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سیاست

A2 noun #400 most common 10 min read

سیاست

Q: What is the plural of 'سیاست'?

The plural is 'سیاستها' (Siyāsat-hā). It is used when referring to multiple specific policies or different types of politics.

Q: Can I use 'سیاست' for an insurance policy?

Usually, no. For insurance, the word 'بیمهنامه' is more common and accurate. 'سیاست' is for strategic or governmental plans.

siyasat Top 400

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips سیاست in 30 Seconds

Explanation سیاست in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should learn 'سیاست' (Siyāsat) as a basic noun meaning 'politics.' You don't need to worry about complex political theories yet. Just know that it's a word people use to talk about the government and the news. You might hear someone say 'من سیاست را دوست ندارم' (I don't like politics) or 'او در مورد سیاست حرف می‌زند' (He is talking about politics). It's a useful word to recognize when you see it in a newspaper headline or hear it on the radio. Think of it as a label for a category of conversation, like 'sports' or 'weather.' At this stage, focus on the pronunciation: 'See-yaw-sat.' Remember that it's a thing (a noun), and you can use it with simple verbs like 'like,' 'read,' or 'talk.'

At the A2 level, you can start using 'سیاست' in more specific ways. You will learn that it also means 'policy.' For example, 'سیاست جدید' means 'new policy.' You can use it to describe your interests, such as 'من به سیاست علاقه دارم' (I am interested in politics). You will also start to see it combined with other words, like 'سیاستمدار' (politician). At this level, you should be able to understand simple sentences about political news or company rules. You might also encounter the idea of 'having politics' (سیاست داشتن) as a way to describe someone who is clever or tactful in social situations. Try to use it in basic sentences about your daily life or the news you hear.

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'سیاست' in various contexts, including professional and academic ones. You will learn about 'سیاست خارجی' (foreign policy) and 'سیاست داخلی' (domestic policy). You can participate in moderate discussions about the 'سیاست‌های دولت' (government policies) and how they affect the economy or society. You will also start to notice how the word is used in idioms and proverbs, such as 'سیاست پدر و مادر ندارد.' Your vocabulary will expand to include related terms like 'سیاسی' (political) and 'سیاست‌گذاری' (policymaking). You should be able to write a short paragraph about a political event or a rule at your workplace using this word correctly with the Ezafe construction.

At the B2 level, you can use 'سیاست' to discuss complex and abstract ideas. You will understand the nuances between 'سیاست' (politics/policy) and 'تدبیر' (prudence) or 'خط‌مشی' (guideline). You can analyze 'سیاست‌های پولی و مالی' (monetary and fiscal policies) and their impact on inflation. You will also be able to recognize the word in more sophisticated literature and media, where it might be used metaphorically. At this level, you should be able to argue for or against a specific 'سیاست' using formal language and appropriate collocations. You will also understand the social 'siyāsat' required in Iranian culture—the tact and diplomacy needed to navigate complex social hierarchies.

At the C1 level, 'سیاست' becomes a tool for deep analytical discussion. You will use it to explore 'فلسفه سیاسی' (political philosophy) and 'اندیشه سیاسی' (political thought). You can engage in high-level debates about 'سیاست‌های کلان' (macro policies) and 'ژئوپلیتیک' (geopolitics). You will have a firm grasp of the historical evolution of the word and its various connotations in classical and modern Persian literature. You can use the word to describe subtle power dynamics in any organization or social structure. Your usage will be indistinguishable from a native speaker's, including the correct use of formal verbs like 'اتخاذ کردن' (to adopt) or 'تبیین کردن' (to explain/formulate) in relation to policies.

At the C2 level, you have mastered 'سیاست' in all its dimensions. You can interpret the most subtle political rhetoric and understand the 'سیاست' behind a speaker's choice of words. You can write academic papers or policy briefs in Persian, using the word and its derivatives with absolute precision. You understand the deep cultural roots of 'سیاست' in Iranian history, from the 'Siyāsat-nāmeh' of Nizam al-Mulk to contemporary political discourse. You can navigate the most sensitive political conversations with the 'سیاست' (tact) of a seasoned diplomat. The word is no longer just a vocabulary item but a lens through which you can analyze and interact with the Persian-speaking world at the highest level.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

سیاست in 30 Seconds

Siyāsat means politics or policy in Persian.
It covers government actions and strategic personal tact.
Commonly used in news, academia, and daily social talk.
Essential for discussing governance, rules, and social strategy.

The Persian word سیاست (Siyāsat) is a multifaceted term that primarily translates to 'politics' or 'policy' in English. Rooted in the concept of governance and management, it encompasses everything from the high-level maneuvers of heads of state to the specific strategic guidelines of a small business. In Persian culture, the word carries a weight that suggests both the formal administration of a country and the personal shrewdness or tact one might use in social situations. When you hear an Iranian talk about siyāsat, they might be discussing the latest international treaty, or they might be praising a friend's clever way of handling a difficult relative.

Formal Governance: This refers to the activities associated with the governance of a country or area, particularly the debate between parties having power. For example, 'سیاست خارجی' (foreign policy) or 'علم سیاست' (political science).
Strategic Policy: It denotes a set of ideas or a plan of what to do in particular situations that has been agreed to officially by a group of people, a business organization, a government, or a political party. For instance, 'سیاست‌های شرکت' (company policies).
Personal Shrewdness: In a more colloquial or psychological sense, it refers to being 'siyāsat-madār' (politic/tactful). It describes someone who is diplomatic, cautious, and perhaps a bit calculating in their interactions to achieve a desired outcome without causing unnecessary conflict.

او همیشه با سیاست رفتار می‌کند تا کسی را نرنجاند.
Translation: He always behaves with tact (politics) so as not to offend anyone.

Historically, the word is derived from the Arabic root meaning 'to tend to' or 'to manage horses.' This origin provides a beautiful metaphor for politics: the art of guiding, controlling, and managing a powerful and sometimes unpredictable force. In modern Persian, the scope has expanded. You will find it in academic textbooks, daily newspapers, and evening tea conversations. It is a word that bridges the gap between the macro-level structures of society and the micro-level interactions of individuals. Understanding siyāsat is essential for anyone looking to navigate the nuances of Iranian social and professional life.

دنیای سیاست بسیار پیچیده است.
Translation: The world of politics is very complicated.

Furthermore, the word is often paired with other terms to create specific meanings. 'سیاستمدار' (Siyāsat-madār) is a politician, while 'سیاست‌گذاری' (Siyāsat-gozāri) is policymaking. The versatility of the root allows it to function in various grammatical structures, making it one of the most productive nouns in the Persian language. Whether you are reading about the 'سیاست‌های پولی' (monetary policies) of the central bank or the 'سیاست‌های زنانه' (feminine tact/wiles) in a classical poem, the core concept remains the same: the strategic management of circumstances and people.

این سیاست جدید دولت است.
Translation: This is the government's new policy.

Using سیاست correctly requires understanding its role as a noun that can represent both an abstract concept and a concrete set of rules. In Persian, it often functions as the head of an Ezafe construction, where it is linked to an adjective or another noun to specify the type of politics or policy being discussed. For example, in 'سیاست اقتصادی' (economic policy), the Ezafe (the short 'e' sound at the end of Siyāsat) connects the noun to its modifier.

As a Subject: When it is the subject of a sentence, it often takes verbs like 'تغییر کردن' (to change) or 'تأثیر گذاشتن' (to influence). Example: 'سیاست بر زندگی همه ما تأثیر می‌گذارد' (Politics influences all of our lives).
As an Object: As an object, it is frequently used with 'دنبال کردن' (to follow/pursue) or 'نقد کردن' (to criticize). Example: 'آن‌ها سیاست‌های جدیدی را دنبال می‌کنند' (They are pursuing new policies).

او به سیاست علاقه زیادی دارد.
Translation: He has a great interest in politics.

One of the most common ways to use siyāsat is in the context of 'having' it. To say someone is 'politic' or 'tactful,' you might say 'او سیاست دارد' (He has politics). This doesn't mean he is a politician, but rather that he is shrewd and knows how to handle situations. Conversely, 'بی‌سیاست' (without politics) is used to describe someone who is blunt, undiplomatic, or lacks foresight in their social dealings.

ما باید سیاست صبر و انتظار را در پیش بگیریم.
Translation: We must adopt a policy of patience and waiting.

In academic and professional writing, siyāsat is often used with formal verbs like 'اتخاذ کردن' (to adopt) or 'تدوین کردن' (to formulate). For example, 'دولت سیاست‌های جدیدی برای مهار تورم اتخاذ کرد' (The government adopted new policies to curb inflation). This formal register is essential for news reports and official documents. In contrast, in daily speech, you might hear 'قاطیِ سیاست شدن' (to get mixed up in politics), which often carries a slightly negative or cautionary tone, suggesting that politics can be a messy or dangerous field.

در این خانواده، هیچ‌کس درباره سیاست حرف نمی‌زند.
Translation: In this family, no one talks about politics.

You will encounter سیاست in almost every corner of Iranian life. It is perhaps the most discussed topic in 'Taxi Conversations'—a famous Iranian phenomenon where taxi drivers and passengers engage in deep socio-political debates. In this context, the word is used to analyze everything from local price hikes to global geopolitical shifts. It is also the staple of the 9:00 PM news (Akhbar), where the 'سیاست‌های کلی نظام' (general policies of the system) are frequently mentioned.

News and Media: Headlines often lead with 'سیاست‌های جدید' (new policies) or 'تحلیل سیاسی' (political analysis). It is the language of power and administration.
Academic Settings: Universities have departments of 'علوم سیاسی' (political sciences), where the word is treated as a rigorous field of study involving theory, history, and philosophy.
The Workplace: In offices, people talk about 'سیاست‌های داخلی شرکت' (internal company policies) or use 'سیاست' to describe the interpersonal maneuvering required to get a promotion or manage a team.

اخبار امروز بیشتر درباره سیاست خارجی بود.
Translation: Today's news was mostly about foreign policy.

Beyond formal settings, siyāsat appears in literature and proverbs. Iranians often say 'سیاست پدر و مادر ندارد' (Politics has no father or mother), a cynical expression suggesting that politics is ruthless and lacks loyalty or family-like morality. This phrase is common when someone feels betrayed by a political shift or a strategic move. You'll also hear it in the context of parenting or marriage, where 'سیاست داشتن' (having tact) is seen as a necessary skill for maintaining harmony in the home.

او با سیاست خاص خودش، همه را راضی نگه می‌دارد.
Translation: With his own special tact, he keeps everyone satisfied.

In the digital age, 'سیاست' is a trending topic on Iranian social media. From Twitter (X) threads to Telegram channels, the word is used to tag discussions about social justice, international relations, and government accountability. It is a word that connects the traditional bazaar talk with the modern digital discourse, proving its enduring relevance in the Persian-speaking world.

رشته تحصیلی من سیاست است.
Translation: My field of study is politics.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make when learning سیاست is confusing it with its adjective form, سیاسی (Siyāsi - political). While 'سیاست' is the noun (politics/policy), 'سیاسی' is the adjective used to describe things. For example, you should say 'بحث سیاسی' (political discussion), not 'بحث سیاست'. Using the noun where the adjective is required is a hallmark of a beginner's error.

Noun vs. Adjective: Mistake: 'او یک آدم سیاست است' (He is a politics person). Correct: 'او یک آدم سیاسی است' (He is a political person) or 'او یک سیاستمدار است' (He is a politician).
Pluralization: In English, 'politics' looks plural but is usually treated as singular. In Persian, 'سیاست' is singular. Beginners often try to pluralize it as 'سیاست‌ها' when they just mean 'politics' in general. Use the plural only when referring to multiple specific policies.

اشتباه: من به سیاسی علاقه دارم. درست: من به سیاست علاقه دارم.
Translation: Wrong: I am interested in political. Right: I am interested in politics.

Another common pitfall is the translation of 'policy.' While 'سیاست' is the standard translation, in some contexts like insurance or specific legal documents, other words like 'بیمه‌نامه' (insurance policy) are used. Using 'سیاستِ بیمه' might be understood but sounds unnatural. Always check if a more specific term exists for the type of 'policy' you are discussing.

اشتباه: این سیاست خارجی است. درست: این یک بحث سیاسی خارجی است.
Translation: Note the difference between the noun and the adjective in context.

Lastly, learners often struggle with the connotation of 'سیاست داشتن'. In English, calling someone 'political' in a personal setting can be an insult. In Persian, 'سیاست داشتن' is often a compliment, implying that the person is wise, socially intelligent, and capable of navigating complex human emotions without causing drama. Don't be afraid to use it to describe someone you admire for their social skills.

مادرم در برخورد با فامیل، خیلی سیاست دارد.
Translation: My mother has a lot of tact (politics) in dealing with the relatives.

While سیاست is the most common word for politics and policy, Persian offers several synonyms and related terms that can add precision to your speech. Depending on whether you mean 'governance,' 'strategy,' or 'tact,' you might choose a different word to sound more like a native speaker.

تدبیر (Tadbir): Often translated as 'prudence' or 'management.' It focuses on the wisdom and planning behind an action. While 'siyāsat' is the field, 'tadbir' is the clever management within it. Example: 'دولت تدبیر و امید' (The Government of Prudence and Hope).
خط‌مشی (Khat-te-mashi): Literally 'the line of the path,' this is a more formal and technical word for 'policy' or 'guideline.' It is used in official organizational contexts. Example: 'خط‌مشی‌های کلی سازمان' (The general guidelines of the organization).
کیاست (Kiyāsat): A more literary and old-fashioned word for shrewdness or sagacity. It is often used to describe a leader's sharp intellect in political matters.

او با تدبیر توانست مشکل را حل کند.
Translation: He was able to solve the problem with prudence/management.

When comparing 'سیاست' and 'دیپلماسی' (Diplomacy), remember that 'siyāsat' is the broader umbrella. Diplomacy is a specific tool of foreign policy. You might say 'سیاست خارجی ما بر پایه دیپلماسی است' (Our foreign policy is based on diplomacy). Similarly, 'حکومت‌داری' (Governance) refers specifically to the act of ruling, whereas 'siyāsat' includes the struggle for power and the ideologies behind it.

این سازمان خط‌مشی روشنی ندارد.
Translation: This organization does not have a clear policy/guideline.

In the realm of personal behavior, 'رندی' (Randi) is a fascinating cultural alternative. While 'siyāsat' is tactful, 'randi' (associated with the poet Hafez) implies a deeper, more philosophical kind of cleverness—a way of being wise and perhaps slightly subversive while appearing simple. While 'siyāsat' is often associated with the 'court' or 'office,' 'randi' is associated with the 'heart' and 'spirit.'

در سیاست، گاهی باید سکوت کرد.
Translation: In politics, sometimes one must remain silent.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The original meaning of 'tending to horses' is a great metaphor for politics—it's about controlling a powerful, sometimes wild animal (the state or the public) and guiding it in the right direction.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /siːjɑːˈsæt/

US /siːjɑːˈsæt/

The primary stress is on the last syllable: si-yā-SAT.

Rhymes With

ریاست (Riyāsat - Presidency) کیاست (Kiyāsat - Shrewdness) فراست (Ferāsat - Sagacity) نفاست (Nafāsat - Exquisiteness) قداست (Ghedāsat - Sanctity) حراست (Herāsat - Protection) نجاست (Nejāsat - Impurity) نحوست (Nohusat - Ill-omen)

Common Errors

Pronouncing it as 'Siyā-set' (like the English word 'set'). The final vowel is an 'a' sound like in 'cat'.
Dropping the 'y' sound and saying 'Si-ā-sat'.
Stressing the first syllable, which can make it sound like 'Si' (the number thirty).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The word itself is easy to read, but political texts can be very complex.

Writing 4/5

Requires correct use of Ezafe and formal verb pairings.

Speaking 3/5

Pronunciation is straightforward, but nuances of 'tact' vs 'politics' take time.

Listening 3/5

Frequently heard in news; recognizing it in fast speech is key.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

دولت (Government) کشور (Country) قانون (Law) مردم (People) خبر (News)

Learn Next

سیاستمدار (Politician) دیپلماسی (Diplomacy) اقتصاد (Economy) روابط بین‌الملل (International Relations) ایدئولوژی (Ideology)

Advanced

حاکمیت (Sovereignty) مشروعیت (Legitimacy) تفکیک قوا (Separation of powers) سیاست‌گذاری عمومی (Public policy) ژئوپلیتیک (Geopolitics)

Grammar to Know

Ezafe Construction with Nouns

سیاستِ دولت (The government's policy)

Pluralizing Abstract Nouns

سیاست‌ها (Policies)

Adjective Formation with '-i'

سیاست -> سیاسی (Political)

Compound Noun Formation

سیاست + مدار = سیاستمدار (Politician)

Formal Verb Pairing

اتخاذ سیاست (Adopting a policy)

Examples by Level

من سیاست را دوست دارم.

I like politics.

Simple subject-object-verb structure.

او درباره سیاست حرف می‌زند.

He is talking about politics.

Use of 'درباره' (about) with the noun.

سیاست چیست؟

What is politics?

Basic question form.

پدرم سیاست می‌خواند.

My father reads/studies politics.

The verb 'خواند' can mean both read and study.

این یک کتاب سیاست است.

This is a politics book.

Ezafe construction: کتابِ سیاست.

سیاست جالب است.

Politics is interesting.

Simple adjective description.

ما در کلاس سیاست هستیم.

We are in the politics class.

Prepositional phrase 'در کلاس سیاست'.

آن‌ها سیاست را نمی‌فهمند.

They don't understand politics.

Negative verb form.

سیاست جدید شرکت چیست؟

What is the company's new policy?

Siyāsat used as 'policy'.

او یک سیاستمدار معروف است.

He is a famous politician.

Derivative: Siyāsat-madār.

من به سیاست خارجی علاقه دارم.

I am interested in foreign policy.

Compound term: Siyāsat-e khāreji.

او در دانشگاه سیاست می‌خواند.

He studies politics at university.

Academic context.

این سیاست برای همه است.

This policy is for everyone.

Use of 'برای' (for).

سیاست‌های دولت تغییر کرد.

The government's policies changed.

Plural form: Siyāsat-hā.

او با سیاست رفتار می‌کند.

He behaves with tact.

Siyāsat meaning 'tact'.

اخبار سیاست را گوش کن.

Listen to the politics news.

Imperative verb form.

سیاست اقتصادی کشور در حال بهبود است.

The country's economic policy is improving.

Complex Ezafe: Siyāsat-e eqtesādi-ye keshvar.

او همیشه از سیاست‌های مدیر انتقاد می‌کند.

He always criticizes the manager's policies.

Verb 'انتقاد کردن' (to criticize).

ما باید یک سیاست روشن داشته باشیم.

We must have a clear policy.

Modal verb 'باید' (must).

سیاست و اخلاق همیشه با هم نیستند.

Politics and ethics are not always together.

Abstract comparison.

او در رشته علوم سیاسی فارغ‌التحصیل شد.

He graduated in the field of political sciences.

Formal academic term: Olum-e siyāsi.

سیاست‌های آموزشی باید اصلاح شوند.

Educational policies must be reformed.

Passive voice: Eslāh shavand.

او فردی بی‌سیاست است و حرف‌هایش را رک می‌زند.

He is an undiplomatic person and speaks bluntly.

Antonym: Bi-siyāsat.

دنیای سیاست پر از غافلگیری است.

The world of politics is full of surprises.

Descriptive phrase.

دولت سیاست‌های جدیدی برای مهار تورم اتخاذ کرده است.

The government has adopted new policies to curb inflation.

Formal verb: Ettekhāz kardan.

تحلیلگران در مورد پیامدهای این سیاست هشدار دادند.

Analysts warned about the consequences of this policy.

Plural subject with past tense verb.

سیاست چماق و هویج در روابط بین‌الملل کاربرد دارد.

The carrot and stick policy is used in international relations.

Idiomatic expression.

او با سیاست خاص خود توانست بحران را مدیریت کند.

With his own special tact, he was able to manage the crisis.

Instrumental use of 'bā' (with).

سیاست‌های زیست‌محیطی باید در اولویت قرار گیرند.

Environmental policies must be prioritized.

Formal passive construction.

این تصمیم نشان‌دهنده تغییر در سیاست خارجی است.

This decision indicates a change in foreign policy.

Participial phrase: Neshān-dahandeh.

او از سیاست‌های تبعیض‌آمیز به شدت انتقاد کرد.

He strongly criticized discriminatory policies.

Adverbial phrase: Be sheddat.

سیاست‌گذاری در سطح کلان نیازمند تخصص است.

Policymaking at the macro level requires expertise.

Gerund: Siyāsat-gozāri.

پیچیدگی‌های سیاست خاورمیانه نیازمند مطالعه عمیق است.

The complexities of Middle Eastern politics require deep study.

Complex noun phrase as subject.

او به تبیین سیاست‌های کلی نظام پرداخت.

He proceeded to explain the general policies of the system.

Formal verb: Be... pardākht.

سیاست‌های نئولیبرالیستی تأثیرات گسترده‌ای بر اقتصاد جهانی داشته‌اند.

Neoliberal policies have had extensive effects on the global economy.

Academic terminology.

در این مقاله، سیاست‌های حمایتی دولت نقد شده است.

In this article, the government's supportive policies have been criticized.

Present perfect passive.

او با کیاست و سیاست توانست مخالفان را متقاعد کند.

With sagacity and tact, he was able to convince the opponents.

Pairing synonyms for emphasis.

سیاست‌های ریاضتی باعث اعتراضات گسترده مردمی شد.

Austerity policies led to widespread popular protests.

Cause and effect structure.

تحول در اندیشه سیاسی مستلزم بازنگری در مفاهیم پایه است.

Transformation in political thought requires a review of basic concepts.

Philosophical register.

سیاست‌های جناحی نباید بر منافع ملی سایه بیندازد.

Partisan politics should not overshadow national interests.

Metaphorical verb: Sāyeh andākhtan.

سیاست ماکیاولیستی بر این باور است که هدف وسیله را توجیه می‌کند.

Machiavellian politics believes that the end justifies the means.

Complex philosophical statement.

تقابل سیاست و دیپلماسی در این برهه از زمان به اوج خود رسیده است.

The confrontation between politics and diplomacy has reached its peak at this juncture.

High-level abstract noun usage.

او در کتاب خود به واکاوی سیاست‌های استعماری قرن نوزدهم می‌پردازد.

In his book, he delves into the analysis of 19th-century colonial policies.

Formal verb: Vākāvi kardan.

سیاست‌های پوپولیستی غالباً بر احساسات توده‌ها تکیه دارند.

Populist policies often rely on the emotions of the masses.

Sociological terminology.

درک ظرافت‌های سیاست در گرو شناخت تاریخ است.

Understanding the nuances of politics depends on knowing history.

Idiomatic formal structure: Dar gerov-e.

سیاست‌های پولی انقباضی می‌تواند منجر به رکود اقتصادی شود.

Contractionary monetary policies can lead to economic recession.

Technical economic terms.

او با رویکردی واقع‌گرایانه به نقد سیاست‌های آرمان‌گرایانه پرداخت.

With a realistic approach, he proceeded to criticize idealistic policies.

Contrast of adjectives.

سیاست‌زدگی جامعه می‌تواند مانع از پیشرفت علمی شود.

The over-politicization of society can hinder scientific progress.

Complex noun: Siyāsat-zadegi.

Common Collocations

سیاست خارجی

سیاست داخلی

سیاست پولی

علم سیاست

دنیای سیاست

سیاست‌گذاری عمومی

سیاست‌های کلی

سیاست‌های ریاضتی

سیاست‌های حمایتی

سیاست‌های جناحی

Common Phrases

سیاست داشتن

— To be tactful or shrewd in social situations.

او در برخورد با دیگران خیلی سیاست دارد.

وارد سیاست شدن

— To enter the field of politics professionally.

او تصمیم گرفت در سن سی سالگی وارد سیاست شود.

سیاست یک بام و دو هوا

— To have double standards or inconsistent policies.

این رفتار شما سیاست یک بام و دو هوا است.

سیاست چماق و هویج

— A policy of offering rewards and threatening punishment.

آن‌ها از سیاست چماق و هویج استفاده می‌کنند.

سیاست صبر و انتظار

— A policy of waiting and seeing how things develop.

ما فعلاً سیاست صبر و انتظار را در پیش گرفته‌ایم.

سیاست درهای باز

— An open-door policy, usually in trade or diplomacy.

کشور چین سیاست درهای باز را دنبال کرد.

سیاست‌مدارانه

— Acting in a politic or diplomatic manner.

او خیلی سیاست‌مدارانه به سوال پاسخ داد.

سیاست‌زدگی

— The state of being overly focused on or influenced by politics.

سیاست‌زدگی در دانشگاه‌ها مانع پیشرفت است.

سیاست‌گذاری کردن

— To formulate or set policies.

دولت باید برای آینده جوانان سیاست‌گذاری کند.

قاطیِ سیاست شدن

— To get mixed up or involved in political affairs (often messy).

من نمی‌خواهم قاطیِ سیاست شوم.

Often Confused With

سیاست vs سیاسی

This is the adjective 'political.' Use 'سیاست' for the thing itself and 'سیاسی' to describe something else.

سیاست vs ریاست

This means 'presidency' or 'leadership.' It sounds similar but refers to the office, not the field of politics.

سیاست vs کیاست

This means 'shrewdness.' While related to 'siyāsat داشتن,' it is more literary and specific to intellect.

Idioms & Expressions

"سیاست پدر و مادر ندارد"

— Politics is ruthless and lacks loyalty or family-like morality.

مراقب باش، چون سیاست پدر و مادر ندارد.

Colloquial/Cynical

"سیاست باز"

— Someone who plays political games or is a career politician.

او یک سیاست باز قدیمی است.

Informal/Slightly Negative

"سیاست‌بافی کردن"

— To spin political tales or engage in empty political talk.

بسه دیگه، انقدر سیاست‌بافی نکن.

Informal/Negative

"سیاست عین دیانت است"

— A famous Iranian revolutionary slogan: 'Politics is exactly like religion.'

شهید مدرس معتقد بود سیاست ما عین دیانت ماست.

Formal/Religious-Political

"سیاست‌دان"

— A political expert or someone very knowledgeable in politics.

او یکی از بزرگترین سیاست‌دانان عصر خود بود.

Formal

"سیاست‌ورزی"

— The act of practicing politics or engaging in political activity.

سیاست‌ورزی در این شرایط کار دشواری است.

Formal

"سیاست‌نامه"

— A book of advice for rulers (classic genre).

سیاست‌نامه خواجه نظام‌الملک یک شاهکار است.

Literary/Historical

"سیاست‌سوزی"

— A policy that ends up damaging one's own interests.

این حرکت نوعی سیاست‌سوزی بود.

Formal/Analytical

"سیاست‌بازی"

— Engaging in petty or manipulative political games.

ما باید از سیاست‌بازی‌های جناحی دوری کنیم.

Informal/Negative

"سیاستِ گام‌به‌گام"

— A step-by-step policy or gradual approach.

دولت سیاست گام‌به‌گام را برای اصلاحات برگزید.

Formal

Easily Confused

سیاست vs سیاست

Double meaning.

In English, 'politics' and 'policy' are two words. In Persian, 'سیاست' covers both. You must use context to distinguish them.

سیاست دولت (Government policy) vs. او در سیاست است (He is in politics).

سیاست vs سیاسی

Grammatical category.

One is a noun, the other is an adjective. English speakers often swap them by mistake.

کتاب سیاسی (Political book) vs. کتابِ سیاست (Book of politics).

سیاست vs سیاستمدار

Person vs. Concept.

English speakers sometimes say 'He is a politics' instead of 'He is a politician.'

او یک سیاستمدار است.

سیاست vs تدبیر

Semantic overlap.

Siyāsat is the field/action; Tadbir is the wisdom/management within it.

سیاستِ درست نیازمند تدبیر است.

سیاست vs خط‌مشی

Formal synonym.

Siyāsat is general; Khat-te-mashi is a formal, written guideline.

خط‌مشی‌های سازمان.

Sentence Patterns

من به [Noun] علاقه دارم.

من به سیاست علاقه دارم.

این [Noun] [Adjective] است.

این سیاست جدید است.

[Noun] بر [Noun] تأثیر می‌گذارد.

سیاست بر اقتصاد تأثیر می‌گذارد.

دولت باید [Noun] را [Verb].

دولت باید سیاست‌های خود را اصلاح کند.

با توجه به [Noun]، می‌توان گفت که...

با توجه به سیاست خارجی، می‌توان گفت که روابط رو به بهبود است.

این رویکرد ناشی از [Noun] است.

این رویکرد ناشی از سیاست‌های بلندمدت کشور است.

او [Noun] می‌خواند.

او سیاست می‌خواند.

ما در مورد [Noun] بحث کردیم.

ما در مورد سیاست بحث کردیم.

Word Family

Nouns

سیاستمدار (Politician)

سیاست‌گذاری (Policymaking)

سیاست‌مداری (Statesmanship/Tactfulness)

سیاست‌زدگی (Over-politicization)

Verbs

سیاست کردن (To engage in politics/To manage)

سیاست‌گذاری کردن (To formulate policy)

Adjectives

سیاسی (Political)

سیاست‌مدارانه (Politic/Diplomatic)

سیاست‌زده (Overly political)

دولت (Government)

قدرت (Power)

مجلس (Parliament)

انتخابات (Elections)

دیپلماسی (Diplomacy)

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in news, academic, and social registers.

Common Mistakes

Using 'سیاست' as an adjective. → Using 'سیاسی'.
You cannot say 'کتاب سیاست' to mean 'political book' (though it can mean 'book of politics'). Usually, 'کتاب سیاسی' is what you want.
Confusing 'سیاست' with 'ریاست'. → سیاست (politics), ریاست (presidency).
These sound similar but have very different meanings. One is the field, the other is the leadership position.
Saying 'من سیاست هستم' for 'I am a politician'. → من سیاستمدار هستم.
You cannot be 'politics'; you can only be a 'politician.'
Using 'سیاست' for an insurance policy. → بیمه‌نامه.
In English, 'policy' covers insurance, but in Persian, 'سیاست' does not. Using it for insurance sounds like a direct translation error.
Misplacing the stress. → Stress on the last syllable.
If you stress the first syllable, it sounds like 'Si' (thirty), which can confuse listeners in a fast conversation.

Tips

Policy vs. Politics

Always look at the context. If it's about a company or a specific plan, it's 'policy.' If it's about power and government, it's 'politics.'

The Art of Tact

If someone tells you 'سیاست داشته باش' (Have politics), they are advising you to be more diplomatic and less blunt in a situation.

The Ezafe Connection

When 'سیاست' is followed by an adjective like 'خارجی' (foreign), don't forget the 'e' sound: Siyāsat-e khāreji.

Learn the Family

Learning 'سیاستمدار' (politician) and 'سیاسی' (political) at the same time will help you use the root correctly in different sentences.

News Keywords

In Persian news, 'سیاست‌های کلی' (general policies) is a very common phrase. Memorize it to understand high-level reports.

Taxi Talk

If you want to start a conversation in an Iranian taxi, mentioning 'سیاست' is a guaranteed way to get the driver talking!

Formal Verbs

Instead of 'سیاست درست کردن', use 'سیاست‌گذاری کردن' for 'to make policy' in formal contexts.

The Long 'A'

Ensure the 'ā' in 'Siyāsat' is long and deep, like the 'a' in 'father.' This is a key feature of Persian phonology.

Political Science

If you are a student, remember that 'Political Science' is always plural in Persian: 'علوم سیاسی'.

Ruthless Politics

Use the idiom 'سیاست پدر و مادر ندارد' when you want to express that the world of power can be very cold and disloyal.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'See-Saw' (Si-yā). Politics is like a see-saw of power, going up and down, requiring balance (tact) to stay on top.

Visual Association

Imagine a person standing on a giant chessboard (politics) holding a rulebook (policy) and wearing a diplomat's hat (tact).

Word Web

Government Policy Tact Shrewdness Diplomacy Strategy Power Management

Challenge

Try to use 'سیاست' in three different ways today: once for the news, once for a rule (policy), and once to describe someone's clever behavior.

Word Origin

Derived from the Arabic root S-Y-S (س-ی-س), which originally referred to the tending, training, and management of horses. In early Islamic governance, it evolved to mean the administration and management of the state.

Original meaning: The management or tending of horses; statecraft.

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

Cultural Context

Politics can be a very sensitive topic in Iran. When discussing 'سیاست' with Iranians, it is often wise to listen more than you speak until you understand the context and the person's views.

In English, 'politics' can be negative (office politics), but 'policy' is usually neutral. In Persian, 'سیاست' covers both and can be a positive trait (tact).

Siyāsat-nāmeh (The Book of Government) by Nizam al-Mulk. The political poetry of Farrokhi Yazdi. Modern political slogans from the 1979 Revolution.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

News/Media

آخرین اخبار سیاست
تحلیلگر مسائل سیاسی
سخنگوی وزارت سیاست خارجی
تغییر در سیاست‌ها

University/Education

دانشکده حقوق و علوم سیاسی
نظریه‌های سیاست
تاریخ سیاست در ایران
واحد درسی سیاست

Workplace/Business

سیاست‌های استخدامی
سیاست حفظ حریم خصوصی
سیاست‌های مالی شرکت
سیاست کاری

Social/Family

سیاست‌های زنانه
آدم با سیاست
حرف‌های سیاسی زدن
دوری از سیاست

History/Literature

سیاست‌نامه
سیاست‌های استعماری
اندیشه سیاسی قدما
سیاست در شعر

Conversation Starters

"نظر شما در مورد سیاست جدید دولت چیست؟"

"آیا شما به اخبار سیاست علاقه دارید؟"

"به نظر شما سیاست بر زندگی روزمره ما چقدر تأثیر دارد؟"

"در کشور شما، مهم‌ترین موضوع سیاست در حال حاضر چیست؟"

"آیا فکر می‌کنید سیاستمداران باید صادق باشند؟"

Journal Prompts

امروز چه خبر سیاسی مهمی شنیدید؟ آن را توصیف کنید.

اگر شما سیاستمدار بودید، اولین سیاستی که تغییر می‌دادید چه بود؟

آیا فکر می‌کنید 'سیاست داشتن' در روابط شخصی خوب است یا بد؟ چرا؟

تفاوت بین سیاست و اخلاق از نظر شما چیست؟

چگونه سیاست‌های یک شرکت بر کارمندان آن تأثیر می‌گذارد؟

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, it can also mean 'policy' (like a company policy) or 'tact' (being clever in social situations). For example, 'سیاست‌های شرکت' refers to business rules, not government.

Not necessarily. While it can be associated with ruthlessness ('سیاست پدر و مادر ندارد'), 'سیاست داشتن' is often seen as a positive, necessary skill for social harmony.

You should use the adjective form: 'من یک آدم سیاسی هستم.' Using 'سیاست' here would be grammatically incorrect.

The plural is 'سیاست‌ها' (Siyāsat-hā). It is used when referring to multiple specific policies or different types of politics.

Usually, no. For insurance, the word 'بیمه‌نامه' is more common and accurate. 'سیاست' is for strategic or governmental plans.

It means 'without tact' or 'undiplomatic.' It describes someone who speaks or acts without thinking about the social consequences.

It has an Arabic root (S-Y-S), but it is fully integrated into Persian and has been used for centuries in Persian literature and governance.

It is 'علوم سیاسی' (Olum-e Siyāsi). Note that 'Olum' is the plural of 'Elm' (Science).

It is a politician. The suffix '-madār' comes from 'dāshtan' (to have/hold), so it literally means someone who 'holds' or 'manages' politics.

In very old, classical Persian, 'سیاست کردن' could mean to punish or execute, but this meaning is completely obsolete in modern Persian.