At the heart of a truly abundant life, gratitude is far more than a momentary thank you; it is a profound way of seeing that transforms our entire journey through the world. It is the conscious recognition of blessings in both the grand and the ordinary, the heartfelt appreciation for each moment as a precious gift, and the gentle cultivation of contentment that radiates from within. This vital practice shifts our perspective, opening us to deeper joy, inner peace, and unwavering resilience. Rooted in a rich spiritual and poetic tradition, Persian offers many layered expressions of this powerful state. These ten Persian words reflect the enduring power of gratitude, beautifully aligned with the deeper truths this work seeks to illuminate and inspire a more meaningful existence.
1. شکر Shukr (shukr) – Gratitude, thanks, thankfulness (often spiritual)
Gratitude expressed as a spiritual or divine appreciation, often in prayer or reflection.
Example: “After surviving the accident, she whispered shukr with every breath.”
2. سپاس Sepās (se-pas) – Thankfulness, appreciation, acknowledgment
A deep, respectful thanks—conscious and often formal in nature.
Example: “He wrote a letter of sepās for her years of kindness.”
3. تشکر Tashakkor (ta-shak-kor) – Formal thanks, polite appreciation
Used in formal settings or correspondence to show respectful gratitude.
Example: “She offered her tashakkor after the generous invitation.”
4. امتنان Emtenān (em-te-nān) – Deep gratitude, indebtedness
Reflects heartfelt indebtedness for something profound, not easily repaid.
Example: “He bowed his head in emtenān to the teacher who changed his life.”
5. قدردانی Ghadardāni (ghad-ar-dā-ni) – Recognition, grateful acknowledgment
Appreciating effort or kindness with deliberate recognition.
Example: “A simple ghadardāni changed the energy of the entire room.”
6. نعمت Ne’mat (ne’-mat) – Blessing, bounty, divine favor
Focuses on the blessings themselves—what is received or experienced as sacred.
Example: “Good health is a ne’mat we often forget until it fades.”
7. برکت Barkat (bar-kat) – Abundance, grace, spiritual prosperity
An enriching flow—often divine—linked to being grateful and aligned.
Example: “Their home radiated barkat from a life rooted in generosity.”
8. سپاسگزاری Sepāsgozāri (se-pās-go-zā-ri) – Act of giving thanks
Gratitude made active—a gesture, expression, or ceremony of thanks.
Example: “They held a sepāsgozāri to honor the support of their community.”
9. حقشناسی Haghshenāsi (hagh-she-nā-si) – Grateful recognition of rights or favors
Acknowledging what is just, deserved, or owed in gratitude.
Example: “Her haghshenāsi toward her ancestors shaped every decision.”
10. دل قدردان Del-e Ghadardān (del-e-gha-dar-dān) – A grateful heart
A poetic way to describe someone whose heart lives in gratitude.
Example: “Even in hardship, she carried a del-e ghadardān.”
Pronunciation Note
• gh – a throaty sound, like French r (غ / ق)
• kh – a deep “h” sound, like the ch in Bach (خ)
• zh – like the s in measure (ژ)
• sh – like sh in shine (ش)
• ch – like ch in cheese (چ)
Stressed syllables are shown in bold within the pronunciation.
Italicized words in parentheses reflect how to say the word phonetically.
