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نقاشی

A1 noun #3,800 most common 9 min read

نقاشی

naghashi Top 3,800

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips نقاشی in 30 Seconds

Explanation نقاشی in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'naqqāši' is one of the first nouns you learn related to hobbies and school. You use it to say 'I like painting' (Man naqqāši dust dāram) or 'This is a painting' (In yek naqqāši ast). The focus is on the physical object and the simple activity. You learn it alongside words like 'medād' (pencil) and 'rang' (color). It's a concrete noun that helps you describe your environment and interests. You might use it in the context of 'Sā'at-e naqqāši' (painting class) or 'Daftar-e naqqāši' (drawing notebook). The grammar is simple: usually subject + naqqāši + verb.

At the A2 level, you begin to use 'naqqāši' with more descriptive adjectives and different verbs. You might say 'Naqqāši-ye zibā' (beautiful painting) or 'Naqqāši-ye bozorg' (big painting). You also start using the compound verb 'naqqāši keshidan' (to draw/paint) in the past and present continuous tenses. 'Dāram naqqāši mikeshim' (I am drawing). You might also talk about 'naqqāsh' (the painter) as a profession. You can participate in basic conversations about art, such as 'Who painted this?' (In naqqāši-rā ki keshide ast?).

By B1, you can discuss 'naqqāši' in terms of styles and preferences. You can distinguish between 'naqqāši-ye āberang' (watercolor) and 'naqqāši-ye rang-e roghan' (oil painting). You use the word in the context of visiting museums or galleries. 'Ma be mu-ze-ye honar-hā-ye mo'āser raftim tā naqqāši-hā-rā bebinim' (We went to the Museum of Contemporary Art to see the paintings). You can describe the content of a painting using more complex prepositions and relative clauses. You also start to understand the cultural importance of painting in Iranian history.

At B2, 'naqqāši' becomes a topic for debate and detailed description. You can talk about 'naqqāši-ye modern' vs 'naqqāši-ye klāsik' and express nuanced opinions on artistic movements. You understand the word in idiomatic expressions and can use it metaphorically. You might read articles about famous Iranian painters like Kamal-ol-Molk and use 'naqqāši' to discuss their influence on national identity. Your vocabulary expands to include 'boom' (canvas), 'ghalam-mu' (brush), and 'sabk' (style).

At the C1 level, 'naqqāši' is used in academic and professional art criticism. You can discuss the 'estetik' (aesthetics) of a 'naqqāši', its 'tarkib-bandi' (composition), and its 'mafhum' (concept). You are familiar with the history of 'naqqāši' in Iran, from the caves of Lorestan to the Timurid miniatures. You can write essays analyzing the socio-political themes in contemporary Iranian painting. You use the word fluently in complex sentences with advanced grammatical structures like the subjunctive and passive voice.

At C2, your mastery of 'naqqāši' includes an understanding of its deepest philosophical and mystical connotations in Persian literature. You can discuss the 'Naqqāsh-e Azal' (The Eternal Painter) in Sufi poetry and relate the act of painting to the act of creation itself. You can engage in high-level academic research, give lectures on the evolution of Persian visual arts, and understand the most subtle puns and literary references involving the root N-Q-SH. You are indistinguishable from a native speaker in your use and understanding of the word.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

نقاشی in 30 Seconds

Naqqāši means painting or a picture.
It is used for both the hobby and the professional art.
Commonly paired with the verbs 'kardan' or 'keshidan'.
Central to Iranian cultural and artistic identity.

The word نقاشی (naqqāši) is a cornerstone of the Persian language, serving as both the noun for 'a painting' and the general concept of 'the art of painting.' Derived from the Arabic root N-Q-SH, which originally pertained to engraving or carving, it has evolved in Persian to encompass a vast spectrum of visual expression. In its most basic sense, at the A1 level, it refers to the simple act of a child drawing with crayons or a hobbyist using watercolors. However, as one delves deeper into Iranian culture, the word carries the weight of centuries of artistic tradition, from the intricate miniatures of the Safavid era to the bold, socio-political canvases of contemporary Tehran galleries. Iranians use this word in everyday conversation to describe house decorations, school subjects, and professional vocations. It is a word that bridges the gap between the mundane and the transcendental, used as often in a kindergarten classroom as it is in a doctoral thesis on aesthetics.

Artistic Form: Refers to the physical object created using pigments on a surface like canvas, paper, or walls.
The Process: Used with the auxiliary verb 'kardan' or 'keshidan' to describe the act of creating art.
Decorative Context: Can sometimes refer to the decorative painting of buildings, though 'rang-āmizi' is more specific for plain wall painting.

Understanding 'naqqāši' requires an appreciation for the Iranian love for visual storytelling. Historically, Persian painting was not just about realism; it was about capturing the essence of a story, often accompanying poetry. When you use this word, you are tapping into a lineage that includes masters like Kamal-ol-Molk and Mahmoud Farshchian. In modern contexts, if you tell someone 'I like painting,' you are saying 'Man naqqāši dust dāram,' which immediately categorizes you as someone with an 'honari' (artistic) soul, a trait highly respected in Persian society.

این نقاشی بسیار زیبا و چشم‌نواز است.

This painting is very beautiful and eye-catching.

او تمام عمر خود را صرف هنر نقاشی کرد.

He spent his entire life on the art of painting.

در مدرسه، ساعت نقاشی محبوب‌ترین ساعت برای بچه‌هاست.

In school, the painting hour is the most popular hour for children.

آیا این نقاشی اصل است یا کپی؟

Is this painting an original or a copy?

سبک این نقاشی مدرن است.

The style of this painting is modern.

Using 'naqqāši' correctly involves knowing which light verbs to pair it with. The most common combination is 'naqqāši kardan' (to do painting/to paint). This is a general term. However, artists often use 'naqqāši keshidan' (to draw/pull a painting), which implies the physical act of moving the brush or pencil across the surface. In formal contexts, you might see 'be tasvir keshidan' (to draw into a picture/to depict). Understanding these nuances helps you move from basic A1 sentences to more natural, native-like Persian. For example, if you are describing a hobby, you might say 'Man dar dore-ye javāni naqqāši mi-kardam' (I used to paint in my youth). If you are admiring a specific piece of art, you focus on the noun: 'In naqqāši asari az ostād Behzād ast' (This painting is a work by Master Behzad).

Subject-Object Agreement: The word 'naqqāši' usually functions as the direct object in a sentence when paired with 'kardan'.
Adjectival Use: You can modify 'naqqāši' with adjectives like 'zibā' (beautiful), 'gerān-ghimat' (expensive), or 'abstre' (abstract).
Prepositional Phrases: Commonly used with 'ru-ye' (on) - e.g., 'naqqāši ru-ye bu-m' (painting on canvas).

In more complex sentence structures, 'naqqāši' can be part of an Ezafe construction to indicate ownership or style. 'Naqqāši-ye dighāri' (the painting of the wall) or 'Naqqāši-ye āberang' (watercolor painting). Note that in Persian, we don't usually say 'I am a painting'; we say 'Man naqqāsh hastam' (I am a painter). The distinction between the act/object (naqqāši) and the person (naqqāsh) is vital. Furthermore, when discussing the history of art, you will encounter 'naqqāshi-ye ghahve-khāne'i' (coffeehouse painting), a traditional Iranian narrative style. Using these specific terms shows a high level of cultural and linguistic competence.

او یک نقاشی از منظره کشید.

He drew a painting of a landscape.

ما به نمایشگاه نقاشی رفتیم.

We went to a painting exhibition.

این نقاشی با رنگ روغن کار شده است.

This painting is done with oil colors.

In contemporary Iran, you will hear 'naqqāši' in a variety of vibrant settings. The most obvious is the 'Gallery-gardi' (gallery hopping) culture in cities like Tehran, Shiraz, and Isfahan. On Friday afternoons, young Iranians flock to art galleries in the northern and central parts of the capital. You'll hear critics and enthusiasts using the word to discuss 'naqqāši-ye modern' (modern painting) versus 'naqqāši-ye sonnati' (traditional painting). In the education system, 'naqqāši' is a standard subject from primary school through to specialized art universities like the University of Tehran's Faculty of Fine Arts. Parents will proudly show off their child's 'naqqāši' on the refrigerator, and teachers will instruct students: 'Bache-hā, emruz naqqāši dārim' (Children, today we have painting).

The Bazar: In the traditional bazaars, you'll hear it in relation to 'miniyātor' (miniature) and 'ghalam-zani' (metal engraving), though they are distinct crafts.
Media and TV: Art programs on IRIB (national TV) often feature 'naqqāši' workshops and competitions.
Home Improvement: When renovating a house, you might call a 'naqqāsh-e sākhtemān' (building painter) for 'naqqāši-ye divār' (wall painting).

Beyond the physical art, the word appears in metaphors. A beautiful face is sometimes described as being 'mesl-e naqqāši' (like a painting), implying perfect, divine craftsmanship. In Persian poetry and music, the 'naqqāsh-e azal' (the Eternal Painter) is a common trope referring to God as the creator of the world's beauty. If you visit the 'Museum of Contemporary Art' in Tehran, the word 'naqqāši' will be on every plaque, every brochure, and in every hushed conversation among the visitors. It is a word that signifies culture, education, and a refined sensibility (saliqe).

استاد در حال آموزش نقاشی به شاگردان است.

The master is teaching painting to the students.

One of the most frequent errors for English speakers is confusing 'naqqāši' (painting) with 'tasvir' (image) or 'aks' (photo). While a painting is an image, calling a photograph a 'naqqāši' is a significant lexical error. Another common pitfall is the use of the verb. English speakers often want to say 'man naqqāši mikonam' for everything. While 'kardan' is acceptable, using 'keshidan' (to draw/pull) is often more idiomatic when referring to the artistic process of creating a specific piece. For example, 'Man dāram yek naqqāši mikeshim' (I am drawing/painting a picture) sounds more natural than 'naqqāši mikonam' in that specific moment of creation.

Naqqāši vs. Tarrāhi: 'Tarrāhi' is sketching or design. Using 'naqqāši' for a quick pencil sketch is technically 'wrong' in an academic art context.
Naqqāši vs. Rang-āmizi: 'Rang-āmizi' means 'coloring' (like in a coloring book). Adults don't usually say they are doing 'rang-āmizi' unless they are literally coloring in lines.
Pluralization: Avoid 'naqqāsh-hā' when you mean paintings; that means 'painters'. Use 'naqqāši-hā'.

Furthermore, beginners often forget the 'Ezafe' when describing the type of painting. You must say 'naqqāši-ye āberang' (painting-of watercolor), not just 'naqqāši āberang'. Also, be careful with the word 'naqqāsh'. If you hire someone to paint your bedroom walls, he is a 'naqqāsh-e sākhtemān'. If you call a fine artist a 'naqqāsh-e sākhtemān', it might be taken as an insult! Context is key. Lastly, ensure you don't confuse 'naqqāši' with 'naghsh' (role/pattern). While they share a root, 'naghsh-e dāsh-tan' means to have a role in a movie, not to have a painting.

اشتباه: من یک عکس زیبا کشیدم. (درست: نقاشی)

Mistake: I drew a beautiful photo. (Correct: painting)

While 'naqqāši' is the most common term, Persian offers a rich vocabulary for visual arts depending on the medium and style. If you are looking for something more specific or formal, you might use 'tasvir-gari' (illustration), which is often used for book art. For the traditional Persian style of miniature, the word 'miniyātor' (borrowed from French but fully integrated) is used. Another beautiful word is 'negār-gari', which refers to the classical Persian art of painting, often involving intricate details and mythological themes. Understanding these alternatives allows you to speak more precisely about art.

Negār-gari: More formal and traditional than 'naqqāši'. Often used in academic and historical contexts.
Tarrāhi: Focuses on line and form rather than color. Think 'sketching' or 'drawing'.
Tazhib: Illumination; specifically the art of decorating the borders of manuscripts with gold and colors.

In a modern context, you might hear 'honar-hā-ye tajassomi' (plastic arts/visual arts) as a collective term that includes painting, sculpture, and photography. If someone is an 'artist' in a general sense, they are an 'honarmand'. When comparing 'naqqāši' to these other terms, remember that 'naqqāši' is the most 'everyday' word. You can use it for a child's doodle or a masterpiece in the Louvre. The other terms are more specialized. For instance, 'boom-e naqqāši' (painting canvas) is a specific technical term you would use in an art store, whereas just saying 'kāghaz' (paper) would suffice for a casual sketch.

او در هنر نگارگری استاد است.

He is a master in the art of Persian painting (Negārgari).

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"آثار نقاشی معاصر در این تالار به نمایش گذاشته شده است."

Neutral

"او یک نقاشی زیبا از کوهستان کشید."

Informal

"بیا با هم نقاشی کنیم."

Child friendly

"بچه‌ها، مداد رنگی‌هاتون رو بیارید برای نقاشی!"

Slang

"عجب نقاشی‌ای شده این ماشین!"

Fun Fact

In the early Islamic period, 'naqqāsh' often referred to someone who decorated the walls of mosques or the borders of the Quran. It wasn't until later that it became the primary word for 'painter' in the modern sense.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /næk.kɒː.ʃiː/

US /næk.kɑː.ʃiː/

The stress is on the final syllable: naqqāSHI.

Rhymes With

کاشی (kāshi - tile) باشی (bāshi - may you be) تراشی (tarāshi - carving) خراشی (kharāshi - scratch) فروشی (forushi - for sale) گوشی (gushi - phone) نوشی (nushi - drink) پاشی (pāshi - to sprinkle/scatter)

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'q' like a 'k'. It should be deeper in the throat.
Shortening the final 'i' sound.
Misplacing the stress on the first syllable.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

The word is easy to recognize as it follows standard Persian phonetics.

Writing 2/5

The double 'q' (tashdid) and the final 'i' require some practice for beginners.

Speaking 2/5

Pronouncing the uvular 'q' correctly is the main challenge for English speakers.

Listening 1/5

Very distinct sound, rarely confused with other common words.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

رنگ (color) قلم (pen) کاغذ (paper) زیبا (beautiful) کشیدن (to pull/draw)

Learn Next

هنرمند (artist) مجسمه‌سازی (sculpting) موزه (museum) سبک (style) خلاقیت (creativity)

Advanced

مینیاتور (miniature) تذهیب (illumination) سوررئالیسم (surrealism) ترکیب‌بندی (composition) پرسپکتیو (perspective)

Grammar to Know

Compound Verbs with 'kardan'

نقاشی کردن (to paint) follows the standard conjugation for 'kardan'.

Ezafe Construction

نقاشیِ من (My painting) - the 'ye' sound connects the noun to the possessor.

Indefinite 'i'

نقاشی‌ای (a painting) - adding 'i' to nouns ending in 'i' often requires a 'ye' bridge.

Pluralization with '-hā'

نقاشی‌ها (paintings) - the most common plural marker.

Adjective Placement

نقاشیِ مدرن (modern painting) - adjectives always follow the noun in Persian.

Examples by Level

این یک نقاشی است.

This is a painting.

Simple demonstrative sentence (In + noun + ast).

من نقاشی دوست دارم.

I like painting.

Subject + object + verb (dust dāram).

او نقاشی می‌کشد.

He/She is painting.

Present continuous/habitual (mi-keshad).

دفتر نقاشی کجاست؟

Where is the drawing notebook?

Ezafe construction (Daftar-e naqqāši).

مداد نقاشی قرمز است.

The drawing pencil is red.

Adjective following the noun.

ما در مدرسه نقاشی داریم.

We have painting (class) at school.

Use of 'dāshtan' to indicate a scheduled activity.

این نقاشی زیباست.

This painting is beautiful.

Contraction of 'zibā ast' to 'zibāst'.

یک نقاشی بکش!

Draw a painting!

Imperative form of 'keshidan'.

دیروز یک نقاشی بزرگ خریدم.

Yesterday I bought a big painting.

Simple past tense (kharidam).

او با آبرنگ نقاشی می‌کند.

He paints with watercolors.

Preposition 'bā' (with).

نقاشی‌های او خیلی گران هستند.

His paintings are very expensive.

Plural noun (naqqāši-hā).

آیا تو نقاش هستی؟

Are you a painter?

Noun for profession (naqqāsh).

من می‌خواهم نقاشی یاد بگیرم.

I want to learn painting.

Subjunctive mood after 'mi-khāham'.

این نقاشی روی دیوار است.

This painting is on the wall.

Prepositional phrase 'ru-ye divār'.

او نقاشی کردن را دوست دارد.

He likes painting (the act of).

Gerund-like use of 'kardan' with 'rā'.

کدام نقاشی را بیشتر دوست داری؟

Which painting do you like more?

Interrogative 'kodām'.

این نقاشی نشان‌دهنده طبیعت ایران است.

This painting represents the nature of Iran.

Present participle 'neshān-dahande'.

او از کودکی به نقاشی علاقه داشت.

He was interested in painting since childhood.

Compound preposition 'az... be'.

نمایشگاه نقاشی تا هفته آینده ادامه دارد.

The painting exhibition continues until next week.

Subject-verb agreement for inanimate subjects.

او ترجیح می‌دهد با مداد شمعی نقاشی بکشد.

She prefers to draw with crayons.

Verb 'tarjih dādan'.

نقاشی‌های او در تمام دنیا مشهور است.

His paintings are famous all over the world.

Adjective 'mashhur'.

باید برای این نقاشی یک قاب زیبا بخریم.

We should buy a beautiful frame for this painting.

Modal 'bāyad' + subjunctive.

او سبک نقاشی خود را تغییر داد.

He changed his painting style.

Compound verb 'taghyir dādan'.

این نقاشی حس آرامش به من می‌دهد.

This painting gives me a sense of peace.

Abstract noun 'ārāmesh' as object.

نقاشی‌های کمال‌الملک نقطه عطفی در هنر ایران بود.

Kamal-ol-Molk's paintings were a turning point in Iranian art.

Historical reference and compound noun 'noghte-ye atf'.

او در نقاشی‌هایش از رنگ‌های تند استفاده می‌کند.

He uses bold colors in his paintings.

Preposition 'az' with 'estefāde kardan'.

این نقاشی ترکیبی از سنت و مدرنیته است.

This painting is a combination of tradition and modernity.

Noun 'tarkib' (combination).

او توانست با نقاشی، اعتراض خود را بیان کند.

He was able to express his protest through painting.

Infinitive as a means 'bā naqqāši'.

جزئیات این نقاشی بسیار خیره‌کننده است.

The details of this painting are very stunning.

Adjective 'khire-konande'.

او به عنوان یک نقاش پیشرو شناخته می‌شود.

He is known as an avant-garde painter.

Passive structure 'shenākhte mi-shavad'.

نقاشی‌های او بازتابی از مسائل اجتماعی است.

His paintings are a reflection of social issues.

Noun 'bāztāb' (reflection).

او تمام تکنیک‌های نقاشی را به خوبی می‌شناسد.

He knows all painting techniques very well.

Plural 'teknik-hā'.

تحلیل ساختاری این نقاشی نیازمند دانش عمیقی است.

A structural analysis of this painting requires deep knowledge.

Formal vocabulary 'tahlil-e sākhtāri'.

نقاشی‌های قهوه‌خانه‌ای ریشه در باورهای مذهبی دارند.

Coffeehouse paintings have roots in religious beliefs.

Idiomatic term 'naqqāši-ye ghahve-khāne'i'.

او در آثارش مرز بین نقاشی و عکاسی را از بین برده است.

In his works, he has blurred the line between painting and photography.

Metaphorical use of 'marz' (border).

این نقاشی از نظر زیبایی‌شناسی بی‌نظیر است.

This painting is unique from an aesthetic point of view.

Adverbial phrase 'az nazar-e...'.

نمادگرایی در نقاشی‌های او بسیار پیچیده است.

Symbolism in his paintings is very complex.

Noun 'namād-garāyi'.

او با استفاده از نور و سایه، به نقاشی عمق می‌بخشد.

By using light and shadow, he gives depth to the painting.

Verb 'omgh bakhshidan'.

این نقاشی تحت تأثیر مکتب اصفهان خلق شده است.

This painting was created under the influence of the Isfahan school.

Passive 'khalgh shode ast'.

او در نقاشی‌هایش به مسائل زیست‌محیطی می‌پردازد.

He addresses environmental issues in his paintings.

Verb 'be... pardākhtan'.

نقاشی در عرفان ایرانی، تجلی صورت‌های مثالی است.

Painting in Iranian mysticism is the manifestation of archetypal forms.

Highly philosophical terminology.

او در جستجوی زبان بصری جدیدی در نقاشی معاصر است.

He is in search of a new visual language in contemporary painting.

Abstract concept 'zabān-e basari'.

تأویل این نقاشی بدون درک اشعار حافظ ممکن نیست.

The interpretation of this painting is not possible without understanding Hafez's poems.

Academic word 'ta'vil' (hermeneutics/interpretation).

او میان فرم و محتوا در نقاشی، تعادلی ظریف ایجاد کرده است.

He has created a delicate balance between form and content in painting.

Technical art criticism terms 'form' and 'mohtavā'.

این نقاشی، بازخوانی مدرنی از اساطیر کهن است.

This painting is a modern re-reading of ancient myths.

Noun 'bāz-khāni' (re-reading/re-interpretation).

تجرید در نقاشی‌های متأخر او به اوج خود می‌رسد.

Abstraction reaches its peak in his later paintings.

Noun 'tajrid' (abstraction).

او پارادایم‌های حاکم بر نقاشی کلاسیک را به چالش می‌کشد.

He challenges the dominant paradigms of classical painting.

Intellectual phrase 'be chālesh keshidan'.

نقاشی‌های او دیالکتیکی میان واقعیت و رویاست.

His paintings are a dialectic between reality and dream.

Philosophical term 'diyālektik'.

Common Collocations

نقاشی کردن

نقاشی کشیدن

نمایشگاه نقاشی

سبک نقاشی

نقاشی رنگ روغن

نقاشی آبرنگ

کلاس نقاشی

نقاشی دیواری

لوازم نقاشی

تابلو نقاشی

Common Phrases

مثل نقاشی

— Beautiful as a painting. Used to describe people or landscapes.

صورت او مثل نقاشی است.

نقاشی کشیدن از کسی

— To draw/paint a portrait of someone.

او از برادرش نقاشی کشید.

نقاشی نیمه‌تمام

— An unfinished painting.

این نقاشی نیمه‌تمام باقی ماند.

نقاشی کردن ساختمان

— To paint a building/house.

ما مشغول نقاشی ساختمان هستیم.

مسابقه نقاشی

— Painting competition.

او در مسابقه نقاشی برنده شد.

نقاشی دیجیتال

— Digital painting.

امروزه نقاشی دیجیتال بسیار محبوب است.

نقاشی روی شیشه

— Vitray / Painting on glass.

نقاشی روی شیشه هنر سختی است.

نقاشی روی پارچه

— Fabric painting.

او روی لباس‌هایش نقاشی می‌کند.

نقاشی ذهنی

— Painting from imagination.

او بیشتر نقاشی‌هایش ذهنی است.

نقاشی از طبیعت

— Painting from nature.

او به نقاشی از طبیعت علاقه دارد.

Often Confused With

نقاشی vs عکس (aks)

A photo, not a painting.

نقاشی vs طرح (tarh)

A plan or a simple sketch.

نقاشی vs نقش (naghsh)

A role or a pattern.

Idioms & Expressions

"نقاشی خدا"

— God's painting. Used to describe extraordinary natural beauty.

این منظره واقعاً نقاشی خداست.

Informal/Poetic

"نقش بر آب کردن"

— To ruin someone's plans (literally: to paint on water).

او تمام نقشه‌های ما را نقش بر آب کرد.

Common

"نقش بر زمین شدن"

— To fall flat on the ground.

او ناگهان نقش بر زمین شد.

Literary

"نقش بازی کردن"

— To act or play a role (related to the root of naqqāši).

او فقط دارد نقش بازی می‌کند.

Common

"نقش بستن"

— To be imprinted or etched (e.g., in memory).

خاطره آن روز در ذهنم نقش بست.

Literary

"نقاشی کردن برای کسی"

— Metaphorically, to explain something in great detail.

باید بنشینم و برایت نقاشی کنم تا بفهمی؟

Informal/Sarcastic

"نقاش ازل"

— The Eternal Painter (God).

نقاش ازل چه خوش نگاشته است.

Poetic

"نقش ایوان"

— Something decorative but useless (from a famous poem).

خانه از پای‌بست ویران است، خواجه در بند نقش ایوان است.

Literary

"بی‌نقش و نگار"

— Plain, without any decoration.

او زندگی ساده و بی‌نقش و نگاری دارد.

Literary

"نقش اول"

— Protagonist / Leading role.

او نقش اول این فیلم است.

Formal

Easily Confused

نقاشی vs طراحی (tarrāhi)

Both involve drawing.

Tarrāhi is focused on lines and structure, often without color. Naqqāši involves color and is considered more of a finished 'painting'.

او در طراحی قوی است اما در نقاشی نه.

نقاشی vs نگارگری (negārgari)

Both mean painting.

Negārgari is strictly for traditional, classical Persian styles.

نگارگری هنر اصیل ایرانی است.

نقاشی vs تصویرگری (tasvirgari)

Both create images.

Tasvirgari is illustration, usually for books or stories.

او تصویرگری کتاب‌های کودک را انجام می‌دهد.

نقاشی vs رنگ‌آمیزی (rang-āmizi)

Both involve color.

Rang-āmizi is the act of filling in colors or painting a wall flatly.

بچه‌ها مشغول رنگ‌آمیزی هستند.

نقاشی vs تذهیب (tazhib)

Both are visual arts.

Tazhib is specifically illumination with gold and patterns, usually on manuscripts.

تذهیب این قرآن بسیار قدیمی است.

Sentence Patterns

من [اسم] نقاشی می‌کنم.

من گل نقاشی می‌کنم.

او [صفت] نقاشی می‌کشد.

او زیبا نقاشی می‌کشد.

این نقاشی با [ابزار] کشیده شده است.

این نقاشی با آبرنگ کشیده شده است.

[اسم] یکی از بهترین نقاشی‌های [نقاش] است.

این تابلو یکی از بهترین نقاشی‌های مونه است.

نقاشی‌های او بازتابی از [مفهوم] است.

نقاشی‌های او بازتابی از تنهایی انسان است.

در این اثر، نقاشی به مثابه [استعاره] به کار رفته است.

در این اثر، نقاشی به مثابه آینه‌ای برای روح به کار رفته است.

کلاس نقاشی [زمان] است.

کلاس نقاشی فردا است.

من [تعداد] نقاشی دارم.

من دو نقاشی دارم.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Very frequent in both daily life and media.

Common Mistakes

Using 'naqqāši' for a photograph. → Use 'aks' (عکس).
A painting is hand-made; a photo is taken by a camera.
Saying 'Man naqqāši hastam' to mean 'I am painting'. → Say 'Man dāram naqqāši mikonam'.
'Naqqāši hastam' would mean 'I am a painting'.
Forgetting the Ezafe in 'Naqqāši āberang'. → Naqqāši-ye āberang.
Persian requires a connector between the noun and its type/adjective.
Confusing 'naqqāsh' with 'naqqāši'. → Naqqāsh is the person; naqqāši is the art.
The suffix '-i' often turns a person-noun into an activity-noun.
Using 'tarrāhi' for a full oil painting. → Use 'naqqāši'.
'Tarrāhi' is for sketches or designs, not finished colored paintings.

Tips

Learn with Colors

When you practice the word 'naqqāši', always try to name the colors you are using. This reinforces both vocabularies.

Visit a Gallery

If you are in Iran, go to a gallery on Friday. You will hear 'naqqāši' used in every sentence.

Ezafe is Key

Always remember the Ezafe (the short 'e' sound) when describing the painting, e.g., 'naqqāši-ye zibā'.

The Q Sound

Practice the 'q' (ق) by making a sound from the back of your throat, like a soft 'g' mixed with a 'k'.

House Painting

If someone says they are doing 'naqqāši' at home, check if they mean art or just painting the walls!

Word Family

Learning 'naqqāsh' (painter) alongside 'naqqāši' makes it easier to remember both.

Spelling

Remember the double 'q'. Even if you don't write the tashdid symbol, remember the sound is doubled.

Listen to Kids

Children use this word often. Listening to Persian kids' shows is a great way to hear 'naqqāši' in simple contexts.

Knock-Art

Think: 'Knock' on the 'Art' door. Na-q-shi.

Art Terms

If you are serious about art, learn 'sabk' (style) and 'tarkib-bandi' (composition) to use with 'naqqāši'.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'naqqāši' as 'Knock-Art-She'. You 'knock' on the door of the 'art' studio to see what 'she' painted.

Visual Association

Imagine a giant 'Q' (the letter in naqqāši) shaped like a palette, with a brush painting the word across a canvas.

Word Web

نقاشی رنگ هنر موزه قلم‌مو بوم تابلو نمایشگاه

Challenge

Try to describe three different paintings in your house using the word 'naqqāši' and at least two adjectives for each.

Word Origin

The word is derived from the Arabic root N-Q-SH (ن-ق-ش). In Arabic, this root relates to engraving, carving, or tattooing. When it entered Persian, its meaning broadened significantly.

Original meaning: To engrave or carve patterns into stone or wood.

Semitic root, incorporated into the Indo-European Persian language.

Cultural Context

When discussing religious art, use the term 'tazhib' or 'khosh-nevisi' (calligraphy) to be more precise, as 'naqqāši' can sometimes imply secular representational art.

In English, we distinguish strictly between 'drawing' and 'painting'. In Persian, 'naqqāši' is often used for both in casual speech.

Kamal-ol-Molk: The most famous realistic painter of the Qajar/Pahlavi era. Mahmoud Farshchian: The master of modern Persian miniatures. The 'Haft Awrang' of Jami: A masterpiece of Persian painting history.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At School

ساعت نقاشی
معلم نقاشی
نمره نقاشی
دفتر نقاشی

At a Museum

تابلو نقاشی
نقاشی اصل
راهنمای موزه
بخش نقاشی

Home Decor

نقاشی ساختمان
رنگ دیوار
قاب نقاشی
نصب نقاشی

Hobbies

کلاس نقاشی
نقاشی آبرنگ
تمرین نقاشی
لوازم نقاشی

Art Criticism

سبک نقاشی
مفهوم نقاشی
تکنیک نقاشی
نقد نقاشی

Conversation Starters

"آیا به نقاشی علاقه داری؟ (Do you like painting?)"

"کدام سبک نقاشی را بیشتر می‌پسندی؟ (Which painting style do you prefer more?)"

"آخرین باری که به نمایشگاه نقاشی رفتی کی بود؟ (When was the last time you went to a painting exhibition?)"

"اگر می‌توانستی یک نقاشی معروف داشته باشی، کدام را انتخاب می‌کردی؟ (If you could own one famous painting, which would you choose?)"

"آیا در کودکی نقاشی می‌کشیدی؟ (Did you use to paint in your childhood?)"

Journal Prompts

امروز یک نقاشی دیدم که مرا به فکر فرو برد... (Today I saw a painting that made me think...)

اگر زندگی من یک نقاشی بود، چه رنگ‌هایی در آن می‌دیدم؟ (If my life were a painting, what colors would I see in it?)

چرا هنر نقاشی برای جامعه مهم است؟ (Why is the art of painting important for society?)

توصیف یکی از نقاشی‌های محبوب من. (Description of one of my favorite paintings.)

احساس من وقتی در حال نقاشی کردن هستم. (My feeling when I am painting.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, in casual Persian, 'naqqāši' is used for both drawing and painting. However, 'tarrāhi' is more precise for pencil drawing.

'Kardan' is more general (to do painting), while 'keshidan' refers to the physical act of drawing/painting a specific piece.

You say 'Man naqqāsh hastam' (من نقاش هستم).

The noun 'naqqāši' refers to the act or the result. The person is a 'naqqāsh-e sākhtemān'.

It has an Arabic root (N-Q-SH), but the form 'naqqāši' is Persian.

It refers to modern/contemporary art styles in Iran.

Add '-hā' to get 'naqqāši-hā'.

It can be used to describe something that looks fake or too perfect, like 'it's just a painting'.

It is a sketchbook or a drawing notebook used by students.

Extremely. Iran has a very high number of art students and galleries per capita in the region.