والدین
والدین in 30 Seconds
- والدین (vâledeyn) is the formal Persian term for 'parents'.
- It comes from Arabic and is a dual noun (father + mother).
- Used in schools, legal documents, and polite conversation.
- Avoid pluralizing it with '-hâ' as it is already plural/dual.
The Persian word والدین (vâledeyn) is the formal and most common way to refer to 'parents' collectively. Rooted in Arabic grammar, it is technically a dual noun, meaning it specifically refers to two people: the father and the mother. In modern Persian, while you might hear 'pedar o mâdar' in casual conversation, والدین is the standard term used in school documents, legal papers, and respectful discourse. It carries a sense of biological and legal responsibility, encompassing the roles of both progenitors in a child's life.
- Formal Context
- Used in applications, school meetings, and official announcements. For example, 'The parents must sign this form' translates as 'والدین باید این فرم را امضا کنند'.
- Respectful Register
- When speaking about someone else's parents in a polite setting, using this word shows education and social grace.
- Grammatical Origin
- It comes from the Arabic 'vâled' (father) with the dual suffix '-eyn'. In Persian, we treat it as a single plural noun.
احترام به والدین یکی از مهمترین ارزشهای فرهنگی ماست.
Understanding this word is crucial for any student of Persian because it appears constantly in media and literature. Unlike the English word 'parents', which can sometimes feel clinical, والدین retains a slightly elevated status. It implies the weight of the parental role within the family structure.
بسیاری از والدین نگران آینده فرزندان خود هستند.
Using والدین correctly involves understanding its placement in the sentence as a noun. It often acts as the subject or the object of a verb related to care, education, or family dynamics. Because it is a formal word, it is frequently paired with other formal verbs like 'tashrif dâshtan' (to be present/to have) or 'morâqebat kardan' (to look after).
- As a Subject
- When parents are the ones performing an action. 'والدین من در ایران زندگی میکنند' (My parents live in Iran).
- As an Object
- When something is being done to or for the parents. 'من به والدینم کمک میکنم' (I help my parents).
او از والدین خود اجازه گرفت.
نقش والدین در تربیت کودک بسیار حیاتی است.
You will encounter والدین in several specific domains of Iranian life. First and foremost is the educational system. Schools frequently hold 'Anjoman-e Oliyâ va Morabbiyân' (Parents and Teachers Association) meetings, where the term is used extensively. Secondly, in the news and media, when discussing social issues, demographics, or family law, 'vâledeyn' is the default term.
- At School
- 'والدین گرامی، جلسه فردا برگزار میشود' (Dear parents, tomorrow's meeting will be held).
- In Legal Documents
- Birth certificates, passports, and school registrations all use 'nâm-e vâledeyn' (parents' names).
امضای والدین برای خروج از کشور الزامی است.
One of the most common mistakes for English speakers is trying to pluralize والدین using Persian plural markers. Since the word already contains the Arabic dual suffix '-eyn', adding '-hâ' (والدینها) is redundant and grammatically incorrect in standard Persian. Another mistake is using it in very casual family settings where 'mâmân o bâbâ' would be much more natural.
- Double Pluralization
- Avoid: 'vâledeynhâ'. Correct: 'vâledeyn'.
- Register Mismatch
- Using 'vâledeyn' when asking a toddler where their parents are. In that case, use 'mâmân o bâbâ'.
اشتباه: من با والدینها صحبت کردم.
While والدین is the standard formal term, Persian offers several alternatives depending on the level of intimacy and the specific context of the conversation.
- پدر و مادر (Pedar o Mâdar)
- The most common everyday way to say 'father and mother'. Used in 90% of spoken conversations.
- مامان و بابا (Mâmân o Bâbâ)
- Informal and intimate. Used when talking to or about your own parents or within the family.
- ابوین (Abaveyn)
- Extremely formal, archaic, or religious. Derived from 'Ab' (father) in Arabic. Rarely used in modern speech but found in old texts.
او همیشه به پدر و مادرش احترام میگذارد.
How Formal Is It?
"والدین محترم، خواهشمند است در جلسه شرکت نمایید."
"والدین او در خارج از کشور زندگی میکنند."
"پدر و مادرم دارن میان اینجا."
"مامان و بابا دوستت دارن."
"ننه بابام گیر دادن."
Fun Fact
Even though Persian doesn't have a dual grammatical number for its native words, it has borrowed many dual forms from Arabic like 'tarafeyn' (two sides) and 'vâledeyn', treating them as collective plurals.
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing 'v' as 'w'. In Persian, 'v' is like the English 'v'.
- Confusing the 'â' (long a) with 'a' (short a).
- Adding an 'h' at the end (vâledeynh).
- Treating 'eyn' as two separate syllables.
- Misplacing the stress on the first syllable.
Difficulty Rating
Easy to recognize once you know the Arabic dual suffix.
Requires correct spelling of the 'v' and 'eyn' sounds.
Easy to pronounce, but requires knowing when to use it vs. informal terms.
Common in formal media and school settings.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Arabic Dual in Persian
Words like 'طرفین' and 'والدین' use '-eyn' to mean 'two'.
Ezafe with silent 'h'
If a word ends in 'e', we add 'ye' for ezafe, but 'vâledeyn' ends in 'n', so just 'e'.
Plural Verbs for Collective Nouns
والدین آمدند (The parents came) - plural verb.
Possessive Suffixes
والدینم (vâledeynam) - my parents.
Prepositions and Nouns
به والدین (to parents) - no change in the noun.
Examples by Level
والدین من اینجا هستند.
My parents are here.
Simple subject-verb agreement.
نام والدین شما چیست؟
What are your parents' names?
Possessive construction.
والدین او مهربان هستند.
His/Her parents are kind.
Adjective usage with the noun.
من با والدینم زندگی میکنم.
I live with my parents.
Using the preposition 'bâ' (with).
والدین سارا در تهران هستند.
Sara's parents are in Tehran.
Ezafe construction (vâledeyn-e Sârâ).
آیا والدین شما خانه هستند؟
Are your parents home?
Interrogative sentence.
والدین من پزشک هستند.
My parents are doctors.
Plural occupation with a dual noun.
او به والدینش سلام کرد.
He/She said hello to his/her parents.
Compound verb 'salâm kardan'.
او برای والدین خود هدیه خرید.
He/She bought a gift for his/her parents.
Use of 'barâye' (for).
والدین باید به بچهها کمک کنند.
Parents must help the children.
Modal verb 'bâyad' (must).
دیروز با والدینم به پارک رفتم.
Yesterday I went to the park with my parents.
Past tense usage.
والدین شما کجا کار میکنند؟
Where do your parents work?
Question word 'kojâ' (where).
من هر روز به والدینم زنگ میزنم.
I call my parents every day.
Present habitual tense.
والدین او از سفر برگشتند.
His/Her parents returned from the trip.
Verb 'bargashtan' (to return).
آیا والدین شما فارسی بلد هستند؟
Do your parents know Persian?
Verb 'balad budan' (to know/be skilled).
والدین من در دوران کودکی بسیار سختگیر بودند.
My parents were very strict during my childhood.
Adjective 'sakht-gir' (strict).
مسئولیت والدین در تربیت فرزندان بسیار سنگین است.
The responsibility of parents in raising children is very heavy.
Abstract noun 'mas'uliyat' (responsibility).
والدین آگاه معمولاً با فرزندان خود گفتگو میکنند.
Informed parents usually converse with their children.
Adjective 'âgâh' (informed/aware).
در این جلسه، والدین درباره مشکلات مدرسه بحث کردند.
In this meeting, parents discussed school problems.
Verb 'bahs kardan' (to discuss).
بسیاری از دانشآموزان تحت فشار والدین خود هستند.
Many students are under pressure from their parents.
Prepositional phrase 'tahte feshâr-e' (under the pressure of).
والدین باید محیطی آرام برای مطالعه فراهم کنند.
Parents should provide a quiet environment for studying.
Verb 'farâham kardan' (to provide/prepare).
او بدون اجازه والدینش به مهمانی نرفت.
He/She didn't go to the party without his/her parents' permission.
Preposition 'bedune' (without).
رابطه بین والدین و فرزندان باید بر اساس اعتماد باشد.
The relationship between parents and children should be based on trust.
Noun 'etemâd' (trust).
والدین او از تصمیمش برای مهاجرت حمایت کردند.
His/Her parents supported his/her decision to migrate.
Verb 'hemâyat kardan' (to support).
والدین نقش الگو را برای فرزندان ایفا میکنند.
Parents play the role of role models for children.
Idiomatic expression 'naqsh-e ... râ ifâ kardan'.
تفاوت دیدگاه بین والدین و نسل جوان طبیعی است.
The difference in perspective between parents and the younger generation is natural.
Noun 'didgâh' (perspective).
والدین سمی میتوانند آسیبهای جبرانناپذیری به روحیه کودک بزنند.
Toxic parents can cause irreparable damage to a child's morale.
Adjective 'sammi' (toxic) and 'jobrân-nâ-pazir' (irreparable).
دولت باید تسهیلاتی برای والدین شاغل فراهم آورد.
The government should provide facilities for working parents.
Formal verb 'farâham âvardan'.
والدین باید تعادلی بین کار و زندگی خانوادگی ایجاد کنند.
Parents must create a balance between work and family life.
Noun 'ta'âdol' (balance).
احساس گناه در والدین یکی از چالشهای بزرگ دنیای مدرن است.
Parental guilt is one of the great challenges of the modern world.
Noun phrase 'ehsâs-e gonâh' (feeling of guilt).
والدین بیولوژیکی او سالها پیش از هم جدا شدند.
His/Her biological parents separated years ago.
Adjective 'biolozhiki' (biological).
اقتدار والدین در خانوادههای امروزی کاهش یافته است.
Parental authority has decreased in today's families.
Noun 'eqtedâr' (authority).
والدین باید نسبت به نیازهای عاطفی نوجوانان حساس باشند.
Parents must be sensitive to the emotional needs of teenagers.
Prepositional phrase 'nesbat be' (regarding/towards).
تعارض میان والدین میتواند منجر به اضطراب مزمن در کودک شود.
Conflict between parents can lead to chronic anxiety in the child.
Noun 'ta'âroz' (conflict) and 'monjar shodan' (to lead to).
والدین به عنوان اولین مربیان کودک، تأثیر شگرفی بر شخصیت او دارند.
Parents, as the child's first educators, have a profound impact on their personality.
Adverbial phrase 'be onvân-e' (as).
در بسیاری از جوامع، والدین تحت فشار انتظارات کمالگرایانه هستند.
In many societies, parents are under the pressure of perfectionist expectations.
Adjective 'kamâl-gerâyâne' (perfectionist).
والدین هلیکوپتری با دخالت بیش از حد، مانع استقلال فرزندان میشوند.
Helicopter parents hinder their children's independence with excessive interference.
Metaphorical term 'vâledeyn-e helikopteri'.
حقوق قانونی والدین در حضانت فرزندان باید محترم شمرده شود.
The legal rights of parents in child custody must be respected.
Legal term 'hezânat' (custody).
والدین باید سواد رسانهای خود را برای همراهی با فرزندان افزایش دهند.
Parents must increase their media literacy to accompany their children.
Noun phrase 'savâd-e resâne-i' (media literacy).
پیوند عاطفی عمیق میان والدین و نوزاد در ماههای اول شکل میگیرد.
A deep emotional bond between parents and the infant forms in the first months.
Noun 'peyvand' (bond/connection).
والدین در جایگاه والای خود، ستونهای استوار کیان خانواده محسوب میشوند.
Parents, in their lofty position, are considered the firm pillars of the family foundation.
Literary register; use of 'kiyân' (foundation/essence).
تکریم والدین در ادبیات کلاسیک پارسی همواره مورد تأکید بوده است.
The honoring of parents has always been emphasized in classical Persian literature.
Noun 'takrim' (honoring/venerating).
والدین باید ظرافتهای روانشناختی دوران بلوغ را درک کنند.
Parents must understand the psychological subtleties of puberty.
Noun 'zarâfat' (subtleties/delicacies).
تقابل میان سنت و مدرنیته، وظایف والدین را با چالشهای نوظهور روبرو کرده است.
The confrontation between tradition and modernity has faced parental duties with emerging challenges.
Noun 'taqâbol' (confrontation) and 'no-zohur' (emerging).
والدین به مثابه آینهای هستند که رفتارهای آنان در روح فرزندان منعکس میشود.
Parents are like a mirror whose behaviors are reflected in the souls of their children.
Simile using 'be masâbe-ye' (like/as).
والدین نباید آرزوهای ناکام خود را در زندگی فرزندانشان جستجو کنند.
Parents should not seek their own unfulfilled dreams in the lives of their children.
Adjective 'nâ-kâm' (unfulfilled/failed).
مسئولیت مدنی والدین در قبال خسارات وارده توسط صغار در قانون پیشبینی شده است.
The civil liability of parents for damages caused by minors is provided for in the law.
Highly technical legal jargon (civil liability, minors).
والدین با ایثار و فداکاری، بسترساز رشد و تعالی نسلهای آینده هستند.
With self-sacrifice and devotion, parents pave the way for the growth and transcendence of future generations.
Compound noun 'bastar-sâz' (paving the way/platform-making).
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— A common moral advice to respect one's parents.
همیشه به والدین خود احترام بگذارید.
— A formal way to address parents, usually in school letters.
والدین گرامی، لطفاً فرم را پر کنید.
— A standard field on forms asking for parents' names.
نام والدین خود را در این کادر بنویسید.
— Refers to the parents and teachers association.
جلسه انجمن والدین و مربیان امروز است.
— Foster parents or wet-nurse related parents (religious context).
او در کنار والدین رضاعی خود بزرگ شد.
— The blessing of parents, considered very powerful in culture.
دعای خیر والدین پشتوانه زندگی اوست.
Often Confused With
This is singular and usually refers only to the father.
This is singular and refers only to the mother.
This means 'family' and includes siblings and others, not just parents.
Idioms & Expressions
— To be disowned or cursed by one's parents due to bad behavior.
او میترسید که عاق والدین شود.
Religious/Formal— To consider parents as the crown on one's head (highly respected).
والدین من تاج سر من هستند.
Poetic/Respectful— To obey parents' words with absolute respect.
او حرف والدینش را روی چشم میگذارد.
Informal/Polite— Parents who are anxiously waiting for their child (often used for soldiers or travelers).
والدین چشمانتظار بالاخره فرزندشان را دیدند.
Literary/Emotional— The light of parents' eyes (a beloved child).
این کودک نور چشم والدینش است.
Affectionate— To be very humble and respectful towards parents (literally kissing their hands).
او همیشه دستبوس والدینش است.
Traditional/Polite— The protection and presence of parents.
خدا سایه والدین را از سر ما کم نکند.
Common Prayer/Idiom— Compassionate and caring parents.
او والدین دلسوزی دارد که همیشه نگرانش هستند.
Neutral— The void left by deceased parents.
در مراسم عروسی، جای خالی والدینش حس میشد.
Emotional— An unworthy child who brings shame to the parents.
او فرزند ناخلفی برای والدینش بود.
Formal/NegativeEasily Confused
Same root (W-L-D).
'Tavalod' means birth, while 'vâledeyn' are the ones who give birth.
روز تولد من، والدینم خوشحال بودند.
Related to birth/family.
'Nozâd' is the baby; 'vâledeyn' are the adults.
والدین نوزاد را به خانه بردند.
Both refer to older family members.
'Ajdâd' are ancestors (grandparents and beyond); 'vâledeyn' are just mother and father.
والدین ما از نسل اجداد بزرگی هستند.
Both can be caregivers.
'Sarparast' is a general guardian; 'vâledeyn' are specifically parents.
او با والدینش زندگی نمیکند، بلکه سرپرست دارد.
Means relatives.
'Fâmil' refers to the extended family; 'vâledeyn' is specific to parents.
تمام فامیل به دیدن والدین من آمدند.
Sentence Patterns
من ... دارم.
من والدین مهربانی دارم.
... من در ... هستند.
والدین من در شیراز هستند.
باید به ... احترام گذاشت.
باید به والدین احترام گذاشت.
نقش ... در ... غیرقابل انکار است.
نقش والدین در تربیت غیرقابل انکار است.
با توجه به انتظارات ...
با توجه به انتظارات والدین، او سخت درس میخواند.
... به مثابه ... هستند.
والدین به مثابه ستونهای خانواده هستند.
او از ... اجازه گرفت.
او از والدینش اجازه گرفت.
نام ... شما چیست؟
نام والدین شما چیست؟
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
Highly frequent in formal writing and media; moderately frequent in polite speech.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'vâled' as 'valid'. Your parents are the ones who 'validate' your existence by giving you birth.
Visual Association
Imagine two pillars (father and mother) holding up a roof (the child/family). These two pillars are the 'vâledeyn'.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to write three sentences about what your 'vâledeyn' taught you, using at least one formal adjective like 'sabur' (patient).
Word Origin
The word is borrowed from Arabic. It is the dual form of the noun 'vâled'. In Arabic grammar, the suffix '-eyn' is used to indicate exactly two of something.
Original meaning: Two fathers (but in Arabic and Persian usage, it refers to the pair of father and mother).
Semitic (Arabic root) integrated into Indo-European (Persian).Cultural Context
Be careful when using 'vâledeyn' for non-traditional families; in legal Persian, it still strongly implies a mother and a father.
In English, 'parents' is used in all registers. In Persian, 'vâledeyn' is specifically for formal/written use, making it feel more like 'progenitors' or 'guardians' in certain contexts.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
School Enrollment
- نام والدین
- امضای والدین
- شغل والدین
- تلفن والدین
Doctor's Office
- سابقه بیماری در والدین
- سلامت والدین
- رضایت والدین برای عمل
- همراهی والدین
Legal Forms
- اجازه خروج والدین
- فوت والدین
- والدین قانونی
- نسبت با والدین
Psychology
- تأثیر والدین
- ارتباط با والدین
- والدین کنترلگر
- والدین حمایتگر
Social Events
- والدین عروس و داماد
- دعوت از والدین
- احترام به والدین
- هدیه برای والدین
Conversation Starters
"آیا والدین شما در این شهر زندگی میکنند؟"
"شغل والدین شما چیست؟"
"چقدر با والدین خود وقت میگذرانید؟"
"والدین شما در کودکی سختگیر بودند؟"
"بهترین نصیحتی که از والدین خود شنیدهاید چیست؟"
Journal Prompts
درباره یکی از خاطرات خوب خود با والدینتان بنویسید.
نقش والدین در موفقیت شما چیست؟ توصیف کنید.
اگر والدین بودید، چه روش تربیتی را انتخاب میکردید؟
تفاوتهای والدین امروزی با والدین نسل گذشته چیست؟
چگونه میتوانیم به والدین پیر خود بیشتر کمک کنیم؟
Frequently Asked Questions
6 questionsIn traditional and legal Persian, it implies a father and a mother. However, in modern contexts outside Iran, it is used more broadly for any two parents.
No, that is grammatically incorrect. 'والدین' is already plural in meaning. Use it as is.
The singular for father is 'والد' (vâled) and for mother is 'والده' (vâlede).
It might sound a bit too formal. 'پدر و مادرم' is more natural for casual conversations.
You say 'والدینم' (vâledeynam) or 'والدینِ من' (vâledeyn-e man).
Summary
The word 'والدین' is your go-to term for 'parents' in any professional or formal setting. While 'pedar o mâdar' is fine for friends, 'vâledeyn' shows a higher level of Persian proficiency. Example: 'والدین باید امضا کنند' (Parents must sign).
- والدین (vâledeyn) is the formal Persian term for 'parents'.
- It comes from Arabic and is a dual noun (father + mother).
- Used in schools, legal documents, and polite conversation.
- Avoid pluralizing it with '-hâ' as it is already plural/dual.
Example
همه کودکان به عشق والدین خود نیاز دارند.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
More family words
عاقد
B1Marriage officiant.
عضو بودن
B1To be a member (of a family).
عقد
B1Marriage contract; formal engagement ceremony.
عقد کردن
B1To get married; to formalize a marriage contract.
عمه
A1Paternal aunt; the sister of one's father.
عمه زاده
B1Paternal cousin (child of paternal aunt).
عمهزاده
B1Paternal aunt's child (cousin).
عمو
A1Paternal uncle; the brother of one's father.
عموزاده
A2A cousin (child of one's paternal uncle).
عنایت
B1Care; attention; favor; consideration.