کهنه
کهنه in 30 Sekunden
- Used for old objects, not people.
- Means 'worn out' or 'stale' (for bread).
- Opposite of 'No' (New) or 'Tazeh' (Fresh).
- Can mean 'chronic' for pain or 'aged' for wine.
The Persian word کهنه (pronounced /kohne/) primarily functions as an adjective to describe objects that have been used for a long time, are worn out, or have lost their original freshness. Unlike the English word 'old', which can be applied to people, buildings, or ideas, kohne is most frequently associated with physical items like clothing, shoes, or household goods that show signs of age and wear. It carries a connotation of being 'used' or 'second-hand'.
- Physical Degradation
- It describes the state of materials that have frayed, faded, or weakened over time. For example, a shirt that has been washed hundreds of times is لباس کهنه.
- Staleness
- In the context of food, particularly bread, it refers to items that are no longer fresh. نان کهنه is stale bread, the opposite of nan-e tazeh (fresh bread).
- Metaphorical Persistence
- When applied to abstract concepts like pain or grudges, it signifies something that has existed for a long duration. A درد کهنه is a chronic or long-standing pain that refuses to go away.
این کفشها خیلی کهنه شدهاند؛ باید یک جفت نو بخرم.
او همیشه لباسهای کهنه میپوشد اما قلبی مهربان دارد.
In classical Persian literature, 'kohne' often contrasts with the ephemeral nature of the world. Poets might refer to the 'old world' (این دیر کهنه) to emphasize its age and the many generations it has seen pass. However, in modern daily speech, it remains grounded in the physical reality of objects needing replacement. Interestingly, in the context of wine (شراب کهنه), it takes on a positive, prestigious meaning, implying 'aged' and 'refined', much like the English concept of a vintage wine.
Using کهنه correctly requires understanding the Persian Ezafe construction. As an adjective, it typically follows the noun it modifies, connected by a short 'e' sound. For example, 'old book' becomes ketāb-e kohne (کتابِ کهنه).
- With Verbs: It is frequently paired with the verb shodan (to become). Kohne shodan means to wear out or grow old. 'My car is getting old' -> Māshin-am dārad kohne mishavad.
- In Comparison: The comparative form is کهنهتر (kohne-tar - older/more worn) and the superlative is کهنهترین (kohne-tarin - oldest/most worn).
- Opposites: The primary antonym is نو (no - new) or تازه (tāzeh - fresh).
Grammar Pattern: Noun + Ezafe + کهنه
Example: پیرهنِ کهنه (pirahan-e kohne) - The worn-out shirt.
When discussing chronic conditions in medical or psychological contexts, 'kohne' precedes the noun less often than it follows it, maintaining the standard adjective position. For instance, zakhm-e kohne (an old wound) can refer to a physical scar or a psychological trauma from the past that still hurts. In the plural, if you are referring to 'old things' as a category, you might say کهنهها (kohne-hā), though it is more common to specify the object.
این روزنامه دیگر کهنه شده است؛ اخبار جدید را بخوان.
You will encounter کهنه in various social and commercial settings in Iran. It is a staple word in the vocabulary of thrift, maintenance, and history.
- The Bazaar and Junk Shops
- Street vendors or 'Amanat-foroushi' (second-hand shops) often use this word. You might hear a vendor shouting about buying samavar-e kohne (old samovars) or farsh-e kohne (old carpets). In the carpet trade, 'kohne' isn't always bad; a 'kohne' carpet might be a valuable antique.
- Household Cleaning (Khaneh-tekani)
- During the Persian New Year (Nowruz) preparations, families sort through their belongings. You'll hear: 'اینها کهنه هستند، بریزیم دور' (These are worn out, let's throw them away).
- In the Kitchen
- If you ask for bread and it's from yesterday, the response might be: 'ببخشید، نان کمی کهنه است' (Sorry, the bread is a bit stale).
Learners of Persian often struggle with the three different words for 'old'. Avoiding these pitfalls will make your Persian sound much more natural.
- Mistaking 'Kohne' for 'Pir': This is the most common error. Pir is exclusively for living beings (people, animals). If you call your grandfather kohne, you are essentially calling him a 'worn-out object'.
Incorrect: پدربزرگ من کهنه است. (My grandfather is worn out/stale).
Correct: پدربزرگ من پیر است. - Mistaking 'Kohne' for 'Ghadimi': While often interchangeable, Ghadimi usually refers to things that are 'ancient', 'historical', or 'from a long time ago' without necessarily being 'worn out'. A 'Ghadimi' friend is a long-time friend (positive), but a 'Kohne' friend is rarely said. A 'Ghadimi' building is historic; a 'Kohne' building is dilapidated.
- Using it for Freshness: While 'kohne' means stale for bread, don't use it for 'spoiled' milk or meat. For those, use kharāb (spoiled/broken) or fāsed (rotten).
Pro Tip: If you want to say 'old' in a respectful or neutral way for an object that is an antique, prefer قدیمی (ghadimi). Use کهنه (kohne) when you want to emphasize that the object is at the end of its useful life.
Persian has a rich palette of words to describe the passage of time and the state of objects. Here are the most important synonyms and related terms:
- قدیمی (Ghadimi)
- The most general word for 'old'. It refers to time passed. Doost-e ghadimi (old friend), mashin-e ghadimi (classic/old car).
- فرسوده (Farsoodeh)
- A more formal and technical term for 'worn out' or 'eroded'. Used for machinery, infrastructure, or tired bodies. Bāft-e farsoodeh refers to the dilapidated parts of a city.
- دیرینه (Derineh)
- A literary and poetic term meaning 'ancient' or 'long-standing'. Arezoo-ye derineh (a long-held wish).
- مستعمل (Mosta'mal)
- An Arabic-rooted formal term meaning 'used' or 'second-hand'. Often seen in legal or official documents regarding property.
- باستانی (Bāstāni)
- Specifically means 'ancient' in an archaeological or historical sense. Irān-e bāstāni (Ancient Iran).
Choosing between these depends on the register (formal vs. informal) and the intent (describing beauty vs. describing decay). 'Kohne' sits firmly in the 'decay/utility' category in everyday speech.
How Formal Is It?
Schwierigkeitsgrad
Wichtige Grammatik
Ezafe construction
Adjective-Noun agreement
Comparative and Superlative suffixes
Compound verb formation with 'shodan'
Direct object marker 'rā'
Beispiele nach Niveau
این لباس کهنه است.
This clothing is old/worn out.
Simple Noun + Adjective + Verb 'to be'.
کفشهای من کهنه هستند.
My shoes are old.
Plural subject with plural verb.
من یک کتاب کهنه دارم.
I have an old book.
Indefinite noun with Ezafe.
این نان کهنه است؟
Is this bread stale?
Question form.
مداد من کهنه شده است.
My pencil has become old/worn.
Present perfect of 'shodan'.
آن ماشین کهنه است.
That car is old.
Demonstrative 'ān' (that).
جوراب کهنه را دور بینداز.
Throw away the old sock.
Imperative verb with direct object marker 'rā'.
کیف او کهنه نیست.
Her bag is not old.
Negative form of 'ast'.
این صندلی خیلی کهنه و شکسته است.
This chair is very old and broken.
Using two adjectives with 'va' (and).
او همیشه لباسهای کهنه میپوشد.
He always wears old clothes.
Present habitual tense.
آیا این روزنامه کهنه است؟
Is this newspaper old (outdated)?
Using 'kohne' for outdated information.
ما وسایل کهنه را فروختیم.
We sold the old items.
Past tense with plural object.
این حوله دیگر کهنه شده است.
This towel has already become worn out.
Using 'digar' (anymore/already) for change of state.
چرا نان کهنه خریدی؟
Why did you buy stale bread?
Interrogative 'cherā' (why).
این پردهها خیلی کهنه به نظر میرسند.
These curtains look very old.
Compound verb 'be nazar residan' (to seem).
کفش کهنهتر را بپوش.
Wear the older shoe.
Comparative adjective.
او از یک درد کهنه در کمرش رنج میبرد.
He suffers from a chronic pain in his back.
Metaphorical use for chronic physical states.
این شراب کهنه و بسیار گرانقیمت است.
This wine is aged and very expensive.
Positive connotation of 'kohne' (aged).
زخمهای کهنه دوباره باز شدند.
The old wounds opened again.
Metaphorical use for emotional trauma.
او یک کلکسیون از تمبرهای کهنه دارد.
He has a collection of old stamps.
Use in the context of collecting.
دیوارهای این خانه کهنه و نمزده هستند.
The walls of this house are old and damp.
Descriptive adjectives for buildings.
او با افکار کهنهاش مخالفت کرد.
He opposed his (someone's) outdated thoughts.
Abstract use for ideas.
این فرش کهنه ارزش زیادی دارد.
This old carpet is worth a lot.
Context of antique value.
او پارچههای کهنه را برای تمیز کردن استفاده میکند.
She uses old rags for cleaning.
Functional use of worn items.
او یک روزنامهنگار کهنهکار و باسابقه است.
He is an experienced and veteran journalist.
Compound adjective 'kohne-kār' (veteran/experienced).
نباید اجازه دهیم کینههای کهنه زندگی ما را خراب کنند.
We shouldn't let old grudges ruin our lives.
Abstract noun 'kineh' (grudge).
این محله پر از ساختمانهای کهنه و فرسوده است.
This neighborhood is full of old and dilapidated buildings.
Synonym pairing for emphasis.
او همیشه به دنبال کتابهای کهنه در کتابفروشیهای قدیمی میگردد.
He is always looking for old books in antique bookstores.
Habitual action in a specific context.
این یک بحث کهنه است که سالها ادامه دارد.
This is an old debate that has continued for years.
Describing a long-standing situation.
لباسهای کهنه را به خیریه بخشیدیم.
We donated the old clothes to charity.
Social context of recycling/donating.
او با یک کت کهنه اما تمیز به مهمانی آمد.
He came to the party with an old but clean coat.
Contrast using 'ammā' (but).
بوی کاغذهای کهنه او را به یاد گذشته میانداخت.
The smell of old papers reminded him of the past.
Sensory description.
ساختار کهنه اداری مانع پیشرفت پروژهها میشود.
The outdated administrative structure hinders the progress of projects.
Formal/Academic usage for systems.
او در میان خروارها کاغذ کهنه، سند گمشده را پیدا کرد.
Among heaps of old papers, he found the lost document.
Literary phrasing 'khravār-hā' (heaps).
این نظریه اکنون کهنه و منسوخ شده است.
This theory is now old and obsolete.
Synonym 'mansookh' (obsolete).
شاعر در این بیت، جهان را به کاروانسرایی کهنه تشبیه کرده است.
In this verse, the poet has likened the world to an old caravanserai.
Literary analysis context.
او با مهارتی کهنهکارانه توانست بحران را مدیریت کند.
With veteran-like skill, he was able to manage the crisis.
Adverbial use of 'kohne-kārāne'.
تضاد میان نوگرایی و سنتهای کهنه در آثار او مشهود است.
The contrast between modernism and old traditions is evident in his works.
Sociological/Artistic analysis.
او از یک بیماری کهنه رنج میبرد که ریشه در کودکیاش دارد.
He suffers from a chronic illness that is rooted in his childhood.
Medical/Psychological context.
این شهر بر روی ویرانههای یک تمدن کهنه بنا شده است.
This city is built upon the ruins of an old civilization.
Historical/Archaeological context.
او خرقهی کهنهی خویش را به هیچ قبای زربفتی نمیفروخت.
He would not trade his old dervish cloak for any gold-woven robe.
Classical/Sufi literary style.
در پس این ظاهر مدرن، ذهنیتی کهنه و استبدادی نهفته است.
Behind this modern appearance lies an old and autocratic mindset.
Political/Philosophical critique.
او با تورق کتابهای کهنه، در پی یافتن حقیقتی فراموششده بود.
By flipping through old books, he was in search of a forgotten truth.
Advanced vocabulary 'tavaroq' (flipping pages).
این زخم کهنه را با نمک ملامت تازه مکن.
Do not freshen this old wound with the salt of reproach.
Idiomatic/Poetic expression.
چرخهی کهنه و تکراری فقر در این منطقه باید شکسته شود.
The old and repetitive cycle of poverty in this region must be broken.
Socio-economic analysis.
او چون پیری کهنهاندیش، به هر تغییری با سوءظن مینگریست.
Like an old-thinking elder, he looked upon every change with suspicion.
Compound 'kohne-andish' (old-fashioned thinker).
غبار کهنه بر روی خاطراتش نشسته بود.
Old dust had settled upon his memories.
Metaphorical use of 'ghobār' (dust).
او در میان اشیاء کهنه، روح تاریخ را جستجو میکرد.
Among old objects, he sought the spirit of history.
Abstract/Existential context.
Häufige Kollokationen
Häufige Phrasen
Wird oft verwechselt mit
Redewendungen & Ausdrücke
— A veteran or highly experienced person in a field.
— To reopen old wounds or bring up past painful memories.
— When something new arrives, the old becomes annoying (out with the old, in with the new).
— A chronic problem or long-standing issue.
— Outdated or regressive ways of thinking.
— Something that improves with age (often used for wisdom or friendship).
— To live humbly or be in a state of poverty.
— To use something until it wears out.
— An old, established name or reputation.
— The smell of age or mustiness.
Leicht verwechselbar
Satzmuster
So verwendest du es
Only used for bread/grains. For fruit, use 'pajmordeh' (wilted).
Highly positive connotation.
Strictly prohibited.
Can be positive (antique) or negative (worn out) depending on context.
- Using 'kohne' for elderly people.
- Using 'kohne' for spoiled milk (use 'kharāb').
- Forgetting the Ezafe between the noun and 'kohne'.
- Confusing 'kohne' with 'ghadimi' in the context of 'old friends'.
- Using 'kohne' for a 'new' but 'antique' looking item (use 'tarh-e ghadim').
Tipps
Clothing Check
When cleaning your closet, use 'kohne' for the items you want to donate or throw away.
Ezafe Connection
Always remember the 'e' sound: 'Pirahan-e kohne'. Without it, the sentence breaks.
Wine Wisdom
If you see 'kohne' in a poem about wine, it's a compliment, not a complaint!
People Rule
Never, ever call a person 'kohne'. It is a major social faux pas.
Bazaar Bargaining
Use 'kohne' to point out flaws in an item to try and get a lower price.
Abstract Use
Use 'kohne' for old habits (ādat-e kohne) to sound more like a native speaker.
Stale vs Fresh
In a bakery, listen for 'tāzeh' (fresh) and avoid anything called 'kohne'.
Root Recognition
Recognizing the 'k-h-n' root helps you understand related words like 'kohan' (ancient).
Comparative Practice
Practice saying 'In az ān kohne-tar ast' to master comparisons.
Visual Link
Visualize a 'Kohne' carpet in a museum to remember its antique value.
Einprägen
Wortherkunft
Middle Persian (Pahlavi)
Kultureller Kontext
Discarding old things is a ritual of renewal.
A 'kohne' carpet is often more valuable than a 'no' (new) one.
Serving 'nan-e kohne' (stale bread) to a guest is considered very poor etiquette.
Im Alltag üben
Kontexte aus dem Alltag
Gesprächseinstiege
"آیا این کتاب کهنه است؟"
"چرا این لباسها را کهنه کردی؟"
"بهترین راه برای تعمیر کفش کهنه چیست؟"
"آیا شراب کهنه دوست داری؟"
"چطور میتوانیم از وسایل کهنه دوباره استفاده کنیم؟"
Tagebuch-Impulse
Describe an old object you own that you refuse to throw away.
Write about a 'chronic' (kohne) problem in your city.
Compare your newest possession with your oldest (kohne) one.
How do you feel when you wear old clothes?
Write a story about an old (kohne) book found in an attic.
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenNo, use 'doost-e ghadimi'. 'Doost-e kohne' sounds like the friend is a worn-out object.
Not always. For wine (sharāb-e kohne) or sometimes carpets, it implies value and quality through age.
Use 'nan-e kohne'.
The opposite is 'no' (new) or 'tāzeh' (fresh).
Yes, but it implies the building is in bad condition. For a historic building, use 'ghadimi' or 'tārikhi'.
It means someone who is very experienced or a veteran in their job.
It is a standard word used in both formal and informal Persian.
Yes, 'khabar-e kohne' means news that is no longer relevant.
No, but old things are often dirty, so they are associated, but the literal meaning is 'old/worn'.
Yes, 'kohne kardan'.
Teste dich selbst 180 Fragen
/ 180 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
Use 'kohne' to describe physical items that are worn out or old, like clothes or stale bread. Never use it for people (use 'pir' instead). It can also describe long-lasting feelings or outdated ideas.
- Used for old objects, not people.
- Means 'worn out' or 'stale' (for bread).
- Opposite of 'No' (New) or 'Tazeh' (Fresh).
- Can mean 'chronic' for pain or 'aged' for wine.
Clothing Check
When cleaning your closet, use 'kohne' for the items you want to donate or throw away.
Ezafe Connection
Always remember the 'e' sound: 'Pirahan-e kohne'. Without it, the sentence breaks.
Wine Wisdom
If you see 'kohne' in a poem about wine, it's a compliment, not a complaint!
People Rule
Never, ever call a person 'kohne'. It is a major social faux pas.
Verwandte Inhalte
Verwandte Redewendungen
Mehr general Wörter
عادتوار
C1As a matter of habit; habitually.
عادی
A1Das Wort 'عادی' bedeutet normal oder gewöhnlich. Zum Beispiel: 'Ein ganz normaler Tag' (یک روز کاملاً عادی).
عافیت
B2Wohlbefinden; ein Zustand von Gesundheit und Sicherheit. Wird oft als Segen nach dem Niesen verwendet.
عاجل
B2Dringend; sofortige Aufmerksamkeit oder Handlung erfordernd. Zum Beispiel: 'Dringende Nachricht' oder 'Schnelle Genesung'.
عاقبت
C1Das Endergebnis oder der Ausgang einer Handlung. 'عاقبت او به آرزویش رسید.' (Schließlich erreichte er seinen Wunsch.)
عاقل
A1Vernünftig, weise. Jemand, der kluge Entscheidungen trifft.
عالمگیر
C1Weltweit oder universell; etwas, das die ganze Welt umfasst.
عالی
A1'Aali' bedeutet auf Persisch exzellent oder hervorragend.
عام
B1Das Wort 'Am' bedeutet allgemein oder öffentlich.
اعم از
B2Einschließlich; ob... oder... (wird verwendet, um Optionen einzuführen).