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B1 adjective #2,500 most common 5 min read

مشتاق

moshtâq
Practice it Examples Notes & Tips مشتاق in 30 Seconds
Explanation مشتاق in your Level:
At the A1 level, you can think of 'مشتاق' (moshtāq) as a very strong way to say 'I like' or 'I want'. While you usually learn 'doust dāram' (I like) first, 'moshtaq' is used when you are very happy and waiting for something. For example, if your friend is coming to visit, you can say 'Moshtaq-e didār' (Eager to see you). It is a polite and warm word. Just remember: it means you are 'very ready' and 'very happy' about something happening soon. It is like the feeling you have before opening a birthday present.
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At the A2 level, you start using 'مشتاق' in simple sentences with the verb 'hastam' (I am). You might say 'Man moshtāq-e yādgiri hastam' (I am eager to learn). This shows your teacher that you are a good student. You also learn that this word comes from 'Shoq', which means 'excitement'. At this level, focus on using it for people and hobbies. It's a great word to use in a simple email to a friend or a teacher to show you are enthusiastic. It makes your Persian sound more polite and sincere than just using 'khosh-hal' (happy).
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At the B1 level, you should understand that 'مشتاق' is an adjective that describes a state of mind. You can use it to describe yourself or others. You should start using the adverbial form 'moshtāqāne' (eagerly). For example, 'Moshtāqāne montazer-e javāb-e shomā hastam' (I am eagerly waiting for your answer). This is a very common phrase in business emails. You also begin to see the difference between 'moshtāq' and 'alāqemand' (interested). 'Moshtāq' is more emotional and active. It's the difference between 'I'm interested in the job' and 'I'm eager to start the job'.
At the B2 level, you explore the nuances of 'مشتاق' in different registers. You understand its use in literature and journalism. You can use it to describe complex social situations, like a nation being 'moshtāq' for reform. You also learn common collocations like 'مشتاقِ پرواز' (eager to fly/metaphorically eager for freedom). You should be able to use it with various prepositions correctly and understand when it's being used ironically. At this level, you also recognize the word family, including 'ishtiāq' (longing) and 'shouq' (passion), and can use them to vary your vocabulary.
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At the C1 level, you appreciate the poetic and philosophical weight of 'مشتاق'. You encounter it in the works of Hafez and Rumi, where it describes the spiritual seeker's longing for the Truth. You understand the subtle difference between 'moshtāq' and 'valeh' (distraught with love) or 'sheyfteh' (fascinated). You can use 'مشتاق' in academic writing to describe a scholarly 'thirst' for discovery. Your usage is precise, choosing 'moshtāq' when you want to emphasize the 'pull' of the object of desire rather than just the internal feeling of the subject.
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At the C2 level, you have a complete mastery of 'مشتاق'. You can use it to discuss the etymological roots in Arabic and how its meaning has shifted over a millennium of Persian literature. You can analyze its use in political rhetoric to evoke specific emotions in an audience. You are comfortable using it in its most abstract forms, perhaps in a philosophical treatise on the nature of human desire. You also recognize rare derivatives and can use the word in complex, multi-clause sentences that maintain perfect grammatical harmony and sophisticated tone.
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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

مشتاق in 30 Seconds

  • Moshtaq means eager or enthusiastic, rooted in the concept of longing.
  • It is used in both formal business letters and deep classical poetry.
  • Grammatically, it often pairs with the Ezafe (-e) or the preposition 'be'.
  • It is a warmer, more sincere alternative to 'alāqemand' (interested).

The Persian word مشتاق (pronounced moshtāq) is a multifaceted adjective rooted in the Arabic triliteral root ش-و-ق (sh-w-q), which fundamentally relates to longing, desire, and yearning. In the context of modern Persian, it serves as the primary bridge between simple 'interest' and intense 'passion'. When a speaker describes themselves as مشتاق, they are not merely curious; they are emotionally invested in an outcome or an encounter. This word captures the psychological state of anticipation where the heart 'pulls' toward an object, person, or event.

Core Semantic Essence
It represents an active state of eagerness. Unlike 'interested' (علاقمند), which can be passive, being مشتاق implies a readiness to act or a palpable sense of waiting.
Emotional Intensity
It carries a warmth often missing from its synonyms. It is the standard word used when expressing how much you look forward to seeing a dear friend or a mentor.
Grammatical Function
Typically functions as a predicate adjective following the verb 'to be' (بودن) or 'to become' (شدن), often taking the preposition 'ezafe' or 'be' depending on the literary register.
"من بسیار مشتاقِ دیدار شما هستم." (I am very eager to meet you.)
— Common Formal Greeting

Historically, in classical Persian poetry (Sufi literature), مشتاق described the soul's yearning for the Divine. Rumi and Hafez frequently used this term to depict the 'Mosh-taq' (the yearner) as a spiritual seeker whose entire existence is defined by the desire to return to the source. In contemporary Tehran, however, the word has been successfully secularized. You might hear a tech CEO say they are مشتاق to see the new quarterly results, or a student say they are مشتاق for the summer holidays. This transition from the sacred to the mundane demonstrates the word's versatility and enduring relevance in the Iranian psyche.

"او با نگاهی مشتاق به ویترین مغازه خیره شده بود." (He was staring at the shop window with an eager look.)
Social Register
In formal correspondence, using this word shows high respect and genuine interest. In casual speech, it adds a layer of sincerity that words like 'khosh-hal' (happy) lack.

Using مشتاق correctly requires understanding its prepositional patterns. In standard Persian, it is most commonly followed by an Ezafe (the -e sound) connecting it to the object of desire. For example, مشتاقِ دیدار (eager for a visit). However, in more formal or slightly archaic contexts, it can be paired with the preposition به (to/for).

  • Pattern 1: [Subject] + [Object] + مشتاق + [Verb]
    Example: من به شنیدن اخبار جدید مشتاقم. (I am eager to hear the new news.)
  • Pattern 2: [Subject] + مشتاقِ + [Noun/Infinitive] + [Verb]
    Example: ما مشتاقِ همکاری با شما هستیم. (We are eager to collaborate with you.)

When describing a person's character, you can use it as a standalone adjective. 'یک دانش‌آموزِ مشتاق' (An eager student). Here, it modifies the noun directly. It is important to note that مشتاق is rarely used for negative things. You wouldn't usually say you are 'eager' for a punishment or a disaster, unless using heavy irony.

// Pro Tip: The 'Shoq' Connection

If you want to sound more native, use the phrase 'با شوق و اشتیاق' (with passion and eagerness) to describe how someone performs an action. For example: 'او با شوق و اشتیاق درس می‌خواند' (He studies with passion and eagerness).

In the business world of Iran, مشتاق is the gold standard for cover letters. It strikes the perfect balance between professional distance and personal enthusiasm. Saying 'I am interested in this position' (به این موقعیت علاقمندم) is okay, but 'I am eager to contribute' (مشتاقِ خدمت و همکاری هستم) carries significantly more weight and suggests a proactive attitude.

You will encounter مشتاق in three primary environments: High Literature, Formal Diplomacy/Business, and Emotional Personal Encounters. Each context colors the word slightly differently.

1. The Airport Greeting

When Iranians meet family members after a long time, the phrase 'مشتاقِ دیدارت بودم' (I was longing to see you) is ubiquitous. It transcends the simple 'I missed you' (دلم برات تنگ شده بود) by adding a layer of active anticipation. It suggests that the speaker has been counting the days.

2. News and Media

On news broadcasts, you might hear: 'مردم مشتاقانه منتظر اعلام نتایج هستند' (People are eagerly waiting for the announcement of results). Here, the adverbial form مشتاقانه (moshtāqāne) is used to describe the collective mood of a nation or a group.

3. Academic and Artistic Circles

In a seminar, a professor might say, 'I am مشتاق to hear your critiques.' This signals an open-mindedness and a genuine desire for intellectual exchange. It creates a welcoming atmosphere for dialogue.

In Poetry

Used to describe the 'lover' (Aasheq) seeking the 'beloved' (Ma'shooq).

In Modern Tech

Used in UI/UX to describe 'Early Adopters' or enthusiastic users.

Despite its common usage, learners often stumble over the nuances of مشتاق. The most frequent error is the confusion between مشتاق (eager) and مشتری (customer). While they share a root in some Arabic contexts, in Persian, they are strictly distinct. Calling someone a 'moshtaq' when you mean 'customer' will lead to a very poetic but confusing transaction!

  • ❌

    Wrong Preposition: Using 'az' (from) instead of 'be' or Ezafe.
    Incorrect: من از دیدن شما مشتاقم.

  • ✅

    Correct: من مشتاقِ دیدنِ شما هستم.

  • ❌

    Overuse in Casual Settings: Using it for trivial things like 'I am eager to eat a sandwich.' It sounds overly dramatic.

  • ✅

    Better: Use 'doust dāram' (I'd like) or 'meyl dāram' (I have an inclination) for food.

Another mistake is failing to distinguish between مشتاق (the person) and اشتیاق (the feeling). You have اشتیاق (eshtiyāq), but you are مشتاق (moshtāq). Mixing these up is a hallmark of B1 learners.

To truly master مشتاق, one must understand its neighbors in the semantic field of 'desire'. Persian is rich with synonyms, each carrying a different weight.

علاقمند (Alāqemand)
Interested. This is the most neutral term. You can be interested in history without being 'moshtaq' (eagerly longing) for it.
راغب (Rāgheb)
Inclined or willing. This is often used in formal agreements. 'I am willing to sell' (راغب به فروش هستم).
تشنه (Teshne)
Literally 'thirsty'. Used metaphorically for intense longing. 'Thirsty for knowledge' (تشنه‌ی دانش).
آرزومند (Ārezūmand)
Desirous or hopeful. Focuses more on the wish (Arezu) than the active eagerness.

"While مشتاق is about the pull toward the object, شیفته (shifteh) is about being enamored or infatuated by it. Choose مشتاق for professional or respectful eagerness, and شیفته for romantic or obsessive admiration."

How Formal Is It?

Difficulty Rating

Grammar to Know

Ezafe construction with adjectives

Adverb formation with -āne

Arabic roots in Persian

Predicate adjective agreement

Prepositional phrases with 'be'

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Examples by Level

1

من مشتاق هستم.

I am eager.

Simple subject + adjective + verb.

2

او مشتاقِ دیدار است.

He/She is eager to meet.

Use of Ezafe (-e) after moshtaq.

3

ما مشتاقِ غذا هستیم.

We are eager for food.

Plural subject 'mā'.

4

آیا تو مشتاق هستی؟

Are you eager?

Interrogative sentence.

5

آن‌ها مشتاقِ بازی هستند.

They are eager to play.

Third person plural.

6

من مشتاقِ کتاب هستم.

I am eager for the book.

Noun as the object of eagerness.

7

استاد مشتاق است.

The professor is eager.

Formal subject.

8

گربه مشتاقِ شیر است.

The cat is eager for milk.

Animal subject.

1

من مشتاقِ یادگیری زبان فارسی هستم.

I am eager to learn the Persian language.

Infinitive 'yādgiri' used as a noun.

2

او مشتاقِ شنیدن داستان توست.

He is eager to hear your story.

Contraction of 'ast' to 'st'.

3

ما مشتاقِ سفر به ایران هستیم.

We are eager to travel to Iran.

Compound noun 'safar be Irān'.

4

آیا شما مشتاقِ دیدنِ فیلم هستید؟

Are you (plural/formal) eager to see the movie?

Formal 'shomā'.

5

بچه‌ها مشتاقِ برف بازی بودند.

The children were eager for snow play.

Past tense 'budand'.

6

او همیشه یک شاگردِ مشتاق بود.

He was always an eager student.

Adjective modifying a noun.

7

من مشتاقِ دریافتِ نامه‌ی شما هستم.

I am eager to receive your letter.

Formal 'daryāft' (receiving).

8

سگ مشتاقِ پیاده‌روی است.

The dog is eager for a walk.

Common daily scenario.

1

مدیر مشتاقانه منتظر گزارش شماست.

The manager is eagerly waiting for your report.

Adverbial form 'moshtāqāne'.

2

من مشتاقِ همکاری با تیم شما هستم.

I am eager to collaborate with your team.

Professional context.

3

او با نگاهی مشتاق به صحنه خیره شد.

He stared at the stage with an eager look.

Prepositional phrase 'bā negāhi moshtāq'.

4

ما مشتاقِ دانستنِ حقیقت هستیم.

We are eager to know the truth.

Abstract noun 'haqiqat'.

5

او مشتاقِ تجربه کردنِ چیزهای جدید است.

She is eager to experience new things.

Compound infinitive 'tajrobe kardan'.

6

همه مشتاقِ شنیدنِ سخنرانی او بودند.

Everyone was eager to hear his speech.

Subject 'hame' (everyone).

7

من مشتاقِ مطالعه‌ی این کتابِ جدید هستم.

I am eager to study this new book.

Specific object with demonstrative 'in'.

8

آن‌ها مشتاقِ تغییر در جامعه هستند.

They are eager for change in society.

Social context.

1

او چنان مشتاق بود که نتوانست تا صبح صبر کند.

He was so eager that he couldn't wait until morning.

Result clause with 'chonān... ke'.

2

هنرمند مشتاقِ بازخوردِ منتقدان بود.

The artist was eager for the critics' feedback.

Professional terminology 'bāzkhoord'.

3

ما مشتاقانه از این پیشنهاد استقبال می‌کنیم.

We eagerly welcome this proposal.

Adverb modifying the verb 'esteqbāl kardan'.

4

او با اشتیاقِ فراوان به سوالات پاسخ داد.

He answered the questions with great eagerness.

Noun form 'eshtiyāq' with adjective 'farāvān'.

5

دانشمندان مشتاقِ کشفِ سیاراتِ جدید هستند.

Scientists are eager to discover new planets.

Scientific context.

6

این نویسنده مشتاقِ برقراری ارتباط با خوانندگانش است.

This writer is eager to establish a connection with his readers.

Complex noun phrase.

7

او مشتاقِ اثباتِ توانایی‌های خود به دیگران بود.

He was eager to prove his abilities to others.

Reflexive 'khod'.

8

مردم مشتاقِ صلح و آرامش در منطقه هستند.

People are eager for peace and tranquility in the region.

Political/Social context.

1

او مشتاقِ وصالِ یار و رهایی از تنهایی بود.

He was longing for union with the beloved and freedom from loneliness.

Literary/Poetic vocabulary 'vesāl'.

2

پژوهشگران مشتاقِ واکاویِ زوایای پنهانِ این پرونده هستند.

Researchers are eager to analyze the hidden aspects of this case.

Academic term 'vākāvi' (analysis/probing).

3

او با جانی مشتاق به استقبالِ سختی‌ها رفت.

With an eager soul, he went to welcome the hardships.

Metaphorical use of 'jān' (soul/life).

4

جامعه‌ی علمی مشتاقِ دستیابی به فناوری‌های نوین است.

The scientific community is eager to achieve modern technologies.

Formal collective noun 'jāme'eye elmi'.

5

او مشتاقِ درکِ مفاهیمِ عمیقِ فلسفی بود.

He was eager to understand deep philosophical concepts.

Abstract intellectual context.

6

این اثر مشتاقانِ بسیاری را به خود جلب کرده است.

This work has attracted many eager fans/enthusiasts.

Plural noun 'moshtāqān' (enthusiasts).

7

او مشتاقِ شنیدنِ نجوای شبانه بود.

He was eager to hear the nightly whisper.

Poetic 'najvā' (whisper).

8

سیاستمداران مشتاقِ جلبِ رضایتِ افکارِ عمومی هستند.

Politicians are eager to gain the satisfaction of public opinion.

Political terminology 'afkār-e omumi'.

1

عارف در آرزوی حق، مشتاقِ فنا در معشوق گشت.

The mystic, in longing for the Truth, became eager for annihilation in the Beloved.

Classical Sufi terminology 'fanā'.

2

او مشتاقانه در پیِ کشفِ غایتِ قصوایِ هستی بود.

He was eagerly seeking the ultimate purpose of existence.

High-level philosophical terms 'ghāyat-e qosvā'.

3

این اشتیاقِ وافر، او را به وادیِ حیرت کشانده است.

This excessive eagerness has drawn him into the valley of amazement.

Literary allusion to the 'Valleys' of Attar.

4

او مشتاقِ گسستنِ زنجیرهایِ تعلقاتِ دنیوی بود.

He was eager to break the chains of worldly attachments.

Metaphorical/Spiritual context.

5

جامعه مشتاقِ بازتعریفِ هویتِ فرهنگیِ خویش است.

Society is eager to redefine its own cultural identity.

Sociological terminology 'bāztarif'.

6

او مشتاقِ استماعِ براهینِ قاطعِ منطقی بود.

He was eager to hear the decisive logical proofs.

Formal Arabic-rooted vocabulary 'estemā' and 'barāhin'.

7

هر مشتاقی را راهی به سویِ کمال نیست.

Not every eager seeker has a path toward perfection.

Gnomic/Aphoristic style.

8

او مشتاقِ تجلیِ حقیقت در آیینه‌ی دل بود.

He was eager for the manifestation of truth in the mirror of the heart.

Classical Persian metaphor 'āyine-ye del'.

Common Collocations

مشتاقِ دیدار
مشتاقِ شنیدن
مشتاقِ یادگیری
بسیار مشتاق
نگاهِ مشتاق
مشتاقِ همکاری
مشتاقِ دانستن
مشتاقِ سفر
مشتاقِ تغییر
مشتاقِ خدمت

Common Phrases

مشتاقِ دیدارت هستم
با شوق و مشتاقانه
مشتاقِ زیارتِ شما
خیلی مشتاقم بدانم
مشتاقِ شنیدنِ نظرات
چشمِ مشتاق
دلِ مشتاق
مشتاقِ وصال
مشتاقِ حضورِ شما
مشتاقانه منتظرم

Often Confused With

مشتاق vs مشتری

مشتاق vs مشتق

مشتاق vs مشکوک

Idioms & Expressions

"مشتاقِ یک نگاه بودن (To long for even a single glance)"
"گوشِ مشتاق داشتن (To have an eager ear for something)"
"با هزار اشتیاق (With a thousand enthusiasms/eagerly)"
"مشتاقِ دیدارِ رویِ کسی بودن (To long to see someone's face)"
"از شوق در پوست نگنجیدن (To be bursting with joy/eagerness)"
"دل را به اشتیاق سپردن (To give one's heart to longing)"
"مشتاقِ پرواز بودن (To be eager for freedom/higher goals)"
"تشنه و مشتاق (Thirsty and eager)"
"مشتاقِ جمالِ کسی بودن (To long for someone's beauty/presence)"
"پایِ مشتاق (Eager feet/ready to go)"

Easily Confused

مشتاق vs

مشتاق vs

مشتاق vs

مشتاق vs

مشتاق vs

Sentence Patterns

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How to Use It

nuance

More intense than 'alāqemand'.

restriction

Avoid using for negative or trivial physical needs (like being 'eager' for a bathroom).

Common Mistakes
  • Confusing 'moshtaq' with 'moshtari' (customer).
  • Forgetting the Ezafe in 'moshtaq-e didār'.
  • Using 'az' instead of 'be' or Ezafe.
  • Using it for negative expectations.
  • Pronouncing the 'q' as a soft 'k'.

Tips

Ezafe Usage

Always use the Ezafe (-e) when 'moshtaq' is followed directly by the object of eagerness.

Politeness

Use 'moshtaq-e didār' when meeting someone to show high respect and warmth.

Cover Letters

Replace 'I want this job' with 'I am moshtaq to contribute to your company'.

Word Family

Learn 'shouq' and 'eshtiyaq' together with 'moshtaq' to build a thematic cluster.

The 'Q' Sound

Practice the uvular 'q' sound to avoid sounding like you're saying 'moshtak'.

Poetic Context

When reading Hafez, look for 'moshtaq' to understand the theme of spiritual longing.

Intensity

Use 'moshtaq' for big things (travel, meeting, learning) rather than small things (buying bread).

Using Adverbs

Use 'moshtāqāne' to describe how someone is waiting or working.

Variety

Switch between 'moshtaq' and 'rāgheb' in formal writing to avoid repetition.

Visualizing

Visualize a person leaning forward with wide eyes to remember 'moshtaq'.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Mush' (soft/heart) + 'Talk'. Your heart wants to talk to someone you are eager to see.

Word Origin

Arabic

Cultural Context

Central theme in the works of Saadi and Hafez.

Often used in formal greetings to show respect.

Common in LinkedIn-style professional Persian.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Conversation Starters

"آیا مشتاقِ یادگیریِ مهارتِ جدیدی هستی؟"

"بیشتر مشتاقِ دیدنِ کدام شهرِ ایران هستی؟"

"آیا مشتاقِ شنیدنِ موسیقیِ سنتی هستی؟"

"برایِ تعطیلاتِ بعدی چقدر مشتاقی؟"

"مشتاقِ ملاقات با چه کسی هستی؟"

Journal Prompts

امروز مشتاقِ انجامِ چه کاری هستی؟

در زندگیِ خود مشتاقِ چه تغییراتی هستی؟

آخرین باری که برای چیزی خیلی مشتاق بودی کی بود؟

آیا خود را فردی مشتاق می‌دانی؟ چرا؟

مشتاقِ یادگیریِ چه چیزی در زبانِ فارسی هستی؟

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, it is generally more formal than 'doust dāram', but it is very common in polite daily speech.

It's better to use 'meyl dāram' or 'doust dāram' for food. 'Moshtaq' is for experiences or people.

'Moshtaq' is the adjective (eager), while 'eshtiyaq' is the noun (eagerness/longing).

Use the adverb 'moshtāqāne'.

Yes, it is one of the most important words in classical Persian love poetry.

Absolutely. It is highly recommended for showing professional enthusiasm.

Yes, 'moshtāqān', which means 'the enthusiasts' or 'the eager ones'.

It comes from the Arabic root 'sh-w-q' meaning longing.

Yes, that means 'I am eager' in a slightly informal/contracted way.

Yes, it is understood and used across all Persian dialects.

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