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Vocabulary
تدبیر

B2 noun 9 min read

تدبیر

tadbir

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips تدبیر in 30 Seconds

Explanation تدبیر in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'Tadbir' is a bit advanced. Think of it as a very smart 'plan.' You might not use it yourself yet, but you can understand it as 'a good way to do something.' For example: 'He has a good plan (tadbir).' It is like the word 'plan' but used for important things. You mostly see it in short sentences about people being clever. Don't worry about the grammar too much; just remember it means 'a wise plan.'

At the A2 level, you can start using 'Tadbir' to describe someone who is smart with their work. It means 'management' or 'planning.' If you want to say 'He managed the house well,' you can say he had 'Tadbir.' It's more formal than 'barnameh.' You will see it in simple news stories or formal letters. Remember the phrase 'ba-tadbir' (wise/with planning). It's a good way to describe a boss or a teacher.

At the B1 level, you should understand that 'Tadbir' is about foresight. It's not just a plan for tomorrow; it's a strategy for the future. You can use it with the verb 'kardan' (to do). For example, 'We must make a tadbir for this problem.' You'll hear it in discussions about work, economy, or politics. It shows that you are thinking deeply. You should also recognize the plural form 'Tadabir' (measures) when reading news headlines.

At the B2 level, you are expected to use 'Tadbir' correctly in formal contexts. You should know the collocation 'tadbir andishidan' (to devise a measure). You understand that 'Tadbir' implies wisdom and looking at the end result. You can distinguish it from 'Barnameh' (simple plan) and 'Siyasat' (policy). You can use it to talk about history, management, or social issues. You also know 'bi-tadbir' means reckless or short-sighted.

At the C1 level, you grasp the philosophical and literary nuances of 'Tadbir.' You can discuss the historical concept of 'Tadbir-e Manzel' (household management/economics) and the contrast between human 'Tadbir' and 'Taghdir' (fate) in classical poetry. Your usage includes complex structures like 'tadabir-e lazem ra ettekhaz kardan' (adopting necessary measures). You use the word to analyze political strategies and leadership qualities in sophisticated debates.

At the C2 level, 'Tadbir' is a tool for precise expression. You use it to navigate the highest levels of academic, political, and literary discourse. You understand its etymological roots and how they influence its meaning in various disciplines (theology, philosophy, governance). You can use it metaphorically and recognize its subtle presence in the works of Saadi or the 'Siyasatnameh.' You can explain the 'Tadbir' of a complex historical event with nuanced detail.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

تدبیر in 30 Seconds

Tadbir is a formal Persian word meaning 'prudence,' 'foresight,' or 'strategic planning.'
It is commonly used in business, politics, and formal literature to describe wise management.
The plural form 'Tadabir' is frequently used in news to mean 'measures' or 'steps.'
It differs from 'Barnameh' by implying a deeper level of wisdom and consideration of consequences.

The Persian word تدبیر (Tadbir) is a sophisticated noun that transcends the simple English translation of 'planning.' Rooted in the Arabic triliteral root D-B-R (د-ب-ر), which relates to the 'back' or 'end' of something, Tadbir literally implies looking at the end or the consequences of an action before taking it. In the modern Persian lexicon, it represents a blend of foresight, management, prudence, and strategic arrangement. When an Iranian speaks of Tadbir, they are referring to a conscious, intellectual effort to organize affairs in a way that leads to a successful outcome, often implying a degree of wisdom and caution that 'planning' alone might lack.

Core Concept: The act of considering the ultimate result of a matter and arranging the means to achieve a desired end while avoiding pitfalls.

In everyday life, you might hear this word in professional settings, political discourse, or even in family discussions regarding long-term stability. It is a 'heavy' word, carrying connotations of maturity and intellectual depth. Unlike 'Barnameh-rizi' (planning), which can be a simple list of tasks, Tadbir suggests a mastery over the situation. It is the quality that a leader, a manager, or a head of a household must possess to navigate through crises or complex transitions.

مدیر با تدبیر خود شرکت را از ورشکستگی نجات داد.

Translation: The manager saved the company from bankruptcy with his prudence/strategy.

Historically, Tadbir has been a central theme in Persian 'Advice Literature' (Andarznameh). Philosophers and viziers would emphasize that a kingdom is maintained not just by the sword, but by the Tadbir of its ministers. This historical weight makes the word feel formal and respectful. If you describe someone as 'ba-tadbir' (possessing tadbir), you are paying them a high compliment regarding their intelligence and organizational skills.

Furthermore, the word is often paired with 'Omid' (hope), most notably in the political slogan 'Dowlat-e Tadbir va Omid' (The Government of Prudence and Hope). This usage underscores the word's association with rational governance and the solving of complex socio-economic problems through careful deliberation rather than impulsive actions. In a more spiritual or philosophical context, humans are encouraged to use their Tadbir while acknowledging that the ultimate 'Tadbir' belongs to a higher power, leading to the famous Persian concept of 'Tadbir vs. Taghdir' (Planning vs. Destiny).

Usage in Media: Frequently used in news headlines to describe diplomatic maneuvers, economic policies, or crisis management strategies.

To use Tadbir correctly, one must understand its collocations. It is often 'thought' (andishideh), 'employed' (be kar basteh), or 'lacked' (bi-tadbir). A 'bi-tadbir' person is seen as reckless or short-sighted. Therefore, the word is not just a noun describing an action, but a marker of character and competence in Persian-speaking societies.

Using تدبیر correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical function as a noun and its common verbal pairings. Most frequently, it is used with the verb 'kardan' (to do/make) or 'andishidan' (to think/devise). In formal writing, 'be kar bordan' (to employ) is also very common. Because it is an abstract noun, it often serves as the subject of a sentence describing the cause of a success or the object of a sentence describing a necessary action.

برای حل این مشکل بزرگ، باید تدبیری بیندیشیم.

Translation: For solving this big problem, we must devise a strategy/measure.

Note the use of the indefinite 'i' at the end (tadbir-i). This is the standard way to say 'a measure' or 'a plan.' When you are speaking about the general concept of prudence, you use the word without the indefinite marker. For example, 'Tadbir dar omur-e manzel' means 'Prudence in household affairs.' Here, it acts as a quality or a field of management.

Grammatical Pattern 1: Devising a Plan: [Subject] + [Tadbir] + [Andishidan] (To think of/devise a measure). Example: 'Dolat tadbiri andishid' (The government devised a plan).

Another common structure is using Tadbir as a modifier. For instance, 'ba-tadbir' (with prudence/wise) and 'bi-tadbir' (without prudence/unwise). These adjectives are used to describe individuals, leaders, or even specific decisions. A 'tasmim-e bi-tadbiraneh' is an ill-advised or reckless decision. Using these modifiers adds a layer of formal judgment to your speech, making it sound more professional and precise.

رفتار بی‌تدبیرانه او باعث ضرر مالی شد.

Translation: His imprudent behavior caused financial loss.

When discussing plural measures, Tadabir is the word of choice. You will see this in news reports: 'Tadabir-e lazem ettekhaz shod' (Necessary measures were adopted). The verb 'ettekhaz kardan' (to adopt/take) is the most formal partner for the plural form. Mastering this combination will significantly elevate your formal Persian writing and speaking skills, especially in academic or bureaucratic contexts.

Grammatical Pattern 2: Taking Measures: [Subject] + [Tadabir-e lazem] + [Ettekhaz kardan] (To take necessary measures). Example: 'Police tadabir-e lazem ra ettekhaz kard'.

The word تدبیر is ubiquitous in specific domains of Iranian life. While you might not hear it constantly in a casual street conversation about what to eat for lunch, it is the backbone of formal and semi-formal communication. Understanding where it appears helps in grasping its cultural weight.

Political Discourse: In Iranian politics, 'Tadbir' is a buzzword. It is used by politicians to signal that they are acting rationally and with long-term vision. It is the opposite of 'sho'ar-zadegi' (being slogan-driven). If a policy is failing, critics will often point to a 'foghdan-e tadbir' (lack of prudence).

If you tune into an Iranian news channel like IRINN or read newspapers like 'Etela'at' or 'Shargh', you will encounter Tadabir (the plural form) in almost every broadcast. It is used to describe government responses to everything from floods and earthquakes to currency fluctuations and international sanctions. It conveys an image of the state as an active, planning entity.

دولت برای کنترل تورم تدابیر جدیدی اندیشیده است.

Translation: The government has devised new measures to control inflation.

In the business world, Tadbir appears in company names, management seminars, and strategy documents. It is synonymous with 'Management' (Modiriyat) but with a more intellectual and traditional flair. A 'Modir-e ba-tadbir' is not just a boss, but a strategist. You might hear it in a boardroom when discussing how to enter a new market or handle a competitor.

Finally, in educational settings, teachers use the word to encourage students to think before they act. It's common to hear 'Ba tadbir amal kon' (Act with prudence) as a piece of advice. It is also used in the title of various administrative departments in universities and schools, such as 'Daftar-e Tadbir-e Omur' (Office of Management of Affairs). Recognizing this word allows you to identify the 'strategic' and 'official' layers of any Persian environment.

Common Contexts: 1. Economic policy discussions. 2. Classical poetry analysis. 3. Corporate leadership training. 4. News reports on safety protocols.

While تدبیر is a powerful word, learners often misuse it by confusing it with similar terms or applying it in overly casual contexts. Understanding these nuances is crucial for achieving a B2 or C1 level of fluency.

Mistake 1: Confusing with 'Barnameh': 'Barnameh' means a 'plan' or 'program' (like a TV program or a schedule). 'Tadbir' is the 'strategy' or 'wisdom' behind the plan. You wouldn't say 'I have a tadbir for my weekend' unless you are planning something incredibly complex and strategic. Use 'Barnameh' for daily tasks and 'Tadbir' for serious problem-solving.

Another common error is the incorrect pluralization. While 'Tadbir-ha' is grammatically possible in modern informal Persian, in any formal or professional context, you must use the Arabic broken plural Tadabir. Using 'Tadbir-ha' in a formal essay can make the writing look amateurish.

Incorrect: برای سفر فردا تدبیر دارم.
Correct: برای سفر فردا برنامه دارم.

A third mistake is the verb pairing. Learners often try to use 'Tadbir kardan' for everything. While 'kardan' works, 'andishidan' (to think/devise) is the more 'native' and sophisticated pairing when you are in the planning phase. Furthermore, 'ettekhaz kardan' is the only appropriate verb for 'taking measures' (tadabir) in a formal sense. Using 'gereftan' (to take) with 'tadbir' sounds like a direct translation from English and feels slightly off to a native ear.

Lastly, learners sometimes confuse Tadbir with Siyasat (Politics/Policy). While they overlap, Siyasat refers more to the broad policy or the art of governing, whereas Tadbir refers to the specific, clever management of a situation. You use Tadbir to execute a Siyasat successfully. Confusing these can lead to ambiguity in political or business discussions.

To truly master تدبیر, you should know its synonyms and how they differ in register and nuance. Persian is a language of subtle distinctions, and choosing the right word for 'plan' or 'strategy' depends heavily on the context.

1. چاره (Chareh): This means 'remedy' or 'solution.' While 'Tadbir' is proactive and strategic, 'Chareh' is often reactive—something you look for when you're in trouble. 'Chareh-yi nist' (There is no other way/remedy).
2. سیاست (Siyasat): Meaning 'politics' or 'policy.' It is broader than 'Tadbir.' 'Siyasat' is the 'what' and 'why,' while 'Tadbir' is the 'how'—the clever management to make the policy work.
3. مصلحت (Maslahat): This means 'expediency' or 'what is best.' 'Tadbir' is the plan itself, while 'Maslahat' is the reasoning behind the plan, often based on what is practical or beneficial in a given situation.

In a literary or highly formal context, you might encounter Tamid (تمهید), which refers to preliminary arrangements or 'laying the groundwork.' While Tadbir covers the whole process, Tamid is focused on the preparation. If you're writing a formal report, using Tadabir va Tamhidat (measures and preparations) together sounds very professional.

Comparison:
- برنامه (Plan): A list of steps.
- تدبیر (Tadbir): The wisdom/strategy behind the steps.
- راهبرد (Rahbord): Strategy (modern/military term).

The modern word for 'Strategy' in a technical or military sense is Rahbord (راهبرد). While Tadbir is traditional and encompasses a broad sense of 'wisdom,' Rahbord is specifically used in modern strategic management and military science. If you are talking about a company's 5-year strategic plan, Rahbord is more contemporary, but Tadbir adds a touch of intellectual prestige.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"جناب مدیر، تدابیر شما برای عبور از این بحران کارساز بود."

Neutral

"باید برای هزینه‌های خانه تدبیری داشته باشیم."

Informal

"با یه کم تدبیر می‌تونستی این مشکل رو حل کنی."

Child friendly

"بیا با هم یک تدبیر خوب برای برنده شدن در بازی پیدا کنیم."

Slang

Fun Fact

The word 'Tadbir' is the verbal noun of the second form (taf'il) in Arabic, which often implies a process or intensive action. It shares the same root as 'Dabir' (secretary/teacher in old Persian), though their meanings diverged.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /tæd.biːr/

US /tæd.bir/

The stress is on the second syllable: tad-BIR.

Rhymes With

تفسیر (Tafsir) تقدیر (Taghdir) تغییر (Taghyir) تصویر (Tasvir) شمشیر (Shamshir) زنجیر (Zanjir) سفیر (Safir) امیر (Amir)

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'a' like 'father' (Taud-bir).
Not rolling the 'r' at the end.
Adding a vowel between 'd' and 'b' (Tadebir).
Stress on the first syllable.
Pronouncing 'i' as a short 'i' like 'bit' instead of a long 'ee' like 'beet'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 7/5

Common in news and literature, but requires understanding of formal structures.

Writing 8/5

Requires knowledge of Arabic plural forms and specific verb collocations.

Speaking 6/5

Used in professional and serious conversations; easy to pronounce.

Listening 7/5

Found in news broadcasts and formal speeches.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

برنامه فکر کار مدیر حل

Learn Next

سیاست راهبرد مصلحت درایت اتخاذ

Advanced

تقدیر حکمت قوام مشروعیت ریاضت

Grammar to Know

Arabic Broken Plurals

The plural of 'Tadbir' is 'Tadabir' (تدابیر).

Ezāfe Construction

تدبیرِ مدیر (The manager's strategy).

Compound Adjectives with 'Ba' and 'Bi'

با تدبیر (Prudent), بی‌تدبیر (Imprudent).

Subjunctive with 'Andishidan'

باید تدبیری بیندیشیم (We must devise a plan).

Passive Voice with 'Ettekhaz Shodan'

تدابیر اتخاذ شد (Measures were adopted).

Examples by Level

او تدبیر خوبی دارد.

He has a good plan/wisdom.

Simple subject + noun + adjective + verb.

این یک تدبیر است.

This is a measure/plan.

Demonstrative pronoun 'in' + noun.

تدبیر او عالی بود.

His strategy was excellent.

Possessive construction with 'e' (ezāfe).

بدون تدبیر کار نکن.

Don't work without a plan/prudence.

Preposition 'bedun-e' (without).

پدرم با تدبیر است.

My father is wise/prudent.

Adjective 'ba-tadbir' (with prudence).

تدبیر لازم است.

Strategy is necessary.

Noun + adjective 'lazem' (necessary).

آیا این تدبیر تو است؟

Is this your plan?

Question form with 'aya'.

ما به تدبیر نیاز داریم.

We need a strategy.

Verb 'niyaz dashtan' (to need).

مدیر با تدبیر شرکت را اداره می‌کند.

The wise manager runs the company.

Present continuous tense.

او برای پول خود تدبیر دارد.

He has a plan for his money.

Preposition 'baraye' (for).

باید برای آینده تدبیری داشته باشیم.

We must have a plan for the future.

Modal verb 'bayad' + subjunctive.

این تدبیر بسیار هوشمندانه بود.

This measure was very clever.

Adverb 'besyar' + adjective.

بدون تدبیر، پول خود را خرج نکن.

Don't spend your money without prudence.

Imperative negative.

معلم با تدبیر کلاس را آرام کرد.

The prudent teacher calmed the class.

Past tense 'aram kard'.

تدبیر او برای حل مشکل کار کرد.

His strategy for solving the problem worked.

Subject + prepositional phrase.

آن‌ها تدبیر جدیدی دارند.

They have a new measure/plan.

Indefinite 'i' at the end of 'tadbir'.

ما باید تدبیری بیندیشیم تا از این بحران خارج شویم.

We must devise a strategy to get out of this crisis.

Subjunctive mood with 'andishidan'.

دولت برای کاهش ترافیک تدابیری اندیشیده است.

The government has devised measures to reduce traffic.

Plural form 'tadabir' + present perfect.

این کار بدون تدبیر و فکر انجام شد.

This work was done without prudence and thought.

Passive-like construction with 'anjam shod'.

او همیشه با تدبیر و احتیاط عمل می‌کند.

He always acts with prudence and caution.

Adverbial phrase with 'ba'.

تدبیر در مدیریت خانواده نقش مهمی دارد.

Prudence plays an important role in family management.

Noun as the subject of a general statement.

آیا این تدابیر برای امنیت کافی است؟

Are these measures sufficient for security?

Plural noun 'tadabir' with plural verb.

او به خاطر بی‌تدبیری شغلش را از دست داد.

He lost his job because of imprudence.

Compound noun 'bi-tadbiri' (lack of prudence).

تدبیر او در مذاکرات باعث پیروزی شد.

His strategy in the negotiations led to victory.

Abstract noun as cause of success.

مدیران ارشد برای مقابله با رقیب تدبیر جدیدی به کار بستند.

Senior managers employed a new strategy to counter the competitor.

Formal verb 'be kar bastan' (to employ).

عدم تدبیر در سیاست‌های پولی منجر به تورم شد.

Lack of prudence in monetary policies led to inflation.

Formal word 'adam' (lack/non-existence).

تدابیر امنیتی در فرودگاه‌ها به شدت افزایش یافته است.

Security measures in airports have increased significantly.

Passive voice 'afzayesh yafteh ast'.

او با تدبیری هوشمندانه توانست اختلاف بین دو دوست را حل کند.

With a clever measure, he was able to resolve the dispute between two friends.

Indefinite 'i' with an adjective.

هر مشکلی با تدبیر و صبر قابل حل است.

Every problem is solvable with prudence and patience.

General truth statement.

بی‌تدبیری در مصرف آب باعث خشکسالی می‌شود.

Imprudence in water consumption causes drought.

Abstract noun as a causal agent.

دولت تدابیر لازم را برای مقابله با سیل اتخاذ کرد.

The government adopted necessary measures to deal with the flood.

Formal verb 'ettekhaz kardan'.

او در تمام مراحل زندگی، تدبیر را سرلوحه کار خود قرار داد.

In all stages of life, he made prudence his guiding principle.

Idiomatic expression 'sarlowheh-ye kar gharar dadan'.

فقدان تدبیر در مدیریت منابع طبیعی، فاجعه‌ای زیست‌محیطی به بار آورد.

The lack of prudence in natural resource management brought about an environmental disaster.

Formal vocabulary 'foghdan' and 'be bar avardan'.

او با تدبیری حکیمانه، صلح را در منطقه برقرار کرد.

With a wise strategy, he established peace in the region.

Adjective 'hakimaneh' (wise/philosophical).

در متون کلاسیک، تدبیر منزل یکی از شاخه‌های اصلی حکمت محسوب می‌شد.

In classical texts, household management was considered one of the main branches of wisdom.

Passive construction 'ma'sub mishod'.

تدابیر اتخاذ شده توسط بانک مرکزی نتوانست نوسانات بازار را کنترل کند.

The measures adopted by the central bank could not control market fluctuations.

Past participle 'ettekhaz shodeh' as an adjective.

شاعر در این بیت، تدبیر انسانی را در برابر تقدیر الهی ناچیز می‌شمارد.

In this verse, the poet considers human planning insignificant against divine destiny.

Literary analysis context.

بهره‌گیری از تدابیر دیپلماتیک تنها راه جلوگیری از جنگ است.

Utilizing diplomatic measures is the only way to prevent war.

Gerund 'bahreh-giri' (utilizing).

او با تدبیر و درایت مثال‌زدنی، بحران جانشینی را مدیریت کرد.

With exemplary prudence and insight, he managed the succession crisis.

Compound nouns 'tadbir va derayat'.

این تصمیم نشان‌دهنده عمق تدبیر و آینده‌نگری اوست.

This decision represents the depth of his prudence and foresight.

Genitive construction showing quality.

تقابل میان تدبیر و تقدیر، بن‌مایه بسیاری از تراژدی‌های ادبی است.

The confrontation between planning and destiny is the motif of many literary tragedies.

Complex philosophical subject.

حکمرانی مطلوب مستلزم همسویی تدابیر سیاسی با نیازهای واقعی جامعه است.

Good governance requires the alignment of political measures with the real needs of society.

Formal verb 'mostalzam ast' (requires/entails).

او در رساله خود به تبیین نقش تدبیر در قوام دولت پرداخته است.

In his treatise, he has explained the role of prudence in the stability of the state.

Formal structure 'be tabyin... pardakhteh ast'.

تدابیر ریاضتی اعمال شده، فشار اقتصادی مضاعفی بر اقشار آسیب‌پذیر وارد کرد.

The austerity measures applied imposed double economic pressure on vulnerable groups.

Technical term 'tadabir-e riyazati' (austerity measures).

ظرافت‌های تدبیر او در پیچ‌وخم‌های تاریخی به خوبی مشهود است.

The subtleties of his strategy are clearly visible in the twists and turns of history.

Metaphorical usage.

بی‌تدبیری‌های پی‌درپی، مشروعیت نظام سیاسی را به چالش کشیده است.

Successive imprudences have challenged the legitimacy of the political system.

Plural abstract noun 'bi-tadbiri-ha'.

وی با اتخاذ تدابیر پیشگیرانه، از گسترش اپیدمی جلوگیری کرد.

By adopting preventative measures, he prevented the spread of the epidemic.

Formal 'vavy' (he) and 'pishgiraneh' (preventative).

تحقق این اهداف بلندمدت، نیازمند تدبیری جامع و فراگیر است.

The realization of these long-term goals requires a comprehensive and inclusive strategy.

Formal noun 'tahagh-ghogh' (realization).

Common Collocations

تدبیر اندیشیدن

تدابیر لازم

با تدبیر

بی‌تدبیری

تدابیر امنیتی

تدبیر منزل

فقدان تدبیر

تدبیر و امید

اتخاذ تدبیر

تدبیر کردن

Common Phrases

تدبیر کار

— Managing a task or affair wisely.

تدبیر کار به دست اوست.

تدابیر احتیاطی

— Precautionary measures taken to avoid risk.

تدابیر احتیاطی را رعایت کنید.

به تدبیرِ

— By means of the planning of... (formal).

به تدبیر مدیر، سود شرکت افزایش یافت.

صاحب تدبیر

— A person who is a strategist or wise planner.

او مردی صاحب تدبیر است.

تدبیر امور

— Management of affairs.

تدبیر امور کشور کار دشواری است.

تدبیر اندیشیده شده

— A well-thought-out plan.

این یک تدبیر اندیشیده شده بود.

بی‌تدبیری محض

— Pure recklessness or total lack of planning.

این کار بی‌تدبیری محض بود.

تدابیر بهداشتی

— Health measures or protocols.

رعایت تدابیر بهداشتی الزامی است.

تدبیر جنگی

— War strategy or military planning.

تدبیر جنگی فرمانده عالی بود.

تدابیر اقتصادی

— Economic measures or steps.

تدابیر اقتصادی جدید در راه است.

Often Confused With

تدبیر vs برنامه

Barnameh is a simple plan/schedule; Tadbir is the wisdom/strategy.

تدبیر vs سیاست

Siyasat is general policy; Tadbir is the specific management to execute it.

تدبیر vs تقدیر

Taghdir is fate/destiny; Tadbir is human planning. They are opposites.

Idioms & Expressions

"تدبیر کند بنده، تقدیر کند خنده"

— Man proposes, God disposes. Humans plan, but fate laughs at them.

همه چیز را چیده بودیم اما نشد؛ تدبیر کند بنده، تقدیر کند خنده.

Proverb/Literary

"تدبیر در کار آوردن"

— To apply wisdom or strategy to a situation.

باید در این مورد تدبیر در کار آورد.

Formal

"از سرِ بی‌تدبیری"

— Out of recklessness or lack of planning.

از سر بی‌تدبیری تمام پولش را باخت.

Neutral

"تدبیرِ منزل"

— Traditional term for economics or household management.

او در تدبیر منزل بسیار دقیق است.

Traditional

"رشته تدبیر از دست رفتن"

— To lose control of the situation or the plan.

با شروع جنگ، رشته تدبیر از دست مسئولان رفت.

Formal/Literary

"تدبیرِ ماحضر"

— A plan made on the spot with available means.

با تدبیر ماحضر توانستیم مهمانان را پذیرایی کنیم.

Rare/Formal

"تدبیرِ پیرانه"

— A wise plan associated with age and experience.

او با تدبیر پیرانه خود جوانان را راهنمایی کرد.

Literary

"تدبیرِ صواب"

— The correct or right strategy.

تنها تدبیر صواب، مذاکره است.

Formal

"بی‌تدبیرانه تاختن"

— To rush into something without any planning.

او بی‌تدبیرانه به بازار وارد شد و شکست خورد.

Literary

"تدبیرِ خردمندانه"

— A wise and intellectual measure.

این یک تدبیر خردمندانه برای صلح بود.

Formal

Easily Confused

تدبیر vs تقدیر

Sounds similar and often paired together.

Tadbir is what YOU plan; Taghdir is what GOD/FATE plans.

تدبیر ما با تقدیر خدا متفاوت بود.

تدبیر vs تفسیر

Similar Arabic structure (taf'il form).

Tafsir means interpretation (usually of the Quran); Tadbir means planning.

او به تفسیر متن پرداخت، نه تدبیر امور.

تدبیر vs تصویر

Similar sound/ending.

Tasvir means picture or image.

تصویر زیبایی از تدبیر او در ذهن دارم.

تدبیر vs تغییر

Common word with same rhythm.

Taghyir means change.

این تدبیر باعث تغییر بزرگی شد.

تدبیر vs تقصیر

Similar structure.

Taghsir means fault or blame.

شکست ما نتیجه بی‌تدبیری بود، نه تقصیر من.

Sentence Patterns

من برای [اسم] تدبیر دارم.

من برای پولم تدبیر دارم.

باید برای [فعل] تدبیری بیندیشیم.

باید برای رفتن تدبیری بیندیشیم.

[اسم] با تدبیر خود [اسم] را نجات داد.

مدیر با تدبیر خود شرکت را نجات داد.

به دلیل بی‌تدبیری، [جمله].

به دلیل بی‌تدبیری، پروژه شکست خورد.

اتخاذ تدابیر [صفت] برای [اسم] ضروری است.

اتخاذ تدابیر پیشگیرانه برای سلامتی ضروری است.

تدبیر در [اسم] نقش کلیدی دارد.

تدبیر در سیاست خارجی نقش کلیدی دارد.

تقابل میان تدبیر و [اسم] در [اسم] مشهود است.

تقابل میان تدبیر و تقدیر در اشعار حافظ مشهود است.

فقدان تدبیر منجر به [اسم] شد.

فقدان تدبیر منجر به فروپاشی اقتصادی شد.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

High in formal contexts; Moderate in daily speech.

Common Mistakes

Using 'Tadbir' for a simple daily schedule. → Use 'Barnameh'.
Tadbir implies a level of strategy and wisdom that a grocery list doesn't have.
Saying 'Tadbir gereftan'. → Say 'Tadbir andishidan' or 'Ettekhaz-e tadbir'.
'Gereftan' is a literal translation of 'to take' and sounds non-native.
Using 'Tadbir-ha' in a formal letter. → Use 'Tadabir'.
The Arabic broken plural is much more professional in formal Persian.
Confusing 'Tadbir' with 'Taghdir'. → Use 'Tadbir' for planning and 'Taghdir' for fate.
They sound similar but are opposites in meaning.
Using 'Tadbir' as a verb (e.g., 'Man tadbir mikonam'). → Use it as a noun (e.g., 'Man تدبیری دارم').
Tadbir is a noun and needs an auxiliary verb or a full construction.

Tips

Plural agreement

When using the plural 'Tadabir', ensure your adjectives and verbs agree. For example: 'Tadabir-e lazem' (Necessary measures).

Strong Verbs

Use 'andishidan' (to think) with 'Tadbir' to sound more academic and native.

Complimenting

Calling a manager 'ba-tadbir' is one of the highest professional compliments in Iran.

Formal Reports

In business reports, use 'Tadabir' to describe the steps taken to solve a crisis.

News Keywords

Whenever you hear 'dolat' (government), listen for 'tadabir' immediately after.

The 'D' connection

Remember D-B-R = Direction, Business, Results. That's what Tadbir manages.

Avoid Casual Overuse

Don't use it for simple plans. If you're just meeting a friend, use 'barnameh'.

Rolled R

Make sure to roll the 'r' at the end of 'Tadbir' for a natural Persian accent.

Poetry Context

If you see 'Tadbir' in a poem, look for the word 'Taghdir' nearby; they are a classic pair.

Endings

Remember that Tadbir is about looking at the 'end' (dubur) of a situation.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a 'Tad' (a little bit) of 'Beer' (planning) helps you see the 'End' (the root meaning). Or think of a 'Director' (D) who 'Bears' (B) the 'Results' (R) of the plan.

Visual Association

Visualize a chess player looking five moves ahead. That 'looking ahead' is exactly what Tadbir is.

Word Web

Management Strategy Prudence Foresight Wisdom Measure Policy Arrangement

Challenge

Try to use 'Tadbir' in a sentence about your long-term career goals instead of 'Barnameh'.

Word Origin

Derived from the Arabic root D-B-R (د-ب-ر). In Arabic, the root relates to the back or the end of something.

Original meaning: The original sense is to look at the 'dubur' (back/end) of an affair, meaning to consider the consequences before acting.

Semitic root, borrowed into Persian (Indo-European) through Islamic and literary influence.

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities; it is a positive and formal word.

The closest English equivalent is 'Prudence' or 'Strategic Management,' but 'Tadbir' feels more common in Persian than 'Prudence' does in modern English.

The slogan of Hassan Rouhani's government: 'Dowlat-e Tadbir va Omid'. Saadi's Gulistan: 'Tadbir-e jangal be az jang-e bi-tadbir' (Strategy is better than an unplanned war). The philosophical debate of 'Tadbir vs. Taghdir' in Rumi's Masnavi.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Business

تدبیر مدیریتی
تدابیر اقتصادی
تدبیر برای سودآوری
مدیر با تدبیر

Politics

تدابیر دیپلماتیک
تدبیر دولت
بی‌تدبیری سیاسی
اتخاذ تدابیر

Personal Life

تدبیر در مخارج
تدبیر برای آینده
با تدبیر عمل کردن
بی‌تدبیری در زندگی

News/Safety

تدابیر امنیتی
تدابیر بهداشتی
تدابیر پیشگیرانه
تدابیر شدید

Literature

تدبیر و تقدیر
تدبیر پیران
صاحب تدبیر
تدبیر صواب

Conversation Starters

"به نظر شما بهترین تدبیر برای کنترل تورم چیست؟"

"آیا تا به حال در زندگی با بی‌تدبیری با مشکلی مواجه شده‌اید؟"

"چگونه می‌توانیم تدبیر خود را در مدیریت زمان افزایش دهیم؟"

"در فرهنگ شما، تدبیر مهم‌تر است یا شانس؟"

"یک مدیر با تدبیر چه ویژگی‌هایی باید داشته باشد؟"

Journal Prompts

درباره زمانی بنویسید که با یک تدبیر هوشمندانه مشکلی را حل کردید.

تفاوت بین تدبیر و برنامه را از دیدگاه خود توضیح دهید.

اگر رئیس‌جمهور بودید، چه تدابیری برای حفظ محیط زیست اتخاذ می‌کردید؟

آیا به جمله 'تدبیر کند بنده، تقدیر کند خنده' اعتقاد دارید؟ چرا؟

نقش تدبیر در موفقیت شغلی را بررسی کنید.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, but usually when discussing serious topics like work, money, or solving a specific problem. It's not used for casual plans like going to the cinema.

The formal plural is 'Tadabir' (تدابیر). While 'Tadbir-ha' might be heard informally, 'Tadabir' is the standard in news and writing.

No, it's a noun. You must use it with a verb like 'kardan' (to do) or 'andishidan' (to think/devise).

It's an adjective meaning 'prudent' or 'wise in planning.' It's a very positive way to describe a leader.

Yes, it is an Arabic loanword, but it is deeply integrated into Persian and used in ways that are specific to Persian culture and literature.

You say 'Tadabir-e amniyati' (تدابیر امنیتی).

Tadbir is a broad, traditional term for wise management. Rahbord is a modern, technical term specifically for 'strategy'.

Yes, they share the same Arabic root D-B-R, but their meanings in modern Persian are quite different.

Usually, it has a positive connotation of wisdom. However, you can have a 'tadbir' for something negative, like a 'tadbir-e sheytani' (a devilish plot), though 'hila' (trick) is more common there.

It is a classical term for household management or economics, literally 'the management of the house'.