هدف
hadaf/ha.ˈdaf/
The English word 'goal' is translated into Persian as هدف (hadaf).
هدف is used to describe a result one is attempting to achieve. It can be used for both abstract goals, such as life goals and concrete targets, such as a target in archery.
Meaning: result one is attempting to achieve (noun)
Which one should you use?
While هدف means a general goal or aim, the specific word for a goal scored in sports like football (soccer) is گل.
How does it change in a sentence?
Adding the suffix '-ش' (-sh) to هدف creates the third-person singular possessive form 'his goal' or 'her goal', resulting in هدفش.
How do you pronounce it?
It has two syllables, with the stress on the second syllable.
Did you know?
- The word هدف was originally used in Arabic to describe a mark for archery. It shares a root with words related to aiming and targeting before it became a general term for any life ambition.
- Persian has several words for 'goal' depending on the nuance. While هدف is general, the word مقصد is used specifically for a destination or a goal that is a physical place.
- The term هدف is frequently paired with the verb داشتن meaning 'to have'. In Persian, instead of saying someone 'set' a goal, they often say they 'have' a goal هدف داشتن.
Examples in context
- او به هدفش رسید.He reached his goal.This sentence uses هدف to describe reaching a goal.Tatoeba #7963695 by cojiluc, translation #389166 by CK
- او برای دستیابی به هدفش جهد می‌کند.He endeavors to attain his goal.This sentence uses هدف to describe striving to attain a goal.Tatoeba #12599952 by cojiluc, translation #304207 by al_ex_an_der
- آدم بدون هدف مانند کشتی بدون سکان است.A man without a goal is like a ship without a rudder.This sentence uses هدف in a metaphor about a man without a goal.Tatoeba #10995058 by cojiluc, translation #3133111 by carlosalberto
- هدف اصلی یک تیم فوتبال برنده شدن در لیگ است.The main goal of a football team is to win the league.
- آرزوی من این است که بهترین نتیجه را در امتحانات بگیرم.My goal is to get the best result in the exams.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maryam and Mohammad are talking about their future plans.
- مریم Maryamهدف تو برای سال آینده چیست؟Hadaf-e to baraye sal-e ayande chist?What is your goal for next year?
- محمد Mohammadهدف من یادگیری زبان انگلیسی است.Hadaf-e man yadgiri-ye zaban-e engilisi ast.My goal is learning the English language.
- مریم Maryamخیلی عالی است، حتماً موفق می‌شوی.Kheyli ali ast, hatman movafagh mishavi.That is great, you will definitely succeed.
- محمد Mohammadممنونم، تو هم برای اهدافت تلاش کن.Mamnoonam, to ham baraye ahdafat talash kon.Thanks, you should also work hard for your goals.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry هدف, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries هدف, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
