What it means
اراده (erâde) means “will,” “willpower,” or “determination.” The word is borrowed from Arabic (إرادة), where it shares the root و-ر-د relating to coming and arriving; the Form IV verb أراد means “to want” or “to intend.” In Persian, it is used to describe the inner force that keeps a person on course when things get hard. A close synonym is عزم (azm), also from Arabic, which leans more toward firm resolve or decision, while اراده suggests the ongoing mental stamina to carry that decision through.
How to use it
- ارادهام قویتر از قبل شده. (Erâde-am qavi-tar az qabl shode.) “My willpower has gotten stronger than before.”
- بدون اراده نمیتونی به هدفت برسی. (Bedun-e erâde nemi-tuni be hadafet beresi.) “Without willpower you can’t reach your goal.”
- این کار اراده زیادی میخواد. (In kâr erâde-ye ziâdi mikhâd.) “This takes a lot of determination.”
- اراده داری که ادامه بدی؟ (Erâde dâri ke edâme bedi?) “Do you have the will to keep going?”
Cultural note
In Persian classical literature and in everyday speech, اراده is frequently paired with moral and spiritual themes. Sufi poets often contrasted human اراده with divine will, asking whether a person’s striving can stand against God’s decree. In modern Persian, the word has moved firmly into motivational language, appearing in self-help contexts, sports coaching, and school counselling. The phrase “اراده قوی” (strong willpower) is a common compliment for someone who perseveres through difficulty.