نخبه
nokhbeh
The Persian word for "elite" is نخبه (nokhbeh).
The term is used to refer to a group with higher status.
Meaning: group with higher status (noun)
Which one should you use?
While نخبه refers to an elite, the form نخبگان is used specifically to refer to "the intellectuals" or "the elites". Additionally, the phrase اقشار برتر can be used to mean "the superior classes" or "the upper segments".
How do you pronounce it?
nokhbeh
Did you know?
- In modern Persian, the word is used much more strictly for 'intellectual elites' than 'financial elites'. A billionaire might not be called a نخبه unless they are also highly influential in the cultural or scientific sphere.
- The word نخبه comes from the same root as the Arabic word for 'selection' or 'picking'. It implies that an elite is not just powerful, but has been specifically chosen or extracted from a group.
- Persian often uses the word روشنفکر (literally 'clear-thinker') as a near-synonym for نخبه when referring to the cultural or artistic elite.
Example conversation
Niloufar and Ali are discussing a prestigious university program.
- نیلوفر Niloufarاین برنامه تحصیلی خیلی سخت است.In barnameh tahsili kheyli sakht ast.This educational program is very difficult.
- علی Aliبله، چون فقط نخبه را میپذیرند.Bale, chon faghat nokhbe ra mipazirand.Yes, because they only admit the elite.
- نیلوفر Niloufarآیا تو فکر میکنی شانسی داری؟Aya to fekr mikoni shansi dari?Do you think you have a chance?
- علی Aliامیدوارم بتوانم به آن گروه بپیوندم.Omidvaram betavanam be aan goruh bepyvondam.I hope I can join that group.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries نخبه, CC BY-SA 4.0.
