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تعدادى

B1 adjective #3,500 most common 10 min read

تعدادى

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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips تعدادى in 30 Seconds

Explanation تعدادى in your Level:

At the Beginner (A1) level, you can think of 'تعدادى' (te'dādi) as a simple way to say 'some'. While beginners usually learn 'چند' (chand) first, 'تعدادی' is a great word to add to your vocabulary to sound more natural when talking about things you can count. Imagine you are in a market; instead of just saying the name of the fruit, you can say 'تعدادی پرتقال' (some oranges). At this level, don't worry too much about the complex grammar. Just remember that it goes *before* the noun, and the noun usually stays in its singular form. For example, 'تعدادی سیب' (some apple) is how you say 'some apples'. It is a very useful word for making basic shopping lists or describing what is in your room. You might see it on signs in shops or on labels. Focus on the fact that it means 'more than one' but 'we don't know exactly how many'. It helps you move beyond just saying 'one' or 'two' and allows you to describe groups of things easily.

At the Elementary (A2) level, you should start noticing that 'تعدادى' is more formal than the 'چند تا' (chand tā) you might use with your friends. You will begin to see this word in short reading passages, news headlines, or simple stories. A key development at this level is learning how to use it with verbs. Even though the word 'تعدادی' is singular in its spelling, it always refers to a group. Therefore, the verb at the end of the sentence should be plural. For example, 'تعدادی بچه در پارک بازی می‌کنند' (A number of children are playing in the park). Notice that 'بازی می‌کنند' is plural. You should also practice using it with different types of objects—books, people, cars, and houses. This level is also the time to learn that you cannot use 'تعدادی' for things like water or rice; for those, you use 'مقداری'. Start trying to replace 'چند تا' with 'تعدادی' in your writing to make your Persian sound more 'adult' and polished.

At the Intermediate (B1) level—which is the level this word belongs to—you should master the 'تعدادى از' (a number of...) construction. This is a vital part of intermediate Persian syntax. You use it when you are picking out a group from a larger, specific set. For example, 'تعدادی از دوستان من' (A number of my friends). At this level, you must be careful with pluralization: when you use 'از', the noun that follows *must* be plural. This is a step up from the A2 rule where the noun was singular. You will also encounter 'تعدادی' in more complex contexts, such as describing events or reporting information. It is the perfect word for 'objective reporting'. If you are writing an essay about your hobbies, you might say, 'من تعدادی از این کتاب‌ها را خوانده‌ام' (I have read a number of these books). This level requires you to distinguish between 'تعدادی' (some/several) and 'تعداد' (the total count), ensuring you don't mix up their grammatical roles in a sentence.

At the Upper Intermediate (B2) level, you should be able to use 'تعدادى' fluently in academic and professional settings. You will notice its use in legal documents, business reports, and literature to provide a sense of indefinite quantity that still feels precise. At this level, you should be comparing 'تعدادی' with its synonyms like 'برخی' (some/certain) and 'چندین' (several). You will learn that 'تعدادی' is strictly numerical, while 'برخی' is often used for categorization or contrast. For example, in a debate, you might say, 'تعدادی از کارشناسان معتقدند...' (A number of experts believe...). You should also be comfortable using it in the passive voice and with complex verb tenses. Furthermore, you will start to recognize the rhythmic role the word plays in formal Persian prose, where it is used to balance sentences. You should be able to identify when 'تعدادی' is used to imply a 'significant' number without actually using the word for 'many', a common rhetorical device in Persian journalism.

At the Advanced (C1) level, your understanding of 'تعدادى' should include its nuanced rhetorical functions. You will see how authors use it to create 'vagueness' on purpose, perhaps to avoid commitment to a specific figure in a sensitive political context. You will also study its historical usage in classical texts and how it transitioned from a purely administrative term to a common quantifier. At this level, you should be able to use 'تعدادی' in high-level analytical writing, such as analyzing a poem or a historical event. You might use it in constructions like 'تعدادی نه چندان کم' (a not-so-small number) to add emphasis. You will also explore the difference between 'تعدادی' and the more literary 'عده‌ای' (a group of people), noting that 'عده‌ای' is only for humans, while 'تعدادی' is for anything countable. Your mastery will be reflected in your ability to choose the exact quantifier that fits the 'register' (formal, poetic, legal, or casual) of your communication.

At the Proficiency (C2) level, you have a complete grasp of 'تعدادى' and can use it with the same subtlety as a native speaker with a high level of education. You understand the subtle 'weight' the word carries in different dialects of Persian (such as Dari or Tajiki) where it might be used slightly differently. You can analyze the linguistic shift in modern Persian where 'تعدادی' is increasingly used with plural nouns even without 'از', and you can decide whether to follow this trend or stick to classical norms based on your audience. In your own writing, you use it to manage the 'flow' of information, using it as a cohesive device to group ideas. You can also detect the 'tone' of a text by the frequency of this word; a text with many instances of 'تعدادی' and 'برخی' feels analytical and detached, while one with 'چند تا' and 'یه سری' feels intimate and immediate. You are now teaching others the fine line between 'تعدادی' and its counterparts, explaining the philosophical difference between 'quantity' and 'identity' in Persian thought.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

تعدادى in 30 Seconds

A common Persian quantifier meaning 'a number of' or 'some'.
Used primarily with countable nouns like people, books, or cars.
More formal than 'chand' but less specific than giving a number.
Requires plural verb agreement even if the noun looks singular.

The Persian word تعدادى (pronounced te'dādi) is a foundational quantifier used to express an indefinite but plural quantity. Rooted in the Arabic word 'تعداد' (te'dād), which means 'number' or 'count', the addition of the Persian suffix 'ی' (yā-ye vahdat or nekereh) transforms the noun into an adjective or determiner meaning 'a number of', 'some', or 'several'. It is the go-to word when a speaker wants to indicate that there are multiple items or people present without specifying the exact figure. In the spectrum of Persian quantifiers, it sits comfortably between 'چند' (chand - a few/how many) and 'بسیاری' (besyāri - many). It is more formal than 'یه سری' (ye seri) and more precise in its numerical implication than 'برخی' (barkhi), which often implies 'some but not all'.

Grammatical Category: Indefinite Quantifier / Adjective of Quantity
Core Meaning: Refers to a plural set of items that are countable but not specifically counted in the current context.

در این اتاق تعدادى صندلی خالی وجود دارد.

Translation: There are a number of empty chairs in this room.

People use this word across all registers of the Persian language. In a formal news broadcast, a journalist might say 'تعدادی از شهروندان' (a number of citizens) to report on a gathering. In a domestic setting, a mother might tell her child to buy 'تعدادی تخم‌مرغ' (a number of eggs). Its versatility stems from its neutrality; it does not carry the emotional weight of 'کمی' (a little/too few) or the grandiosity of 'بسیار' (very many). It simply acknowledges existence in plural form. Furthermore, the word highlights the Persian linguistic preference for using the singular form of a noun after a quantifier, although the plural is also grammatically acceptable and increasingly common in modern usage when 'از' (of) follows the word.

تعدادى از دانش‌آموزان در حیاط هستند.

Translation: A number of the students are in the yard.

Morphology: تعداد (Count) + ی (Indefinite suffix) = A count of/Some.

The historical evolution of this word shows the seamless integration of Arabic administrative vocabulary into Persian daily life. During the Safavid and Qajar eras, 'تعداد' was heavily used in official ledgers and census documents. The 'ی' suffix was eventually appended to make it more flexible for descriptive prose, allowing writers to move away from rigid lists to more fluid descriptions of groups. Today, it is indispensable in academic writing, where precision is valued but specific numbers might be unknown or irrelevant to the broader argument.

او تعدادى کتاب از کتابخانه امانت گرفت.

Translation: He borrowed a number of books from the library.

Using تعدادى correctly requires understanding its two primary syntactic structures. The first is the direct quantifier role, where it precedes a noun. In this structure, the noun usually remains in the singular form, which is a unique feature of Persian grammar when dealing with numbers and quantifiers. For example, 'تعدادی ماشین' (a number of cars) is more standard than 'تعدادی ماشین‌ها'. This reflects the logic that the quantifier already establishes plurality, so the noun does not need to repeat that information. This is a common point of confusion for English speakers who are accustomed to saying 'some books' (plural) rather than 'some book' (singular).

Structure 1: Direct Preposition: [تعدادی] + [Singular Noun] -> تعدادی درخت (A number of trees)

تعدادى مهمان به خانه ما آمدند.

Translation: A number of guests came to our house. (Note: The verb is plural!)

The second structure involves the preposition 'از' (from/of). This is used when referring to a specific group or when the speaker wants to emphasize the selection from a larger whole. In this case, the noun that follows must be plural and often carries the definite article (or is understood as definite). For instance, 'تعدادی از دوستانم' (a number of my friends). This construction is very similar to the English 'some of...' or 'a number of...'. It is particularly useful in formal writing and when providing statistical or categorical breakdowns in reports.

Structure 2: Partitive Construction: [تعدادی] + [از] + [Plural Noun] -> تعدادی از مردم (A number of the people)

تعدادى از این نقشه‌ها قدیمی هستند.

Translation: A number of these maps are old.

Verb agreement is another crucial aspect. Even if the noun following 'تعدادی' is singular in form (e.g., تعدادی سرباز), the verb must always be plural because the semantic meaning is plural. This creates a fascinating 'meaning-over-form' rule in Persian syntax. If you say 'تعدادی سرباز آمد', it sounds incorrect and uneducated; 'تعدادی سرباز آمدند' is the only correct way to express that a group arrived. This applies to both animate and inanimate subjects, though with inanimate subjects, Persian sometimes allows singular verbs (e.g., تعدادی سیب روی زمین افتاد), though plural is still preferred in formal contexts.

دولت تعدادى از قوانین را تغییر داد.

Translation: The government changed a number of the laws.

Placement Tip: Always place 'تعدادی' directly before the noun it modifies or before the 'از' preposition. It cannot be moved to the end of the sentence like an adverb.

In the real world, تعدادى is a staple of professional communication. If you are watching the evening news on IRIB or BBC Persian, you will hear it constantly. Journalists use it to maintain objectivity; by saying 'تعدادی از معترضان' (a number of protesters) instead of 'بسیاری' (many), they avoid appearing biased while still acknowledging that a group was present. It is also the preferred term in legal and medical contexts. A doctor might tell a patient, 'تعدادی از آزمایش‌های شما نیاز به تکرار دارند' (A number of your tests need to be repeated). This sounds much more professional and reassuring than using colloquial quantifiers.

Domain: Academic Writing: Used to introduce variables or samples. 'تعدادی از موش‌ها در این آزمایش...' (A number of mice in this experiment...)
Domain: Business & Commerce: Used in inventory and logistics. 'تعدادی از کالاها در انبار موجود نیستند.' (A number of items are not available in the warehouse.)

رئیس‌جمهور با تعدادى از وزرا دیدار کرد.

Translation: The president met with a number of ministers.

In everyday street Persian, however, the word undergoes a stylistic shift. While still used, it often competes with 'چند تا' (chand tā). For example, in a bazaar, a customer might say 'یه تعدادی میوه می‌خوام' (I want a certain number of fruits), but they are more likely to say 'چند تا میوه می‌خوام'. When 'تعدادی' is used in casual speech, it often adds a layer of 'vague importance' or 'deliberate grouping'. It suggests the speaker has thought about the quantity as a set rather than just a random few. It is also frequently heard in the context of invitations: 'تعدادی از فامیل رو دعوت کردیم' (We invited a number of the relatives).

ما تعدادى عکس قدیمی پیدا کردیم.

Translation: We found a number of old photos.

Social media and modern digital communication have also embraced 'تعدادی'. You will see it in captions ('تعدادی از لحظات خوب ما' - A number of our good moments) and in advertisements ('تعدادی محدود باقی مانده است' - A limited number remain). This last phrase is a very common marketing tactic in Iran, using the word to create a sense of scarcity. It is also common in educational YouTube videos or podcasts where the host says, 'امروز تعدادی از لغات جدید را یاد می‌گیریم' (Today we will learn a number of new words). Its presence in digital media confirms its status as a versatile, modern, and essential part of the Persian lexicon.

Contextual Frequency: High in News, Academic, and Business; Moderate in Casual Conversation.

One of the most frequent errors made by learners of Persian is confusing the noun تعداد (te'dād - number/total) with the quantifier تعدادى (te'dādi - a number of). When you use 'تعداد', you are talking about the specific total or the concept of quantity itself. For example, 'تعداد دانش‌آموزان بیست نفر است' (The number of students is twenty). However, when you use 'تعدادی', you are using it as an indefinite quantifier. Saying 'تعدادی دانش‌آموزان بیست نفر است' is a major grammatical error because 'تعدادی' cannot be the subject of a sentence defining a specific total.

Mistake: Noun vs. Quantifier: Incorrect: تعدادى صندلی‌ها ده تا است. (A number of chairs is ten.)
Correct: تعداد صندلی‌ها ده تا است. (The number of chairs is ten.)

اشتباه: تعدادى کتاب‌ها زیاد است.

Explanation: You should use 'تعداد' here because you are describing the total quantity, not saying 'some books'.

Another common mistake is the misuse of pluralization. As mentioned before, Persian quantifiers usually take a singular noun. English speakers often instinctively pluralize the noun, saying 'تعدادی کتاب‌ها' instead of the correct 'تعدادی کتاب'. While you might be understood, it sounds 'clunky' and non-native. The only time you should regularly use the plural is when you include the preposition 'از'. A good rule of thumb: If there is no 'از', keep the noun singular. If there is an 'از', make the noun plural.

درست: تعدادى دانشجو در کلاس هستند.

Correct: A number of students (singular form) are in the class.

Lastly, learners often forget that 'تعدادی' is exclusively for countable nouns. You cannot use it with uncountable substances like water, air, or abstract concepts like 'love' in a general sense. You wouldn't say 'تعدادی آب' (a number of water); instead, you would use 'مقداری آب' (an amount of water). Using 'تعدادی' with uncountable nouns is a logic error that immediately marks a speaker as a beginner. Always check if the item can be counted (one, two, three...) before applying this word.

Mistake: Countable vs. Uncountable: Incorrect: تعدادى شکر (A number of sugar)
Correct: مقداری شکر (An amount of sugar)

Persian is rich with quantifiers, and knowing when to choose تعدادى over others will greatly improve your fluency. The most common alternative is برخی (barkhi). While both mean 'some', 'برخی' is more selective and often used to contrast one group with another (e.g., 'Some people like tea, while others like coffee'). 'تعدادی' is more focused on the numerical existence of the group. Another similar word is بعضی (ba'zi), which is very common in spoken Persian and functions almost identically to 'برخی', though it is slightly less formal.

تعدادى vs. برخی: 'تعدادى' focuses on the quantity; 'برخی' focuses on the identity/subset of the group.
تعدادى vs. چند: 'چند' usually implies a smaller, more manageable number (3-7), while 'تعدادی' can refer to a much larger indefinite group.

چند کتاب روی میز است. (A few books...)

Use 'chand' for very small numbers.

For more formal or literary contexts, you might encounter چندین (chandin). This word translates to 'several' or 'many a' and often carries an emphasis on the duration or the impressive nature of the quantity. For example, 'چندین سال' (several years/many years). 'تعدادی' is more neutral and factual. In very informal spoken Persian, the phrase یه سری (ye seri) is extremely common. It literally means 'a series' but is used exactly like 'some' or 'a bunch of'. If you are hanging out with friends in Tehran, you are much more likely to hear 'یه سری از بچه‌ها' than 'تعدادی از بچه‌ها'.

اندکی از مردم به این موضوع اهمیت می‌دهند.

Alternative: 'Andaki' (A small number/few) - the opposite of 'تعدادی' in terms of scale.

Comparative Table: 1. تعدادى: Neutral, Numerical, Formal/Neutral.
2. برخی: Selective, Categorical, Formal.
3. چند: Small number, Casual/Neutral.
4. بسیاری: Large number, Formal/Neutral.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The suffix '-i' (ی) in Persian is incredibly powerful; it can turn almost any noun into an indefinite quantifier or an adjective. This is a hallmark of Persian's ability to 'Persianize' Arabic loanwords to fit its own grammatical needs.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /teʔ.dɒː.diː/

US /teʔ.dɑː.diː/

The stress is primarily on the second syllable 'dā'.

Rhymes With

شادی (shādi) آزادی (āzādi) وادی (vādi) عادی (ādi) منادی (monādi) بنیادی (bonyādi) اقتصادی (eqtesādi) اعتمادی (e'temādi)

Common Errors

Pronouncing it as 'te-dadi' without the glottal stop (though common in fast speech).
Confusing it with 'ta-dadi'.
Shortening the final 'i' too much.
Misplacing the stress on the first syllable.
Adding an extra 'e' sound at the end.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to recognize in text, but must distinguish from 'te'dad'.

Writing 4/5

Requires remembering the singular noun rule.

Speaking 3/5

Natural to use once you get the hang of it.

Listening 2/5

Very clear and easy to hear.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

عدد تعداد چند از هستند

Learn Next

برخی بسیاری اندکی چندین

Advanced

اکثریت اقلیت معدود متعدد

Grammar to Know

Quantifier + Singular Noun: Most Persian quantifiers (including 'تعدادی') take a singular noun.

تعدادی کتاب (Some books).

Plural Verb Agreement: Even with a singular noun, the verb must be plural if the subject is plural in meaning.

تعدادی دانشجو آمدند.

Partitive 'Az': Using 'از' after 'تعدادی' requires the following noun to be plural.

تعدادی از دانشجوها.

Inanimate Singular Verb: Sometimes inanimate subjects with 'تعدادی' can take a singular verb in informal speech.

تعدادی سیب افتاد.

Indefinite 'i': The final 'i' in 'تعدادی' is an indefinite marker that cannot be combined with the definite 'ra' unless followed by 'az'.

تعدادی از کتاب‌ها را خریدم.

Examples by Level

من تعدادی سیب دارم.

I have a number of apples.

Notice 'سیب' is singular after 'تعدادی'.

تعدادی کتاب روی میز است.

There are some books on the table.

The verb 'است' can be used for inanimate objects in A1, but 'هستند' is better.

او تعدادی مداد خرید.

He bought a number of pencils.

Simple past tense usage.

تعدادی گربه در حیاط هستند.

There are a number of cats in the yard.

Plural verb 'هستند' for animate subjects.

ما تعدادی عکس دیدیم.

We saw some photos.

'عکس' is the object here.

تعدادی صندلی در کلاس هست.

There are some chairs in the class.

Using 'هست' as a general existence marker.

تعدادی نان در آشپزخانه است.

There is some bread in the kitchen.

Here 'bread' is treated as countable items/loaves.

او تعدادی گل آورد.

She brought a number of flowers.

Flowers are countable here.

تعدادی از بچه‌ها در مدرسه هستند.

A number of the children are at school.

Introduction of 'از' + plural noun.

او تعدادی نامه برای من نوشت.

He wrote a number of letters to me.

Plurality implied in the action.

تعدادی ماشین در خیابان تصادف کردند.

A number of cars crashed in the street.

Plural verb for the action.

ما تعدادی از این فیلم‌ها را دیده‌ایم.

We have seen a number of these movies.

Present perfect tense.

تعدادی پرنده روی درخت نشستند.

A number of birds sat on the tree.

Animate subject plural verb.

او تعدادی لباس جدید خرید.

She bought a number of new clothes.

Adjective 'جدید' follows the noun.

تعدادی از اتاق‌ها خالی هستند.

A number of the rooms are empty.

Subject-verb agreement.

ما تعدادی میوه برای مهمانی خریدیم.

We bought some fruit for the party.

Context of preparation.

تعدادی از دانشجویان در امتحان غایب بودند.

A number of the students were absent for the exam.

Formal academic context.

او تعدادی از اشتباهات خود را اصلاح کرد.

He corrected a number of his mistakes.

Abstract but countable nouns.

تعدادی از ساختمان‌های قدیمی تخریب شدند.

A number of the old buildings were demolished.

Passive voice construction.

دولت تعدادی از قوانین مالیاتی را تغییر داد.

The government changed a number of tax laws.

Formal/Legal context.

تعدادی از مردم به واکسن اعتماد ندارند.

A number of people do not trust the vaccine.

Reporting a social fact.

او تعدادی از کتاب‌های نادر را در کتابخانه پیدا کرد.

He found a number of rare books in the library.

Specific noun phrase.

تعدادی از پروازها به دلیل طوفان لغو شد.

A number of flights were canceled due to the storm.

Passive voice in news reporting.

ما تعدادی از پیشنهادات شما را بررسی کردیم.

We reviewed a number of your suggestions.

Professional business usage.

تعدادی از محققان بر این باورند که این فرضیه درست است.

A number of researchers believe that this hypothesis is correct.

Complex academic sentence structure.

این شرکت تعدادی از شعب خود را در اروپا تعطیل کرد.

This company closed a number of its branches in Europe.

Business reporting.

تعدادی از آثار هنری در موزه آسیب دیده‌اند.

A number of artworks in the museum have been damaged.

Present perfect passive.

او در سخنرانی خود به تعدادی از مشکلات اجتماعی اشاره کرد.

In his speech, he referred to a number of social problems.

Prepositional phrase usage.

تعدادی از نمایندگان مجلس با این طرح مخالفت کردند.

A number of members of parliament opposed this plan.

Political reporting.

پلیس تعدادی از مظنونین را بازداشت کرده است.

The police have detained a number of suspects.

Legal/Crime context.

تعدادی از گونه‌های گیاهی در حال انقراض هستند.

A number of plant species are on the verge of extinction.

Scientific/Environmental context.

این کتاب شامل تعدادی از مقالات برجسته اوست.

This book includes a number of his prominent articles.

Literary description.

تعدادی از متفکران معاصر به نقد این نظریه پرداخته‌اند.

A number of contemporary thinkers have engaged in a critique of this theory.

Advanced verbal construction 'پرداختن به'.

علیرغم تلاش‌ها، تعدادی از ابهامات همچنان باقی است.

Despite the efforts, a number of ambiguities still remain.

Abstract usage in formal prose.

تعدادی از این نسخه‌های خطی به قرن پنجم هجری بازمی‌گردد.

A number of these manuscripts date back to the fifth century AH.

Historical/Archeological context.

وی در یادداشت‌های خود به تعدادی از تناقضات رفتاری اشاره می‌کند.

In his notes, he points to a number of behavioral contradictions.

Psychological/Analytical context.

تعدادی از پروژه‌های عمرانی به دلیل کمبود بودجه متوقف شده‌اند.

A number of development projects have been halted due to budget shortages.

Economic/Administrative context.

در این گزارش، تعدادی از چالش‌های پیش روی صنعت بررسی شده است.

In this report, a number of challenges facing the industry have been examined.

Formal investigative reporting.

تعدادی از اشعار این دیوان به سبک خراسانی سروده شده‌اند.

A number of poems in this collection were composed in the Khorasani style.

Literary criticism context.

او با تعدادی از با نفوذترین چهره‌های سیاسی دیدار داشت.

He had meetings with a number of the most influential political figures.

Superlative adjective with 'تعدادی'.

بررسی‌های آماری نشان‌دهنده آن است که تعدادی از متغیرها همبستگی معناداری دارند.

Statistical analyses indicate that a number of variables have a significant correlation.

High-level scientific/statistical Persian.

تعدادی از این پدیده‌ها در چارچوب قوانین فیزیک کلاسیک قابل تبیین نیستند.

A number of these phenomena cannot be explained within the framework of classical physics laws.

Theoretical/Scientific discourse.

نویسنده با ظرافت، تعدادی از گسست‌های فرهنگی را در لایه‌های متن گنجانده است.

The author has subtly embedded a number of cultural ruptures within the layers of the text.

Literary analysis and high-level vocabulary.

تعدادی از این راهکارها در بلندمدت ممکن است پیامدهای ناگواری داشته باشند.

A number of these solutions might have adverse consequences in the long run.

Policy analysis/Strategic thinking.

در میان این آثار، تعدادی از آن‌ها به لحاظ تکنیکی از بقیه متمایز هستند.

Among these works, a number of them are technically distinct from the rest.

Comparative advanced syntax.

تعدادی از اسناد محرمانه پرده از حقایق تازه‌ای در مورد این واقعه برداشتند.

A number of confidential documents unveiled new truths about this event.

Investigative/Historical idiom 'پرده برداشتن'.

تعدادی از فلاسفه بر این باورند که ماهیت وجودی انسان در گرو عمل اوست.

A number of philosophers believe that the existential nature of man depends on his actions.

Philosophical discourse.

تحلیل‌های ثانویه حاکی از آن است که تعدادی از فرضیات اولیه نیاز به بازنگری دارند.

Secondary analyses suggest that a number of the initial hypotheses require revision.

Formal academic/Research terminology.

Common Collocations

تعدادى محدود

تعدادى قابل توجه

تعدادى از

تعدادى اندک

تعدادى بیشمار

تعدادى مشخص

تعدادى زیاد

تعدادى از ما

تعدادى مشابه

تعدادى پراکنده

Common Phrases

تعدادی از آن‌ها

— A number of them. Used to refer back to a previously mentioned group.

تعدادی از آن‌ها را دیدم.

به تعدادی

— In a quantity of. Used when specifying how many are needed or provided.

به تعدادی صندلی نیاز داریم.

تعدادی دیگر

— A number of others. Used to add more to a group.

تعدادی دیگر نیز خواهند آمد.

تعدادی کافی

— A sufficient number. Used when talking about adequacy.

تعدادی کافی از منابع داریم.

تعدادی انگشت‌شمار

— A handful (literally: finger-countable). Meaning a very small number.

تعدادی انگشت‌شمار به جلسه آمدند.

تعدادی از موارد

— A number of cases/instances. Used in reports.

تعدادی از موارد بیماری گزارش شد.

تعدادی کتاب

— A number of books. A classic example of the word with a singular noun.

تعدادی کتاب خریدم.

تعدادی از ما

— A number of us. Used in collective speaking.

تعدادی از ما موافق هستیم.

تعدادی از شما

— A number of you. Used when addressing a group.

تعدادی از شما باید اینجا بمانید.

تعدادی از روزها

— A number of days. Used for time duration.

تعدادی از روزها بارانی بود.

Often Confused With

تعدادى vs تعداد

This is the noun meaning 'total count'. You use it to say 'The number is 5'. You use 'تعدادی' to say 'A number of things'.

تعدادى vs چند

Means 'a few'. It usually implies a smaller number than 'تعدادی'.

تعدادى vs مقداری

Used for UNCOUNTABLE things like water or rice. Never use 'تعدادی' for water!

Idioms & Expressions

"تعدادی از ما و تعدادی از آن‌ها"

— A mix of us and them. Implies a joint group or a balanced representation.

در جلسه تعدادی از ما و تعدادی از آن‌ها حضور داشتند.

Neutral

"به تعداد موهای سرم"

— As many as the hairs on my head. Though it uses 'te'dad', it's a related idiom for 'innumerable'.

او به تعداد موهای سرم پول دارد.

Informal

"تعدادی به این در و تعدادی به آن در"

— Some this way, some that way. Implies a lack of coordination or scattering.

بچه‌ها تعدادی به این در و تعدادی به آن در رفتند.

Informal

"تعدادی از قلم افتاده"

— A number of them were missed/omitted (fallen from the pen).

تعدادی از نام‌ها از قلم افتاده است.

Formal

"تعدادی را به هم بافتن"

— To weave a number of things together (usually lies or stories).

او تعدادی دروغ به هم بافت.

Informal

"تعدادی از سر باز کردن"

— To get rid of a number of people or tasks quickly/carelessly.

او تعدادی از مراجعین را از سر باز کرد.

Informal

"تعدادی را روی هم انبار کردن"

— To pile a number of things on top of each other.

تعدادی کتاب را روی هم انبار کرد.

Neutral

"تعدادی را از پا درآوردن"

— To exhaust or defeat a number of people.

گرما تعدادی از سربازان را از پا درآورد.

Neutral

"تعدادی را زیر بال و پر گرفتن"

— To take a number of people under one's wing (protection).

او تعدادی از یتیمان را زیر بال و پر گرفت.

Literary

"تعدادی را به خاک سیاه نشاندن"

— To ruin a number of people (make them sit on black soil).

قمار تعدادی از خانواده‌ها را به خاک سیاه نشاند.

Informal

Easily Confused

تعدادى vs مقدار

Both deal with quantity.

تعدادی is for things you can count (1, 2, 3). مقداری is for things you measure by volume or mass (water, salt, time).

تعدادی سیب (A number of apples) vs مقداری آب (An amount of water).

تعدادى vs برخی

Both mean 'some'.

برخی is used to divide a group into parts (Some do this, some do that). تعدادی is just about a plural quantity existing.

برخی از مردم (Some of the people - implying others are different).

تعدادى vs چندین

Both mean 'several'.

چندین is more literary and often emphasizes a larger or more impressive quantity.

او چندین سال (Many several years) vs تعدادی سال (A number of years).

تعدادى vs عده‌ای

Both refer to a group.

عده‌ای is ONLY used for humans. تعدادی can be used for humans, animals, and objects.

عده‌ای از مردم (Correct) vs عده‌ای از کتاب‌ها (Incorrect).

تعدادى vs تعداد

They look and sound very similar.

تعداد is 'The Count' (Noun). تعدادی is 'A number of' (Adjective/Quantifier).

تعداد دانش‌آموزان (The number of students) vs تعدادی دانش‌آموز (A number of students).

Sentence Patterns

من تعدادی [Noun] دارم.

من تعدادی مداد دارم.

تعدادی [Noun] در [Place] هستند.

تعدادی گربه در حیاط هستند.

تعدادی از [Plural Noun] [Verb].

تعدادی از دوستانم آمدند.

[Subject] تعدادی از [Plural Noun] را [Verb].

او تعدادی از کتاب‌ها را خواند.

تعدادی از [Abstract Noun] نشان‌دهنده [Something] است.

تعدادی از شواهد نشان‌دهنده حقیقت است.

با توجه به تعدادی از [Complex Noun], می‌توان گفت...

با توجه به تعدادی از متغیرها، می‌توان گفت...

Intermediate

تعدادی [Noun] به دلیل [Reason] [Verb].

تعدادی پرواز به دلیل برف لغو شدند.

Formal

تعدادی از [Group] بر این باورند که...

تعدادی از کارشناسان بر این باورند که...

Word Family

Nouns

عدد (Number)

تعداد (Total count)

اعداد (Numbers - plural)

معدود (Counted item)

Verbs

عدم کردن (To count - archaic)

تعدیل کردن (To adjust/balance - related root)

Adjectives

متعدد (Numerous)

عددی (Numerical)

معدود (Few/limited)

قابل شمارش (Countable)

رقم (Digit)

آمار (Statistics)

محاسبه (Calculation)

شمارش (Counting)

مقدار (Amount)

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in written Persian; high in formal spoken Persian.

Common Mistakes

تعدادی آب → مقداری آب
You cannot use 'تعدادی' for uncountable nouns like water.
تعدادی کتاب‌ها → تعدادی کتاب
The noun should be singular unless you use 'از'.
تعدادی دانشجو آمد. → تعدادی دانشجو آمدند.
The verb must be plural because the subject is plural in meaning.
تعداد کتاب‌ها تعدادی است. → تعداد کتاب‌ها پنج تا است.
Don't confuse the noun 'te'dad' with the quantifier 'te'dadi'.
تعدادی از من → تعدادی از ما
You can't have a number of 'me'. It must be a number of 'us'.

Tips

Singular Noun Rule

Always keep the noun singular when using 'تعدادی' directly. 'تعدادی ماشین' is correct, not 'تعدادی ماشین‌ها'.

The Glottal Stop

To sound like a native, make sure to pronounce the 'ع' (glottal stop) as a tiny break in the word 'te'dādi'.

Academic Tone

Use 'تعدادی' in your essays to sound more objective and professional than using 'چند'.

News Buzzword

When you hear 'te'dādi' on the news, get ready for a list of items or a report on a group of people.

Countable Only

Only use this word for things you can count on your fingers. For liquids or grains, use 'meqdāri'.

Polite Vagueness

Use this word if you don't know the exact number and don't want to guess wrong. It's safe and polite.

Spot the Suffix

If you see 'تعداد' without the 'ی', it's the noun 'total count'. If it has the 'ی', it's 'some'.

Inventory Use

This is the perfect word for talking about stock or inventory in a business context.

TED Association

Associate 'Te'dad' with a 'TED' talk about statistics and numbers.

Verb Agreement

Always check your verb! It must be plural (اند / هستند / کردند) when 'تعدادی' is the subject.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a 'TED' talk (تعداد) where they show a 'Dadi' (دادى) counting 'a number of' things. TED-DADI = A number of.

Visual Association

Visualize a counter clicker (like those used by bouncers) clicking 'some' times, but not showing the final number.

Word Web

تعداد (Count) عدد (Number) تعدادی (Some) متعدد (Numerous) آمار (Stats) چند (Few) برخی (Certain ones) بسیار (Many)

Challenge

Try to look around your room and name five things using 'تعدادی' (e.g., تعدادی کتاب، تعدادی مداد). Remember to keep the noun singular!

Word Origin

The word is a hybrid construction. The base 'تعداد' is an Arabic verbal noun from the root 'ʿ-d-d' (ع د د), which relates to counting, numbering, or preparing.

Original meaning: In Arabic, 'ta'dād' means 'enumeration' or 'counting'.

Semitic (root) + Indo-European (suffix).

Cultural Context

There are no major sensitivities, but in political contexts, using 'تعدادی' can sometimes be a way to downplay a large crowd or exaggerate a small one.

English speakers often struggle with the 'singular noun' rule after 'تعدادی'. In English, we say 'some books', but in Persian, we say 'some book'.

Used frequently in the 'Shahnameh' to describe groups of warriors. Commonly found in the works of Saadi when discussing groups of people. A staple word in modern Iranian cinema subtitles.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Shopping

تعدادی از این‌ها
تعدادی میوه
به تعدادی نان نیاز دارم
تعدادی کیسه

Work/Office

تعدادی از نامه‌ها
تعدادی از همکاران
تعدادی پروژه
تعدادی فایل

Social Events

تعدادی از مهمان‌ها
تعدادی از فامیل
تعدادی عکس
تعدادی صندلی

News/Media

تعدادی از شهروندان
تعدادی از مقامات
تعدادی از حوادث
تعدادی از گزارش‌ها

Education

تعدادی از دانش‌آموزان
تعدادی از دروس
تعدادی تمرین
تعدادی کتاب

Conversation Starters

"آیا تعدادی از دوستانت را به مهمانی دعوت کرده‌ای؟ (Have you invited a number of your friends to the party?)"

"تعدادی کتاب جدید خریده‌ام، می‌خواهی ببینی؟ (I've bought a number of new books, do you want to see?)"

"در شهر شما تعدادی موزه خوب وجود دارد؟ (Are there a number of good museums in your city?)"

"تعدادی از این فیلم‌ها را دیده‌ای؟ (Have you seen a number of these movies?)"

"تعدادی از همکاران من فردا به سفر می‌روند. (A number of my colleagues are going on a trip tomorrow.)"

Journal Prompts

امروز تعدادی از کارهایی را که انجام دادی بنویس. (Write about a number of things you did today.)

تعدادی از اهداف بزرگت برای سال آینده چیست؟ (What are a number of your big goals for next year?)

درباره تعدادی از بهترین خاطرات کودکی‌ات بنویس. (Write about a number of your best childhood memories.)

تعدادی از چالش‌هایی که در یادگیری زبان فارسی داری را فهرست کن. (List a number of challenges you have in learning Persian.)

درباره تعدادی از افرادی که در زندگی‌ات تاثیرگذار بوده‌اند بنویس. (Write about a number of people who have been influential in your life.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

In standard Persian, use it with a singular noun (تعدادی کتاب). However, if you use 'از', you must use a plural noun (تعدادی از کتاب‌ها).

It is neutral to formal. In very casual speech, people prefer 'چند تا' or 'یه سری'.

'چند' usually means a very small amount (like 3 or 4), while 'تعدادی' is more indefinite and can be larger.

It is a long 'ee' sound, like in the word 'see'.

Because Persian grammar cares about the *meaning*. Since 'تعدادی' means more than one, the verb must be plural.

No. Water is uncountable. You must say 'مقداری آب'.

No, it always precedes the noun or the preposition 'از'.

Yes, after the first syllable 'te'. It sounds like a tiny catch in your throat.

Yes, absolutely. 'تعدادی از مردم' is very common.

Yes, it comes from the Arabic root for counting.