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B1 adjective #1,200 most common 8 min read

شدید

Top 1,200

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips شدید in 30 Seconds

Explanation شدید in your Level:

At the A1 level, you can think of شدید (shadid) as a word for 'very strong' or 'very big'. While you might mostly use 'kheyli' (very) at this stage, learning 'shadid' helps you understand weather reports and simple health descriptions. For example, if it is raining a lot, it is 'bārān-e shadid'. If you have a big headache, it is 'sar-dard-e shadid'. It always comes after the noun with a small 'e' sound connecting them. Just remember: it's for things that feel powerful, like wind, rain, or pain. Don't use it for things you can count, like 'many apples'.

At the A2 level, you should start using شدید to make your descriptions more precise. Instead of just saying 'it's very hot' (kheyli garm ast), you can say 'the heat is intense' (garmā-ye shadid). This level is about expanding your vocabulary beyond the basics. You will encounter this word in news headlines or when talking to a doctor. You should also recognize the indefinite form 'shadidi' (a severe...). For example, 'bād-e shadidi vazid' (a strong wind blew). It helps you describe events that have a strong impact on your day, like heavy traffic or a loud noise.

As a B1 learner, you are expected to use شدید to describe emotions and social situations, not just the weather. You can talk about 'alāghe-ye shadid' (intense interest) or 'reghābat-e shadid' (intense competition). At this level, you should also start using the adverbial form به شدت (be sheddat) to modify verbs. For example, 'be sheddat talāsh kardan' (to strive intensely). You understand that 'shadid' carries a more serious and formal tone than 'kheyli', and you can use it to add emphasis to your writing and speaking in a way that sounds more like a native speaker.

At the B2 level, you should be comfortable using شدید in complex sentence structures and understanding its nuances in professional or academic contexts. You can use it to describe abstract concepts like 'bohrān-e shadid' (severe crisis) or 'enteghād-e shadid' (severe criticism). You should be able to distinguish 'shadid' from its synonyms like 'ghavi' (strong) or 'mohkam' (firm) based on the specific context. Your usage of 'be sheddat' should feel natural, and you can use the comparative 'shadid-tar' and superlative 'shadid-tarin' to analyze and compare different situations or data points.

For C1 learners, شدید is a tool for stylistic precision. You use it to create specific atmospheres in your writing or to provide detailed analysis in professional reports. You understand its etymological roots and how it functions in formal Persian prose. You can identify when 'shadid' is used ironically or for rhetorical effect. You are also aware of more literary or archaic alternatives but choose 'shadid' for its clarity and modern impact. You can discuss the 'sheddat' (intensity - the noun form) of various phenomena, using the word as a base for more complex philosophical or scientific discussions.

At the C2 level, you have a masterly command of شدید and all its related forms. You use it effortlessly in high-level academic discourse, legal documents, or sophisticated literature. You understand the subtle difference between 'shadid' and other Arabic-derived intensifiers like 'shadid-ol-lahn' (harsh-toned). You can use the word to navigate the most delicate nuances of meaning, choosing it precisely for its phonetic weight and its historical connotations in Persian literature. For you, 'shadid' is not just a word for 'intense', but a versatile instrument for expressing the full range of human and natural force.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

شدید in 30 Seconds

Shadid means intense or severe and is used for weather, pain, and strong emotions.
It is an adjective that follows the noun using the Ezafe construction (e.g., bārān-e shadid).
The adverbial form 'be sheddat' means 'intensely' and is used to modify verbs or adjectives.
It is more formal and impactful than 'kheyli' (very) and is common in news and medicine.

The Persian word شدید (shadid) is a versatile and powerful adjective primarily used to describe intensity, severity, or a high degree of force. Originating from Arabic, it has become deeply integrated into the Persian lexicon, serving as the go-to descriptor for anything that surpasses the normal threshold of strength or magnitude. Whether you are discussing the weather, physical sensations, emotional states, or abstract social phenomena, shadid provides the necessary weight to convey that something is not just 'strong' but 'intense' or 'severe'.

Meteorological Context: In weather reports, you will frequently hear this word paired with natural elements. For instance, باران شدید (bārān-e shadid) means heavy or torrential rain, while باد شدید (bād-e shadid) refers to strong or gale-force winds. It suggests a level of force that might cause disruption or require caution.
Medical and Physical States: When describing pain or illness, shadid is essential. A درد شدید (dard-e shadid) is a severe or acute pain that often necessitates medical attention. It distinguishes a minor ache from something debilitating.

دیروز باد شدیدی در تهران وزید که باعث شکستن درختان شد.
(Yesterday, a severe wind blew in Tehran that caused trees to break.)

Beyond the physical, shadid explores the depths of human emotion and social dynamics. If someone has a علاقه شدید (alāghe-ye shadid) to a hobby, it means they have an intense passion or a deep-seated interest. Conversely, a مخالفت شدید (mokhālefat-e shadid) indicates a fierce or vehement opposition to an idea or policy. The word acts as a linguistic amplifier, pushing the noun it modifies toward the extreme end of its spectrum.

او به موسیقی سنتی علاقه شدیدی دارد.
(He has an intense interest in traditional music.)

Social and Economic Use: In news and academic writing, you will see shadid used to describe crises, competition, or changes. رقابت شدید (reghābat-e shadid) means intense competition, often used in business or sports contexts. بحران شدید اقتصادی (bohrān-e shadid-e eghtesādi) refers to a severe economic crisis.

ترافیک شدید مانع رسیدن به موقع ما شد.
(The heavy traffic prevented us from arriving on time.)

In summary, shadid is a cornerstone of Persian descriptive language. It allows speakers to move beyond simple adjectives like 'big' or 'much' to convey a sense of power, urgency, and depth. Whether the sky is pouring rain or a person is feeling overwhelming joy, shadid is the word that captures that peak of experience.

Using شدید correctly in Persian requires an understanding of the Ezafe construction and its role as an adjective. In most cases, shadid follows the noun it modifies, connected by the short vowel sound '-e' (the Ezafe). This is the standard way to attribute intensity to a noun.

The Adjective Placement: The formula is [Noun] + [Ezafe] + shadid. For example, 'Intense heat' becomes گرمای شدید (garmā-ye shadid). Note that if the noun ends in a vowel, the Ezafe might manifest as a 'ye' sound.

تابستان امسال گرمای شدیدی داشتیم.
(We had intense heat this summer.)

Another common way to use shadid is in its adverbial form: به شدت (be sheddat). This phrase means 'intensely', 'severely', or 'greatly'. It is used to modify verbs or other adjectives, providing a way to describe the manner in which an action occurs or the degree of a quality.

او به شدت کار می‌کند تا پروژه را تمام کند.
(He is working intensely to finish the project.)

Indefinite Usage: When you want to say 'a severe...' rather than 'the severe...', you add the indefinite 'i' suffix to the adjective: درد شدیدی (dard-e shadidi - a severe pain). This is a very common pattern in spoken and written Persian.

ناگهان صدای شدیدی شنیده شد.
(Suddenly, a loud/intense sound was heard.)

It is also worth noting that shadid can be used in comparative and superlative forms, though this is less common than with other adjectives. You might see شدیدتر (shadid-tar - more intense) or شدیدترین (shadid-tarin - most intense) in analytical contexts, such as comparing the severity of two storms or the intensity of two different reactions.

این شدیدترین زلزله قرن بود.
(This was the most severe earthquake of the century.)

When using shadid, remember that it carries a certain gravity. While 'kheyli' is used for 'very' in almost any casual context, shadid elevates the tone, making the description more precise and impactful. It is the difference between saying 'it's very cold' and 'the cold is severe'.

The word شدید is ubiquitous in Iranian life, appearing in both the most formal broadcasts and the most intimate personal conversations. Its frequency is high because it covers a wide range of essential human experiences—from the physical environment to internal emotions.

The Evening News: If you turn on a Persian news channel like IRINN or BBC Persian, you will hear shadid almost every few minutes. It is used to describe درگیری‌های شدید (intense clashes) in conflict zones, تحریم‌های شدید (severe sanctions) in political reports, or بارندگی‌های شدید (heavy rainfalls) in the weather segment.

گزارش‌ها از درگیری شدید در مرز خبر می‌دهند.
(Reports inform of intense clashes at the border.)

In a medical setting, shadid is the standard term for describing the severity of symptoms. A doctor might ask, "آیا درد شما شدید است؟" (Is your pain severe?). Patients use it to differentiate between a dull ache and something sharp or overwhelming. It is also used in psychological contexts to describe افسردگی شدید (severe depression) or اضطراب شدید (intense anxiety).

دکتر گفت که عفونت شدید است و باید بستری شوم.
(The doctor said the infection is severe and I must be hospitalized.)

Sports and Competition: In the world of sports, especially football (soccer), commentators use shadid to describe the pressure one team puts on another. فشار شدید (intense pressure) is a common phrase when a team is attacking relentlessly near the opponent's goal.

تیم حریف تحت فشار شدید قرار گرفت.
(The opposing team was placed under intense pressure.)

Finally, in literature and poetry, shadid is used to emphasize the magnitude of longing, love, or sorrow. While modern Persian often prefers more poetic synonyms in high literature, shadid remains the standard for clear, impactful prose. It is a word that bridges the gap between the technical and the emotional, making it an indispensable part of any Persian learner's vocabulary.

While شدید is a common word, English speakers often make specific errors when trying to map it directly to English concepts like 'hard', 'strong', or 'heavy'. Understanding these nuances is key to sounding natural in Persian.

Confusing 'Shadid' with 'Sakht': In English, we say 'a hard rain' or 'a hard wind'. In Persian, سخت (sakht) means 'difficult' or 'physically hard' (like a rock). You should never say 'bārān-e sakht'. Instead, use shadid for intensity. 'Sakht' is for difficulty, like امتحان سخت (a difficult exam).

غلط: امتحان شدید بود. (Wrong: The exam was intense/severe - in the sense of difficult).
درست: امتحان سخت بود. (Correct: The exam was difficult.)

Another common mistake is overusing shadid where زیاد (ziyād - much/a lot) or خیلی (kheyli - very) would be more appropriate. Shadid implies a level of force or gravity. If you just want to say there is 'a lot' of something that isn't inherently forceful (like 'a lot of books'), shadid is incorrect.

غلط: او کتاب‌های شدیدی دارد. (Wrong: He has severe books.)
درست: او کتاب‌های زیادی دارد. (Correct: He has many books.)

Misusing 'Be Sheddat': Learners sometimes use be sheddat as a direct replacement for 'very' in casual conversation. While grammatically correct, it can sound overly dramatic or formal. If you tell a friend "من به شدت گرسنه هستم" (I am intensely hungry), it sounds like you are in a Victorian novel. Stick to "خیلی گرسنه هستم" for daily life.

غلط: این غذا به شدت خوشمزه است. (A bit too formal/dramatic for a simple meal).
درست: این غذا خیلی خوشمزه است. (Natural for daily use.)

Finally, remember the Ezafe. A common beginner error is forgetting the '-e' connection between the noun and shadid. Saying "bārān shadid" instead of "bārān-e shadid" is a clear marker of a non-native speaker. Always ensure that rhythmic link is present.

To truly master Persian, you need to know when to use شدید and when a synonym might be more precise. Persian is a language rich in nuances, and several words overlap with shadid depending on the context.

Shadid vs. Ghavi (Strong): قوی (ghavi) refers to strength, power, or robustness. Use ghavi for a person's muscles, a powerful engine, or a strong argument. Use shadid for the intensity of an effect or a phenomenon. You have a 'ghavi' (strong) arm, but you feel 'shadid' (intense) pain in it.
Shadid vs. Tond (Fast/Sharp): تند (tond) can mean fast, spicy, or sharp. In the context of wind or rain, tond and shadid are often interchangeable, but tond emphasizes speed, while shadid emphasizes the overall force and impact.

او قهوه تند (تلخ) دوست دارد، اما من از بوی شدید آن خوشم نمی‌آید.
(He likes strong/sharp coffee, but I don't like its intense smell.)

For even higher levels of intensity, you might use بسیار (besyār - very much) or فوق‌العاده (fogh-ol-āde - extraordinary). In formal or literary Persian, مفرط (mofrat - excessive) is used for things that have gone beyond a healthy limit, such as خستگی مفرط (excessive/extreme fatigue).

Shadid vs. Mohkam (Firm/Solid): محکم (mohkam) is used for things that are physically firm or tightly secured. If you hit a table 'hard', you hit it 'mohkam'. If the impact causes 'severe' damage, the damage is 'shadid'.

در را محکم بست، چون باد شدید بود.
(He closed the door firmly because the wind was intense.)

By choosing the right word, you convey a much clearer picture. Use shadid when you want to highlight the 'degree' of a quality or the 'severity' of a situation. It is the bridge between a simple description and a vivid, impactful statement.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

The root Sh-D-D is also the source of the word 'Tashdid', which is the small 'w' shaped mark used in Arabic and Persian script to show that a consonant should be pronounced twice (doubled). This reflects the concept of 'strengthening' the sound.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ʃæˈdiːd/

US /ʃæˈdid/

The stress is on the second syllable: sha-DEED.

Rhymes With

جدید (jadid - new) پدید (padid - visible) نوید (navid - good news) امید (omid - hope - slant rhyme) سپید (sepid - white) شهید (shahid - martyr) وحید (vahid - unique) سعید (sa'id - happy)

Common Errors

Pronouncing the first vowel as 'o' (shodid) instead of 'a' (shadid).
Shortening the second 'i' sound so it sounds like 'shidid'.
Failing to aspirate the final 'd' clearly.
Putting the stress on the first syllable.
Confusing it with 'shadi' (happiness).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to recognize in text due to its distinct Arabic shape.

Writing 4/5

Requires remembering the 'ye' and 'dal' sequence.

Speaking 3/5

Pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers.

Listening 3/5

Common in news and weather, making it easy to pick out.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

خیلی (kheyli) زیاد (ziyād) باد (bād) باران (bārān) درد (dard)

Learn Next

بحران (bohrān) مخالفت (mokhālefat) علاقه (alāghe) رقابت (reghābat) انتقاد (enteghād)

Advanced

مفرط (mofrat) حاد (hād) مزمن (mozmen) قاطع (ghāte') بنیادین (bonyādin)

Grammar to Know

Ezafe Construction

دردِ شدید (dard-e shadid)

Adverbial 'Be'

به شدت (be sheddat)

Indefinite 'i'

باد شدیدی (bād-e shadidi)

Superlative '-tarin'

شدیدترین (shadid-tarin)

Comparative '-tar'

شدیدتر (shadid-tar)

Examples by Level

امروز باران شدید است.

Today the rain is intense (heavy).

Simple adjective use after the noun.

او سردرد شدید دارد.

He has a severe headache.

Adjective modifying a medical condition.

باد شدید می‌وزد.

A strong wind is blowing.

Subject-Adjective-Verb structure.

نور شدید چشمم را اذیت می‌کند.

The intense light bothers my eye.

Using 'shadid' for sensory intensity.

ترافیک شدید بود.

The traffic was heavy.

Past tense description.

صدای شدید آمد.

An intense (loud) sound came.

Using 'shadid' for volume.

او سرمای شدیدی حس کرد.

He felt a severe cold.

Indefinite 'i' added to 'shadid'.

گرما شدید است.

The heat is intense.

Basic predicate adjective.

دیروز طوفان شدیدی در شهر بود.

Yesterday there was a severe storm in the city.

Indefinite adjective in a past tense sentence.

او به ورزش علاقه شدیدی دارد.

He has an intense interest in sports.

Describing an abstract interest.

پدرم مخالفت شدیدی با این کار داشت.

My father had a severe opposition to this work.

Describing an emotional/opinionated stance.

برف شدید جاده را بست.

Heavy snow closed the road.

Subject-Adjective acting as the cause.

او درد شدیدی در پایش دارد.

He has a severe pain in his leg.

Standard medical description.

بوی شدید عطر در اتاق بود.

The intense smell of perfume was in the room.

Describing olfactory intensity.

او با سرعت شدیدی رانندگی می‌کرد.

He was driving with an intense speed.

Using 'shadid' for speed/velocity.

دعوای شدیدی بین آن‌ها رخ داد.

A severe fight occurred between them.

Describing a social conflict.

او به شدت از این تصمیم ناراحت شد.

He became intensely upset by this decision.

Using the adverbial 'be sheddat'.

رقابت شدیدی بین دو شرکت وجود دارد.

There is intense competition between the two companies.

Business context.

او تحت فشار شدید کاری است.

He is under intense work pressure.

Describing psychological/work state.

این دارو عوارض جانبی شدیدی دارد.

This medicine has severe side effects.

Technical/Medical context.

او به شدت به خانواده‌اش وابسته است.

He is intensely dependent on his family.

Adverbial modifying an adjective.

تحریم‌های شدید اقتصادی بر مردم اثر گذاشت.

Severe economic sanctions affected the people.

Political/Economic context.

او با لحن شدیدی با من حرف زد.

He spoke to me with a severe tone.

Describing communication style.

زلزله شدیدی منطقه را لرزاند.

A severe earthquake shook the region.

Natural disaster context.

دولت با انتقادهای شدیدی روبرو شده است.

The government has faced severe criticisms.

Formal political usage.

او به شدت از حقوق حیوانات دفاع می‌کند.

He intensely defends animal rights.

Adverbial 'be sheddat' for advocacy.

بحران شدید کمبود آب جدی است.

The severe crisis of water shortage is serious.

Environmental crisis context.

او دچار خستگی شدیدی شده بود.

He had become afflicted with severe fatigue.

Using 'dochār' with 'shadid'.

تغییرات شدید اقلیمی نگران‌کننده است.

Severe climate changes are worrying.

Scientific/Global issue context.

او به شدت تحت تأثیر آن فیلم قرار گرفت.

He was intensely influenced/moved by that movie.

Passive construction with 'be sheddat'.

اختلافات شدیدی در حزب به وجود آمد.

Severe disagreements arose within the party.

Describing internal group dynamics.

او با اراده شدیدی به هدفش رسید.

He reached his goal with an intense will.

Describing personal character traits.

نویسنده به شدت به ساختارهای سنتی حمله می‌کند.

The author intensely attacks traditional structures.

Literary/Analytical context.

این نظریه با مخالفت‌های شدید علمی مواجه شد.

This theory faced severe scientific oppositions.

Academic context.

او از فقر شدیدی در دوران کودکی رنج می‌برد.

He suffered from severe poverty during childhood.

Socio-economic history.

تضاد شدیدی بین حرف و عمل او وجود دارد.

There is an intense contradiction between his words and actions.

Philosophical/Ethical analysis.

او به شدت به اصول اخلاقی پایبند است.

He is intensely committed to moral principles.

Describing deep-seated values.

نوسانات شدید بازار بورس سرمایه‌گذاران را ترساند.

Severe fluctuations in the stock market scared investors.

Financial analysis.

او با لحنی شدید و قاطع سخن گفت.

He spoke with a severe and decisive tone.

Pairing 'shadid' with other formal adjectives.

بیماری او به مرحله شدیدی رسیده است.

His illness has reached a severe stage.

Advanced medical prognosis.

این اثر بازتاب‌دهنده رنج‌های شدید بشری است.

This work is reflective of intense human sufferings.

High literary/Philosophical style.

او به شدت از پارادایم‌های موجود فاصله گرفته است.

He has intensely distanced himself from existing paradigms.

Academic/Epistemological usage.

تقابل شدید سنت و مدرنیته در آثار او مشهود است.

The intense confrontation of tradition and modernity is evident in his works.

Cultural criticism.

او با دقتی شدید به جزئیات متن می‌پردازد.

He addresses the details of the text with intense precision.

Describing intellectual rigor.

این فاجعه منجر به جابجایی شدید جمعیت شد.

This catastrophe led to an intense (massive) displacement of the population.

Geopolitical analysis.

او به شدت علیه بی‌عدالتی‌های ساختاری موضع گرفت.

He took an intense stance against structural injustices.

Sociological discourse.

شدت عمل پلیس مورد انتقاد نهادهای حقوق بشری قرار گرفت.

The severity of the police action was criticized by human rights organizations.

Using the noun 'sheddat' in a formal phrase.

او در معرض تابش شدید اشعه‌های کیهانی بود.

He was exposed to the intense radiation of cosmic rays.

Scientific/Technical usage.

Common Collocations

باران شدید

درد شدید

ترافیک شدید

علاقه شدید

مخالفت شدید

رقابت شدید

بحران شدید

باد شدید

فشار شدید

انتقاد شدید

Common Phrases

به شدت

— Intensely or severely. Used as an adverb to modify verbs.

او به شدت کار می‌کند.

شدت گرفتن

— To intensify or to get worse. Used for storms, pain, or conflicts.

باران در شب شدت گرفت.

با شدت

— With intensity or forcefully.

او با شدت در را بست.

شدت عمل

— Severity of action or a crackdown.

دولت در برابر جرم شدت عمل نشان داد.

از شدتِ

— Due to the intensity of... (often used with emotions).

او از شدت خوشحالی گریه کرد.

تا حد شدید

— To a severe degree.

او تا حد شدیدی خسته بود.

شدید و غلیظ

— Thick and intense (often used for accents or smells).

او با لهجه‌ای شدید و غلیظ حرف می‌زد.

بسیار شدید

— Extremely intense.

زلزله بسیار شدید بود.

درد شدید و ناگهانی

— Severe and sudden pain.

او دچار درد شدید و ناگهانی شد.

موج شدید

— A severe wave (of heat, illness, or water).

موج شدید گرما در راه است.

Often Confused With

شدید vs شادی (shadi)

Shadi means happiness. Shadid means intense. They sound similar but have very different meanings.

شدید vs سخت (sakht)

Sakht means difficult. Shadid means intense. You have a 'sakht' exam, not a 'shadid' one.

شدید vs قوی (ghavi)

Ghavi means strong (muscles/power). Shadid means intense (effect/force).

Idioms & Expressions

"از شدتِ گریه/خنده"

— To do something (like crying or laughing) so much that it's overwhelming.

از شدت خنده روده‌بر شدیم.

Informal

"شدیداً نیاز داشتن"

— To desperately or intensely need something.

من شدیداً به استراحت نیاز دارم.

Neutral

"به شدتِ هر چه تمام‌تر"

— With the utmost intensity possible.

او به شدت هر چه تمام‌تر با این قانون مخالفت کرد.

Formal

"شدیداللحن"

— Having a harsh or severe tone (usually used for letters or speeches).

او نامه‌ای شدیداللحن به مدیر نوشت.

Formal

"درگیری شدید"

— A heavy clash or fight.

درگیری شدیدی در خیابان رخ داد.

Neutral

"فشار شدید آوردن"

— To put a lot of pressure on someone.

او به من فشار شدید آورد تا قبول کنم.

Neutral

"شدت بخشیدن"

— To accelerate or intensify a process.

آن‌ها به تلاش‌های خود شدت بخشیدند.

Formal

"تأثیر شدید گذاشتن"

— To have a profound or severe impact.

این حادثه تأثیر شدیدی بر او گذاشت.

Neutral

"شدت یافتن"

— To increase in intensity (passive).

بیماری او شدت یافته است.

Formal

"به شدت تکذیب کردن"

— To strongly deny something.

او شایعات را به شدت تکذیب کرد.

Formal

Easily Confused

شدید vs سخت

Both can be translated as 'hard' in English.

'Sakht' is for difficulty or physical hardness. 'Shadid' is for the intensity of a phenomenon.

این سنگ سخت است. (This rock is hard.) vs. باران شدید است. (The rain is intense/hard.)

شدید vs زیاد

Both imply a large amount.

'Ziyad' is for quantity (how many/how much). 'Shadid' is for the degree of intensity.

مهمان‌های زیادی داریم. (We have many guests.) vs. سردرد شدیدی دارم. (I have a severe headache.)

شدید vs تند

Both describe strong weather.

'Tond' emphasizes speed or sharpness. 'Shadid' emphasizes the overall force and severity.

او تند می‌دود. (He runs fast.) vs. باد شدید است. (The wind is intense.)

شدید vs قوی

Both mean 'strong'.

'Ghavi' is an internal attribute of power. 'Shadid' is the external manifestation of intensity.

او بازوهای قوی‌ای دارد. (He has strong arms.) vs. ضربه شدیدی زد. (He dealt an intense blow.)

شدید vs حاد

Both mean 'severe' in medical contexts.

'Hād' is a technical term for 'acute' (sudden/short-term). 'Shadid' is a general term for 'severe'.

او آپاندیسیت حاد دارد. (He has acute appendicitis.)

Sentence Patterns

[Noun] + [Ezafe] + شدید + است.

هوا شدید است. (Incorrect usage, but 'Baran shadid ast' is correct.)

[Noun] + [Ezafe] + شدیدی + [Verb].

باد شدیدی وزید.

به شدت + [Adjective] + [Verb].

او به شدت مریض شد.

به شدت + [Verb].

او به شدت ترسید.

تحتِ + [Noun] + [Ezafe] + شدید + قرار گرفتن.

او تحت فشار شدید قرار گرفت.

موردِ + [Noun] + [Ezafe] + شدید + قرار گرفتن.

او مورد انتقاد شدید قرار گرفت.

از شدتِ + [Noun] + [Verb].

از شدت خستگی خوابش برد.

شدیدترین + [Noun] + [Ezafe] + ممکن.

شدیدترین برخورد ممکن صورت گرفت.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Very High in news, medicine, and weather; High in daily conversation.

Common Mistakes

امتحان شدید (Emtehān-e shadid) → امتحان سخت (Emtehān-e sakht)
You use 'sakht' for difficult tasks, not 'shadid'.
باران سخت (Bārān-e sakht) → باران شدید (Bārān-e shadid)
In Persian, rain is 'intense', not 'difficult/hard'.
او شدید است (O shadid ast) → او جدی/قوی است (O jeddi/ghavi ast)
You don't usually describe a person as 'shadid' directly.
کتاب‌های شدید (Ketāb-hāye shadid) → کتاب‌های زیاد (Ketāb-hāye ziyād)
You can't have 'intense' books in terms of quantity; use 'ziyād'.
به شدت خوشحالم (Be sheddat khoshhālam) - in a very casual setting → خیلی خوشحالم (Kheyli khoshhālam)
'Be sheddat' can sound too formal or dramatic for simple happiness with friends.

Tips

Weather Reports

When you hear 'shadid' on the news, it's almost always about weather or politics. It's a key word for understanding safety warnings.

The Ezafe

Never forget the '-e' sound. 'Bārān shadid' sounds broken; 'Bārān-e shadid' sounds fluent.

Intense Emotions

Use 'shadid' to describe passions or oppositions to show you have a higher level of Persian than just using 'kheyli'.

Stress the End

Make sure the 'DEED' part of 'sha-DEED' is louder and longer than the 'sha' part.

Medical Situations

If you are in a hospital in Iran, use 'shadid' to describe your pain so the staff understands the severity.

Adverbial Form

Use 'be sheddat' to start a sentence for rhetorical effect: 'Be sheddat mo'taghedam ke...' (I intensely believe that...).

Shadid vs. Ziyad

If you can count it, use 'ziyad'. If you can feel its force, use 'shadid'.

Dramatic Effect

In informal stories, 'be sheddat' can be used for comedic exaggeration, like 'be sheddat khoshgel' (intensely beautiful).

Identify the Root

Recognizing the Sh-D-D root will help you understand related words like 'tashdid' and 'sheddat'.

B1 Milestone

Mastering 'shadid' is a sign you are moving from basic A2 Persian to intermediate B1 Persian.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of the 'sha' in 'sharp' and the 'did' in 'deed'. A 'shadid' event is like a 'sharp deed'—it's intense and leaves a mark.

Visual Association

Imagine a person leaning into a very strong wind (bād-e shadid) or a bright, blinding sun (nur-e shadid). The force pushing against them is 'shadid'.

Word Web

Weather Pain Traffic Emotion Competition Crisis Light Sound

Challenge

Try to use 'shadid' in three different contexts today: once for the weather, once for a physical feeling, and once for an emotion.

Word Origin

The word 'shadid' is an Arabic loanword (شديد) derived from the root Sh-D-D (ش د د). In Arabic, this root relates to binding tightly, strengthening, or being hard.

Original meaning: The original meaning in Arabic pertains to being strong, firm, or powerful, often in a physical or structural sense.

Semitic (Arabic) origin, adopted into Indo-European (Persian).

Cultural Context

When discussing 'shadid' in the context of religion or politics, be aware that it can imply a harshness that might be sensitive depending on the audience.

English speakers might over-translate 'shadid' as 'severe', but remember it can also mean 'intense' in a positive or neutral way, like 'intense interest'.

Used in official Iranian government statements regarding sanctions ('tahrim-haye shadid'). Commonly found in the titles of news reports about natural disasters in Iran. Appears in modern Persian literature to describe the 'sheddat' of the soul's longing.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Weather Forecast

بارندگی شدید
وزش باد شدید
کاهش شدید دما
طوفان شدید

Doctor's Visit

درد شدید دارم
سرفه شدید
تب شدید
سرگیجه شدید

Commuting

ترافیک شدید
تصادف شدید
بارش شدید برف
دود شدید

Work/Business

رقابت شدید
فشار شدید کاری
انتقاد شدید
تغییرات شدید

Personal Feelings

علاقه شدید
ناراحتی شدید
ترس شدید
خوشحالی شدید

Conversation Starters

"آیا تا به حال در ترافیک شدید تهران گیر کرده‌اید؟ (Have you ever been stuck in Tehran's heavy traffic?)"

"نظر شما درباره تغییرات شدید آب و هوایی چیست؟ (What is your opinion on severe climate changes?)"

"آیا به ورزش خاصی علاقه شدیدی دارید؟ (Do you have an intense interest in a specific sport?)"

"چگونه با فشار شدید کاری کنار می‌آیید؟ (How do you deal with intense work pressure?)"

"آخرین بار که باران شدیدی دیدید کی بود؟ (When was the last time you saw heavy rain?)"

Journal Prompts

درباره زمانی بنویسید که با یک مخالفت شدید روبرو شدید و چگونه واکنش نشان دادید. (Write about a time you faced severe opposition and how you reacted.)

توصیف کنید که یک روز با ترافیک شدید چگونه بر روحیه شما اثر می‌گذارد. (Describe how a day with heavy traffic affects your mood.)

درباره یکی از علاقه‌های شدید خود در زندگی بنویسید. (Write about one of your intense interests in life.)

اگر در یک طوفان شدید گیر بیفتید، چه کار می‌کنید؟ (What would you do if you got stuck in a severe storm?)

تأثیر تحریم‌های شدید بر زندگی روزمره مردم را تحلیل کنید. (Analyze the impact of severe sanctions on people's daily lives.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Generally, no. You don't say a person is 'shadid'. You can say they have a 'shadid' personality (shakhsiat-e shadid - rare) or they are 'be sheddat' serious, but 'ghavi' (strong) or 'sakht-gir' (strict) are better for people.

'Shadid' is an adjective (intense). 'Shadidan' is an adverb (intensely/severely) used in more formal contexts. For example, 'shadidan gerye kard' (he cried intensely).

Not necessarily. While often used for pain or crises, it can describe 'alāghe-ye shadid' (intense interest) or 'nur-e shadid' (intense light), which can be neutral or positive.

The most common way is 'bārān-e shadid'. You can also say 'bārān-e tond'.

Yes, when describing a sound (sedā-ye shadid), it implies the sound is very loud and impactful.

It is used, but 'kheyli' is much more common. 'Be sheddat' adds a layer of drama or formality.

The noun form is 'sheddat' (شدت), which means intensity or severity.

No, use 'sakht' for difficult. 'Shadid' is for intensity.

Use the superlative form: 'shadid-tarin'.

Yes, it is an Arabic loanword that is fully integrated into Persian.