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راهبردی

B2 adjective 10 min read

راهبردی

rahbordi

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips راهبردی in 30 Seconds

Explanation راهبردی in your Level:

At the A1 level, the word 'راهبردی' (rāh-bordi) is quite advanced. However, you can think of it as meaning 'very, very important for the future.' Imagine you have a big plan for your life, like learning Persian so you can move to Iran. That plan is like a 'راهبردی' plan. In simple Persian, we might just say 'خیلی مهم' (kheyli mohem - very important). But 'راهبردی' is used when something is important because it helps you reach a big goal. For example, choosing a good teacher is a 'راهبردی' choice because it helps you learn better for a long time. You won't use this word often when buying apples or saying hello, but you might hear it on the news. Just remember: it means 'important for a big, long plan.'

For A2 learners, 'راهبردی' (rāh-bordi) is a word you will start to see in newspapers or hear on the radio. It comes from 'راه' (rāh), which you know means 'way' or 'road.' So, 'راهبردی' is something that 'leads the way.' When a company makes a 'strategic' decision, like opening a new shop in a big city, they call it 'تصمیم راهبردی' (tasmim-e rāh-bordi). It’s more than just a normal decision; it's a decision that changes their future. You can practice using it by talking about your studies. 'یادگیری لغت‌های جدید برای من راهبردی است' (Learning new words is strategic for me). This means it's a key part of your big plan to speak Persian perfectly. It is an adjective, so it usually comes after a noun with an 'e' sound.

At the B1 level, you should understand that 'راهبردی' is the formal Persian equivalent of the English word 'strategic.' While you might have learned 'استراتژیک' (estratezhik) first, 'راهبردی' is the preferred term in official documents, business, and news. It specifically refers to long-term aims rather than short-term tasks. For instance, if you are playing a game like chess, your 'strategic' moves are those that help you win the whole game, not just take one piece. In sentences, it often pairs with words like 'هدف' (hadaf - goal), 'برنامه' (barnāme - plan), or 'موقعیت' (moqe'iyat - position). Understanding this word helps you transition from basic conversational Persian to more professional or academic Persian. It shows you can discuss concepts and planning.

At the B2 level, 'راهبردی' is a core vocabulary item for discussing professional and social issues. You should be able to distinguish it from related terms like 'تاکتیکی' (tāktiki - tactical). While 'tactical' refers to immediate actions, 'راهبردی' refers to the overarching vision. You will encounter it in phrases like 'عمق راهبردی' (strategic depth) or 'صنایع راهبردی' (strategic industries like oil or steel). At this level, you should also be comfortable with its noun form, 'راهبرد' (rāh-bord - strategy). A B2 speaker should be able to explain *why* something is strategic in Persian, using phrases like 'به دلیل اهمیت طولانی‌مدت' (because of long-term importance). You should also notice how the word is used to give weight to a topic in political speeches.

For C1 learners, 'راهبردی' is a tool for nuanced analysis. You should explore its use in various registers, from the highly formal language of the 'Farhangestān' (Persian Academy) to its application in complex socio-political critiques. At this level, you should recognize 'راهبردی' as part of a broader movement of 'Persianization' of the language. You should be able to use it in sophisticated constructions, such as 'بازنگری در اولویت‌های راهبردی' (revising strategic priorities). You should also be able to discuss the philosophical implications of 'strategic thinking' (تفکر راهبردی) in Persian, perhaps comparing it to Western models of management. Your usage should reflect an understanding of the word's gravitas and its role in defining national and organizational identity.

At the C2 level, you possess a complete mastery of 'راهبردی' and its myriad applications. You understand its subtle connotations in diplomatic rhetoric, where it might be used to signal a shift in alliances without explicitly stating it. You can deconstruct the word's etymology and its historical trajectory in the Persian language over the last century. You are capable of using it in high-level academic writing, such as a thesis on 'Geopolitical Strategic Shifts in the Persian Gulf.' Furthermore, you can identify when the word is being used as 'buzzword' or 'jargon' to inflate the importance of a mundane policy. Your command allows you to use synonyms like 'کلان' or 'بنیادی' to provide stylistic variety while maintaining the precise technical meaning of 'strategic' in complex discourses.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

راهبردی in 30 Seconds

A formal Persian adjective meaning 'strategic'.
Derived from 'rāh-bord' (strategy), used in business and politics.
Indicates long-term importance rather than short-term tactics.
Essential for B2+ level professional communication.

The Persian word راهبردی (rāh-bordi) is a sophisticated adjective that translates directly to "strategic" in English. To understand its depth, one must look at its components: rāh (path/way) and bord (the past stem of bordan, meaning to carry or lead). Together with the adjective-forming suffix -i, it literally evokes the imagery of "leading the way" or "carrying a path forward." In modern Persian discourse, particularly in the last four decades, there has been a significant movement by the Academy of Persian Language and Literature to replace European loanwords like estratezhik with native roots. Thus, راهبردی has become the standard term for high-level planning, long-term goals, and essential national or organizational interests.

Geopolitical Context: In news broadcasts and political analysis, you will frequently hear about omgh-e rāh-bordi (strategic depth) or monāfe-e rāh-bordi (strategic interests). This refers to the fundamental security and diplomatic goals of a nation that transcend temporary political shifts.

توسعه بنادر جنوبی ایران اهمیت راهبردی برای اقتصاد کشور دارد.

Translation: The development of Iran's southern ports has strategic importance for the country's economy.

Beyond politics, the term is ubiquitous in the corporate world. Business leaders talk about barnāme-rizi-ye rāh-bordi (strategic planning) to define their ten-year visions. Unlike the word mohem (important), which can describe something trivial like an important phone call, راهبردی is reserved for things that change the trajectory of an entity. If a decision is described as rāh-bordi, it implies that the consequences are far-reaching and the planning involved was comprehensive.

Educational Usage: Students of management or military science in Iran will encounter this word in almost every textbook. It signifies a move away from tactical (tāktiki) or operational (amalyāti) levels to the highest level of conceptual thinking.

Culturally, the word reflects the Iranian emphasis on foresight and 'āyande-negari' (looking to the future). Historically, Persian literature and governance have always valued the 'grand vizier' or 'advisor' who could see the 'rāh-bord' (strategy) while others were caught in the minutiae of daily tasks. Today, using this word connects you to that tradition of high-level intellectual labor.

Scientific Research: In academic journals, researchers often identify avāmel-e rāh-bordi (strategic factors) that influence a specific outcome, such as climate change or technological innovation.

این شرکت به دنبال یک شریک راهبردی در آسیا است.

Translation: This company is looking for a strategic partner in Asia.

In summary, راهبردی is not just a synonym for 'important.' it is a word that denotes scale, duration, and foundational impact. Whether you are discussing the 'strategic reserves' of oil or a 'strategic alliance' between two tech startups, this word conveys a sense of gravity and deliberate planning that few other Persian adjectives can match.

Using راهبردی correctly requires understanding its role as an attributive adjective. In Persian grammar, adjectives typically follow the noun they modify, connected by the ezāfe (the short 'e' sound). For example, in the phrase tasmim-e rāh-bordi (strategic decision), the noun tasmim (decision) is linked to rāh-bordi by that slight 'e' sound at the end of tasmim. This is the most common way you will encounter and use the word.

Formal Declarations: When a government official makes a statement, they often use this word to justify major expenditures or shifts in policy. 'In yek tarh-e rāh-bordi ast' (This is a strategic plan) is a common refrain in parliamentary debates.

شورای امنیت ملی در حال بررسی گزینه‌های راهبردی است.

Translation: The National Security Council is reviewing strategic options.

You can also use it in a more abstract sense to describe locations or timing. A moqe'iyat-e rāh-bordi (strategic position) could refer to a castle on a hill in a history book, or a retail store located at a busy intersection in a business pitch. The versatility of the word allows it to bridge the gap between ancient history and modern commerce seamlessly.

In academic writing, راهبردی often appears in the plural or as part of complex noun strings. For instance, didgāh-hā-ye rāh-bordi (strategic perspectives) or modiriyat-e rāh-bordi-ye manābe-e ensāni (strategic human resource management). These long titles are common in Iranian university curricula and professional certifications.

Comparative Use: Sometimes it is useful to contrast it with 'tāktiki' (tactical). For example: 'Mā bayad az negāh-e tāktiki be samte negāh-e rāh-bordi harekat konim' (We must move from a tactical view toward a strategic view).

همکاری‌های راهبردی بین دو کشور در حال گسترش است.

Translation: Strategic cooperation between the two countries is expanding.

Finally, consider its use in the negative or critical sense. One might say a plan fāqed-e did-e rāh-bordi ast (lacks strategic vision). This is a heavy critique in Persian professional circles, suggesting that the plan is short-sighted or reactive rather than proactive.

If you tune into any Persian-language news channel like IRIB, BBC Persian, or Iran International, you will hear راهبردی within the first ten minutes of the evening news. It is the bread and butter of political commentators discussing the Middle East. Terms like tavāfoq-nāme-ye rāh-bordi (strategic agreement) are used to describe major treaties between nations, such as the 25-year cooperation program between Iran and China.

The Boardroom: Walk into a corporate office in Tehran's Jordan or Vanak districts, and you'll see 'Strategic Planning' departments labeled as Vahed-e Barnāme-rizi-ye Rāh-bordi. It is the language of the Iranian technocratic elite.

در این نشست، اهداف راهبردی سال آینده تعیین شد.

Translation: In this meeting, the strategic goals for the next year were set.

In the military context, which is where the word's English equivalent 'strategy' originated (from the Greek strategos), راهبردی is used to describe long-range missiles (mushak-hā-ye rāh-bordi) or strategic bombers. This usage emphasizes the word's connection to power and long-distance impact.

University campuses are another prime location for this word. If you are studying Political Science, International Relations, or MBA at the University of Tehran, you will spend hours analyzing andishe-hā-ye rāh-bordi (strategic thoughts). It is seen as a mark of high intellectual capability to be able to think 'strategically' rather than just 'practically.'

Podcasts and Analysis: Modern Persian podcasts focusing on history or business, such as 'B-Plus' or 'Channel B' (when discussing organizational history), frequently use this word to explain the turning points in historical narratives.

تنگه هرمز یک آبراه راهبردی برای تجارت جهانی است.

Translation: The Strait of Hormuz is a strategic waterway for global trade.

Lastly, you might hear it in sports commentary, though less frequently than in politics. A coach might be praised for a taviz-e rāh-bordi (strategic substitution) that changed the game's outcome, although tāktiki is more common in that specific field.

One of the most common mistakes for English speakers learning Persian is overusing the loanword estratezhik when راهبردی is the more natural and formal choice. While estratezhik is understood, it can sound a bit dated or overly reliant on western terminology in a formal Persian context. If you want to sound like a native professional, stick to راهبردی.

Confusing with 'Rahbari': A very common error is confusing 'rāh-bordi' (strategic) with 'rāh-bari' (leadership). While they share the same root 'rāh' (path), 'rāh-bari' is a noun or an adjective related to the act of leading people, whereas 'rāh-bordi' is about the plan or the nature of the path itself.

اشتباه: او توانایی‌های راهبردی خوبی دارد (وقتی منظور رهبری است).

Note: Using 'strategic' when you mean 'leadership' skills is a common slip.

Another mistake is applying راهبردی to small, everyday tasks. Calling a decision to buy a certain brand of milk a tasmim-e rāh-bordi would be seen as a joke or a misuse of the word's weight. It should be reserved for things with long-term, structural consequences.

Grammatically, learners sometimes forget the ezāfe when connecting it to a noun. Remember, it's hadaf-e rāh-bordi, not just hadaf rāh-bordi. Also, ensure you don't confuse it with the noun form rāh-bord (strategy). You cannot say 'In yek rāh-bordi ast' to mean 'This is a strategy'; you must say 'In yek rāh-bord ast' or 'In yek tarh-e rāh-bordi ast'.

Spelling Errors: Be careful not to write 'راهبردی' as 'رهبردی'. The 'alef' after 're' is crucial as it comes from 'rāh' (road), not 'rah' (a shortened version of the same, but usually used in different compounds).

صحیح: منافع راهبردی / غلط: منافع رهبردی

Always include the 'Alef' (ا) in 'rāh'.

Finally, some learners confuse it with rāh-andāzi (launching/starting). While both involve paths and movement, rāh-andāzi is the physical or technical act of starting a machine or a project, whereas راهبردی is the conceptual planning behind it.

In Persian, as in English, there are several words that dance around the concept of 'strategic' but carry different nuances. Understanding these distinctions will make your Persian much more precise.

استراتژیک (Estratezhik): This is the direct loanword from French/English. It is still widely used in informal speech or by those who haven't fully adopted the 'rāh-bordi' terminology. It is identical in meaning but less 'Persian' in flavor.
کلان (Kalān): Meaning 'macro' or 'large-scale.' While 'rāh-bordi' implies a plan, 'kalān' implies the scale. For example, 'eqtesād-e kalān' (macroeconomics) often involves strategic decisions, but the words are not interchangeable.
حیاتی (Hayāti): Meaning 'vital' or 'essential.' A strategic decision is often vital, but 'hayāti' focuses more on the necessity for survival rather than the long-term planning aspect.

مقایسه: تصمیم راهبردی (Strategic) در مقابل تصمیم حیاتی (Vital).

One is about the 'how' and 'where to,' the other is about 'must have.'

Another alternative is asar-gozār (influential/impactful). If you want to say a move was strategic but don't want to sound too academic, you might say it was 'asar-gozār.' However, this loses the specific connotation of a 'path' or 'long-term aim' that راهبردی provides.

In military history, you might encounter razm-ārāyi, which refers to the arrangement of troops for battle. While it shares some semantic space with strategy, it is much more specific to the physical layout of an army, whereas راهبردی covers the entire logic of the war.

بنیادی (Bonyādi): Meaning 'fundamental' or 'basic.' This is often used to describe strategic shifts that change the very foundation of an organization.

Understanding these synonyms helps you avoid repetition in your writing. You can start by discussing a 'rāh-bord' (strategy), then call the resulting changes 'bonyādi' (fundamental), and finally describe the overall goal as 'kalān' (macro-scale).

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"جناب وزیر، این یک تصمیم راهبردی برای آینده صنعت است."

Neutral

"ما نیاز به یک برنامه راهبردی برای شرکت داریم."

Informal

"این حرکتت خیلی راهبردی بود!"

Child friendly

"این نقشه راهبردی به ما کمک می‌کنه به گنج برسیم."

Slang

"عجب حرکت راهبردی‌ای زدی!"

Fun Fact

The word was specifically promoted to replace the French loanword 'stratégique' during the 20th-century linguistic reforms in Iran.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /rɒːh.bor.diː/

US /rɑːh.bor.diː/

The primary stress is on the final syllable 'di'.

Rhymes With

اقتصادی (eqtesādi) اعتقادی (e'teqādi) انفرادی (enferādi) بنیادی (bonyādi) آزادی (āzādi) شادی (šādi) زیادی (ziyādi) عادی (ādi)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'rāh' as 'rah' (short 'a'). It must be a long 'ā'.
Missing the 'h' sound in the middle.
Putting the stress on 'rāh' instead of 'di'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 4/5

It is a long word with a specific suffix, but the roots are common.

Writing 5/5

Requires correct placement of the 'alef' and understanding of the 'ezāfe'.

Speaking 4/5

The 'h' in the middle can be tricky for some learners.

Listening 5/5

Often spoken quickly in news broadcasts.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

راه (road) بردن (to carry) مهم (important) هدف (goal) برنامه (plan)

Learn Next

تاکتیکی (tactical) عملیاتی (operational) چشم‌انداز (vision) اولویت (priority) توازن (balance)

Advanced

ژئوپلیتیک (geopolitics) هژمونی (hegemony) بازدارندگی (deterrence)

Grammar to Know

Ezāfe Construction

هدفِ راهبردی (Hadaf-e rāh-bordi)

Adjective Suffix '-i'

راهبرد (noun) + ی = راهبردی (adjective)

Compound Nouns

برنامه‌ریزی (planning) + راهبردی

Pluralizing Abstract Nouns

اهداف راهبردی (Strategic goals)

Formal vs. Informal Vocabulary

Using 'راهبردی' instead of 'استراتژیک'

Examples by Level

این یک برنامه راهبردی است.

This is a strategic plan.

Simple Subject + Adjective + Verb 'is'

او یک هدف راهبردی دارد.

He has a strategic goal.

Noun + Adjective connected by Ezāfe

آب برای ما راهبردی است.

Water is strategic for us.

Using 'strategic' as a predicate adjective

کتاب خواندن راهبردی است.

Reading books is strategic.

Gerund as subject

این شهر راهبردی است.

This city is strategic.

Demonstrative pronoun + Noun

ما به یک فکر راهبردی نیاز داریم.

We need a strategic thought.

Verb 'niāz dāštan' (to need)

تصمیم او راهبردی بود.

His decision was strategic.

Past tense of 'to be'

این منطقه راهبردی است.

This area is strategic.

Simple description

شرکت ما به دنبال اهداف راهبردی است.

Our company is looking for strategic goals.

Plural noun 'ahdāf' (goals)

موقعیت این مغازه راهبردی است.

The location of this shop is strategic.

Compound noun 'moqe'iyat-e maghāze'

ایران موقعیت راهبردی در منطقه دارد.

Iran has a strategic position in the region.

Direct object with 'dārad'

یادگیری زبان یک کار راهبردی است.

Learning a language is a strategic task.

Infinitive phrase as subject

آنها یک اتحاد راهبردی ساختند.

They built a strategic alliance.

Past tense verb 'sākhtand'

این یک انتخاب راهبردی برای آینده است.

This is a strategic choice for the future.

Prepositional phrase 'barāye āyande'

پدرم همیشه نگاه راهبردی دارد.

My father always has a strategic look (perspective).

Adverb 'hamishe' (always)

ما باید منابع راهبردی را حفظ کنیم.

We must preserve strategic resources.

Modal 'bāyad' + Subjunctive

شورای شهر در حال تدوین یک طرح راهبردی است.

The city council is drafting a strategic plan.

Continuous present tense 'dar hāl-e...'

این توافق‌نامه برای هر دو کشور اهمیت راهبردی دارد.

This agreement has strategic importance for both countries.

Compound noun 'tavāfoq-nāme'

بدون دیدگاه راهبردی، موفقیت دشوار است.

Without a strategic viewpoint, success is difficult.

Preposition 'bedun-e' (without)

صنعت نفت یک بخش راهبردی در اقتصاد ماست.

The oil industry is a strategic sector in our economy.

Contraction 'māst' (mā ast)

او به عنوان یک مشاور راهبردی استخدام شد.

He was hired as a strategic consultant.

Passive voice 'estekhdām šod'

سرمایه‌گذاری در آموزش، یک حرکت راهبردی است.

Investing in education is a strategic move.

Gerund 'sarmāye-gozāri'

ما باید از ذخایر راهبردی خود محافظت کنیم.

We must protect our strategic reserves.

Reflexive pronoun 'khod'

این موشک‌ها بخشی از توان راهبردی کشور هستند.

These missiles are part of the country's strategic capability.

Plural subject + plural verb

مدیریت راهبردی منابع انسانی برای رشد شرکت ضروری است.

Strategic human resource management is essential for company growth.

Complex noun string with multiple Ezāfes

کشورها معمولاً بر سر مناطق راهبردی رقابت می‌کنند.

Countries usually compete over strategic regions.

Adverb 'ma'mulan' (usually)

این تصمیم راهبردی باعث تغییر در ساختار سازمان شد.

This strategic decision caused a change in the organization's structure.

Causal verb 'bā'es šodan'

تکنولوژی‌های نوین نقش راهبردی در جنگ‌های مدرن دارند.

New technologies play a strategic role in modern wars.

Plural adjective 'novin'

تحلیلگران در حال بررسی پیامدهای راهبردی این حادثه هستند.

Analysts are investigating the strategic consequences of this incident.

Present continuous with 'barresi kardan'

ایجاد یک قطب راهبردی در جنوب کشور هدف ماست.

Creating a strategic hub in the south of the country is our goal.

Infinitive 'iyjād kardan' as subject

او با ذکاوت راهبردی خود توانست بحران را حل کند.

With his strategic intelligence, he was able to solve the crisis.

Preposition 'bā' (with)

این پروژه به دلیل ابعاد راهبردی‌اش مورد حمایت دولت است.

This project is supported by the government due to its strategic dimensions.

Pronominal suffix '-aš'

تغییر در موازنه راهبردی قدرت، پیامدهای جهانی خواهد داشت.

A shift in the strategic balance of power will have global consequences.

Future tense 'khāhad dāšt'

رویکرد راهبردی به محیط زیست فراتر از شعارهای سیاسی است.

A strategic approach to the environment goes beyond political slogans.

Abstract noun 'ruykard' (approach)

این سند، چارچوب راهبردی همکاری‌های بلندمدت را تعیین می‌کند.

This document defines the strategic framework for long-term cooperation.

Definite object marker 'rā'

شکست در این عملیات، یک عقب‌نشینی راهبردی محسوب می‌شود.

Failure in this operation is considered a strategic retreat.

Passive construction 'mahsūb mišavad'

تبیین یک دکترین راهبردی جدید برای نیروهای مسلح الزامی است.

Formulating a new strategic doctrine for the armed forces is mandatory.

Gerund 'tabyin' (explanation/formulation)

او بر ضرورت هم‌گرایی راهبردی میان کشورهای اسلامی تأکید کرد.

He emphasized the necessity of strategic convergence among Islamic countries.

Preposition 'bar' with 'ta'kid kardan'

فضای سایبر به یک عرصه راهبردی برای تقابل قدرت‌ها تبدیل شده است.

Cyberspace has become a strategic arena for power confrontations.

Present perfect 'tabdil šode ast'

ابهام راهبردی در سیاست خارجی می‌تواند خطرناک باشد.

Strategic ambiguity in foreign policy can be dangerous.

Abstract concept 'abhām' (ambiguity)

واکاوی لایه‌های راهبردی این مناقشه نیازمند تخصص بالایی است.

Analyzing the strategic layers of this conflict requires high expertise.

Sophisticated gerund 'vākāvi'

ما شاهد یک چرخش راهبردی در پارادایم‌های اقتصادی هستیم.

We are witnessing a strategic shift in economic paradigms.

Academic term 'parādāym'

این نظریه، پیوند ناگسستنی میان امنیت و توسعه راهبردی را نشان می‌دهد.

This theory shows the unbreakable link between security and strategic development.

Compound adjective 'nā-gosastani'

استقلال راهبردی، آرمان دیرینه بسیاری از ملت‌های در حال توسعه است.

Strategic independence is the long-standing aspiration of many developing nations.

Noun + Adjective as subject

منتقدان معتقدند این طرح فاقد هرگونه منطق راهبردی منسجم است.

Critics believe this plan lacks any coherent strategic logic.

Verb 'fāqed būdan' (to lack)

بازتعریف منافع راهبردی در عصر پسا-کرونا یک ضرورت است.

Redefining strategic interests in the post-Corona era is a necessity.

Prefix 'bāz-' (re-)

توازن راهبردی در منطقه به شدت شکننده و آسیب‌پذیر است.

The strategic balance in the region is extremely fragile and vulnerable.

Intensifier 'be šeddat'

این پایان‌نامه به بررسی تطبیقی فرهنگ‌های راهبردی در شرق آسیا می‌پردازد.

This thesis deals with a comparative study of strategic cultures in East Asia.

Verb 'pardaxtan be' (to deal with/address)

Common Collocations

منافع راهبردی

برنامه‌ریزی راهبردی

موقعیت راهبردی

همکاری راهبردی

اهداف راهبردی

عمق راهبردی

ذخایر راهبردی

صنایع راهبردی

نگاه راهبردی

صبر راهبردی

Common Phrases

در سطح راهبردی

— At the strategic level. Used to discuss top-tier decisions.

این موضوع باید در سطح راهبردی بررسی شود.

ابعاد راهبردی

— Strategic dimensions. Refers to the various far-reaching aspects of a situation.

ابعاد راهبردی این جنگ هنوز مشخص نیست.

اهمیت راهبردی

— Strategic importance. Used to emphasize why something matters long-term.

این بندر اهمیت راهبردی برای منطقه دارد.

شکست راهبردی

— Strategic failure. A failure that ruins long-term plans.

این یک شکست راهبردی برای حزب بود.

پیروزی راهبردی

— Strategic victory. A win that changes the whole situation.

آزادی خرمشهر یک پیروزی راهبردی بود.

شریک راهبردی

— Strategic partner. A long-term ally in business or politics.

چین شریک راهبردی ایران است.

شورای راهبردی

— Strategic council. A group that makes high-level plans.

شورای راهبردی روابط خارجی.

مدیریت راهبردی

— Strategic management. The field of directing an organization's vision.

او دکترای مدیریت راهبردی دارد.

تحول راهبردی

— Strategic transformation. A fundamental change in direction.

شرکت نیازمند یک تحول راهبردی است.

خطای راهبردی

— Strategic error. A big mistake in judgment or planning.

حمله به آن کشور یک خطای راهبردی بود.

Often Confused With

راهبردی vs رهبری (Rahbari)

Means leadership. It is a noun or adjective about leading people, not the plan itself.

راهبردی vs راهبر (Rahbar)

Means leader. It is the person, while 'راهبردی' is the quality of the strategy.

راهبردی vs راه‌اندازی (Rāh-andāzi)

Means launching or starting up. It is a physical action, not a conceptual strategy.

Idioms & Expressions

"نگاه راهبردی داشتن"

— To have a strategic look. Meaning to be visionary or see the big picture.

او در تجارت نگاه راهبردی دارد.

Formal

"مهره راهبردی"

— A strategic piece. Referring to a person or thing that is key to a plan.

او مهره راهبردی ما در این مذاکرات است.

Neutral

"پل راهبردی"

— A strategic bridge. Meaning a connection that is vital for success.

این توافق پل راهبردی ما به بازار اروپا است.

Metaphorical

"عمق راهبردی بخشیدن"

— To give strategic depth. To strengthen one's position long-term.

این قرارداد به نفوذ ما عمق راهبردی می‌بخشد.

Formal

"در بن‌بست راهبردی قرار گرفتن"

— To be in a strategic dead-end. Having no good moves left.

دولت در بن‌بست راهبردی قرار گرفته است.

Political

"تغییر راهبردی دادن"

— To make a strategic shift. Changing the whole approach.

او به زندگی‌اش تغییر راهبردی داد.

Informal/Humorous

"بازی راهبردی"

— Strategic game. A situation involving complex high-level maneuvers.

این یک بازی راهبردی خطرناک است.

Neutral

"سرمایه راهبردی"

— Strategic capital. Not just money, but any vital resource like trust.

اعتماد مردم، بزرگترین سرمایه راهبردی ماست.

Formal

"نقطه راهبردی"

— Strategic point. A location or moment that is crucial.

ما در نقطه راهبردی تاریخ هستیم.

Literary

"نقشه راهبردی"

— Strategic map. A clear plan for the future.

نقشه راهبردی توسعه کشور.

Formal

Easily Confused

راهبردی vs استراتژیک

They mean the same thing.

'راهبردی' is the native Persian term preferred in formal contexts, while 'استراتژیک' is a loanword.

استراتژیک (Casual) vs راهبردی (Formal).

راهبردی vs حیاتی

Both mean 'very important'.

'حیاتی' is about survival/vitality; 'راهبردی' is about long-term planning.

آب حیاتی است. این بندر راهبردی است.

راهبردی vs بنیادی

Both refer to deep importance.

'بنیادی' refers to the foundation/base; 'راهبردی' refers to the direction/path.

تغییر بنیادی در قانون. تصمیم راهبردی در جنگ.

راهبردی vs کلان

Both refer to big things.

'کلان' is about size/scale; 'راهبردی' is about the nature of the plan.

اقتصاد کلان. اهداف راهبردی.

راهبردی vs عملیاتی

Often used in the same context.

'عملیاتی' is about doing/execution; 'راهبردی' is about thinking/planning.

سطح راهبردی vs سطح عملیاتی.

Sentence Patterns

این [اسم] راهبردی است.

این هدف راهبردی است.

ما به [اسم] راهبردی نیاز داریم.

ما به برنامه راهبردی نیاز داریم.

[اسم] دارای اهمیت راهبردی است.

این منطقه دارای اهمیت راهبردی است.

در راستای اهداف راهبردی، ما [فعل].

در راستای اهداف راهبردی، ما سرمایه‌گذاری می‌کنیم.

با توجه به لایه‌های راهبردی [اسم]...

با توجه به لایه‌های راهبردی این مناقشه...

واکاویِ [اسم] نشان‌دهنده یک چرخش راهبردی است.

واکاویِ بازار نشان‌دهنده یک چرخش راهبردی است.

او یک [اسم] راهبردی است.

او یک شریک راهبردی است.

این تصمیم پیامدهای راهبردی دارد.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

High in professional contexts; low in daily chores.

Common Mistakes

Using 'رهبردی' instead of 'راهبردی'. → راهبردی
You must include the 'alef' (ا) because it comes from 'راه' (path).
Confusing it with 'رهبری'. → راهبردی
'رهبری' means leadership; 'راهبردی' means strategic.
Using it for small things. → مهم
Don't call a small task 'strategic'. Use 'mohem' (important).
Forgetting the Ezāfe. → طرحِ راهبردی
The 'e' sound must connect the noun and the adjective.
Using it as a noun. → راهبرد
You can't say 'This is a strategic'. You must say 'This is a strategy' (راهبرد).

Tips

Read Headlines

Check the headlines of 'Irna' or 'Isna' news agencies. You will find 'راهبردی' almost every day.

Pause for Effect

In a presentation, pause slightly before saying 'راهبردی' to emphasize the importance of the point.

Use with Ezāfe

Always remember the 'e' sound connecting the noun to 'راهبردی'.

National Pride

Using 'راهبردی' instead of 'estratezhik' shows respect for the Persian language's native roots.

Learn the Family

Learn 'راهبرد' (strategy) and 'راهبری' (leadership) at the same time to avoid confusion.

Adjective Order

In Persian, 'راهبردی' always comes after the noun. It's 'hadaf-e rāh-bordi', not 'rāh-bordi hadaf'.

Context Clues

If you hear 'منافع' (interests), the next word is very likely to be 'راهبردی'.

The Road Map

Think of 'RAH' as 'ROAD'. A strategic plan is a road map for the future.

Business Meetings

Use it to describe your long-term value to a company during an interview.

Thesis Writing

This is a must-have word for any social science or management thesis in Persian.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'RAH' as the 'ROAD' and 'BORDI' as 'BOARDING' the road. To reach a big goal, you must 'board the road' with a strategic plan.

Visual Association

Imagine a giant chess board on a long highway. The highway is the 'rāh' (road) and the chess is the strategy.

Word Web

Path Leading Planning Future Vision Goal Importance Scale

Challenge

Try to use 'rāh-bordi' in a sentence about your own career or educational goals today.

Word Origin

A modern Persian compound created by the Academy of Persian Language and Literature. It combines 'rāh' (road/path) and 'bord' (stem of leading/carrying).

Original meaning: Literally 'related to leading the way' or 'path-carrying'.

Indo-European (Persian).

Cultural Context

Be careful using it in purely social settings as it can sound overly stiff or 'government-like'.

In English, 'strategic' is often overused in business. In Persian, 'راهبردی' still retains a very high-level, serious tone.

The 'Strategic Council on Foreign Relations' in Iran. The '20-Year Strategic Vision' document (Sand-e Cheshm-andāz). Military briefings regarding the 'Strategic Depth' of the nation.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Business

برنامه‌ریزی راهبردی
مزیت راهبردی
تحلیل راهبردی
مدیریت راهبردی

Military

عمق راهبردی
سلاح‌های راهبردی
دفاع راهبردی
عقب‌نشینی راهبردی

Politics

منافع راهبردی
اتحاد راهبردی
شورای راهبردی
ابهام راهبردی

Geography

موقعیت راهبردی
منطقه راهبردی
آبراه راهبردی
نقطه راهبردی

Academic

مطالعات راهبردی
رویکرد راهبردی
ابعاد راهبردی
منطق راهبردی

Conversation Starters

"به نظر شما، مهم‌ترین هدف راهبردی این شرکت چیست؟"

"آیا ایران در منطقه موقعیت راهبردی دارد؟ چرا؟"

"چگونه می‌توانیم یک نگاه راهبردی به زندگی خود داشته باشیم؟"

"تفاوت بین یک تصمیم تاکتیکی و یک تصمیم راهبردی چیست؟"

"کدام صنایع در کشور شما راهبردی محسوب می‌شوند؟"

Journal Prompts

یک برنامه راهبردی برای پنج سال آینده زندگی خود بنویسید.

درباره یک تصمیم راهبردی که در گذشته گرفته‌اید و نتایج آن توضیح دهید.

چرا یادگیری زبان فارسی برای شما یک هدف راهبردی است؟

نقش تکنولوژی در تغییرات راهبردی جهان امروز را تحلیل کنید.

اگر مدیر یک سازمان بودید، چه اولویت‌های راهبردی‌ای تعیین می‌کردید؟

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, but only for big ones like career changes or long-term education. Using it for 'strategic grocery shopping' sounds like a joke.

No, it's not wrong. Every Persian speaker will understand you. However, 'راهبردی' is more 'standard' for modern formal Persian.

The root is 'راه' (path) and 'بردن' (to lead/carry). It literally means path-leading.

It's a soft breathy 'h' like in 'house'. Don't skip it, or it might sound like 'rā-bordi'.

It is an adjective. The noun form is 'راهبرد' (strategy).

You can say someone is a 'strategic partner' (شریک راهبردی), but you don't usually call a person 'راهبردی' directly.

No, it is a relatively modern word coined in the 20th century.

The technical opposite is 'تاکتیکی' (tactical).

Rarely. If it is, it's usually to sound mock-serious or intellectual.

No, as an adjective it doesn't change for plural nouns. The noun it modifies becomes plural (اهداف راهبردی).