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شایستگی

B1 noun #7,000 most common 11 min read

شایستگی

shayestegi Top 7,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips شایستگی in 30 Seconds

Explanation شایستگی in your Level:

At the A1 level, the word 'شایستگی' (shāyestegi) is quite advanced, but you can think of it as a very formal way to say someone is 'very good' or 'worthy.' Imagine you are playing a game and the winner is the person who played the best. That person has 'shāyestegi.' It is like having a gold star for being capable. You don't need to use this word yet in your daily life, but if you hear it on TV or see it in a book, just remember it means 'being good and right for a job.' It comes from the word 'shāyeste' which means 'worthy.' For now, just focus on the idea that this word is about being a great worker or a great student. You might see it in simple sentences like 'He is a good worker' written in a very fancy way. It's a big word for a simple idea: being capable and deserving of something good.

At the A2 level, you are starting to learn about jobs and skills. 'شایستگی' is a word you might see on a job application or in a classroom. It means 'competence.' If you have the 'shāyestegi' for a task, it means you have learned how to do it correctly and you are ready. For example, if you are a good driver, you have the competence to drive. In Persian, we say 'شایستگی رانندگی.' You can use this word when you want to sound more professional. Instead of saying 'I am good at math,' you could say 'I have competence in math.' It shows you are taking your studies seriously. Remember that this word is a noun. You 'have' it (داشتن) or you 'show' it (نشان دادن). It’s a great word to recognize when people are talking about who is the best person for a specific role or award.

At the B1 level, you should begin to use 'شایستگی' in your own writing and speaking, especially in formal contexts. This word is essential for discussing topics like work, education, and social issues. It translates to 'competence' or 'merit.' In a B1 context, you might discuss 'meritocracy' (شایسته‌سالاری), which is the idea that people should get jobs based on their 'shāyestegi' rather than who they know. You will also see this word in 'ezafe' constructions, like 'شایستگی‌های شغلی' (job competencies). You should know that it carries a sense of being 'fitting' or 'appropriate.' If someone is 'shāyeste' (the adjective form), they are the right person for the situation. Using this word helps you transition from basic Persian to more professional, adult-level communication. It is frequently used with the verb 'احراز کردن' (to attain or qualify for) in official documents.

At the B2 level, 'شایستگی' becomes a tool for nuanced discussion. You should understand the difference between 'شایستگی' (merit/competence) and 'صلاحیت' (legal qualification). While 'salāhiyat' might be about having the right degree or permit, 'shāyestegi' is about the actual quality of your work and your character. At this level, you can use the word to argue for fairness in the workplace or to describe the complex requirements of a leadership role. You will encounter it in plural form, 'شایستگی‌ها,' in management and psychology texts. You should be able to use it in complex sentences like: 'The success of the project depended on the collective competence of the team' (موفقیت پروژه به شایستگی جمعی تیم بستگی داشت). It is also a key word in literary analysis when discussing the 'worthiness' of a hero or the 'appropriateness' of a certain behavior in a story.

At the C1 level, you should master the abstract and philosophical applications of 'شایستگی.' This word is central to Persian intellectual discourse regarding ethics, governance, and human potential. You will see it in high-level academic journals and philosophical treatises. It often appears in discussions about 'human capital' and 'organizational behavior.' You should be comfortable using it to describe not just technical skills, but also 'cultural competence' or 'moral merit.' At this level, you can explore the etymological roots in Middle Persian and how the meaning has evolved from 'what is fitting' in a cosmic sense to 'professional competence' in a modern capitalist sense. You can also use it to critique social systems, discussing how 'structural barriers' might prevent individuals from demonstrating their true 'shāyestegi.' Your usage should be precise, distinguishing it from 'liyāqat' (personal merit) and 'kefāyat' (efficiency).

At the C2 level, 'شایستگی' is a word you manipulate with stylistic flair. You understand its deepest historical resonances, from the 'Mirror for Princes' literature (Siyasat-nama) where the 'shāyestegi' of a ruler was paramount, to modern HR analytics. You can use the word in sophisticated rhetorical structures, perhaps contrasting the 'apparent competence' (شایستگی ظاهری) of a public figure with their 'actual lack of merit' (بی‌لیاقتی واقعی). You are expected to use it in high-stakes professional environments, such as legal arguments, executive-level negotiations, or academic defense. You can also use the word in its more poetic or archaic senses in creative writing to evoke a sense of traditional Persian virtue. Your mastery includes knowing exactly when to use the plural 'shāyestegi-hā' to sound like a management expert and when to use the singular 'shāyestegi' to sound like a moral philosopher.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

شایستگی in 30 Seconds

Shāyestegi is a formal Persian noun meaning competence, merit, or worthiness, often used in professional and academic contexts to describe skill and deservingness.
It is derived from the root 'shāyeste' (worthy) and is central to the concept of 'shāyeste-sālāri' or meritocracy in Iranian society.
Commonly paired with verbs like 'داشتن' (to have) and 'نشان دادن' (to show), it describes a person's holistic fitness for a role.
While similar to 'salāhiyat' (qualification), 'shāyestegi' emphasizes actual talent and moral merit over mere legal or official eligibility.

The Persian word شایستگی (pronounced shāyestegi) is a sophisticated noun that translates primarily to 'competence,' 'merit,' or 'worthiness.' It is derived from the root verb شایستن (shāyestan), which historically means to be worthy, fitting, or proper. In modern Persian, this word is the cornerstone of professional and academic discourse, representing the intersection of skill, knowledge, and the moral or practical right to hold a position. When you speak of شایستگی, you are not just talking about being 'good' at something; you are describing a comprehensive state of being qualified and capable. It is the quality that separates a mere amateur from a seasoned professional who has earned their place through proven results and inherent talent.

Professional Context: In the Iranian corporate world, شایستگی is frequently used in Human Resources (HR) terminology. You will encounter terms like 'مدیریت بر پایه شایستگی' (Competency-based management). It implies that promotions and hiring should be based on actual skills rather than personal connections (nepotism), making it a politically and socially charged word in discussions about fairness and progress.
Moral and Ethical Worth: Beyond the office, the word carries a weight of 'deservingness.' If someone receives an award, people might say they had the شایستگی for it, meaning they truly deserved the honor because of their character and hard work. It bridges the gap between technical ability and ethical suitability.
Educational Standards: In academic settings, شایستگی refers to a student's proficiency in a specific subject area. It is used to describe the achievement of learning outcomes and the mastery of curriculum goals.

انتصاب مدیران باید بر اساس شایستگی باشد، نه روابط شخصی.
— Translation: The appointment of managers must be based on competence, not personal relationships.

The word is often paired with verbs like 'داشتن' (to have), 'نشان دادن' (to show), or 'احراز کردن' (to attain/verify). For instance, 'احراز شایستگی' is a formal way of saying someone has proven they are qualified for a specific task or role. It is a word that commands respect; using it in a conversation suggests a high level of vocabulary and a focus on meritocracy. In contemporary Iranian society, the concept of شایسته‌سالاری (meritocracy) is a frequent topic of debate in newspapers and social media, highlighting how central this noun is to the collective desire for a functional and fair governance system.

او با تلاش فراوان، شایستگی خود را برای این مقام ثابت کرد.
— Translation: With great effort, he proved his competence for this position.

آزمون‌های استاندارد برای سنجش شایستگی علمی دانش‌آموزان طراحی شده‌اند.
— Translation: Standardized tests are designed to measure the academic competence of students.

ما به دنبال فردی با شایستگی‌های مدیریتی بالا هستیم.
— Translation: We are looking for an individual with high managerial competencies.

هیچ‌کس در شایستگی او برای رهبری تیم شک ندارد.
— Translation: No one doubts his competence to lead the team.

Using شایستگی correctly requires understanding its role as an abstract noun that often functions as the subject or the object of a sentence involving evaluation or possession. In Persian grammar, it behaves like most nouns, but it is frequently seen in 'ezafe' constructions where it is linked to a possessive pronoun or another noun to specify whose or what kind of competence is being discussed. For example, 'شایستگیِ او' (his competence) or 'شایستگیِ شغلی' (job competence).

As a Direct Object: When you want to say someone 'has' or 'shows' competence, you use 'شایستگی را' followed by a verb. Example: 'او شایستگی خود را نشان داد' (He showed his competence). Here, the word takes the object marker 'rā' because it is a specific competence being demonstrated.
In Prepositional Phrases: It often follows prepositions like 'بر اساس' (based on) or 'با' (with). Example: 'او با شایستگی تمام پروژه را به پایان رساند' (He finished the project with total competence/merit). This usage describes the manner in which an action was performed.
Pluralization: In technical or HR contexts, you might see the plural form 'شایستگی‌ها' (competencies). This refers to a specific set of skills or attributes required for a role. Example: 'لیست شایستگی‌های مورد نیاز' (The list of required competencies).

دولت باید بر مبنای شایستگی افراد را استخدام کند.
— Translation: The government should hire individuals based on competence.

One of the most common sentence patterns involves the verb 'داشتن' (to have). Phrases like 'شایستگی لازم را داشتن' (to have the necessary competence) are ubiquitous in job descriptions. If you are writing a CV in Persian, you might write: 'من شایستگی‌های لازم برای این موقعیت شغلی را دارم' (I have the necessary competencies for this job position). This sounds professional and confident. Another important pattern is 'به شایستگی' which acts as an adverbial phrase meaning 'competently' or 'deservedly.' For example, 'او به شایستگی به این مقام رسید' (He reached this position deservedly).

ارزیابی شایستگی کارکنان هر سال انجام می‌شود.
— Translation: The competence assessment of employees is conducted every year.

او به دلیل عدم شایستگی از کار برکنار شد.
— Translation: He was dismissed from work due to lack of competence.

این جایزه گواهی بر شایستگی علمی شماست.
— Translation: This award is a testament to your academic merit.

او در تمام مراحل زندگی، شایستگی خود را حفظ کرده است.
— Translation: He has maintained his merit throughout all stages of life.

The word شایستگی is not typically heard in casual street slang or everyday informal chatter between friends about mundane topics. Instead, it thrives in formal environments, media, and institutional settings. If you are watching the evening news in Iran, listening to a podcast about self-improvement, or attending a business meeting, you will hear it frequently. It is a 'high-register' word that signals professional seriousness and intellectual depth.

The Corporate Office: In boardrooms and HR departments across Tehran, شایستگی is the metric of choice. Managers discuss 'مدل‌های شایستگی' (competency models) to define what they expect from their staff. During performance reviews, a supervisor might say, 'شما شایستگی‌های فنی خوبی دارید، اما باید روی مهارت‌های نرم کار کنید' (You have good technical competencies, but you need to work on soft skills).
Political Discourse: Political analysts and reformists often use the word when discussing government appointments. The term 'شایسته‌سالاری' (meritocracy) is a recurring theme in political manifestos, representing the ideal that the most competent people should lead the country regardless of their political affiliations.
Academic and Literary Circles: In university lectures or formal literature, شایستگی is used to describe the inherent worth of a theory, a person, or a work of art. It carries a classical Persian flavor, reminding listeners of the ethical teachings of poets like Saadi or Hafez, who often wrote about the 'shāyeste' (worthy) individual.

در سیستم‌های پیشرفته، شایستگی تنها معیار پیشرفت است.
— Translation: In advanced systems, competence is the only criterion for progress.

You will also find this word in legal documents and official certificates. For example, a 'گواهی شایستگی' (Certificate of Competency) is a formal document issued by authorities to prove that someone is qualified to perform a specific job, such as sailing a ship or operating heavy machinery. In this context, the word is not just a compliment; it is a legal requirement. When Iranians talk about their heroes or respected public figures, they often emphasize their شایستگی as a way to validate their success and distinguish them from those who achieved fame through luck or influence.

او با شایستگی تمام، مدیریت بحران را بر عهده گرفت.
— Translation: With complete competence, he took over the crisis management.

ترویج فرهنگ شایستگی در جامعه ضروری است.
— Translation: Promoting the culture of meritocracy in society is essential.

آیا او شایستگی لازم برای دریافت این بورسیه را دارد؟
— Translation: Does he have the necessary merit to receive this scholarship?

این شرکت به شایستگی‌های فردی اهمیت زیادی می‌دهد.
— Translation: This company places great importance on individual competencies.

While شایستگی is a versatile word, learners often confuse it with other terms that have overlapping meanings but distinct legal or practical implications. Understanding these nuances is key to sounding like a native speaker and avoiding awkward misunderstandings in formal settings.

Confusing with 'صلاحیت' (Salāhiyat): This is the most common mistake. While both mean competence or qualification, Salāhiyat often refers to legal authority or being officially qualified/cleared for a role (like a candidate being cleared by a council). Shāyestegi is more about the actual skill and inherent merit. You might have the Salāhiyat (legal right) but lack the Shāyestegi (actual ability/merit) to do the job well.
Overusing it in Informal Settings: Using shāyestegi when talking to a friend about their cooking might sound overly dramatic or stiff. In casual contexts, it's better to use 'مهارت' (skill) or 'خوب بودن' (being good). Save shāyestegi for when you want to emphasize professional worth or moral deservingness.
Grammatical Placement of 'rā': Learners sometimes forget that shāyestegi is an abstract noun and treat it as an adjective. Remember, it is 'The Competence' (noun), not 'Competent' (adjective). You cannot say 'او شایستگی است' (He is competence); you must say 'او شایسته است' (He is competent) or 'او شایستگی دارد' (He has competence).

اشتباه: او برای این کار خیلی شایستگی است.
— Correct: او برای این کار خیلی شایسته است. (He is very competent for this job.)

Another nuance is the difference between shāyestegi and liyāqat (merit). While almost synonymous, liyāqat is often used in more emotional or personal contexts—like deserving love or a gift—whereas shāyestegi leans toward professional and technical capability. Finally, be careful with the plural 'shāyestegi-hā.' Use it only when referring to specific, distinct competencies in a technical list; otherwise, the singular form is preferred for the general concept of competence.

اشتباه: من شایستگی رانندگی دارم.
— Correct: من گواهینامه رانندگی دارم. (I have a driver's license.) Use 'shāyestegi' for the quality, not the permit itself.

اشتباه: او با شایستگی حرف زد.
— Better: او با اعتماد به نفس حرف زد. (He spoke with confidence.) Unless you specifically mean he spoke with technical mastery.

اشتباه: این غذا شایستگی خوردن ندارد.
— Better: این غذا ارزش خوردن ندارد. (This food isn't worth eating.) 'Shāyestegi' is for people or institutions, not objects like food.

اشتباه: او به خاطر شایستگی‌اش مشهور است.
— Better: او به خاطر توانمندی‌اش مشهور است. (He is famous for his capability.) While not strictly wrong, 'tavānmandi' is more common for fame.

Persian is a language rich with synonyms, and شایستگی has several 'cousins' that you should know. Depending on the context—whether it's legal, emotional, or purely functional—you might choose a different word to express a similar idea of competence or worthiness.

صلاحیت (Salāhiyat): As mentioned, this leans toward 'qualification' or 'eligibility.' Use this in legal or bureaucratic contexts. For example, 'عدم صلاحیت' (disqualification) is a very common term in elections.
لیاقت (Liyāqat): This word is closer to 'merit' or 'deservingness' in a general sense. It's often used in personal relationships or when talking about rewards. If you say someone has liyāqat, you're saying they are a worthy human being.
کفایت (Kefāyat): This means 'adequacy' or 'efficiency.' It's about being 'enough' for a task. A 'مدیر باکفایت' (efficient manager) is someone who gets things done without wasting resources.
توانمندی (Tavānmandi): This literally means 'capability' or 'empowerment.' It focuses on the power and ability to do something, whereas shāyestegi adds a layer of being 'fitting' or 'worthy' for the task.

مقایسه: او شایستگی (Competence) دارد vs او صلاحیت (Qualification) دارد.
— One is about talent/merit, the other is about official approval.

In academic writing, you might also encounter 'سزاواری' (sezāvāri), which is a more poetic or formal synonym for worthiness. If you are describing a machine's efficiency, you would use 'کارآیی' (kārāyi) instead of shāyestegi. For a person's expert skill level, 'تبحر' (tabahhor) or 'تخصص' (takhas-sos) are better choices. Understanding these distinctions allows you to be precise. For instance, in a recommendation letter, using shāyestegi suggests the candidate is a well-rounded, deserving professional, while tavānmandi focuses on their raw strength and ability.

او لیاقت بهترین‌ها را دارد.
— Translation: He deserves the best. (More emotional/personal than 'shāyestegi').

این پروژه به کفایت مالی نیاز دارد.
— Translation: This project needs financial adequacy/sufficiency.

افزایش توانمندی‌های فردی هدف ماست.
— Translation: Increasing individual capabilities is our goal.

او در حل مسائل پیچیده تبحر دارد.
— Translation: He has expertise in solving complex problems.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The root verb 'shāyestan' is actually the same root for the word 'shāh' (king), implying that a king is one who is 'worthy' or 'able' to rule.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ʃɒːjes.te.ɡiː/

US /ʃɑːjes.te.ɡiː/

The primary stress is on the final syllable '-gi', which is typical for Persian nouns of this type.

Rhymes With

بستگی (bastegi) خستگی (khastegi) پیوستگی (peyvastegi) وارستگی (vārastegi) شایستگی (shāyestegi) آراستگی (ārāstegi) آهستگی (āhestegi) گسستگی (gosostegi)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'shā' as a short 'a' like 'cat'.
Missing the 'y' sound in the middle (shā-es-te-gi).
Putting the stress on the first syllable.
Confusing the 'g' with a 'j' sound.
Shortening the final 'i' sound too much.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The word is long but follows standard Persian noun patterns. Easily recognizable in text.

Writing 4/5

Requires correct spelling of 'shāyeste' and the suffix '-gi'.

Speaking 3/5

Pronunciation is straightforward once the 'shā-yes' transition is mastered.

Listening 3/5

Clear phonetic structure makes it easy to hear in formal speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

شایسته (worthy) داشتن (to have) کار (work) خوب (good) مهم (important)

Learn Next

صلاحیت (qualification) لیاقت (merit) کفایت (adequacy) مدیریت (management) ارزیابی (assessment)

Advanced

شایسته‌سالاری (meritocracy) پارادایم (paradigm) استراتژی (strategy) بهینه‌سازی (optimization) تعالی (transcendence)

Grammar to Know

Noun formation from adjectives ending in silent 'he'

شایسته + گی = شایستگی

Ezafe construction for possession

شایستگیِ او (His competence)

Adverbial formation with 'be'

به شایستگی (Competently)

Pluralization with '-hā'

شایستگی‌ها (Competencies)

Negation with 'adam-e'

عدم شایستگی (Lack of competence)

Examples by Level

او شایستگی زیادی دارد.

He has a lot of competence/merit.

Simple subject-object-verb structure.

این کار به شایستگی نیاز دارد.

This job needs competence.

Use of 'be' (to) with the noun.

آیا شما شایستگی دارید؟

Do you have competence/merit?

Question form using 'āyā'.

شایستگی او خوب است.

His competence is good.

Possessive 'ezafe' (shāyestegi-ye ou).

من شایستگی را دوست دارم.

I like competence/merit.

Direct object with 'rā'.

او با شایستگی برد.

He won with merit/competence.

Adverbial use with 'bā' (with).

شایستگی مهم است.

Competence is important.

Noun as the subject.

آنها شایستگی ندارند.

They do not have competence/merit.

Negative verb 'nadārand'.

شایستگی شغلی برای من مهم است.

Job competence is important to me.

Compound noun with 'ezafe'.

او شایستگی خود را در ورزش نشان داد.

He showed his competence in sports.

Possessive suffix '-ash' on 'shāyestegi'.

ما به دنبال شایستگی هستیم.

We are looking for competence.

Present continuous with 'hastim'.

شایستگی او در آشپزی عالی است.

Her competence in cooking is excellent.

Prepositional phrase 'dar āshpazi'.

این جایزه برای شایستگی شماست.

This award is for your merit.

Preposition 'barāye' (for).

او شایستگی لازم را برای این کار ندارد.

He doesn't have the necessary competence for this job.

Adjective 'lāzem' (necessary) modifying the noun.

شایستگی‌های او زیاد هستند.

His competencies are many.

Plural form 'shāyestegi-hā'.

آیا او شایستگی رهبری دارد؟

Does he have the competence for leadership?

'Ezafe' connecting competence and leadership.

شایسته‌سالاری به معنای حکومت بر اساس شایستگی است.

Meritocracy means rule based on competence.

Introduction of the related term 'shāyeste-sālāri'.

او با شایستگی تمام از پایان‌نامه خود دفاع کرد.

He defended his thesis with complete competence.

Use of 'tamām' (complete) to emphasize the noun.

ارزیابی شایستگی کارکنان یک فرآیند پیچیده است.

Employee competence assessment is a complex process.

Complex noun phrase using multiple 'ezafes'.

او شایستگی خود را برای مدیریت پروژه ثابت کرد.

He proved his competence for project management.

Verb 'sābet kardan' (to prove).

بدون شایستگی، رسیدن به این مقام غیرممکن است.

Without merit, reaching this position is impossible.

Preposition 'bedun-e' (without).

او به دلیل شایستگی‌هایش ترفیع گرفت.

He got a promotion because of his competencies.

Prepositional phrase 'be dalil-e' (because of).

شایستگی علمی او در کل کشور شناخته شده است.

His academic merit is recognized in the whole country.

Passive construction 'shenākhte shode ast'.

این شرکت بر پایه شایستگی افراد را جذب می‌کند.

This company recruits people based on competence.

Phrase 'bar pāye-ye' (based on).

او میان شایستگی‌های فنی و مدیریتی تعادل برقرار کرده است.

He has established a balance between technical and managerial competencies.

Use of 'miān' (between) with plural nouns.

عدم شایستگی برخی مدیران باعث بحران شد.

The lack of competence of some managers caused a crisis.

Prefix 'adam-e' (lack of) to negate the noun.

او با احراز شایستگی، گواهینامه بین‌المللی دریافت کرد.

By attaining competence, he received an international certificate.

Gerund-like use of 'ehrāz' (attaining).

شایستگی‌های اخلاقی به اندازه شایستگی‌های حرفه‌ای مهم هستند.

Ethical merits are as important as professional competencies.

Comparative structure 'be andāze-ye' (as much as).

او شایستگی خود را در شرایط دشوار به اثبات رساند.

He proved his competence in difficult conditions.

Formal verb 'be esbāt resāndan' (to bring to proof).

این آزمون برای سنجش دقیق شایستگی‌های زبانی طراحی شده است.

This test is designed for the precise measurement of linguistic competencies.

Use of 'sanjesh' (measurement/assessment).

او همواره بر اهمیت شایستگی در محیط کار تأکید می‌کند.

He always emphasizes the importance of competence in the workplace.

Verb 'ta'kid kardan' (to emphasize).

شایستگی او در حل و فصل اختلافات بی‌نظیر است.

His competence in resolving disputes is unique/unparalleled.

Compound verb 'hal o fasl kardan' (to resolve).

مفهوم شایستگی در پارادایم‌های نوین مدیریت تحول یافته است.

The concept of competence has evolved in modern management paradigms.

Academic vocabulary like 'paradigm' and 'evolved'.

او با نگاهی انتقادی به سیستم شایسته‌سالاری موجود می‌نگرد.

He looks at the existing meritocracy system with a critical eye.

Adverbial phrase 'bā negāhi enteghādi' (with a critical look).

شایستگی فرهنگی یکی از ضرورت‌های دنیای جهانی شده امروز است.

Cultural competence is one of the necessities of today's globalized world.

Abstract noun phrase 'shāyestegi-ye farhangi'.

او در کتاب خود به بررسی ابعاد مختلف شایستگی انسانی می‌پردازد.

In his book, he examines the various dimensions of human merit.

Verb 'be barresi pardākhtan' (to engage in examining).

تلفیق شایستگی و تعهد، کلید موفقیت سازمان‌های بزرگ است.

The integration of competence and commitment is the key to the success of large organizations.

Use of 'talfigh' (integration/combination).

او به شایستگیِ ذاتی انسان‌ها برای رشد و تعالی باور دارد.

He believes in the inherent merit of humans for growth and transcendence.

Adjective 'zāti' (inherent) modifying competence.

سنجش شایستگی‌های نرم در فرآیند استخدام چالش‌برانگیز است.

Assessing soft competencies in the recruitment process is challenging.

Compound adjective 'chālesh-barangiz' (challenging).

او با تکیه بر شایستگی‌های حرفه‌ای خود، بر موانع غلبه کرد.

Relying on his professional competencies, he overcame the obstacles.

Participial phrase 'bā tekiye bar' (relying on).

تجلی شایستگی در آثار هنری او، نشان از نبوغی بی‌پایان دارد.

The manifestation of merit in his artistic works indicates an endless genius.

High-level vocabulary like 'tajalli' (manifestation) and 'nobugh' (genius).

او بر این باور است که شایستگی نباید به ابزاری برای طرد اجتماعی تبدیل شود.

He believes that competence should not become a tool for social exclusion.

Subjunctive mood 'tabdil shavad' (should become).

واکاوی مفهوم شایستگی در متون کلاسیک فارسی، ظرایف بسیاری را آشکار می‌کند.

The analysis of the concept of merit in classical Persian texts reveals many nuances.

Formal word 'vākāvi' (analysis/probing).

او با درایتی ستودنی، شایستگی خود را در هدایت کشتی بحران‌زده نشان داد.

With praiseworthy wisdom, he showed his competence in steering the crisis-stricken ship.

Adjective 'sotudani' (praiseworthy) and 'derāyat' (wisdom).

عدم تقارن اطلاعاتی می‌تواند مانع از تشخیص درست شایستگی افراد شود.

Information asymmetry can prevent the correct identification of individuals' competence.

Technical term 'adam-e taghāron-e ettelā'āti' (information asymmetry).

او شایستگی را نه یک صفت ایستا، بلکه فرآیندی پویا و مستمر می‌داند.

He considers competence not a static trait, but a dynamic and continuous process.

Contrast between 'istā' (static) and 'puyā' (dynamic).

در این جستار، به بازتعریف شایستگی در عصر هوش مصنوعی پرداخته‌ایم.

In this essay, we have addressed the redefinition of competence in the age of artificial intelligence.

Formal term 'jostār' (essay/inquiry).

او با شایستگی تمام، میراث معنوی گذشتگان را به نسل بعد منتقل کرد.

With complete merit, he transmitted the spiritual heritage of the ancestors to the next generation.

Abstract concept 'mirās-e ma'navi' (spiritual heritage).

Common Collocations

احراز شایستگی

شایستگی شغلی

مدیریت بر پایه شایستگی

شایستگی اخلاقی

شایستگی علمی

گواهی شایستگی

شایستگی‌های کلیدی

فقدان شایستگی

شایستگی فنی

معیار شایستگی

Common Phrases

به شایستگی

— Competently or deservedly. Used as an adverb.

او به شایستگی به این مقام رسید.

شایستگی لازم را داشتن

— To have the necessary competence. Very common in job contexts.

آیا او شایستگی لازم را برای این کار دارد؟

بر اساس شایستگی

— Based on merit. Used to discuss fair systems.

انتخابات باید بر اساس شایستگی باشد.

شایستگی خود را ثابت کردن

— To prove one's competence or worth.

او با انجام این پروژه شایستگی خود را ثابت کرد.

در شایستگی کسی شک نداشتن

— To have no doubt about someone's competence.

هیچ‌کس در شایستگی او شک ندارد.

شایستگی فردی

— Individual competence or merit.

ما به شایستگی فردی اهمیت می‌دهیم.

نشان دادن شایستگی

— To demonstrate competence.

او در جلسه شایستگی خود را نشان داد.

کسب شایستگی

— To acquire or gain competence.

او برای کسب شایستگی بیشتر تلاش می‌کند.

ارزیابی شایستگی

— Competence assessment.

ارزیابی شایستگی فردا انجام می‌شود.

مدل شایستگی

— Competency model (HR term).

ما مدل شایستگی جدیدی طراحی کردیم.

Often Confused With

شایستگی vs صلاحیت

Confused because both mean qualification, but 'salāhiyat' is legal/official.

شایستگی vs لیاقت

Confused because both mean merit, but 'liyāqat' is more personal/emotional.

شایستگی vs توانایی

Confused because both mean ability, but 'tavānāyi' is raw potential/capacity.

Idioms & Expressions

"شایستگی خود را به رخ کشیدن"

— To show off one's competence (often in a slightly negative or boastful way).

او مدام شایستگی‌هایش را به رخ دیگران می‌کشد.

Neutral/Informal

"حق به حق‌دار رسیدن"

— Justice being served (often used when someone with 'shāyestegi' gets what they deserve).

با انتخاب او، حق به حق‌دار رسید.

Informal/Proverbial

"گوی سبقت را ربودن"

— To surpass others (often by demonstrating superior shāyestegi).

او با شایستگی خود، گوی سبقت را از رقبا ربود.

Literary

"کلاه خود را قاضی کردن"

— To judge oneself fairly (often used to ask if someone truly has the shāyestegi for a role).

کلاهت را قاضی کن، آیا شایستگی این مقام را داری؟

Informal

"شایستگی از سر و رویش می‌بارد"

— To be obviously and extremely competent/worthy.

او آنقدر بااستعداد است که شایستگی از سر و رویش می‌بارد.

Informal/Idiomatic

"در چنته داشتن"

— To have something in one's bag/repertoire (often skills or shāyestegi).

باید دید او چه شایستگی‌هایی در چنته دارد.

Informal

"مرد میدان بودن"

— To be the right person for the job/battle (showing shāyestegi).

او برای این پروژه‌ی سخت، واقعاً مرد میدان است.

Neutral

"آزمون خود را پس دادن"

— To have already proven one's competence through past actions.

او قبلاً آزمون خود را پس داده و شایستگی‌اش ثابت شده است.

Neutral

"دود از کنده بلند شدن"

— Experience matters (older people showing their shāyestegi).

او پیر است اما هنوز شایستگی زیادی دارد؛ دود از کنده بلند می‌شود.

Informal/Proverbial

"کار را به کاردان سپردن"

— To leave the work to the expert (someone with shāyestegi).

بهترین راه این است که کار را به کاردان بسپاریم.

Neutral/Formal

Easily Confused

شایستگی vs شایسته

It is the adjective form of the same root.

Shāyeste is 'worthy' (adjective), while shāyestegi is 'worthiness' (noun).

او فردی شایسته است (He is a worthy person).

شایستگی vs بایستگی

Sounds similar and also ends in '-gi'.

Bāyestegi means 'necessity' or 'obligation,' not competence.

بایستگیِ انجام این کار (The necessity of doing this).

شایستگی vs شایانی

Sounds similar and means 'significant/worthy'.

Shāyāni is usually an adjective meaning 'considerable' or 'noteworthy.'

کمک شایانی کرد (He made a significant help).

شایستگی vs شایعه

Starts with 'shāy-'.

Shāye'e means 'rumor.' It has nothing to do with competence.

این فقط یک شایعه است (This is just a rumor).

شایستگی vs شایع

Starts with 'shāy-'.

Shāye' means 'common' or 'prevalent' (like a disease).

این بیماری شایع است (This disease is common).

Sentence Patterns

[Subject] [Noun] dārad.

او شایستگی دارد.

[Subject] [Noun]-e [Adjective] dārad.

او شایستگیِ زیادی دارد.

[Subject] bar pāye-ye [Noun] entekhāb shod.

او بر پایه شایستگی انتخاب شد.

Bedun-e [Noun], [Verb Phrase].

بدون شایستگی، نمی‌توان موفق شد.

[Noun] dar [Context] az ahammiyat-e bālāyi barkhordār ast.

شایستگی در مدیریت از اهمیت بالایی برخوردار است.

[Noun] rā na yek [Adjective], balke yek [Adjective] midānad.

او شایستگی را نه یک صفت، بلکه یک فرآیند می‌داند.

Sanjesh-e [Noun]...

سنجش شایستگی کارکنان...

Ehrāz-e [Noun]...

احراز شایستگی برای این مقام...

Word Family

Nouns

شایستگی (shāyestegi) - competence

شایسته‌سالاری (shāyeste-sālāri) - meritocracy

Verbs

شایستن (shāyestan) - to be worthy (archaic/literary)

Adjectives

شایسته (shāyeste) - worthy/competent

ناشایست (nāshāyest) - unworthy/unfit

لیاقت (liyāqat) - merit

صلاحیت (salāhiyat) - qualification

کفایت (kefāyat) - adequacy

سزاواری (sezāvāri) - worthiness

کارآمدی (kār-ā-madi) - effectiveness

How to Use It

frequency

High in professional/media contexts, low in casual speech.

Common Mistakes

Using it as an adjective (e.g., 'او شایستگی است') → او شایسته است (He is worthy) or او شایستگی دارد (He has competence).
Shāyestegi is a noun, not an adjective. You need a verb like 'to have' or 'to show'.
Confusing with 'shāye'e' (rumor) → شایستگی (competence) vs شایعه (rumor).
They sound similar but have completely different meanings. Check the spelling carefully.
Using it for objects (e.g., 'این ماشین شایستگی دارد') → این ماشین کارآیی خوبی دارد (This car has good efficiency).
Shāyestegi is almost exclusively for people or human-led institutions.
Missing the 'ezafe' (e.g., 'شایستگی او' vs 'شایستگی او') → شایستگیِ او (shāyestegi-ye ou).
Don't forget the 'ye' sound between the noun and the pronoun.
Overusing it in casual slang → Use 'مهارت' or 'دمش گرم' in slang.
Shāyestegi is too formal for a casual hangout with friends.

Tips

Abstract Noun Suffix

Remember the '-gi' suffix. It changes the adjective 'shāyeste' (worthy) into the noun 'shāyestegi' (worthiness/competence). This happens with many adjectives ending in 'he'.

Shāyestegi vs. Salāhiyat

Use 'shāyestegi' for internal talent/merit and 'salāhiyat' for external/legal qualification. This distinction is vital in professional Persian.

Elevate Your CV

Instead of saying 'I am good at...', use 'I have the necessary shāyestegi for...'. It sounds much more professional to Persian recruiters.

Meritocracy

The word is at the heart of modern Iranian social debates. Using it shows you understand the cultural value placed on merit over nepotism.

Stress the End

Always put the stress on the last syllable '-gi'. Persian nouns like this always carry the stress at the end.

Adverbial Use

Use 'be shāyestegi' (with competence) to describe how someone did a great job. It's a very elegant way to give a compliment.

Negation

Use 'عدم شایستگی' (adam-e shāyestegi) for 'incompetence' in formal reports. It sounds more objective than other negative words.

News Keywords

When you hear 'shāyestegi' on the news, it's usually about a new manager, a politician, or a national achievement.

Shāyeste = Shayesteh

Associate the word with the name Shayesteh. Since it's a common name, it makes the abstract concept more concrete.

HR Context

In HR, 'shāyestegi' is the standard term for 'competency.' Learn it if you plan to work in a Persian-speaking professional environment.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Shāyeste' as 'Shy-Stay.' A person who is competent doesn't need to be 'shy'; they 'stay' confident because of their 'shāyestegi.'

Visual Association

Imagine a person standing on a pedestal made of books and tools, holding a certificate. The pedestal represents their skills, and the certificate is their 'shāyestegi.'

Word Web

Skill Merit Worthy Qualified Capable Professional HR Success

Challenge

Try to use 'shāyestegi' in three different sentences today: one about a hobby, one about a job, and one about a famous person you admire.

Word Origin

The word comes from the Middle Persian (Pahlavi) word 'shāyistan', which meant 'to be able' or 'to be fitting.' It is related to the Old Persian root meaning 'to rule' or 'to be powerful.'

Original meaning: Originally, it referred to what was cosmically or socially 'proper' or 'fitting' for a person's station in life.

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

Cultural Context

Be careful not to use it to imply someone is 'only' competent but lacks passion; in Persian, it usually implies both.

In English, 'competence' can sometimes sound cold or technical. In Persian, 'shāyestegi' sounds more respectful and holistic, almost like a virtue.

The concept of the 'Shāyeste' man in Saadi's Golestan. Modern debates on 'Shāyeste-sālāri' in Iranian political talk shows. HR standards in the Iranian Oil Industry which pioneered 'Competency Models' in the region.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Job Interview

شایستگی‌های من...
اثبات شایستگی
شایستگی شغلی
توسعه شایستگی

Academic Writing

شایستگی علمی
سنجش شایستگی
شایستگی‌های زبانی
مفهوم شایستگی

Politics

شایسته‌سالاری
عدم شایستگی
معیار شایستگی
شایستگی رهبری

Awards Ceremony

به خاطر شایستگی
شایستگی اخلاقی
تقدیر از شایستگی
نشان شایستگی

Performance Review

ارتقای شایستگی
مدل شایستگی
شایستگی‌های کلیدی
شکاف شایستگی

Conversation Starters

"به نظر شما مهم‌ترین شایستگی برای یک مدیر چیست؟"

"آیا سیستم آموزشی ما شایستگی‌های لازم را به دانش‌آموزان یاد می‌دهد؟"

"چگونه می‌توانیم شایستگی خود را در محیط کار ثابت کنیم؟"

"آیا با شایسته‌سالاری در جامعه موافق هستید؟"

"شما در چه زمینه‌ای بیشترین شایستگی را دارید؟"

Journal Prompts

امروز چگونه شایستگی خود را در کارهایت نشان دادی؟ جزئیات را بنویس.

یک نفر را که به نظر تو شایستگی زیادی دارد توصیف کن. چرا چنین فکری می‌کنی؟

درباره زمانی بنویس که شایستگی تو نادیده گرفته شد. چه حسی داشتی؟

شایستگی‌های کلیدی که می‌خواهی در سال آینده کسب کنی کدامند؟

آیا شایستگی مهم‌تر است یا شانس؟ نظر خود را با مثال بنویس.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Mostly, yes. It refers to human competence or merit. You wouldn't use it for a tool or a weather condition, though you might use it for an institution like a 'shāyestegi-ye dowlat' (competence of the government).

Only if the message is formal, like to a boss or a professor. In a text to a friend, it would sound very strange and stiff.

Mahārat is a specific 'skill' (like coding). Shāyestegi is the overall 'competence' that includes skills, knowledge, and the right attitude.

You can say 'او شایستگی ندارد' (He doesn't have competence) or more formally 'او فاقد شایستگی است' (He lacks competence).

The root 'shāyeste' is very common in classical poetry, but the noun 'shāyestegi' is more frequent in modern prose.

Yes, it can describe someone's moral or spiritual worthiness, though 'liyāqat' or 'sezāvāri' are also very common in that context.

Yes, it is almost always positive. Even when used negatively ('lack of competence'), it implies that competence is a desirable goal.

It translates to 'meritocracy.' It's a system where power is vested in individuals based on their 'shāyestegi'.

Yes, 'shāyestegi-hā' is used when referring to a specific list of required competencies for a job.

The root verb is 'shāyestan,' but it is rarely used in modern Persian except in formal writing or fixed phrases.