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B2 verb 10 min read

مطالبه کردن

motalebeh kardan
Practice it Examples Notes & Tips مطالبه کردن in 30 Seconds
Explanation مطالبه کردن in your Level:
At the A1 level, you don't really need to use 'مطالبه کردن' yet. It's too complex. Instead, you use the simple verb 'خواستن' (Khāstan), which means 'to want.' If you want something, you just say 'من ... می‌خواهم' (Man ... mikhāham). For example, 'من آب می‌خواهم' (I want water). 'مطالبه کردن' is like the 'super-strong' version of wanting that adults use in offices or when they are angry about money. Think of it as 'I want it because it's mine!' For now, just remember that if you see this word, it's a very serious way of saying 'want.'
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At the A2 level, you are starting to learn about compound verbs (verbs with two parts). 'مطالبه کردن' is a compound verb. You might see it in simple news stories or hear it in a movie when someone is talking about money. It's more formal than 'خواستن.' If you are at a bank, you might hear someone say they want their money. In A2, you should recognize that 'مطالبه' is the 'thing' and 'کردن' is the 'doing.' You can start to use it if you want to sound very polite and serious when asking for something you own, like a borrowed book from a friend, but 'خواستن' is still usually better for your level.
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At the B1 level, you should understand that 'مطالبه کردن' is used for 'demanding' or 'claiming.' You are now moving into more formal Persian. You should be able to use this verb in a simple formal letter. For example, if you are writing to a landlord about a security deposit, you would use this verb. You should also know that it often goes with the word 'حق' (haqq), meaning 'right.' You are now expected to know the difference between 'درخواست کردن' (to request) and 'مطالبه کردن' (to demand). One is a nice ask, and the other is a firm demand because you have a right to it.
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At the B2 level, which is the level for this word, you must be able to use 'مطالبه کردن' fluently in professional and social contexts. You understand the nuance: it's not just a demand, it's a claim based on a right. You should be comfortable using it in the present, past, and future tenses, and in the passive voice ('مطالبه شده است'). You can use it to discuss social issues, like workers' rights or government accountability. You also understand the related noun 'مطالبه‌گری' (the act of demanding rights) and can use it to talk about civil society. This word is a key part of your vocabulary for 'advocacy' and 'formal business.'
At the C1 level, you use 'مطالبه کردن' with precision in complex legal, political, and philosophical discussions. You understand the historical and Arabic roots of the word and how it differs from 'استیفا' (estifā - to fully claim/recover) or 'اعاده' (e'āde - to restore). You can use it in academic writing to describe historical movements where people 'demanded' change. You are also aware of the rhetorical power of the word—using it can make a speaker sound more authoritative. You can handle complex sentence structures where 'مطالبه کردن' is part of a larger, multi-clause argument about justice or economics.
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At the C2 level, 'مطالبه کردن' is just one of many tools in your linguistic arsenal. You can use it ironically, metaphorically, or in highly specialized legal drafting. You understand the subtle difference between 'مطالبه' and 'طلب' in classical versus modern Persian. You can critique a text based on its use of such 'power verbs.' You might use it in a speech to evoke a sense of national duty or a call to action. You are also familiar with the most obscure collocations and can switch between 'مطالبه کردن' and its even more formal variant 'مطالبه نمودن' depending on the exact level of protocol required in a high-level diplomatic or judicial setting.
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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

مطالبه کردن in 30 Seconds

  • To demand something based on a right or debt.
  • A formal compound verb: Motālebe + Kardan.
  • Common in legal, financial, and political contexts.
  • Stronger and more assertive than the simple verb 'to want'.

The Persian compound verb مطالبه کردن (Motālebe kardan) represents a significant step up from the basic verb 'خواستن' (to want). While 'خواستن' can be used for anything from wanting a glass of water to wanting a better life, motālebe kardan carries a heavy weight of entitlement, formality, and assertiveness. It is most accurately translated as 'to demand,' 'to claim,' or 'to call for' something that the speaker believes is rightfully theirs. In a sociopolitical context, it is the hallmark of activism; in a legal context, it is the formal act of seeking a debt or a right. When you use this word, you are not simply asking for a favor; you are asserting a prerogative. It is the language of the courtroom, the protest line, and the executive boardroom. If a worker hasn't been paid, they don't just 'ask' for their salary; they مطالبه می‌کنند. This verb transforms the speaker from a passive seeker into an active claimant.

Core Nuance
Unlike 'darkhāst kardan' (to request), which implies a level of politeness and the possibility of a 'no,' 'motālebe kardan' assumes that the refusal would be an injustice. It is often paired with the word 'حق' (haqq - right).
Social Application
In modern Iranian discourse, 'motālebegari' (the act of demanding rights) has become a central theme in civil society, referring to the public's expectation for transparency and accountability from institutions.

'ما حقوق معوقه خود را با جدیت مطالبه می‌کنیم.'

— Translation: 'We are seriously demanding our overdue wages.'

The word's roots lie in the Arabic 'ṭalaba' (to seek), but in Persian, the 'motālebe' form specifically denotes the 'seeking of what is owed.' It is rarely used in casual family settings unless one is being intentionally dramatic or formal. For instance, you wouldn't 'motālebe' a piece of fruit from your mother, but you would 'motālebe' an explanation from a company that overcharged you. This distinction is crucial for B2 learners who are moving from basic communication to nuanced social interaction. It allows you to express indignation, professional firmness, and civic responsibility.

'مردم خواستار مطالبه شفافیت مالی از مسئولین هستند.'

— Translation: 'The people want to demand financial transparency from the officials.'

In summary, use this verb when the scales of justice or fairness are tipped. It is a powerful tool for self-advocacy and professional communication in the Persian-speaking world. Whether you are dealing with a landlord, a government office, or a business partner who has failed to meet their obligations, this is the verb that signals you know your rights and you expect them to be honored.

Using مطالبه کردن correctly requires an understanding of Persian sentence structure, specifically the use of the direct object marker 'را' (rā). Because this verb involves demanding a specific thing (money, a right, an answer), the thing being demanded is almost always a definite object. Therefore, the structure is typically: [Subject] + [Thing Demanded] + را + مطالبه کردن.

Tense Variations
In the present tense, it becomes 'مطالبه می‌کنم' (I demand). In the past, 'مطالبه کردم' (I demanded). For future intentions, 'مطالبه خواهم کرد' (I will demand). The stress always falls on the 'be' of 'motālebe' and the prefix 'mi-' in the present tense.
Prepositional Usage
When you demand something from someone, you use the preposition 'از' (az). For example: 'من حقم را از شما مطالبه می‌کنم' (I demand my right from you).

'او تمام خسارت‌های وارد شده به خودرویش را مطالبه کرد.'

— Translation: 'He demanded all the damages caused to his car.'

For B2 learners, it is important to note the passive construction. In legal or news contexts, you will often hear 'مطالبه شده است' (has been demanded). For example, 'این مبالغ هنوز مطالبه نشده‌اند' (These amounts have not been demanded yet). This shift to the passive voice is common when the focus is on the object rather than the person making the demand. Furthermore, the verb can be used in the subjunctive mood to express necessity or desire: 'شما باید حق خود را مطالبه کنید' (You must demand your right).

'وکیل پرونده، مدارک جدیدی را از دادگاه مطالبه کرد.'

— Translation: 'The case lawyer demanded new documents from the court.'

Advanced learners should also practice using the gerund form 'مطالبه‌گری'. This isn't just a verb but a social concept. You might say, 'روحیه مطالبه‌گری در جامعه افزایش یافته است' (The spirit of demanding [rights/accountability] has increased in society). This demonstrates a deep grasp of how the word functions as a cornerstone of modern Persian civic vocabulary. When practicing, try to construct sentences that involve debt (طلب), rights (حق), or explanations (توضیح), as these are the most natural partners for this verb.

In the daily life of an English speaker in Iran or a student of Persian, you will encounter مطالبه کردن in several specific high-stakes environments. It is not a 'street' word in the sense of slang, but it is a 'public' word that dominates media and official interactions. You will hear it on the evening news (Akhbar), read it in judicial reports, and see it in formal business correspondence. If you are watching a Persian drama or movie involving a legal dispute or a family inheritance, this word will undoubtedly appear during the climactic scenes of confrontation.

The Courtroom and Law
Lawyers are the primary users of this verb. They 'motālebe' damages, 'motālebe' the execution of a contract, and 'motālebe' the presence of witnesses. In legal documents, 'طلبکار' (the creditor) is the one who 'مطالبه می‌کند' (demands) the debt from the 'بدهکار' (the debtor).
The News and Politics
Headlines often feature this word when discussing international relations. For example, 'ایران لغو تحریم‌ها را مطالبه کرد' (Iran demanded the lifting of sanctions). It frames the request as a non-negotiable right rather than a plea.

'دانشجویان خواستار تغییر در قوانین دانشگاه شدند و این تغییرات را به طور رسمی مطالبه کردند.'

— Translation: 'The students wanted changes in university rules and formally demanded these changes.'

Another place you will hear this word is in banking and finance. If a bank is calling in a loan, they are performing a 'motālebe'. In your personal life, if you have lent money to a friend and the time has come to get it back, you might say, 'باید پولم را از او مطالبه کنم.' However, be careful—using this word with a friend makes the situation feel very formal and perhaps indicates that the friendship is strained because you are treating the loan as a formal debt.

'بانک مرکزی از تمام بانک‌ها خواست تا معوقات مالیاتی خود را مطالبه کنند.'

— Translation: 'The Central Bank asked all banks to demand their tax arrears.'

Finally, in the context of 'Mahrieh' (the dowry in Islamic marriage), the phrase 'مطالبه مهریه' is a very common legal term. It refers to the bride's right to demand her dowry at any time during or after the marriage. Because this is a legal right, the verb motālebe kardan is the only appropriate term to use in this sensitive and formal situation.

The most frequent mistake learners make with مطالبه کردن is using it for simple, polite requests. This is not a synonym for 'asking nicely.' If you use this word to ask for a menu at a restaurant, the waiter will be very confused or think you are being incredibly aggressive. It is a 'high-register' verb. Another common error involves the prepositional structure and the confusion between this verb and its simpler counterparts.

Mistaking it for 'خواستن'
Learners often say 'من مطالبه می‌کنم که بیایی' (I demand that you come). While grammatically possible in some contexts, it's very awkward. 'Motālebe' is better suited for nouns (money, rights) than for requesting actions from people in casual conversation.
Incorrect Object Markers
Because 'motālebe' itself is a noun meaning 'demand,' some learners forget the 'kardan' or use the wrong light verb. Always pair it with 'kardan' for the active sense of demanding.

❌ 'من از تو مطالبه می‌کنم که به من زنگ بزنی.'

— Why it's wrong: Too formal and stiff for a simple phone call request. Use 'می‌خواهم' instead.

Another mistake is confusing 'مطالبه کردن' with 'طلب کردن' (Talab kardan). While they are very similar, 'Talab kardan' is slightly more traditional and can also mean 'to summon' in a mystical or poetic sense (like God summoning a soul). 'Motālebe kardan' is the modern, bureaucratic, and legal standard. Using the wrong one in a legal letter might make the letter sound like a 19th-century poem rather than a modern legal claim.

✅ 'مشتری استرداد وجه خود را مطالبه کرد.'

— Correct: The customer demanded a refund (formal and appropriate).

Finally, be careful with the word order. In Persian, the compound verb can sometimes be split by adverbs, but for 'motālebe kardan,' keeping the two parts close together is usually best for clarity. Avoid putting long phrases between 'motālebe' and 'kardan' unless you are a very advanced speaker. For example, 'او حقش را به سختی مطالبه کرد' (He demanded his right with difficulty) is better than trying to bury the 'kardan' at the very end of a massive sentence.

To truly master مطالبه کردن, you must see where it sits in the hierarchy of Persian 'asking' verbs. Persian is a language of extreme politeness (Ta'arof) and precise hierarchy, so choosing the wrong level of 'demand' can change the entire meaning of an interaction. Below are the primary alternatives and how they differ from our target word.

درخواست کردن (Darkhāst kardan)
This is 'to request.' It is polite and neutral. Use this in an office when asking for a day off. It lacks the 'rightful entitlement' feel of motālebe.
تقاضا کردن (Taghāzā kardan)
Often used for 'to apply' or 'to plead.' It can sound a bit more urgent or humble than a simple request, but it still doesn't have the legal force of motālebe.
طلب کردن (Talab kardan)
Very close to motālebe. However, 'Talab' is often used specifically for financial debts (I have a 'talab' from him). Motālebe is broader and more formal.

'تفاوت بین درخواست و مطالبه در میزان قطعیت و حقانیت است.'

— Translation: 'The difference between a request and a demand lies in the level of certainty and rightfulness.'

For even more forceful situations, you might encounter 'اصرار ورزیدن' (Esrār varzidan), which means 'to insist.' This is about the persistence of the asker rather than the legal right to the object. If you are insisting that someone stays for dinner, you are 'esrār'ing. If you are demanding they pay the dinner bill they promised to cover, you are 'motālebe'ing. Another powerful alternative is 'فراخوان دادن' (Farākhvān dādan), which is 'to issue a call/summons,' often used by groups or organizations.

'او با اصرار زیاد، توضیح خواست، اما وکیلش ترجیح داد رسماً مطالبه کند.'

— Translation: 'With much insistence, he asked for an explanation, but his lawyer preferred to demand it formally.'

In summary, choose motālebe kardan when you want to sound professional, legally grounded, and firm. Use 'darkhāst' for everyday needs, 'taghāzā' for formal applications, and 'talab' for specifically financial or spiritual debts. This hierarchy will help you navigate Persian social structures with the grace of a native speaker.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The root 'ṭ-l-b' is also the source of the word 'Tāleb' (as in Taliban, meaning 'students' or 'seekers') and 'Matlab' (meaning 'subject' or 'what is sought').

Pronunciation Guide

UK /mo.tɒː.le.be kær.dæn/
US /moʊ.tɑː.lə.beɪ kɑːr.dæn/
On the 'le' in 'motālebe' and the 'kær' in 'kærdæn' (or 'mi' in 'mi-konam').
Rhymes With
مناسبه (monāsebe) محاسبه (mohāsebe) مراقبه (morāghebe) مکاتبه (mokātebe) مصاحبه (mosāhebe) جالبه (jālebe) غالبه (ghālebe) لبه (labe)
Common Errors
  • Pronouncing it as 'motāleb' (dropping the final e).
  • Putting the stress on the first syllable 'mo'.
  • Confusing the 't' (ط) sound with a soft English 't'; it's more dental.
  • Mumbling the 'kardan' part.
  • Forgetting the 'mi-' prefix in the present tense.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 4/5

Common in news and formal texts, but requires understanding of compound verbs.

Writing 5/5

Hard to use naturally without sounding overly aggressive or too formal.

Speaking 5/5

Requires correct stress and context to avoid social awkwardness.

Listening 4/5

Easily recognized once the root 'ṭalaba' is known.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

خواستن حق پول کردن دادن

Learn Next

استیفا کردن دادخواست قانونی مسئولیت پاسخگویی

Advanced

اعاده حیثیت تهاتر ذینفع اقامه دعوا التزام

Grammar to Know

Compound Verb Conjugation

مطالبه می‌کنم، مطالبه کردی، مطالبه خواهد کرد.

Direct Object Marker 'rā'

حقش را مطالبه کرد.

Preposition 'az'

از دولت مطالبه کردند.

Subjunctive Mood

باید مطالبه کنم (I must demand).

Passive Voice

مطالبه شده است (It has been demanded).

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Examples by Level

1

من پولم را می‌خواهم.

I want my money.

Using basic 'khāstan' (to want).

2

او کتابش را می‌خواهد.

He wants his book.

Simple present tense.

3

ما حقمان را می‌خواهیم.

We want our right.

Plural subject.

4

آیا شما کمک می‌خواهید؟

Do you want help?

Question form.

5

آن‌ها غذا می‌خواهند.

They want food.

Basic noun object.

6

من از تو توضیح می‌خواهم.

I want an explanation from you.

Using 'az' (from).

7

او جواب می‌خواهد.

He wants an answer.

Direct object.

8

بچه‌ها بازی می‌خواهند.

The children want a game.

Simple subject-object-verb.

1

او پولش را مطالبه کرد.

He demanded his money.

Simple past of a compound verb.

2

ما باید حق خود را مطالبه کنیم.

We must demand our right.

Using 'bāyad' (must) with subjunctive.

3

آیا او کتاب را مطالبه کرد؟

Did he demand the book?

Question in the past tense.

4

آن‌ها دستمزدشان را مطالبه می‌کنند.

They are demanding their wages.

Present continuous sense.

5

من حقم را مطالبه خواهم کرد.

I will demand my right.

Future tense.

6

او از من توضیح مطالبه کرد.

He demanded an explanation from me.

Formal use of 'az'.

7

بانک وام را مطالبه می‌کند.

The bank demands the loan.

Institutional subject.

8

آن‌ها خسارت را مطالبه کردند.

They demanded damages.

Legal/insurance context.

1

وکیل پرونده، دیه را مطالبه کرده است.

The case lawyer has demanded the blood money (compensation).

Present perfect tense.

2

مردم تغییرات اساسی را مطالبه می‌کنند.

The people are demanding fundamental changes.

Abstract object (changes).

3

او با جدیت تمام، بدهی خود را مطالبه کرد.

With total seriousness, he demanded his debt.

Using an adverbial phrase 'bā jeddiat-e tamām'.

4

آیا می‌توانیم این مبلغ را مطالبه کنیم؟

Can we demand this amount?

Using 'tavānestan' (can).

5

او حق قانونی خود را مطالبه می‌کند.

He is demanding his legal right.

Adjective 'ghānuni' modifying 'haqq'.

6

شرکت از ما مدارک بیشتری مطالبه کرد.

The company demanded more documents from us.

Plural object.

7

او از رئیسش پاداش مطالبه کرد.

He demanded a bonus from his boss.

Workplace context.

8

ما باید شفافیت را مطالبه کنیم.

We must demand transparency.

Civic vocabulary.

1

کارگران برای مطالبه حقوق خود تجمع کردند.

The workers gathered to demand their rights.

Using the noun 'motālebe' in a purpose clause.

2

دولت باید پاسخگویی را از نهادها مطالبه کند.

The government must demand accountability from the institutions.

Formal political context.

3

او خسارت‌های ناشی از تأخیر را مطالبه کرد.

He demanded damages resulting from the delay.

Complex noun phrase object.

4

این حق هنوز توسط ذینفعان مطالبه نشده است.

This right has not yet been demanded by the beneficiaries.

Passive voice 'motālebe nashode ast'.

5

او با تکیه بر قانون، استرداد وجه را مطالبه کرد.

Relying on the law, he demanded a refund.

Using a participial phrase 'bā takye bar ghānun'.

6

ما باید از کاندیداها برنامه‌هایشان را مطالبه کنیم.

We must demand their programs from the candidates.

Civic engagement context.

7

او بابت توهین‌های صورت گرفته، عذرخواهی مطالبه کرد.

He demanded an apology for the insults made.

Demanding an intangible (apology).

8

بانک حق دارد تمام مطالبات خود را مطالبه کند.

The bank has the right to demand all its claims (debts).

Using the noun 'motālebāt' with the verb.

1

روشنفکران همواره آزادی بیان را مطالبه کرده‌اند.

Intellectuals have always demanded freedom of expression.

Historical present perfect.

2

او به عنوان یک شهروند، حق دسترسی به اطلاعات را مطالبه کرد.

As a citizen, he demanded the right to access information.

Complex subject role.

3

دادگاه از متهم خواست تا دلایل خود را مطالبه کند.

The court asked the defendant to demand (present) his reasons.

Legal formal instruction.

4

این جنبش به دنبال مطالبه عدالت اجتماعی است.

This movement seeks to demand social justice.

Noun form in a 'seek' construction.

5

او با لحنی قاطع، اجرای عدالت را مطالبه کرد.

With a decisive tone, he demanded the execution of justice.

Describing the 'tone' of the demand.

6

سازمان‌های حقوق بشری توقف خشونت را مطالبه کردند.

Human rights organizations demanded the cessation of violence.

International organization subject.

7

او میراث پدری‌اش را از عمویش مطالبه کرد.

He demanded his paternal inheritance from his uncle.

Specific legal/family context.

8

ما باید از تاریخ، پاسخ‌های قانع‌کننده مطالبه کنیم.

We must demand convincing answers from history.

Metaphorical use.

1

فلسفه مدرن، بازنگری در مفاهیم سنتی را مطالبه می‌کند.

Modern philosophy demands a revision of traditional concepts.

Abstract philosophical subject.

2

او در لایحه خود، خسارت تأخیر تأدیه را مطالبه کرده است.

In his bill, he has demanded damages for delayed payment.

Highly specialized legal terminology.

3

این وضعیت، واکنشی سریع و قاطع را از سوی دولت مطالبه می‌کند.

This situation demands a swift and decisive reaction from the government.

Situational subject (inanimate).

4

او با ظرافتی خاص، حقوق معنوی خود را مطالبه کرد.

With a specific subtlety, he demanded his intellectual property rights.

Describing 'subtlety' in a demand.

5

تاریخ‌نگاران مطالبه‌گری را ویژگی بارز این دوره می‌دانند.

Historians consider 'demandingness' (civic activism) a prominent feature of this period.

Using the gerund 'motālebegari'.

6

او فراتر از قانون، اخلاق را از رقیبش مطالبه کرد.

Beyond the law, he demanded morality from his rival.

Abstract moral demand.

7

این اثر هنری، توجه عمیق مخاطب را مطالبه می‌کند.

This artwork demands the deep attention of the audience.

Artistic personification.

8

او در قامت یک منتقد، اصلاحات ساختاری را مطالبه نمود.

In the capacity of a critic, he demanded structural reforms.

Using the ultra-formal 'namudan'.

Common Collocations

مطالبه حق
مطالبه وجه
مطالبه خسارت
مطالبه مهریه
مطالبه شفافیت
مطالبه پاسخ
مطالبه اسناد
مطالبه معوقات
مطالبه غرامت
مطالبه بدهی

Common Phrases

حق مطالبه

— The right to demand/claim.

شما حق مطالبه این مبلغ را دارید.

مطالبه کردن از کسی

— To demand something from someone.

او از من توضیح مطالبه کرد.

به طور رسمی مطالبه کردن

— To demand formally.

ما به طور رسمی این تغییر را مطالبه کردیم.

مطالبه‌گری اجتماعی

— Social activism/demanding rights.

مطالبه‌گری اجتماعی در حال رشد است.

در مقام مطالبه

— In the position of demanding.

او در مقام مطالبه برآمد.

مطالبه به حق

— A rightful demand.

این یک مطالبه به حق است.

مطالبه ناحق

— An unfair/wrongful demand.

او مطالبه ناحق دارد.

فهرست مطالبات

— List of demands.

آن‌ها فهرست مطالبات خود را ارائه دادند.

مطالبه فوری

— Immediate demand.

او مطالبه فوری وجه کرد.

عدم مطالبه

— Failure to demand/claim.

عدم مطالبه به معنای بخشش نیست.

Often Confused With

مطالبه کردن vs خواستن

Too simple/general; lacks the 'rightful claim' nuance.

مطالبه کردن vs پرسیدن

Means 'to ask a question,' not 'to demand an object.'

مطالبه کردن vs تمنا کردن

Means 'to beg or plead,' which is the opposite of a firm demand.

Idioms & Expressions

"حقت را از دهان شیر مطالبه کن"

— Demand your right even if it's in the lion's mouth (be very brave).

نترس و حقت را از دهان شیر مطالبه کن.

Proverbial
"مطالبه خون"

— To demand blood (vengeance).

او مطالبه خون برادرش را کرد.

Poetic/Traditional
"دست بر گلو برای مطالبه"

— Metaphor for putting someone under pressure to pay/give.

او برای مطالبه پول، دست بر گلویم گذاشته.

Slangy/Metaphorical
"مطالبه دوستی"

— To expect/demand the duties of friendship.

او از من مطالبه دوستی دارد.

Literary
"مطالبه جان"

— To demand a life (used for fate or a very hard task).

این کار مطالبه جان می‌کند.

Literary
"مطالبه بی‌جا"

— An out-of-place or unreasonable demand.

این یک مطالبه بی‌جا است.

Formal
"مطالبه تمام و کمال"

— To demand every single bit.

او حقش را تمام و کمال مطالبه کرد.

Neutral
"مطالبه با چاشنی تهدید"

— A demand with a hint of threat.

او با چاشنی تهدید، پولش را مطالبه کرد.

Journalistic
"مطالبه از سر سیری"

— To demand something you don't really need (out of greed).

او از سر سیری مطالبه می‌کند.

Informal
"مطالبه به زبان خوش"

— To demand something using nice words.

سعی کن به زبان خوش مطالبه کنی.

Neutral

Easily Confused

مطالبه کردن vs طلب کردن

Similar meaning.

Talab is more traditional/personal; Motālebe is more bureaucratic/official.

طلبکار پولش را طلب کرد.

مطالبه کردن vs درخواست کردن

Both involve 'asking'.

Darkhāst is a polite request (may be denied); Motālebe is a demand (should not be denied).

او درخواست مرخصی کرد.

مطالبه کردن vs ادعا کردن

Both involve rights.

Edde'ā is 'to claim' (assertion of truth); Motālebe is 'to demand' (action of seeking).

او ادعا کرد که مالک است.

مطالبه کردن vs استیفا کردن

Legal context.

Estifā is the 'result' (getting the full right back); Motālebe is the 'process' (demanding it).

او حقوق خود را استیفا کرد.

مطالبه کردن vs فراخواندن

Both are formal.

Farākhvandan is 'to summon/call people'; Motālebe is 'to demand things/rights'.

او شاهد را فراخواند.

Sentence Patterns

A2

[Subject] [Noun] rā motālebe kard.

او پول را مطالبه کرد.

B1

[Subject] bāyad [Noun] rā motālebe konad.

او باید حقش را مطالبه کند.

B1

[Subject] az [Person] [Noun] rā motālebe kard.

من از او کتابم را مطالبه کردم.

B2

[Noun]-e nashi az [Cause] rā motālebe kardan.

خسارت ناشی از تصادف را مطالبه کرد.

B2

[Noun] tavasot-e [Agent] motālebe shod.

حقوق توسط کارگران مطالبه شد.

C1

[Subject] dar maghām-e [Role], [Noun] rā motālebe kard.

او در مقام وکیل، اسناد را مطالبه کرد.

C1

Ba'd az [Event], [Subject] be motālebe-ye [Noun] pardākht.

بعد از جنگ، آن‌ها به مطالبه غرامت پرداختند.

C2

[Abstract Noun], [Action] rā motālebe mikonad.

این شرایط، صبر زیادی را مطالبه می‌کند.

Word Family

Nouns

مطالبه (demand)
مطالبات (demands/arrears)
مطالبه‌گر (demander/activist)
مطالبه‌گری (the act of demanding)

Verbs

مطالبه کردن (to demand)
طلبیدن (to seek/summon)
طلب کردن (to claim)

Adjectives

مطالبه‌گرایانه (demand-oriented)
مطالبه‌شدنی (demandable)

Related

حق (right)
طلب (debt/claim)
بدهی (debt)
خسارت (damages)
پاسخگویی (accountability)
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How to Use It

frequency

High in news, legal, and business; Low in casual family talk.

Common Mistakes
  • من مطالبه می‌کنم که تو بروی. → من از تو می‌خواهم که بروی.

    Don't use it for simple requests for actions; it's too heavy.

  • او به من پول را مطالبه کرد. → او از من پول را مطالبه کرد.

    Use the preposition 'az' (from), not 'be' (to).

  • مطالب کردن → مطالبه کردن

    Don't forget the final 'e' (h) in 'motālebe'.

  • او حقش مطالبه کرد. → او حقش را مطالبه کرد.

    Missing the direct object marker 'rā'.

  • Using it for 'asking a question'. → پرسیدن / سوال کردن

    Motālebe is for demanding things/rights, not information for curiosity.

Tips

Know your Rights

Using this word shows you are aware of your legal standing. Use it when dealing with bureaucracy.

The 'rā' Rule

Always include 'rā' after the thing you are demanding, as it is almost always a specific, definite item.

Pair with 'Haqq'

The most common pairing is 'Haqq-e khod rā motālebe kardan' (To demand one's right).

Keep it Professional

Reserve this word for situations that require a high level of formality and firmness.

News Keywords

When you hear 'motālebe' on the news, the story is usually about protests, strikes, or legal battles.

Pronunciation

Don't rush the word. Each syllable in mo-tā-le-be should be clear.

Legal Letters

If writing a formal complaint, this is the 'power verb' you need to be taken seriously.

The Seek-Demand Link

Connect it to 'Talab' (seeking). If you seek something as a right, you 'motālebe' it.

Avoid for Actions

Demand a 'noun' (money, right), not a 'verb clause' (that you go).

Ta'arof Context

This verb is the 'anti-Ta'arof'. It breaks the polite ambiguity and gets straight to the point.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'MOTA' (like a motor) and 'LEBE' (like levels). You need a strong 'motor' to 'demand' your way up the 'levels' of justice.

Visual Association

Imagine a person standing in front of a bank vault with a legal document in hand, pointing at the lock. This is the essence of 'motālebe kardan'.

Word Web

Haqq (Right) Pool (Money) Ghānun (Law) Kārgar (Worker) Pāsokh (Answer) Vakil (Lawyer) Bank (Bank) Dādgāh (Court)

Challenge

Try to write a 3-sentence formal complaint to a fictional company demanding a refund for a broken phone using 'motālebe kardan'.

Word Origin

From the Arabic root 'ṭ-l-b' (ط ل ب), which relates to seeking, asking, or searching. The form 'mutālabah' is the verbal noun of the third form (mufā'alah).

Original meaning: The original Arabic meaning involves 'mutual seeking' or 'repeatedly asking for something.'

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

Cultural Context

Be careful when using this with elders or in highly 'Ta'arof' situations, as it can sound confrontational. Use 'darkhāst kardan' if you want to maintain a soft relationship.

In English, 'demand' can sometimes sound rude. In Persian, 'motālebe kardan' is formal and firm, but not necessarily 'rude' in a legal or professional context—it's just assertive.

Used frequently in speeches by Iranian activists. Common in the 'Constitution of the Islamic Republic' regarding the rights of the people. A key term in 'Nahj al-Balagha' translations regarding justice.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Legal Dispute

  • مطالبه خسارت
  • مطالبه دیه
  • ارائه مطالبه‌نامه
  • حق مطالبه قانونی

Banking/Finance

  • مطالبه وجه چک
  • مطالبه معوقات بانکی
  • مطالبه سود سهام
  • مطالبه بازپرداخت

Social Activism

  • مطالبه عدالت
  • مطالبه شفافیت
  • روحیه مطالبه‌گری
  • مطالبه حقوق شهروندی

Workplace

  • مطالبه پاداش
  • مطالبه حق بیمه
  • مطالبه مرخصی
  • مطالبه توضیح از مدیر

Personal Loans

  • مطالبه طلب
  • مطالبه قرض
  • زمان مطالبه
  • اصرار بر مطالبه

Conversation Starters

"آیا تا به حال مجبور شده‌اید حق خود را از کسی مطالبه کنید؟"

"به نظر شما بهترین راه برای مطالبه شفافیت از مسئولین چیست؟"

"چرا برخی افراد از مطالبه حقوق خود می‌ترسند؟"

"در فرهنگ شما، مطالبه پول از یک دوست چگونه انجام می‌شود؟"

"آیا مطالبه‌گری در جامعه شما یک ارزش محسوب می‌شود؟"

Journal Prompts

در مورد زمانی بنویسید که چیزی را که متعلق به شما بود مطالبه کردید و چه حسی داشتید.

آیا فکر می‌کنید مطالبه کردن همیشه بهتر از سکوت کردن است؟ چرا؟

نقش رسانه‌ها را در مطالبه حقوق مردم توصیف کنید.

اگر می‌توانستید یک تغییر بزرگ را از دنیا مطالبه کنید، آن تغییر چه بود؟

تفاوت بین درخواست مودبانه و مطالبه کردن را در زندگی روزمره خود بررسی کنید.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

In a professional or legal setting, no. It is assertive and clear. In a casual setting with friends, yes, it can sound very harsh and cold.

No. Use 'لطفاً منو را بیاورید' or 'می‌توانم منو را ببینم؟'. Using 'مطالبه کردن' there would sound like you are a crazy person demanding a legal right to a menu.

'Talab' is often the noun for the debt itself, while 'Motālebe' is the act of demanding it. However, they are often used interchangeably in finance.

You can say: 'من عذرخواهی مطالبه می‌کنم' or more commonly 'من خواستار عذرخواهی هستم'.

The root 'ṭalaba' is very common in Arabic and Islamic texts, often meaning to seek knowledge or God's mercy.

Yes, in a metaphorical sense: 'این موضوع توجه بیشتری را مطالبه می‌کند' (This subject demands more attention).

It is a popular term in Iran for 'civic activism' or the culture of holding authorities accountable and demanding one's rights.

Only if you are demanding something like unpaid wages or a promised bonus. For a normal request, use 'درخواست کردن'.

Yes, 'مطالبه شدن' (to be demanded). Example: 'این پول هنوز مطالبه نشده است' (This money hasn't been demanded yet).

It is a formal 'Letter of Demand' sent by lawyers before taking a case to court.

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Test Yourself 108 questions

writing

Write a sentence demanding your salary from your boss.

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writing

Write a sentence about workers demanding their rights.

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writing

How do you say 'The lawyer demanded the documents'?

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writing

Translate: 'We will demand justice.'

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writing

Use 'مطالبه کردن' in a question.

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writing

Write a sentence using 'مطالبه‌گری'.

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speaking

Pronounce 'مطالبه کردن' correctly, emphasizing the third syllable of the first word.

Read this aloud:

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listening

Listen to a news clip (simulated): '...مردم خواستار مطالبه شفافیت مالی شدند...' What are the people demanding?

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