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A2 adjective #6,000 most common 8 min read

شکاک

shakak Top 6,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips شکاک in 30 Seconds

Explanation شکاک in your Level:

At the A1 level, you just need to know that 'shakkāk' means someone who says 'I don't believe you.' Imagine a friend tells you a crazy story about seeing a UFO. If you don't believe them, you are being 'shakkāk'. It is an adjective like 'happy' or 'sad'. You use it to describe people. For example: 'My brother is shakkāk.' In Persian: 'Barādar-am shakkāk ast.' It comes from the word 'shakk' which means 'doubt'. If you know 'shakk', you can remember 'shakkāk' as the person who has a lot of 'shakk'. Don't worry about the complex grammar yet; just use it with 'ast' (is) or 'hastam' (I am). It's a useful word when you want to express that you are not sure about something or someone. Even at this basic level, learning 'shakkāk' helps you describe personalities, which is a key part of early language learning. Just remember the double 'k' sound in the middle!

At the A2 level, you can start using 'shakkāk' in more complete sentences with prepositions. The most important thing to learn is that we use the preposition 'be' (to) with this word. For example, 'Man be u shakkāk hastam' (I am skeptical of him). You should also know the opposite word, 'zud-bāvar', which means someone who believes everything very quickly. A2 learners should be able to describe a character in a simple story using this word. For instance, 'The policeman was shakkāk.' You can also use it to talk about your own feelings regarding news or social media posts. 'I am shakkāk about this news' (Man be in khabar shakkāk hastam). It's also a good time to learn that this word describes a *person's nature*. If you want to say a situation is 'fishy', you'll need a different word, but for people, 'shakkāk' is your best friend. Practice saying it with the Ezafe: 'Adam-e shakkāk' (A skeptical person).

By B1, you should understand the nuance between 'shakkāk' and similar words like 'badbin' (pessimistic) or 'mashkuk' (suspicious). A B1 learner knows that 'shakkāk' is an intensive form. You can use it to talk about social issues or more complex personal relationships. You might say, 'Society has become skeptical of the media' (Mardom be rasāne-hā shakkāk shode-and). You should also be comfortable using comparative forms like 'shakkāk-tar' (more skeptical). At this level, you can use 'shakkāk' to describe a critical thinker in a positive way or a paranoid person in a negative way, depending on the context. You should also start recognizing the word in Persian movies or series, where it's often used in the context of family trust. Try to use it in your writing to describe why a character in a book might not trust another character. It adds depth to your descriptions of human emotions and social interactions.

At the B2 level, you can explore the philosophical and psychological dimensions of 'shakkāk'. You should be able to discuss 'shakkākiyat' (skepticism) as a concept. For example, you could debate the benefits of having a 'zehn-e shakkāk' (skeptical mind) in scientific research versus the downsides of being 'shakkāk' in a marriage. You should be familiar with related verbs like 'shakk kardan' (to doubt) and how they differ from the adjective. B2 learners should also be able to use the word in formal contexts, such as writing an essay about the influence of social media on making people more skeptical of information. You might use phrases like 'rūhīye-ye shakkāk' (skeptical spirit) to describe a cultural trend. This level requires you to understand the subtle social implications of calling someone 'shakkāk' in Iran—it can be a serious accusation or a lighthearted tease, and you should be able to tell the difference based on the speaker's tone and the situation.

At the C1 level, you are expected to understand the etymological roots of 'shakkāk' and its usage in classical and modern literature. You can analyze how the word is used in the works of Iranian intellectuals to describe the 'modern condition' or 'post-modern skepticism'. You should be able to distinguish 'shakkāk' from more obscure synonyms like 'rayyāb' (one who doubts) or 'motashak-kek'. You can use the word to discuss complex psychological states, such as the relationship between 'shakkākiyat' and 'adam-e ettemād-e banafsi' (lack of self-confidence). At this level, you should be able to use the word in a variety of registers, from highly academic discourse on epistemology to idiomatic expressions in street-level Persian. Your understanding should include the historical context of skepticism in Islamic philosophy, where 'shakk' was often discussed as a bridge to higher understanding. You can also use 'shakkāk' as a noun in its own right to refer to 'The Skeptics' as a group of people.

At the C2 level, you possess a near-native grasp of the word 'shakkāk'. You can use it with absolute precision, capturing the finest shades of meaning. You understand its role in the 'tashdid' (doubling of consonants) system of Arabic-derived Persian words and how that doubling contributes to the intensive meaning of 'one who doubts excessively'. You can effortlessly switch between 'shakkāk', 'bad-gomān', 'bad-bin', and 'dayer-bāvar' to provide exactly the right connotation in high-level diplomatic, literary, or philosophical discussions. You are capable of writing a critique of a film or a book, analyzing the 'shakkāk' nature of the protagonist and how it serves as a metaphor for larger societal issues in Iran. You understand the cultural 'vibe' of the word—how it resonates with the Iranian psyche and its historical experiences. You can even use the word in poetry or creative writing, playing with its sounds and associations to evoke specific emotions in your audience.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

شکاک in 30 Seconds

Shakkāk means skeptical or suspicious of others' words and intentions.
It is an intensive adjective derived from the root 'shakk' (doubt).
It is primarily used to describe people and their habitual personality traits.
It requires the preposition 'be' when specifying the object of doubt.

The Persian word شکاک (shakkāk) is a powerful adjective used to describe a person who is habitually skeptical, doubtful, or suspicious. Derived from the Arabic root 'sh-k-k' (شک), which denotes doubt, the intensive suffix '-āk' transforms the base concept into a personality trait or a persistent state of mind. In Persian culture and language, being shakkāk isn't just about questioning a single fact; it often describes a character tendency where one finds it difficult to trust others or accept information at face value without rigorous proof.

Core Definition: A person who doubts everything or finds it hard to believe people; a skeptic or a suspicious individual.

You will encounter this word in various social contexts. In a clinical or psychological setting, it might describe a paranoid disposition. In a philosophical debate, it refers to a methodological skeptic who requires empirical evidence. However, in daily Persian conversation, it is most frequently used to describe someone who is overly suspicious in relationships or business dealings. For instance, if a partner constantly checks their spouse's phone, they might be labeled as shakkāk.

او همیشه به حرف‌های من شکاک است و هیچ‌چیز را بدون دلیل قبول نمی‌کند.

(He is always skeptical of my words and accepts nothing without a reason.)

The nuance of shakkāk can range from a positive intellectual trait (critical thinking) to a negative social trait (paranoia). When describing a scientist, it implies a healthy professional skepticism. When describing a friend who never trusts your intentions, it carries a heavy negative connotation. It is important to distinguish this from 'mashkuk' (مشکوک), which means 'suspicious' in the sense of 'looking guilty' or 'doubtful' as an object or situation, whereas shakkāk always refers to the person doing the doubting.

Synonym Note: While 'badbin' (pessimistic) is related, 'shakkāk' specifically focuses on the lack of belief or trust, rather than just expecting the worst outcome.

Historically, the term has roots in Islamic philosophy and logic, where 'shakk' (doubt) was the first step toward 'yaqin' (certainty). A shakkāk philosopher is one who questions the senses and traditional knowledge to find absolute truth. In modern Iranian cinema and literature, the 'shakkāk' character is often a tragic figure, isolated by their inability to connect with others due to pervasive mistrust.

روحیه شکاک او باعث شد که تمام دوستانش را از دست بدهد.

(His skeptical spirit caused him to lose all his friends.)

Using شکاک correctly requires understanding its role as an adjective that follows the noun it modifies via the Ezafe construction (the short 'e' sound). For example, 'a skeptical man' becomes 'mard-e shakkāk'. It can also function as a predicate adjective following the verb 'budan' (to be) or 'shodan' (to become).

Attributive Usage: When placed after a noun: 'Negāh-e shakkāk' (A skeptical look). This describes the quality of the noun directly.

In more complex sentences, shakkāk often takes the preposition 'be' (to/at) to indicate the object of the doubt. For instance, 'He is skeptical of the news' translates to 'Ou be khabar-hā shakkāk ast'. This structure is vital for expressing what exactly is being questioned.

چرا اینقدر نسبت به پیشنهاد من شکاک هستی؟

(Why are you so skeptical about my proposal?)

You can also use the comparative and superlative forms: 'shakkāk-tar' (more skeptical) and 'shakkāk-tarin' (most skeptical). These are common when comparing different people's reactions to a conspiracy theory or a surprising event. For example, 'Sāre shakkāk-tarin ozv-e guruh ast' (Sara is the most skeptical member of the group).

Predicate Usage: Using it with 'shodan': 'Ba'd az ān ettefāgh, u nesbat be hame shakkāk shod' (After that incident, he became skeptical of everyone).

In formal writing, you might find the noun form 'shakkākiyat' (skepticism). However, in spoken Persian, people usually prefer to use the adjective with a verb. Instead of saying 'His skepticism is high', they would say 'He is very skeptical'. This makes your Persian sound more natural and less like a translated textbook.

دانشمندان باید ذهنی شکاک داشته باشند تا حقایق را کشف کنند.

(Scientists must have a skeptical mind to discover truths.)

The word شکاک is ubiquitous in Iranian society, appearing in everything from high-brow literature to gritty street slang. One of the most common places you will hear it is in family dramas or 'Serial-hā' (TV soap operas). Characters are often portrayed as being 'shakkāk' regarding their spouse's whereabouts, which is a recurring trope in Iranian storytelling that explores themes of trust and betrayal.

Media & Journalism: In political talk shows, analysts often describe the public as being 'shakkāk' toward new government policies or economic promises.

In the Iranian bazaar or business environment, being a bit shakkāk is often seen as a survival skill. A merchant who is too 'zud-bāvar' (gullible) won't last long. You might hear an older merchant advising a younger one: 'Inghadr zud bāvar nakon, yekam shakkāk bāsh' (Don't believe so quickly, be a bit skeptical). Here, the word takes on a protective, pragmatic meaning.

مردم به وعده‌های انتخاباتی بسیار شکاک شده‌اند.

(People have become very skeptical of election promises.)

Social media (Instagram and Telegram) is another hotbed for this word. When a 'fake news' story or a too-good-to-be-true giveaway is posted, commenters will often use 'shakkāk' to describe themselves or warn others. You'll see phrases like 'Man kāmollan shakkākam' (I am completely skeptical) in the comment sections of viral posts.

Psychological Context: In therapy or self-help books in Persian, 'shakkāk' is used to discuss 'vasvās-e fekri' (OCD) or trust issues in relationships.

Finally, in the academic world, particularly in philosophy departments at the University of Tehran, you'll hear about 'Shakkākān-e Yunān' (The Greek Skeptics). Here, the word is strictly intellectual and neutral, referring to the school of Pyrrhonism or Academic Skepticism.

او به دلیل تجربه‌های تلخ گذشته، به همه آدم‌ها شکاک است.

(Due to bitter past experiences, he is skeptical of all people.)

One of the most frequent errors English speakers make when using شکاک is confusing it with the English word 'suspicious' in its passive sense. In English, 'suspicious' can mean 'I am suspicious' (I doubt) or 'He is suspicious' (He looks guilty). In Persian, shakkāk ONLY means the former. If someone looks like a criminal, they are 'mashkuk', not 'shakkāk'.

Mistake #1: The Subject-Object Confusion: Incorrect: 'In bast-e shakkāk ast' (This package is skeptical). Correct: 'In bast-e mashkuk ast' (This package is suspicious).

Another mistake involves the preposition. Learners often use 'az' (from) because they are thinking of 'scared of' or 'tired of'. However, shakkāk almost always pairs with 'be' (to) or 'nesbat be' (towards). Saying 'Man az u shakkāk hastam' sounds unnatural; it should be 'Man be u shakkāk hastam'.

اشتباه: من از نیت او شکاک هستم. (غلط)

(Common error: Using 'az' instead of 'be'.)

Thirdly, learners sometimes confuse shakkāk with 'badbin' (pessimistic). While a skeptical person might be pessimistic, they aren't the same. A shakkāk person wants proof; a 'badbin' person just assumes the worst will happen regardless of proof. Mixing these up can misrepresent someone's personality in a conversation.

Mistake #2: Over-intensification: Since 'shakkāk' is already an intensive form (the 'āk' suffix), adding 'khayli' (very) can sometimes feel redundant, though it is still common in colloquial speech for emphasis.

Finally, pay attention to the pronunciation of the double 'k' (tashdid). It is 'shak-kāk'. Many learners pronounce it with a single 'k', which might make it harder for native speakers to recognize the word immediately, as the tashdid provides the necessary rhythmic weight to the intensive form.

درست: او فردی شکاک است. (با تاکید بر حرف ک)

(Correct: He is a skeptical person. Emphasis on the 'k'.)

To truly master the concept of skepticism in Persian, you should be familiar with the spectrum of words that surround شکاک. Depending on the level of formality and the specific nuance of doubt, you might choose a different term.

Dayer-bāvar (دیرباور): Literally 'slow-believer'. This is a more positive or neutral way to say someone is skeptical. It implies they are cautious and need evidence, rather than being paranoid.
Bad-gomān (بدگمان): Literally 'bad-opinionated'. This is more negative than 'shakkāk'. It suggests that the person always suspects others of having bad intentions or doing something wrong.

If you are in a formal or literary setting, you might encounter 'motashak-kek' (متشکک), which is the Arabic active participle for someone who doubts. This is rarely used in conversation but appears in philosophy books. On the opposite end, 'zud-bāvar' (gullible) is the perfect antonym for someone who believes anything without questioning.

به جای اینکه اینقدر شکاک باشی، سعی کن واقع‌بین باشی.

(Instead of being so skeptical, try to be realistic.)

Comparison Table:

Word	Nuance	English Equivalent
Shakkāk	General trait, often negative	Skeptical / Suspicious
Dayer-bāvar	Intellectual caution	Hard to convince
Bad-bin	Negative outlook	Pessimistic
Vesvasi	Obsessive doubt	OCD / Over-thinking

او یک منتقد شکاک است که هر نظریه‌ای را به چالش می‌کشد.

(He is a skeptical critic who challenges every theory.)

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The suffix '-āk' is actually of Persian (Pahlavi) origin, while the root is Arabic. This makes 'shakkāk' a linguistic hybrid, combining an Arabic core with a Persian intensive ending.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ʃæk.kɒːk/

US /ʃæk.kɑːk/

The stress is on the second syllable: shak-KĀK.

Rhymes With

Hakkāk (engraver) Saffāk (bloodthirsty) Chābāk (nimble) Pāk (clean) Khāk (dust) Tarsāk (fearful) Sūzāk (gonorrhea - medical term) Khorāk (food)

Common Errors

Pronouncing it as 'shakāk' with a single 'k'. The 'tashdid' (doubling) is essential.
Pronouncing the 'ā' like 'ay' in 'play'. It should be a deep 'aw' or 'ah' sound.
Misplacing the stress on the first syllable.
Confusing the 'sh' sound with 's'.
Softening the final 'k' too much.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize due to common root 'shakk'.

Writing 3/5

Need to remember the double 'k' (tashdid).

Speaking 3/5

Requires correct emphasis on the doubled consonant.

Listening 2/5

Distinctive rhythm makes it easy to hear.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

شک (Doubt) باور (Belief) آدم (Person) هستن (To be)

Learn Next

مشکوک (Suspicious) اعتماد (Trust) فریب (Deception) واقعیت (Reality)

Advanced

اپیکوریسم (Epicureanism) اگزیستانسیالیسم (Existentialism) معرفت‌شناسی (Epistemology)

Grammar to Know

The Intensive Suffix -āk

Tars (fear) -> Tarsāk (fearful); Shakk (doubt) -> Shakkāk (skeptical).

Ezafe Construction

Mard-e shakkāk (The skeptical man).

Prepositional Linking

Shakkāk + be (Skeptical of...).

Tashdid (Consonant Doubling)

The 'k' in Shakkāk must be held longer.

Comparative Adjectives

Shakkāk-tar (More skeptical).

Examples by Level

من شکاک هستم.

I am skeptical.

Simple subject + adjective + verb.

او برادر شکاکی است.

He is a skeptical brother.

Adjective following noun with Ezafe.

دوست من شکاک نیست.

My friend is not skeptical.

Negative form of 'to be'.

چرا شکاک هستی؟

Why are you skeptical?

Interrogative sentence.

آن مرد خیلی شکاک است.

That man is very skeptical.

Using 'khayli' for emphasis.

سارا شکاک است.

Sara is skeptical.

Proper noun + adjective + verb.

ما شکاک نیستیم.

We are not skeptical.

First person plural.

آیا تو شکاک هستی؟

Are you skeptical?

Yes/No question with 'āyā'.

من به این خبر شکاک هستم.

I am skeptical of this news.

Using the preposition 'be'.

او همیشه به همه شکاک است.

He is always skeptical of everyone.

Frequency adverb 'hamishe'.

پدرم آدم شکاکی بود.

My father was a skeptical person.

Past tense 'bud'.

نباید اینقدر شکاک باشی.

You shouldn't be so skeptical.

Modal verb 'nabāyad'.

او نسبت به من شکاک شده است.

He has become skeptical towards me.

Present perfect 'shode ast'.

یک ذهن شکاک سوال می‌پرسد.

A skeptical mind asks questions.

Subject-verb agreement.

آنها به قول‌های او شکاک بودند.

They were skeptical of his promises.

Plural subject and verb.

کمتر شکاک باش و بیشتر اعتماد کن.

Be less skeptical and trust more.

Imperative mood.

او به دلیل تجربیاتش، فردی بسیار شکاک شده است.

Due to his experiences, he has become a very skeptical individual.

Cause and effect sentence.

جامعه نسبت به تبلیغات تلویزیونی شکاک است.

Society is skeptical of television advertisements.

Collective noun 'jāme'e'.

این نگاه شکاک شما مرا ناراحت می‌کند.

This skeptical look of yours makes me sad.

Adjective modifying 'negāh'.

محققان باید روحیه‌ای شکاک داشته باشند.

Researchers must have a skeptical spirit.

Formal requirement with 'bāyad'.

آیا فکر می‌کنی من بیش از حد شکاک هستم؟

Do you think I am overly skeptical?

Compound sentence with 'ke' (implied).

او شکاک‌ترین آدمی است که تا به حال دیده‌ام.

He is the most skeptical person I have ever seen.

Superlative adjective 'shakkāk-tarin'.

برخورد شکاک او باعث شد معامله لغو شود.

His skeptical behavior caused the deal to be canceled.

Noun phrase as subject.

من سعی می‌کنم شکاک نباشم، اما سخت است.

I try not to be skeptical, but it's hard.

Contrastive sentence with 'ammā'.

در دنیای امروز، شکاک بودن یک ضرورت است.

In today's world, being skeptical is a necessity.

Gerund-like usage of 'shakkāk budan'.

او به هر نظریه جدیدی با نگاهی شکاک می‌نگرد.

He looks at every new theory with a skeptical eye.

Adverbial phrase 'bā negāhi shakkāk'.

روابطی که در آن یکی از طرفین شکاک باشد، پایدار نیست.

Relationships where one party is skeptical are not stable.

Relative clause with 'ke'.

شکاکیت علمی با شکاکیت مرضی تفاوت دارد.

Scientific skepticism differs from pathological skepticism.

Noun form 'shakkākiyat'.

منتقدان هنری اغلب به آثار عامه‌پسند شکاک هستند.

Art critics are often skeptical of popular works.

Professional context.

او با لحنی شکاک از من پرسید که کجا بوده‌ام.

He asked me with a skeptical tone where I had been.

Indirect question.

نباید اجازه دهیم تجربیات تلخ ما را شکاک بار بیاورد.

We shouldn't let bitter experiences raise us to be skeptical.

Causative structure 'bār āvardan'.

او حتی به نیت‌های خیرخواهانه دیگران هم شکاک است.

He is skeptical even of others' benevolent intentions.

Emphasis with 'hat-tā' and 'ham'.

فلاسفه شکاک همواره بنیان‌های معرفت را زیر سوال برده‌اند.

Skeptical philosophers have always questioned the foundations of knowledge.

Historical/Academic context.

این رویکرد شکاکانه در ادبیات معاصر ایران مشهود است.

This skeptical approach is evident in contemporary Iranian literature.

Adjectival form 'shakkākāne'.

او با دقتی شکاکانه، تمام جزییات قرارداد را بررسی کرد.

With skeptical precision, he examined all the details of the contract.

Adverbial usage.

شکاک بودن او ریشه در دوران کودکی و عدم امنیت دارد.

His being skeptical is rooted in childhood and insecurity.

Psychological analysis.

در این دوران گذار، مردم به هرگونه تغییر سیاسی شکاک هستند.

In this transition period, people are skeptical of any political change.

Sociological context.

او چنان شکاک است که حتی به سایه خودش هم اطمینان ندارد.

He is so skeptical that he doesn't even trust his own shadow.

Hyperbolic expression.

برخی معتقدند که شکاکیت مفرط مانع از پیشرفت فردی می‌شود.

Some believe that excessive skepticism hinders personal progress.

Abstract noun 'shakkākiyat'.

نویسنده در این کتاب، نگاهی شکاک به تاریخ رسمی دارد.

In this book, the author has a skeptical look at official history.

Literary criticism.

پارادایم‌های علمی جدید همواره با مقاومت شکاکان مواجه می‌شوند.

New scientific paradigms are always met with resistance from skeptics.

High-level academic terminology.

او در ورطه شکاکیت مطلق سقوط کرده و هیچ حقیقتی را برنمی‌تابد.

He has fallen into the abyss of absolute skepticism and tolerates no truth.

Metaphorical language.

این خصلت شکاک، همچون لایه‌ای نفوذناپذیر، او را از جهان جدا کرده است.

This skeptical trait, like an impenetrable layer, has separated him from the world.

Simile and advanced vocabulary.

تحلیل‌های او، هرچند شکاکانه، اما همواره بر پایه منطق استوارند.

His analyses, though skeptical, are always based on logic.

Concessive clause.

او با ذهنیتی شکاک، به واکاوی لایه‌های پنهان قدرت می‌پردازد.

With a skeptical mindset, he delves into the hidden layers of power.

Political philosophy context.

شکاکیت او نه از سر لجاجت، بلکه ناشی از جستجوی بی‌پایان برای حقیقت است.

His skepticism is not out of stubbornness, but stems from an endless search for truth.

Contrastive 'na... balke' structure.

در ساحت اندیشه، شکاک بودن اولین قدم برای نیل به یقین است.

In the realm of thought, being skeptical is the first step to reaching certainty.

Philosophical maxim.

او با نگاهی شکاک به مدرنیته، به بازخوانی سنت‌های کهن می‌نشیند.

With a skeptical look at modernity, he sits to re-read ancient traditions.

Cultural critique context.

Common Collocations

آدم شکاک

ذهن شکاک

نگاه شکاک

نسبت به ... شکاک بودن

بسیار شکاک

روحیه شکاک

فرد شکاک

لحن شکاک

شکاک و بدگمان

کمی شکاک

Common Phrases

اینقدر شکاک نباش!

— Don't be so skeptical! Used to tell someone to relax and trust.

اینقدر شکاک نباش، من راست می‌گویم.

او ذاتا شکاک است.

— He is skeptical by nature. Refers to an inherent personality trait.

تلاش نکن قانعش کنی، او ذاتا شکاک است.

نگاه شکاکانه

— A skeptical gaze. Used to describe how someone looks at something.

او نگاهی شکاکانه به قرارداد انداخت.

شکاک شدن

— To become skeptical. Describes a change in attitude.

او بعد از آن اتفاق، خیلی شکاک شده است.

دلیل شکاک بودن

— The reason for being skeptical.

دلیل شکاک بودن او را نمی‌دانم.

آدم‌های شکاک

— Skeptical people (plural).

آدم‌های شکاک سخت اعتماد می‌کنند.

بیش از حد شکاک

— Overly skeptical.

او بیش از حد شکاک است و این مشکل‌ساز شده.

شکاک به موفقیت

— Skeptical of success.

او به موفقیت این پروژه شکاک است.

طبع شکاک

— Skeptical nature/disposition.

طبع شکاک او در کار به نفعش است.

کاملا شکاک

— Completely skeptical.

من به این حرف‌ها کاملا شکاک هستم.

Often Confused With

شکاک vs مشکوک (Mashkuk)

Mashkuk means 'suspicious' (the object), while shakkāk is 'skeptical' (the person).

شکاک vs بدبین (Badbin)

Badbin is 'pessimistic'. A badbin person expects failure; a shakkāk person expects a lie.

شکاک vs تردید (Tardid)

Tardid is the noun 'hesitation'. Shakkāk is the personality trait.

Idioms & Expressions

"با عینک شک نگاه کردن"

— To look through the glasses of doubt. Seeing everything with suspicion.

او به همه با عینک شک نگاه می‌کند.

Informal/Metaphorical

"موی دماغ شدن (به خاطر شک)"

— To become a nuisance (due to constant questioning/skepticism).

شکاک بودنش موی دماغ همه شده است.

Slang

"مته به خشخاش گذاشتن"

— To be overly meticulous or skeptical about tiny details.

اینقدر مته به خشخاش نگذار و شکاک نباش.

Idiomatic

"در هر چیزی دنبال ریگی در کفش بودن"

— To look for a pebble in the shoe (hidden motive) in everything.

او شکاک است و همیشه دنبال ریگی در کفش دیگران می‌گردد.

Idiomatic

"سایه خودش را با تیر زدن"

— To be so suspicious/skeptical that one would shoot their own shadow.

او اینقدر شکاک است که سایه خودش را با تیر می‌زند.

Hyperbolic Idiom

"دست پشت پرده دیدن"

— To see a 'hand behind the curtain' (conspiracy/doubt).

آدم‌های شکاک همیشه دست‌های پشت پرده را می‌بینند.

Political Idiom

"به چشم خود هم اعتماد نکردن"

— To not even trust one's own eyes.

او شکاک است و به چشم خود هم اعتماد نمی‌کند.

Common Expression

"دندان اسب پیشکشی را شمردن"

— Counting the teeth of a gift horse (being skeptical of a gift).

او شکاک است و همیشه دندان اسب پیشکشی را می‌شمارد.

Proverbial

"فال بد زدن"

— To take a bad omen (often used when skepticism turns to pessimism).

اینقدر شکاک نباش و فال بد نزن.

Traditional

"زیر کاسه نیم‌کاسه‌ای دیدن"

— Seeing a small bowl under a big bowl (suspecting a hidden trick).

او شکاک است و فکر می‌کند زیر هر کاسه، نیم‌کاسه‌ای است.

Very Common Idiom

Easily Confused

شکاک vs مشکوک

Both translate to 'suspicious' in English.

Mashkuk is for the thing you doubt; shakkāk is for the person who doubts.

این کیف مشکوک است (This bag is suspicious). او شکاک است (He is skeptical).

شکاک vs بدگمان

Very similar meaning.

Bad-gomān implies a moral judgment of others; shakkāk is a general lack of belief.

او به همسرش بدگمان است (He suspects his wife of cheating).

شکاک vs زودباور

Opposite meaning.

Zud-bāvar is the antonym (gullible).

بچه‌ها معمولا زودباور هستند.

شکاک vs دیرباور

Synonym.

Dayer-bāvar is more positive/polite; shakkāk can be negative.

او به عنوان یک منتقد، بسیار دیرباور است.

شکاک vs وسواسی

Often go together.

Vesvasi is about obsession/repetition; shakkāk is about doubt.

او وسواس فکری دارد و به همه شکاک است.

Sentence Patterns

[Subject] [shakkāk] [ast].

Ali shakkāk ast.

[Subject] be [Noun] [shakkāk] [ast].

Man be in ghazā shakkāk hastam.

[Subject] [Adverb] [shakkāk] [shode ast].

U khayli shakkāk shode ast.

Ba'd az [Event], [Subject] [shakkāk] shod.

Ba'd az dorughat, man shakkāk shodam.

[Noun] neshāne-ye [shakkākiyat] ast.

In raftār neshāne-ye shakkākiyat ast.

Bā [negāhi shakkāk], [Verb].

Bā negāhi shakkāk be man khire shod.

[Shakkāk budan] dar [Context] [Verb].

Shakkāk budan dar falsafe amri zaruri ast.

[Subject] az [shakkāk-tarin] [Noun] ast.

U az shakkāk-tarin a'zāye guruh ast.

Word Family

Nouns

شک (Shakk - Doubt)

شکاکیت (Shakkākiyat - Skepticism)

تشکیک (Tashkik - Creating doubt)

Verbs

شک کردن (Shakk kardan - To doubt)

به شک انداختن (Be shakk andākhtan - To cause doubt)

Adjectives

شکاک (Shakkāk - Skeptical)

مشکوک (Mashkuk - Suspicious/Doubtful)

بی‌شک (Bi-shakk - Undoubted/Certainly)

تردید (Tardid - Hesitation/Doubt)

گمان (Gomān - Suspicion/Guess)

باور (Bāvar - Belief)

اعتماد (E'temād - Trust)

یقین (Yaqin - Certainty)

How to Use It

frequency

Common in daily speech and media.

Common Mistakes

In khabar shakkāk ast. → In khabar mashkuk ast.
You can't call 'news' skeptical; news can only be 'suspicious'.
Man az u shakkāk hastam. → Man be u shakkāk hastam.
Incorrect preposition. Use 'be' instead of 'az'.
Pronouncing 'shakāk' (single k). → Shakkāk (double k).
The tashdid is part of the word's structure as an intensive adjective.
Using 'shakkāk' for 'worried'. → Man negarān hastam.
Skepticism is about doubt, not necessarily worry or anxiety.
Applying 'shakkāk' to a feeling. → Man shakk dāram.
If it's just a temporary doubt, use the noun 'shakk' with the verb 'dāštan'.

Tips

Preposition 'be'

Always remember to use 'be' when you are skeptical 'of' something. 'Man be in dāstān shakkāk hastam'.

The Double K

Linger on the 'k' sound. It's like 'shak-kāk'. This is called Tashdid and it's vital for the meaning.

Person vs. Thing

Use 'shakkāk' for the person who doubts, and 'mashkuk' for the thing that is doubted. Never mix them up!

Context Matters

In Iran, being a bit skeptical in business is seen as being smart, but in family, it's seen as hurtful.

Adverbial Form

Add '-āne' to make it an adverb: 'shakkākāne'. Use this to describe how someone speaks or acts.

Emphasis

Stress the last syllable 'KĀK' to sound more natural.

Detecting Nuance

If someone calls you 'shakkāk', they might be telling you to trust them more. Listen to the emotion.

Root Association

Associate 'shakk' with 'shake'. A skeptical person 'shakes' the truth to see if it breaks.

Intensive Suffix

The '-āk' suffix makes it 'very' doubtful. It's stronger than just having a doubt.

Polite Alternative

Use 'dayer-bāvar' if you want to be more polite about someone's skepticism.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Shak' (like Shakira) and 'Kak' (like a clock ticking). A skeptical person is always 'ticking' with questions about 'Shak' (everything). Or: 'Shake' the truth until it's 'shakkāk'.

Visual Association

Imagine a person looking through a magnifying glass at a simple 'hello' sign, suspecting a trap.

Word Web

Doubt Skeptic Suspicion Questioning Mistrust Investigation Certainty Evidence

Challenge

Try to find three things today that you are 'shakkāk' about and say the sentence 'Man be [thing] shakkāk hastam' out loud.

Word Origin

The word is an intensive adjective (Sifat-e Mubalagha) derived from the Arabic root 'Sh-K-K' (ش-ك-ك).

Original meaning: In Arabic, 'Shakk' means to pierce or to doubt (the connection being that doubt 'pierces' certainty).

Semitic root (Arabic) integrated into Indo-European (Persian) grammar.

Cultural Context

Be careful when calling a family member 'shakkāk' as it implies they are paranoid or don't trust the family bond.

English speakers might use 'skeptical' as a sign of intelligence. In Persian, 'shakkāk' is more often a negative personality trait unless specified as 'scientific'.

Da'i Jan Napoleon (Character) Sadegh Hedayat's dark protagonists Modern Iranian cinema 'distrust' themes

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Relationships

خیانت
بی‌اعتمادی
چک کردن گوشی
دروغ

Science

آزمایش
دلیل
اثبات
فرضیه

News/Media

خبر کذب
شایعه
منابع معتبر
تبلیغات

Business

قرارداد
کلاهبرداری
سود
شریک

Philosophy

حقیقت
ادراک
حواس
یقین

Conversation Starters

"آیا تو آدم شکاکی هستی یا به همه اعتماد می‌کنی؟ (Are you a skeptical person or do you trust everyone?)"

"چرا بعضی‌ها در روابطشان خیلی شکاک می‌شوند؟ (Why do some people become very skeptical in their relationships?)"

"به نظر تو، شکاک بودن برای یک خبرنگار خوب است؟ (In your opinion, is being skeptical good for a journalist?)"

"آخرین باری که به چیزی شکاک بودی کی بود؟ (When was the last time you were skeptical about something?)"

"چگونه می‌توان با یک آدم بسیار شکاک تعامل کرد؟ (How can one interact with a very skeptical person?)"

Journal Prompts

در مورد زمانی بنویسید که شکاک بودن به نفع شما تمام شد. (Write about a time when being skeptical worked in your favor.)

آیا شکاکیت در دنیای امروز یک ویژگی مثبت است یا منفی؟ چرا؟ (Is skepticism a positive or negative trait in today's world? Why?)

تفاوت بین شکاک بودن و واقع‌بین بودن را شرح دهید. (Describe the difference between being skeptical and being realistic.)

اگر دوستی داشته باشید که خیلی شکاک است، چه توصیه‌ای به او می‌کنید؟ (If you had a friend who is very skeptical, what advice would you give them?)

نقش شکاکیت در پیشرفت علم را تحلیل کنید. (Analyze the role of skepticism in the progress of science.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Not necessarily, but it is often used as a criticism. In a scientific context, it can be a compliment for a critical thinker. In a relationship, it is usually negative.

You say 'Man shakkāk hastam' or 'Man shakk dāram' (I have doubt).

The noun form is 'shakkākiyat' (skepticism) or simply 'shakk' (doubt).

No, 'shakkāk' is only for people or their traits. For situations, use 'mashkuk'.

Yes, 'motashak-kek' is the formal Arabic-style version, but 'shakkāk' is used in formal writing too.

It can. In a psychological context, 'shakkāk' is often used to describe paranoid behavior.

Use 'shakkākāne'. For example: 'Shakkākāne negāh kard' (He looked skeptically).

Yes, it is the intensive form of 'shakk' (doubt).

The most common opposite is 'zud-bāvar' (gullible) or 'motma'en' (certain).

Yes, if a child doesn't believe in Santa Claus, you could say they are 'shakkāk'.