This page in your language

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

Home
Learn
Persian
Vocabulary
موسیقی

A1 noun #700 most common 11 min read

موسیقی

Q: How do I say 'I play music'?

If you mean playing an instrument, use 'ساز مینوازم' (saz minavazam). If you mean playing a recording on a device, use 'موسیقی پخش میکنم' (mousighi pakhsh mikonam). Avoid using 'bazi kardan' (to play a game).

Q: How do I pluralize 'موسیقی'?

The plural is 'موسیقیها' (mousighi-ha). You use it when talking about different types or traditions of music, such as 'موسیقیهای ملل' (musics of nations). For multiple songs, use 'آهنگها'.

musiqi Top 700

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips موسیقی in 30 Seconds

Explanation موسیقی in your Level:

At the A1 level, the word 'موسیقی' (music) is used to express basic likes, dislikes, and simple daily activities. Learners should focus on the word's pronunciation and its place in simple Subject-Object-Verb sentences. At this stage, you are learning to say 'I like music' (Man mousighi doost daram) or 'I listen to music' (Man be mousighi goosh midaham). The goal is to recognize the word in spoken Persian and use it to describe your hobbies. You don't need to know the different genres yet; just the general concept. Remember that Persian verbs come at the end, so 'music' will usually be in the middle of your sentence. You might also learn it in the context of 'music class' (kelase mousighi). It is a foundational noun that helps you build your first personal descriptions in Persian. Focus on the 'gh' sound in the middle, which is unique to Persian and Arabic, and ensure you are using the preposition 'be' when listening. This level is about building confidence with the word in its most basic, literal sense.

At the A2 level, you begin to expand your use of 'موسیقی' by adding simple adjectives and discussing different types of music. You will learn to say things like 'I like pop music' (Man mousighi-ye pop doost daram) or 'Traditional music is beautiful' (Mousighi-ye sonati ziba ast). You will also start using the word in questions, such as 'What music do you like?' (Che mousighi-yi doost dari?). At this stage, you should be comfortable with the 'Ezafe' construction, which links the noun 'mousighi' to its describing adjectives. You might also start using related words like 'ahang' (song) and 'khanandeh' (singer). You will encounter the word in more varied contexts, such as talking about going to a concert or buying a musical instrument. The focus at A2 is on functional communication—being able to have a short conversation about your musical tastes and understanding basic descriptions of music in media. You are moving beyond just 'liking' music to 'describing' it.

At the B1 level, 'موسیقی' is used to express more complex opinions, feelings, and experiences. You can now discuss the role of music in your life or how it makes you feel. For example, 'Music helps me relax' (Mousighi be man komak mikonad ke aram shavam). You will also begin to understand the word in more formal settings, such as news reports or short articles about culture. At this level, you should be able to distinguish between 'mousighi' (the art) and 'ahang' (the song) with ease. You will also learn compound words like 'mousighi-dan' (musician) and 'mousighi-ye متن' (soundtrack). You can participate in longer discussions about the importance of music in Iranian culture and compare it with music from your own country. Your grammar will become more sophisticated, using 'mousighi' in subordinate clauses and with a wider range of verbs like 'lezzat bordan' (to enjoy) and 'tarkib kardan' (to combine). This level marks the transition from basic usage to more fluid, expressive communication.

At the B2 level, you use 'موسیقی' to engage in detailed discussions about art, society, and history. You can talk about the evolution of Persian music, the impact of technology on the music industry, or the cultural significance of certain musical traditions. You will use the word in more abstract ways, such as discussing the 'music of a poem' or the 'harmony of a society'. At this stage, you are expected to understand more technical terms associated with music, such as 'dastgah' (modes) and 'zarb' (rhythm), and how they relate to the broader concept of 'mousighi'. You can read longer articles and watch documentaries about music without much difficulty. Your ability to use 'mousighi' in formal writing, such as an essay about cultural heritage, will be well-developed. You will also be able to handle idiomatic expressions that involve music or sound. The focus is on nuance, technical accuracy, and the ability to sustain a complex argument about musical topics.

At the C1 level, your use of 'موسیقی' is near-native. You can discuss the philosophical underpinnings of music and its relationship with Persian mysticism (Sufism). You will understand the subtle differences between various historical periods of music and can use the word in highly academic or literary contexts. For instance, you might analyze the 'mousighi-ye dakhili' (internal music/rhythm) of a poem by Hafez. You are comfortable with archaic synonyms like 'khonya' and can discuss the technicalities of the Persian 'Radif' in detail. At this level, you can follow rapid-fire debates about music policy or artistic theory. You can write critiques of musical performances and use 'mousighi' as a metaphor in sophisticated ways. Your vocabulary is rich with collocations and rare idioms related to sound and melody. You are not just talking about music; you are analyzing it as a complex cultural and intellectual phenomenon.

At the C2 level, you have complete mastery over the word 'موسیقی' and its place in the vast landscape of Persian thought. You can engage in high-level academic research or professional musicology in Persian. You understand the deepest historical roots of the word and its transformation through centuries of Persian literature. You can appreciate and discuss the most avant-garde or traditional forms of music with equal ease. Your use of the word is indistinguishable from a highly educated native speaker. You can use 'mousighi' to discuss the mathematical structures of medieval Persian music theory or the socio-political implications of modern underground music. At this level, the word is a tool for profound expression, allowing you to bridge the gap between various disciplines like history, philosophy, and art. You can interpret the 'music' of the universe or the 'music' of silence in a way that reflects a deep understanding of Persian culture and language.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

موسیقی in 30 Seconds

Mousighi is the universal Persian word for music, used in all contexts from formal to casual conversations.
It is a loanword from Greek but has been a core part of the Persian language for over a thousand years.
The word is typically used with the preposition 'be' when saying 'listening to music' in Persian sentences.
It covers all genres, including traditional (sonati), pop, and classical, and is central to Iranian cultural identity.

The word موسیقی (pronounced 'musighi') is the primary Persian term for 'music'. It is a loanword from Greek (mousikē) that has been deeply integrated into the Persian language for over a millennium. In daily life, it covers everything from the background tunes in a cafe to the complex, meditative structures of the Persian Radif. When you use this word, you are referring to the art of sound, the industry of performance, and the emotional resonance of melodies. It is a noun that carries a sense of cultural pride in Iran, as music is often seen as the sibling of Persian poetry. Whether you are discussing the latest pop hits or the ancient strings of the Setar, موسیقی is your foundational word.

General Usage: Used in everyday conversation to describe any form of organized sound or musical art. For example, asking someone if they like music or what genre they prefer.
Academic Context: In universities and conservatories, it refers to the formal study of musicology, theory, and ethnomusicology.
Cultural Nuance: In Iran, music is often categorized into 'Sonati' (Traditional) and 'Pop'. The word موسیقی acts as the umbrella term for both, though 'Ahang' is often used for a specific song.

من هر روز به موسیقی کلاسیک گوش می‌دهم تا تمرکز کنم.

Translation: I listen to classical music every day to concentrate.

Historically, the status of music in Persian-speaking societies has fluctuated between high courtly art and religious controversy. However, in the modern era, موسیقی is an inescapable part of the social fabric. From the 'Tasnim' chants to the vibrant 'Bandari' beats of the south, the word encapsulates a vast auditory landscape. It is also used in compound forms like 'Mousighi-dan' (Musician) or 'Mousighi-shenas' (Musicologist). Understanding this word is the first step toward exploring the soul of Iranian culture, as music is the vehicle through which the profound lyrics of Rumi and Hafez are often delivered to the masses.

موسیقی سنتی ایران ریشه در تاریخ کهن این مرز و بوم دارد.

Translation: Iranian traditional music has roots in the ancient history of this land.

When discussing genres, you will frequently see this word followed by an adjective. موسیقی پاپ (Pop music), موسیقی راک (Rock music), and موسیقی جاز (Jazz music) are all common. In more poetic or archaic settings, you might encounter the word 'Nava' or 'Khonya', but in 99% of modern interactions, موسیقی is the standard. It is a versatile word that fits into formal speeches about the 'Mousighi-ye Melli' (National Music) as easily as it fits into a casual chat about a 'Mousighi-ye Film' (Film Soundtrack).

Formal Context: Used in news reports: 'The Ministry of Culture discussed the state of music in the country.'
Social Context: Used when inviting friends: 'Do you want to go to a music concert tonight?'

آموزش موسیقی به کودکان باعث رشد خلاقیت آن‌ها می‌شود.

Translation: Teaching music to children causes the growth of their creativity.

In conclusion, موسیقی is more than just a word; it is a gateway to the Iranian psyche. It bridges the gap between the physical world and the spiritual, often described in Persian literature as the 'food of the soul' (ghaza-ye rooh). Whether you are a beginner or an advanced learner, mastering the use of this word and its various collocations will significantly enhance your ability to discuss culture, hobbies, and emotions in Persian.

Using the word موسیقی in a sentence requires an understanding of its role as a noun and how it interacts with verbs and adjectives. In Persian, nouns are often linked to adjectives using the 'Ezafe' (the short 'e' sound). For instance, 'good music' becomes 'mousighi-ye khoob'. This section will explore the various syntactic structures where this word appears, from simple subject-verb agreements to complex subordinate clauses.

As a Subject: When music is the thing performing an action or being described. Example: 'Music is beautiful' (Mousighi ziba ast).
As an Object: When someone is doing something to music. Example: 'I listen to music' (Man be mousighi goosh midaham).

آیا شما به موسیقی محلی علاقه دارید؟

Translation: Are you interested in local/folk music?

One of the most common ways to use موسیقی is with the verb 'goosh dadan' (to listen). Note that in Persian, you listen *to* music, and the preposition 'be' is essential. Another common verb is 'navakhtan' (to play an instrument), though you usually play an instrument, not 'music' itself. To say 'play music' in a general sense (like on a stereo), you might use 'pakhsh kardan' (to broadcast/play).

Adjectives always follow the word موسیقی. If you want to describe the music as 'relaxing', you would say 'mousighi-ye aram-bakhsh'. If it is 'loud', it is 'mousighi-ye boland'. This pattern is consistent across all levels of Persian. In more advanced sentences, you might use 'mousighi' as part of a compound noun, such as 'dastgah-haye mousighi' (the systems/modes of music).

او در حال مطالعه تاریخ موسیقی جهان است.

Translation: He is studying the history of world music.

For learners, it is important to distinguish between 'mousighi' and 'ahang'. If you are at a party and want to change the song, you say 'ahang ra avaz kon'. If you want to talk about the vibe of the party, you might say 'mousighi-ye inja khaili khoobe' (the music here is very good). This distinction helps you sound more like a native speaker.

With 'Enjoy': 'Man az mousighi lezzat mibaram' (I enjoy music). Note the use of 'az' (from/of).
With 'Study': 'Dars-e mousighi' (Music lesson) or 'Reshteh-ye mousighi' (Music major).

صدای موسیقی همسایه خیلی بلند است.

Translation: The sound of the neighbor's music is very loud.

Finally, consider the negative forms. 'Man mousighi doost nadaram' (I don't like music). Even in negative sentences, the position of the word remains stable. As you progress to C1 and C2 levels, you will use موسیقی in metaphorical ways, such as 'mousighi-ye kalam' (the music of speech/poetry), referring to the rhythm and flow of words.

In the Persian-speaking world, you will encounter the word موسیقی in a variety of environments, ranging from the highly formal to the completely casual. Understanding these contexts will help you recognize the word even when spoken quickly or in specialized settings. From the bustling streets of Tehran to the quiet libraries of Isfahan, music is a constant presence.

On Television and Radio: Broadcasters use it to introduce segments: 'Barnameh-ye mousighi-ye emshab' (Tonight's music program). It is the standard term used by presenters.
In Educational Institutions: You will see it on signs for 'Amoozeshgah-e Mousighi' (Music School) or in university catalogs.

بهترین آموزشگاه موسیقی در این خیابان واقع شده است.

Translation: The best music school is located on this street.

In the digital world, apps and websites use موسیقی for their 'Music' sections. If you change your phone's language to Persian, your music player will likely be labeled 'Mousighi'. On social media, hashtags like #موسیقی_سنتی or #موسیقی_پاپ are incredibly popular, connecting millions of fans. You will also hear it in the context of 'Mousighi-ye متن' (Background music or soundtrack) when people discuss movies or video games.

In religious or traditional discussions, the word might be used to debate the permissibility of certain sounds, but even then, the word remains the same. In the bazaar, you might hear a shopkeeper playing 'Mousighi-ye Ghadimi' (Old/Classic music) to create a nostalgic atmosphere. The word is so ubiquitous that it is often one of the first ten nouns a child learns in a Persian-speaking household.

ما برای مراسم عروسی، موسیقی شاد انتخاب کردیم.

Translation: We chose happy music for the wedding ceremony.

When attending a concert, the tickets will say 'Koncert-e Mousighi'. If you are reading a newspaper, the 'Honar' (Art) section will have a sub-heading for 'Mousighi'. It is also a key term in the world of therapy; 'Mousighi-darmani' (Music therapy) is a growing field in Iran. No matter where you go, from a high-end gallery to a local taxi, the word موسیقی will be your constant companion in understanding the auditory environment.

In Literature: Poets often use it to describe the harmony of the spheres or the beauty of a beloved's voice.
In Advertising: Ads for headphones or speakers will prominently feature the word to appeal to audiophiles.

این فیلم بدون موسیقی متنش هیچ جذابیتی نداشت.

Translation: This movie had no attraction without its soundtrack.

Even though موسیقی is a straightforward noun, English speakers often make specific errors when integrating it into Persian sentences. These mistakes usually involve prepositions, confusion with similar words, or incorrect pluralization. By identifying these pitfalls early, you can ensure your Persian sounds natural and professional.

The Preposition 'To': In English, we say 'listen to music'. In Persian, you must use 'be'. A common mistake is saying 'Mousighi goosh midaham' without the 'be'. Correct: 'Be mousighi goosh midaham'.
Music vs. Song: Learners often use 'Mousighi' when they mean a specific track. If you like a particular song on the radio, say 'In ahang ra doost daram', not 'In mousighi ra doost daram'.

Wrong: من موسیقی گوش می‌دهم.
Right: من به موسیقی گوش می‌دهم.

Explanation: Always include the preposition 'be' (to) when listening.

Another frequent error is the pluralization. In English, 'musics' is incorrect. In Persian, 'mousighi-ha' is technically possible but rarely used unless referring to different *genres* or *traditions* of music. Usually, 'mousighi' acts as an uncountable noun. If you want to talk about multiple pieces of music, use 'ahang-ha' (songs) or 'ghate-at-e mousighi' (musical pieces).

Using the wrong verb for 'playing' music is also common. To say 'I play the piano', you use 'navakhtan' (Man piano minavazam). To say 'The radio is playing music', you use 'pakhsh kardan' (Radio mousighi pakhsh mikonad). Do not use 'bazi kardan' (to play a game) for music; this is a classic 'false friend' error for English speakers.

Wrong: او موسیقی بازی می‌کند.
Right: او موسیقی می‌نوازد (or آهنگ پخش می‌کند).

Explanation: Use 'navakhtan' for instruments and 'pakhsh kardan' for playing recorded music.

Lastly, be careful with the word order in complex sentences. Because Persian is a Subject-Object-Verb (SOV) language, 'mousighi' will usually appear in the middle of the sentence. Forgetting this and following English's SVO order is the most common mistake for beginners. Practice saying 'Man mousighi doost daram' until the SOV pattern feels natural.

Spelling Error: Sometimes learners confuse the final 'ye' (ی) with 'alef' (ا) because of the pronunciation. Remember it ends with 'ye'.
Register Mismatch: Using 'mousighi' in a very slangy context where 'ahang' or 'fazz' (vibe) might be more appropriate.

While موسیقی is the most common word for music, Persian is a rich language with several synonyms and related terms that carry different shades of meaning. Knowing when to use 'mousighi' versus 'ahang' or 'nava' will make your Persian much more expressive and precise.

آهنگ (Ahang): This is the most common alternative. It specifically means 'song', 'tune', or 'melody'. Use this when referring to a single track on an album.
نوا (Nava): A more poetic word meaning 'sound', 'melody', or 'voice'. It is also the name of one of the seven main modes (Dastgah) in Persian classical music.
ترانه (Taraneh): This specifically refers to a 'song' with lyrics, often a ballad or a pop song. It emphasizes the lyrical content.

این ترانه زیبا توسط یک شاعر معروف سروده شده است.

Translation: This beautiful song (lyrical) was composed by a famous poet.

For more archaic or literary contexts, you might find خنیا (Khonya). This is the ancient Persian word for music, predating the Greek loanword. While you won't hear it in a taxi, you will see it in historical novels or academic papers discussing pre-Islamic Iranian culture. Another term is ساز (Saz), which literally means 'instrument' but is sometimes used metonymically to refer to the music being played.

In the realm of classical music, you will hear the word ردیف (Radif). This refers to the entire collection of traditional melodies that form the basis of Persian music. It is a more specialized term than 'mousighi'. Similarly, تصنیف (Tasnif) refers to a composed vocal piece in classical music, as opposed to an improvised one.

استاد در حال اجرای یک تصنیف قدیمی در دستگاه شور است.

Translation: The master is performing an old Tasnif in the Shur mode.

When discussing the 'vibe' or 'rhythm' of music, you might use ریتم (Rhythm) or ضرب (Zarb/Beat). These are technical terms often used alongside 'mousighi'. By expanding your vocabulary to include these alternatives, you can move from basic descriptions to nuanced discussions about the art form.

سرود (Sorood): An anthem or a hymn. Usually used for national or religious group singing.
قطعه (Ghate'eh): Literally 'piece'. Used for a piece of instrumental music.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

Before 'موسیقی' became the dominant term, the Middle Persian word was 'khonyag', which survives today as the poetic word 'khonya'.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /muːsiːˈkiː/

US /muːsiːˈkiː/

The stress is typically on the final syllable: mu-si-QI.

Rhymes With

نیکی (Niki) تاریکی (Tariki) باریکی (Bariki) نزدیکی (Nazdiki) تحریکی (Tahriki) تکنیکی (Tekniki) فیزیکی (Fiziki) کلاسیکی (Klasiki)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'q' as 'k'.
Making the 'u' sound too short.
Putting stress on the first syllable.
Forgetting the 'i' sound at the end.
Confusing the 'gh' sound with a simple 'g'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize due to its similarity to the English/French word 'musique'.

Writing 3/5

The 'gh' (ق) and 'ye' (ی) at the end require some practice for beginners.

Speaking 4/5

The uvular 'q' sound is challenging for many English speakers.

Listening 2/5

Usually clear and distinct in most conversations.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

صدا (Sound) گوش (Ear) دوست داشتن (To like) هنر (Art) زیبا (Beautiful)

Learn Next

آهنگ (Song) ساز (Instrument) خواننده (Singer) نواختن (To play) ترانه (Lyric/Song)

Advanced

ردیف (Radif) دستگاه (Dastgah) بداهه‌نوازی (Improvisation) هارمونی (Harmony) سلفژ (Solfège)

Grammar to Know

Ezafe Construction

موسیقیِ زیبا (Beautiful music) - The 'e' sound links the noun and adjective.

Preposition 'be' with 'goosh dadan'

به موسیقی گوش می‌دهم (I listen to music).

SOV Word Order

من موسیقی دوست دارم (I music like).

Indefinite 'i'

موسیقی‌ای شنیدم (I heard a [certain] music).

Compound Noun Formation

موسیقی + دان = موسیقی‌دان (Music + knower = Musician).

Examples by Level

من موسیقی دوست دارم.

I like music.

Simple Subject-Object-Verb structure.

او به موسیقی گوش می‌دهد.

He/She is listening to music.

Use of 'be' with 'goosh dadan'.

این موسیقی زیبا است.

This music is beautiful.

Simple adjective description.

آیا شما موسیقی کلاسیک دوست دارید؟

Do you like classical music?

Question form with 'aya'.

ما در ماشین موسیقی گوش می‌دهیم.

We listen to music in the car.

Locative phrase 'dar mashin'.

برادرم موسیقی پاپ دوست ندارد.

My brother doesn't like pop music.

Negative verb 'doost nadarad'.

موسیقی غذای روح است.

Music is the food of the soul.

Metaphorical 'is' (ast) sentence.

کلاس موسیقی کجاست؟

Where is the music class?

Interrogative 'kojas'.

من هر شب قبل از خواب به موسیقی آرام گوش می‌دهم.

I listen to calm music every night before sleep.

Use of 'ghabl az' (before).

موسیقی سنتی ایران خیلی قدیمی و زیباست.

Iranian traditional music is very old and beautiful.

Compound adjective 'sonati-ye Iran'.

دوست من در دانشگاه موسیقی می‌خواند.

My friend studies music at the university.

Verb 'khandan' meaning 'to study' a subject.

صدای موسیقی را کمی کم کن.

Turn down the sound of the music a little.

Imperative 'kam kon'.

او می‌خواهد یک ساز موسیقی بخرد.

He wants to buy a musical instrument.

Infinitive 'bekharad' with 'mikhohad'.

موسیقی این فیلم خیلی هیجان‌انگیز بود.

The music of this movie was very exciting.

Past tense 'bood'.

ما به یک کنسرت موسیقی بزرگ رفتیم.

We went to a big music concert.

Past tense 'raftim'.

کدام نوع موسیقی را بیشتر دوست داری؟

Which type of music do you like more?

Interrogative 'kodam' (which).

موسیقی می‌تواند تأثیر زیادی بر روحیه انسان داشته باشد.

Music can have a great impact on human morale.

Modal verb 'mitavanad'.

وقتی غمگین هستم، موسیقی به من آرامش می‌دهد.

When I am sad, music gives me peace.

Temporal clause 'vaghti...'.

او سال‌هاست که در زمینه موسیقی فعالیت می‌کند.

He has been active in the field of music for years.

Present perfect continuous sense.

یادگیری موسیقی در سنین پایین بسیار مفید است.

Learning music at a young age is very beneficial.

Gerund-like use of 'yadgiri'.

من ترجیح می‌دهم به موسیقی بی‌کلام گوش دهم.

I prefer to listen to instrumental (wordless) music.

Verb 'tarjih dadan'.

موسیقی پاپ امروزی با موسیقی دهه‌های گذشته متفاوت است.

Today's pop music is different from the music of past decades.

Comparison with 'ba... motafavet ast'.

آیا موسیقی روی تمرکز شما هنگام کار تأثیر می‌گذارد؟

Does music affect your concentration while working?

Verb 'tasir gozashtan'.

او یک کلکسیون بزرگ از موسیقی‌های قدیمی دارد.

He has a large collection of old musics (genres/records).

Plural 'mousighi-ha' used for a collection.

موسیقی سنتی ایران بازتابی از فرهنگ و تاریخ این کشور است.

Iranian traditional music is a reflection of the culture and history of this country.

Abstract noun 'baztab' (reflection).

بسیاری از جوانان به موسیقی‌های تلفیقی علاقه پیدا کرده‌اند.

Many young people have become interested in fusion music.

Present perfect 'alaghe peyda karde-and'.

جشنواره موسیقی فجر هر ساله در تهران برگزار می‌شود.

The Fajr Music Festival is held every year in Tehran.

Passive construction 'bargozar mishavad'.

موسیقی در دوران باستان نقش مهمی در مراسم مذهبی داشت.

Music played an important role in religious ceremonies in ancient times.

Historical context phrase.

تکنولوژی نحوه تولید و توزیع موسیقی را کاملاً تغییر داده است.

Technology has completely changed the way music is produced and distributed.

Complex object 'nahve-ye tolid va tozi'.

او به عنوان یک منتقد موسیقی در روزنامه کار می‌کند.

He works as a music critic for a newspaper.

Prepositional phrase 'be onvan-e'.

موسیقی فولکلور هر منطقه نشان‌دهنده آداب و رسوم آنجاست.

The folklore music of each region represents its customs and traditions.

Participle 'neshan-dahandeh'.

برخی معتقدند که موسیقی زبان مشترک تمام انسان‌هاست.

Some believe that music is the common language of all humans.

Reporting clause 'moataghedand ke'.

ارتباط عمیقی میان موسیقی دستگاهی و اشعار عرفانی وجود دارد.

There is a deep connection between Dastgah music and mystical poems.

Formal existential 'voojood darad'.

موسیقی معاصر ایران در حال تجربه فرم‌های نوآورانه و تجربی است.

Contemporary Iranian music is experiencing innovative and experimental forms.

Continuous aspect 'dar hal-e tajrobeh'.

تحلیل ساختاری موسیقی کلاسیک غرب نیازمند دانش تئوریک بالایی است.

Structural analysis of Western classical music requires high theoretical knowledge.

Subject is a long noun phrase.

موسیقی‌درمانی به عنوان یک روش مکمل در درمان بیماری‌های روانی شناخته می‌شود.

Music therapy is recognized as a complementary method in treating mental illnesses.

Passive 'shenakhteh mishavad'.

بداهه‌نوازی یکی از ارکان اصلی در موسیقی سنتی ایران به شمار می‌رود.

Improvisation is considered one of the main pillars of Iranian traditional music.

Formal 'be shomar miravad'.

تأثیر موسیقی بر ساختار مغز موضوع بسیاری از پژوهش‌های عصب‌شناسی است.

The impact of music on brain structure is the subject of many neurological researches.

Academic register.

موسیقی فیلم باید در خدمت روایت داستان و انتقال حس صحنه باشد.

Film music must be in service of the story's narrative and conveying the scene's feeling.

Modal 'bayad' with 'dar khedmat-e'.

او در رساله خود به بررسی تطبیقی موسیقی شرق و غرب پرداخته است.

In his thesis, he has dealt with the comparative study of Eastern and Western music.

Formal 'be barresi... pardakhteh ast'.

تجلی مفاهیم فلسفی در موسیقی، غنای فرهنگی یک تمدن را بازگو می‌کند.

The manifestation of philosophical concepts in music recounts the cultural richness of a civilization.

High literary register.

موسیقی قدسی در پیوند با کلام وحیانی، تجربه‌ای استعلایی برای شنونده رقم می‌زند.

Sacred music, in connection with revelatory words, creates a transcendental experience for the listener.

Sophisticated vocabulary like 'estelayi'.

واکاوی ریشه‌های اتنوموزیکولوژیک موسیقی نواحی، پرده از رازهای تاریخی برمی‌دارد.

The ethnomusicological analysis of regional music unveils historical secrets.

Use of 'vakavi' (analysis/probing).

موسیقی به مثابه یک پدیده اجتماعی، همواره تحت تأثیر تحولات سیاسی بوده است.

Music as a social phenomenon has always been under the influence of political developments.

Formal 'be masabe-ye' (as/in the capacity of).

هارمونی در موسیقی را می‌توان استعاره‌ای از نظم کیهانی در اندیشه‌های فیثاغورثی دانست.

Harmony in music can be considered a metaphor for cosmic order in Pythagorean thoughts.

Complex passive potential 'mitavan... danest'.

موسیقی آوانگارد با به چالش کشیدن ساختارهای سنتی، افق‌های جدیدی را می‌گشاید.

Avant-garde music opens new horizons by challenging traditional structures.

Participial phrase 'ba be chalesh kashidan'.

درک ظرایف موسیقی ردیف مستلزم سال‌ها ممارست و تلمذ نزد استادان مبرز است.

Understanding the nuances of Radif music requires years of practice and apprenticeship under prominent masters.

Formal 'mostalzem-e' (requires).

موسیقی در ساحت معنا، فراتر از اصوات فیزیکی، به ساحت شهود راه می‌یابد.

Music in the realm of meaning, beyond physical sounds, finds its way into the realm of intuition.

Philosophical register using 'sahat'.

Common Collocations

موسیقی سنتی

گوش دادن به موسیقی

موسیقی متن

کنسرت موسیقی

آموزش موسیقی

آلات موسیقی

موسیقی زنده

دنیای موسیقی

موسیقی بی‌کلام

استاد موسیقی

Common Phrases

عاشق موسیقی بودن

— To be a lover of music. Used to express a deep passion for the art.

خواهرم عاشق موسیقی است.

اهل موسیقی بودن

— To be into music or to be a musical person. Implies knowledge or involvement.

آیا شما هم اهل موسیقی هستید؟

موسیقی پخش کردن

— To play/broadcast music. Used for radios, speakers, or DJs.

لطفاً کمی موسیقی پخش کن.

نت موسیقی

— Musical notes or sheet music. Used in the context of reading music.

او نمی‌تواند نت موسیقی را بخواند.

سبک موسیقی

— Music style or genre. Used to categorize different types of music.

سبک موسیقی مورد علاقه شما چیست؟

قطعه موسیقی

— A piece of music. Usually refers to an instrumental composition.

این قطعه موسیقی بسیار آرام‌بخش است.

گروه موسیقی

— A music band or group. Used for any ensemble of musicians.

گروه موسیقی آن‌ها در سراسر جهان معروف است.

موسیقی حماسی

— Epic music. Often used for powerful, cinematic, or heroic sounds.

او به موسیقی حماسی علاقه دارد.

موسیقی خیابانی

— Street music. Refers to buskers or performers in public spaces.

موسیقی خیابانی در این شهر خیلی رایج است.

موسیقی پاپ

— Pop music. The most common modern genre discussed.

موسیقی پاپ طرفداران زیادی دارد.

Often Confused With

موسیقی vs آهنگ

Ahang means 'song' or 'track', while Mousighi is the general art of music.

موسیقی vs ساز

Saz means 'instrument', though it's sometimes used to refer to the music played.

موسیقی vs صدا

Seda means 'sound' or 'voice' in general, not necessarily musical.

Idioms & Expressions

"موسیقی گوش‌نواز"

— Music that is pleasing to the ear. Used to describe something very harmonious.

صدای آبشار مانند یک موسیقی گوش‌نواز بود.

Literary

"ساز و دهل"

— Literally 'instrument and drum', but used to mean a big celebration or fuss.

عروسی را با ساز و دهل برگزار کردند.

Informal/Traditional

"کوک بودن"

— To be in tune. Also used idiomatically to mean someone is in a good mood.

امروز خیلی کوک هستی! (You're in a great mood today!)

Informal

"از دماغ فیل افتادن"

— Not directly about music, but often used to describe arrogant musicians or artists.

آن خواننده انگار از دماغ فیل افتاده است.

Slang

"به ساز کسی رقصیدن"

— To dance to someone's tune. Meaning to do exactly what someone else wants.

من دیگر به ساز او نمی‌رقصم.

Common

"صدای دهل از دور خوش است"

— The sound of the drum is pleasant from afar. Meaning things look better from a distance than they actually are.

زندگی در خارج؟ صدای دهل از دور خوش است.

Proverb

"خوش‌الحان"

— Having a sweet voice or melody. Used for singers or birds.

او بلبلی خوش‌الحان است.

Poetic

"پرده‌دری کردن"

— In music, changing the mode, but idiomatically it means to reveal secrets or be rude.

او در صحبت‌هایش پرده‌دری کرد.

Literary

"موسیقی سکوت"

— The music of silence. A poetic way to describe a meaningful quiet.

در آن کویر، موسیقی سکوت حاکم بود.

Poetic

"هفت‌دستگاه"

— The seven modes of Persian music. Used to imply a full range of something.

او هفت‌دستگاه موسیقی را بلد است.

Technical

Easily Confused

موسیقی vs آهنگ

Both relate to musical sounds.

Mousighi is the category; Ahang is the specific instance or melody.

من موسیقی دوست دارم، اما این آهنگ را نه. (I like music, but not this song.)

موسیقی vs ترانه

Both are used for musical pieces.

Taraneh specifically implies lyrics and a vocal performance.

او یک ترانه زیبا خواند. (He sang a beautiful song.)

موسیقی vs نوا

Both mean melody/music.

Nava is more poetic and can also mean 'voice' or a specific mode.

نوای خوشی داشت. (It had a pleasant melody/sound.)

موسیقی vs سرود

Both involve music.

Sorood is an anthem or choral piece, often for a group.

سرود مدرسه را خواندیم. (We sang the school anthem.)

موسیقی vs قطعه

Both refer to music.

Ghate'eh is a 'piece' of music, usually instrumental.

یک قطعه پیانو نواخت. (He played a piano piece.)

Sentence Patterns

[Subject] [موسیقی] [Verb]

من موسیقی دوست دارم.

[Subject] به [موسیقی] گوش [Verb]

او به موسیقی گوش می‌دهد.

[موسیقی] [Adjective] است

موسیقی سنتی بسیار آرام‌بخش است.

[Subject] در زمینه [موسیقی] [Verb]

او در زمینه موسیقی فعالیت می‌کند.

تأثیر [موسیقی] بر [Noun]

تأثیر موسیقی بر ذهن شگفت‌انگیز است.

[موسیقی] به مثابه [Noun]

موسیقی به مثابه زبانی جهانی است.

آیا [موسیقی] دوست داری؟

آیا موسیقی دوست داری؟

این [موسیقی] [Adjective] است

این موسیقی خیلی بلند است.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely frequent in daily life, media, and education.

Common Mistakes

من موسیقی گوش می‌دهم. → من به موسیقی گوش می‌دهم.
Missing the preposition 'be'. In Persian, you must listen 'to' music.
او موسیقی بازی می‌کند. → او موسیقی می‌نوازد (or آهنگ پخش می‌کند).
Using 'bazi kardan' (to play a game) instead of 'navakhtan' (to play an instrument) or 'pakhsh kardan' (to play a recording).
این موسیقی خیلی خوب است (referring to a specific song). → این آهنگ خیلی خوب است.
Using the general word 'music' when referring to a specific 'song'.
من موسیقی‌ها را دوست دارم. → من موسیقی دوست دارم.
Unnecessary pluralization. 'Mousighi' is usually uncountable in Persian, just like in English.
موسیقیِ پاپِ من دوست دارم. → من موسیقی پاپ دوست دارم.
Incorrect word order. The subject 'man' should come first, and the verb 'doost daram' at the end.

Tips

The 'Be' Rule

Never forget the preposition 'be' when using the verb 'goosh dadan' (to listen). In Persian, you always listen *to* something. 'Man be mousighi goosh midaham' is the only correct way.

Ahang vs. Mousighi

Use 'Ahang' for the specific song you are listening to right now. Use 'Mousighi' for the general hobby or the art form. This small change will make you sound much more fluent.

The Final 'I'

The word ends in a long 'ee' sound. Make sure you don't cut it short. It should be 'mu-si-qi', not 'mu-si-q'. The final 'ye' is essential for the correct sound.

Traditional Pride

Iranians are very proud of 'Mousighi Sonati'. If you want to impress your Persian friends, learn the names of a few traditional instruments like the 'Tar' or 'Santur'.

Music as Food

You will often hear the phrase 'موسیقی غذای روح است' (Music is the food of the soul). It's a great idiom to use when discussing why you like music.

Spelling the 'Q'

The 'q' sound in 'mousighi' is written with the letter 'ق'. Even though it sounds similar to 'غ' in some dialects, always use 'ق' for this word.

Identify Genres

When listening to Persian media, look for the word 'mousighi' followed by 'pop', 'sonati', or 'classic'. This will help you quickly identify what kind of music is being discussed.

Asking Preferences

A great conversation starter is 'Che mousighi-yi doost dari?' (What music do you like?). It's a safe and engaging topic for learners at any level.

Soundtrack Term

If you love movies, remember 'mousighi-ye متن'. You can use it to talk about your favorite film scores, which is a common topic in intermediate Persian.

The Greek Link

Since 'mousighi' sounds like 'music', 'musique', and 'musica', use that connection to remember it. It's one of the few Persian words with a clear European cognate.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'Muse' (from Greek) and the 'Key' (qi) to a song. Music is the Muse's Key.

Visual Association

Imagine a Persian Setar with musical notes (موسیقی) floating out of it like a stream of water.

Word Web

ساز (Instrument) آواز (Singing) نت (Note) گوش (Ear) روح (Soul) هنر (Art) کنسرت (Concert) خواننده (Singer)

Challenge

Try to name three different styles of 'موسیقی' in Persian and use them in a sentence today.

Word Origin

The word 'موسیقی' entered Persian from the Arabic 'mūsīqā', which in turn was borrowed from the Ancient Greek 'mousikē' (art of the Muses). It has been used in Persian literature for centuries.

Original meaning: In Greek, it referred to any art governed by the Muses, including poetry, dance, and sound. In Persian, it narrowed down to the art of sound.

Indo-European (via Greek) to Afro-Asiatic (Arabic) to Indo-European (Persian).

Cultural Context

In some very conservative religious circles in Iran, certain types of music are still viewed with caution. It is always polite to be aware of the setting when playing loud music.

English speakers might find the distinction between 'music' and 'song' less strict than in Persian, where 'ahang' is very specific.

Mohammad-Reza Shajarian (The greatest master of Persian traditional music). The Radif of Iranian Music (UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage). Barbary (The legendary musician of the Sassanid court).

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At a Concert

بلیط کنسرت موسیقی
اجرای زنده موسیقی
سالن موسیقی
گروه موسیقی

In a Music School

آموزش موسیقی
تئوری موسیقی
تمرین موسیقی
استاد موسیقی

On a Music App

پخش موسیقی
لیست موسیقی
دانلود موسیقی
جستجوی موسیقی

Discussing Hobbies

علاقه به موسیقی
گوش دادن به موسیقی
موسیقی مورد علاقه
سبک موسیقی

In a Movie Review

موسیقی متن فیلم
آهنگساز موسیقی
تأثیر موسیقی
فضای موسیقی

Conversation Starters

"آیا شما به موسیقی سنتی ایران علاقه دارید؟ (Are you interested in Iranian traditional music?)"

"بهترین کنسرت موسیقی که تا به حال رفته‌اید کدام بوده است؟ (What is the best music concert you've ever been to?)"

"آیا هنگام مطالعه به موسیقی گوش می‌دهید؟ (Do you listen to music while studying?)"

"کدام ساز موسیقی را بیشتر دوست دارید؟ (Which musical instrument do you like more?)"

"به نظر شما موسیقی چقدر در زندگی مهم است؟ (In your opinion, how important is music in life?)"

Journal Prompts

درباره سبک موسیقی مورد علاقه خود و دلیل آن بنویسید. (Write about your favorite music style and the reason for it.)

اولین باری که یک قطعه موسیقی ایرانی شنیدید چه حسی داشتید؟ (How did you feel the first time you heard a piece of Iranian music?)

اگر می‌توانستید یک ساز موسیقی یاد بگیرید، کدام را انتخاب می‌کردید؟ (If you could learn a musical instrument, which one would you choose?)

نقش موسیقی در فرهنگ کشور شما چیست؟ (What is the role of music in your country's culture?)

یک روز بدون موسیقی را توصیف کنید. (Describe a day without music.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, the word is identical in spelling and general meaning in both languages, as Persian borrowed it from Arabic, which borrowed it from Greek. However, the pronunciation of the 'q' (ق) sound and the cultural context of the music differ between the two cultures.

It is better to use 'آهنگ' (ahang) for a single song. Using 'موسیقی' for one track sounds a bit like saying 'I like this art' instead of 'I like this painting'. It's not strictly wrong, but 'ahang' is much more natural for specific tracks.

If you mean playing an instrument, use 'ساز می‌نوازم' (saz minavazam). If you mean playing a recording on a device, use 'موسیقی پخش می‌کنم' (mousighi pakhsh mikonam). Avoid using 'bazi kardan' (to play a game).

Yes, music is a huge part of Iranian life. There are many genres including traditional, pop, rock, and electronic. While there are certain regulations regarding public performances and lyrics, the word 'موسیقی' is used everywhere from state TV to private parties.

It refers to Iranian Traditional Music, which is based on the Radif system. It uses instruments like the Tar, Setar, Santur, and Kamancheh. It is highly respected and considered a classical art form.

The plural is 'موسیقی‌ها' (mousighi-ha). You use it when talking about different types or traditions of music, such as 'موسیقی‌های ملل' (musics of nations). For multiple songs, use 'آهنگ‌ها'.

It literally means 'text music', but it is the standard term for a 'soundtrack' or 'background music' in a film or play.

For English speakers, yes. It is a uvular sound made at the back of the throat. It sounds somewhat like the French 'r' but more voiced and further back. Practice by gargling water to feel the spot.

No, 'موسیقی' is a noun. To use it as an adjective (musical), you use 'موسیقایی' (mousighayi). For example, 'talent musical' would be 'estedad-e mousighayi'.

It is the Persian word for 'musician'. It combines 'mousighi' with the suffix '-dan' (one who knows). It is a formal and respectful way to refer to a professional musician.