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سفارت

A2 noun 10 min read

سفارت

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips سفارت in 30 Seconds

Explanation سفارت in your Level:

At the A1 level, you just need to know that 'sefārat' means 'embassy'. It is a place you go to for travel documents. You can use it in simple sentences like 'Sefārat kojāst?' (Where is the embassy?). It is a basic noun that helps you talk about travel and locations in a city. Think of it as a 'government house' for another country. You don't need to worry about complex political meanings yet, just focus on it as a destination for getting a visa or a passport.

At the A2 level, you should be able to use 'sefārat' with the Ezafe to specify a country, such as 'sefārat-e Ingilis'. You should also know common verbs like 'raftan' (to go) and 'vagt gereftan' (to get an appointment). You might use it to explain why you are traveling or where you are going tomorrow. It's important to start distinguishing between the 'sefārat' and the 'safir' (the person). You can also describe the building using simple adjectives like 'bozorg' (big) or 'ghadimi' (old).

At the B1 level, you can use 'sefārat' in more complex social and administrative contexts. You should be comfortable discussing 'vagt-e sefārat' (embassy appointments) and 'marāhel-e vizā' (visa stages). You can understand news headlines about embassies closing or opening. You are also beginning to understand the difference between a 'sefārat' and a 'konsulgari' (consulate). Your sentences can include reasons, such as 'Man be sefārat raftam chon mikhāstam vizā begiram' (I went to the embassy because I wanted to get a visa).

At the B2 level, you can discuss the political role of an embassy. You understand terms like 'masuniyat-e diplomatic' (diplomatic immunity) and 'ravābet-e diplomatic' (diplomatic relations). You can read news articles about 'ehzār-e safir' (summoning an ambassador) and understand the nuances of diplomatic tension. You can also use the word in hypothetical or conditional sentences, discussing what would happen if an embassy were to close. Your vocabulary includes related terms like 'kārdār' (chargé d'affaires) and 'atāsheh' (attaché).

At the C1 level, 'sefārat' is a tool for discussing complex international law and history. You can analyze the impact of 'sefārat-khāneh-hā' on historical events in Iran. You understand the legal status of an embassy as sovereign territory. You can engage in debates about diplomatic protocols and the role of 'sefārat' in modern espionage or soft power. You use the formal plural 'sefārāt' correctly in academic writing and can distinguish between various types of missions like 'namāyandegi-ye dā'emi' (permanent mission).

At the C2 level, you have a mastery of the word's etymology, historical evolution, and its use in high-level literature and political science. You can discuss the 'S-F-R' root in depth, connecting 'sefārat' to concepts of mediation and travel in classical Persian. You understand the most subtle diplomatic idioms and can write professional reports or academic papers on international relations using 'sefārat' and its derivatives with perfect precision. You are aware of the cultural and emotional weight the word carries in different historical eras of Persian-speaking nations.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

سفارت in 30 Seconds

Sefārat means 'embassy' in Persian, referring to a diplomatic mission.
It is a noun of place and institution used in travel and politics.
Commonly used with the Ezafe to specify a country (e.g., Sefārat-e Irān).
Essential for discussing visas, passports, and international relations.

The Persian word سفارت (sefārat) is a cornerstone of international relations and travel vocabulary in the Persian-speaking world. At its most basic level, it refers to an embassy—the official headquarters of an ambassador and their diplomatic staff in a foreign country. However, its usage extends beyond the physical building to encompass the entire diplomatic mission and the bureaucratic processes associated with it. When a Persian speaker mentions the 'sefārat', they are often referring to the gateway between nations, a place of legal procedures, visa applications, and international protection. The word is derived from the Arabic root 'S-F-R', which is intrinsically linked to travel and mediation. Understanding this word is essential for anyone navigating the complexities of global movement or political discourse in Persian.

Physical Architecture: In a literal sense, it is the building where the ambassador resides or works. For example, 'Sefārat-e Irān dar Landan' (The Iranian Embassy in London).
Bureaucratic Function: It represents the administrative body handling visas (vizā), passports (gozarnāmeh), and legal documents for citizens abroad.
Diplomatic Entity: It refers to the mission itself, representing the home government's interests in the host country.

من فردا برای گرفتن ویزا به سفارت می‌روم.
(Man fardā barāye gereftan-e vizā be sefārat miravam.)
I am going to the embassy tomorrow to get a visa.

The concept of the embassy in Persian culture is often associated with a mixture of hope and anxiety, particularly regarding immigration or travel. Because many Persian speakers, especially Iranians, often need to visit embassies for visas to travel to Europe, North America, or Oceania, the word 'sefārat' frequently appears in conversations about future plans and life changes. It is not just a building; it is a hurdle or a bridge. In historical contexts, the 'Sefārat-khāneh' (the house of the embassy) was a center of intrigue and international influence during the Qajar and Pahlavi eras, making the word deeply embedded in the historical memory of the nation's sovereignty and foreign interactions.

ساختمان سفارت در مرکز شهر قرار دارد.
(Sākhtemān-e sefārat dar markaz-e shahr gharār dārad.)
The embassy building is located in the city center.

Etymological Connection: The root S-F-R also gives us 'safar' (travel) and 'safir' (ambassador). Thus, the embassy is literally the place of the traveler and the messenger.

In modern news, you will hear 'sefārat' in reports about diplomatic tensions, the closing or opening of missions, or high-level meetings. It is a formal word but universally understood. Whether you are discussing the 'Sefārat-e Ālmān' (German Embassy) or the 'Sefārat-e Kānadā' (Canadian Embassy), the word remains a stable noun in the Persian lexicon, requiring no plural changes when used as a general concept, though its plural form is 'sefārāthā' or 'sefārāt' (the latter being more formal/Arabic style).

Using the word سفارت (sefārat) correctly requires an understanding of Persian Ezafe (the linking 'e' sound) and common verb pairings. Because it is a noun of place and institution, it frequently follows prepositions like 'be' (to), 'dar' (in), or 'az' (from). When specifying which country the embassy belongs to, you must use the Ezafe construction: 'sefārat-e [Country Name]'. For instance, 'sefārat-e Farānseh' (Embassy of France). This structure is vital for clarity in both spoken and written Persian.

The Ezafe Link: Always add the short 'e' sound after 'sefārat' when followed by the country name or an adjective: 'sefārat-e bozorg' (large embassy).
Verb Pairings: Common verbs include 'raftan' (to go), 'tamās gereftan' (to contact), and 'morāje'e kardan' (to refer to/visit officially).

او در سفارت کار می‌کند.
(Ou dar sefārat kār mikonad.)
He/She works at the embassy.

In more complex sentences, 'sefārat' can act as the subject or the object. If you are describing the actions of an embassy, such as issuing a statement or granting a visa, you would treat it as a singular entity. In Persian, even if many people work there, the 'sefārat' itself 'does' the action. For example, 'Sefārat in khabar rā takzib kard' (The embassy denied this news). Note that in formal writing, you might see the plural 'sefārāt' to refer to multiple embassies, but in daily life, 'sefārāthā' is the standard plural form.

باید با سفارت تماس بگیرید.
(Bāyad bā sefārat tamās begirid.)
You must contact the embassy.

Compound Nouns: Words like 'kārmand-e sefārat' (embassy employee) or 'sākhtemān-e sefārat' (embassy building) are very common.

When discussing the location, you might say 'Sefārat-e Italiā dar khiyābān-e Neauphle-le-Château ast' (The Italian Embassy is on Neauphle-le-Château Street). This highlights how the word is used to give directions or identify landmarks in cities like Tehran. Furthermore, in the context of legal issues, one might hear 'panāhandegi dar sefārat' (asylum in the embassy), which refers to the legal protection offered by the diplomatic grounds. Mastering these sentence patterns allows a learner to communicate effectively in any administrative or travel-related situation.

The word سفارت is ubiquitous in several specific domains of Persian life. If you turn on a Persian news channel like BBC Persian, Iran International, or VOA Persian, you will hear it almost daily. It is the primary term used in political reporting regarding international treaties, diplomatic spats, or the movements of ambassadors. In the news, phrases like 'e'zām-e safir be sefārat' (sending an ambassador to the embassy) or 'ehzār-e safir be vezārat-e khāreje' (summoning the ambassador to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs) are standard fare.

Travel Agencies: Travel agents frequently use this word when discussing 'vagt-e sefārat' (embassy appointment) for visas.
Political Protests: In Iranian history, protests often take place 'moqābel-e sefārat' (in front of the embassy) of a specific country.

اخبار گفت که سفارت تعطیل شده است.
(Akhbār goft ke sefārat ta'til shodeh ast.)
The news said that the embassy has been closed.

Another common place to hear the word is in social gatherings where people discuss immigration. In Iran, the 'vagt-e sefārat' (embassy appointment) is a high-stress topic. You might hear someone say, 'Hanooz natunestam vagt-e sefārat begiram' (I haven't been able to get an embassy appointment yet). This colloquial usage highlights the word's importance in the personal lives of many people. Additionally, in literature and cinema, the embassy often serves as a setting for drama, representing a piece of foreign soil within the homeland, a place of sanctuary or a place of exclusion.

جلوی سفارت صف طولانی بود.
(Joloy-e sefārat saf-e tulāni bud.)
There was a long line in front of the embassy.

Finally, in academic and legal settings, 'sefārat' is used to discuss 'masuniyat-e diplomatic' (diplomatic immunity) and the 'ghalamro-ye sefārat' (embassy territory). It is a word that bridges the gap between high-level international law and the everyday struggle of a student trying to study abroad. Whether in a classroom, a courtroom, or a coffee shop, 'sefārat' remains a high-frequency, high-impact word in the Persian language.

While سفارت is a straightforward noun, learners often make a few key errors, primarily concerning its distinction from similar diplomatic terms and its grammatical application. The most frequent mistake is confusing 'sefārat' (embassy) with 'konsulgari' (consulate). While an embassy is the main diplomatic representation in a capital city, a consulate handles minor administrative tasks and may be located in several different cities. Using 'sefārat' when you mean 'konsulgari' can lead to confusion in official contexts.

Sefārat vs. Konsulgari: Embassies are for major political relations; consulates are for visas and citizen services. Don't say 'Sefārat-e Ālmān dar Mashhad' if it's actually a consulate.
Spelling Errors: In Persian, the word ends with 'te' (ت), not 'ta' (ط). Confusing these two letters is a common spelling mistake for beginners.

اشتباه: من به سفارط رفتم.
(Mistake: Wrong 't' letter)
درست: من به سفارت رفتم.

Another mistake involves the Ezafe. Many learners forget the 'e' sound when connecting 'sefārat' to a country. Saying 'sefārat Farānseh' instead of 'sefārat-e Farānseh' sounds disjointed and incorrect. Additionally, some learners try to use the English word 'Embassy' with Persian grammar (e.g., 'embassy-e Irān'), which should be avoided in favor of the proper Persian term. Finally, be careful with the plural. While 'sefārāt' is correct, it is highly formal and Arabic-influenced; using 'sefārāthā' is much more natural for general use.

اشتباه: سفارت آمریکا در دبی است.
(Note: It's actually a Consulate in Dubai, the Embassy is in Abu Dhabi.)

Lastly, avoid using 'sefārat' to refer to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Vezārat-e Omur-e Khāreje). The Ministry is the domestic government body that oversees all 'sefārat' offices abroad. Confusing the headquarters with the branch offices is a common conceptual error for those new to diplomatic terminology.

To enrich your Persian vocabulary, it is helpful to look at words related to سفارت. While 'sefārat' is the most common term, several others exist within the same semantic field, each with its own nuance and register. Understanding these differences will help you sound more like a native speaker and better understand formal texts.

Konsulgari (کنسولگری): As mentioned, this is a consulate. Use this for specific visa matters or citizen services in non-capital cities.
Namāyandegi (نمایندگی): This means 'representation' or 'mission'. It is a broader term that can include UN missions (namāyandegi-ye sāzmān-e melal) or trade missions.
Vezāratkhāneh (وزارتخانه): This means 'ministry'. The 'Vezārat-e Omur-e Khāreje' is the parent organization of all embassies.

او در نمایندگی ایران در سازمان ملل کار می‌کند.
(He works at the Iranian mission to the UN.)

In historical or very formal contexts, you might encounter 'Sefārat-panāh', an archaic title for an ambassador, though this is no longer used in modern speech. Another related term is 'Hey'at-e Diplomatic' (Diplomatic Corps), which refers to the collective body of foreign diplomats in a country. If you are looking for a synonym for the building itself, 'Sākhtemān-e Diplomatic' is sometimes used, though 'sefārat' remains the standard. When comparing 'sefārat' to 'konsulgari', remember the rule of thumb: Capital City = Sefārat; Other Cities = Konsulgari.

تفاوت سفارت و کنسولگری در وظایف آن‌هاست.
(The difference between an embassy and a consulate lies in their duties.)

Lastly, 'Daftar-e Hefāzat-e Manāfe' (Interest Section) is used when two countries do not have full diplomatic relations but have a small office hosted within another country's embassy (e.g., the US Interest Section in the Swiss Embassy in Tehran). This is a very specific but important term in the context of Iranian diplomacy.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"جناب سفیر در محل سفارت حضور دارند."

Neutral

"من فردا به سفارت می‌روم."

Informal

"بازم باید برم دمِ سفارت علاف شم."

Child friendly

"سفارت مثل خانه یک کشور دیگر در شهر ماست."

Slang

"طرف تو سفارت پارتی داره."

Fun Fact

The same root S-F-R gives us 'safar' (journey). In olden times, an ambassador was essentially a 'professional traveler' who mediated between kings.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /sefɒːˈɾæt/

US /sefɑːˈræt/

The stress is typically on the final syllable: se-fā-RAT.

Rhymes With

عمارت (emārat - building) تجارت (tejārat - commerce) بشارت (beshārat - good news) حقارت (heghārat - contempt) عبادت (ebādat - worship) زیارت (ziyārat - pilgrimage) اشارت (eshārat - signal) مهارت (mahārat - skill)

Common Errors

Pronouncing it as 'em-ba-sy' (using the English word).
Pronouncing the 'e' as a long 'ee' (seefārat).
Mistaking the tapped 'r' for a trilled or English 'r'.
Failing to use the Ezafe 'e' when followed by another word.
Confusing the 't' sound with a 'd' at the end.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize as it appears frequently in news and signs.

Writing 3/5

Requires remembering the correct 't' (ت) and Ezafe usage.

Speaking 2/5

Pronunciation is clear and consistent.

Listening 2/5

Easily distinguishable in news broadcasts.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

سفر (safar) کشور (keshvar) دولت (dowlat) ساختمان (sākhtemān) خارجی (khāreji)

Learn Next

سفیر (safir) ویزا (vizā) گذرنامه (gozarnāmeh) کنسولگری (konsulgari) دیپلماسی (diplomāsi)

Advanced

مصونیت (masuniyat) پروتکل (protocol) استوارنامه (ostovārnāmeh) کاردار (kārdār) روابط بین‌الملل (ravābet-e beyn-ol-melal)

Grammar to Know

Ezafe Construction

سفارتِ آلمان (Sefārat-e Ālmān)

Compound Nouns with -khāneh

سفارتخانه (Sefārat + khāneh = Embassy house)

Pluralization of Loanwords

سفارت‌ها (Persian plural) vs سفارات (Arabic plural)

Prepositional Usage

در سفارت (In the embassy) - location

Definite Object Marker

سفارت را بستند (They closed the [specific] embassy)

Examples by Level

سفارت کجاست؟

Where is the embassy?

Simple question with 'kojāst' (where is).

این سفارت بزرگ است.

This embassy is big.

Subject + Adjective.

من به سفارت می‌روم.

I am going to the embassy.

Present continuous tense for future intent.

سفارت فردا بسته است.

The embassy is closed tomorrow.

Adjective 'basteh' (closed).

او در سفارت است.

He/She is in the embassy.

Preposition 'dar' (in).

سفارت ایران اینجاست.

The Iranian embassy is here.

Ezafe connecting 'sefārat' and 'Irān'.

یک سفارت در این خیابان است.

There is an embassy on this street.

Indefinite 'yek' (one/a).

نام این سفارت چیست؟

What is the name of this embassy?

Possessive Ezafe.

من از سفارت وقت گرفتم.

I got an appointment from the embassy.

Past tense 'gereftam'.

سفارت فرانسه در تهران است.

The French embassy is in Tehran.

Proper noun with Ezafe.

آیا شما در سفارت کار می‌کنید؟

Do you work at the embassy?

Question in present tense.

باید به سفارت نامه بنویسید.

You must write a letter to the embassy.

Modal verb 'bāyad' (must).

سفارت امروز باز است.

The embassy is open today.

Adjective 'bāz' (open).

ما جلوی سفارت منتظر هستیم.

We are waiting in front of the embassy.

Prepositional phrase 'joloy-e'.

سفارت به من ویزا داد.

The embassy gave me a visa.

Indirect object 'be men'.

آن‌ها ساختمان سفارت را رنگ کردند.

They painted the embassy building.

Object marker 'rā' used with compound noun.

برای تمدید گذرنامه باید به سفارت بروم.

I have to go to the embassy to renew my passport.

Purpose clause with 'barāye'.

سفارت به سوالات من پاسخ نداد.

The embassy did not answer my questions.

Negative past tense.

او به عنوان کارمند در سفارت استخدام شد.

He was hired as an employee at the embassy.

Passive construction 'estekhdām shod'.

سفارتخانه‌های زیادی در این منطقه وجود دارند.

There are many embassies in this area.

Plural form 'sefāratkhāneh-hā'.

قبل از رفتن به سفارت، مدارک را چک کنید.

Check the documents before going to the embassy.

Gerundial phrase 'ghabl az raftan'.

سفارت ایتالیا بسیار زیبا و قدیمی است.

The Italian embassy is very beautiful and old.

Double adjectives.

آیا سفارت در روزهای تعطیل کار می‌کند؟

Does the embassy work on holidays?

Plural noun 'ruzhā-ye ta'til'.

من با بخش فرهنگی سفارت تماس گرفتم.

I contacted the cultural section of the embassy.

Compound noun with multiple Ezafes.

سفارت بیانیه‌ای در مورد حوادث اخیر صادر کرد.

The embassy issued a statement regarding recent events.

Formal verb 'sāder kardan'.

امنیت سفارت توسط پلیس تامین می‌شود.

The embassy's security is provided by the police.

Passive voice with 'tavasot-e'.

او به دلیل مسائل سیاسی به سفارت پناه برد.

He took refuge in the embassy due to political issues.

Idiomatic 'panāh bordan'.

روابط دو کشور پس از بستن سفارت تیره شد.

Relations between the two countries darkened after the embassy was closed.

Temporal clause with 'pas az'.

سفارت وظیفه دارد از حقوق اتباع خود دفاع کند.

The embassy has the duty to defend the rights of its citizens.

Infinitive 'defā' kardan'.

بسیاری از معترضان مقابل سفارت تجمع کردند.

Many protesters gathered in front of the embassy.

Subject-verb agreement.

سفارتخانه‌ها معمولاً در پایتخت‌ها واقع شده‌اند.

Embassies are usually located in capitals.

Adverb 'ma'mulan'.

او به عنوان وابسته نظامی در سفارت فعالیت می‌کند.

He works as a military attaché at the embassy.

Formal title usage.

تعرض به سفارت نقض آشکار قوانین بین‌المللی است.

Attacking an embassy is a clear violation of international laws.

Abstract noun 'ta'aroz'.

سفارت به عنوان خاک آن کشور محسوب می‌شود.

The embassy is considered the soil of that country.

Formal passive 'mahsoub mishavad'.

او خاطرات خود را از دوران خدمت در سفارت منتشر کرد.

He published his memoirs from his time serving at the embassy.

Possessive 'khāterāt-e khod'.

نقش سفارت در تسهیل روابط بازرگانی غیرقابل انکار است.

The role of the embassy in facilitating trade relations is undeniable.

Complex Ezafe chain.

سفارتخانه‌ها کانون رایزنی‌های دیپلماتیک هستند.

Embassies are centers of diplomatic consultations.

Formal plural 'sefāratkhāneh-hā'.

دولت خواستار کاهش سطح فعالیت‌های سفارت شد.

The government called for a reduction in the level of embassy activities.

Verb 'khāstār shodan'.

مصونیت دیپلماتیک شامل ساختمان سفارت نیز می‌شود.

Diplomatic immunity also includes the embassy building.

Transitive verb 'shāmel shodan'.

سفارت در بیانیه‌ای شدیداللحن این اقدام را محکوم کرد.

The embassy condemned this action in a strongly-worded statement.

Compound adjective 'shadid-ol-lahn'.

تحولات ژئوپلیتیک بر عملکرد سفارتخانه‌ها تاثیرگذار است.

Geopolitical developments influence the functioning of embassies.

Academic terminology.

سفارت مامن و پناهگاه اتباع در مواقع بحرانی است.

The embassy is a haven and sanctuary for citizens in times of crisis.

Literary synonyms 'māman' and 'panāhgāh'.

تاریخچه سفارت در ایران با فراز و نشیب‌های فراوانی همراه بوده است.

The history of embassies in Iran has been accompanied by many ups and downs.

Idiomatic 'farāz o nashib'.

دیپلماسی عمومی یکی از کارکردهای نوین سفارت‌های امروزی است.

Public diplomacy is one of the modern functions of today's embassies.

Complex noun phrase.

سفارت به مثابه پل ارتباطی میان دو فرهنگ عمل می‌کند.

The embassy acts as a bridge of communication between two cultures.

Formal 'be masābeh-ye' (as/like).

چالش‌های امنیتی منجر به تقویت تدابیر حفاظتی در سفارت شد.

Security challenges led to the strengthening of protective measures at the embassy.

Causal 'monjar be... shod'.

سفارتخانه‌ها در دوران جنگ سرد نقش کلیدی در جاسوسی داشتند.

Embassies played a key role in espionage during the Cold War.

Historical context.

تداوم فعالیت سفارت منوط به رعایت پروتکل‌های بین‌المللی است.

The continuation of the embassy's activities is contingent upon observing international protocols.

Formal 'monut be' (contingent upon).

Common Collocations

وقت سفارت

ساختمان سفارت

کارمند سفارت

بستن سفارت

حمله به سفارت

نامه سفارت

بخش کنسولی سفارت

سفیر سفارت

امنیت سفارت

سفارت مجازی

Common Phrases

درِ سفارت

— The door/gate of the embassy. Often used when talking about waiting outside.

مردم جلوی در سفارت جمع شده بودند.

توسط سفارت

— By the embassy. Used in passive voice for official actions.

این مدرک توسط سفارت تایید شد.

از طریق سفارت

— Through the embassy. Referring to the channel of communication.

پیام از طریق سفارت ارسال شد.

به سمت سفارت

— Towards the embassy. Describing movement or direction.

او به سمت سفارت حرکت کرد.

داخل سفارت

— Inside the embassy. Specifically mentioning the interior.

عکاسی داخل سفارت ممنوع است.

سفارت مربوطه

— The relevant embassy. Used in formal instructions.

به سفارت مربوطه مراجعه کنید.

سفارت‌های خارجی

— Foreign embassies. Referring to multiple international missions.

سفارت‌های خارجی در تهران حضور دارند.

تاییدیه سفارت

— Embassy confirmation/attestation.

تاییدیه سفارت برای ترجمه لازم است.

مصاحبه سفارت

— Embassy interview (usually for a visa).

فردا مصاحبه سفارت دارم.

سایت سفارت

— The embassy website.

اطلاعات بیشتر در سایت سفارت موجود است.

Often Confused With

سفارت vs کنسولگری

Consulate vs. Embassy. Embassies are in capitals; consulates can be anywhere.

سفارت vs وزارتخانه

Ministry vs. Embassy. The Ministry (Vezārat) is the domestic head office.

سفارت vs سفیر

The person (Ambassador) vs. the place (Embassy).

Idioms & Expressions

"بستن درِ سفارت"

— To cut off diplomatic ties completely.

بستن درِ سفارت آخرین راه حل بود.

Formal

"پشت درِ سفارت ماندن"

— To be stuck waiting for a visa or entry; metaphorically to be unable to leave a country.

خیلی‌ها پشت درِ سفارت مانده‌اند.

Informal

"سفارت‌خانه باز کردن"

— To establish a major presence (sometimes used sarcastically for someone overstaying their welcome).

انگار اینجا سفارت‌خانه باز کرده است!

Slang

"از دیوار سفارت بالا رفتن"

— To storm an embassy (referring to historical events in Iran).

بالا رفتن از دیوار سفارت هزینه سنگینی داشت.

Political

"کلید سفارت"

— Metaphor for full control over a diplomatic mission.

کلید سفارت را به او سپردند.

Literary

"سفارت در سایه"

— Shadow embassy; unofficial diplomatic influence.

آن‌ها یک سفارت در سایه تشکیل دادند.

Political

"نان سفارت را خوردن"

— To be on the payroll of a foreign mission (often implying being a traitor).

می‌گویند او نان سفارت را می‌خورد.

Slang/Derogatory

"خط سفارت"

— The official policy line of an embassy.

او دقیقاً طبق خط سفارت عمل می‌کند.

Formal

"چتر سفارت"

— The protection offered by an embassy.

او زیر چتر سفارت پناه گرفت.

Journalistic

"سفارت سیار"

— Mobile embassy; a roving diplomatic mission.

آن‌ها یک سفارت سیار برای کمک به اتباع راه انداختند.

Formal

Easily Confused

سفارت vs سفارت (Sefārat)

Sounds like 'Safar' (Travel).

Sefārat is the office; Safar is the journey. They share a root but different meanings.

او به سفارت رفت تا برای سفرش آماده شود.

سفارت vs عمارت (Emārat)

Rhymes with Sefārat.

Emārat means a grand building or mansion, not necessarily an embassy.

این عمارت قدیمی است، اما سفارت نیست.

سفارت vs وزارت (Vezārat)

Ends with the same suffix sound.

Vezārat refers to a government ministry (e.g., Ministry of Health).

وزارت امور خارجه بر سفارت‌ها نظارت دارد.

سفارت vs تجارت (Tejārat)

Similar rhythm and ending.

Tejārat means commerce or trade.

سفارت به توسعه تجارت کمک می‌کند.

سفارت vs زیارت (Ziyārat)

Rhymes with Sefārat.

Ziyārat means a pilgrimage to a holy site.

او برای زیارت به مشهد رفت، نه سفارت.

Sentence Patterns

[Country] + سفارت + کجاست؟

سفارت ژاپن کجاست؟

من به + سفارت + [Country] + می‌روم.

من به سفارت ترکیه می‌روم.

برای + [Action] + باید به سفارت بروم.

برای گرفتن ویزا باید به سفارت بروم.

سفارت + [Country] + در بیانیه‌ای + [Action] + کرد.

سفارت روسیه در بیانیه‌ای این خبر را تکذیب کرد.

نقش سفارت در + [Context] + بسیار حیاتی است.

نقش سفارت در گسترش روابط فرهنگی بسیار حیاتی است.

تداوم فعالیت‌های سفارت منوط به + [Condition] + است.

تداوم فعالیت‌های سفارت منوط به امنیت کارکنان است.

او در + سفارت + کار می‌کند.

او در سفارت کانادا کار می‌کند.

سفارت + [Adjective] + است.

سفارت بسیار شلوغ است.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely frequent in news and travel contexts.

Common Mistakes

سفارت آلمان در دبی است. → کنسولگری آلمان در دبی است.
Dubai is not a capital city, so it has a consulate, not an embassy. The embassy is in Abu Dhabi.
من به سفیر رفتم. → من به سفارت رفتم.
You go to the embassy (place), not the ambassador (person), unless you have a personal meeting.
سفارتخانه فرانسه → سفارت فرانسه
While 'Sefāratkhāneh' isn't wrong, 'Sefārat' is much more natural and common for specifying a country.
سفارط → سفارت
The word must be spelled with 'ت' (te), not 'ط' (ta).
سفارت آمریکا در تهران باز است. → سفارت آمریکا در تهران بسته است.
This is a factual error often made by learners unaware of the current diplomatic status (it has been closed since 1980).

Tips

Use Ezafe

Always remember the 'e' sound when saying 'Sefārat-e [Country]'. Without it, the sentence sounds like two random words put together.

Safir vs Sefārat

Remember that 'Safir' is the person (Ambassador) and 'Sefārat' is the place. Don't say 'Man be Safir raftam' (I went to the Ambassador).

Visa Talk

If you are in Iran, 'Sefārat' is almost always discussed in the context of getting a visa. Knowing this context helps you understand the emotions involved.

Tapped R

The 'r' in Sefārat is a single tap of the tongue, similar to the 'tt' in the American pronunciation of 'butter'.

The Letter 'Te'

Always use 'ت' (te) at the end. Using 'ط' (ta) is a common mistake because they sound the same, but 'sefārat' is spelled with 'ت'.

Sefāratkhāneh

Use 'Sefāratkhāneh' in formal writing or when you want to sound more sophisticated about the building itself.

Vagt-e Sefārat

This is a great 'small talk' topic if you know someone is planning to travel. Asking 'Vagt-e sefārat gerefti?' is a common question.

News Keywords

In news broadcasts, 'Sefārat' is often followed by 'ta'til' (closed) or 'bāz' (open). Listen for these adjectives.

Plural Forms

Stick to 'sefārathā' for 99% of your writing. Only use 'sefārāt' if you are writing a very formal academic paper.

Root S-F-R

Connecting 'Sefārat' to 'Safar' (travel) makes it much easier to remember. They are cousins in the language family.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Safar' (travel). You go to the 'Sefārat' to get permission to 'Safar' (travel). Both start with 'Sef-'.

Visual Association

Imagine a grand building with many flags and a long line of people holding passports. This is the 'Sefārat'.

Word Web

سفیر (Ambassador) ویزا (Visa) گذرنامه (Passport) دولت (Government) پایتخت (Capital) سیاست (Politics) خارجی (Foreigner) مصونیت (Immunity)

Challenge

Try to find the location of three different embassies in your city and say their names in Persian using the Ezafe: 'Sefārat-e...'

Word Origin

Derived from the Arabic word 'sifāra' (سفارة), which comes from the root S-F-R (س-ف-ر). This root in Arabic is associated with travel, mediation, and clarifying or uncovering something.

Original meaning: The act of mediation or acting as an envoy between two parties.

Semitic root (Arabic), borrowed into Persian as a loanword but fully integrated into the grammar.

Cultural Context

Be aware that discussing certain embassies in Iran can be politically sensitive. Always remain neutral in formal settings.

In English-speaking countries, an embassy is often seen as a purely administrative or ceremonial place. In Persian culture, it is often a place of intense personal significance for immigration.

The movie 'Argo' (about the US Embassy in Tehran). Historical accounts of the 'Sefārat-e Rus' (Russian Embassy) during the Griboyedov incident. The 'Lāneh-ye Jāsusi' museum in Tehran.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Applying for a visa

وقت سفارت گرفتن
مدارک سفارت
مصاحبه در سفارت
هزینه سفارت

News and Politics

بستن سفارت
حمله به سفارت
بیانیه سفارت
احضار سفیر

Directions

نزدیک سفارت
پشت سفارت
خیابان سفارت
روبروی سفارت

Employment

استخدام در سفارت
حقوق سفارت
کارمند محلی سفارت
بخش اداری سفارت

Emergency/Sanctuary

پناهنده شدن به سفارت
حفاظت سفارت
خاک سفارت
امنیت دیپلماتیک

Conversation Starters

"آیا تا به حال به سفارت کشوری رفته‌اید؟ (Have you ever been to a country's embassy?)"

"کدام سفارت در شهر شما زیباتر است؟ (Which embassy in your city is more beautiful?)"

"برای گرفتن ویزا چقدر در سفارت منتظر ماندید؟ (How long did you wait at the embassy for a visa?)"

"آیا کار کردن در سفارت را دوست دارید؟ (Would you like to work at an embassy?)"

"چرا سفارتخانه‌ها برای روابط کشورها مهم هستند؟ (Why are embassies important for country relations?)"

Journal Prompts

تجربه خود را از اولین باری که به یک سفارت رفتید بنویسید. (Write about your experience the first time you went to an embassy.)

اگر سفیر بودید، سفارت خود را چگونه اداره می‌کردید؟ (If you were an ambassador, how would you run your embassy?)

نقش سفارتخانه‌ها در دنیای دیجیتال امروز چیست؟ (What is the role of embassies in today's digital world?)

تفاوت‌های فرهنگی که در یک سفارت مشاهده کردید را توصیف کنید. (Describe the cultural differences you observed in an embassy.)

اهمیت امنیت ساختمان‌های دیپلماتیک را تحلیل کنید. (Analyze the importance of security for diplomatic buildings.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Sefārat is the general term for the embassy as an institution or building. Sefāratkhāneh is a slightly more formal term specifically referring to the physical building or 'house' of the embassy.

Technically no. A consulate is 'Konsulgari'. However, in very casual speech, some people might mistakenly use 'Sefārat' for any foreign government office, but it's better to be precise.

You should say 'Man vagt-e sefārat dāram'. This is the standard phrase used by everyone applying for visas.

Persian does not have grammatical gender, so Sefārat is neutral. You don't need to worry about gendered articles or endings.

The most common plural is 'sefārathā'. You might also see 'sefārāt' in formal or academic texts, which is the Arabic-style plural.

Yes, in Persian legal contexts, 'sefārat' is often described as 'khāk-e khāreji' (foreign soil) or having 'masuniyat' (immunity).

A 'Safir' (ambassador), 'kārmandān' (employees), 'diplomāthā' (diplomats), and 'vābastehā' (attachés) work there.

After the 1979 revolution, Iranian revolutionaries called it the 'Den of Spies' (Lāneh-ye Jāsusi) because they believed it was used for espionage. This is a common historical term in Iran.

Many are located in central and northern Tehran, particularly around areas like Ferdowsi, Elahieh, and Niavaran.

No, it is exclusively used for diplomatic embassies. It does not have secondary meanings like 'travel' or 'message', although it share the root with words that do.