At the A1 level, you only need to know that 'Sammi' means something very dangerous that can make you sick if you eat or touch it. Think of it like a 'No' sign. You might see it on a bottle of cleaning liquid or hear it when someone talks about a 'bad' snake. At this level, don't worry about the complex grammar; just remember that 'Sammi' equals 'Danger/Poison'. Focus on the word 'Sam' (poison) first, then remember that 'Sammi' describes things. You might use it in very simple sentences like 'In āb sammi ast' (This water is toxic). It is a vital safety word for travelers. You should also know that it is the opposite of 'sālem' (healthy/safe). Even at this basic level, knowing this word helps you read warning labels in a Persian-speaking country. Always look for the skull and crossbones symbol alongside this word.
At the A2 level, you begin to use 'Sammi' to describe specific things in your environment. You can talk about 'mār-e sammi' (poisonous snake) or 'ghazā-ye sammi' (toxic food). You are learning the Ezafe construction, so you know how to link the word to a noun. You might also start to hear it in the news about 'āludegi-ye havā' (air pollution). You should be able to distinguish between 'Sammi' (toxic) and 'Khatarnāk' (dangerous). All toxic things are dangerous, but not all dangerous things are toxic (like a fast car). You can use it to give simple warnings to others. For example, 'Dast nazan, in sammi ast!' (Don't touch, this is toxic!). You also start to recognize the word in the context of cleaning supplies or simple science topics in school. It is a useful word for basic descriptions of nature and health.
At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'Sammi' in a variety of contexts, including environmental and social ones. You can discuss 'pasmānd-hā-ye sammi' (toxic waste) and explain why a certain factory might be bad for a city. This is also the stage where you introduce the metaphorical meaning: 'shakhsiyat-e sammi' (toxic personality). You can describe a 'rābete-ye sammi' (toxic relationship) and explain why it is harmful using more complex sentences. You should also understand the difference between 'Sammi' and 'Masmoum' (poisoned), ensuring you use the right one when talking about health. Your vocabulary is expanding to include synonyms like 'zahr-dār' for animals. You are expected to use 'Sammi' in both written essays about the environment and in casual conversations about social life. You can now use adverbs to modify it, like 'nesbatan sammi' (relatively toxic).
At the B2 level, you use 'Sammi' with precision in professional or academic discussions. You can talk about 'dوز-e sammi' (toxic dose) in a medical context or 'mavād-e shimiāyi-ye sammi' (toxic chemical materials) in an industrial setting. You understand the nuances between 'Sammi', 'Zahr-āgin', and 'Mohlak'. You can read news articles about chemical warfare or industrial accidents and understand the specific types of 'gāz-hā-ye sammi' mentioned. In social discussions, you can use the term 'toxicity' as a concept ('sammiyat'). You are able to debate environmental policies and use 'Sammi' to describe the long-term effects of pollution on the ecosystem. Your use of the word is no longer just descriptive; it is part of a larger technical or analytical vocabulary. You also recognize the word in Persian literature where it might be used as a metaphor for a 'bitter' or 'deadly' enemy.
At the C1 level, you have a deep understanding of the etymological roots and the various registers of 'Sammi'. You can use it in high-level academic writing, perhaps discussing the 'tarkibāt-e sammi' (toxic compounds) in a scientific paper. You are also sensitive to its use in political rhetoric, where an 'afkār-e sammi' (toxic ideology) might be discussed. You understand the subtle difference between 'Sammi' and its Arabic-rooted synonyms used in formal Persian. You can interpret metaphors in modern Persian poetry that use toxicity as a theme for the modern condition. Your pronunciation is perfect, including the correct stress and the clear 'm' sound. You can also use the word in legal contexts, such as 'mas'uliyat-e madani dar ghebāl-e mavād-e sammi' (civil liability regarding toxic materials). You are a sophisticated user who knows exactly when 'Sammi' is too casual or when it is the only word that fits.
At the C2 level, you possess a native-like command of 'Sammi' and its entire semantic field. You can discuss the history of the word and its evolution from classical Arabic 'Samm' to its modern Persian usage. You are capable of translating complex technical or psychological texts from English to Persian, choosing the perfect equivalent for 'toxic' depending on the specific nuance (e.g., using 'halāhal' for poetic effect or 'toksik' in some very specific modern medical contexts if appropriate, though 'Sammi' remains preferred). You can engage in spontaneous, high-level debates about 'sammiyat-e mohit-e kār' (workplace toxicity) or the 'āthār-e sammi-ye dāru-hā' (toxic effects of drugs). You understand the word's role in idioms and can use it with irony or sarcasm in social situations. Your mastery is such that you can play with the word's meanings in creative writing or complex professional reporting, ensuring every nuance of danger, harm, or absurdity is perfectly conveyed.

سمی in 30 Sekunden

  • Sammi means toxic or poisonous in Persian.
  • It is used for chemicals, animals, and bad social relationships.
  • It is a B1 level adjective linked via the Ezafe construction.
  • Commonly heard in environmental news and modern psychological talk.

The word سمی (Sammi) is a cornerstone of both scientific and colloquial Persian. At its core, it is an adjective derived from the noun Sam (poison), combined with the suffix -i which transforms nouns into adjectives. In a literal sense, it describes any substance, organism, or environment that contains toxins capable of causing illness or death. Whether you are discussing the biological defense mechanisms of a desert cobra or the hazardous runoff from an industrial plant, Sammi is the precise term required. However, the linguistic journey of this word does not end with biology. In recent years, mirrored by global linguistic trends, Persian speakers have increasingly adopted Sammi to describe psychological and social phenomena. This metaphorical shift allows speakers to label behaviors, relationships, and even digital content as 'toxic,' implying that while they may not kill the body, they erode the spirit and well-being of the individual. Understanding this word requires a dual awareness of its clinical severity and its modern, often hyperbolic, social utility.

Biological Context
Used to identify animals like snakes (mār-e sammi) or plants that are dangerous to touch or consume. It focuses on the presence of natural venom or chemical toxins.
Environmental Context
Refers to pollution, specifically 'gāz-hā-ye sammi' (toxic gases) or 'pasmānd-hā-ye sammi' (toxic waste) resulting from human industrial activity.
Social Context
Describes people or relationships (rābete-ye sammi) that are emotionally draining, manipulative, or harmful to one's mental health.

بسیاری از قارچ‌های جنگلی سمی هستند و نباید آن‌ها را خورد.
(Many forest mushrooms are toxic and should not be eaten.)

In the realm of modern Persian slang, particularly among the youth and on platforms like Instagram or Telegram, Sammi has taken on a humorous nuance. It can refer to something so 'cringe' or absurdly bad that it becomes 'toxic' to watch. For instance, a very poorly made low-budget music video might be called 'Sam' (Poison) or described as 'Sammi'. This usage highlights the flexibility of the word, moving from a warning of literal death to a critique of aesthetic or social quality. Despite these informal uses, in a B1 level context, you should prioritize its use in health, safety, and environmental discussions. The word is standard (Farsi-ye Me'yar) and is understood across all dialects of Persian, including Dari and Tajiki, though local synonyms might occasionally take precedence in those regions. By mastering Sammi, you gain a tool to discuss safety, ecology, and psychology with equal precision.

The grammatical application of سمی (Sammi) follows the standard rules of Persian adjectives. Primarily, it is linked to the noun it modifies using the Ezafe construction—a short 'e' sound (or 'ye' after vowels) attached to the end of the noun. For example, to say 'toxic water,' you combine āb (water) and sammi to get āb-e sammi. Because it is a simple adjective, it does not change based on the gender of the noun (as Persian lacks grammatical gender) or the number (plurality). However, if the noun is plural, the adjective remains in its base form: mavād-e sammi (toxic materials).

این کارخانه مواد سمی را در رودخانه می‌ریزد.
(This factory pours toxic materials into the river.)

When using Sammi in a predicate position (after a verb like 'to be'), the Ezafe is dropped. For example, 'The air is toxic' becomes Havā sammi ast. This is a crucial distinction for learners to ensure they don't carry the linking vowel into the end of a sentence. Furthermore, Sammi can be intensified using adverbs like besyār (very) or kamalā (completely). For instance, in dāru besyār sammi ast (This medicine is very toxic). In comparative forms, you add the suffix -tar, creating sammi-tar (more toxic), though this is less common than using phrases like 'more dangerous' (khatarnāk-tar).

With Nouns (Ezafe)
Nāme-ye sammi (Toxic letter), Gaz-e sammi (Toxic gas), Mashrubāt-e sammi (Toxic drinks).
As a Predicate
In mār sammi nist (This snake is not poisonous). An ghazā sammi bud (That food was toxic).

One advanced usage involves the word's role in compound verbs or complex sentences. While Sammi itself isn't a verb, it often pairs with shodan (to become) or kardan (to make). For example, ālude kardan-e mohit-e zist bā mavād-e sammi (polluting the environment with toxic substances). When discussing people, the structure shakhsiyat-e sammi (toxic personality) is the standard way to translate the English concept of a 'toxic person.' Remember that the stress in sammi falls on the final syllable (-mi), which is typical for Persian adjectives ending in 'i'.

In the daily life of an Iranian or a Persian speaker, سمی (Sammi) appears in several high-frequency environments. One of the most common places is the evening news. Iran, particularly cities like Tehran and Ahvaz, often struggles with severe air pollution (āludegi-ye havā). News anchors frequently warn citizens about 'gāz-hā-ye sammi' (toxic gases) and 'zarāt-e mo'allagh-e sammi' (toxic suspended particles), advising the elderly and children to stay indoors. If you are walking through a park or hiking in the Alborz mountains, you might see warning signs near certain plants or water sources that read 'Khatar! Āb-e sammi' (Danger! Toxic water).

اخبار اعلام کرد که هوای امروز به دلیل وجود ذرات سمی برای گروه‌های حساس ناسالم است.
(The news announced that today's air is unhealthy for sensitive groups due to toxic particles.)

In a medical or domestic setting, Sammi is used when discussing food poisoning or chemical safety. A doctor might ask if a patient has consumed something sammi. In the kitchen, cleaning products like bleach are often kept away from children because they are sammi. Beyond these literal uses, if you hang out with younger Iranians in a café, you will hear the word used for social commentary. A 'toxic friend' (dust-e sammi) is a common topic of conversation, referring to someone who is manipulative or negative. This metaphorical use has become so prevalent that it is now a standard part of the modern Persian lexicon for discussing mental health and boundaries.

In the Media
Used in headlines regarding environmental disasters, chemical spills, or public health warnings.
In Social Media
Used to describe 'cringe' content, bad jokes, or harmful online behaviors (trolling).

Finally, in academic and professional settings, particularly in chemistry (shimi) and biology (zist-shenāsi), Sammi is the standard term. Textbooks will categorize substances based on their 'sammiyat' (toxicity). If you are working in an industrial or laboratory environment in an Iranian context, you will see this word on labels, safety data sheets, and protocol manuals. It is a word that spans the entire spectrum of formality, from the most rigorous scientific paper to the most casual TikTok comment, making it an essential addition to your B1 vocabulary.

One of the most frequent errors English speakers make when using سمی (Sammi) is confusing it with the word for 'poisoned' or 'sick.' In English, we might say 'I feel toxic' (metaphorically) or 'The food is poisoned.' In Persian, Sammi describes the nature of the substance itself. If you want to say a person has been poisoned, you should use the adjective masmoum. For example, 'I am poisoned' (I have food poisoning) is Man masmoum shode-am, not Man sammi hastam. Saying 'Man sammi hastam' would literally mean 'I am a toxic/poisonous being,' which might lead to some very confused looks unless you are intentionally calling yourself a toxic person!

اشتباه: من سمی شدم.
درست: من مسموم شدم.
(Mistake: I became toxic. Correct: I got poisoned/food poisoning.)

Another common mistake involves the distinction between 'poisonous' and 'venomous.' While English sometimes distinguishes these (poisonous if you eat it, venomous if it bites you), Persian often uses Sammi for both. However, a more literary or specific term for venomous is zahr-dār. Beginners often over-rely on Sammi when khatarnāk (dangerous) or mozer (harmful) might be more appropriate. For instance, 'smoking is toxic' is a bit dramatic in Persian; sigār keshidan mozer ast (smoking is harmful) is more natural.

Confusing Sammi and Masmoum
Sammi = The thing that has poison. Masmoum = The victim who is affected by poison.
Overusing Metaphors
While 'toxic relationship' is common, don't use 'Sammi' for every minor annoyance. It is a strong word.

Lastly, be careful with the word Kasif (dirty). Sometimes learners use 'toxic' to describe something that is just physically filthy. If a river is full of trash, it is kasif or ālude (polluted). If it contains chemical runoff that kills fish, then it is sammi. Using Sammi implies a level of chemical or biological danger that goes beyond mere dirtiness. Precision in these distinctions will make your Persian sound much more professional and native-like.

While سمی (Sammi) is the most common word for 'toxic,' Persian offers a rich palette of synonyms that vary in register and specific meaning. Understanding these alternatives will help you navigate different contexts, from reading classical poetry to understanding a technical manual. The most direct synonym is zahr-ālud (poison-stained/poisonous). This word is often found in literature or when describing a weapon like a 'poisoned arrow' (tir-e zahr-ālud). It carries a more dramatic, almost medieval weight compared to the clinical Sammi.

Zahr-dār (زهرآگین / زهردار)
Specifically used for animals that possess venom. 'Mār-e zahr-dār' is a common alternative to 'mār-e sammi'.
Mohlak (مهلک)
Meaning 'deadly' or 'fatal.' While a substance might be toxic, its effect is 'mohlak'. Used for diseases or lethal doses.
Ālude (آلوده)
Meaning 'polluted' or 'contaminated.' This is the standard word for environmental issues. Not all 'ālude' things are 'sammi', but all 'sammi' environments are 'ālude'.

هوای شهر به شدت آلوده است، اما لزوماً همیشه سمی نیست.
(The city air is severely polluted, but it isn't necessarily always toxic.)

For metaphorical 'toxicity' in people, you might use bad-khim (ill-natured) or ziyān-bār (harmful). However, Sammi has largely replaced these in modern psychological discourse. In formal or old Persian, you might encounter halāhal, a specific word for a deadly poison, though it is rare today. When discussing medicine, masmoum-konande (poison-inducing) is a technical term used to describe the effect of certain drugs. Choosing between these words depends on whether you want to sound scientific (Sammi), literary (Zahr-ālud), or general (Khatarnāk).

In summary, while Sammi is your 'go-to' word, being aware of zahr-dār for animals and ālude for pollution will significantly refine your expression. In a B1 exam or conversation, using Sammi correctly will show a solid grasp of modern Persian, but using mohlak to describe a 'deadly' situation would demonstrate an even higher level of vocabulary sophistication.

How Formal Is It?

Wusstest du?

The word 'Sam' in Persian is a homonym. While 'Sam' (سم) means poison, 'Sām' (سام) is a famous hero's name in the Shahnameh. Don't confuse the two!

Aussprachehilfe

UK /sæmˈmiː/
US /sæmˈmi/
Final syllable (-mi).
Reimt sich auf
کمی (Kami - a little) غمی (Ghami - of sorrow) دمی (Dami - a moment) بومی (Bumi - native) رومی (Rumi - Roman) گرمی (Garmi - warmth) نرمی (Narmi - softness) فهمی (Fahmi - understanding)
Häufige Fehler
  • Pronouncing it as 'sami' (short i) like the name Sammy.
  • Putting the stress on the first syllable.
  • Confusing the 'i' with the Ezafe vowel.
  • Mixing it up with 'samimi' (intimate/friendly).
  • Not doubling the 'm' sound slightly (tashdid is sometimes implied).

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Lesen 3/5

Easy to recognize in texts due to its short and distinct shape.

Schreiben 4/5

Requires remembering the double 'm' sound and correct Ezafe usage.

Sprechen 3/5

Simple pronunciation, but must distinguish from 'Samimi'.

Hören 3/5

Clearly audible in news and conversations.

Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest

Voraussetzungen

سم (Sam) خطرناک (Khatarnāk) آب (Āb) مار (Mār) غذا (Ghazā)

Als Nächstes lernen

مسموم (Masmoum) آلودگی (Āludegi) محیط زیست (Mohit-e zist) سلامت (Salāmat) روان‌شناسی (Ravān-shenāsi)

Fortgeschritten

سم‌شناسی (Sam-shenāsi) پسماند (Pasmānd) هلاهل (Halāhel) مهلک (Mohlak) خبیث (Khabis)

Wichtige Grammatik

Ezafe for Adjectives

Mār-e sammi (The toxic snake).

Adjective placement

Always after the noun in Persian.

Predicate Adjectives

In mār sammi ast (No Ezafe used).

Intensifiers

Besyār sammi (Very toxic).

Comparative Suffix

Sammi-tar (More toxic).

Beispiele nach Niveau

1

این آب سمی است.

This water is toxic.

Simple subject + adjective + verb.

2

آن مار سمی است؟

Is that snake poisonous?

Question form using intonation.

3

غزای سمی نخور.

Do not eat toxic food.

Imperative negative verb.

4

این گیاه سمی است.

This plant is toxic.

Demonstrative pronoun + noun + adjective.

5

سمی یعنی خطرناک.

Toxic means dangerous.

Defining a word using 'yani'.

6

شیر سمی نیست.

Milk is not toxic.

Negative 'to be' verb (nist).

7

او به دلیل غذای سمی مریض شد.

He got sick because of toxic food.

Using 'be dalil-e' for reason.

8

مواظب باش، اینجا سمی است.

Be careful, it is toxic here.

Compound imperative 'movāzeb bāsh'.

1

بسیاری از قارچ‌ها سمی هستند.

Many mushrooms are toxic.

Plural subject with plural verb.

2

گاز سمی در هوا وجود دارد.

There is toxic gas in the air.

Ezafe construction 'gāz-e sammi'.

3

نباید به این مواد سمی دست بزنی.

You should not touch these toxic materials.

Modal verb 'nabāyad' + subjunctive.

4

آیا این صابون سمی است؟

Is this soap toxic?

Interrogative 'āyā'.

5

حیوانات سمی در بیابان زندگی می‌کنند.

Toxic animals live in the desert.

Plural noun + adjective.

6

این میوه سمی به نظر می‌رسد.

This fruit looks toxic.

Verb 'be nazar residan' (to look/seem).

7

سمی بودن این دارو ثابت شده است.

The toxicity of this medicine has been proven.

Gerund 'sammi budan' (being toxic).

8

او از بخار سمی ترسید.

He was afraid of the toxic steam.

Past tense verb with 'az' (from/of).

1

رابطه سمی می‌تواند به سلامت روان آسیب بزند.

A toxic relationship can harm mental health.

Metaphorical use of 'sammi'.

2

آلودگی سمی رودخانه باعث مرگ ماهی‌ها شد.

The toxic pollution of the river caused the death of the fish.

Complex noun phrase with Ezafe.

3

او یک آدم سمی است که مدام شکایت می‌کند.

He is a toxic person who constantly complains.

Relative clause with 'ke'.

4

گازهای سمی ناشی از سوختن پلاستیک بسیار خطرناکند.

Toxic gases resulting from burning plastic are very dangerous.

Using 'nāshi az' (resulting from).

5

این منطقه به دلیل زباله‌های سمی تخلیه شد.

This area was evacuated due to toxic waste.

Passive voice 'takhliye shod'.

6

باید از محیط‌های سمی دوری کرد.

One must stay away from toxic environments.

Impersonal 'bāyad ... kard'.

7

او کتابی درباره گیاهان سمی ایران نوشت.

He wrote a book about the toxic plants of Iran.

Prepositional phrase 'darbāre-ye'.

8

علائم مسمومیت با این ماده سمی چیست؟

What are the symptoms of poisoning with this toxic substance?

Noun 'masmoumiyat' vs adjective 'sammi'.

1

تخلیه غیرقانونی مواد سمی جریمه سنگینی دارد.

Illegal dumping of toxic materials carries a heavy fine.

Compound subject with adjectives.

2

برخی از حشرات سمی برای دفاع از خود از نیش استفاده می‌کنند.

Some toxic insects use a sting to defend themselves.

Infinitive for purpose 'barāye defā'.

3

تاثیرات سمی این فلزات بر بدن انسان مطالعه شده است.

The toxic effects of these metals on the human body have been studied.

Present perfect passive.

4

او سعی کرد از آن فضای سمی کاری خارج شود.

He tried to leave that toxic work environment.

Complex adjective phrase 'fazā-ye sammi-ye kāri'.

5

این ترکیب شیمیایی در صورت حرارت دیدن سمی می‌شود.

This chemical compound becomes toxic if heated.

Conditional phrase 'dar surat-e'.

6

دولت قوانینی برای کنترل مواد سمی وضع کرده است.

The government has enacted laws to control toxic materials.

Present perfect 'vaz' karde ast'.

7

سمی بودن جیوه از قرن‌ها پیش شناخته شده بود.

The toxicity of mercury had been known for centuries.

Past perfect passive.

8

او با لحنی سمی و کنایه‌آمیز صحبت می‌کرد.

He was speaking with a toxic and sarcastic tone.

Coordinated adjectives.

1

تحلیلگران درباره گسترش افکار سمی در فضای مجازی هشدار می‌دهند.

Analysts warn about the spread of toxic thoughts in cyberspace.

Abstract usage of 'sammi'.

2

پسماندهای سمی صنایع سنگین تهدیدی جدی برای اکوسیستم هستند.

Toxic waste from heavy industries is a serious threat to the ecosystem.

Formal academic vocabulary.

3

او در مقاله خود به جنبه‌های سمی قدرت پرداخته است.

In his article, he addressed the toxic aspects of power.

Philosophical context.

4

غلظت مواد سمی در خون بیمار به سطح بحرانی رسیده بود.

The concentration of toxic substances in the patient's blood had reached a critical level.

Precise medical terminology.

5

این فیلم به زیبایی پیامدهای یک عشق سمی را به تصویر می‌کشد.

This film beautifully depicts the consequences of a toxic love.

Literary/Artistic critique style.

6

خنثی‌سازی زباله‌های سمی هزینه‌های گزافی بر دولت تحمیل می‌کند.

Neutralizing toxic waste imposes exorbitant costs on the government.

Formal verb 'tahmil kardan'.

7

ساختار سمی سازمان مانع از رشد خلاقیت کارکنان می‌شد.

The toxic structure of the organization hindered the growth of employees' creativity.

Management/Sociology context.

8

او با مهارتی خاص، فضای سمی حاکم بر جلسه را تغییر داد.

With a specific skill, he changed the toxic atmosphere prevailing over the meeting.

Using 'hākem bar' (prevailing over).

1

اپیدمیولوژیست‌ها در حال بررسی اثرات سمی تجمعی آلاینده‌ها هستند.

Epidemiologists are investigating the cumulative toxic effects of pollutants.

Highly technical terminology.

2

نویسنده با استفاده از استعاره‌های سمی، انحطاط اخلاقی جامعه را نقد می‌کند.

The author critiques the moral decay of society using toxic metaphors.

Literary analysis register.

3

پروتکل‌های ایمنی برای جابجایی مواد سمی رادیواکتیو بسیار سختگیرانه است.

Safety protocols for handling radioactive toxic materials are very stringent.

Technical legal/safety register.

4

تداخلات دارویی می‌تواند منجر به ایجاد ترکیبات سمی در کبد شود.

Drug interactions can lead to the creation of toxic compounds in the liver.

Scientific causal structure.

5

فرهنگ سمی مردسالاری در لایه‌های پنهان زبان بازتولید می‌شود.

The toxic culture of patriarchy is reproduced in the hidden layers of language.

Sociopolitical theory register.

6

بررسی‌های سم‌شناسی نشان‌دهنده وجود دوز سمی آرسنیک بود.

Toxicological examinations indicated the presence of a toxic dose of arsenic.

Forensic science terminology.

7

او به نقد پارادایم‌های سمی در روان‌شناسی مدرن پرداخت.

He proceeded to critique toxic paradigms in modern psychology.

Advanced academic discourse.

8

پیچیدگی‌های حقوقی مرتبط با نشت مواد سمی در آب‌های بین‌المللی بی‌سابقه است.

The legal complexities associated with the leakage of toxic materials in international waters are unprecedented.

International law register.

Häufige Kollokationen

مار سمی
گاز سمی
رابطه سمی
زباله سمی
مواد سمی
گیاه سمی
بخار سمی
آدم سمی
ترکیب سمی
پسماند سمی

Häufige Phrasen

دوز سمی

— The amount of a substance that becomes harmful. Used in medical contexts.

دوز سمی این دارو بسیار پایین است.

فضای سمی

— A negative or harmful atmosphere in a place like an office. Used socially.

فضای سمی شرکت باعث استعفای او شد.

افکار سمی

— Harmful or negative thoughts that affect mental health. Used in psychology.

باید از افکار سمی دوری کرد.

خوراک سمی

— Literally toxic food, but can also mean bad information. Used casually.

این اخبار مثل یک خوراک سمی برای ذهن است.

محیط سمی

— A toxic environment, either physically or socially. Used broadly.

محیط سمی شهر برای ریه‌ها بد است.

نیش سمی

— A poisonous sting or bite. Used for insects or snakes.

نیش سمی زنبور باعث تورم شد.

باران سمی

— Acid rain or rain containing toxins. Used in environmental science.

باران سمی به محصولات کشاورزی آسیب زد.

خاک سمی

— Soil contaminated with chemicals. Used in agriculture.

در این خاک سمی چیزی رشد نمی‌کند.

داروی سمی

— A toxic drug or a medicine used incorrectly. Used in health.

مصرف بیش از حد این داروی سمی خطرناک است.

رنگ سمی

— Paint containing toxic lead or chemicals. Used in construction.

از رنگ سمی برای اتاق کودک استفاده نکنید.

Wird oft verwechselt mit

سمی vs سمیمی (Samimi)

Means 'intimate' or 'friendly'. It has an extra 'i' and a completely different meaning. Confusing them can be very awkward!

سمی vs مسموم (Masmoum)

Means 'poisoned'. Use this for the person who ate the poison, not the poison itself.

سمی vs آلوده (Ālude)

Means 'polluted'. A river can be polluted with trash but not necessarily toxic (sammi).

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"مثل سم ممار"

— Extremely bitter or unpleasant. Used to describe a taste or a situation.

این چای مثل سم مار تلخ است.

Informal
"سم ریختن"

— To spread negativity or to sabotage something. Used in social contexts.

او باز هم در جلسه سم ریخت و همه را ناامید کرد.

Slang
"زهر خود را ریختن"

— To vent one's spite or malice. Similar to 'spitting venom'.

او بالاخره زهر خود را ریخت و استعفا داد.

Neutral
"سم خالص"

— Pure poison. Used recently for something incredibly 'cringe' or absurd.

این ویدیو سم خالص است!

Slang
"جام زهر را نوشیدن"

— To accept a very bitter and difficult necessity. Famous historical idiom.

او برای صلح، جام زهر را نوشید.

Formal/Political
"مار گزیده از ریسمان سیاه و سفید می‌ترسد"

— Once bitten, twice shy. Refers to the fear of poison.

او دیگر به کسی اعتماد نمی‌کند؛ مار گزیده از ریسمان سیاه و سفید می‌ترسد.

Proverb
"مثل زهر هلاهل"

— Extremely deadly or bitter. Often used for very bad news.

خبر مرگ او مثل زهر هلاهل بود.

Literary
"نیش و کنایه"

— Sarcasm and stinging remarks. Related to the concept of a toxic sting.

او مدام با نیش و کنایه حرف می‌زند.

Neutral
"با پنبه سر بریدن"

— To kill or destroy someone gently/quietly. Can be a 'toxic' trait.

مراقب او باش، او با پنبه سر می‌برد.

Informal
"آب زیر کاه"

— A person who is sneaky and potentially toxic. 'Water under straw'.

او خیلی آب زیر کاه است، به او اعتماد نکن.

Informal

Leicht verwechselbar

سمی vs سمیمی

Similar sound and spelling.

Sammi (toxic) has 2 syllables; Samimi (friendly) has 3 syllables.

Dust-e samimi (close friend) vs Dust-e sammi (toxic friend).

سمی vs مسموم

Both relate to poison.

Sammi is the quality of the source; Masmoum is the state of the victim.

Ghazā sammi bud, pas man masmoum shodam.

سمی vs خطرناک

Both imply danger.

Khatarnāk is general; Sammi is specific to chemical/biological toxins.

Ranandegi-ye tond khatarnāk ast (not sammi).

سمی vs موذی

Both used for harmful pests.

Muzi means mischievous or annoying/harmful (like a rat); Sammi means poisonous.

Mush hayvān-e muzi ast (not sammi).

سمی vs تلخ

Poison is often associated with bitterness.

Talkh is just a taste; Sammi is a biological effect.

Ghahve talkh ast vali sammi nist.

Satzmuster

A1

[Noun] [Adjective] ast.

In ghazā sammi ast.

A2

[Noun]-e [Adjective] [Verb].

Mār-e sammi nish zad.

B1

Be dalil-e [Noun]-e [Adjective], ...

Be dalil-e havā-ye sammi, madāres tatil shod.

B2

Agar [Noun] [Adjective] bāshad, ...

Agar dāru sammi bāshad, khatarnāk ast.

C1

[Abstract Noun]-e [Adjective] bā'eth-e [Result] mishavad.

Rābete-ye sammi bā'eth-e afsordegi mishavad.

C2

Pashmānd-hā-ye [Adjective] bar [Target] athar migozārad.

Pasmānd-hā-ye sammi bar ekosistem athar migozārad.

B1

Nabāyad [Noun]-e [Adjective] rā [Verb].

Nabāyad ghazā-ye sammi rā khord.

B2

Āyā [Noun] [Adjective] be nazar miresad?

Āyā in āb sammi be nazar miresad?

Wortfamilie

Substantive

سم (Sam - Poison)
سموم (Somoum - Poisons/Toxins)
سم‌شناسی (Sam-shenāsi - Toxicology)
مسمومیت (Masmoumiyat - Poisoning/Toxicity)
پادزهر (Pādzahr - Antidote)

Verben

مسموم کردن (Masmoum kardan - To poison)
مسموم شدن (Masmoum shodan - To be poisoned)
سم‌پاشی کردن (Sam-pāshi kardan - To spray pesticide/poison)

Adjektive

سمی (Sammi - Toxic)
مسموم (Masmoum - Poisoned)
زهرآگین (Zahr-āgin - Venomous)
ضدسم (Zed-de sam - Anti-toxic)

Verwandt

دارو (Dāru - Medicine)
شیمی (Shimi - Chemistry)
آلودگی (Āludegi - Pollution)
خطر (Khatar - Danger)
سلامت (Salāmat - Health)

So verwendest du es

frequency

Very High in modern Persian.

Häufige Fehler
  • Using 'Sammi' for a sick person. Masmoum

    Sammi describes the source of poison, Masmoum describes the person affected.

  • Saying 'Sammi mār'. Mār-e sammi

    Adjectives must come after the noun in Persian.

  • Confusing Sammi with Samimi. Sammi

    Samimi means friendly; Sammi means toxic. Don't call your best friend toxic by accident!

  • Forgetting the Ezafe. Āb-e sammi

    You must have the linking vowel between the noun and adjective.

  • Using 'Sammi' for physical dirt. Kasif / Ālude

    If it's just mud, it's not 'sammi'. 'Sammi' implies chemical danger.

Tipps

Warning Labels

If you see 'سمی' on a bottle in Iran, do not touch it. It is a serious safety warning.

The Ezafe

Always remember the 'e' sound: 'Mār-e sammi'. Without it, the sentence sounds broken.

Animal Venom

For snakes, 'sammi' and 'zahrdār' are both okay, but 'sammi' is more common in daily speech.

Slang Usage

If someone says 'In video sam-e' (This video is poison), they mean it is very 'cringe' or weird.

Doctor Visits

If you go to a doctor for food issues, use 'masmoum shodam' (I got poisoned).

Double M

Try to linger on the 'm' sound slightly—it makes you sound more native.

Spelling

The 'ye' at the end is a 'ya-ye nesbat'. It is written as a standard 'ی'.

Environment

Use 'sammi' when talking about chemical waste in rivers or soil.

Mental Health

'Rābete-ye sammi' is a key phrase for discussing modern social problems.

Sammi vs Alude

Remember: 'Alude' is dirty/polluted, 'Sammi' is actually poisonous.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Think of 'Sam' (a person). If Sam is 'me' (Sam-mi), and I am toxic, I am a 'Sammi' person. Or: 'Sam's Meat' was toxic.

Visuelle Assoziation

Imagine a green skull and crossbones on a bottle. The bottle's name is 'Sam'.

Word Web

Sam (Poison) Sammi (Toxic) Masmoum (Poisoned) Mār (Snake) Gāz (Gas) Rābete (Relationship) Khatar (Danger) Shimi (Chemistry)

Herausforderung

Try to find three items in your kitchen that would be labeled 'Sammi' in Persian. Write their names down.

Wortherkunft

Derived from the Arabic word 'Samm' (سم) meaning poison. In Arabic, it comes from the root s-m-m, which relates to piercing or a narrow opening (like the pore of the skin where poison enters).

Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: Something that permeates the body to cause harm.

Semitic root (Arabic) adopted into Indo-European (Persian).

Kultureller Kontext

Be careful when calling a person 'Sammi' in Persian; it is a very strong insult and can be taken more seriously than in English.

The shift from literal to metaphorical 'toxic' happened in English first and was then mirrored in Persian.

The 'Cup of Poison' (Jām-e Zahr) speech by Ayatollah Khomeini. Modern Persian pop songs about 'Rābete-ye Sammi'. Scientific warnings about Tehran's air quality.

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Environment

  • آلودگی سمی
  • زباله‌های سمی
  • گازهای سمی کارخانه
  • حفاظت در برابر مواد سمی

Health

  • علائم سمی
  • تداخل سمی داروها
  • غذای سمی
  • درمان مسمومیت سمی

Relationships

  • دوست سمی
  • خانواده سمی
  • رفتار سمی
  • رهایی از رابطه سمی

Workplace

  • مدیر سمی
  • فرهنگ سمی کاری
  • همکار سمی
  • محیط سمی اداری

Nature

  • جانوران سمی
  • خزنده سمی
  • میوه سمی
  • دریای سمی

Gesprächseinstiege

"آیا تا به حال با یک آدم سمی در زندگی‌تان برخورد کرده‌اید؟ (Have you ever encountered a toxic person in your life?)"

"چگونه می‌توان مواد سمی را در خانه شناسایی کرد؟ (How can one identify toxic materials in the house?)"

"به نظر شما هوای تهران سمی است؟ (In your opinion, is Tehran's air toxic?)"

"اگر یک مار سمی ببینید، چه کار می‌کنید؟ (If you see a poisonous snake, what do you do?)"

"چرا بعضی از رابطه‌ها سمی می‌شوند؟ (Why do some relationships become toxic?)"

Tagebuch-Impulse

درباره زمانی بنویسید که مجبور بودید از یک محیط سمی دوری کنید. (Write about a time you had to stay away from a toxic environment.)

تاثیرات زباله‌های سمی بر طبیعت را توصیف کنید. (Describe the effects of toxic waste on nature.)

چگونه می‌توانیم خودمان را از افکار سمی رها کنیم؟ (How can we free ourselves from toxic thoughts?)

یک داستان کوتاه درباره یک گیاه سمی در جنگل بنویسید. (Write a short story about a toxic plant in the forest.)

آیا تکنولوژی می‌تواند سمی باشد؟ نظرتان را بنویسید. (Can technology be toxic? Write your opinion.)

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

Yes, in modern Persian, 'ādam-e sammi' is the standard way to say 'toxic person'. It is very common in social media and psychology.

'Sam' is more general and used for chemicals. 'Zahr' is usually used for animal venom (like snakes or scorpions) and is more literary.

You use the noun form: 'masmoumiyat-e ghazāyi'. If you want to describe the food, you say 'ghazā-ye sammi'.

Yes, when the pollution contains dangerous chemicals, it is called 'havā-ye sammi'. This is common in news about big cities.

No, as an adjective, it stays the same. 'Mavād-e sammi' (Toxic materials).

It is neutral and can be used in both formal (scientific) and informal (slang) contexts.

'Sālem' (healthy/safe) or 'Bi-khatar' (harmless) are the most common opposites.

Only if you mean 'I am a toxic person.' If you mean you are poisoned, say 'Man masmoum shodam'.

The root 'Sam' is Arabic, but the adjective 'Sammi' is formed using Persian grammar rules.

It is usually spelled 'Sammi' or 'Sammy'.

Teste dich selbst 180 Fragen

writing

Write a sentence in Persian about a toxic snake.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Explain in Persian why you should avoid toxic people.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a warning label for a toxic chemical bottle in Persian.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Describe the air pollution in a big city using the word 'Sammi'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a short dialogue between two friends about a toxic relationship.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

How do you say 'Toxic waste is a threat to nature' in Persian?

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Use 'Sammi' and 'Masmoum' in the same sentence.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a sentence about a toxic plant in your garden.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'Smoking produces toxic smoke.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write about the importance of 'Sam-shenāsi' (Toxicology).

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Describe a 'Toxic Work Environment'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'Lead is a toxic metal.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a sentence about 'Toxic Thoughts'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'Many mushrooms in this forest are toxic.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a formal sentence about industrial toxic waste.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'The news said the air is toxic today.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a sentence using 'Sammi-tar' (more toxic).

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'Is this soap toxic for children?'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write about the dangers of toxic gases in mines.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'He has a toxic personality.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Pronounce 'Sammi' correctly with stress on the last syllable.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Ask if a certain plant is toxic in Persian.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Warn someone not to touch a toxic chemical.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Describe a toxic person you know in Persian.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Talk about the air pollution in your city using 'Sammi'.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Explain the difference between 'Sammi' and 'Masmoum'.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Tell a story about seeing a poisonous snake while hiking.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Discuss why toxic relationships are bad for health.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Ask a doctor if a medicine has toxic side effects.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Describe the smell of toxic gas in a mine.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'This video is very cringe' using slang 'Sam'.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Warn a child about a toxic berry in the woods.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Ask about the toxicity level of a river.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Discuss the 'Toxic Culture' of a company.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'Don't drink that water, it's toxic.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'Mercury is toxic for the body.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Talk about 'Toxic Masculinity' (Mardanegi-ye sammi).

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'I need to get away from this toxic atmosphere.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Ask 'Is this snake poisonous or harmless?'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Pronounce 'Mavād-e sammi' (Toxic materials).

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen to the weather report: 'هوا سمی است'. What is the status of the air?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen: 'مواظب مارهای سمی باشید'. What should you be careful of?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen: 'این غذا سمی شده است'. Should you eat the food?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen: 'او در یک رابطه سمی بود'. What kind of relationship was it?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen: 'گاز سمی در معدن پخش شد'. Where did the gas spread?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen: 'زباله‌های سمی را اینجا نریزید'. What should not be poured here?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen: 'این ترکیب سمی است'. What is toxic?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen: 'او شخصیت سمی دارد'. What is the person's personality like?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen: 'بخار سمی خطرناک است'. What is dangerous?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen: 'آیا این صابون سمی است؟'. What is the question about?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen: 'گیاهان سمی در باغچه نکارید'. Where should you not plant toxic plants?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen: 'دود سمی آتش‌سوزی همه جا بود'. What caused the toxic smoke?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen: 'افکار سمی را دور بریزید'. What should you discard?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen: 'این دارو در دوز بالا سمی است'. When does the medicine become toxic?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen: 'او از محیط سمی فرار کرد'. What did he escape from?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

/ 180 correct

Perfect score!

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