مجبور بودن
to be obliged, to have to
مجبور بودن em 30 segundos
- Expresses external force or obligation.
- Requires the subjunctive mood for the following verb.
- Can be conjugated in all tenses (past, present, future).
- More specific and 'forced' than the general 'bayad' (must).
The Persian verb مجبور بودن (majbur budan) is a cornerstone of expressing necessity and external pressure in the Persian language. At its core, it translates to 'to be forced,' 'to be obliged,' or 'to have to.' Unlike the modal verb 'bayad' (must), which often implies a general or internal obligation, majbur budan strongly suggests that the subject has no other choice due to external circumstances, rules, or the actions of others. It is a compound verb consisting of the adjective 'majbur' (forced/compelled) and the auxiliary verb 'budan' (to be). This structure allows it to be conjugated across all tenses, making it incredibly versatile for describing past, present, and future constraints.
- Semantic Core
- The word implies a lack of agency. When you use this verb, you are communicating that the path you are taking is the only one available, often against your personal preference.
من مجبور بودم تمام شب را کار کنم چون مهلت تمام شده بود. (I was forced to work all night because the deadline had passed.)
In daily conversation, this verb is used to explain absences, justify actions, or describe difficult situations. For instance, if you missed a party because of a family emergency, you would say 'Majbur budam bemanam' (I had to stay). The word 'majbur' itself comes from the Arabic root J-B-R, which relates to setting a bone or restoration through force, highlighting the 'compelling' nature of the term. In modern Persian, it has lost its surgical connotations but retained the sense of 'restoration of order through necessity'.
- Grammatical Connection
- It is almost always followed by a verb in the subjunctive mood (e.g., majburam *beravam* - I am forced *that I go*).
ما مجبور هستیم قوانین را رعایت کنیم. (We are obliged to follow the rules.)
Using مجبور بودن correctly requires understanding the 'Subjunctive' (التزامی) mood. Whenever you say you are 'forced to [do something]', the '[do something]' part must be in the subjunctive. This is a common pattern for verbs of necessity, desire, or possibility in Persian. For example, 'I am forced to go' becomes 'Majburam beravam'. The 'be-' prefix on 'beravam' indicates the subjunctive mood. If you are speaking about the past, you use the past tense of 'budan' (e.g., majbur budam) but the following verb usually remains in the subjunctive or the past subjunctive depending on the complexity of the sentence.
- Present Tense Construction
- [Subject] + [Majbur] + [Shortened form of 'to be'] + [Subjunctive Verb]. Example: Man majburam bekharam (I have to buy).
آنها مجبور شدند خانه را بفروشند. (They were forced to sell the house.)
Another key aspect is the use of the preposition 'be' (to). While often omitted in casual speech, the full formal structure is 'majbur be [noun] budan' or 'majbur budan ke [verb]'. When followed by a noun, it means 'forced into [something]'. For example, 'majbur be sokut' (forced into silence). In the majority of A2 and B1 level contexts, you will see it followed by a verb. It is also important to note the negative form: 'majbur nistam' (I am not forced/I don't have to). This is the standard way to express a lack of obligation, similar to 'don't have to' in English.
- Past Tense Construction
- [Subject] + [Majbur] + [Past 'budan'] + [Subjunctive Verb]. Example: To majbur budi beguyi (You were forced to say).
چرا مجبور نیستی امروز به مدرسه بروی؟ (Why don't you have to go to school today?)
You will encounter مجبور بودن in almost every facet of Iranian life, from the most mundane domestic excuses to high-level political discourse. In the household, a child might say 'Majburam dars bekhanam' (I have to study) to explain why they can't play. In the workplace, a manager might say 'Majburim hazine-ha ra kam konim' (We are forced to reduce costs) when discussing budget cuts. It carries a weight of external reality that 'bayad' (must) sometimes lacks. While 'bayad' sounds like a command or a moral duty, 'majbur budan' sounds like a reaction to an inevitable situation.
- In News and Media
- Journalists use it to describe countries forced into treaties, people forced to migrate (mohajerat-e ejbari), or economies forced into inflation.
هزاران نفر مجبور به ترک خانههای خود شدند. (Thousands were forced to leave their homes.)
In Iranian cinema and literature, this verb often highlights the theme of 'jabr' (determinism or fate) vs. 'ekhtiar' (free will). Characters often lament being 'majbur' to follow traditions or social norms they disagree with. In the bustling streets of Tehran, you might hear a taxi driver say 'Majburam dar in terafik bemanam' (I'm forced to stay in this traffic). It’s a word of resignation. Understanding this nuance helps a learner not just speak Persian, but feel the cultural weight of the constraints often discussed in Iranian society.
- Social Etiquette
- It is used politely to decline invitations: 'Kheyli dust daram biyam, vali majburam be karha berasam' (I'd love to come, but I'm forced to attend to my chores).
او مجبور شد عذرخواهی کند. (He was forced to apologize.)
The most frequent error learners make with مجبور بودن is failing to use the subjunctive mood for the following verb. Because English uses the infinitive ('to go', 'to eat'), learners often try to use the Persian infinitive (raftan, khordan). However, saying 'Man majburam raftan' is grammatically incorrect. You must say 'Man majburam beravam'. Another common mistake is confusing 'majbur budan' with 'bayad'. While both translate to 'have to' or 'must', 'bayad' is an impersonal modal verb that doesn't change for the person (it's always 'bayad'), whereas 'majbur budan' must be conjugated to match the subject (majburam, majburi, majbur ast, etc.).
- Mistake: Wrong Verb Form
- Incorrect: Man majburam *kar kardan*. Correct: Man majburam *kar konam*.
نباید بگویید: من مجبور هستم رفت. باید بگویید: من مجبور هستم بروم.
Another nuance is the difference between 'majbur budan' and 'majbur shodan'. Use 'budan' for a continuous state of obligation and 'shodan' for the moment the obligation began or the act of being forced by someone. Forgetting the 'be' when using a noun is also common. If you say 'I was forced to silence', it should be 'Majbur be sokut shodam', not just 'Majbur sokut shodam'. Lastly, ensure you don't over-rely on this verb for simple duties. If you just 'need' to do something, 'lazem budan' or 'niyaz dashtan' might be more appropriate and less dramatic.
- Mistake: Confusion with 'Bayad'
- 'Bayad' is for general necessity. 'Majbur budan' is for specific, often unwanted, external pressure.
اشتباه: من باید هستم بروم. درست: من مجبور هستم بروم یا من باید بروم.
Persian has several ways to express obligation, and choosing the right one depends on the level of formality and the source of the pressure. مجبور بودن is the most common for external force. A very close synonym is vadar shodan (to be compelled), which is slightly more formal and often implies a person specifically forcing you. Another is na-char budan (to have no choice/remedy), which is more literary and emphasizes the lack of any other 'char' (solution). While 'majbur' feels like a push, 'na-char' feels like a dead end.
- Comparison: Majbur vs. Na-char
- 'Majbur' is common in speech. 'Na-char' is often found in poetry and formal writing to show a desperate lack of options.
او ناچار بود حقیقت را بگوید. (He had no choice but to tell the truth.)
In a professional context, you might use mote'ahhed budan (to be committed/obligated by contract). For moral obligations, vazifeh dashtan (to have a duty) is the best fit. If the obligation is just a logical necessity, lazem budan (to be necessary) is used. For example, 'Lazem ast dars bekhanid' (It is necessary that you study). Understanding these distinctions allows you to move from A2 to B2 proficiency by using the word that fits the exact 'flavor' of the obligation you are describing.
- Comparison: Majbur vs. Bayad
- 'Bayad' is 'should/must' (general). 'Majbur' is 'have to/forced' (specific/external).
من موظف هستم گزارش را بنویسم. (I am duty-bound to write the report.)
How Formal Is It?
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Nível de dificuldade
Gramática essencial
Exemplos por nível
من مجبورم بروم.
I have to go.
Present tense: majbur + am (short for hastam).
او مجبور است کار کند.
He has to work.
Third person singular.
ما مجبوریم بخوابیم.
We have to sleep.
First person plural.
تو مجبوری بخوری.
You have to eat.
Second person singular.
آنها مجبورند بدوند.
They have to run.
Third person plural.
من مجبور نیستم.
I don't have to.
Negative form.
آیا تو مجبوری؟
Do you have to?
Question form.
او مجبور نیست بیاید.
She doesn't have to come.
Negative third person.
من مجبور بودم زود بیدار شوم.
I had to wake up early.
Past tense of 'budan'.
ما مجبور شدیم پیاده برویم.
We were forced to walk.
Using 'shodan' for a change of state.
او مجبور بود درس بخواند.
He had to study.
Past obligation.
آنها مجبور نبودند بمانند.
They didn't have to stay.
Negative past.
تو مجبور بودی به او کمک کنی.
You had to help him.
Second person past.
چرا مجبور شدی بروی؟
Why did you have to go?
Question with 'shodan'.
من مجبورم امروز در خانه بمانم.
I have to stay at home today.
Present obligation with subjunctive.
او مجبور است عینک بزند.
He has to wear glasses.
Physical necessity.
به خاطر ترافیک، مجبور شدیم دیر برسیم.
Because of traffic, we were forced to arrive late.
Reason + majbur shodan.
اگر باران ببارد، مجبوریم در خانه بمانیم.
If it rains, we will have to stay home.
Conditional sentence.
او مجبور شده است شغلش را عوض کند.
He has been forced to change his job.
Present perfect tense.
ما مجبور خواهیم بود تصمیم بگیریم.
We will be forced to make a decision.
Future tense.
من هیچوقت مجبور نبودهام دروغ بگویم.
I have never been forced to lie.
Negative present perfect.
آیا تا به حال مجبور شدهای تنهایی سفر کنی؟
Have you ever been forced to travel alone?
Question in present perfect.
او مجبور بود برای امتحان تمام شب بیدار بماند.
He had to stay up all night for the exam.
Past continuous obligation.
ما مجبور نیستیم تمام قوانین را دوست داشته باشیم.
We don't have to like all the rules.
Nuanced negative obligation.
دولت مجبور شد قیمتها را افزایش دهد.
The government was forced to increase prices.
Formal/Political context.
او به دلیل بیماری مجبور به استعفا شد.
He was forced to resign due to illness.
Majbur be + noun construction.
ما مجبوریم با واقعیت روبرو شویم.
We are forced to face reality.
Abstract usage.
آنها مجبور بودند بین دو گزینه بد یکی را انتخاب کنند.
They were forced to choose between two bad options.
Complex decision making.
او مجبور شد برای نجات شرکت فداکاری کند.
He was forced to make a sacrifice to save the company.
Professional context.
آیا فکر میکنی انسان مجبور به انجام کارهایش است؟
Do you think humans are forced to do their actions?
Philosophical context.
او مجبور شد علیرغم میل باطنیاش عذرخواهی کند.
He was forced to apologize against his inner will.
Formal expression of internal conflict.
ما مجبور به پذیرش این شرایط سخت هستیم.
We are forced to accept these difficult conditions.
Formal 'majbur be' construction.
نویسنده مجبور شد بخشهایی از کتاب را حذف کند.
The author was forced to delete parts of the book.
Censorship/Editing context.
او در شرایطی قرار گرفت که مجبور به سکوت شد.
He was placed in a situation where he was forced into silence.
Passive/Situational context.
اقتصاد کشور مجبور به اصلاحات ساختاری است.
The country's economy is forced to undergo structural reforms.
Economic/Formal register.
او مجبور بود میان وفاداری و حقیقت یکی را برگزیند.
He was forced to choose between loyalty and truth.
Literary/Ethical context.
بسیاری از هنرمندان مجبور به مهاجرت شدهاند.
Many artists have been forced to emigrate.
Social/Political context.
او مجبور شد برای حفظ آبرویش دروغ بگوید.
He was forced to lie to save his reputation.
Cultural nuance (Abe-ru).
ما نباید مجبور به انتخاب میان بد و بدتر شویم.
We should not be forced to choose between bad and worse.
Political/Rhetorical usage.
او مجبور بود با پیامدهای تصمیمش زندگی کند.
He was forced to live with the consequences of his decision.
Existential/Long-term context.
او در تنگنایی قرار داشت که مجبور به تسلیم شد.
He was in a predicament where he was forced to surrender.
High-level vocabulary (Tangna).
فلسفه جبر معتقد است که انسان در تمام افعالش مجبور است.
The philosophy of determinism believes that man is forced in all his actions.
Philosophical/Academic register.
او مجبور شد برای بقای میراث خانوادگیاش بجنگد.
He was forced to fight for the survival of his family legacy.
Epic/Literary tone.
جامعه مجبور به بازنگری در ارزشهای بنیادین خود است.
Society is forced to re-evaluate its fundamental values.
Sociological context.
او مجبور شد میان عشق و وظیفه، دومی را برگزیند.
He was forced to choose the latter between love and duty.
Classical literary theme.
تاریخ نشان داده است که ملتها گاه مجبور به انقلاب میشوند.
History has shown that nations are sometimes forced into revolution.
Historical/Formal register.
او مجبور شد با سایههای گذشتهاش روبرو شود.
He was forced to face the shadows of his past.
Metaphorical/Psychological usage.
هنرمند مجبور است برای خلق اثرش از خود بگذرد.
The artist is forced to transcend himself to create his work.
Abstract/Aesthetic context.
Colocações comuns
Frases Comuns
مجبورم نکن
مجبور شدم
مجبور نیستی
مجبور به انجام
از روی اجبار
مجبور به رفتن
مجبور به ماندن
مجبور به کار
مجبور به خرید
مجبور به فروش
Frequentemente confundido com
Bayad is general necessity; Majbur is external force.
Lazem is logical necessity; Majbur is compulsion.
Khastan is desire; Majbur is the opposite of desire.
Expressões idiomáticas
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Fácil de confundir
Padrões de frases
Como usar
It sounds more 'heavy' and 'unavoidable' than 'bayad'.
Extremely high in both spoken and written Persian.
- Using the infinitive: 'majburam raftan' (Wrong) vs 'majburam beravam' (Right).
- Using 'bayad' with 'hastam': 'bayad hastam' (Wrong) vs 'majburam' (Right).
- Forgetting the 'be' in 'majbur be [noun]'.
- Mispronouncing 'majbur' as 'majbor'.
- Using 'majbur budan' for things you actually want to do.
Dicas
Subjunctive Check
Always ensure the second verb starts with 'be-' or 'bo-'. This is the most common error for English speakers.
Shorten It
In daily life, say 'majburam' instead of 'majbur hastam' to sound like a native speaker.
Polite Refusal
Use this verb to decline an invitation. It sounds less rude than saying 'I don't want to'.
Learn the Family
Learning 'ejbar' and 'ejbari' at the same time will help you recognize the root in different contexts.
Formal 'Be'
In essays, use 'majbur be' followed by a noun for a more academic feel.
Catch the 'Shodan'
Listen for 'shod' to know if something just happened to force the person.
Puppet Visual
Imagine a puppet when you say 'majbur'. It helps reinforce the idea of being controlled by something else.
Fate and Force
Understand that Iranians use this word often because of a cultural emphasis on external factors.
Negative Meaning
Remember 'majbur nistam' is the best way to say 'it's not necessary for me to...'.
The 'U' Sound
Make sure the 'u' in 'majbur' is long, like 'moon', not short like 'book'.
Memorize
Origem da palavra
Arabic root J-B-R (جبر)
Contexto cultural
Reflects historical periods of social and political constraint.
Used in Ta'arof to explain why one cannot stay longer or accept a gift.
Pratique na vida real
Contextos reais
Iniciadores de conversa
"آیا تا به حال مجبور شدهای دروغ بگویی؟"
"اگر مجبور باشی بین پول و عشق یکی را انتخاب کنی، کدام را انتخاب میکنی؟"
"چرا مجبور شدی به این شهر بیایی؟"
"آیا مجبوری هر روز صبح زود بیدار شوی؟"
"چه کاری را مجبوری انجام دهی که دوست نداری؟"
Temas para diário
درباره زمانی بنویسید که مجبور شدید یک تصمیم سخت بگیرید.
آیا فکر میکنید ما مجبور به دنبال کردن سنتها هستیم؟
لیستی از کارهایی که امروز مجبور به انجامشان هستید تهیه کنید.
اگر مجبور بودید در یک کشور دیگر زندگی کنید، کجا را انتخاب میکردید؟
تفاوت بین 'باید' و 'مجبور بودن' را در زندگی خود توصیف کنید.
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasNo, you must use the subjunctive mood. For example, 'majburam beravam' instead of 'majburam raftan'.
'Majbur budam' describes a state of being forced in the past. 'Majbur shodam' emphasizes the moment you were forced or the act of being forced.
The root 'jabr' is Arabic, but 'majbur budan' is a standard Persian compound verb used for centuries.
Use the negative of 'budan': 'Man majbur nistam'.
Not usually. It's more for explaining your own constraints. To ask someone else, you'd use 'mitavani' (can you) or 'lutfan' (please).
It is used in both, but the conjugation 'majburam' is more informal than 'majbur hastam'.
No, it often refers to circumstances like traffic, rules, or lack of other options.
The noun form is 'ejbar' (اجبار).
The adjective form is 'ejbari' (اجباری).
Only if the 'must' comes from an outside force. For general 'must', use 'bayad'.
Teste-se 200 perguntas
Write a sentence: 'I have to study for the exam.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence: 'We were forced to stay home because of the rain.'
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Write a sentence: 'You don't have to come if you are tired.'
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Write a sentence: 'He had to sell his car.'
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Write a sentence: 'They will be forced to leave the city.'
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Write a sentence: 'Why were you forced to lie?'
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Write a sentence: 'I am forced to accept this situation.'
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Write a sentence: 'She was forced to apologize to her friend.'
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Write a sentence: 'We are not forced to follow him.'
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Write a sentence: 'The government was forced to change the law.'
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Write a sentence: 'I have to work until late tonight.'
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Write a sentence: 'They were forced to wait for two hours.'
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Write a sentence: 'You are forced to choose one of them.'
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Write a sentence: 'I was forced to say the truth.'
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Write a sentence: 'We had to walk because the bus didn't come.'
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Write a sentence: 'He is forced to wear a suit at work.'
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Write a sentence: 'I am not forced to answer your question.'
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Write a sentence: 'They were forced to close the shop.'
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Write a sentence: 'She had to take the medicine.'
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Write a sentence: 'We will be forced to cancel the party.'
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Say: 'I have to go now.'
Read this aloud:
Você disse:
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Say: 'Do you have to work today?'
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Você disse:
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Say: 'We had to wait.'
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Say: 'He doesn't have to stay.'
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Say: 'I was forced to say yes.'
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Say: 'They are forced to leave.'
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Say: 'Why do we have to study?'
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Say: 'You don't have to worry.'
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Você disse:
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Say: 'I will have to buy a new car.'
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Você disse:
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Say: 'She was forced to apologize.'
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Você disse:
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Say: 'We are forced to accept.'
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Você disse:
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Say: 'Don't force me to do this.'
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Say: 'I had to call him.'
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Say: 'They are not forced to pay.'
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Say: 'Are you forced to go there?'
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Você disse:
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Say: 'I have to finish this book.'
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Você disse:
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Say: 'We were forced to walk home.'
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Você disse:
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Say: 'He has to wear glasses.'
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Você disse:
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Say: 'I don't have to explain anything.'
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Você disse:
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Say: 'They had to cancel the meeting.'
Read this aloud:
Você disse:
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Listen and identify the verb: 'Man majburam beravam.'
Listen and identify the tense: 'Majbur shodam.'
Listen and identify the person: 'Majburim.'
Listen and identify the mood: 'Majburam *bekharam*.'
Listen and identify the negative: 'Majbur nistam.'
Listen and identify the synonym: 'Na-char budam.'
Listen and identify the subject: 'Anha majburand.'
Listen and identify the reason: 'Be khatere terafik majbur shodam.'
Listen and identify the action: 'Majburam dars bekhanam.'
Listen and identify the question: 'Chera majburi?'
Listen and identify the formal form: 'Majbur hastim.'
Listen and identify the future: 'Majbur khaham bud.'
Listen and identify the noun: 'Ejbar.'
Listen and identify the adjective: 'Ejbari.'
Listen and identify the command: 'Majburam nakon!'
/ 200 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
Use 'مجبور بودن' when you want to emphasize that you have no other choice but to perform an action due to external factors. Example: 'Majburam beravam' (I am forced to go/I have to go).
- Expresses external force or obligation.
- Requires the subjunctive mood for the following verb.
- Can be conjugated in all tenses (past, present, future).
- More specific and 'forced' than the general 'bayad' (must).
Subjunctive Check
Always ensure the second verb starts with 'be-' or 'bo-'. This is the most common error for English speakers.
Shorten It
In daily life, say 'majburam' instead of 'majbur hastam' to sound like a native speaker.
Polite Refusal
Use this verb to decline an invitation. It sounds less rude than saying 'I don't want to'.
Learn the Family
Learning 'ejbar' and 'ejbari' at the same time will help you recognize the root in different contexts.
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Mais palavras de general
عادتوار
C1As a matter of habit; habitually.
عادی
A1A palavra 'عادی' significa normal ou comum. Por exemplo: 'Um dia normal' (یک روز عادی).
عافیت
B2Bem-estar; estado de saúde e segurança. Frequentemente usado como uma bênção após um espirro.
عاجل
B2Requiring immediate attention or action; urgent.
عاقبت
C1The outcome or result of an action or event.
عاقل
A1Sensato, ajuizado. Alguém que age com razão e bom senso.
عالمگیر
C1Universal, worldwide, or affecting all parts of the world.
عالی
A1A palavra 'Aali' significa excelente ou soberbo em persa.
عام
B1A palavra 'Am' significa geral ou público.
اعم از
B2Including; whether (used to introduce options).