At the A1 level, you just need to know that 'Vakil' means 'lawyer'. It is a job title, like 'doctor' (doctor) or 'mo'allem' (teacher). You might use it in simple sentences like 'He is a lawyer' or 'I see a lawyer'. Focus on the basic pronunciation: Va-keel.
At the A2 level, you should understand that 'Vakil' is someone who helps with legal problems. You can use it with verbs like 'gereftan' (to hire). You should also know that it can mean a representative in a wedding or a business deal. You can say 'I need a lawyer' or 'My lawyer is good'.
At the B1 level, you start using 'Vakil' in more complex situations. You should know phrases like 'Vakil-e Modafe' (defense lawyer) and 'Hagh-ol-vokale' (lawyer's fee). You can describe what a lawyer does, such as defending someone in court or writing a contract. You also understand the plural 'Vokala'.
At the B2 level, you are comfortable with the legal nuances of 'Vakil'. You know the difference between 'Vakil-e Paye Yek' and other legal practitioners. You can discuss legal cases, the role of the Bar Association (Kanoon-e Vokala), and use the word in abstract or professional contexts with ease.
At the C1 level, you understand the historical and political connotations of 'Vakil'. You can use it in academic discussions about the 'Vakil-ol-Ro'aya' or the evolution of the legal system in Iran. You use precise collocations and can differentiate between 'Vakil', 'Vasi', and 'Ghayyem' in legal texts.
At the C2 level, you have a masterly command of 'Vakil'. You can use it in complex metaphors, understand its nuances in classical Persian literature, and navigate highly technical legal documents where 'Vakil' appears in various specialized forms. You can debate the ethics of the legal profession using this term.

وکیل in 30 Seconds

  • Vakil means lawyer or attorney in Persian.
  • It comes from an Arabic root meaning 'to entrust'.
  • It can also mean a representative or proxy in social contexts.
  • Commonly used in legal, business, and marriage settings.

The Persian word وکیل (Vakil) is a fundamental noun in the Persian language, primarily referring to a legal professional or an authorized representative. Rooted in the Arabic triliteral root w-k-l (و-ک-ل), which conveys the concept of entrusting or delegating, a Vakil is someone to whom you entrust your legal affairs or representation. In modern Iran and Persian-speaking regions, it is most commonly translated as 'lawyer', 'attorney', or 'solicitor'. However, its semantic range extends beyond the courtroom to include any person acting on behalf of another with legal authority.

Legal Context
In a court of law, the وکیل is the advocate who defends or prosecutes a case. They are expected to have a deep understanding of the Islamic Penal Code and Civil Law.

من برای حل این پرونده پیچیده به یک وکیل با تجربه نیاز دارم.

Translation: I need an experienced lawyer to solve this complex case.
Representation
Outside of law, a Vakil can be an agent or proxy. For example, in a marriage ceremony (Aqd), the person who recites the vows on behalf of the bride or groom is called their Vakil.

آیا شما وکیل من در این معامله هستید؟

Professional Status
To become a 'Vakil-e Paye Yek' (First-class Attorney) in Iran, one must pass the rigorous Bar Exam (Kanoon-e Vokala).

او به عنوان وکیل مدافع در دادگاه حاضر شد.

بدون مشورت با وکیل، هیچ سندی را امضا نکنید.

Using the word 'وکیل' correctly requires understanding its role as both a profession and a functional title. In everyday Persian, it is used similarly to 'lawyer' in English, but with specific nuances depending on the legal or social setting. When you hire a lawyer, you 'take' one (وکیل گرفتن), and when you empower someone to act for you, you 'make' them your lawyer (وکیل کردن).

Verb Pairings
Common verbs used with Vakil include 'gereftan' (to get/hire), 'estekhdam kardan' (to employ), and 'entekhab kardan' (to choose).

ما باید برای تنظیم قرارداد یک وکیل بگیریم.

Formal Address
In formal letters or courtrooms, use 'Jenab-e Vakil' (Mr. Lawyer) or 'Sarkar Khanom-e Vakil' (Ms. Lawyer) to show respect.

جناب وکیل، آیا مدارک آماده است؟

Compound Phrases
'Vakil-e Modafe' (Defense Attorney) is the most common compound used in criminal law contexts.

او بهترین وکیل در زمینه حقوق مهاجرت است.

حق‌الوکاله این وکیل بسیار زیاد است.

You will encounter the word 'وکیل' in various settings, ranging from high-stakes legal environments to everyday administrative tasks. It is a staple of news broadcasts, legal dramas, and family discussions regarding property or inheritance. In Iran, the 'Kanoon-e Vokala' (Bar Association) is a well-known institution, and its members are prominent figures in civil society.

In the News
News reports often mention 'Vokala' when discussing human rights cases, international disputes, or changes in the judiciary.

اخبار اعلام کرد که وکیل متهم از دادگاه تقاضای تجدیدنظر کرد.

Administrative Offices
At a 'Daftar-khaneh' (Notary Public), you will often hear people talking about giving 'Vekalat' (Power of Attorney) to a Vakil.

من به برادرم وکیل دادم تا کارهای بانکی‌ام را انجام دهد.

Social Media & Pop Culture
Lawyers often use 'Vakil' in their Instagram bios or LinkedIn profiles to signify their professional status.

او در بیوگرافی خود نوشته است: وکیل پایه یک دادگستری.

در سریال‌های تلویزیونی، همیشه یک وکیل باهوش وجود دارد.

While 'وکیل' is a straightforward word, learners often confuse it with related legal terms or misuse its plural forms. Understanding the distinction between a lawyer (the person) and power of attorney (the authority) is crucial for accurate communication.

Vakil vs. Vekalat
Mistake: Saying 'I gave a lawyer to my brother' when you mean 'I gave power of attorney'. Correct: 'Vekalat dadam' (I gave authority), not 'Vakil dadam'.

اشتباه: من به او وکیل دادم. درست: من به او وکالت دادم.

Pluralization Errors
Mistake: Using 'Vakilan' in casual speech. While grammatically correct, 'Vokala' is the standard formal plural, and 'Vakil-ha' is common in spoken Persian.

بسیاری از وکیل‌ها (یا وکلا) در این ساختمان کار می‌کنند.

Vakil vs. Ghazi
Mistake: Confusing the lawyer (advocate) with the judge (Ghazi). The lawyer represents a party; the judge decides the case.

وکیل از موکل خود دفاع می‌کند، اما قاضی حکم صادر می‌کند.

او وکیل نیست، او فقط یک مشاور است.

Persian has several words related to legal representation and counseling. Distinguishing between them helps in achieving a more native-like vocabulary. While 'وکیل' is the general term, others are more specific.

Moshaver-e Hoghughi (Legal Advisor)
A legal advisor provides counsel but might not represent you in court like a Vakil.

شرکت ما یک وکیل دائمی و دو مشاور حقوقی دارد.

Namayandeh (Representative)
A general representative. All lawyers are representatives, but not all representatives are lawyers.

او وکیل مجلس (نماینده مجلس) است.

Dadrasi (Litigation/Justice)
Refers to the process of legal trial, often involving a Vakil.

وکیل در تمام مراحل دادرسی همراه من بود.

تفاوت اصلی بین وکیل و وصی در نوع اختیارات آنهاست.

How Formal Is It?

Difficulty Rating

Grammar to Know

Ezafe construction with titles

Subjunctive after 'bayad'

Compound verbs with 'kardan'

Arabic broken plurals

Direct object marker 'ra'

Examples by Level

1

او یک وکیل است.

He is a lawyer.

Simple subject + predicate.

2

وکیل کجاست؟

Where is the lawyer?

Question with 'koja'.

3

من وکیل را دیدم.

I saw the lawyer.

Direct object with 'ra'.

4

برادر من وکیل است.

My brother is a lawyer.

Possessive 'man'.

5

این وکیل خوب است.

This lawyer is good.

Demonstrative 'in'.

6

او وکیل ندارد.

He doesn't have a lawyer.

Negative verb 'nadarad'.

7

نام وکیل چیست؟

What is the lawyer's name?

Ezafe construction.

8

وکیل در دفتر است.

The lawyer is in the office.

Preposition 'dar'.

1

من باید یک وکیل بگیرم.

I must hire a lawyer.

Modal 'bayad' + subjunctive.

2

وکیل من خیلی مهربان است.

My lawyer is very kind.

Possessive suffix '-am'.

3

آیا شما وکیل هستید؟

Are you a lawyer?

Formal 'shoma'.

4

او برای ازدواج وکیل گرفت.

He got a representative for the marriage.

Preposition 'baraye'.

5

وکیل به من کمک کرد.

The lawyer helped me.

Compound verb 'komak kardan'.

6

ما به وکیل نیاز داریم.

We need a lawyer.

Verb 'niyaz dashtan'.

7

وکیل در دادگاه صحبت کرد.

The lawyer spoke in court.

Past tense.

8

این وکیل گران است.

This lawyer is expensive.

Adjective 'geran'.

1

وکیل مدافع از حقوق موکلش دفاع کرد.

The defense attorney defended his client's rights.

Compound noun 'Vakil-e Modafe'.

2

حق‌الوکاله این وکیل بسیار بالاست.

This lawyer's fee is very high.

Technical term 'Hagh-ol-vokale'.

3

او به عنوان وکیل پایه یک فعالیت می‌کند.

He practices as a first-class attorney.

Phrase 'be onvan-e'.

4

وکیل پرونده را به دقت مطالعه کرد.

The lawyer studied the case carefully.

Adverbial phrase 'be deghat'.

5

بدون وکیل، شانس پیروزی کم است.

Without a lawyer, the chance of victory is low.

Preposition 'bedun-e'.

6

وکیل به او توصیه کرد که سکوت کند.

The lawyer advised him to remain silent.

Subjunctive 'sokut konad'.

7

او وکیل خانوادگی ماست.

He is our family lawyer.

Adjective 'khanvadegi'.

8

وکیل قرارداد را تنظیم کرد.

The lawyer drafted the contract.

Verb 'tanzim kardan'.

1

کانون وکلا بیانیه‌ای صادر کرد.

The Bar Association issued a statement.

Arabic plural 'Vokala'.

2

وکیل تسخیری برای متهم انتخاب شد.

A public defender was appointed for the accused.

Term 'Vakil-e Taskhiri'.

3

او وکالت خود را به یک وکیل مجرب سپرد.

He entrusted his legal representation to an experienced lawyer.

Verb 'sepordan'.

4

وکیل با استناد به قانون، اعتراض کرد.

The lawyer objected, citing the law.

Gerund 'estenad'.

5

اخلاق حرفه‌ای وکیل بسیار مهم است.

A lawyer's professional ethics are very important.

Compound 'akhlaq-e herfe'i'.

6

وکیل توانست بی‌گناهی او را ثابت کند.

The lawyer was able to prove his innocence.

Modal 'tavanestan'.

7

او از وکیلش به دلیل اهمال شکایت کرد.

He sued his lawyer for negligence.

Noun 'ehmal'.

8

وکیل در لایحه خود به نکات مهمی اشاره کرد.

The lawyer pointed out important points in his brief.

Technical term 'layehe'.

1

وکیل باید مصلحت موکل را بر هر چیزی مقدم بدارد.

A lawyer must prioritize the client's best interest above all else.

Formal 'moghadam bedarad'.

2

استقلال کانون وکلا از ارکان دادرسی عادلانه است.

The independence of the Bar Association is a pillar of a fair trial.

Abstract noun 'esteghlal'.

3

وکیل با ذکاوت خود، حفره‌های قانونی را پیدا کرد.

The lawyer, with his wit, found the legal loopholes.

Noun 'zakavat'.

4

در این پرونده، وکیل نقش میانجی را ایفا کرد.

In this case, the lawyer played the role of a mediator.

Verb 'ifa kardan'.

5

وکیل تسلط کاملی بر قوانین بین‌المللی داشت.

The lawyer had complete mastery over international laws.

Noun 'tasallot'.

6

او به عنوان وکیل تام‌الاختیار منصوب شد.

He was appointed as a plenipotentiary representative.

Compound 'tam-ol-ekhtiyar'.

7

وکیل در نطق پیش از دستور خود به معضلات صنفی پرداخت.

The lawyer addressed guild problems in his pre-agenda speech.

Formal 'notgh'.

8

رابطه وکیل و موکل مبتنی بر اعتماد متقابل است.

The lawyer-client relationship is based on mutual trust.

Phrase 'mobtani bar'.

1

وکیل در تبیین مبانی حقوقی دعوا، ایجاز را رعایت کرد.

The lawyer observed brevity in explaining the legal foundations of the lawsuit.

High-level vocabulary 'tabyin', 'ijaz'.

2

او به مثابه وکیلی حاذق، گره از کار فروبسته گشود.

Like a skilled lawyer, he untied the closed knot (solved the problem).

Literary 'be masabeh'.

3

وکیل با بهره‌گیری از فصاحت کلام، هیئت منصفه را متقاعد کرد.

The lawyer persuaded the jury by utilizing eloquence of speech.

Noun 'fasahat'.

4

در متون کهن، وکیل گاه به معنای پیشکار پادشاه آمده است.

In ancient texts, 'Vakil' sometimes meant the king's steward.

Historical context.

5

وکیل از اطاله دادرسی به شدت انتقاد کرد.

The lawyer strongly criticized the prolongation of the trial.

Technical term 'etale-ye dadrasi'.

6

او در مقام وکیل، از کیان قانون دفاع کرد.

In the capacity of a lawyer, he defended the integrity of the law.

Formal 'kiyan'.

7

وکیل با استدلال‌های متقن، ادعای خواهان را رد کرد.

The lawyer rejected the plaintiff's claim with solid arguments.

Adjective 'motghan'.

8

شأن و جایگاه وکیل در نظام قضایی باید صیانت شود.

The dignity and position of the lawyer in the judicial system must be protected.

Passive 'siyanat shavad'.

Common Collocations

وکیل گرفتن
وکیل پایه یک
وکیل تسخیری
وکیل خانوادگی
حق‌الوکاله
وکیل معزول
وکیل تام‌الاختیار
وکیل دادگستری
عزل وکیل
انتخاب وکیل

Often Confused With

وکیل vs وزیر (Minister)

وکیل vs وکیل (Representative in Parliament - sometimes used interchangeably)

Easily Confused

وکیل vs وکالت

وکیل vs موکل

Sentence Patterns

How to Use It

nuance

In legal documents, 'Vakil' is very specific; in conversation, it can be loose.

Common Mistakes

Tips

Learn the Root

Knowing the root w-k-l helps you understand words like 'Vekalat' and 'Mo'akel'.

Historical Title

Remember Karim Khan Zand to impress Iranians with your historical knowledge of the word.

Plurals

Use 'Vokala' in writing to sound more professional and educated.

Politeness

Always use 'Jenab' or 'Sarkar' when addressing a lawyer directly.

Types of Lawyers

Distinguish between 'Vakil-e Modafe' (defense) and 'Vakil-e Shaki' (plaintiff's lawyer).

Bossy People

Use 'Vakil vasi nasho' (Don't be a lawyer/guardian) when someone is being too bossy.

Bar Exam

The Bar Exam in Iran is called 'Azmoon-e Vokala'.

Trust

The word implies a high level of trust (Etemad).

Long Vowel

Ensure the 'i' in Vakil is long, like 'ee' in 'feel'.

Compound Verbs

Master 'Vekalat dadan' for giving power of attorney.

Memorize It

Word Origin

Arabic

Cultural Context

The Zand dynasty used 'Vakil' as a supreme political title.

The bride's Vakil is usually a cleric or a respected elder.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Conversation Starters

"آیا تا به حال به وکیل نیاز داشته‌اید؟"

"به نظر شما بهترین وکیل شهر کیست؟"

"چگونه می‌توان یک وکیل خوب پیدا کرد؟"

"حق‌الوکاله در کشور شما چقدر است؟"

"آیا دوست دارید وکیل شوید؟"

Journal Prompts

اگر وکیل بودید، از چه کسی دفاع می‌کردید؟

اهمیت وجود وکیل در جامعه چیست؟

تجربه خود را از مراجعه به یک وکیل بنویسید.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Primarily yes, but it can also mean any authorized representative or agent.

The formal plural is 'Vokala', and the common plural is 'Vakilha'.

It is called 'Vakil-e Taskhiri'.

Yes, it is gender-neutral.

It refers to the legal fees paid to a lawyer.

No, that is 'Moshaver-e Amlak'.

It means a first-class attorney who can represent clients in all courts.

Yes, it has Arabic roots but is fully integrated into Persian.

Usually as 'Jenab-e Vakil' or 'Sarkar Khanom-e Vakil'.

In a legal relationship, it is 'Mo'akel' (the client).

Test Yourself 180 questions

writing

Write 'He is a lawyer' in Persian.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write 'I need a good lawyer' in Persian.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Describe a lawyer's job in one sentence.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write a sentence using 'Kanoon-e Vokala'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Discuss the importance of a lawyer in a sentence.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write 'My lawyer' in Persian.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write 'Where is the lawyer's office?'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write 'The lawyer signed the contract.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write 'The public defender was helpful.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write a sentence about legal ethics.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write 'I am a lawyer.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write 'We have a lawyer.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write 'The lawyer is in court.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write 'The lawyer's fee is high.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write 'The client trusts the lawyer.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write 'A good lawyer.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write 'She is a famous lawyer.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write 'The defense lawyer spoke.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write 'He was appointed as a lawyer.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write about the Bar Association's role.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'I am a lawyer' in Persian.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'I need a lawyer' in Persian.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'My lawyer is in the courtroom' in Persian.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'The lawyer's fee is high' in Persian.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'The lawyer defended the client's rights' in Persian.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'Lawyer' clearly.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'Where is the lawyer?'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'I hired a lawyer.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'He is a first-class lawyer.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'The Bar Association is independent.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'Good lawyer.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'He is my lawyer.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'The lawyer is busy.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'I want to see the lawyer.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'The lawyer gave advice.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'Yes, lawyer.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'No, I'm not a lawyer.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'The lawyer is coming.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'The lawyer is professional.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'The lawyer's speech was eloquent.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen and identify: 'وکیل'

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen and identify: 'وکیل من'

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen and identify: 'وکیل مدافع'

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen and identify: 'حق‌الوکاله'

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen and identify: 'کانون وکلا'

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen: 'او وکیل است.' Who is he?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen: 'وکیل کجاست؟' What is being asked?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen: 'وکیل گرفتیم.' What did they do?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen: 'وکیل پایه یک.' What kind of lawyer?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen: 'اطاله دادرسی.' What is the problem?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen: 'وکیل خوب.' How is the lawyer?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen: 'دفتر وکیل.' What place is this?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen: 'وکیل دادگاه.' Where is the lawyer?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen: 'وکیل تسخیری.' What type of lawyer?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen: 'موکل و وکیل.' Who are they?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:

/ 180 correct

Perfect score!

Was this helpful?

Comments (0)

Login to Comment
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!