی را برای خوشبختی مردم ملاک قرار دهد؟"

"آیا تا به حال ظاهر کسی را ملاک قرار داده‌اید و بعد پشیمان شده باشید؟"

Journal Prompts

بنویسید که در زندگی حرفه‌ای خود، چه ارزش‌هایی را ملاک قرار می‌دهید.

درباره زمانی بنویسید که یک تصمیم مهم گرفتید و معیارهای خاصی را ملاک قرار دادید.

آیا فکر می‌کنید جامعه ما پول را بیش از حد ملاک قرار داده است؟ چرا؟

اگر شما معلم بودید، چه چیزی را برای نمره دادن به دانش‌آموزان ملاک قرار می‌دادید؟

تفاوت ملاک قرار دادن سنت و مدرنیته را در خانواده خود شرح دهید.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, that is incorrect. You must use 'Melāk qarār dādan'. Compound verbs in Persian have specific auxiliary verbs that cannot be changed.

The word 'Melāk' is of Arabic origin, but 'qarār dādan' is Persian. This is a very common structure in formal Persian.

Use 'rā' whenever you are specifying the particular thing that is being used as the criterion. For example: 'Poul (money) rā melāk qarār dād'.

You don't set a person as a criterion, but you set their *qualities* as a criterion. You wouldn't say 'I set Ali as the criterion,' but 'I set Ali's honesty as the criterion'.

It sounds a bit formal. In daily life, you might say 'Bar asase...' (Based on...). Use 'Melāk qarār dādan' when you want to be serious or explain a rule.

The most common opposite is 'Nādide gereftan' (to ignore) or 'Bi-tavajohi kardan' (to pay no attention to).

Yes, 'Me'yar qarār dādan' is a perfect synonym and is very common.

You can say 'In melāk ast' or 'In melāk-e māst' (This is our criterion).

The plural is 'Melāk-hā', but in the verb phrase 'Melāk qarār dādan', it is almost always singular.

While it can be used in religious law (Sharia), it is a general-purpose word for any standard or criterion.

Test Yourself 200 questions

writing

Write a sentence using 'Melāk qarār dādan' about job hiring.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Explain in Persian what you set as a criterion for choosing a book.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Translate: 'We set the price as the criterion for the purchase.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write a negative sentence about judging people by their appearance.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Use 'Melāk qarār dādan' in a sentence about the government.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write a question asking someone about their friendship criteria.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Translate: 'The teacher set effort as the criterion.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write a formal sentence about scientific research.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Use the future tense: 'They will set the results as the criterion.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write a sentence using the synonym 'Me'yar'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Describe a fair competition using this verb.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Translate: 'Don't set money as your only criterion.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write a sentence about university admission.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Use the present perfect tense: 'We have set honesty as the criterion.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write a sentence about environmental policy.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Translate: 'What did they set as the criterion for the award?'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write a sentence about choosing a car.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Use the word in a philosophical context.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write a sentence about historical analysis.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Translate: 'The law was set as the criterion.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Describe your criteria for a good job in Persian.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Talk about what parents should 'Melāk qarār dādan' for their children's education.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Discuss if grades should be the only 'Melāk' for success.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

What do you 'Melāk qarār dādan' when buying a new phone?

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Tell a story about a decision you made using this verb.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

How should a judge 'Melāk qarār dādan' in a trial?

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

What is the most important 'Melāk' for a long-lasting friendship?

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Explain why 'quality' is better than 'quantity' using this verb.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Do you 'Melāk qarār dādan' people's opinions about yourself?

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

What should the government 'Melāk' for economic growth?

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

What criteria did you use to choose this language course?

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Is beauty a good 'Melāk' for choosing a partner?

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

What do you 'Melāk' when choosing a restaurant?

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

How do you 'Melāk qarār dādan' success in your life?

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

What was the 'Melāk' for the last big purchase you made?

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Should age be a 'Melāk' for leadership?

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

What do scientists 'Melāk' for their theories?

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

What is your 'Melāk' for a good movie?

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

How do Iranians 'Melāk qarār dādan' hospitality?

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

What is the 'Melāk' for a healthy lifestyle?

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Transcript: 'ما برای انتخاب بهترین کارمند، نظم و خلاقیت را ملاک قرار دادیم.' Question: What were the two criteria?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Transcript: 'نباید در قضاوت، شایعات را ملاک قرار داد.' Question: What should not be used for judgment?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Transcript: 'معلم گفت که فعالیت در کلاس را ملاک قرار می‌دهد.' Question: What does the teacher use as a criterion?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Transcript: 'دولت نرخ تورم را ملاک قرار داده است.' Question: What has the government set as the criterion?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Transcript: 'برای این پروژه، محیط زیست ملاک قرار گرفته است.' Question: What is the focus of the project?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Transcript: 'آن‌ها سوابق تحصیلی را ملاک قرار ندادند.' Question: Did they use educational records?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Transcript: 'من همیشه صداقت را ملاک قرار می‌دهم.' Question: What does the speaker always use as a criterion?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Transcript: 'باید استانداردهای ایمنی را ملاک قرار دهیم.' Question: What must be set as the criterion?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Transcript: 'او در انتخاب لباس، راحتی را ملاک قرار داد.' Question: Why did he choose those clothes?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Transcript: 'در این تحقیق، متغیرهای مستقل ملاک قرار گرفتند.' Question: What were the criteria in the research?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Transcript: 'آیا شما قیمت را ملاک قرار می‌دهید؟' Question: What is the speaker asking about?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Transcript: 'آن‌ها فقط سود را ملاک قرار دادند.' Question: What was their only criterion?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Transcript: 'نباید سن را ملاک قرار داد.' Question: What shouldn't be a factor?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Transcript: 'ما رضایت مشتری را ملاک قرار داده‌ایم.' Question: What is their priority?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Transcript: 'قانون جدید شایستگی را ملاک قرار می‌دهد.' Question: What does the new law use as a standard?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:

/ 200 correct

Perfect score!

Was this helpful?

Comments (0)

Login to Comment
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!