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Vocabulary
پاسخگو بودن

B2 verb 11 min read

پاسخگو بودن

pasokhgoo boodan

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips پاسخگو بودن in 30 Seconds

Explanation پاسخگو بودن in your Level:

At the A1 level, we don't usually use the complex term 'پاسخگو بودن' (pāsokhgu budan). Instead, we focus on the simple verb 'جواب دادن' (javāb dādan), which means 'to answer.' A beginner learns how to answer a teacher, answer a phone, or answer a simple question like 'How are you?'. The concept of 'accountability' is too abstract for this stage. We might say 'من جواب می‌دهم' (I answer). The focus is on the action of speaking an answer, not the social responsibility behind it. We use simple subjects like 'I,' 'You,' or 'The student.' Examples would be 'I answer the question' or 'She answers the phone.' The grammar is straightforward: Subject + Object + Verb. There are no complex prepositions like 'in the face of' or 'in relation to.' Everything is concrete and immediate. By learning 'javāb dādan' first, the student builds the foundation for the more complex 'pāsokhgu' later on. It is important to know that 'pāsokh' is a more formal word for 'javāb,' but at A1, 'javāb' is the king of communication. We use it for everything from text messages to verbal replies. If an A1 student tried to use 'pāsokhgu budan,' they would likely sound overly formal and might use the grammar incorrectly. So, we stick to the basics of 'answering' before moving to 'being answerable.'

At the A2 level, students begin to see the word 'مسئول' (mas'ul), meaning 'responsible.' They might say 'من مسئول هستم' (I am responsible) for simple things like cleaning their room or doing homework. While 'پاسخگو بودن' (pāsokhgu budan) is still rare, they might encounter 'پاسخگو' in a customer service context, like a sign that says 'پاسخگوی شما هستیم' (We are here to answer you). The student starts to understand that some people have a job to give answers. The sentences get a bit longer, perhaps including a reason: 'I am responsible for my dog.' We start using 'برای' (for) more often. The concept of 'answering for' something begins to form, but it's still tied to physical tasks and direct actions. The student learns that 'pāsokh' is the polite version of 'javāb.' They might hear it in a recorded message on a phone: 'لطفاً منتظر بمانید، اپراتور پاسخگو خواهد بود' (Please wait, the operator will be answerable/responsive). This is the first step toward the B2 meaning. It introduces the idea of a person whose specific role is to provide information or help. The grammar remains simple, but the vocabulary expands to include these more professional-sounding terms. They learn that 'budan' (to be) can be combined with many adjectives to describe a person's role or state.

At the B1 level, the learner is introduced to the idea of social and professional duties. They start using 'پاسخگو بودن' (pāsokhgu budan) in the context of school or a small job. They understand that if they make a mistake, they have to 'explain' it. This is the bridge between 'answering a question' and 'accountability.' A B1 student can say 'A manager should be pāsokhgu to the staff.' They begin to use the preposition 'در برابر' (in the face of/to) instead of just 'be' (to). The sentences become more complex, involving conditional structures: 'If the project fails, who is pāsokhgu?'. The learner also starts to distinguish between 'mas'ul' (having the task) and 'pāsokhgu' (having to explain the task). They might read short news articles where the word appears in relation to local officials or company leaders. They can write a short paragraph about why it is important for a leader to be 'pāsokhgu.' The abstract nature of the word starts to become clear—it's not just about talking; it's about the consequences of what you say. They also learn the noun form 'پاسخگویی' (pāsokhgui) and can use it in a sentence like 'Accountability is important in a team.' This level focuses on the practical application of the word in everyday professional life.

B2 is the 'sweet spot' for 'پاسخگو بودن' (pāsokhgu budan). At this level, the student uses the word in its full sense of 'accountability' and 'transparency.' They can participate in debates about politics, the environment, and social justice where this word is a key term. They understand that 'pāsokhgu budan' is a requirement for 'good governance' (hokmrāni-ye khub). They can use it in various tenses and with complex modal verbs: 'The government should have been more pāsokhgu regarding the budget.' They also understand the nuance that being 'pāsokhgu' is a positive trait in a leader, whereas 'not being pāsokhgu' is a serious criticism. The student can accurately use the prepositions 'در برابر' (to/before) and 'در قبال' (in exchange for/regarding). They can explain the difference between this word and its synonyms like 'movazzaf' or 'mas'ul.' In writing, they can use it to build persuasive arguments about corporate social responsibility or civic duties. They are comfortable hearing it on the news or reading it in editorials. This is where the word becomes a tool for expressing complex ideas about how society should function. The B2 learner doesn't just know the definition; they know the 'weight' the word carries in a conversation about ethics and power.

At the C1 level, the learner uses 'پاسخگو بودن' (pāsokhgu budan) with stylistic flair and deep cultural awareness. They can use it in academic essays, legal discussions, or high-level business negotiations. They understand the philosophical roots of the word—how it relates to the concept of 'Haqq-on-Nās' (the rights of people) in Islamic and Iranian ethics. They can use the word in the passive voice or within complex noun-heavy sentences typical of formal Persian (e.g., 'The necessity of the pāsokhgu-ness of the executive branch'). They also recognize idiomatic uses and can pair it with sophisticated collocations like 'pāsokhgu-ye vejdān' (accountable to conscience) or 'pāsokhgu-ye nasl-hā-ye āyande' (accountable to future generations). The C1 learner can analyze a text and identify when the author is using 'pāsokhgu' to imply a lack of transparency without saying it directly. They can debate the limits of accountability—who is accountable to whom in a globalized world? They also master the administrative register, knowing how to use 'pāsokhgui' in official reports and policy documents. For a C1 student, the word is not just a vocabulary item; it is a conceptual lens through which they can analyze and critique organizational and political structures in the Persian-speaking world.

At the C2 level, the mastery of 'پاسخگو بودن' (pāsokhgu budan) is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. The learner can use it in the context of classical literature or modern political philosophy. They can discuss the evolution of the term from 'answering a call' to 'democratic accountability.' They can use it in subtle, ironic, or rhetorical ways in speeches or high-stakes writing. A C2 learner might use the word to discuss the 'ontological accountability' of a human being in a philosophical treatise. They are comfortable with all its derivations and can even coin new compound phrases if needed for a specific creative or academic purpose. They understand the legal implications of the term in Iranian civil and criminal code. They can switch registers instantly—from a formal academic lecture on 'pāsokhgui-ye nezhādi' (racial accountability) to a sharp political critique about a 'non-pāsokhgu' system. They also understand the subtle differences in how the word is used in Iranian Persian versus Dari or Tajik, where the concept of accountability might be expressed with slightly different nuances or related terms. At this level, the word is a part of their intellectual DNA, used to navigate the most complex moral and structural questions of the human experience.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

پاسخگو بودن in 30 Seconds

Accountability: The duty to justify actions to an authority.
Formal Register: Used in politics, business, and ethical debates.
Structure: [Subject] + 'dar barābar-e' + [Authority] + 'pāsokhgu budan'.
Key Nuance: Implies transparency and accepting consequences of failure.

The Persian compound verb پاسخگو بودن (pāsokhgu budan) is a cornerstone of formal and ethical discourse in modern Iran. While its literal translation might suggest a simple act of 'speaking an answer,' its semantic depth aligns perfectly with the English concept of accountability or being answerable. It transcends the mere act of responding to a question; it implies a moral, legal, or professional obligation to justify one's actions, decisions, and the consequences thereof to a higher authority or the public. In a society where hierarchical structures and social responsibility are deeply intertwined, being 'pāsokhgu' is seen as a mark of integrity and professional maturity. This term is frequently encountered in political debates, corporate governance, and discussions regarding human rights and civic duties.

The Semantic Core: At its heart, the word combines 'pāsokh' (answer) and 'gu' (the present stem of goftan, to speak). However, the suffix '-gu' here functions as an agentive marker, creating a state of being where the subject is the 'answer-giver' by necessity or duty. It is not a choice but an inherent requirement of a role.
Societal Expectation: In Persian culture, the concept of 'pāsokhgu budan' is often linked to the idea of 'amānat' (trust). When someone is given a position of power, they are 'pāsokhgu' because they hold that power in trust for others. Failing to be 'pāsokhgu' is often viewed as a betrayal of that trust.

دولت باید در برابر مردم پاسخگو باشد تا عدالت در جامعه برقرار گردد.

Translation: The government must be accountable to the people so that justice is established in society.

The term is also used in customer service contexts, though with a slightly different nuance. A 'pāsokhgu' department is one that is responsive and takes responsibility for solving customer issues. However, the B2 level usage focuses primarily on the philosophical and administrative weight of accountability. It is the difference between 'answering a phone' and 'answering for a policy failure.' In the latter case, the individual must provide a rationale that stands up to scrutiny.

مدیر پروژه شخصاً در برابر هیئت مدیره پاسخگو بود.

Translation: The project manager was personally accountable to the board of directors.

Grammatical Structure: The verb is almost always paired with the preposition 'dar barābar-e' (in the face of / to) or 'be' (to). This indicates the entity to whom the accountability is owed. For example, 'pāsokhgu be qānun' (accountable to the law).

ما همه در پیشگاه وجدان خود پاسخگو هستیم.

Translation: We are all accountable before our own conscience.

عدم پاسخگو بودن مقامات منجر به نارضایتی عمومی شد.

Translation: The lack of accountability of the officials led to public dissatisfaction.

In summary, 'pāsokhgu budan' is more than a verb; it is a conceptual framework for ethical conduct in Persian-speaking societies. It demands transparency, honesty, and a willingness to accept the consequences of one's professional or personal choices. For a B2 learner, mastering this word allows for nuanced participation in discussions about governance, ethics, and corporate culture.

Using پاسخگو بودن correctly requires understanding its prepositional requirements and its role as a stative verb describing a condition of responsibility. It is not an action you perform once, like answering a question, but a state you inhabit relative to an authority or a group of people. The structure is typically: [Subject] + [Prepositional Phrase] + [Accountable] + [To Be].

Prepositional Patterns: The most common preposition used is در برابر (dar barābar-e), which literally means 'in front of' or 'against' but functions as 'to' in the context of accountability. Another common one is به (be), though this is slightly more common in customer service contexts.

سازمان‌ها باید در برابر محیط زیست پاسخگو باشند.

Translation: Organizations must be accountable for the environment.

When using this verb in the past tense, it often describes a situation where someone was held responsible for a specific event. For example, 'Who was accountable for this mistake?' translates to Che kasi dar barābar-e in eshtebāh pāsokhgu bud?. Note that the emphasis is on the 'who' that carries the burden of the error.

آیا شما آمادگی دارید که در مورد تصمیماتتان پاسخگو باشید؟

Translation: Are you prepared to be accountable for your decisions?

In formal writing, 'pāsokhgu budan' can be turned into a noun phrase: پاسخگویی (pāsokhgui), meaning 'accountability' or 'responsiveness.' You will see this in titles of reports or institutional values. For example, 'Transparency and Accountability' is shaffāfiyat va pāsokhgui.

Subject-Verb Agreement: Even if the subject is plural, 'pāsokhgu' remains singular. 'They are accountable' is Anhā pāsokhgu hastand, not Anhā pāsokhguyān hastand (though the latter is grammatically possible in archaic or very poetic Persian, it is never used in modern B2-level prose).

هیچ مقامی نمی‌تواند از پاسخگو بودن فرار کند.

Translation: No official can escape being accountable.

ما به دنبال ایجاد یک فرهنگ پاسخگو در شرکت هستیم.

Translation: We are looking to create an accountable culture in the company.

Finally, consider the negative form: pāsokhgu nabudan. This is a heavy accusation in Persian. To say someone is 'not pāsokhgu' is to say they are acting with impunity or lack of transparency. In professional contexts, this can be grounds for dismissal or legal action.

You will encounter پاسخگو بودن in several distinct domains of Persian life, ranging from the evening news to corporate boardrooms and customer service centers. Each context brings out a different shade of meaning, but the core idea of 'justifying one's presence or actions' remains constant.

The Political Arena: This is perhaps the most common place to hear the word. Journalists frequently ask, 'Who is accountable for the rise in inflation?' or 'Is the minister accountable to Parliament?' In this context, it is about the 'checks and balances' of the state. It is a word used by reformers and activists to demand transparency.

نمایندگان مجلس از وزیر خواستند تا در مورد قراردادهای جدید پاسخگو باشد.

Translation: Parliament members asked the minister to be accountable for the new contracts.

In the corporate world, 'pāsokhgu budan' is a key part of management training. A 'pāsokhgu' manager is one who doesn't blame their subordinates for failures but takes responsibility. You will hear this during performance reviews or in company mission statements. It is often paired with 'mas'uliyat-paziri' (responsibility-taking).

در دنیای تجارت، برندها باید در برابر کیفیت کالا پاسخگو باشند.

Translation: In the business world, brands must be accountable for product quality.

Customer Support: In a more everyday context, if you call a support line and they are helpful, you might say they are 'pāsokhgu.' Here, it leans more towards 'responsive.' If a company has a 'pāsokhgui-ye 24-sā'ate' (24-hour responsiveness), it means they are always there to answer your queries.

خدمات پس از فروش ما همیشه پاسخگو است.

Translation: Our after-sales service is always responsive/accountable.

Legal proceedings also heavily utilize this term. A defendant is 'pāsokhgu' for the charges against them. In legal Persian, the term 'khānde' (the one called/defendant) is the person who must be 'pāsokhgu' to the 'khāhā' (plaintiff).

دانشگاه باید در برابر استانداردهای آموزشی پاسخگو باشد.

Translation: The university must be accountable for educational standards.

Whether you are watching a heated debate on 'Pāntsh-e Asr' (an afternoon talk show) or reading a formal contract, 'pāsokhgu budan' will be there to signal that someone has a duty to explain themselves. It is a word that demands respect and implies a serious level of commitment.

Learning پاسخگو بودن can be tricky because it overlaps with other words for 'answering' or 'responsibility.' Avoiding these common pitfalls will make your Persian sound much more natural and precise.

Mistake 1: Confusing with 'Javāb Dādan': The most common error is using 'javāb dādan' (to give an answer) when you mean 'to be accountable.' 'Javāb dādan' is a simple action. If someone asks 'What time is it?', you 'javāb midahid.' But if a budget is missing, you are 'pāsokhgu.' Using 'javāb dādan' in a professional context can sound too casual or even dismissive.

Incorrect: مدیر باید به سوالات مالی جواب بدهد.
Correct: مدیر باید در برابر مسائل مالی پاسخگو باشد.

Note: The correct version implies a deeper level of responsibility than just speaking.

Another mistake involves the preposition. Many learners use 'barāye' (for) because of the English 'accountable for.' In Persian, while 'barāye' is sometimes used, 'dar barābar-e' (in the face of) is the standard formal preposition for the authority you are accountable to.

Incorrect: او پاسخگو برای اشتباهش بود.
Correct: او در قبال اشتباهش پاسخگو بود.

Mistake 2: Pluralizing the Adjective: In compound verbs where the first part is an adjective or noun, learners often try to pluralize it when the subject is plural. Do not say 'pāsokhguyān hastand' in modern prose. Stick to the singular 'pāsokhgu' and let the verb 'hastand' show the plurality.

A subtle mistake is using 'pāsokhgu' when you mean 'responsible' in the sense of 'the cause of something.' If you want to say 'The rain was responsible for the flood,' do not use 'pāsokhgu.' Use 'bā'es budan' or 'dalil budan.' 'Pāsokhgu' is for sentient beings or organizations that can explain themselves.

Incorrect: باران پاسخگوی سیل بود.
Correct: باران عامل سیل بود.

اشتباه متداول: من پاسخگوی این کار نیستم (به معنی 'من این کار را نکردم').
درست: من مسئول این کار نیستم.

Explanation: If you didn't do it, you aren't 'mas'ul.' If you did it but don't have to explain it, you aren't 'pāsokhgu.'

By keeping these distinctions in mind—action vs. state, human agency vs. cause, and the correct prepositions—you will use 'pāsokhgu budan' with the precision of a native speaker.

Persian has a rich vocabulary for responsibility and duty. While پاسخگو بودن is specific to accountability, understanding its synonyms and near-synonyms will help you choose the right word for the right register.

مسئول بودن (Mas'ul Budan): This is the most direct synonym, meaning 'to be responsible.' However, 'mas'ul' is broader. You can be 'mas'ul' for a task (it's your job), but you are 'pāsokhgu' for the outcome (you must justify it if it fails). 'Mas'ul' is the duty; 'pāsokhgu' is the answerability.
موظف بودن (Movazzaf Budan): This means 'to be obliged' or 'to have a duty.' It is more about the obligation itself rather than the justification. You are 'movazzaf' to follow the rules. You are 'pāsokhgu' if you break them.

مقایسه:
۱. او مسئول بخش فروش است. (شغل او)
۲. او در برابر کاهش فروش پاسخگو است. (توضیح دادن علت)

In very formal or legal contexts, you might hear جوابگو بودن (Javābgu Budan). This is almost identical to 'pāsokhgu budan' but uses the more common word 'javāb.' It is slightly less formal than 'pāsokhgu' but still very common in newspapers and official statements.

بودجه فعلی جوابگوی نیازهای ما نیست. (کافی نیست)

تعهد داشتن (Ta'ahhod Dāshtan): Meaning 'to have a commitment.' This is used when someone has promised a certain standard or result. It is forward-looking, whereas 'pāsokhgu budan' is often backward-looking (accountability for what has happened).
مورد مؤاخذه قرار گرفتن (Mored-e Mo'ākheze Qarār Gereftan): This is a much stronger, very formal phrase meaning 'to be called to account' or 'to be interrogated/reprimanded.' If you are 'pāsokhgu,' you are in the state of being answerable. If you are 'mored-e mo'ākheze qarār migirid,' you are actively being punished or questioned for a failure.

وزیر به دلیل کوتاهی در انجام وظایف، مورد مؤاخذه قرار گرفت.

Choosing between these depends on whether you want to emphasize the job (mas'ul), the duty (movazzaf), the promise (ta'ahhod), the justification (pāsokhgu), or the reprimand (mo'ākheze). For B2 learners, 'pāsokhgu budan' is the most sophisticated way to discuss professional and civic accountability.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"جناب وزیر، حضرت‌عالی در برابر پیشگاه ملت پاسخگو هستید."

Neutral

"هر کسی باید در مورد کارهایش پاسخگو باشد."

Informal

"باید جواب پس بدی که چرا این کار رو کردی."

Child friendly

"وقتی اسباب‌بازی رو می‌شکنی، باید بگی چرا این اتفاق افتاده."

Slang

"باید گردن بگیری و پاسخگو باشی."

Fun Fact

The 'kh' in 'pāsokh' was originally a 'v' sound in very old stages of the language, which gradually shifted into the fricative we hear today. The combination with 'gu' (speaker) creates a professional persona: 'The Answer Speaker.'

Pronunciation Guide

UK /pɑːsɒxˈɡuː bʊˈdæn/

US /pɑːsɔːxˈɡuː buːˈdæn/

The primary stress is on the last syllable of 'pāsokhgu' and the last syllable of 'budan'.

Rhymes With

جستجو بودن (jostoju budan) گفتگو بودن (goftogu budan) روبرو بودن (rubaru budan) تک‌گو بودن (tak-gu budan) دروغگو بودن (dorughgu budan) حق‌گو بودن (haqq-gu budan) راستگو بودن (rāstgu budan) یاوه‌گو بودن (yāve-gu budan)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'kh' as a hard 'k'.
Putting too much emphasis on the first 'a' in 'pāsokh'.
Merging 'pāsokh' and 'gu' without a clear 'g' sound.
Pronouncing 'budan' like 'button'.
Ignoring the compound nature and stressing only the end of the whole phrase.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 4/5

Found in complex news articles and formal documents.

Writing 5/5

Requires correct preposition usage and understanding of compound verb syntax.

Speaking 4/5

Requires a formal tone and correct pronunciation of the 'kh' sound.

Listening 3/5

Clear pronunciation in formal media, but can be lost in fast speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

پاسخ بودن مسئول در برابر سوال

Learn Next

شفافیت حکمرانی تعهد عدالت قانون‌مداری

Advanced

مسئولیت مدنی پاسخگویی دموکراتیک نظارت تفحص استیضاح

Grammar to Know

Compound Verb Formation

Adjective (پاسخگو) + Auxiliary (بودن)

Prepositional Government

پاسخگو + در برابر / به / در قبال

Subjunctive Mood with Modals

باید پاسخگو باشد (He must be accountable)

Negative Formation

پاسخگو نبودن (Prefix 'na' to the auxiliary)

Noun Derivation

Adding 'i' to form 'پاسخگویی' (Accountability)

Examples by Level

من به معلم جواب می‌دهم.

I answer the teacher.

Uses basic 'javāb dādan' instead of 'pāsokhgu budan'.

او به تلفن جواب می‌دهد.

He answers the phone.

Present continuous sense of answering.

مادرم به من جواب داد.

My mother answered me.

Simple past tense.

لطفاً به سوال من جواب بده.

Please answer my question.

Imperative form.

ما در کلاس جواب می‌دهیم.

We answer in class.

First person plural.

آن‌ها جواب نمی‌دهند.

They do not answer.

Negative present tense.

کتاب به سوالات ما جواب می‌دهد.

The book answers our questions.

Metaphorical use of 'javāb dādan'.

آیا تو جواب را می‌دانی؟

Do you know the answer?

Using 'javāb' as a noun.

من مسئول کارهای خودم هستم.

I am responsible for my own actions.

Uses 'mas'ul' (responsible), a precursor to 'pāsokhgu'.

او باید پاسخگوی مشتریان باشد.

He must be responsive to customers.

Early use of 'pāsokhgu' in a service context.

این بخش همیشه پاسخگو است.

This department is always responsive.

Describing a state using 'budan'.

پدرم در خانه مسئول است.

My father is responsible at home.

Simple responsibility.

ما باید به مدیر پاسخگو باشیم.

We must be answerable to the manager.

Simple hierarchy.

او پاسخگوی سوالات نبود.

He was not answerable to the questions.

Past negative.

یک پلیس باید پاسخگو باشد.

A policeman must be accountable.

Generalizing a role.

آیا شرکت شما پاسخگو هست؟

Is your company responsive/accountable?

Questioning an entity.

هر کارمندی در برابر رئیسش پاسخگو است.

Every employee is accountable to their boss.

Introduction of 'dar barābar-e' (to/before).

اگر اشتباهی رخ دهد، من پاسخگو خواهم بود.

If a mistake occurs, I will be accountable.

Future tense with conditional.

مدیران باید در مورد بودجه پاسخگو باشند.

Managers must be accountable for the budget.

Using 'dar mored-e' (about/for).

او سعی کرد از پاسخگو بودن فرار کند.

He tried to escape being accountable.

Gerund-like use of 'pāsokhgu budan'.

شفافیت باعث می‌شود سازمان‌ها پاسخگو بمانند.

Transparency makes organizations remain accountable.

Causative structure with 'bā'es shodan'.

آیا شما در قبال این تصمیم پاسخگو هستید؟

Are you accountable for this decision?

Using 'dar qebāl-e' (in exchange for/for).

ما به دنبال یک سیستم پاسخگو هستیم.

We are looking for an accountable system.

Adjectival use of 'pāsokhgu'.

پاسخگو بودن یکی از وظایف اصلی اوست.

Being accountable is one of his main duties.

Subject as a phrase.

دولت باید در برابر افکار عمومی پاسخگو باشد.

The government must be accountable to public opinion.

High-level political context.

عدم پاسخگو بودن مقامات باعث اعتراض شد.

The lack of accountability of officials caused protests.

Noun phrase 'adam-e pāsokhgu budan'.

قدرت بدون پاسخگو بودن منجر به فساد می‌شود.

Power without accountability leads to corruption.

Philosophical/Political statement.

او به عنوان مدیر پروژه، شخصاً پاسخگو بود.

As the project manager, he was personally accountable.

Emphasis on 'personally' (shakhsan).

ما نیازمند قوانینی هستیم که نهادها را پاسخگو کند.

We need laws that make institutions accountable.

Relative clause with 'ke'.

پاسخگو بودن به معنای پذیرش مسئولیت اشتباهات است.

Being accountable means accepting responsibility for mistakes.

Defining the concept.

هیچ‌کس نباید خود را فراتر از پاسخگو بودن بداند.

No one should consider themselves above being accountable.

Modal 'nabāyad' with 'khod rā'.

در این قرارداد، هر دو طرف پاسخگو هستند.

In this contract, both parties are accountable.

Legal context.

پاسخگو بودن مقامات، ستون اصلی دموکراسی است.

The accountability of officials is the main pillar of democracy.

Metaphorical and formal.

او با شجاعت در برابر تمام اتهامات پاسخگو بود.

He courageously stood accountable against all accusations.

Adverbial phrase 'bā shojā'at'.

نهادهای مدنی نقش مهمی در پاسخگو کردن قدرت دارند.

Civil institutions play an important role in making power accountable.

Using 'pāsokhgu kardan' (to make accountable).

پاسخگو بودن به وجدان، والاترین نوع مسئولیت است.

Being accountable to conscience is the highest form of responsibility.

Superlative 'vālātarin'.

بحران اخیر نشان داد که سیستم به هیچ‌وجه پاسخگو نیست.

The recent crisis showed that the system is not accountable at all.

Emphatic 'be hich-vajh'.

اخلاق حرفه‌ای ایجاب می‌کند که در قبال جامعه پاسخگو باشیم.

Professional ethics require us to be accountable to society.

Formal verb 'ijāb kardan'.

پاسخگو بودن در برابر تاریخ، سنگین‌ترین بار است.

Being accountable to history is the heaviest burden.

Abstract concept of history as an authority.

شفافیت مالی بدون پاسخگو بودن، معنایی ندارد.

Financial transparency without accountability is meaningless.

Logical connection.

پارادایم پاسخگویی در حکمرانی نوین، جایگاه ویژه‌ای دارد.

The paradigm of accountability has a special place in modern governance.

Academic terminology 'parādāym'.

او در رساله‌اش به بررسی مبانی فلسفی پاسخگو بودن پرداخت.

In his thesis, he examined the philosophical foundations of being accountable.

Compound verb 'barresi pardākhtan'.

پاسخگو بودن، تجلی عینی مسئولیت‌پذیری در ساحت سیاست است.

Accountability is the objective manifestation of responsibility in the political sphere.

Extremely formal vocabulary 'tajalli-ye eyni'.

عدم پاسخگویی، منجر به فرسایش سرمایه اجتماعی می‌گردد.

Lack of accountability leads to the erosion of social capital.

Sociological term 'sarmāye-ye ejtemā'i'.

ساختار قدرت باید به گونه‌ای باشد که همگان پاسخگو باشند.

The power structure must be such that everyone is accountable.

Subjunctive 'bāshad' with 'be gune-i ke'.

پاسخگو بودن در برابر نسل‌های آتی، یک ضرورت اخلاقی است.

Being accountable to future generations is an ethical necessity.

Temporal scope 'nasl-hā-ye āti'.

او هرگونه تلاش برای سلب پاسخگو بودن را محکوم کرد.

He condemned any attempt to strip away accountability.

Formal 'salb' (stripping/depriving).

پاسخگویی، پادزهری برای استبداد و خودکامگی است.

Accountability is an antidote to tyranny and autocracy.

Metaphorical 'pādzahr'.

Common Collocations

دولت پاسخگو

مدیر پاسخگو

پاسخگو بودن در برابر قانون

فرهنگ پاسخگویی

پاسخگو بودن به مردم

پاسخگو بودن در قبال اعمال

سیستم پاسخگو

پاسخگو بودن به وجدان

نیاز به پاسخگو بودن

پاسخگو بودن مقامات

Common Phrases

کسی پاسخگو نیست

— Used to express frustration when no one takes responsibility.

هر چه زنگ می‌زنم، کسی پاسخگو نیست.

پاسخگو بودن ۲۴ ساعته

— Common in customer service, meaning 24/7 availability.

پشتیبانی ما ۲۴ ساعته پاسخگو است.

در برابر تاریخ پاسخگو بودن

— A heavy phrase used in politics regarding long-term legacy.

شما در برابر تاریخ پاسخگو خواهید بود.

پاسخگو کردن کسی

— The act of holding someone accountable.

باید او را در برابر این اشتباه پاسخگو کرد.

لزوم پاسخگو بودن

— The necessity of being accountable.

او بر لزوم پاسخگو بودن تاکید کرد.

شفافیت و پاسخگویی

— The classic duo of transparency and accountability.

شعار ما شفافیت و پاسخگویی است.

پاسخگوی نیازها بودن

— Meeting the needs of a group (slightly different nuance).

این طرح پاسخگوی نیازهای جوانان است.

پاسخگو بودن به سوالات

— Being ready to answer questions (often in a press context).

سخنگو پاسخگوی سوالات خبرنگاران بود.

فرار از پاسخگو بودن

— Avoiding accountability.

او همیشه از پاسخگو بودن فرار می‌کند.

پاسخگو بودن در پیشگاه خدا

— Accountability before God (religious context).

همه در پیشگاه خدا پاسخگو هستیم.

Often Confused With

پاسخگو بودن vs جواب دادن

A simple action of replying, not the state of being accountable.

پاسخگو بودن vs مسئول بودن

Having a task, whereas 'pāsokhgu' is having to justify the task's outcome.

پاسخگو بودن vs موظف بودن

Having a duty, regardless of whether one explains it or not.

Idioms & Expressions

"دم لای تله ندادن"

— To avoid getting caught or being held accountable.

او باهوش است و دم لای تله نمی‌دهد تا پاسخگو نباشد.

Informal

"زیر بار نرفتن"

— Refusing to accept responsibility or accountability.

هر چه گفتیم، او زیر بار نرفت که پاسخگو باشد.

Neutral

"شانه خالی کردن"

— To shirk one's duties or accountability.

نباید از پاسخگو بودن شانه خالی کرد.

Neutral

"ماست‌مالی کردن"

— To cover up a mistake instead of being accountable.

به جای پاسخگو بودن، سعی کرد قضیه را ماست‌مالی کند.

Informal/Slang

"کلاه خود را قاضی کردن"

— To judge oneself; to be accountable to one's own conscience.

کلاهت را قاضی کن، آیا تو پاسخگو بودی؟

Neutral

"پشت گوش انداختن"

— To ignore a duty for which one is accountable.

او وظایفش را پشت گوش می‌اندازد و پاسخگو نیست.

Informal

"جواب پس دادن"

— A more colloquial way to say 'being held accountable' or 'answering for'.

بالاخره یک روز باید جواب پس بدهی.

Informal

"گردن نگرفتن"

— Refusing to take the blame (slang/informal).

او اشتباهش را گردن نمی‌گیرد و پاسخگو نیست.

Slang

"رو بازی کردن"

— To play with open cards; to be transparent and accountable.

او همیشه رو بازی می‌کند و پاسخگو است.

Informal

"حساب پس دادن"

— To give an account (literally financial, but used for accountability).

او باید بابت هر ریال حساب پس بدهد.

Neutral

Easily Confused

پاسخگو بودن vs جوابگو

Sounds almost the same.

Javābgu is slightly less formal and can also mean 'sufficient' (e.g., this money is enough). Pāsokhgu is strictly about accountability.

این مقدار غذا جوابگو نیست (This food is not enough).

پاسخگو بودن vs مسئول

Both translate to 'responsible' in many contexts.

Mas'ul is the person in charge. Pāsokhgu is the person who must give an account. You can be mas'ul without being pāsokhgu in a non-transparent system.

او مسئول بخش است اما به کسی پاسخگو نیست.

پاسخگو بودن vs پاسخ‌دهنده

Both involve 'answering'.

Pāsokh-dahande is the 'respondent' in a survey or legal case. Pāsokhgu is the 'accountable' person.

پاسخ‌دهندگان به این پرسشنامه...

پاسخگو بودن vs پذیرا

Both are positive traits for a leader.

Pazira means 'receptive' or 'open to ideas'. Pāsokhgu means 'ready to justify actions'.

او مدیری پذیرا و پاسخگو است.

پاسخگو بودن vs متعهد

Both involve duty.

Mota'ahhed is 'committed' to a goal. Pāsokhgu is 'accountable' for the result.

او به انجام کار متعهد است.

Sentence Patterns

[Person] must be pāsokhgu to [Authority].

کارمند باید به مدیر پاسخگو باشد.

It is necessary that [Entity] be pāsokhgu for [Action].

لازم است که دولت در قبال مخارجش پاسخگو باشد.

Lack of pāsokhgu budan leads to [Negative Outcome].

عدم پاسخگو بودن منجر به بی‌اعتمادی می‌شود.

The culture of pāsokhgu budan should be institutionalized.

فرهنگ پاسخگو بودن باید در جامعه نهادینه شود.

Beyond being [Role], one is pāsokhgu to [Abstract Concept].

فراتر از قانون، ما در برابر وجدان پاسخگو هستیم.

The dialectic between power and pāsokhgu budan...

دیالکتیک میان قدرت و پاسخگو بودن پیچیده است.

I am pāsokhgu.

من پاسخگو هستم.

Who is pāsokhgu for this?

چه کسی در برابر این موضوع پاسخگو است؟

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Common in media, business, and formal education.

Common Mistakes

Using 'barāye' for the authority. → Using 'dar barābar-e'.
'Barāye' means 'for', but in Persian, you are accountable 'against' or 'in front of' someone.
Saying 'pāsokhguyān hastand'. → Saying 'pāsokhgu hastand'.
The adjective in a compound verb usually stays singular.
Confusing with 'javāb dādan' in formal writing. → Using 'pāsokhgu budan'.
'Javāb dādan' is too simple for discussing accountability or governance.
Using it for natural causes (e.g., the sun). → Using 'bā'es' or 'dalil'.
'Pāsokhgu' requires a mind that can justify actions.
Forgetting the 'gu' and just saying 'pāsokh budan'. → Pāsokhgu budan.
'Pāsokh budan' means 'to be an answer', which makes no sense here.

Tips

Stay Singular

Never pluralize 'pāsokhgu' even if the subject is plural. The 'budan' part handles the number.

Use in Politics

Use this word when discussing democratic values in Iran; it shows you understand the social discourse.

Pair with Transparency

Always mention 'shaffāfiyat' (transparency) when talking about 'pāsokhgui' for a more academic tone.

Professional Tone

In a job interview, say 'I am pāsokhgu for my results' to impress the employer with your work ethic.

Correct Prepositions

Double-check your prepositions. 'Dar barābar-e' for the person, 'dar qebāl-e' for the action.

News Keywords

When you hear 'pāsokhgu' on the news, it's usually followed by a debate or a criticism of someone.

The Answer-Giver

Think of the 'gu' as the person who must speak. They can't stay silent; they must speak the answer.

High Formality

Avoid this in very casual settings like a grocery store unless there is a serious problem with the product.

Service Context

In ads, look for 'پاسخگوی شما هستیم' to know that a company values its customers.

Compound Verb

Remember it's a compound verb. The stress falls on the 'gu' and the end of the auxiliary.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'Pass' to a 'Talk' (Gu). You need a pass to talk to the public and explain your actions. If you have the pass, you are 'Pāsokh-gu'.

Visual Association

Imagine a CEO standing behind a podium with a giant '?' in front of them, holding a microphone. They are the 'Answer-Speaker'.

Word Web

Accountability Transparency Responsibility Ethics Governance Leadership Answerability Integrity

Challenge

Write three sentences about a time you had to be 'pāsokhgu' at work or school. Use the preposition 'dar barābar-e'.

Word Origin

The word 'pāsokh' comes from Middle Persian 'pāswaxw', meaning 'answer' or 'reply'. It is related to the Avestan 'paiti-vax'. 'Gu' is the present stem of 'goftan' (to speak), which traces back to Old Persian 'gaub-'.

Original meaning: To speak an answer or to be the speaker of a reply.

Indo-European -> Indo-Iranian -> Iranian -> Western Iranian -> Persian.

Cultural Context

Be careful when using this to accuse someone in a position of power in a formal setting, as it is a direct challenge to their authority.

While 'accountability' in English often has a legalistic or management-heavy feel, in Persian, 'pāsokhgu budan' can also carry a strong moral and almost spiritual weight.

The 'Pāsokhgu' portal (a government website for complaints in Iran). Slogan of various political parties emphasizing 'Government Accountability'. Sadi's poetry often touches on the accountability of kings to their subjects.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Politics

پاسخگو بودن به پارلمان
پاسخگویی سیاسی
مطالبه پاسخگویی
وزیر پاسخگو

Business

پاسخگو بودن به سهامداران
پاسخگویی شرکتی
مدیریت پاسخگو
گزارش پاسخگویی

Customer Service

پشتیبانی پاسخگو
پاسخگویی سریع
واحد پاسخگویی
همیشه پاسخگو هستیم

Legal

پاسخگو بودن در برابر دادگاه
مسئولیت و پاسخگویی
شخص پاسخگو
احضار برای پاسخگویی

Ethics

پاسخگو بودن به وجدان
اخلاق و پاسخگویی
انسان پاسخگو
پاسخگویی اخلاقی

Conversation Starters

"به نظر شما چرا برخی مدیران از پاسخگو بودن فرار می‌کنند؟"

"آیا در کشور شما دولت در برابر مردم پاسخگو است؟"

"چگونه می‌توان فرهنگ پاسخگو بودن را در مدارس تقویت کرد؟"

"در یک رابطه سالم، چقدر پاسخگو بودن اهمیت دارد؟"

"آیا تکنولوژی به پاسخگو بودن شرکت‌ها کمک کرده است؟"

Journal Prompts

امروز در چه موقعیتی لازم بود که پاسخگو باشم و چه حسی داشتم؟

تعریف من از یک رهبر پاسخگو چیست و چه ویژگی‌هایی دارد؟

اگر همه در برابر کارهایشان پاسخگو بودند، دنیا چه تغییری می‌کرد؟

تفاوت بین مسئولیت و پاسخگویی را با مثال‌هایی از زندگی‌ام بنویسم.

چرا پاسخگو بودن به وجدان گاهی سخت‌تر از پاسخگو بودن به دیگران است؟

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, it can be used for organizations, governments, and departments. For example, 'The Ministry is accountable.' However, it is not used for inanimate objects like 'The rain is accountable' unless speaking poetically.

'Be' is more direct and common in service contexts ('Answer to the customer'). 'Dar barābar-e' is more formal and implies a hierarchy or a higher principle like Law or God.

Yes, but it will sound very serious. If you want to ask a friend why they didn't come to a party, use 'javāb dādan.' If you want to ask them why they lost your car, 'pāsokhgu budan' fits the gravity of the situation.

Use 'پاسخگویی' (pāsokhgui). For example: 'Accountability is the secret to success' (پاسخگویی رمز موفقیت است).

Yes, in modern Persian, being 'pāsokhgu' is considered a virtue. However, being held accountable (mored-e pāsokhgui qarār gereftan) can be a stressful or negative experience if you have failed.

'Bi-pāsokh' (unanswered) or 'nā-pāsokhgu' (unaccountable/unresponsive). The latter is very formal.

Absolutely. It is a key term for the Day of Judgment, where everyone is 'pāsokhgu' to God for their life's actions.

Mostly, yes. 'Javābgu' is slightly more common in business and 'pāsokhgu' is more common in high-level politics and ethics.

Yes, in customer service, 'pāsokhgu budan' means they answer quickly and solve your problems.

Keep 'pāsokhgu' the same and change 'budan' to 'bud', 'budi', etc. (e.g., من پاسخگو بودم).