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متناقض

B2 adjective 9 min read

متناقض

motanaqez

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips متناقض in 30 Seconds

Explanation متناقض in your Level:

At the A1 level, the word 'motanāghiz' is quite advanced. However, you can think of it as a way to say 'no and yes at the same time' or 'not matching'. Imagine you say 'The apple is red' and 'The apple is green' at the same time. That is 'motanāghiz'. At this stage, you don't need to use it in complex sentences, but recognizing it in a story about someone who says one thing and does another is a great start. It is like saying 'This doesn't make sense because it's both ways'.

By A2, you can start using 'motanāghiz' to describe simple situations where things don't match. For example, if a friend says they are hungry but then says they don't want to eat anything, you can say their words are 'motanāghiz'. You should learn the basic structure: [Something] + [motanāghiz] + [ast]. It helps you describe people's confusing behavior or simple logical mistakes in a more 'grown-up' way than just saying 'it's wrong'.

At the B1 level, you should be able to use 'motanāghiz' to discuss opinions and news. You can use it to describe 'ehsasat-e motanāghiz' (contradictory feelings), which is a very common phrase when talking about big life changes like moving to a new country. You are happy but sad. This is 'motanāghiz'. You should also start using the preposition 'ba' (with) to link two things: 'Her words are contradictory with her actions.' This adds depth to your conversations about people and society.

At B2, you are expected to use 'motanāghiz' in debates and formal writing. You can identify contradictions in arguments, texts, or policies. You should understand that 'motanāghiz' is more formal than 'mokhalef'. You can use it to critique a movie's plot or a politician's speech. You should also be comfortable with the noun form 'tanāghoz' (contradiction) and be able to switch between the two. For example: 'There is a contradiction (tanāghoz) in this report because the numbers are contradictory (motanāghiz).'

At the C1 level, you use 'motanāghiz' to explore complex philosophical or literary themes. You can discuss the 'motanāghiz' nature of human existence or the paradoxical language used in Persian poetry. You should be able to use adverbs like 'be-tour-e motanāghizi' (contradictorily) and use the word to build sophisticated arguments in essays. You can also distinguish it from technical synonyms like 'moghāyer' (contrary to rules) and 'nā-sāzegār' (incompatible) with precision.

At the C2 level, you have a masterly command of 'motanāghiz'. You can use it in legal, scientific, or high-level diplomatic contexts without hesitation. You understand the historical and etymological roots of the word and can appreciate how it has been used in classical Persian texts to describe the nature of God or the universe. You can identify subtle 'tanāghoz-e dārouni' (internal contradiction) in complex systems and use the word to perform deep critical analysis of any subject.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

متناقض in 30 Seconds

Used to describe things that are logically inconsistent.
Commonly applied to speech, behavior, and data.
More formal and precise than the word for 'opposite'.
Essential for academic, legal, and news contexts.

The Persian word متناقض (pronounced /motanāghiz/) is a sophisticated adjective used to describe things that are contradictory, inconsistent, or mutually exclusive. Rooted in the Arabic triliteral root ن-ق-ض (n-q-ḍ), which relates to the act of breaking, untying, or violating a pact, the word evokes a sense of two forces pulling in opposite directions or two statements that cannot both be true at the same time. In the context of Persian logic and literature, it is a cornerstone for discussing paradoxes and dialectical tensions. When you use this word, you are moving beyond simple disagreement; you are pointing out a fundamental logical flaw or a striking juxtaposition in character or reality.

Logical Inconsistency: When two statements are made where the truth of one necessitates the falsehood of the other. For example, claiming to be a vegetarian while eating steak is a behavior that is motanāghiz.

گزارش‌های شاهدان عینی کاملاً متناقض بود و پلیس را سردرگم کرد.

Translation: The eyewitness reports were completely contradictory and confused the police.

In everyday Persian conversation, you might hear this word when someone is criticizing a politician's shifting stances or a friend's confusing advice. It carries a weight of intellectual rigor. Unlike the word 'mokhalef' (opposite), which can simply mean facing the other way or having a different opinion, motanāghiz implies that the coexistence of the two elements is impossible or illogical. It is frequently used in academic, legal, and journalistic circles to dissect arguments and evidence.

Human Behavior: It describes people who act against their stated values. A leader preaching peace while funding war is often described as having 'motanāghiz' policies.

او شخصیتی متناقض دارد؛ هم مهربان است و هم بسیار سخت‌گیر.

Furthermore, the concept of 'motanāghiz' is central to Persian mystical poetry (Sufism), where poets like Rumi or Hafez often speak of 'paradoxical' states of being—such as finding wealth in poverty or light in darkness. In these high-literary contexts, the word transcends mere error and becomes a tool for exploring the complex, non-linear nature of the human soul and divine reality. Understanding this word allows you to navigate both a courtroom debate and a deep philosophical discussion in Persian society.

Data and Statistics: In scientific research, if two sets of data suggest opposite conclusions, they are referred to as 'dadeh-haye motanāghiz'.

نتایج آزمایش با فرضیه اولیه ما متناقض است.

این دو قانون در قانون اساسی با یکدیگر متناقض هستند.

Using متناقض correctly requires an understanding of Persian adjective placement and the 'Ezafe' construction. As an adjective, it typically follows the noun it modifies, connected by a short 'e' sound (the Ezafe). For example, 'a contradictory statement' becomes 'harf-e motanāghiz'. However, it is most commonly found as a predicate adjective following the verb 'budan' (to be) or 'benazar residan' (to seem).

Direct Modification: When describing a noun directly: 'نظرات متناقض' (contradictory opinions). Here, the word clarifies the nature of the opinions immediately.

ما با کوهی از اطلاعات متناقض روبرو هستیم.

Translation: We are facing a mountain of contradictory information.

One of the most frequent grammatical patterns involves using the preposition 'ba' (with) to show what the subject is contradicting. The structure is: [Noun A] + [ba] + [Noun B] + [motanāghiz ast]. This translates to 'A is contradictory with B'. This is essential for comparing two specific ideas or actions. You can also use the plural form of the verb when referring to multiple things that contradict each other: 'این دو موضوع با هم متناقض‌اند' (These two subjects are contradictory with each other).

Adverbial Usage: While 'motanāghiz' is primarily an adjective, it can be used with 'be-tour-e' (in a way) to form an adverb: 'به‌طور متناقضی' (contradictorily). 'او به‌طور متناقضی عمل کرد' (He acted contradictorily).

رفتار او با ادعاهایش کاملاً متناقض است.

In formal writing, you will often see it paired with intensifiers like 'کاملاً' (completely), 'بسیار' (very), or 'ذاتاً' (inherently). For instance, 'ذاتاً متناقض' (inherently contradictory) is a common phrase in philosophical texts. When speaking, Iranians might shorten the sentence to simply 'این متناقضه' (This is contradictory) to express disbelief or to point out a lie. It is a powerful word because it shifts the focus from a simple mistake to a structural failure in logic.

چرا حرف‌های شما تا این حد متناقض به نظر می‌رسند؟

Complex Sentences: In C1/C2 level writing, it can be used to introduce a paradox: 'اگرچه متناقض به نظر می‌رسد، اما...' (Although it seems contradictory, but...).

او در یک وضعیت متناقض گرفتار شده است که راه فراری ندارد.

You will encounter متناقض in a variety of high-stakes environments in Iran and the wider Persian-speaking world. One of the primary arenas is the **News and Media**. News anchors and political analysts frequently use this word when discussing international relations, diplomatic statements, or domestic policy changes. For example, if a foreign ministry issues a statement that conflicts with a previous treaty, the headline will almost certainly use 'motanāghiz' to highlight the discrepancy.

Legal and Judicial Contexts: In a courtroom, a lawyer might argue that a witness's testimony is 'motanāghiz' with the physical evidence. This is a technical term used to impeach credibility.

قاضی متوجه شد که اظهارات متهم در مراحل مختلف بازجویی متناقض بوده است.

Another common place is **Academic Lectures**. Whether it is a class on philosophy, sociology, or literature at the University of Tehran, professors use 'motanāghiz' to describe theories that clash or internal contradictions within a text. It is a favorite word among intellectuals who enjoy deconstructing arguments. If you are listening to a Persian podcast about psychology, you might hear about 'ehsasat-e motanāghiz' (contradictory feelings or ambivalence), such as loving and hating someone simultaneously.

Everyday Arguments: In a heated debate between friends about a movie or a social issue, one might say: 'حرفات متناقضه!' (Your words are contradictory!) to shut down an illogical point.

من پیام‌های متناقضی از طرف مدیر دریافت می‌کنم.

Lastly, **Literary Criticism** and **Art Reviews** are full of this word. Critics use it to describe a film that has a 'motanāghiz' tone—perhaps being both a comedy and a tragedy in a way that doesn't quite blend—or a painting that uses 'motanāghiz' colors to create tension. In the rich tradition of Persian cinema (like the films of Asghar Farhadi), characters are often placed in 'motanāghiz' situations where every choice they make seems both right and wrong. Hearing this word in these contexts signifies a deep engagement with the complexity of the subject matter.

این فیلم تصویری متناقض از زندگی شهری مدرن ارائه می‌دهد.

Religious and Spiritual Discourse: Theologians use it to discuss the 'apparent contradictions' (mote-shabehat) in sacred texts and how they can be reconciled through deeper interpretation.

در نگاه اول، این دو آیه متناقض به نظر می‌رسند.

One of the most frequent errors English speakers make when learning Persian is confusing متناقض (motanāghiz) with مخالف (mokhalef). While both involve opposition, 'mokhalef' refers to an 'opponent' or 'opposite' in a general sense (like the opposite direction or an opposing team). 'Motanāghiz', however, is strictly about logical inconsistency. If you say 'I am motanāghiz with you', it sounds like you are saying you are a logical impossibility in relation to that person, which is nonsensical. You should use 'mokhalef' for 'disagreeing' or 'opposing'.

Confusing Adjective and Noun: Learners often use the noun 'tanāghoz' (contradiction) where they need the adjective 'motanāghiz'. Remember: 'این یک تناقض است' (This is a contradiction) vs 'این حرف متناقض است' (This word is contradictory).

Incorrect: حرف‌های او تناقض هستند. (His words are contradiction.)
Correct: حرف‌های او متناقض هستند.

Another mistake is using 'motanāghiz' to mean 'different' (motefavet). If you have two different ideas, they aren't necessarily 'motanāghiz' unless they actively negate each other. For example, 'I like apples' and 'I like oranges' are different, but not contradictory. 'I like apples' and 'I hate all fruit' are contradictory. Using 'motanāghiz' for simple differences can make your speech sound unnecessarily dramatic or logically confused.

Preposition Errors: Learners sometimes use 'az' (from) instead of 'ba' (with). In Persian, you are contradictory *with* something, not *from* something. Pattern: [A] + [ba] + [B] + [motanāghiz ast].

Incorrect: این با آن از متناقض است.
Correct: این با آن متناقض است.

Finally, be careful with the register. Using 'motanāghiz' in a very casual, low-stakes setting—like saying 'Your socks are motanāghiz' because they don't match—is technically incorrect and sounds overly formal. For mismatched clothes, use 'لنگه‌به‌لنگه' (lengeh-be-lengeh) or simply 'ناهماهنگ' (na-ham-ahang). Reserve 'motanāghiz' for ideas, statements, behaviors, and logical patterns to maintain the word's impact and precision.

استفاده از این کلمه برای جوراب‌های لنگه‌به‌لنگه اشتباه است؛ این کلمه مخصوص منطق و مفاهیم است.

While متناقض is the most precise word for 'contradictory', Persian offers several synonyms and related terms that carry different nuances. Understanding these will help you choose the right word for the specific context, whether you are writing a poem, a legal brief, or chatting with a friend.

مغایر (Moghāyer): This word means 'contrary' or 'at odds with'. It is very common in legal and official contexts. While 'motanāghiz' implies a logical impossibility, 'moghāyer' often simply means 'against the rules' or 'inconsistent with a regulation'.

این اقدام مغایر با قوانین شرکت است.

ضد و نقیض (Zedd-o-Naghyiz): This is a compound phrase often used as an adjective. It literally means 'opposite and contradictory'. It is very common in journalism to describe news or rumors that are confusing and conflicting. 'اخبار ضد و نقیض' is a set phrase.

If you want to describe something that simply doesn't fit together well, use ناهماهنگ (nā-ham-āhang), which means 'uncoordinated' or 'inharmonious'. This is better for aesthetics, music, or teamwork. For things that are incompatible in a more practical sense (like two people who can't live together), ناسازگار (nā-sāzegār) is the best choice. It translates to 'incompatible' or 'discordant'.

مخالف (Mokhālef): As mentioned before, this means 'opposite' or 'opponent'. Use this for people who disagree with you or for the opposite side of a street.

من با نظر شما کاملاً مخالف هستم.

In summary, choose motanāghiz when you want to highlight a breakdown in logic or a paradoxical situation. Its synonyms like moghāyer and nā-sāzegār provide useful alternatives when the conflict is about rules or harmony rather than pure truth and falsehood. Mastering these distinctions will make your Persian sound much more nuanced and professional.

ترکیب این دو دارو اثرات متناقضی بر بدن دارد.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"اظهارات وی با مستندات موجود متناقض است."

Neutral

"حرف‌های تو کمی متناقض به نظر می‌رسد."

Informal

"داری حرفای متناقض می‌زنی‌ها!"

Child friendly

"اول گفتی بستنی می‌خوای، حالا می‌گی نمی‌خوای؟ این خیلی عجیبه!"

Slang

"فازت چیه؟ یه بار می‌گی آره، یه بار می‌گی نه. خیلی متناقضی!"

Fun Fact

The root 'naghz' is also used in the legal term for 'Supreme Court' in some Persian-speaking contexts (Divan-e Ali-ye Keshvar) because it is the court that can 'nullify' lower court decisions.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /mo.tæ.nɒː.ˈɢez/

US /moʊ.tə.nɑ.ˈɡiz/

The stress is on the final syllable: mo-ta-nā-GHIZ.

Rhymes With

حریص (Haris - greedy) مریض (Mariz - sick) عریض (Ariz - wide) غلیظ (Ghaliz - thick) ناچیز (Nachiz - insignificant) رستخیز (Rastakhiz - resurrection) تیز (Tiz - sharp) ستیز (Setiz - conflict)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'gh' as a simple 'g'.
Putting the stress on the first syllable.
Shortening the 'ā' sound in the middle.
Confusing the 't' with a 'th' sound.
Pronouncing the 'z' at the end as an 's'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 4/5

Common in newspapers and books, but requires knowledge of the 'gh' sound and Arabic roots.

Writing 5/5

Spelling with 'gh' (ق) and 'z' (ض) is tricky even for native speakers.

Speaking 4/5

The pronunciation of 'motanāghiz' involves a difficult uvular sound.

Listening 3/5

Easily recognized once you know the rhythm of the word.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

مخالف (Opposite) حرف (Word) با (With) بودن (To be) فکر (Thought)

Learn Next

تناقض (Contradiction) پارادوکس (Paradox) مغایرت (Discrepancy) منطقی (Logical) استدلال (Reasoning)

Advanced

دیالکتیک (Dialectic) وحدت اضداد (Unity of Opposites) سفسطه (Sophistry) بدیهی (Self-evident) برهان (Proof)

Grammar to Know

Ezafe Construction

حرفِ متناقض (The contradictory word)

Plurality in Adjectives

نظرات متناقض (Plural nouns take singular adjectives unless personified)

Preposition 'ba'

این با آن متناقض است.

Adverbial 'be-tour-e'

به‌طور متناقضی خندید.

Negative Verbs with Contradiction

این دو با هم متناقض نیستند.

Examples by Level

حرف‌های او متناقض است.

His words are contradictory.

Simple Subject + Adjective + Verb.

این دو رنگ متناقض هستند.

These two colors are contradictory (clashing).

Plural subject with plural verb 'hastand'.

او یک مرد متناقض است.

He is a contradictory man.

Adjective follows the noun with Ezafe.

جواب تو متناقض بود.

Your answer was contradictory.

Past tense of 'to be' (bud).

چرا حرفت متناقض است؟

Why is your word contradictory?

Question form.

این موضوع متناقض به نظر می‌رسد.

This subject seems contradictory.

Using 'be nazar residan' (to seem).

او رفتاری متناقض دارد.

He has a contradictory behavior.

Using 'dashtan' (to have).

کتاب متناقض بود.

The book was contradictory.

Simple past tense.

نظرات آن‌ها درباره فیلم متناقض بود.

Their opinions about the movie were contradictory.

Plural noun 'nazarat' modified by 'motanāghiz'.

او حرف‌های متناقضی به من زد.

He told me contradictory things.

Plural adjective ending in 'i' for indefinite.

این دو خبر با هم متناقض هستند.

These two news items are contradictory with each other.

Use of 'ba ham' (with each other).

من احساسات متناقضی دارم.

I have contradictory feelings.

Common phrase 'ehsasat-e motanāghiz'.

رفتار او با حرفش متناقض است.

His behavior is contradictory with his word.

Preposition 'ba' used correctly.

دیروز او یک چیز گفت و امروز چیزی متناقض گفت.

Yesterday he said one thing and today he said something contradictory.

Comparing past and present.

داستان او کمی متناقض به نظر می‌رسد.

His story seems a bit contradictory.

Use of 'kami' (a bit) as a modifier.

ما نباید اطلاعات متناقض پخش کنیم.

We should not spread contradictory information.

Negative modal 'nabayad' (should not).

گزارش‌های پلیس درباره حادثه کاملاً متناقض بود.

The police reports about the incident were completely contradictory.

Intensifier 'kamelan' (completely).

او در یک موقعیت متناقض قرار گرفته است.

He is placed in a contradictory situation.

Passive-like structure 'gharar gereftan'.

چرا سیاست‌های دولت اینقدر متناقض است؟

Why are the government's policies so contradictory?

Use of 'inghadr' (this much/so).

او با وجود ادعای دوستی، کارهای متناقضی انجام می‌دهد.

Despite claiming friendship, he does contradictory things.

Use of 'ba vojud-e' (despite).

این دو نظریه علمی با یکدیگر متناقض‌اند.

These two scientific theories are contradictory with one another.

Shortened form of 'hastand' as '-and'.

او همیشه جواب‌های متناقض به سوالات من می‌دهد.

He always gives contradictory answers to my questions.

Present habitual tense.

احساسات متناقض من باعث شد نتوانم تصمیم بگیرم.

My contradictory feelings caused me to be unable to decide.

Complex subject phrase.

شواهد متناقض باعث شد که پرونده بسته نشود.

Contradictory evidence caused the case not to be closed.

Causal sentence structure.

بیانیه‌ی جدید شرکت با وعده‌های قبلی متناقض است.

The company's new statement is contradictory with previous promises.

Formal noun 'bayaniyeh' (statement).

فیلسوفان اغلب با مفاهیم متناقض سر و کار دارند.

Philosophers often deal with contradictory concepts.

Idiom 'sar o kar dashtan' (to deal with).

او شخصیتی متناقض دارد؛ گاهی بسیار مهربان و گاهی بی‌رحم است.

He has a contradictory personality; sometimes very kind and sometimes cruel.

Using semicolons to elaborate.

این آمار با واقعیت‌های موجود متناقض به نظر می‌رسد.

These statistics seem contradictory with existing realities.

Formal academic tone.

نویسنده در کتاب خود از تصاویر متناقض برای ایجاد تنش استفاده کرده است.

The author has used contradictory images in his book to create tension.

Compound verb 'estefadeh kardan'.

گفته‌های شهود در دادگاه کاملاً متناقض و غیرقابل اعتماد بود.

The witnesses' statements in court were completely contradictory and unreliable.

Coordinated adjectives.

ما باید از ارسال پیام‌های متناقض به مشتریان خودداری کنیم.

We must avoid sending contradictory messages to customers.

Verb 'khoddari kardan' (to avoid).

این دو قانون در متن قانون اساسی با هم متناقض هستند.

These two laws are contradictory with each other in the text of the constitution.

Locative phrase 'dar matn-e...'.

در تحلیل نهایی، این رویکردها ذاتاً متناقض به نظر می‌رسند.

In the final analysis, these approaches seem inherently contradictory.

Adverb 'zatan' (inherently).

او به‌طور متناقضی هم خواهان آزادی است و هم از مسئولیت فرار می‌کند.

He contradictorily both wants freedom and escapes from responsibility.

Adverbial form 'be-tour-e motanāghizi'.

ساختار این رمان بر پایه مضامین متناقض بنا شده است.

The structure of this novel is built upon contradictory themes.

Passive construction 'bana shodeh ast'.

تناقضات موجود در کلام او نشان‌دهنده آشفتگی ذهنی‌اش بود.

The contradictions in his speech were indicative of his mental turmoil.

Noun form 'tanāghozāt' (contradictions).

او در یک بن‌بست متناقض گرفتار شده که هیچ راه خروجی ندارد.

He is trapped in a contradictory dead-end that has no exit.

Metaphorical usage.

این نظریه با یافته‌های تجربی اخیر کاملاً متناقض است.

This theory is completely contradictory with recent empirical findings.

Academic adjective 'tajrobi' (empirical).

چگونه می‌توان این دو خواسته متناقض را با هم آشتی داد؟

How can one reconcile these two contradictory demands?

Infinitive 'ashti dadan' (to reconcile).

تصویر او از عدالت بسیار متناقض و شخصی است.

His image of justice is very contradictory and personal.

Abstract noun 'edalat' (justice).

دیالکتیک هگل بر اساس وحدت اضداد و مفاهیم متناقض شکل می‌گیرد.

Hegelian dialectic is formed based on the unity of opposites and contradictory concepts.

High-level philosophical terminology.

عرفا معتقدند که حقیقت در پسِ پرده‌های متناقض هستی نهفته است.

Mystics believe that truth lies hidden behind the contradictory veils of existence.

Poetic/Mystical register.

این پارادوکس متناقض، بنیان‌های منطق کلاسیک را به چالش می‌کشد.

This contradictory paradox challenges the foundations of classical logic.

Verbal phrase 'be chalesh keshidan'.

او با ظرافتی خاص، وجوه متناقض روح بشری را در آثارش به تصویر می‌کشد.

With a special delicacy, he portrays the contradictory aspects of the human soul in his works.

Formal verb 'be tasvir keshidan'.

سیاست خارجی کشور در دهه‌ی اخیر آکنده از رویکردهای متناقض بوده است.

The country's foreign policy in the last decade has been fraught with contradictory approaches.

Adjective 'akandeh' (fraught/filled).

هرگونه تلاش برای توجیه این رفتار متناقض محکوم به شکست است.

Any attempt to justify this contradictory behavior is doomed to failure.

Strong rhetorical structure.

متون کهن غالباً حاوی اشاراتی متناقض به وقایع تاریخی هستند.

Ancient texts often contain contradictory references to historical events.

Formal vocabulary 'havi' (containing).

او در میانه‌ی جریانات متناقض فکری، راه خود را گم کرده بود.

In the midst of contradictory intellectual currents, he had lost his way.

Metaphorical 'jaryanat' (currents).

Common Collocations

اخبار متناقض

احساسات متناقض

رفتار متناقض

گزارش‌های متناقض

حرف‌های متناقض

داده‌های متناقض

شواهد متناقض

نظرات متناقض

سیاست‌های متناقض

وضعیت متناقض

Common Phrases

با هم متناقض بودن

— To be contradictory with each other. Used to compare two things.

این دو ایده با هم متناقض هستند.

به‌طور متناقضی

— In a contradictory manner. Used as an adverb.

او به‌طور متناقضی عمل می‌کند.

ذاتاً متناقض

— Inherently contradictory. Used for things that are logically impossible by nature.

این مفهوم ذاتاً متناقض است.

ظاهراً متناقض

— Apparently contradictory. Used when things seem inconsistent at first glance.

این دو جمله ظاهراً متناقض به نظر می‌رسند.

کاملاً متناقض

— Completely contradictory. An intensifier for emphasis.

حرف‌های او کاملاً متناقض است.

مجموعه‌ای از اطلاعات متناقض

— A set of contradictory information. Used in research or investigation.

ما با مجموعه‌ای از اطلاعات متناقض روبرو هستیم.

رفع تناقض

— To resolve a contradiction. (Using the noun form).

ما باید برای رفع این تناقض تلاش کنیم.

ایجاد تناقض

— To create a contradiction.

این قانون باعث ایجاد تناقض می‌شود.

بدون تناقض

— Without contradiction; consistent.

او داستانی بدون تناقض تعریف کرد.

تناقض درونی

— Internal contradiction. Used for a single system that clashes with itself.

این نظریه دچار تناقض درونی است.

Often Confused With

متناقض vs مخالف

Mokhalef means 'opposite' or 'disagreeing'. Motanāghiz means 'logically inconsistent'.

متناقض vs متفاوت

Motefavet means 'different'. Things can be different without being contradictory.

متناقض vs نامرتبط

Namarbot means 'irrelevant'. A contradictory statement is relevant but logically clashing.

Idioms & Expressions

"حرف و عملش یکی نیست"

— His words and actions are not one. This is the idiomatic way to say someone is contradictory.

مراقب باش، او حرف و عملش یکی نیست.

Informal

"یک بام و دو هوا"

— One roof and two climates. Refers to double standards or contradictory behavior in the same situation.

این که به من اجازه نمی‌دهی ولی خودت انجام می‌دهی، شده یک بام و دو هوا!

Informal/Idiomatic

"قسم حضرت عباس را باور کنم یا دم خروس را؟"

— Should I believe your oath to Hazrat Abbas or the rooster's tail (sticking out)? Used when someone's lie is obvious and contradictory to the evidence.

داری می‌گی مرغ رو ندزدیدی، پس این پرها چیه؟ قسم حضرت عباس رو باور کنم یا دم خروس رو؟

Informal/Proverb

"رطب‌خورده کی منع رطب کند؟"

— How can one who has eaten dates forbid others from eating dates? Describes the contradiction of a person giving advice they don't follow.

تو خودت سیگار می‌کشی، اونوقت به من می‌گی نکش؟ رطب‌خورده کی منع رطب کند؟

Literary/Proverb

"از این ستون به آن ستون فرج است"

— From this pillar to that pillar there is relief. While not directly 'contradictory', it's used in confusing, shifting situations.

او مدام نظرش را عوض می‌کند، انگار معتقد است از این ستون به آن ستون فرج است.

Informal

"دوگانه رفتار کردن"

— To behave in a dual/contradictory way.

او در برخورد با کارمندان دوگانه رفتار می‌کند.

Neutral

"تناقض‌گویی کردن"

— To speak in contradictions.

سیاستمدار شروع به تناقض‌گویی کرد.

Formal

"حرف خود را نقض کردن"

— To contradict one's own word.

او با این حرف، گفته قبلی‌اش را نقض کرد.

Formal

"آش شله‌قلمکار"

— A hodgepodge. Used for a situation that is messy and contradictory.

این پروژه‌ی جدید شده آش شله‌قلمکار، هیچ چیزش با هم نمی‌خواند.

Informal

"تضاد منافع"

— Conflict of interest. A specific type of contradictory situation in professional life.

او به دلیل تضاد منافع نباید در این رای‌گیری شرکت کند.

Formal/Legal

Easily Confused

متناقض vs مغایر

Both imply things don't match.

Moghāyer is usually about violating a rule or standard. Motanāghiz is about a logical clash.

This act is contrary (moghāyer) to the law.

متناقض vs متضاد

Both mean 'opposite'.

Motazād is for antonyms (black/white). Motanāghiz is for statements or behaviors that negate each other.

Black and white are opposites (motazād).

متناقض vs ناسازگار

Both imply conflict.

Nasāzegār is for incompatibility (like blood types or personalities). Motanāghiz is for logical inconsistency.

They are incompatible (nasāzegār) partners.

متناقض vs نقیض

Same root.

Naghyiz is the noun ('the contradiction'). Motanāghiz is the adjective ('contradictory').

This is the contradiction (naghyiz) of that.

متناقض vs مخالف

Common word for opposition.

Mokhalef is used for people who oppose an idea. Motanāghiz is used for the idea itself if it clashes with another.

I am an opponent (mokhalef) of war.

Sentence Patterns

[Noun] [motanāghiz] [ast].

حرف او متناقض است.

[Noun A] [ba] [Noun B] [motanāghiz] [ast].

این رنگ با آن رنگ متناقض است.

من [احساسات/افکار] [motanāghiz-i] [daram].

من احساسات متناقضی دارم.

[Bayaniyeh/Gozaresh] [kamelan] [motanāghiz] [ast].

بیانیه کاملاً متناقض است.

اگرچه [motanāghiz] [be nazar mi-resad], اما...

اگرچه متناقض به نظر می‌رسد، اما حقیقت دارد.

[Mafhum] [zatan] [motanāghiz] [ast].

این مفهوم ذاتاً متناقض است.

[Raftar-e u] [ba] [harf-ash] [motanāghiz] [ast].

رفتار او با حرفش متناقض است.

چرا [Noun] [motanāghiz] [ast]؟

چرا جواب متناقض است؟

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Common in media and education, less common in simple daily errands.

Common Mistakes

Using 'motanāghiz' for 'opposite direction'. → Use 'mokhalef' for directions.
Directions are physical opposites, not logical contradictions.
Saying 'Man ba to motanāghizam'. → Say 'Man ba to mokhalefam'.
You disagree with a person; you aren't logically contradictory with them.
Spelling it as 'متناقز' or 'متناغز'. → متناقض
The word uses 'ghaf' (ق) and 'zad' (ض).
Using 'tanāghoz' as an adjective. → این حرف متناقض است.
'Tanāghoz' is a noun; 'motanāghiz' is the adjective.
Using 'motanāghiz' for different tastes. → نظرات ما متفاوت است.
Different opinions are 'motefavet'; they only become 'motanāghiz' if they logically negate each other.

Tips

Precision

Use this word when you want to be intellectually precise. It sounds much better than just saying something is 'wrong'.

Preposition

Always remember to use 'ba' (with) when connecting two contradictory things.

Stress

Put the stress on the last syllable: 'ghiz'. This makes you sound like a native speaker.

Noun Form

Learn 'tanāghoz' alongside 'motanāghiz' to double your vocabulary power.

Poetry

Look for this word in Rumi's poems to see how it's used for spiritual paradoxes.

Spelling

Memorize the letter 'zad' (ض) at the end. It's a common spelling mistake.

News

Watch Persian news for 10 minutes; you are almost certain to hear this word.

Ambivalence

Use 'ehsasat-e motanāghiz' to describe your feelings about learning a difficult language!

Internal Conflict

Use 'tanāghoz-e dārouni' for a system that contradicts itself.

Critique

Be careful when calling a person 'motanāghiz' directly; it can be taken as an insult to their honesty.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'MO-TA-NA-GHIZ'. 'MO're 'TA'lk 'NA' 'G'ood 'IZ' (is). More talk is not good if it's contradictory. Or visualize a 'Knot' (from the root meaning) being 'broken' (naghz).

Visual Association

Imagine a person standing in front of two signs: one says 'Left' and the other says 'Right', but they both point to the same direction. This is a motanāghiz signpost.

Word Web

Logic Lies Paradox Argument Philosophy Inconsistent Conflict News

Challenge

Try to find one thing a politician said today that is 'motanāghiz' with what they said last week. Write it down in Persian using the word.

Word Origin

Borrowed from Arabic, based on the root ن-ق-ض (n-q-ḍ). In Arabic, the Form VI participle (Mutafā'il) usually implies a reciprocal action between two parties.

Original meaning: The root originally referred to untying a knot or pulling down a building. It metaphorically moved to 'breaking a promise' or 'nullifying an argument'.

Semitic root, adapted into Indo-European Persian grammar.

Cultural Context

Calling someone's words 'motanāghiz' in a formal setting is a serious intellectual critique. Use it carefully as it can imply the person is lying or incompetent.

In English, we often use 'oxymoron' for phrases like 'jumbo shrimp', but in Persian, 'motanāghiz' is used for the logical state of the underlying ideas.

Rumi's Masnavi: Often explores the motanāghiz nature of divine love. Sadegh Hedayat's The Blind Owl: Features motanāghiz imagery to depict madness. Modern Iranian Cinema: Asghar Farhadi's films are famous for placing characters in motanāghiz moral dilemmas.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Politics

سیاست‌های متناقض
بیانیه‌های متناقض
وعده‌های متناقض
موضع‌گیری متناقض

Psychology

احساسات متناقض
تمایلات متناقض
شخصیت متناقض
افکار متناقض

Law

شهادت متناقض
ادعاهای متناقض
قوانین متناقض
مدارک متناقض

Science

نتایج متناقض
داده‌های متناقض
فرضیه‌های متناقض
یافته‌های متناقض

Literature

تصویرسازی متناقض
مضامین متناقض
شخصیت‌پردازی متناقض
پایان متناقض

Conversation Starters

"آیا تا به حال در مورد یک موضوع احساسات متناقضی داشته‌اید؟"

"چرا بعضی از سیاستمداران حرف‌های متناقض می‌زنند؟"

"به نظر شما، آیا یک شخصیت متناقض می‌تواند جذاب باشد؟"

"چطور می‌توانیم بین دو ایده متناقض صلح برقرار کنیم؟"

"آیا در زندگی خود با یک موقعیت متناقض روبرو شده‌اید؟"

Journal Prompts

درباره زمانی بنویسید که احساسات متناقضی نسبت به یک دوست داشتید. چطور آن را حل کردید؟

یک پارادوکس یا ایده متناقض را که در کتابی خوانده‌اید، تحلیل کنید.

چرا در دنیای مدرن، ما مدام با اخبار متناقض روبرو می‌شویم؟ این موضوع چه تاثیری بر ذهن ما دارد؟

آیا فکر می‌کنید انسان‌ها ذاتاً موجوداتی متناقض هستند؟ با مثال توضیح دهید.

یک داستان کوتاه درباره شخصیتی بنویسید که هر روز کارهای متناقضی انجام می‌دهد.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, you can say someone has a 'shakhsiyat-e motanāghiz' (contradictory personality) if they act in ways that logically clash, such as being a peaceful person who enjoys violence.

It is semi-common. You won't hear it at the grocery store, but you will hear it in any discussion about news, politics, or deep personal issues.

Tanāghoz is the noun (contradiction). Motanāghiz is the adjective (contradictory). Example: 'There is a contradiction (tanāghoz)' vs 'This is contradictory (motanāghiz)'.

It is a voiced sound made in the back of the throat, similar to the French 'r' or the 'gh' in 'ghost' but much further back and voiced.

Technically no. That would sound very strange. Use 'lengeh-be-lengeh' for socks or 'nā-ham-āhang' for colors.

In slang, people might say 'baham nemikhone' (it doesn't read together/match), but 'motanāghiz' has no direct short synonym.

As an adjective, it doesn't change for plural nouns in Persian (e.g., نظرات متناقض). The noun 'tanāghoz' becomes 'tanāghozāt'.

Yes, for 'ehsasat-e motanāghiz' (contradictory feelings) like loving someone you are angry with.

It is an Arabic loanword, but it is fully integrated into Persian grammar and usage.

The best opposite is 'sāzegār' (compatible) or 'ham-āhang' (harmonious/consistent).