At the A1 level, you should recognize 'والدین' (vâledeyn) as a word for 'parents'. You will mostly use 'pedar' (father) and 'mâdar' (mother) separately, but knowing this collective term helps you understand school forms or formal introductions. It is a 'set' word that you don't need to change or pluralize. Just remember: والدین = Mom + Dad.
At A2, you can start using 'والدین' in simple formal sentences. For example, when talking about your family in a classroom setting or writing a basic letter. You should be able to attach possessive pronouns to it, like 'والدینم' (my parents) or 'والدینت' (your parents). You are learning that Persian has different levels of formality, and this word is on the polite/formal side.
By B1, you should be comfortable using 'والدین' in discussions about education, upbringing, and social roles. You can understand more complex sentences where 'والدین' is part of a compound phrase, like 'حقوق والدین' (parents' rights). You start to distinguish between the spoken 'pedar-mâdar' and the written 'vâledeyn' in your own compositions.
At B2, you use 'والدین' to discuss abstract concepts like 'parental influence' or 'societal expectations of parents'. You can use it in debates and more formal writing. You also begin to recognize the Arabic root (W-L-D) and how it relates to other words like 'tavalod' (birth) and 'nuzâd' (newborn), helping you build a deeper vocabulary network.
At C1, you use 'والدین' with stylistic precision. You know exactly when to use it to sound professional and when to switch to 'pedar o mâdar' to sound warmer. You can understand academic papers on psychology or law that use 'والدین' as a technical term for 'legal guardians' or 'biological parents'.
At the C2 level, you have a masterly command of the word. You can appreciate its use in classical-style modern literature and legal statutes. You understand the nuances of the dual form and can contrast it with even more archaic terms like 'abaveyn'. You use it effortlessly in high-level socio-political discourse.

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.

Translation: Respecting parents is one of our most important cultural values.

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.

Translation: Many parents are worried about their children's future.

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.

Translation: He/She took permission from his/her parents.

نقش والدین در تربیت کودک بسیار حیاتی است.

Translation: The role of parents in a child's upbringing is very vital.

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.

Translation: Parents' signature is mandatory for leaving the country (for minors).

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.

Explanation: Incorrect usage of double plural. Use 'والدین' alone.

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.

Note: This is more common in daily speech than using 'vâledeyn'.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"والدین محترم، خواهشمند است در جلسه شرکت نمایید."

Neutral

"والدین او در خارج از کشور زندگی می‌کنند."

Informal

"پدر و مادرم دارن میان اینجا."

Child friendly

"مامان و بابا دوستت دارن."

Slang

"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

UK /vɒːleˈdeɪn/
US /vɑːleɪˈdeɪn/
The stress is typically on the final syllable 'deyn'.
Rhymes With
کونین (Koneyn) ثقلین (Saqaleyn) طرفین (Tarafeyn) حسین (Hossein) عین (Eyn) دین (Deyn - debt) بین (Beyn) زین (Zeyn)
Common Errors
  • 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

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize once you know the Arabic dual suffix.

Writing 3/5

Requires correct spelling of the 'v' and 'eyn' sounds.

Speaking 2/5

Easy to pronounce, but requires knowing when to use it vs. informal terms.

Listening 2/5

Common in formal media and school settings.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

پدر مادر زن مرد بچه

Learn Next

خانواده فرزند همسر برادر خواهر

Advanced

حضانت ولایت تربیت وراثت سرپرستی

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

1

والدین من اینجا هستند.

My parents are here.

Simple subject-verb agreement.

2

نام والدین شما چیست؟

What are your parents' names?

Possessive construction.

3

والدین او مهربان هستند.

His/Her parents are kind.

Adjective usage with the noun.

4

من با والدینم زندگی می‌کنم.

I live with my parents.

Using the preposition 'bâ' (with).

5

والدین سارا در تهران هستند.

Sara's parents are in Tehran.

Ezafe construction (vâledeyn-e Sârâ).

6

آیا والدین شما خانه هستند؟

Are your parents home?

Interrogative sentence.

7

والدین من پزشک هستند.

My parents are doctors.

Plural occupation with a dual noun.

8

او به والدینش سلام کرد.

He/She said hello to his/her parents.

Compound verb 'salâm kardan'.

1

او برای والدین خود هدیه خرید.

He/She bought a gift for his/her parents.

Use of 'barâye' (for).

2

والدین باید به بچه‌ها کمک کنند.

Parents must help the children.

Modal verb 'bâyad' (must).

3

دیروز با والدینم به پارک رفتم.

Yesterday I went to the park with my parents.

Past tense usage.

4

والدین شما کجا کار می‌کنند؟

Where do your parents work?

Question word 'kojâ' (where).

5

من هر روز به والدینم زنگ می‌زنم.

I call my parents every day.

Present habitual tense.

6

والدین او از سفر برگشتند.

His/Her parents returned from the trip.

Verb 'bargashtan' (to return).

7

آیا والدین شما فارسی بلد هستند؟

Do your parents know Persian?

Verb 'balad budan' (to know/be skilled).

8

والدین من در دوران کودکی بسیار سخت‌گیر بودند.

My parents were very strict during my childhood.

Adjective 'sakht-gir' (strict).

1

مسئولیت والدین در تربیت فرزندان بسیار سنگین است.

The responsibility of parents in raising children is very heavy.

Abstract noun 'mas'uliyat' (responsibility).

2

والدین آگاه معمولاً با فرزندان خود گفتگو می‌کنند.

Informed parents usually converse with their children.

Adjective 'âgâh' (informed/aware).

3

در این جلسه، والدین درباره مشکلات مدرسه بحث کردند.

In this meeting, parents discussed school problems.

Verb 'bahs kardan' (to discuss).

4

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).

5

والدین باید محیطی آرام برای مطالعه فراهم کنند.

Parents should provide a quiet environment for studying.

Verb 'farâham kardan' (to provide/prepare).

6

او بدون اجازه والدینش به مهمانی نرفت.

He/She didn't go to the party without his/her parents' permission.

Preposition 'bedune' (without).

7

رابطه بین والدین و فرزندان باید بر اساس اعتماد باشد.

The relationship between parents and children should be based on trust.

Noun 'etemâd' (trust).

8

والدین او از تصمیمش برای مهاجرت حمایت کردند.

His/Her parents supported his/her decision to migrate.

Verb 'hemâyat kardan' (to support).

1

والدین نقش الگو را برای فرزندان ایفا می‌کنند.

Parents play the role of role models for children.

Idiomatic expression 'naqsh-e ... râ ifâ kardan'.

2

تفاوت دیدگاه بین والدین و نسل جوان طبیعی است.

The difference in perspective between parents and the younger generation is natural.

Noun 'didgâh' (perspective).

3

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).

4

دولت باید تسهیلاتی برای والدین شاغل فراهم آورد.

The government should provide facilities for working parents.

Formal verb 'farâham âvardan'.

5

والدین باید تعادلی بین کار و زندگی خانوادگی ایجاد کنند.

Parents must create a balance between work and family life.

Noun 'ta'âdol' (balance).

6

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).

7

والدین بیولوژیکی او سال‌ها پیش از هم جدا شدند.

His/Her biological parents separated years ago.

Adjective 'biolozhiki' (biological).

8

اقتدار والدین در خانواده‌های امروزی کاهش یافته است.

Parental authority has decreased in today's families.

Noun 'eqtedâr' (authority).

1

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).

2

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).

3

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).

4

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).

5

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'.

6

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).

7

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).

8

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).

1

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).

2

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).

3

والدین باید ظرافت‌های روان‌شناختی دوران بلوغ را درک کنند.

Parents must understand the psychological subtleties of puberty.

Noun 'zarâfat' (subtleties/delicacies).

4

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).

5

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).

6

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).

7

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).

8

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

والدین آگاه
اجازه والدین
حقوق والدین
والدین شاغل
والدین پیر
والدین بیولوژیکی
والدین دانش‌آموزان
رضایت والدین
والدین مجرد
نقش والدین

Common Phrases

به والدین خود احترام بگذارید

— A common moral advice to respect one's parents.

همیشه به والدین خود احترام بگذارید.

والدین گرامی

— A formal way to address parents, usually in school letters.

والدین گرامی، لطفاً فرم را پر کنید.

نام والدین

— A standard field on forms asking for parents' names.

نام والدین خود را در این کادر بنویسید.

والدین و مربیان

— Refers to the parents and teachers association.

جلسه انجمن والدین و مربیان امروز است.

تحت سرپرستی والدین

— To be under the guardianship/care of parents.

او هنوز تحت سرپرستی والدینش است.

والدین رضاعی

— Foster parents or wet-nurse related parents (religious context).

او در کنار والدین رضاعی خود بزرگ شد.

دعای خیر والدین

— The blessing of parents, considered very powerful in culture.

دعای خیر والدین پشتوانه زندگی اوست.

والدین ناتنی

— Step-parents.

رابطه او با والدین ناتنی‌اش خوب است.

والدین خوانده

— Adoptive parents.

او توسط والدین خوانده‌اش به فرزندی پذیرفته شد.

فقدان والدین

— The loss or absence of parents.

فقدان والدین تأثیر بدی بر کودک داشت.

Often Confused With

والدین vs والد

This is singular and usually refers only to the father.

والدین vs والده

This is singular and refers only to the mother.

والدین vs خانواده

This means 'family' and includes siblings and others, not just parents.

Idioms & Expressions

"عاق والدین شدن"

— To be disowned or cursed by one's parents due to bad behavior.

او می‌ترسید که عاق والدین شود.

Religious/Formal
"تاج سر بودن والدین"

— To consider parents as the crown on one's head (highly respected).

والدین من تاج سر من هستند.

Poetic/Respectful
"روی چشم گذاشتن حرف والدین"

— To obey parents' words with absolute respect.

او حرف والدینش را روی چشم می‌گذارد.

Informal/Polite
"والدین چشم‌انتظار"

— Parents who are anxiously waiting for their child (often used for soldiers or travelers).

والدین چشم‌انتظار بالاخره فرزندشان را دیدند.

Literary/Emotional
"نور چشم والدین"

— The light of parents' eyes (a beloved child).

این کودک نور چشم والدینش است.

Affectionate
"دست‌بوس والدین بودن"

— To be very humble and respectful towards parents (literally kissing their hands).

او همیشه دست‌بوس والدینش است.

Traditional/Polite
"سایه والدین"

— The protection and presence of parents.

خدا سایه والدین را از سر ما کم نکند.

Common Prayer/Idiom
"والدین دل‌سوز"

— Compassionate and caring parents.

او والدین دل‌سوزی دارد که همیشه نگرانش هستند.

Neutral
"جای خالی والدین"

— The void left by deceased parents.

در مراسم عروسی، جای خالی والدینش حس می‌شد.

Emotional
"فرزند ناخلف والدین"

— An unworthy child who brings shame to the parents.

او فرزند ناخلفی برای والدینش بود.

Formal/Negative

Easily Confused

والدین vs تولد

Same root (W-L-D).

'Tavalod' means birth, while 'vâledeyn' are the ones who give birth.

روز تولد من، والدینم خوشحال بودند.

والدین vs نوزاد

Related to birth/family.

'Nozâd' is the baby; 'vâledeyn' are the adults.

والدین نوزاد را به خانه بردند.

والدین vs اجداد

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.

والدین vs سرپرست

Both can be caregivers.

'Sarparast' is a general guardian; 'vâledeyn' are specifically parents.

او با والدینش زندگی نمی‌کند، بلکه سرپرست دارد.

والدین vs فامیل

Means relatives.

'Fâmil' refers to the extended family; 'vâledeyn' is specific to parents.

تمام فامیل به دیدن والدین من آمدند.

Sentence Patterns

A1

من ... دارم.

من والدین مهربانی دارم.

A2

... من در ... هستند.

والدین من در شیراز هستند.

B1

باید به ... احترام گذاشت.

باید به والدین احترام گذاشت.

B2

نقش ... در ... غیرقابل انکار است.

نقش والدین در تربیت غیرقابل انکار است.

C1

با توجه به انتظارات ...

با توجه به انتظارات والدین، او سخت درس می‌خواند.

C2

... به مثابه ... هستند.

والدین به مثابه ستون‌های خانواده هستند.

B1

او از ... اجازه گرفت.

او از والدینش اجازه گرفت.

A2

نام ... شما چیست؟

نام والدین شما چیست؟

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

Related

How to Use It

frequency

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

Pedar Mâdar Farzand Khânevâde Eshq Tavalod Morâqebat Tarbiyat

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.

The poem 'Mâdar' by Iraj Mirza. The film 'Separation' (Jodâiye Nâder az Simin) which deals with parental care. The Quranic verse 'Va bel vâledeyne ehsânâ' (And be kind to your parents).

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 questions

In 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).

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