ترس
ترس in 30 Seconds
- Means 'fear' or 'dread' in English.
- Used with the preposition 'از' (az).
- Root of words like 'ترسناک' (scary).
- A core A1 vocabulary word.
- Etymological Root
- Derived from Middle Persian, maintaining its core meaning throughout centuries of linguistic evolution.
Sentence ترس برادر مرگ است (Fear is the brother of death).
- Psychological Context
- Used in clinical settings to describe anxiety disorders and phobias.
Sentence من هیچ ترسی ندارم (I have no fear).
- Societal Impact
- Fear can be a tool for control or a catalyst for protective societal measures.
Sentence ترس از تاریکی در کودکان شایع است (Fear of darkness is common in children).
Sentence او با ترس به جلو نگاه کرد (He looked forward with fear).
Sentence ترس او کاملا منطقی بود (His fear was completely logical).
- Basic Syntax
- Noun (ترس) + Preposition (از) + Object of Fear.
Sentence ترس از ارتفاع او را فلج کرد (Fear of heights paralyzed him).
- Compound Verbs
- Combining 'ترس' with verbs like 'خوردن' or 'داشتن' changes the nuance of the emotion.
Sentence با دیدن پلیس، ترس به جانش افتاد (Seeing the police, fear fell into his soul).
- Adjectival Modification
- Use the Ezafe to attach descriptive words to 'ترس', enriching the emotional description.
Sentence یک ترس عمیق در چشمانش بود (There was a deep fear in his eyes).
Sentence او به دلیل ترس از شکست، تسلیم شد (He gave up due to fear of failure).
Sentence ترس مانع پیشرفت است (Fear is an obstacle to progress).
- Everyday Conversations
- Used daily to express personal boundaries, anxieties, and reactions to the environment.
Sentence گربه از روی ترس فرار کرد (The cat ran away out of fear).
- News and Media
- A critical vocabulary word for understanding public sentiment and dramatic narratives.
Sentence اخبار باعث ایجاد ترس در مردم شد (The news caused fear among the people).
- Literature and Poetry
- Employed to explore the depths of human vulnerability and the contrast with heroism.
Sentence در دل شب، ترس بر او غلبه کرد (In the dead of night, fear overcame him).
Sentence روانشناس در مورد ریشههای ترس صحبت کرد (The psychologist spoke about the roots of fear).
- Preposition Error
- Incorrectly translating 'fear of' without using the mandatory Persian preposition 'از'.
Sentence ترس از عنکبوت (Fear of spiders) - Correct usage.
- Noun vs. Verb Confusion
- Using the noun 'ترس' when the conjugated verb 'میترسم' is required by the sentence structure.
Sentence این ترس طبیعی است (This fear is natural) - Using the noun correctly as the subject.
- Pronunciation and Stress
- Failing to shift the stress to the correct syllable when suffixes are added to the root word.
Sentence او با ترس و لرز صحبت کرد (He spoke with fear and trembling).
Sentence ترس او بیمورد بود (His fear was unjustified).
Sentence یک ترس پنهان در صدای او بود (There was a hidden fear in his voice).
- وحشت (Vahshat)
- Extreme fear, terror, or horror. Used for intense, overwhelming situations.
Sentence او از ترس فریاد زد (He screamed out of fear).
- هراس (Haras)
- Dread, panic, or deep apprehension. Often has a formal or literary tone.
Sentence هیچ جای ترس نیست (There is no room for fear).
- اضطراب و دلهره (Ezterab & Delhoreh)
- Anxiety and apprehension. Used for lingering worry rather than acute fear.
Sentence ترس او را از حرکت بازداشت (Fear stopped him from moving).
Sentence ترس از ناشناختهها همیشه وجود دارد (Fear of the unknown always exists).
Sentence او با ترس به تاریکی خیره شد (He stared into the darkness with fear).
How Formal Is It?
Difficulty Rating
Grammar to Know
Noun-Preposition Collocations (ترس + از)
Ezafe construction for adjectives (ترسِ بزرگ)
Compound Verbs with Nouns (ترس داشتن)
Forming Adjectives from Nouns (ترس + ناک)
Pluralizing abstract nouns (ترسها)
Examples by Level
من ترس دارم.
I have fear (I am afraid).
Basic subject + noun + verb structure.
ترس بد است.
Fear is bad.
Noun used as the subject of a simple sentence.
او ترس از سگ دارد.
He has a fear of dogs.
Using 'از' (from/of) to link fear to its object.
این ترسناک است.
This is scary.
Adjective form derived from the noun.
من هیچ ترسی ندارم.
I have no fear.
Negative form using 'هیچ' (no/none) and 'ی' suffix.
ترس از تاریکی.
Fear of the dark.
Common noun phrase.
چرا ترس داری؟
Why do you have fear?
Simple question formation.
ترس من بزرگ است.
My fear is big.
Noun with a possessive pronoun and adjective.
دیروز از ترس فرار کردم.
Yesterday I ran away out of fear.
Using 'از ترس' as an adverbial phrase of reason.
ترس او از امتحان طبیعی است.
His fear of the exam is natural.
Connecting multiple nouns with Ezafe.
با ترس به اتاق رفت.
He went to the room with fear.
Using 'با' (with) to show manner.
ترس باعث شد گریه کند.
Fear caused him to cry.
Noun as the subject causing an action.
ما باید بر ترس پیروز شویم.
We must win over (overcome) fear.
Using preposition 'بر' (on/over) with victory.
صدای او پر از ترس بود.
His voice was full of fear.
Phrase 'پر از' (full of).
ترس از ارتفاع خیلی شایع است.
Fear of heights is very common.
Describing a specific type of fear.
آیا ترس شما کمتر شد؟
Did your fear become less?
Comparative adjective with the noun.
غلبه بر ترس نیاز به شجاعت دارد.
Overcoming fear requires courage.
Verbal noun phrase as subject.
اخبار بد باعث ایجاد ترس در جامعه میشود.
Bad news causes the creation of fear in society.
Complex compound verb 'ایجاد ترس کردن'.
او سعی کرد ترس خود را پنهان کند.
He tried to hide his fear.
Infinitive clause as the object of 'سعی کرد'.
ترس از شکست مانع موفقیت است.
Fear of failure is an obstacle to success.
Abstract concepts linked with Ezafe.
با وجود ترس شدید، او وارد غار شد.
Despite intense fear, he entered the cave.
Prepositional phrase 'با وجود' (despite).
روانشناسان در مورد ریشههای ترس تحقیق میکنند.
Psychologists research the roots of fear.
Plural nouns and academic context.
ترس یک واکنش دفاعی بدن است.
Fear is a defensive reaction of the body.
Defining a concept using descriptive adjectives.
کودکان اغلب ترسهای غیرمنطقی دارند.
Children often have illogical fears.
Plural form 'ترسها' with adjectives.
ترس نهادینه شده در فرهنگ میتواند مانع پیشرفت شود.
Institutionalized fear in a culture can hinder progress.
Past participle used as an adjective 'نهادینه شده'.
سیاستمداران گاهی از ترس برای کنترل افکار عمومی استفاده میکنند.
Politicians sometimes use fear to control public opinion.
Complex sentence discussing societal themes.
مدیریت ترس در شرایط بحرانی یک مهارت حیاتی است.
Fear management in crisis situations is a vital skill.
Compound noun 'مدیریت ترس'.
ترس مرضی او از فضای بسته نیاز به درمان دارد.
His pathological fear of enclosed spaces needs treatment.
Medical/psychological terminology 'ترس مرضی'.
اگر ترس از عواقب نبود، تصمیم دیگری میگرفت.
If it weren't for the fear of consequences, he would have made a different decision.
Type 2/3 conditional sentence.
ادبیات گوتیک به شدت بر القای حس ترس تکیه دارد.
Gothic literature relies heavily on inducing a sense of fear.
Formal vocabulary 'القای حس'.
ترس و اضطراب مزمن سیستم ایمنی را ضعیف میکند.
Chronic fear and anxiety weaken the immune system.
Pairing synonyms and discussing scientific facts.
او با ترسی آمیخته به احترام به استاد نگاه کرد.
He looked at the master with a fear mixed with respect.
Complex adjectival phrase 'آمیخته به'.
درمانهای شناختی-رفتاری برای تقلیل ترسهای فوبیک بسیار موثرند.
Cognitive-behavioral therapies are highly effective for reducing phobic fears.
Highly specialized academic vocabulary.
ترسیم فضای رعب و ترس در این رمان، شاهکار نویسنده است.
The depiction of an atmosphere of terror and fear in this novel is the author's masterpiece.
Literary critique phrasing.
ترس وجودی از نیستی، بنمایه بسیاری از مکاتب فلسفی است.
The existential fear of nothingness is the foundation of many philosophical schools.
Philosophical terminology 'ترس وجودی'.
رسانهها با دامن زدن به ترسهای واهی، افکار عمومی را منحرف میکنند.
The media, by stoking unfounded fears, distracts public opinion.
Idiomatic expression 'دامن زدن به'.
غلبه بر این ترس مستلزم یک دگردیسی درونی و عمیق است.
Overcoming this fear necessitates a deep, internal metamorphosis.
Advanced vocabulary 'مستلزم' and 'دگردیسی'.
ترس از طرد شدگی اجتماعی، محرک پنهان بسیاری از رفتارهای هنجارپذیر است.
The fear of social rejection is the hidden motive for many conforming behaviors.
Sociological analysis phrasing.
در این شرایط ملتهب، هرگونه تصمیمگیری مبتنی بر ترس، عواقب وخیمی در پی خواهد داشت.
In this volatile situation, any decision-making based on fear will entail dire consequences.
Formal, cautionary tone with complex syntax.
عارفان بر این باورند که با تجلی عشق الهی، هرگونه ترس دنیوی رنگ میبازد.
Mystics believe that with the manifestation of divine love, any worldly fear fades away.
Mystical/poetic vocabulary 'تجلی' and 'رنگ میبازد'.
مفهوم ترس در اندیشه کیرکگور، نه یک ضعف روانشناختی، بلکه پیششرط بیداری اگزیستانسیال است.
The concept of fear in Kierkegaard's thought is not a psychological weakness, but a prerequisite for existential awakening.
Academic philosophical discourse.
هژمونی حاکم با بازتولید مداوم ترس، ساختارهای سلطه خود را تحکیم میبخشد.
The ruling hegemony, through the continuous reproduction of fear, consolidates its structures of domination.
Advanced political science terminology.
واکاوی ریشههای اسطورهای ترس در شاهنامه، پرده از ناخودآگاه جمعی ایرانیان برمیدارد.
Analyzing the mythological roots of fear in the Shahnameh unveils the collective unconscious of Iranians.
Literary analysis and psychoanalytic terms.
در پارادایم نئولیبرالیسم، ترس از ناامنی اقتصادی به عنوان ابزاری برای انقیاد نیروی کار عمل میکند.
In the paradigm of neoliberalism, the fear of economic insecurity acts as a tool for the subjugation of the workforce.
Socio-economic critical theory.
دیالکتیک ترس و امید، موتور محرک تاریخ در عبور از بحرانهای تمدنی بوده است.
The dialectic of fear and hope has been the driving engine of history in navigating civilizational crises.
Historiographical and philosophical syntax.
تجربه سوبژکتیو ترس، تقلیلناپذیر به تبیینهای صرفاً نوروبیولوژیک است.
The subjective experience of fear is irreducible to purely neurobiological explanations.
Epistemological and scientific critique.
استتیک ترس در سینمای اکسپرسیونیسم، بازتابی از فروپاشی روانی جامعه پس از جنگ بود.
The aesthetics of fear in Expressionist cinema was a reflection of the psychological collapse of post-war society.
Film theory and art history vocabulary.
گذر از ساحت ترس به ساحت طمأنینه، غایت قصوای سلوک عرفانی در سنت شرقی است.
The transition from the realm of fear to the realm of tranquility is the ultimate goal of the mystical journey in the Eastern tradition.
Highly classical, mystical, and archaic vocabulary.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
Often Confused With
Idioms & Expressions
Easily Confused
Sentence Patterns
How to Use It
While it means fear, it doesn't always imply cowardice; it can imply a healthy respect for danger.
Can be used in both highly formal and very informal contexts without changing its core form.
- Saying 'ترس سگ' instead of 'ترس از سگ'.
- Using 'من ترس' to mean 'I am afraid'.
- Confusing 'ترس' (fear) with 'ترسو' (coward).
- Pronouncing the 'r' like an English 'r'.
- Forgetting the Ezafe when adding an adjective, e.g., 'ترس واقعی' without the 'e' sound.
Tips
Always use 'از'
When stating what you are afraid of, 'ترس' must be followed by 'از'. Think of fear as an energy radiating 'from' the object. Never translate 'fear of' literally without 'از'. This is the most common mistake for English speakers.
Movie Genres
If you like horror movies, look for 'فیلم ترسناک' (film-e tarsnak). The suffix '-ناک' turns the noun into an adjective meaning 'full of fear'. It's a great way to find engaging Persian media.
Verb vs. Noun
In casual speech, Iranians prefer using the verb 'میترسم' (I fear) over the noun phrase 'ترس دارم' (I have fear). While both are correct, the verb sounds much more natural and native. Save the noun for abstract discussions.
Bursting with Fear
To sound like a native, use the idiom 'زهره ترک شدم' (Zohreh tarak shodam). It literally means 'my gallbladder burst', but it translates to 'I was scared to death'. Use it when a friend jumps out and startles you.
Use Ezafe for Description
When describing the type of fear, remember the Ezafe (the 'e' sound). 'ترسِ بزرگ' (tars-e bozorg) means big fear. Forgetting the Ezafe makes the sentence sound broken and disconnected.
Listen for the Tone
In Persian, emotions are heavily conveyed through intonation. When someone says 'ترس', their pitch often rises if they are currently scared, or lowers if they are discussing a serious, deep-seated dread.
Level Up with 'وحشت'
Once you master 'ترس', start incorporating 'وحشت' (vahshat) for extreme terror. It shows a higher level of vocabulary and adds dramatic flair to your storytelling. It's perfect for describing nightmares.
Cultural Proverbs
Memorize 'ترس برادر مرگ است' (Fear is the brother of death). Dropping this proverb into a conversation about taking risks will impress native speakers and show cultural understanding.
Crisp 'R' Sound
The 'r' in 'ترس' should be slightly rolled or tapped, like in Spanish. Don't use the soft English 'r'. A crisp 'r' makes the word sound much sharper and more authentic.
Look for Compound Words
In literature, you will see 'ترس' combined with many words. 'خدا ترس' (God-fearing) is a common one. Recognizing 'ترس' as a building block will help you decode complex new words.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine a T-Rex (Tars) roaring at you, causing immense FEAR.
Word Origin
Middle Persian
Cultural Context
In the Shahnameh (Book of Kings), heroes like Rostam are defined by their absolute lack of 'ترس' in the face of demons and dragons.
Fear of the 'Evil Eye' (چشم زخم) is a common cultural anxiety, often warded off with amulets or the phrase 'Mashallah'.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Conversation Starters
"بزرگترین ترس شما در زندگی چیست؟ (What is your biggest fear in life?)"
"آیا از تاریکی ترس دارید؟ (Do you have a fear of the dark?)"
"چگونه بر ترسهای خود غلبه میکنید؟ (How do you overcome your fears?)"
"آیا تا به حال فیلمی دیدهاید که به شما حس ترس بدهد؟ (Have you ever seen a movie that gave you a feeling of fear?)"
"به نظر شما ترس یک احساس مفید است یا مضر؟ (In your opinion, is fear a useful or harmful emotion?)"
Journal Prompts
Write about a time you felt a deep 'ترس' and how you handled it.
List three things you have a 'ترس از' (fear of) and why.
Describe a 'فیلم ترسناک' (scary movie) you watched recently.
How does 'ترس' affect your decision-making?
Write a short story where the main character overcomes their 'ترس'.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questions'ترس' is strictly a noun meaning 'fear'. The verb form is 'ترسیدن' (to fear). Beginners often confuse the two. If you want to say 'I am afraid', use the verb 'میترسم'. If you want to say 'Fear is bad', use the noun 'ترس'.
The preposition 'از' (az), meaning 'from' or 'of', is almost always used with 'ترس'. For example, 'ترس از عنکبوت' means 'fear of spiders'. Do not use 'برای' (for) or leave the preposition out. It is a strict grammatical rule.
You add the suffix '-ناک' (-nak) to the noun 'ترس' to create the adjective 'ترسناک' (tarsnak). This means 'scary' or 'frightening'. For example, 'فیلم ترسناک' means 'scary movie'. It describes the thing causing the fear.
Add the suffix '-و' (-oo) to the root to get 'ترسو' (tarsoo). This is an adjective or noun used to describe a person who is easily frightened or cowardly. It is often used playfully among friends, but can be an insult.
'ترس' is the general word for fear and can range from mild to strong. 'وحشت' (vahshat) specifically means terror, horror, or extreme panic. Use 'وحشت' for very intense, overwhelming situations where 'ترس' isn't strong enough.
Yes, as an abstract noun, it can be pluralized using the standard Persian plural suffix '-ها' (-ha). 'ترسها' (tars-ha) means 'fears'. For example, 'او ترسهای زیادی دارد' means 'He has many fears'.
It is a famous Persian proverb that translates to 'Fear is the brother of death'. It means that living in constant fear is as bad as being dead. It encourages bravery and taking action despite being afraid.
You can use the phrase 'غلبه بر ترس'. The full sentence would be 'من بر ترسم غلبه کردم' (man bar tarsam ghalabeh kardam). This is a very natural and common way to express overcoming a phobia or anxiety.
Yes, 'ترس' is used in all registers, from street slang to academic papers. In formal writing, it might be paired with more complex verbs or adjectives, like 'ترس نهادینه شده' (institutionalized fear), but the root word remains the same.
It is a binomial phrase meaning 'fear and trembling'. It is used to describe someone who is extremely frightened, often physically shaking. For example, 'با ترس و لرز وارد اتاق شد' (He entered the room with fear and trembling).
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Summary
The word 'ترس' is your primary tool for expressing fear and anxiety in Persian. Remember to always link it to the source of your fear using the preposition 'از' (az), and distinguish it from the verb form 'ترسیدن' (to fear).
- Means 'fear' or 'dread' in English.
- Used with the preposition 'از' (az).
- Root of words like 'ترسناک' (scary).
- A core A1 vocabulary word.
Always use 'از'
When stating what you are afraid of, 'ترس' must be followed by 'از'. Think of fear as an energy radiating 'from' the object. Never translate 'fear of' literally without 'از'. This is the most common mistake for English speakers.
Movie Genres
If you like horror movies, look for 'فیلم ترسناک' (film-e tarsnak). The suffix '-ناک' turns the noun into an adjective meaning 'full of fear'. It's a great way to find engaging Persian media.
Verb vs. Noun
In casual speech, Iranians prefer using the verb 'میترسم' (I fear) over the noun phrase 'ترس دارم' (I have fear). While both are correct, the verb sounds much more natural and native. Save the noun for abstract discussions.
Bursting with Fear
To sound like a native, use the idiom 'زهره ترک شدم' (Zohreh tarak shodam). It literally means 'my gallbladder burst', but it translates to 'I was scared to death'. Use it when a friend jumps out and startles you.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Phrases
More emotions words
عاشق
A1Feeling or showing love; deeply in love.
عاشق بودن
A2To love, to be in love
عاشق شدن
A2To develop strong romantic feelings for someone.
عاشقانه
B1Lovingly, romantically; in a loving or romantic way.
عاطفه
A2Affection, emotion, sentiment.
اعتقاد
A2A strong belief or faith.
اعتماد
A2Trust, confidence, reliance.
اعتماد کردن
A2To trust; to rely on.
عجب
B1An exclamation of wonder, surprise, or amazement; how strange! amazing!
عجول
A1Impatient; having or showing a tendency to be quickly irritated or provoked.