مبارزه کردن

The Persian compound verb مبارزه کردن (mobāreze kardan) is a cornerstone of both everyday conversation and formal discourse. At its core, it translates to 'to struggle,' 'to fight,' or 'to contend with.' Unlike the more physical and often violent verb 'جنگیدن' (jangidan), which specifically implies warfare or physical combat, mobāreze kardan encompasses a much wider spectrum of human effort. It is used to describe the internal struggle against one's own desires, the social struggle for justice, the medical struggle against a terminal illness, or the competitive struggle in sports and politics. The word 'مبارزه' itself comes from the Arabic root meaning to come out into the open or to challenge, suggesting that this kind of fighting is a visible, intentional act of will.

Social Context

In the context of social movements, this verb is almost always used to describe activists who are working toward a goal. Whether it is 'مبارزه با فقر' (fighting against poverty) or 'مبارزه برای آزادی' (struggling for freedom), it carries a noble and persistent connotation.

When you hear this word in a news broadcast, it often refers to institutional efforts. For example, a government might 'مبارزه' against drug trafficking or corruption. In these cases, the verb implies a systematic and organized campaign rather than a single event. It is also the standard way to talk about the immune system or a patient fighting a disease. If a doctor says the body is fighting an infection, they will use this verb. It implies an active resistance against a negative force. Because it is a compound verb using 'کردن', it is very versatile in its conjugation, making it a favorite for speakers to express various shades of effort and resistance.

Personal Growth

You can use this verb to describe overcoming a bad habit. For instance, 'مبارزه با تنبلی' (fighting against laziness) is a common phrase in self-help and educational contexts in Iran.

In competitive sports, particularly wrestling (which is the national sport of Iran), athletes are often called 'مبارز' (mobārez - fighter/struggler). While the act of the match might be called 'کشتی گرفتن', the overarching spirit of the competition and the preparation for it is described as a 'mobāreze'. It suggests a level of grit and determination that goes beyond just playing a game. It is about the clash of wills and the endurance required to overcome an opponent. This nuance is vital for learners to understand: while 'jangidan' is about the 'war', 'mobāreze kardan' is about the 'struggle'.

Political Register

In political theory, 'مبارزه طبقاتی' (class struggle) is a technical term where 'mobāreze' is the central noun. It implies a long-term, historical conflict.

Using مبارزه کردن correctly requires understanding its relationship with prepositions. The most common preposition used with this verb is 'با' (bā), meaning 'with' or 'against'. When you say 'با چیزی مبارزه کردن', you are saying you are struggling against something. For example, 'مبارزه با بیماری' (fighting with/against a disease). It is important to note that unlike English where 'fighting a disease' doesn't require 'with', Persian almost always uses the preposition to link the subject to the opponent or obstacle.

Preposition: با (With/Against)

Used for the direct opponent or obstacle. Example: مبارزه با ظلم (Fighting against oppression).

Another preposition you will encounter is 'برای' (barāye), meaning 'for'. This indicates the goal or the reason for the struggle. 'مبارزه برای عدالت' (struggling for justice) focuses on the desired outcome. You can even combine these: 'مبارزه با فقر برای برابری' (struggling against poverty for equality). This flexibility allows speakers to be very specific about the nature of the effort. In terms of conjugation, the past stem is 'مبارزه کرد' and the present stem is 'مبارزه کن'. As a compound verb, the 'مبارزه' part remains unchanged while the 'کردن' part takes all the prefixes and suffixes.

Preposition: علیه (Against - Formal)

This is used in legal or very formal political contexts. Example: مبارزه علیه تبعیض (Struggle against discrimination).

One common mistake for English speakers is trying to make it a transitive verb without a preposition. In English, you 'fight a war', but in Persian, you don't 'mobāreze kardan a war'. You 'mobāreze' *within* a context or *against* an entity. This verb also appears frequently in the passive voice in news reports: 'مبارزه شدیدی علیه قاچاق صورت گرفت' (A fierce struggle was carried out against smuggling). Here, the noun 'mobāreze' is used with 'صورت گرفتن' (to take place), which is a common way to formalize the action.

Continuous Tense

To say someone 'is currently struggling', use 'دارد مبارزه می‌کند' (dārad mobāreze mikonad).

If you turn on an Iranian news channel like IRINN, you will hear مبارزه کردن almost every hour. It is the standard term for describing governmental policies against social ills. You will hear phrases like 'مبارزه با مواد مخدر' (the fight against narcotics) or 'مبارزه با تورم' (the fight against inflation). In this context, it isn't just a verb; it's a programmatic statement. It implies that the state is actively 'warring' against these abstract concepts. This usage is very high-register and carries a sense of official duty and national priority.

News & Media

Used for anti-corruption campaigns, public health initiatives, and economic policies.

In the world of sports, especially in martial arts like Karate, Taekwondo, or Wrestling, the commentator will use 'مبارزه' to describe the rounds or the contest itself. You might hear 'مبارزه زیبایی را شاهد هستیم' (We are witnessing a beautiful fight/match). Here, the word takes on a more technical and appreciative tone, focusing on the skill and technique of the 'مبارزان' (fighters). It is less about suffering and more about the exhibition of strength and strategy.

Movies & Literature

In cinema, heroes are often defined by their 'mobāreze' against an unjust system or a personal demon.

In everyday social life, you might hear this word used more metaphorically. A parent might tell their child to 'مبارزه کن' (fight/struggle) when they are facing a difficult exam or a challenging task at school. It is a word of encouragement, suggesting that the difficulty is something to be overcome through persistence. It is also common in medical settings. Doctors and families will say a patient is 'مبارزه می‌کند' to express hope and the patient's will to live. It is a deeply empathetic use of the word, acknowledging the pain while highlighting the strength of the individual.

Academic Context

In sociology and history papers, 'mobāreze' is used to analyze conflict between different groups or ideologies.

One of the most frequent errors for English speakers is confusing مبارزه کردن with جنگیدن (jangidan). While both can translate to 'to fight', jangidan is almost exclusively for physical warfare or violent combat. If you say you are 'warring' with your homework using 'jangidan', it sounds very strange and overly aggressive in Persian. Mobāreze kardan is the correct choice for non-violent, intellectual, or metaphorical struggles. Think of 'jangidan' as 'to go to war' and 'mobāreze kardan' as 'to engage in a struggle'.

Mistake: Wrong Preposition

Speakers often forget the 'با' (bā). They might say 'بیماری را مبارزه کردن' (fighting the disease - direct object), which is grammatically incorrect. You must say 'با بیماری مبارزه کردن'.

Another nuance is the difference between 'مبارزه کردن' and 'تلاش کردن' (talāsh kardan - to try/strive). While 'talāsh' is positive striving towards a goal, 'mobāreze' implies an active obstacle or enemy that must be overcome. If you are just trying to learn a language, use 'talāsh'. If you are struggling against a learning disability to learn that language, 'mobāreze' becomes more appropriate. Using 'mobāreze' for simple tasks can make you sound melodramatic.

Mistake: Using it for physical brawls

If two people are having a physical fistfight in the street, the verb 'دعوا کردن' (da'vā kardan) is used, not 'mobāreze kardan'. 'Mobāreze' is too dignified for a street brawl.

Lastly, pay attention to the formal vs. informal usage of the auxiliary verb 'kardan'. In very formal writing, you might see 'مبارزه نمودن' (mobāreze namudan). Forgetting to switch to 'namudan' in a highly academic essay about political struggle might make the writing feel slightly too colloquial. Conversely, using 'namudan' in a text message to a friend about struggling with a cold will sound very stiff and unnatural. Match the auxiliary verb to the register of your conversation.

Spelling Note

Ensure the 'h' at the end of 'mobāreze' (مبارزه) is written as a 'heh-ye-jami' (ه), not a 'teh-marbuta' (ة) which is Arabic, though the root is Arabic.

Persian has a rich vocabulary for conflict and effort. Understanding the alternatives to مبارزه کردن will help you sound more like a native speaker. The most common synonym is جنگیدن (jangidan), but as discussed, this is more physical. Another powerful alternative is ستیز کردن (setiz kardan), which is very formal and poetic, often used in literature to describe a fierce or ancient conflict. It carries a harsher, more antagonistic tone than 'mobāreze'.

Mobāreze vs. Jangidan

Mobāreze is used for social/internal struggles; Jangidan is for literal war/combat.

For a more positive spin on 'struggle', you can use کوشش کردن (kushesh kardan) or تلاش کردن (talāsh kardan). These mean 'to strive' or 'to make an effort'. They lack the 'enemy' aspect of 'mobāreze'. If you are working hard to finish a project, 'talāsh' is the better word. 'Mobāreze' would only be used if there were significant obstacles or opposition trying to stop you from finishing. In political contexts, you might also see پیکار کردن (peykār kardan), which is a very formal, almost epic term for struggle, often used in revolutionary slogans.

Mobāreze vs. Talāsh

Mobāreze implies an opponent; Talāsh implies personal effort towards a goal.

In a legal or argumentative context, you might use مجادله کردن (mojādele kardan), which means 'to dispute' or 'to argue'. This is specifically for verbal or intellectual fights. If you are 'fighting' with a clerk at a bank, this is the word to use. 'Mobāreze' would be too grand for a simple argument. Finally, for the concept of 'resisting', مقاومت کردن (moqāvemat kardan) is a close relative. While 'mobāreze' is active (you go out to fight), 'moqāvemat' is often defensive (you stand your ground against an incoming force).

Mobāreze vs. Moqāvemat

Mobāreze is an active campaign/struggle; Moqāvemat is the act of resistance or standing firm.