مقدس
muqaddas/mu.qad.ˈdas/
The Persian word for holy is مقدس (muqaddas).
مقدس is used to describe things or people that are revered within a religion. It is also the standard term for 'sacred' when referring to secular concepts, such as sacred duties or sacred texts.
Meaning: revered in a religion (adj)
Which one should you use?
While مقدس is the primary term for 'holy' in a religious context, it also functions as the word for 'sacred' in a general or non-religious sense.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective مقدس is invariant in gender and number, so it does not change its form to agree with the nouns it describes.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /mu.qad.ˈdas/. It has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 3rd syllable.
Did you know?
- In Iran, the concept of 'holy' often extends to the حرم, the sanctuary surrounding a shrine, where people believe the physical space itself possesses a contagious holiness.
- In some Persian contexts, the 'holy' nature of a person is indicated not by the word مقدس, but by the title حضرت, which is added before their name to signal an inherent sanctity.
- Persian has a distinct word, پاک, which translates to 'pure' or 'clean', but is often used interchangeably with مقدس when describing a holy soul or spirit.
Examples in context
- مقدس ترین کاخHoliest palace
- جان من!Holy moly! or oh my goodness!
- این یک کتاب مقدس است.in yek ketāb-e mogaddas ast.This is a holy book.
- آن مکان بسیار مقدس است.ān makān besyār mogaddas ast.That place is very holy.
Example conversation
Zahra and Ali are visiting a religious site.
- زهرا Zahraعلی، اینجا خیلی مقدس است.Ali, inja kheyli moqaddas ast.Ali, this place is very holy.
- علی Aliبله، من حس خوبی دارم.Bale, man hesse khubi daram.Yes, I have a good feeling.
- زهرا Zahraباید با احترام رفتار کنیم.Bayad ba ehteram raftar konim.We should behave with respect.
- علی Aliمطمئناً، زهرا.Motma'enan, Zahra.Certainly, Zahra.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry مقدس, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
