زنده باد
zendeh bād/zin.ˈda ˈbaːd/word by word
The English phrase "long live" is translated into Persian as زنده باد (zendeh bād).
زنده باد is used to express a wish for someone or something to prosper or endure. It is typically found in formal, ceremonial or highly rhetorical contexts, such as poetic exclamations or political slogans.
Meaning: prosper (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the adjective zendeh (alive) and the subjunctive form of the verb boodan (to be), meaning "may [he/she/it] be alive".
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the third-person singular subjunctive, which functions as an optative mood to express a wish or prayer.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is zendeh bād.
Did you know?
- While باد in modern Persian usually means 'wind', in this specific grammatical context, it functions as a verb meaning 'may it be'.
- Because of its formal nature, using زنده باد to wish someone well in a coffee shop would seem quite dramatic and out of place.
- The word باد in this phrase is an ancient optative form, which is a shortened version of the older verb بواد.
Examples in context
- زنده باد زبان فارسی!Long live the Persian language!This sentence shows how to use زنده باد to express support for a language.Tatoeba #513903 by mahdiye, translation #513906 by mahdiye
- پادشاه مرده است، زنده باد پادشاه!The king is dead, long live the king!This sentence demonstrates the classic use of زنده باد in a monarchical context.Tatoeba #1527104 by AsliAbbasi, translation #1526486 by pauldhunt
- زنده باد دموکراسی!Long live democracy!This sentence illustrates a political use of زنده باد to express a wish for a concept.Tatoeba #13758254 by Adelpa, translation #12237366 by Miktsoanit
Example conversation
Ali and Maryam are at a celebratory rally for their favorite artist.
- علی Aliببین همه دارند فریاد می‌زنند!Bebin hame dārand faryād mizanand!Look, everyone is shouting!
- مریم Maryamبله، زنده باد هنر!Bale, zende bād honar!Yes, long live art!
- علی Aliمن هم با آنها می‌خوانم.Man ham bā ānhā mikhānam.I will chant with them too.
- مریم Maryamبیا با هم فریاد بزنیم.Biyā bā ham faryād bezanim.Let's shout together.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (زنده, باد) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries باد, زنده, زنده باد, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
