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A2 noun #6,000 most common 9 min read

راه‌پله

rah-pelle
Practice it Examples Notes & Tips راه‌پله in 30 Seconds
Explanation راه‌پله in your Level:
At the A1 level, you only need to know that 'rāh-pelle' means 'stairs.' It is a combination of 'rāh' (way) and 'pelle' (step). You use it to talk about your house or school. For example, 'rāh-pelle bozorg ast' means 'the staircase is big.' You might learn it alongside words like 'dar' (door) and 'panjereh' (window). It is a basic noun for describing buildings. Focus on simple sentences like 'I go up the stairs' (man az rāh-pelle bālā miravam). Don't worry about complex grammar yet; just recognize the word when you see it in a building or a simple story. You will often see this word in basic vocabulary lists about the home. It is important because many buildings in Iran require using stairs, so knowing this word helps you navigate daily life. You can practice by pointing at stairs and saying 'rāh-pelle'. Remember, it is one word made of two parts. The pronunciation is simple: 'rah' like 'rock' (but with an 'ah' sound) and 'pelle' like 'pellet' without the 't'. Learning this word helps you understand directions within a house.
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At the A2 level, you should be able to use 'rāh-pelle' in more detailed sentences. You can describe the staircase using adjectives like 'tārik' (dark) or 'bārik' (narrow). You should also know the common verbs like 'bālā raftan' (to go up) and 'pāyin āmadan' (to come down). For example, 'mā az rāh-pelle pāyin āmadim' (we came down the stairs). You might also encounter the word in the context of apartment living, such as 'rāh-pelle-ye moshterak' (the shared staircase). At this level, you start to see the difference between a single 'pelle' and the whole 'rāh-pelle'. You can also use it to give simple directions: 'rāh-pelle dar samt-e chap ast' (the staircase is on the left). Understanding this word is essential for basic communication in a Persian-speaking environment, especially when talking about locations inside a building. You should also be familiar with the plural form 'rāh-pelle-hā', though it is less common. Practice using 'rāh-pelle' with prepositions like 'az' (from) and 'dar' (in). This will make your Persian sound more natural and fluent.
At the B1 level, you can use 'rāh-pelle' in complex sentences and understand its role in social and cultural contexts. You might discuss building maintenance, such as 'tamiz kardan-e rāh-pelle' (cleaning the staircase), which is a common topic in Iranian apartment life. You should be comfortable using the word with the object marker 'rā' and understanding the Ezafe construction in phrases like 'rāh-pelle-ye sangi-ye sakhtemān' (the building's stone staircase). You can also handle more specific terms like 'rāh-pelle-ye farār' (fire escape). At this level, you are expected to understand the nuance of using 'rāh-pelle' in stories or news reports. For instance, you might read about an accident in a staircase or a renovation project. You can also use the word to describe more abstract movements or to set a scene in a narrative. Your vocabulary should include related words like 'pāgard' (landing) and 'narde' (railing). This level requires you to move beyond simple descriptions and start using the word in discussions about living conditions, architecture, and safety protocols.
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At the B2 level, you can use 'rāh-pelle' with a high degree of precision. You understand its architectural implications and can use it in professional or academic discussions about building design. You might compare 'rāh-pelle' with 'pellekān' and explain why one is used over the other in specific contexts. You are also familiar with idiomatic or semi-idiomatic uses, such as describing a 'rāh-pelle-ye mār-pich' (spiral staircase) in a historical building. At this level, you can follow detailed instructions or safety manuals that use the word. You can also discuss the social dynamics of the staircase in Iranian 'apartmān-neshini', including disputes over shared space or the etiquette of meeting neighbors. Your ability to use 'rāh-pelle' should be fluid, incorporating it into complex grammatical structures like conditional sentences ('if the staircase were wider...') or passive voice. You should also be able to recognize the word in various registers, from colloquial speech to formal written reports. This level demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of the word's practical and cultural significance.
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At the C1 level, your understanding of 'rāh-pelle' extends to its metaphorical and literary uses. You can analyze how authors use the staircase as a symbol of transition, social hierarchy, or suspense in Persian literature and cinema. You are capable of discussing the evolution of the 'rāh-pelle' in Iranian architecture from the Qajar era to the modern day, using specialized vocabulary. Your usage of the word is indistinguishable from a native speaker's, including the subtle elisions in fast speech. You can also navigate complex legal or administrative documents related to building codes and 'rāh-pelle' safety standards. At this level, you might use the word in an argumentative essay or a professional presentation about urban planning. You understand the historical shift from the hidden stairs of traditional houses to the prominent, communal 'rāh-pelle' of modern apartments. Your grasp of the word includes its synonyms, antonyms, and all related technical terms, allowing you to express complex ideas with nuance and clarity.
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At the C2 level, you have a masterly command of the word 'rāh-pelle' and its place in the Persian language. You can interpret the deepest layers of meaning in poetic or philosophical texts where the staircase might represent a spiritual ascent or a descent into the subconscious. You are familiar with the most obscure technical terms related to staircase construction and can discuss them in a professional architectural context. Your understanding of the cultural history of the 'rāh-pelle' is profound, encompassing its role in the transformation of Iranian domestic space. You can use the word with absolute precision in any register, from the most casual slang to the most formal academic prose. At this level, you can also appreciate and use wordplay or puns involving 'rāh-pelle'. You are essentially a native-level user who can provide expert commentary on the linguistic and cultural nuances of the word. Your ability to integrate 'rāh-pelle' into the broader tapestry of Persian thought and expression is complete.
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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

راه‌پله in 30 Seconds

  • راه‌پله (rāh-pelle) means staircase or stairwell in Persian.
  • It is a compound of 'rāh' (way) and 'pelle' (step).
  • Commonly used with verbs like 'bālā raftan' (go up) and 'pāyin āmadan' (come down).
  • Essential for navigating Iranian apartment buildings and giving directions.

The Persian word راه‌پله (pronounced rāh-pelle) is a compound noun that translates literally to "stair-way." In architectural and everyday contexts, it refers to the entire structure of a staircase or stairwell within a building. Unlike the simple word پله (pelle), which refers to a single step or individual stair, راه‌پله encompasses the whole flight of stairs, the landings, and the surrounding walls or railings that facilitate movement between different levels of a structure. This distinction is crucial for learners; while you might trip on a پله, you walk through or clean the راه‌پله.

Architectural Context
In Iranian architecture, the staircase has evolved significantly. In traditional 'Khaneh-ye Irani' (Persian houses), stairs were often steep and narrow, tucked away to maximize living space in courtyards. In modern 'apartmān-neshini' (apartment living), the راه‌پله is a communal space, often subject to building rules regarding cleanliness and noise.
Social Interaction
The staircase is frequently a site of brief social encounters between neighbors. In Persian culture, greeting someone in the راه‌پله is a standard courtesy, often involving polite phrases known as 'Ta'arof'.

چراغ‌های راه‌پله به صورت خودکار روشن می‌شوند.

— Translation: The staircase lights turn on automatically.

Understanding the usage of راه‌پله also involves knowing the common verbs associated with it. Iranians use the verb بالا رفتن (bālā raftan) to mean going up and پایین آمدن (pāyin āmadan) to mean coming down. Because many older buildings in cities like Tehran do not have elevators (āsānsor), the quality and steepness of the راه‌پله are major factors in real estate value. A 'pelle-khor' building is one where the stairs are many or difficult to climb.

او با عجله از راه‌پله پایین دوید تا به اتوبوس برسد.

— Translation: He hurriedly ran down the staircase to catch the bus.
Safety and Utility
The term 'rāh-pelle-ye farār' refers specifically to a fire escape or emergency exit stairs. In safety drills, the راه‌پله is the designated path for evacuation, making it a vital word in safety signage and instructions.

Furthermore, the word is often used in the context of maintenance. Phrases like 'shostan-e rāh-pelle' (washing the stairs) are common in the vocabulary of building management. In Iran, it is traditional for a 'nezafat-chi' (cleaner) to come weekly to sweep and mop the entire راه‌پله from the top floor down to the entrance. This maintenance is part of the 'shārezh' (monthly building fee) that residents pay.

این ساختمان قدیمی راه‌پله بسیار باریک و تیکی دارد.

— Translation: This old building has a very narrow and steep staircase.

Using راه‌پله correctly requires an understanding of Persian prepositions and verb collocations. Most commonly, you will use the prepositions از (az - from/through) and در (dar - in). Because a staircase is viewed as a path or a space, you go 'from' or 'through' it to reach another floor. For example, 'az rāh-pelle raftam' means 'I went via the stairs.'

Directional Usage
When describing movement, combine راه‌پله with directional adverbs like بیشتر (up/more) or پایین (down). Note that 'bālā' and 'pāyin' are often used with the verb 'raftan' (to go) and 'āmadan' (to come) respectively.

او همیشه برای ورزش راه‌پله را به آسانسور ترجیح می‌دهد.

— Translation: He always prefers the staircase over the elevator for exercise.

In a descriptive sense, راه‌پله can be modified by various adjectives to describe its physical state. Common adjectives include تاریک (tārik - dark), روشن (roshan - bright), سنگی (sangi - stone), چوبی (chubi - wooden), and مارپیچ (mār-pich - spiral). If you are describing the interior design of a house, you might say 'rāh-pelle-ye mār-pich-e chubi' (a wooden spiral staircase).

بچه‌ها نباید در راه‌پله بازی کنند چون خطرناک است.

— Translation: Children should not play in the staircase because it is dangerous.

Grammatically, راه‌پله is a singular noun, but it can be pluralized as راه‌پله‌ها (rāh-pelle-hā) if you are referring to multiple staircases in a large complex or different buildings. When using it as a direct object, remember to add the object marker 'rā' if the staircase is specific: 'rāh-pelle rā tamiz kardam' (I cleaned the staircase).

صدای پای کسی از توی راه‌پله می‌آمد.

— Translation: The sound of someone's footsteps was coming from inside the staircase.

When giving directions inside a building, راه‌پله is an essential landmark. You might say 'rāh-pelle dar samt-e rāst ast' (The staircase is on the right side). In a workplace, you might hear 'rāh-pelle-ye farār dar entehā-ye rāh-ro ast' (The fire escape is at the end of the hallway).

لطفاً وسایل خود را در راه‌پله نگذارید.

— Translation: Please do not leave your belongings in the staircase.
Common Verb Pairings
- rāh-pelle rā jārū zadan (to sweep the stairs)
- rāh-pelle rā taye keshidan (to mop the stairs)
- az rāh-pelle raftan (to go via the stairs)

In contemporary Iran, especially in urban centers like Tehran, Mashhad, and Isfahan, the word راه‌پله is heard daily. Because of the high density of apartment buildings, the staircase is a central part of the 'Farhang-e Apartmān-neshini' (Apartment Living Culture). You will hear it in various contexts, from mundane household chores to emergency situations.

In the Building Lobby
When the elevator is out of service (kharāb), you will inevitably hear neighbors complaining: 'Bāyad az rāh-pelle berim' (We have to go by the stairs). This is a common point of frustration, especially for those living on higher floors.
With Service Workers
If you hire a delivery person or a moving company (asāskeshi), they will ask about the راه‌پله. They might ask, 'rāh-pelle-sh pahn-e yā bārik?' (Is the staircase wide or narrow?) to determine if furniture can fit through.

مدیر ساختمان گفت که فردا راه‌پله را تمیز می‌کنند.

— Translation: The building manager said they are cleaning the staircase tomorrow.

Another common place to hear this word is in safety and fire drills. Signs in public buildings, hospitals, and schools will point to the 'rāh-pelle-ye farār' (emergency staircase). During an earthquake—a common occurrence in Iran—the standard advice is often related to whether one should or should not enter the راه‌پله, depending on the building's age and structure.

هنگام زلزله، هرگز از آسانسور استفاده نکنید و به سمت راه‌پله بروید.

— Translation: During an earthquake, never use the elevator and go towards the staircase.

In literature and film, the راه‌پله often serves as a metaphor or a setting for suspense. Iranian cinema frequently uses the staircase as a site for clandestine conversations or dramatic encounters. You might hear a character say, 'Dar rāh-pelle montazeret hastam' (I am waiting for you in the staircase), implying a need for privacy away from the eyes of those inside the apartment.

صدای خنده بچه‌ها در کل راه‌پله می‌پیچید.

— Translation: The sound of children's laughter was echoing throughout the staircase.
In Real Estate Ads
Ads often mention 'rāh-pelle-ye sang-e deghat-shode' (carefully stoned staircase) to indicate high-quality finishing. A well-lit and spacious راه‌پله is a selling point.

While راه‌پله seems straightforward, English speakers often make specific errors when translating concepts or using the word in context. The most frequent mistake is the confusion between پله (pelle) and راه‌پله (rāh-pelle).

Pelle vs. Rāh-pelle
If you say 'pelle rā tamiz kardam,' you are saying you cleaned a single step. To say you cleaned the entire set of stairs, you must use 'rāh-pelle'. Conversely, if you trip, you trip on a 'pelle', not the entire 'rāh-pelle'.
Preposition Pitfalls
English speakers often try to translate 'on the stairs' literally as 'ru-ye rāh-pelle'. While not entirely wrong, it sounds unnatural. In Persian, we usually say 'dar rāh-pelle' (in the staircase) or 'tuye rāh-pelle' (inside the staircase).

Incorrect: من روی پله منتظر هستم (when meaning the whole area).
Correct: من در راه‌پله منتظر هستم.

Another common error involves pluralization. In English, we often say 'the stairs' (plural). In Persian, راه‌پله is singular. Saying 'rāh-pelle-hā' when referring to a single staircase in a house is a common 'finglish' mistake. Only use the plural if there are actually multiple distinct staircases.

اشتباه: راه‌پله‌ها کثیف هستند (for one staircase).
درست: راه‌پله کثیف است.

Finally, learners sometimes confuse راه‌پله with نردبان (nardebān - ladder). A راه‌پله is a permanent part of a building, while a نردبان is a portable tool. If you need to change a lightbulb and ask for a 'rāh-pelle', people will point to the building's stairs, not the tool you need!

او برای رنگ کردن دیوار از نردبان استفاده کرد، نه راه‌پله.

— Translation: He used a ladder to paint the wall, not the staircase.
Gender and Articles
Persian has no grammatical gender, so you don't need to worry about 'le' or 'la'. However, the absence of a definite article ('the') means you must rely on the suffix '-e' or the object marker 'rā' to specify 'the' staircase.

To enrich your Persian vocabulary, it is helpful to know words related to راه‌پله and how they differ in nuance and register. The most common alternative is پلکان (pellekān).

پلکان (Pellekān)
This word is more formal and often refers to a series of steps or a grand staircase. While 'rāh-pelle' is functional and everyday, 'pellekān' is architectural and aesthetic. You would find 'pellekān' in a palace or a historical site description.
پله (Pelle)
As mentioned, this is a single step. It is also used metaphorically to mean 'stage' or 'level' in a process, such as 'pelle-ye movaffaghiyat' (the step of success).

پلکان تخت جمشید بسیار مشهور است.

— Translation: The staircases of Persepolis are very famous.

Another related term is پله‌برقی (pelle-barghi), which literally means 'electric stairs'—the Persian word for escalator. In shopping malls and metro stations, you will always have a choice between the راه‌پله and the پله‌برقی.

اگر عجله دارید، از پله‌برقی استفاده کنید.

— Translation: If you are in a hurry, use the escalator.

For moving between floors without steps, you have the آسانسور (āsānsor - elevator) and the سطح شیب‌دار (sath-e shib-dār - ramp). Ramps are increasingly common in public spaces for accessibility, often referred to as 'ramp' in modern urban Persian as well.

او به جای راه‌پله، از سطح شیب‌دار برای ویلچر استفاده کرد.

— Translation: Instead of the staircase, he used the ramp for the wheelchair.
Register and Usage
'Rāh-pelle' is neutral and suitable for all situations. 'Pellekān' is formal/literary. 'Pelle' is colloquial when used to mean the whole staircase, but technically refers to one step.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The word 'pelle' is cognate with the word 'foot' in English, both tracing back to the Proto-Indo-European root *ped-.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /rɒːh pel.le/
US /rɑːh pel.le/
The primary stress is on the first syllable 'rāh', with a secondary stress on the 'pel' of 'pelle'.
Rhymes With
محله (mahalle - neighborhood) مجله (majalle - magazine) عجله (ajale - hurry) حمله (hamle - attack) جمله (jomle - sentence) کله (kalle - head) تله (tale - trap) بله (bale - yes)
Common Errors
  • Pronouncing 'rāh' like 'ray'. It should be 'rā' as in 'father'.
  • Dropping the 'h' entirely. While it's weak in fast speech, it should still influence the vowel length.
  • Pronouncing 'pelle' as 'peel'. It's a short 'e' like in 'bed'.
  • Confusing the stress and putting it all on the end.
  • Merging it into one syllable 'rāple'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to read as it's a common compound of two simple words.

Writing 3/5

Requires correct spelling of 'rāh' and 'pelle' together.

Speaking 2/5

Pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers.

Listening 2/5

Easily recognizable in clear speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

راه (rāh - way) پله (pelle - step) ساختمان (sakhtemān - building) بالا (bālā - up) پایین (pāyin - down)

Learn Next

آسانسور (āsānsor - elevator) پاگرد (pāgard - landing) نرده (narde - railing) طبقه (tabaghe - floor) واحد (vāhed - unit/apartment)

Advanced

پلکان (pellekān - grand stairs) تطور معماری (architectural evolution) سازه (sāze - structure) تخلیه اضطراری (emergency evacuation) پاخور (pākhor - tread/foot traffic)

Grammar to Know

Compound Noun Formation

راه (way) + پله (step) = راه‌پله (staircase)

Ezafe Construction with Compound Nouns

راه‌پله‌یِ سنگی (The stone staircase)

Pluralization with '-hā'

راه‌پله‌ها (The staircases)

Object Marker 'rā'

راه‌پله را تمیز کن (Clean the staircase)

Prepositional Usage

از راه‌پله (via/from the stairs)

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Examples by Level

1

این راه‌پله بزرگ است.

This staircase is big.

Simple subject-adjective sentence.

2

من از راه‌پله بالا می‌روم.

I go up the stairs.

Use of 'az' (from/via) with 'bālā raftan'.

3

راه‌پله کجاست؟

Where is the staircase?

Basic question form.

4

مادرم در راه‌پله است.

My mother is in the staircase.

Preposition 'dar' (in) used for location.

5

راه‌پله سنگی است.

The staircase is made of stone.

Adjective 'sangi' (stony/stone).

6

او از راه‌پله پایین آمد.

He came down the stairs.

Past tense of 'pāyin āmadan'.

7

راه‌پله تمیز است.

The staircase is clean.

Simple descriptive sentence.

8

یک گربه در راه‌پله است.

There is a cat in the staircase.

Indefinite 'yek' (a/one) used with noun.

1

راه‌پله این ساختمان خیلی باریک است.

The staircase of this building is very narrow.

Ezafe construction linking 'rāh-pelle' and 'sakhtemān'.

2

لطفاً از راه‌پله بروید، آسانسور خراب است.

Please use the stairs; the elevator is broken.

Imperative mood 'berid' (go).

3

ما هر روز از راه‌پله برای ورزش استفاده می‌کنیم.

We use the staircase every day for exercise.

Present continuous/habitual 'estefāde mikonim'.

4

چراغ‌های راه‌پله خاموش هستند.

The staircase lights are off.

Plural subject 'cherāgh-hā' with Ezafe.

5

او در راه‌پله با همسایه صحبت کرد.

He talked to the neighbor in the staircase.

Prepositional phrase 'dar rāh-pelle'.

6

بچه‌ها نباید توی راه‌پله بدوند.

Children shouldn't run in the staircase.

Negative modal 'nabāyad' (should not).

7

راه‌پله را دیروز شستند.

They washed the staircase yesterday.

Object marker 'rā' used with 'shostan'.

8

این خانه راه‌پله چوبی زیبایی دارد.

This house has a beautiful wooden staircase.

Multiple adjectives with Ezafe.

1

به دلیل قطع برق، مجبور شدیم از راه‌پله بالا برویم.

Due to the power outage, we were forced to go up the stairs.

Use of 'be dalil-e' (due to) and 'majbur shodan' (to be forced).

2

راه‌پله‌های اضطراری باید همیشه باز باشند.

Emergency staircases must always be open.

Plural form 'rāh-pelle-hā' used for general rules.

3

صدای قدم‌هایش در فضای خالی راه‌پله می‌پیچید.

The sound of his footsteps echoed in the empty space of the staircase.

Literary verb 'pichidan' (to echo/wrap).

4

مدیر ساختمان از ساکنان خواست وسایلشان را در راه‌پله نگذارند.

The building manager asked residents not to leave their belongings in the staircase.

Subjunctive mood 'nagozārand' in a reported request.

5

این راه‌پله مارپیچ به پشت‌بام ختم می‌شود.

This spiral staircase leads to the roof.

Verb 'khatm shodan' (to end/lead to).

6

او در حال تمیز کردن نرده‌های راه‌پله بود.

He was cleaning the staircase railings.

Past progressive 'dar hāl-e ... bud'.

7

راه‌پله این هتل با فرش قرمز پوشیده شده است.

The staircase of this hotel is covered with a red carpet.

Passive voice 'pushide shode ast'.

8

مراقب باش، پله‌های این راه‌پله خیلی لیز هستند.

Be careful, the steps of this staircase are very slippery.

Distinction between 'pelle-hā' (steps) and 'rāh-pelle' (staircase).

1

طراحی راه‌پله باید با استانداردهای ایمنی آتش‌نشانی مطابقت داشته باشد.

The staircase design must comply with fire safety standards.

Technical verb 'motābeghat dāshtan' (to comply/match).

2

او در پاگرد راه‌پله ایستاد تا نفسی تازه کند.

He stood on the staircase landing to catch his breath.

Use of technical term 'pāgard' (landing).

3

نورپردازی راه‌پله نقش مهمی در زیبایی دکوراسیون داخلی دارد.

Staircase lighting plays an important role in the beauty of interior decoration.

Compound subject 'nur-pardāzi-ye rāh-pelle'.

4

در بسیاری از خانه‌های قدیمی، راه‌پله‌ها در مرکز حیاط قرار داشتند.

In many old houses, the staircases were located in the center of the courtyard.

Historical context usage.

5

استفاده از سنگ مرمر در راه‌پله، جلوه‌ای لوکس به ساختمان می‌بخشد.

The use of marble in the staircase gives a luxurious look to the building.

Abstract verb 'jelveh bakhshidan' (to give a look/effect).

6

او از راه‌پله فرار برای خروج مخفیانه از ساختمان استفاده کرد.

He used the fire escape to secretly exit the building.

Specific term 'rāh-pelle-ye farār'.

7

عرض راه‌پله برای جابه‌جایی مبلمان بزرگ کافی نیست.

The width of the staircase is not sufficient for moving large furniture.

Noun 'arz' (width) with Ezafe.

8

تعمیرات راه‌پله به دلیل فرسودگی پله‌ها ضروری است.

Staircase repairs are necessary due to the wear and tear of the steps.

Causal phrase 'be dalil-e farsudegi'.

1

معمار با ظرافت خاصی راه‌پله را به عنوان نقطه کانونی لابی طراحی کرده بود.

The architect had delicately designed the staircase as the focal point of the lobby.

Complex adverbial phrase 'bā zarāfat-e khāssi'.

2

سلسله‌مراتب فضایی در این عمارت از طریق راه‌پله‌های باشکوه تعریف می‌شود.

The spatial hierarchy in this mansion is defined through magnificent staircases.

Academic term 'selsele-marāteb-e fazāyi' (spatial hierarchy).

3

در سینمای نوآر، راه‌پله اغلب نمادی از ابهام و ترس است.

In noir cinema, the staircase is often a symbol of ambiguity and fear.

Symbolic/literary usage.

4

بازسازی راه‌پله‌های تاریخی نیازمند تخصص در حفظ میراث فرهنگی است.

The restoration of historical staircases requires expertise in cultural heritage preservation.

Formal noun 'bāzsāzi' (restoration).

5

تراکم جمعیت در راه‌پله‌ها هنگام تخلیه اضطراری می‌تواند فاجعه‌بار باشد.

Population density in staircases during an emergency evacuation can be catastrophic.

Technical term 'tarākom-e jam'iyat'.

6

او با گام‌هایی استوار از راه‌پله‌های دادگاه بالا رفت تا با سرنوشتش روبرو شود.

He ascended the courthouse stairs with firm steps to face his fate.

Narrative style with 'gām-hā-ye ostovār'.

7

نحوه اتصال راه‌پله به سازه اصلی ساختمان از نظر مهندسی بسیار پیچیده است.

The way the staircase connects to the building's main structure is engineeringly very complex.

Engineering context.

8

در این رمان، راه‌پله مرز میان دنیای خودآگاه و ناخودآگاه قهرمان داستان است.

In this novel, the staircase is the boundary between the hero's conscious and unconscious worlds.

Philosophical/literary analysis.

1

فرایند استعلای روح در ادبیات عرفانی گاه به صعود از یک راه‌پله بی‌پایان تشبیه می‌شود.

The process of spiritual transcendence in mystical literature is sometimes likened to ascending an endless staircase.

Highly formal/mystical vocabulary 'este'lā-ye ruh'.

2

تطور کالبدی راه‌پله در معماری معاصر ایران بازتابی از تحولات اجتماعی است.

The physical evolution of the staircase in contemporary Iranian architecture is a reflection of social transformations.

Sociological/architectural analysis 'tatavvor-e kālbaadi'.

3

او در پیچ‌وخم‌های تاریک راه‌پله، استعاره‌ای از سرگشتگی وجودی خویش یافت.

In the dark twists and turns of the staircase, he found a metaphor for his own existential bewilderment.

Existentialist literary style.

4

تعبیه راه‌پله‌های پیش‌ساخته در پروژه‌های انبوه‌سازی، سرعت اجرا را به طرز چشمگیری افزایش داده است.

The installation of prefabricated staircases in mass housing projects has significantly increased the speed of execution.

Industrial/technical terminology 'anbuh-sāzi'.

5

دیالکتیک میان فضای باز و بسته در طراحی راه‌پله‌های این ویلا به اوج خود رسیده است.

The dialectic between open and closed space in the design of this villa's staircases has reached its peak.

Philosophical/architectural term 'diyālektik'.

6

واکاوی نقش راه‌پله در ساختار روایی فیلم‌های اصغر فرهادی، لایه‌های جدیدی از معنا را آشکار می‌کند.

Analyzing the role of the staircase in the narrative structure of Asghar Farhadi's films reveals new layers of meaning.

Film criticism vocabulary 'vākāvi'.

7

انحنای موزون راه‌پله‌های مارپیچ در معماری باروک، تجسمی از پویایی و حرکت است.

The rhythmic curvature of spiral staircases in Baroque architecture is an embodiment of dynamism and movement.

Art history terminology 'enhana-ye mowzun'.

8

او با نگاهی هستی‌شناسانه، هر پله از این راه‌پله را گامی به سوی حقیقت مطلق می‌پنداشت.

With an ontological gaze, he considered each step of this staircase a step towards the absolute truth.

Ontological/metaphysical context.

Common Collocations

راه‌پله سنگی
راه‌پله مارپیچ
راه‌پله فرار
تمیز کردن راه‌پله
نرده راه‌پله
پاگرد راه‌پله
روشنایی راه‌پله
عرض راه‌پله
راه‌پله مشترک
بالا رفتن از راه‌پله

Common Phrases

از راه‌پله رفتن

— To take the stairs.

من ترجیح می‌دهم از راه‌پله بروم.

دمِ راه‌پله

— Right at the entrance of the staircase.

او را دم راه‌پله دیدم.

توی راه‌پله

— Inside the stairwell area.

توی راه‌پله خیلی تاریک است.

صدای راه‌پله

— Sound coming from the stairs (usually footsteps).

صدای راه‌پله می‌آید، کسی دارد می‌آید.

کفِ راه‌پله

— The floor/surface of the stairs.

کف راه‌پله را خیس کرده‌اند.

چراغِ راه‌پله

— The staircase light.

چراغ راه‌پله سوخته است.

راه‌پله‌خوری

— Slang for a building having many stairs.

این آپارتمان راه‌پله‌خوری زیادی دارد.

نظافتِ راه‌پله

— Cleaning of the staircase.

نظافت راه‌پله بر عهده سرایدار است.

راه‌پله اختصاصی

— Private staircase.

این واحد راه‌پله اختصاصی دارد.

شیبِ راه‌پله

— The steepness of the stairs.

شیب راه‌پله خیلی زیاد است.

Often Confused With

راه‌پله vs پله (pelle)

Pelle is one step; rāh-pelle is the whole set.

راه‌پله vs نردبان (nardebān)

Nardebān is a portable ladder, not built-in stairs.

راه‌پله vs راهرو (rāhro)

Rāhro is a horizontal hallway, not a vertical staircase.

Idioms & Expressions

"پله پله"

— Step by step; gradually.

پله پله باید پیش رفت تا به هدف رسید.

Common
"از پله افتادن"

— Literally to fall from stairs, but can mean to lose one's status.

او از پله‌های قدرت افتاد.

Metaphorical
"پله کردن کسی"

— To use someone as a stepping stone.

او دوستانش را پله کرد تا بالا برود.

Informal
"پله اول"

— The very first step or beginning of a task.

ما هنوز در پله اول هستیم.

Common
"پایین پله"

— At the bottom; at a lower status.

او همیشه خودش را پایین پله می‌بیند.

Metaphorical
"یکی در میان پله‌ها را رفتن"

— To rush; to skip steps in a process.

نباید پله‌ها را یکی در میان بروی، دقت کن.

Common
"بالای پله نشستن"

— To be in a superior or winning position.

حالا او بالای پله نشسته و به ما می‌خندد.

Informal
"نردبان دزدی پله ندارد"

— Dishonest gains don't last or have a clear path.

مواظب باش، نردبان دزدی پله ندارد.

Proverbial
"پله‌های ترقی"

— The steps of progress/advancement.

او پله‌های ترقی را سریع طی کرد.

Formal
"پله شدن"

— To become a means for someone else's success.

من نمی‌خواهم پله برای دیگران شوم.

Informal

Easily Confused

راه‌پله vs پل (pol)

Sounds similar.

Pol is a bridge over water or a road; rāh-pelle is stairs inside a building.

ما از روی پل گذشتیم، اما برای رفتن به طبقه دوم از راه‌پله استفاده کردیم.

راه‌پله vs پله‌کان (pellekān)

Almost identical meaning.

Pellekān is more formal and often refers to grand or outdoor monumental stairs.

پلکان تخت جمشید بسیار پهن است.

راه‌پله vs آسانسور (āsānsor)

Opposite method of moving between floors.

Āsānsor is mechanical; rāh-pelle requires physical effort.

آسانسور خراب است، پس باید از راه‌پله برویم.

راه‌پله vs پاگرد (pāgard)

Part of the staircase.

Pāgard is the flat landing area between flights of stairs.

او در پاگرد راه‌پله ایستاد.

راه‌پله vs نرده (narde)

Associated part.

Narde is the handrail or guardrail of the staircase.

هنگام بالا رفتن، نرده راه‌پله را بگیر.

Sentence Patterns

A1

[Subject] در راه‌پله است.

علی در راه‌پله است.

A2

از راه‌پله [Direction Verb].

از راه‌پله بالا برو.

B1

راه‌پله‌یِ [Adjective] [Verb].

راه‌پله‌یِ سنگی بسیار لیز بود.

B1

باید راه‌پله را [Action Verb].

باید راه‌پله را جارو بزنیم.

B2

به دلیل [Reason]، از راه‌پله استفاده کردیم.

به دلیل خرابی آسانسور، از راه‌پله استفاده کردیم.

B2

راه‌پله‌یِ فرار در [Location] است.

راه‌پله‌یِ فرار در پشت ساختمان است.

C1

طراحیِ راه‌پله نشان‌دهنده‌یِ [Abstract Concept] است.

طراحیِ راه‌پله نشان‌دهنده‌یِ ذوق معمار است.

C2

در لایه‌هایِ معناییِ متن، راه‌پله نمادِ [Symbol] است.

در لایه‌هایِ معناییِ متن، راه‌پله نمادِ صعودِ معنوی است.

Word Family

Nouns

پله (pelle - step)
پلکان (pellekān - stairs)
پله‌برقی (pelle-barghi - escalator)
پاگرد (pāgard - landing)
نرده (narde - railing)

Verbs

پله پله کردن (pelle pelle kardan - to step/grade)
بالا رفتن (bālā raftan - to go up)
پایین آمدن (pāyin āmadan - to come down)

Adjectives

پله‌دار (pelle-dār - stepped)
مارپیچ (mār-pich - spiral)
چوبی (chubi - wooden)
سنگی (sangi - stone)

Related

آسانسور (āsānsor - elevator)
راهرو (rāhro - hallway)
طبقه (tabaghe - floor/level)
ساختمان (sakhtemān - building)
ورودی (vorudi - entrance)
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How to Use It

frequency

Very common in daily urban life.

Common Mistakes
  • Using 'pelle' when you mean the whole stairwell. → راه‌پله (rāh-pelle)

    Pelle is just one step. To talk about the structure, use rāh-pelle.

  • Saying 'ru-ye rāh-pelle' for 'on the stairs'. → در راه‌پله (dar rāh-pelle)

    Persian typically uses 'in' (dar) or 'inside' (tuye) for being in the staircase area.

  • Pluralizing 'rāh-pelle' like the English 'stairs'. → راه‌پله (singular)

    In Persian, the structure is treated as one singular path.

  • Misplacing the Ezafe: 'rāh-e-pelle'. → راه‌پله‌یِ (rāh-pelle-ye)

    The Ezafe links the whole compound to the next word.

  • Confusing 'rāh-pelle' with 'nardebān' (ladder). → راه‌پله (for built-in stairs)

    A ladder is a tool; a staircase is a building part.

Tips

Singular Usage

Always remember that in Persian, you are talking about 'the stair-way' (singular) even if there are many steps. Avoid saying 'rāh-pelle-hā' unless you mean multiple different staircases.

Apartment Etiquette

In Iran, leaving shoes outside your door in the 'rāh-pelle' is a common practice in some buildings but forbidden in others. Always check the building rules!

Emergency Terms

Memorize 'rāh-pelle-ye farār'. It's a life-saving word to recognize on signs in any Persian-speaking country.

The Silent 'H'

In fast speech, the 'h' in 'rāh' is almost silent. Don't over-pronounce it like a harsh 'kh' sound; keep it breathy and light.

Giving Directions

When telling someone to go upstairs, say 'az rāh-pelle boro bālā'. The preposition 'az' is key here.

Ezafe Placement

The Ezafe (linking 'e') always goes at the very end of the compound: 'rāh-pelle-ye...' never 'rāh-e-pelle'.

Cleaning Verbs

Use 'jāru zadan' for sweeping and 'taye keshidan' for mopping the staircase.

Spiral Stairs

If you see a spiral staircase, describe it as 'rāh-pelle-ye mār-pich'. 'Mār-pich' literally means 'snake-twist'.

Safety First

Always remind children: 'tuye rāh-pelle nadow' (don't run in the staircase).

Meeting Neighbors

The staircase is a common place for 'Ta'arof'. Even if you are in a hurry, a quick 'salām' is expected.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a 'RAW' (rāh) piece of 'PELLET' (pelle) sitting on each stair. To get to the top, you have to follow the RAW-PELLET way.

Visual Association

Picture a 'path' (rāh) made entirely of 'steps' (pelle) leading up to a beautiful Persian garden.

Word Web

ساختمان (Building) طبقه (Floor) نرده (Railing) پاگرد (Landing) آسانسور (Elevator) بالا (Up) پایین (Down) سنگ (Stone)

Challenge

Try to describe your journey from the front door of your building to your apartment using 'rāh-pelle' and at least three adjectives.

Word Origin

A Persian compound word. 'Rāh' comes from Middle Persian 'rāh', from Old Persian 'rāth', meaning path or way. 'Pelle' is derived from Middle Persian 'pālak', related to the foot ('pā').

Original meaning: Literally 'the way of steps' or 'the path consisting of stairs'.

Indo-European (Indo-Iranian branch).

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities, but be aware of accessibility issues when discussing stairs in Iran, as many older buildings lack elevators.

Unlike in some Western countries where 'stairs' is always plural, Persian uses the singular 'rāh-pelle' for the whole structure.

The 'Pellekān' of Persepolis (historical stairs). The movie 'The Staircase' (translated as 'Rāh-pelle'). The 'Pelle-ye Haftom' (Seventh Step) in various Persian literary metaphors.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At home

  • کفش‌ها را در راه‌پله نگذار.
  • راه‌پله را جارو زدی؟
  • چراغ راه‌پله سوخته.
  • از راه‌پله بیا بالا.

In an office

  • راه‌پله فرار کجاست؟
  • آسانسور شلوغ است، از راه‌پله برویم.
  • سیگار کشیدن در راه‌پله ممنوع است.
  • راه‌پله‌ها را رنگ کرده‌اند.

Real Estate

  • راه‌پله پهنی دارد.
  • این ساختمان راه‌پله سنگی دارد.
  • واحدها راه‌پله جداگانه دارند؟
  • راه‌پله‌اش خیلی پله دارد.

Emergency

  • به سمت راه‌پله فرار بدوید.
  • در راه‌پله تجمع نکنید.
  • راه‌پله را مسدود نکنید.
  • از راه‌پله با احتیاط پایین بیایید.

Maintenance

  • هزینه نظافت راه‌پله چقدر است؟
  • نرده راه‌پله نیاز به تعمیر دارد.
  • راه‌پله را واکس زده‌اند، لیز است.
  • دیوارهای راه‌پله کثیف شده‌اند.

Conversation Starters

"ببخشید، راه‌پله این ساختمان کجاست؟ (Excuse me, where is the staircase of this building?)"

"آیا راه‌پله فرار در هر طبقه وجود دارد؟ (Is there a fire escape on every floor?)"

"چرا راه‌پله‌ها اینقدر تاریک هستند؟ (Why are the staircases so dark?)"

"می‌خواهی از راه‌پله برویم یا منتظر آسانسور بمانیم؟ (Do you want to take the stairs or wait for the elevator?)"

"نظافت راه‌پله در این ساختمان چه روزهایی انجام می‌شود؟ (On which days is the staircase cleaning done in this building?)"

Journal Prompts

تجربه خود را از بالا رفتن از یک راه‌پله طولانی توصیف کنید. (Describe your experience of climbing a long staircase.)

اگر می‌توانستید راه‌پله رویایی خود را طراحی کنید، چه شکلی بود؟ (If you could design your dream staircase, what would it look like?)

چرا برخی افراد همیشه راه‌پله را به آسانسور ترجیح می‌دهند؟ (Why do some people always prefer the stairs to the elevator?)

نقش راه‌پله در روابط بین همسایه‌ها در یک آپارتمان چیست؟ (What is the role of the staircase in relationships between neighbors in an apartment?)

یک داستان کوتاه درباره اتفاقی که در یک راه‌پله قدیمی افتاده بنویسید. (Write a short story about something that happened in an old staircase.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

بله، در فارسی وقتی درباره یک مجموعه پله در خانه صحبت می‌کنیم، از صورت مفرد استفاده می‌کنیم. برخلاف انگلیسی که 'stairs' جمع است. (Yes, in Persian, we use the singular form for one set of stairs, unlike English where 'stairs' is plural.)

'پله' یعنی یک عدد پله، اما 'راه‌پله' یعنی کل مسیر و ساختار پله‌ها. ('Pelle' means one single step, while 'rāh-pelle' refers to the whole path and structure of the stairs.)

در فارسی همان واژه 'راه‌پله' برای فضای اطراف پله‌ها یا همان چشمه پله نیز به کار می‌رود. (In Persian, the same word 'rāh-pelle' is used for the space around the stairs or the stairwell.)

'پلکان' رسمی‌تر است و معمولاً برای پله‌های بزرگ و باشکوه یا پله‌های فضای باز استفاده می‌شود. ('Pellekān' is more formal and usually used for large, grand stairs or outdoor stairs.)

این عبارت به معنای پله‌های خروجی اضطراری در ساختمان است. (This phrase means the emergency exit stairs in a building.)

با استفاده از نقش‌نمای اضافه (کسره): 'راه‌پله‌ی چوبی'. (By using the Ezafe: 'rāh-pelle-ye chubi'.)

می‌توان از 'تمیز کردن'، 'شستن' یا 'جارو زدن' استفاده کرد. (You can use 'tamiz kardan', 'shostan', or 'jāru zadan'.)

مثلاً: 'راه‌پله در انتهای سالن است.' (For example: 'The staircase is at the end of the hall.')

'پاگرد' بخش تخت و بدون پله در میانه‌ی راه‌پله است. ('Pāgard' is the flat, stepless section in the middle of the staircase.)

بله، از ترکیب 'راه' و 'پله' ساخته شده است. (Yes, it is formed from the combination of 'rāh' and 'pelle'.)

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Test Yourself 200 questions

writing

Write a sentence using 'rāh-pelle' and 'bālā raftan'.

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writing

Describe the staircase in your house in Persian.

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writing

Write a polite request to clean the stairs.

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writing

Explain why you prefer the stairs to the elevator.

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writing

Write a safety rule about the fire escape.

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writing

Describe a spiral staircase using 'mār-pich'.

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writing

Write about meeting a neighbor on the stairs.

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writing

Use 'rāh-pelle' and 'tārik' in a sentence.

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writing

Write a sentence about the sound of footsteps.

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writing

Explain where the stairs are in a building.

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writing

Use the word 'pāgard' in a sentence.

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writing

Write about the material of the stairs.

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writing

Write a sentence about a broken elevator.

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writing

Describe a grand staircase using 'pellekān'.

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writing

Write a warning for wet stairs.

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writing

Use 'rāh-pelle' as a direct object with 'rā'.

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writing

Write about the width of the stairs.

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writing

Write a sentence about staircase lighting.

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writing

Describe an old, creaky staircase.

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writing

Write a metaphorical sentence about steps of success.

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speaking

Pronounce 'rāh-pelle' clearly.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'I am on the stairs' in Persian.

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speaking

Tell someone to go down the stairs.

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speaking

Ask where the fire escape is.

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speaking

Say 'The stairs are slippery'.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Describe the material of the stairs (e.g., stone).

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'The elevator is broken, let's take the stairs'.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'I met the neighbor in the staircase'.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Ask who cleaned the stairs.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'The staircase light is off'.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Tell a child not to run on the stairs.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'The stairs are very narrow'.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'I prefer the stairs for exercise'.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'The staircase is at the end of the hall'.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'Be careful on the stairs'.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'The stairs lead to the roof'.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Ask about the building fee for stairs cleaning.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'The stairs have 50 steps'.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'The spiral staircase is beautiful'.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'I heard a sound in the staircase'.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen and identify: 'rāh-pelle-ye farār'.

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

Listen and identify the verb: 'az rāh-pelle bālā raftan'.

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

Listen and identify the adjective: 'rāh-pelle-ye mār-pich'.

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

Listen and identify the location: 'dar pāgard-e rāh-pelle'.

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

Listen and identify the action: 'shostan-e rāh-pelle'.

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

Listen and identify the part: 'narde-ye rāh-pelle'.

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

Listen and identify the problem: 'rāh-pelle tārik ast'.

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

Listen and identify the material: 'rāh-pelle-ye chubi'.

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

Listen and identify the command: 'dar rāh-pelle nadavid'.

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

Listen and identify the direction: 'rāh-pelle samt-e rāst ast'.

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

Listen and identify the floor: 'rāh-pelle-ye tabaghe-ye dovvom'.

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

Listen and identify the person: 'nezafat-chi dar rāh-pelle ast'.

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

Listen and identify the comparison: 'rāh-pelle be jā-ye āsānsor'.

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

Listen and identify the state: 'rāh-pelle-ye bārik'.

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

Listen and identify the sound: 'sedā-ye pā dar rāh-pelle'.

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

/ 200 correct

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