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A1 noun #4,000 most common 8 min read

سبد

sabad Top 4,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips سبد in 30 Seconds

Explanation سبد in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'سبد' (sabad) is a simple noun you use to identify a common object. You should know it means 'basket'. You will use it in very basic sentences like 'This is a basket' (In yek sabad ast) or 'The basket is red' (Sabad ghermez ast). It is most useful when talking about shopping or objects in your house. You don't need to worry about complex grammar; just treat it as a naming word for a container. It is one of the first 500 words most students learn because it is visible and tangible.

At the A2 level, you start using 'سبد' in more functional contexts. You will learn to use it with verbs like 'to put' (gozashtan) or 'to take' (bardashtan). You'll use it to describe activities like 'I am putting the apples in the basket' (Man sib-ha ra dar sabad migozaram). You also begin to see it as part of a compound noun, like 'sabad-e kharid' (shopping basket). You should be comfortable pluralizing it as 'sabad-ha' and using basic adjectives to describe it (big, small, heavy, light).

At the B1 level, you move beyond just seeing the basket to using it in social and daily scenarios. You might talk about a picnic (sabad-e piknik) or a laundry basket (sabad-e lebas). You'll use it in past tense narratives: 'We packed the basket and went to the park.' You also start to recognize it in common expressions. You understand the difference between 'sabad' and 'zanbil' and can choose the right word based on the context of your story. You can follow instructions that involve a basket, such as 'Choose a basket from the entrance.'

At the B2 level, you encounter 'سبد' in more abstract and professional contexts. This includes news reports about the 'sabad-e kala' (basket of goods) or economic indicators. You can discuss the environmental benefits of using a 'sabad-e hasiri' (woven basket) instead of plastic bags. Your vocabulary expands to include technical terms like 'sabad-e hamayeti' (social support package). You can use the word in metaphors and understand when someone uses it figuratively in a conversation about risk or variety.

At the C1 level, 'سبد' appears in literature and advanced discourse. You might read poems where a 'basket of light' or 'basket of stars' is used as a metaphor. You understand the nuances of the word in different regional dialects of Iran. You can write essays about traditional Iranian crafts like 'hasir-bafi' (basket weaving) and discuss its socio-economic impact. You are also proficient in using the word in complex business terminology, such as 'sabad-e sahām' (stock portfolio/basket of shares).

At the C2 level, you have a near-native grasp of 'سبد'. You can understand archaic uses in classical Persian texts where synonyms might have been used. You can participate in high-level debates about economic policy involving the 'consumer basket'. You recognize the word in all its idiomatic glory and can use it with perfect tone and register. Whether it's a slangy reference in a movie or a dense academic text about the 'basket of currencies', you understand the structural and cultural implications of the word perfectly.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

سبد in 30 Seconds

Sabad means 'basket' in Persian and is a common A1 noun.
It is used for physical objects like fruit baskets and picnic baskets.
In modern times, it refers to online shopping carts (sabad-e kharid).
It has economic meanings, such as a 'basket of goods' or 'stock portfolio'.

The Persian word سبد (Sabad) is a foundational noun in the Persian language, primarily referring to a container made of woven materials like wicker, wood, straw, or modern materials like plastic and metal. In the most literal sense, it is the direct equivalent of the English word 'basket'. For a beginner learner (A1), this word is essential because it appears in daily life—from the grocery store to the kitchen. Historically, Iran has a rich tradition of basket weaving, known as Hasir-bafi, particularly in the northern and southern coastal regions where palm leaves and reeds are abundant. Therefore, a سبد is not just a utility item but often a piece of cultural handicraft.

Physical Description: A typical سبد has a handle (dasteh) and an open top. It can be small enough to hold a few eggs or large enough to carry a full laundry load. The texture is often described as 'baftani' (woven).
Modern Digital Usage: In the era of e-commerce, سبد خرید (Sabad-e Kharid) is the standard term for a 'shopping cart' or 'basket' on websites like Digikala or Amazon. Even if the icon looks like a cart with wheels, the word used is almost always 'basket'.

مادرم میوه‌ها را در سبد گذاشت.
My mother put the fruits in the basket.

Beyond the physical, the word scales into complex domains. In economics, سبد کالا (Sabad-e Kala) refers to the 'basket of goods' used to calculate inflation or the Consumer Price Index (CPI). This demonstrates how a simple A1 noun evolves into a technical C1/C2 term. When you visit a traditional Iranian bazaar, you will see various سبد types: some for bread (sabad-e noon), some for vegetables (sabad-e sabzi), and decorative ones for flowers (sabad-e gol). Understanding the context of the سبد tells you a lot about the activity taking place—be it a picnic, a shopping trip, or a formal gift-giving occasion.

In sports, specifically basketball, the word for the hoop or the basket itself is سبد. The game is called Basket-ball in Persian (phonetic transliteration), but the physical ring you throw the ball into is the سبد. This versatility makes it a high-frequency word across many different life scenarios.

توپ داخل سبد افتاد.
The ball fell into the basket.

Metaphorical Use: Just like in English, Iranians use the 'don't put all your eggs in one basket' metaphor: Hame-ye tokhme-morgh-ha ra dar yek sabad nagozar. It warns against over-concentration of risk.

Using سبد in a sentence is grammatically straightforward, as it functions as a standard noun. It can be a subject, a direct object, or the object of a preposition. Because it is a countable noun, it takes the plural form سبدها (sabad-ha). However, in spoken Persian, you might often hear the plural as sabada.

این سبد خیلی سنگین است.
This basket is very heavy.

When describing the contents of a basket, we use the Ezafe construction. For example, 'a basket of fruit' becomes سبدِ میوه (sabad-e miveh). Notice the short 'e' sound connecting the two words. This is the most common way to use the word in daily speech. If you are at a market, you might say, "Yek sabad sib lotfan" (One basket of apples, please).

Common Verbs with Sabad

Por kardan (To fill): Sabad ra por az miveh kardam (I filled the basket with fruit).
Khali kardan (To empty): Sabad ra khali kon (Empty the basket).
Bardashtan (To pick up): Sabad ra bardasht va raft (He picked up the basket and left).
Gozashtan (To put): Nan ra dar sabad bogozar (Put the bread in the basket).

In more complex sentences, سبد can act as a qualifier for services or products. For example, Sabad-e hamayeti refers to a 'support basket' or 'welfare package' provided by the government to citizens. This is a common term in news broadcasts.

او سبد خریدش را در فروشگاه جا گذاشت.
He left his shopping basket behind in the store.

For learners, practicing the transition from the physical سبد to the digital سبد خرید is a great way to bridge beginner and intermediate vocabulary. For instance, "Chizi dar sabad-e kharid-e man nist" (There is nothing in my shopping basket) is a sentence you would use while troubleshooting an online purchase.

You will encounter the word سبد in diverse environments in Iran, ranging from the most traditional to the most modern settings. In a traditional Bazaar, the word is ubiquitous. Vendors sell سبد حصيری (woven straw baskets) for carrying groceries, which is a more sustainable alternative to plastic bags. You will hear customers asking, "In sabad chand ast?" (How much is this basket?).

در شمال ایران، مردم سبدهای زیبایی می‌بافند.
In northern Iran, people weave beautiful baskets.

In a modern household, the word is heard daily. A mother might tell her child, "Lebas-haye kasif ra dar sabad-e lebas beriz" (Put the dirty clothes in the laundry basket). During the Iranian New Year (Nowruz), a سبد گل or a سبد میوه is a central part of the visiting traditions (Did-o-Bazdid). When guests arrive, they often bring a beautifully arranged basket as a gift.

Professional Contexts

Economics News: "Sabad-e maishat-e khanvar" (The household livelihood basket) is a frequent topic in economic debates regarding the cost of living.
Sports Commentary: During a basketball match, the commentator will scream, "Toop dar sabad!" (The ball is in the basket!) when a player scores.
IT and E-commerce: Customer support agents will ask, "Aya kala dar sabad-e kharid-e shoma sabt shodeh?" (Is the item registered in your shopping basket?).

Another interesting place to hear this word is in the context of 'picnics', which are a national pastime in Iran. Iranians love going to parks on weekends. You will hear families checking their gear: "Sabad-e piknik ra bardashti?" (Did you take the picnic basket?). This specific basket usually contains a thermos of tea, cups, fruits, and snacks.

Finally, in the kitchen, سبد is used for various tasks. There is the سبد آبکش (colander basket) used for draining rice—a staple of Persian cuisine. Hearing the word in the kitchen usually implies preparation and cleaning of food.

While سبد is a simple word, learners often confuse it with other containers or use the wrong terminology in specific contexts. The most common confusion is between سبد (Sabad) and زنبیل (Zanbil). While both can mean basket, Zanbil specifically refers to a flexible, often woven bag or basket used for heavy grocery shopping. Sabad is more general and can be rigid.

Mistake 1: Sabad vs. Kiseh: Learners sometimes use سبد when they mean Kiseh (bag). If the container is made of plastic film or fabric and is not self-supporting, it is a Kiseh. If it has a structure, it is a Sabad.
Mistake 2: Preposition Usage: Saying "Sabad-e az miveh" is incorrect. The correct way to say 'a basket of fruit' is using the Ezafe: سبدِ میوه (Sabad-e miveh), or if you want to say 'a basket full of fruit', use Sabadi por az miveh.

❌ من یک کیسه میوه می‌خواهم. (When holding a wicker basket)
✅ من یک سبد میوه می‌خواهم.
Don't call a wicker basket a 'kiseh' (bag).

Another mistake involves the pluralization in informal speech. While Sabad-ha is the formal plural, in Tehrani accent, people say Sabada. A common mistake for learners is to forget the 'a' sound at the end when trying to sound informal, or using the formal version in a very casual setting which might sound a bit stiff.

Finally, avoid using سبد for boxes. A box is Ja'be. If the container is solid cardboard or wood with no holes/weaving, call it a Ja'be. If it's designed for airflow (like for fruit), it's a Sabad.

To truly master the word سبد, you should understand how it relates to other containers in Persian. Depending on the material, size, and function, different words might be more appropriate. Here is a comparison of synonyms and related terms.

Sabad vs. Zanbil: Sabad: General term for any basket (plastic, wicker, metal).
Zanbil: Usually refers to a traditional, flexible woven basket with long handles, often used by older generations for shopping in bazaars.
Sabad vs. Ja'be: Sabad: Has openings or a woven structure (breathable).
Ja'be (Box): Solid walls, usually made of cardboard, wood, or metal. Used for storage or shipping.
Sabad vs. Kiseh: Sabad: Rigid or semi-rigid structure.
Kiseh (Bag): Flexible material like plastic or cloth. Cannot stand on its own.

او میوه‌ها را از کیسه درآورد و در سبد چید.
He took the fruits out of the bag and arranged them in the basket.

In literary or older Persian, you might encounter the word Kalleh or Safat, but these are rare in modern conversation. سبد has largely replaced them. For very large industrial baskets, the word Box-palt (from English Box-Pallet) is sometimes used in logistics.

In summary, while سبد is your go-to word for 'basket', being aware of Zanbil (traditional shopping), Ja'be (solid box), and Kiseh (flexible bag) will make your Persian sound much more natural and precise.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"سبد ارزی کشور نیازمند مدیریت است."

Neutral

"لطفاً میوه‌ها را در سبد بگذارید."

Informal

"سبدا رو بیار کمک کن."

Child friendly

"ببین چه سبد قشنگی!"

Slang

"طرف کلاً تو سبد نیست."

Fun Fact

The word is so ancient and fundamental that it has remained almost unchanged in its core meaning for centuries, even as the materials used to make baskets evolved from willow to plastic.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /sæˈbæd/

US /səˈbɑːd/

The stress is typically on the second syllable: sa-BAD.

Rhymes With

Abad (prosperous) Savad (literacy) Namad (felt) Shad (happy) Bad (wind) Yad (memory) Dad (justice) Ghad (height)

Common Errors

Don't pronounce it as 'sa-baad' with a long 'a'.
Avoid saying 'se-bed'.
Don't confuse the 's' with a 'sh' sound.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

Very easy to recognize; only three letters.

Writing 1/5

Simple letters (S-B-D) with no complex connectors.

Speaking 1/5

Two simple syllables with common vowels.

Listening 1/5

Distinct sound, rarely confused with other common words.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

میوه (Fruit) خرید (Shopping) نان (Bread) در (In) میز (Table)

Learn Next

جعبه (Box) کیسه (Bag) بافتن (To weave) پیک‌نیک (Picnic) خالی (Empty)

Advanced

تورم (Inflation) سهام (Stocks) معیشت (Livelihood) ارز (Currency) صنایع دستی (Handicrafts)

Grammar to Know

Ezafe Construction

سبدِ میوه (Sabad-e miveh) - The 'e' connects the container and the content.

Pluralization with -ha

سبدها (Sabad-ha) - Standard plural for inanimate objects.

Object Marker 'ra'

سبد را بردار (Sabad ra bardar) - Use 'ra' when the basket is a specific direct object.

Indefinite 'i'

سبدی بزرگ (Sabadi bozorg) - A large basket.

Preposition 'dar'

در سبد (Dar sabad) - Inside the basket.

Examples by Level

این یک سبد است.

This is a basket.

Simple 'Subject + Noun + Verb' structure.

سبد کجاست؟

Where is the basket?

Interrogative sentence using 'koja'.

سبد کوچک است.

The basket is small.

Noun + Adjective + Verb.

من سبد دارم.

I have a basket.

Using the verb 'dashtan' (to have).

آن سبد قرمز است.

That basket is red.

Demonstrative pronoun 'an' (that).

یک سبد سیب.

A basket of apples.

Noun + Noun (Ezafe is implied).

سبد روی میز است.

The basket is on the table.

Prepositional phrase 'ru-ye' (on).

دو سبد نان.

Two baskets of bread.

Number + Noun.

لطفاً سبد را به من بده.

Please give me the basket.

Imperative with 'ra' object marker.

او میوه‌ها را در سبد ریخت.

He poured the fruits into the basket.

Past tense verb 'rikhtan'.

ما به یک سبد بزرگ نیاز داریم.

We need a large basket.

Verb 'niyaz dashtan' (to need).

سبد خرید من خالی است.

My shopping basket is empty.

Possessive Ezafe 'sabad-e kharid-e man'.

آیا این سبد مال شماست؟

Is this basket yours?

Possessive 'mal-e shoma'.

او سبد را با خود برد.

He took the basket with him.

Compound verb 'ba khod bordan'.

سبد از پلاستیک ساخته شده است.

The basket is made of plastic.

Passive-like construction 'sakhteh shodeh'.

چند سبد در مغازه هست؟

How many baskets are in the shop?

Question with 'chand' (how many).

سبد پیکنیگ را در ماشین بگذار.

Put the picnic basket in the car.

Compound noun 'sabad-e piknik'.

مادربزرگ همیشه با زنبیل به بازار می‌رفت.

Grandmother always went to the bazaar with a (traditional) basket.

Use of 'zanbil' as a synonym.

این سبد برای حمل لباس‌های کثیف است.

This basket is for carrying dirty clothes.

Purpose phrase 'baraye haml-e'.

او سبد گلی برای تولد دوستش خرید.

He bought a flower basket for his friend's birthday.

Indefinite 'i' at the end of 'sabad-e gol'.

باید سبدها را قبل از استفاده بشوییم.

We must wash the baskets before use.

Modal verb 'bayad' + subjunctive.

توپ بسکتبال دقیقاً داخل سبد رفت.

The basketball went exactly inside the basket.

Adverb 'daghighan'.

در این سبد فقط تخم‌مرغ‌های تازه است.

In this basket, there are only fresh eggs.

Focus word 'faghat' (only).

او با مهارت زیادی سبد می‌بافد.

He weaves baskets with great skill.

Present continuous sense 'mibafad'.

تورم باعث شده سبد خرید مردم کوچک‌تر شود.

Inflation has caused people's shopping baskets to become smaller.

Causative structure with 'ba'es shodan'.

دولت سبد حمایتی جدیدی برای کارگران در نظر گرفته است.

The government has considered a new support basket for workers.

Formal verb 'dar nazar gereftan'.

تنوع کالاها در این سبد بسیار زیاد است.

The variety of goods in this basket is very high.

Abstract noun 'tanavo' (variety).

او تمام سرمایه‌اش را در یک سبد نگذاشت.

He didn't put all his capital in one basket.

Idiomatic usage.

قیمت سبد نفتی اوپک کاهش یافت.

The price of the OPEC oil basket decreased.

Technical economic term.

این سبد حصیری کار دست هنرمندان جنوبی است.

This wicker basket is the handiwork of southern artists.

Compound adjective 'kar-e dast'.

باید برای هزینه‌های درمان، یک سبد جداگانه در نظر بگیرید.

You should set aside a separate basket (budget) for medical expenses.

Metaphorical use for budgeting.

سبد محصولات شرکت ما شامل نرم‌افزارهای مختلفی است.

Our company's product basket (portfolio) includes various softwares.

Business Persian.

تحلیل‌گران معتقدند سبد ارزی کشور نیاز به بازنگری دارد.

Analysts believe the country's currency basket needs a revision.

Formal 'mo'taghedand' (believe).

او سبدی از خاطرات شیرین را با خود به غربت برد.

He took a basket of sweet memories with him into exile.

Poetic metaphor.

بافت ظریف این سبد نشان‌دهنده تمدن کهن این منطقه است.

The delicate weave of this basket indicates the ancient civilization of this region.

Complex noun phrases.

در این مقاله، سبد مصرفی خانوار در دهه‌های مختلف مقایسه شده است.

In this article, the household consumption basket in different decades is compared.

Passive voice 'moghayeseh shodeh'.

شاعر جهان را به سبدی تشبیه کرده که از میوه‌های نور پر شده است.

The poet likened the world to a basket filled with fruits of light.

Literary 'tashbih kardan'.

تغییر در سبد انرژی جهانی به سمت منابع تجدیدپذیر ضروری است.

A change in the global energy basket towards renewable sources is essential.

Abstract concept 'sabad-e enerzhi'.

او با وسواس زیادی کلمات را برای سبد واژگانش انتخاب می‌کند.

He selects words for his vocabulary basket (lexicon) with great obsession.

Metaphor for vocabulary.

توزیع سبد کالا بین نیازمندان با نظم خاصی انجام شد.

The distribution of the goods basket among the needy was done with a specific order.

Formal noun 'tozi' (distribution).

ساختار سبد هزینه‌کرد خانوار تحت تأثیر نوسانات شدید ارزی دگرگون گشته است.

The structure of the household spending basket has been transformed under the influence of severe currency fluctuations.

Highly formal 'degargun gashteh ast'.

مفهوم سبد دارایی در تئوری‌های نوین مالی جایگاه ویژه‌ای دارد.

The concept of the asset basket holds a special place in modern financial theories.

Academic terminology.

در متون کهن، گاه از سبد به عنوان نمادی از رزق و روزی یاد می‌شد.

In ancient texts, the basket was sometimes mentioned as a symbol of daily bread/sustenance.

Historical reference.

واکاوی سبد مطالبات اجتماعی نشان‌دهنده شکاف عمیق بین نسلی است.

The analysis of the basket of social demands indicates a deep intergenerational gap.

Sociological jargon 'vakavi'.

بهینه‌سازی سبد سرمایه‌گذاری نیازمند درک عمیق از ریسک‌های سیستماتیک است.

Optimizing the investment basket requires a deep understanding of systematic risks.

Formal 'behineh-sazi'.

او در رمان خود، ذهن را به سبدی سوراخ تشبیه می‌کند که حقایق از آن نشت می‌کنند.

In his novel, he likens the mind to a leaking basket through which truths seep out.

Philosophical metaphor.

تنوع‌بخشی به سبد صادراتی غیرنفتی از اولویت‌های استراتژیک کشور است.

Diversifying the non-oil export basket is among the country's strategic priorities.

Policy language.

تجمیع این شاخص‌ها در یک سبد واحد، دقت ارزیابی را کاهش می‌دهد.

Aggregating these indicators into a single basket reduces the accuracy of the evaluation.

Technical 'tajmi'.

Common Collocations

سبد خرید

سبد میوه

سبد گل

سبد کالا

سبد لباس

سبد پیک‌نیک

سبد نان

سبد سهام

سبد حصیری

سبد پلاستیکی

Common Phrases

سبد به دست

— Holding a basket, usually implying someone is going shopping.

او سبد به دست به بازار رفت.

پر کردن سبد

— To fill the basket; often used in shopping contexts.

سبد را پر از خوراکی کرد.

خالی کردن سبد

— To empty the basket.

سبد را روی میز خالی کن.

بافتن سبد

— To weave a basket.

هنر بافتن سبد در ایران قدیمی است.

سبد خانواده

— The family's essential needs/purchases.

برنج در سبد خانواده جای مهمی دارد.

انداختن در سبد

— To throw into the basket (often in sports).

توپ را در سبد انداخت.

چیدن در سبد

— To arrange items inside a basket.

گل‌ها را در سبد چید.

سبد حمایتی

— Government aid package.

سبد حمایتی به دست مردم رسید.

سبد ارز

— A group of different currencies.

سبد ارز بانک مرکزی.

سبد جایزه

— A basket of prizes or rewards.

برنده یک سبد جایزه دریافت کرد.

Often Confused With

سبد vs زنبیل

Zanbil is usually a flexible woven bag; Sabad is any basket.

سبد vs کیسه

Kiseh is a flexible bag (plastic/cloth); Sabad is rigid.

سبد vs جعبه

Ja'be is a solid box; Sabad usually has a woven or mesh structure.

Idioms & Expressions

"همه تخم‌مرغ‌ها را در یک سبد گذاشتن"

— To risk everything on a single venture.

سرمایه‌گذاری در یک شرکت اشتباه است؛ همه تخم‌مرغ‌ها را در یک سبد نگذار.

Common

"سبد سبد"

— A large quantity (literally: baskets and baskets).

برای تو سبد سبد گل می‌آورم.

Poetic/Affectionate

"زنبیل گذاشتن"

— To wait in a long queue (literally: to leave one's basket in line).

برای خرید نان باید زنبیل بگذاری.

Informal

"دسته سبد"

— Referring to someone who is just a handle (useless or a sidekick).

او فقط دسته سبد است و کاری نمی‌کند.

Slang (Rare)

"سبد خالی"

— Metaphor for having nothing to offer.

با سبد خالی از جلسه برگشت.

Metaphorical

"سبد پر"

— Metaphor for being successful or having plenty.

امسال با سبد پر به استقبال عید می‌رویم.

Informal

"بستن سبد خرید"

— To finalize an online purchase.

هنوز سبد خریدم را نبسته‌ام.

Modern/Digital

"سبد گردانی"

— Managing a portfolio of stocks for others.

او در شرکت سبدگردانی کار می‌کند.

Financial

"در سبد گذاشتن"

— To include something in a plan or list.

این طرح را هم در سبد برنامه‌هایمان گذاشتیم.

Business

"سوراخ بودن ته سبد"

— Something that doesn't last or leaks away (like money).

جیبش مثل ته سبد سوراخ است.

Informal

Easily Confused

سبد vs سبد (Sabad)

Looks like 'Sabad' (Sabbad - rare) or 'Sabat' (a type of roofed alley).

Sabad is a basket; Sabat is an architectural feature in old Iranian cities.

ما از زیر سابات رد شدیم و سبد خریدیم. (We passed under the Sabat and bought a basket.)

سبد vs سواد (Savad)

Rhymes and looks similar in script.

Savad means literacy/knowledge; Sabad is a basket.

او سواد دارد اما سبد ندارد. (He has literacy but no basket.)

سبد vs ثبت (Sabt)

Similar starting sound.

Sabt means registration; Sabad is a basket.

سفارش در سبد خرید ثبت شد. (The order was registered in the shopping basket.)

Sentence Patterns

این [Noun] است.

این سبد است.

[Noun] را در سبد بگذار.

سیب را در سبد بگذار.

من یک سبد [Noun] خریدم.

من یک سبد گل خریدم.

سبد [Noun] رو به افزایش است.

سبد هزینه‌ها رو به افزایش است.

باید در سبد [Noun] تجدید نظر کرد.

باید در سبد ارزی تجدید نظر کرد.

سبد [Adjective] است.

سبد بزرگ است.

سبد [Possessive] کجاست؟

سبد من کجاست؟

او با [Noun] سبد می‌بافد.

او با حصیر سبد می‌بافد.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

High (Top 1000 words)

Common Mistakes

Using 'Sabad' for a plastic bag. → Kiseh (کیسه)
A basket must have a structure. A flimsy bag is a kiseh.
Saying 'Sabad-e az miveh'. → Sabad-e miveh
Don't use 'az' (of) like in English; use the Ezafe (the 'e' sound).
Using 'Sabad' for a solid cardboard box. → Ja'be (جعبه)
Sabad implies a woven or open structure. A solid box is a ja'be.
Pronouncing it 'Sa-baad'. → Sa-bad
The second 'a' is short, not long. Long 'a' changes the rhythm.
Confusing 'Sabad' with 'Savad'. → Sabad
Savad means literacy. Don't tell someone they have a 'basket' when you mean they are 'literate'!

Tips

Think Containers

Group 'sabad' with other container words like 'ja'be' (box) and 'kiseh' (bag) to learn them faster.

Gift Etiquette

When invited to a formal Persian event, a 'sabad-e gol' (flower basket) is always a safe and appreciated gift.

Master the Ezafe

Practice 'sabad-e [item]' to get used to the short 'e' connector used for contents.

Online Shopping

Look for the basket icon on Persian websites; the text will almost always say 'سبد خرید'.

Basketball Fans

If you watch sports, listen for 'toop dar sabad' (ball in the basket) to hear the word in action.

Handicrafts

Search for 'Hasir-bafi' images to see the traditional Iranian art of making 'sabad'.

News Context

When you hear 'sabad' on the news, it's likely about the economy or government aid.

Short Vowels

Remember both 'a' sounds in 'sabad' are short. Don't drag them out.

Spelling

The word ends in 'd' (د). Make sure it doesn't look like an 'r' (ر) in your handwriting.

Risk Management

Use the 'eggs in one basket' idiom in Persian to sound more like a native speaker.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'SAbad' as a place to keep your 'SAlad'. Both start with 'SA' and you often serve salad-related items like greens in a basket.

Visual Association

Imagine a giant wicker basket (Sabad) sitting in the middle of a 'Bazaar'. The 'S' shape of the basket's handle helps you remember the first letter.

Word Web

Shopping Fruit Woven Handle Picnic Basketball Laundry Inflation

Challenge

Go to an online Persian store like Digikala and find the 'سبد خرید' button. Try to add three items to it and then empty it.

Word Origin

The word 'سبد' (sabad) has roots in Middle Persian (Pahlavi) as 'saped'. It has been a part of the Iranian linguistic landscape for over a millennium.

Original meaning: A container made of twigs or reeds.

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

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities; the word is neutral and safe for all contexts.

The 'shopping basket' vs 'shopping cart' distinction is handled by 'sabad' for both in Persian, though 'charkh' is more specific for the cart.

Sohrab Sepehri's poetry often uses natural imagery like baskets. Traditional Persian folk songs about the bazaar. Modern Iranian economic news reports.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Grocery Shopping

سبد خرید کجاست؟
یک سبد سیب می‌خواهم.
سبد را پر نکن.
سبد خیلی سنگین است.

At Home

لباس‌ها در سبد است.
سبد نان را بیاور.
این سبد مال کیست؟
سبد را تمیز کن.

Sports

توپ داخل سبد رفت.
سبد بسکتبال بلند است.
او به سمت سبد دوید.
پرتاب در سبد.

Economics

سبد کالای اساسی.
قیمت سبد نفتی.
تغییر در سبد مصرفی.
حمایت از سبد معیشت.

Gift Giving

یک سبد گل زیبا.
سبد هدیه برای عید.
تزیین سبد.
ارسال سبد گل.

Conversation Starters

"آیا شما معمولاً از سبد حصیری برای خرید استفاده می‌کنید؟ (Do you usually use a wicker basket for shopping?)"

"در کشور شما، سبد گل هدیه رایجی است؟ (Is a flower basket a common gift in your country?)"

"چرا قیمت سبد کالا در سال اخیر افزایش یافته است؟ (Why has the price of the goods basket increased in the last year?)"

"بهترین جا برای خرید سبدهای صنایع دستی کجاست؟ (Where is the best place to buy handicraft baskets?)"

"آیا ترجیح می‌دهید در فروشگاه از سبد استفاده کنید یا چرخ خرید؟ (Do you prefer using a basket or a shopping cart in the store?)"

Journal Prompts

امروز در سبد خرید من چه چیزهایی بود؟ (What things were in my shopping basket today?)

توصیف یک سبد قدیمی که در خانه دارید. (Describe an old basket you have at home.)

اگر می‌توانستید یک سبد از آرزوها داشته باشید، چه چیزهایی در آن می‌گذاشتید؟ (If you could have a basket of wishes, what would you put in it?)

اهمیت سبد کالا در زندگی روزمره مردم. (The importance of the goods basket in people's daily lives.)

تجربه شما از بافتن یا دیدن بافتن یک سبد. (Your experience of weaving or seeing a basket being woven.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, 'sabad' is a general term. It can be made of plastic, metal, wood, or straw. As long as it's a container designed for carrying or holding items (often with a handle or woven structure), it's a sabad.

It literally means 'shopping basket'. In modern contexts, it refers to both the physical basket you carry in a store and the digital shopping cart on a website.

The sport is called 'Basketball' (بسکتبال), but the hoop/basket itself is called 'sabad' (سبد).

They are very similar. 'Zanbil' is a more traditional, flexible type of basket. 'Sabad' is the more modern and general word.

The formal plural is 'sabad-ha' (سبدها). In casual Tehrani speech, people often say 'sabada'.

Yes, 'sabad-e lebas' (سبد لباس) is the standard term for a laundry basket.

It's an economic term meaning 'basket of goods'. It's used to measure the cost of living and inflation.

You say 'sabad-e gol' (سبد گل). This is a very common gift in Iran.

Persian does not have grammatical gender, so 'sabad' is neutral, like all other nouns.

If the box is plastic or wood with holes for ventilation (common in markets), 'sabad' is the correct word. If it's a solid cardboard box, use 'ja'be'.