زمانی که
زمانی که in 30 Sekunden
- A formal conjunction meaning 'when' or 'at the time that'.
- Used to link a temporal condition to a main action in a sentence.
- Common in written Persian, news, and academic contexts.
- Requires careful use of verb moods, especially the subjunctive for future events.
The Persian conjunction زمانی که (zamāni ke) is a sophisticated temporal marker used to establish a specific point in time when an action occurs. It is composed of three distinct linguistic elements: the noun zamān (meaning 'time'), the relative suffix -i (known as the yā-ye vahdat or yā-ye nešāne), and the conjunction ke (meaning 'that'). Together, they function as a single unit equivalent to the English 'when' or 'at the time that'. While the word vaghti is more common in colloquial speech, zamāni ke elevates the register, making it a staple of formal writing, academic discourse, and poetic expression. It serves as a bridge between a temporal condition and its consequence, allowing the speaker to frame events within a precise chronological window. In the landscape of Persian grammar, this phrase is indispensable for constructing complex sentences that go beyond simple subject-verb-object structures. It allows for the subordination of clauses, where the 'when' clause provides the necessary context for the main event. This is particularly useful in historical narratives, scientific explanations, and legal documents where precision is paramount. For example, instead of saying 'When I saw him,' a formal text would say 'At the time that I saw him,' using zamāni ke to provide a more structured and professional tone. Understanding this phrase is a key milestone for B1 learners as it marks the transition from basic communication to more nuanced and varied sentence construction.
- Grammatical Category
- Compound Temporal Conjunction (حرف ربط زمانی مرکب)
- Register
- Formal, Literary, and Standard Written Persian
- English Equivalent
- When, at the time that, upon the occasion that
ما زمانی که به تهران رسیدیم، باران میبارید.
زمانی که خورشید غروب میکند، چراغها روشن میشوند.
او زمانی که بچه بود، در این کوچه بازی میکرد.
لطفاً زمانی که کارتان تمام شد، با من تماس بگیرید.
گیاهان زمانی که آب کافی دریافت نکنند، خشک میشوند.
Furthermore, zamāni ke is often used to emphasize the duration or the specific era of an event. It can be paired with other words like daghighan (exactly) to say daghighan zamāni ke (exactly when). This phrase also plays a crucial role in conditional-temporal sentences where the timing of the first action is the prerequisite for the second. In literature, you might find it used to evoke a sense of nostalgia or to set a grand stage for a narrative. It is the linguistic equivalent of a wide-angle lens, capturing the temporal landscape in which the subjects of the sentence operate. As you progress in your Persian studies, you will notice that Persian writers use this phrase to avoid the repetition of simpler words, thereby adding rhythmic variety and intellectual depth to their prose. It is not just a word; it is a tool for temporal architecture in the Persian language.
Using زمانی که (zamāni ke) correctly requires an understanding of clause placement and tense harmony. In Persian, the temporal clause (the one starting with zamāni ke) can appear either at the beginning of the sentence or in the middle, following the main subject. If the temporal clause comes first, it is often followed by a comma in written English, though Persian punctuation is more flexible. The most important aspect of using this conjunction is the relationship between the two verbs. If you are describing a habitual action or a general truth, both verbs usually stay in the present indicative. However, if you are describing a future possibility, the verb following zamāni ke often takes the subjunctive mood (eltezāmi), while the main verb remains in the future or imperative. This subtle shift in mood is what distinguishes a proficient speaker from a beginner. For past events, the indicative past is used to describe completed actions, while the imperfect past is used for ongoing actions that were happening 'when' something else occurred. The structure is remarkably stable: [Subject] + [zamāni ke] + [Subordinate Clause Verb] + [Main Clause Verb]. Alternatively: [zamāni ke] + [Subordinate Clause Verb], [Subject] + [Main Clause Verb].
- Pattern 1: General Truths
- [زمانی که] + [Present Verb], [Present Verb]. Example: When it rains, the earth gets wet.
- Pattern 2: Past Narratives
- [زمانی که] + [Past Verb], [Past Verb]. Example: When he arrived, I was sleeping.
- Pattern 3: Future/Imperative
- [زمانی که] + [Subjunctive Verb], [Future/Imperative Verb]. Example: When you see him, tell him the truth.
زمانی که به خانه برسی، شام حاضر است.
او زمانی که در دانشگاه بود، کتابهای زیادی میخواند.
زمانی که هوا سرد میشود، پرندگان به جنوب مهاجرت میکنند.
In addition to its basic temporal function, zamāni ke can be used to contrast different periods of time. For instance, 'Zamāni ke dar gozašte...' (In the time that was the past...) versus the present. It acts as a temporal anchor. When writing, remember that ke is a clitic-like conjunction that shouldn't be separated from zamāni by long pauses or other words. They function as a tight semantic unit. If you find yourself using vaghti too often in your writing, try replacing every second instance with zamāni ke or hengāmi ke to improve the flow and sophistication of your text. This is a hallmark of advanced Persian composition. Furthermore, in legal or technical Persian, zamāni ke is preferred because it sounds more objective and less personal than vaghti. It sets a condition that is universal rather than anecdotal.
You will encounter زمانی که (zamāni ke) in a variety of high-level contexts. If you turn on the news (like BBC Persian or VOA Farsi), the anchors and reporters will frequently use this phrase to describe the timing of political events, diplomatic meetings, or natural disasters. It provides a sense of gravity and journalistic professionalism. In the world of Persian literature, from the classical poems of Rumi and Hafez to modern novels by Sadegh Hedayat, zamāni ke is used to weave complex temporal narratives. It is also the standard choice for documentaries and educational videos. For example, a science program explaining the water cycle would say, 'Zamāni ke āb tabkhir mišavad...' (When water evaporates...). In formal speeches, such as those given by professors, politicians, or at wedding ceremonies, this phrase is used to mark significant life milestones. You will also see it in the subtitles of historical dramas and dubbed films where the dialogue aims for a more 'standard' or 'elevated' feel rather than street slang. Even in business meetings, when discussing project timelines or contract terms, zamāni ke is the go-to conjunction to ensure clarity and formality.
- News & Media
- Used to report the timing of events: 'When the treaty was signed...'
- Academic Lectures
- Used to explain theories: 'When the temperature reaches boiling point...'
- Literature & Poetry
- Used for narrative depth: 'When the lover saw the beloved...'
گزارشگر: زمانی که زلزله رخ داد، اکثر مردم در خواب بودند.
استاد: زمانی که درباره تاریخ ایران صحبت میکنیم، باید به دوران هخامنشیان توجه کنیم.
While you might not hear a teenager say zamāni ke while hanging out at a café (they would use vaghti), you will certainly hear it in any context that requires 'Ketābi' (bookish) Persian. It is the language of the elite, the educated, and the artistic. If you are reading a Persian translation of a Western novel, zamāni ke is almost always used for 'when'. It provides a rhythmic flow that vaghti sometimes lacks. In religious sermons or philosophical debates, the phrase is used to denote the timing of divine actions or logical conclusions. Understanding the 'where' of this word helps you calibrate your own speech; use it when you want to be taken seriously, and stick to vaghti for casual banter with friends. This mastery of register is what truly defines a B1-B2 level learner.
One of the most frequent errors English speakers make is confusing زمانی که (zamāni ke) with the interrogative key (کِی). In English, 'when' is used for both questions ('When are you coming?') and relative clauses ('I will tell you when I come'). In Persian, these are strictly separated. Using zamāni ke to ask a question is a major grammatical error that immediately signals a non-native speaker. Another common mistake is omitting the ke. Because 'zamān' means 'time', learners sometimes try to say 'zamāni raftam' (the time I went), but without the ke, the sentence is grammatically incomplete and confusing. Furthermore, learners often struggle with the 'yā-ye vahdat' (the 'i' in zamāni). They might say 'zamān ke', which is incorrect. The 'i' is essential as it makes the noun 'zamān' indefinite or relative, allowing it to be modified by the following clause. Tense mismatch is another pitfall; for example, using the future tense after zamāni ke instead of the subjunctive mood is a common 'Anglicism' (translating directly from English 'when I will go' which is already wrong in English but even more so in Persian).
- Mistake 1: Interrogative Confusion
- Incorrect: *زمانی که میآیی؟ (When are you coming?) | Correct: کِی میآیی؟
- Mistake 2: Missing 'Ke'
- Incorrect: *زمانی باران بارید... | Correct: زمانی که باران بارید...
- Mistake 3: Tense Errors
- Incorrect: *زمانی که او خواهد آمد... | Correct: زمانی که او بیاید... (Subjunctive)
اشتباه: زمانی که جلسه شروع میشود؟
Another subtle mistake involves the use of dar (in) before zamāni ke. While 'dar zamāni ke' is technically correct and used for emphasis (meaning 'during the time that'), overusing 'dar' can make the sentence feel clunky. Usually, zamāni ke on its own is sufficient. Additionally, some learners confuse zamāni ke with tā (until/as soon as). While tā can sometimes mean 'when' in specific contexts, zamāni ke is strictly temporal and doesn't carry the 'as soon as' urgency that tā does. Finally, pay attention to the placement of the subject. If you say 'Zamāni ke Ali āmad' (When Ali came), it's standard. If you say 'Ali zamāni ke āmad', it's more focused on Ali. Don't mix these up unintentionally.
Persian is rich with temporal conjunctions, and knowing when to use each one is a sign of advanced fluency. The most common alternative to زمانی که (zamāni ke) is vaghti ke (وقتی که). While they are often interchangeable, vaghti ke is the workhorse of daily conversation, whereas zamāni ke is the choice for formal writing. Another synonym is hengāmi ke (هنگامی که), which is even more formal and often used to describe a specific moment or occasion. For 'at the moment that', you might use lahze-i ke (لحظهای که). If you want to say 'as soon as', you would use be mahzi ke (به محض اینکه). For 'while' (indicating two simultaneous actions), dar hāli ke (در حالی که) is the best choice. Each of these words carries a slightly different 'flavor' and level of formality. Choosing the right one depends on your audience and the context of your message.
- وقتی که (Vaghti ke)
- The informal/neutral version of 'when'. Use this in 90% of spoken situations.
- هنگامی که (Hengāmi ke)
- Very formal. Often used in history books or news reports. Similar to 'at the juncture that'.
- در حالی که (Dar hāli ke)
- Means 'while' or 'whereas'. Used for simultaneous actions or contrasting ideas.
- موقعی که (Moghe'i ke)
- Semi-formal. Focuses on the 'occasion' or 'opportunity' of the time.
مقایسه:
۱. وقتی باران آمد (Casual)
۲. زمانی که باران بارید (Formal)
۳. هنگامی که باران باریدن گرفت (Literary)
Understanding these distinctions allows you to 'color' your Persian. For instance, in a story, you might start with zamāni ke to set the historical scene ('In the time that kings ruled...') and then switch to vaghti ke for the dialogue between characters. This mastery of synonyms is what makes Persian such a beautiful and expressive language. Don't just learn one word for 'when'; learn the whole family of temporal markers to truly express the nuances of time and atmosphere in your speech and writing.
How Formal Is It?
"زمانی که نتایج تحقیق منتشر شود، جزئیات بیشتری ارائه خواهد شد."
"زمانی که به خانه رسیدم، شام خوردم."
"وقتی رسیدم خونه، شام خوردم."
"زمانی که خورشید بخوابه، ماه میاد تو آسمون."
"اون موقع که..."
Wusstest du?
The word 'zamān' was borrowed into Arabic and is now a core part of the Arabic language as well, but its origins are firmly Iranian. It is a 'loan-word' that came back with a vengeance!
Aussprachehilfe
- Pronouncing 'ke' as 'ki' (like the English word 'key'). It should be an 'e' sound like 'egg'.
- Shortening the 'ā' in 'zamāni' to a short 'a' sound.
- Putting too much stress on the 'i' at the end of 'zamāni'.
- Separating 'zamāni' and 'ke' with a long pause.
- Pronouncing the 'z' as a 'j' sound.
Schwierigkeitsgrad
Easy to recognize in text, but requires understanding of clause structure.
Challenging to use correctly with the proper verb moods (subjunctive vs indicative).
Requires practice to use naturally instead of the more common 'vaghti'.
Clear and distinct, usually easy to hear in formal speech.
Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest
Voraussetzungen
Als Nächstes lernen
Fortgeschritten
Wichtige Grammatik
Subjunctive Mood in Temporal Clauses
زمانی که او بیاید (When he comes - Subjunctive)
Past Imperfect for Habitual Actions
زمانی که در شیراز بودم، هر روز به حافظیه میرفتم.
Placement of 'Ke' as a Subordinator
زمانی که [Clause], [Main Clause]
Indefinite 'i' (Yā-ye Vahdat)
The 'i' in 'zamāni' is essential for the relative construction.
Sequence of Tenses
Ensuring the past tense in the temporal clause matches the past tense in the main clause.
Beispiele nach Niveau
زمانی که گرسنه هستم، غذا میخورم.
When I am hungry, I eat food.
Simple present tense for a general habit.
زمانی که خورشید میآید، روز شروع میشود.
When the sun comes (up), the day starts.
Using 'zamāni ke' to show cause and effect.
زمانی که باران میبارد، چتر برمیدارم.
When it rains, I take an umbrella.
Standard temporal clause structure.
زمانی که خوشحال هستم، میخندم.
When I am happy, I laugh.
Connecting an emotion to an action.
زمانی که شب میشود، میخوابم.
When it becomes night, I sleep.
Simple daily routine.
زمانی که معلم میآید، ما سلام میکنیم.
When the teacher comes, we say hello.
Subject-verb agreement in both clauses.
زمانی که سرد است، ژاکت میپوشم.
When it is cold, I wear a jacket.
Describing a condition and a response.
زمانی که چای داغ است، صبر میکنم.
When the tea is hot, I wait.
Using 'zamāni ke' for a simple state.
زمانی که بچه بودم، در این پارک بازی میکردم.
When I was a child, I used to play in this park.
Past imperfect tense for habitual past actions.
زمانی که به خانه رسیدم، مادرم داشت آشپزی میکرد.
When I reached home, my mother was cooking.
Past simple followed by past progressive.
زمانی که درس تمام شد، به سینما رفتیم.
When the lesson finished, we went to the cinema.
Two completed actions in the past.
زمانی که او را دیدم، خیلی تعجب کردم.
When I saw him, I was very surprised.
Using 'zamāni ke' for a specific past moment.
زمانی که هوا خوب بود، به کوه میرفتیم.
When the weather was good, we used to go to the mountains.
Describing past conditions.
زمانی که نامه را خواندم، گریه کردم.
When I read the letter, I cried.
Emotional reaction to a past event.
زمانی که در تهران زندگی میکردیم، ماشین نداشتیم.
When we lived in Tehran, we didn't have a car.
Describing a past state of being.
زمانی که زنگ زد، من در حمام بودم.
When he called, I was in the bathroom.
Interrupted action in the past.
زمانی که به مقصد برسید، متوجه زیبایی آن خواهید شد.
When you reach the destination, you will notice its beauty.
Subjunctive 'berasid' for future temporal clause.
زمانی که دولت تصمیم جدیدی بگیرد، مردم باخبر میشوند.
When the government makes a new decision, the people will be informed.
Formal register for administrative contexts.
زمانی که کتاب را تمام کنی، میتوانی آن را به من بدهی.
When you finish the book, you can give it to me.
Subjunctive 'tamām koni' for a future condition.
زمانی که باران قطع شود، پیادهروی خواهیم کرد.
When the rain stops, we will go for a walk.
Future plan dependent on a temporal condition.
زمانی که او صحبت میکند، همه با دقت گوش میدهند.
When he speaks, everyone listens carefully.
Describing a recurring formal situation.
زمانی که فرصت پیدا کنم، حتماً به شما سر میزنم.
When I find the opportunity, I will definitely visit you.
Polite future promise.
زمانی که قیمتها بالا میرود، قدرت خرید مردم کم میشود.
When prices go up, people's purchasing power decreases.
Economic cause and effect in formal Persian.
زمانی که در امتحان موفق شوی، برایت هدیه میخرم.
When you succeed in the exam, I will buy you a gift.
Future reward based on a temporal milestone.
زمانی که تکنولوژی پیشرفت میکند، سبک زندگی انسانها نیز تغییر مییابد.
When technology advances, human lifestyles also change.
Abstract sociological observation.
زمانی که نویسنده داستان را به پایان رساند، احساس سبکی کرد.
When the author brought the story to an end, he felt a sense of relief.
Literary description of a past event.
زمانی که تمدنها سقوط میکنند، آثار هنری آنها باقی میماند.
When civilizations fall, their artworks remain.
Philosophical/Historical generalization.
زمانی که خشم بر عقل غلبه کند، پشیمانی به بار میآید.
When anger overcomes reason, regret is produced.
Moralistic/Proverbial usage.
زمانی که پروژه به مرحله نهایی برسد، گزارش کامل ارائه خواهد شد.
When the project reaches the final stage, a full report will be presented.
Formal business/technical context.
زمانی که او به قدرت رسید، اصلاحات گستردهای را آغاز کرد.
When he came to power, he began extensive reforms.
Historical/Political narrative.
زمانی که تضاد منافع پیش بیاید، مذاکره دشوار میشود.
When a conflict of interest arises, negotiation becomes difficult.
Professional/Legal observation.
زمانی که خورشید به میانه آسمان میرسد، سایهها کوتاهترین هستند.
When the sun reaches the middle of the sky, shadows are shortest.
Scientific/Natural fact.
زمانی که ساختارهای سنتی فرو میپاشند، بحران هویت پدیدار میگردد.
When traditional structures collapse, an identity crisis emerges.
High-level sociological analysis.
زمانی که شاعر از استعاره استفاده میکند، معنای متن لایهبرداری میشود.
When the poet uses metaphor, the meaning of the text becomes layered.
Literary criticism register.
زمانی که عدالت در جامعهای اجرا نشود، اعتماد عمومی سلب خواهد شد.
When justice is not implemented in a society, public trust will be revoked.
Political/Legal theory.
زمانی که فیلسوف به بنبست فکری میرسد، پرسشهای جدیدی طرح میکند.
When the philosopher reaches an intellectual dead-end, he poses new questions.
Academic/Philosophical context.
زمانی که دادههای آماری تحلیل شوند، میتوان به نتایج دقیقتری دست یافت.
When statistical data are analyzed, more accurate results can be achieved.
Scientific research register.
زمانی که توازن قوا در منطقه به هم بخورد، احتمال درگیری افزایش مییابد.
When the balance of power in the region is disrupted, the likelihood of conflict increases.
Geopolitical analysis.
زمانی که زبان مادری تضعیف شود، بخشی از میراث فرهنگی از بین میرود.
When the mother tongue is weakened, a part of cultural heritage is lost.
Cultural/Linguistic preservation context.
زمانی که بازار با مازاد عرضه مواجه گردد، قیمتها به طور طبیعی کاهش مییابند.
When the market faces a surplus of supply, prices naturally decrease.
Formal economic theory.
زمانی که هستیشناسی با معرفتشناسی تلاقی میکند، پارادایمهای جدیدی خلق میشوند.
When ontology intersects with epistemology, new paradigms are created.
Highly specialized academic discourse.
زمانی که حاکمیت قانون به مسلخ مصلحت برده شود، آزادی به محاق میرود.
When the rule of law is sacrificed at the altar of expediency, freedom goes into eclipse.
Sophisticated political rhetoric with metaphors.
زمانی که هنرمند از قید و بندهای زمانه رها میگردد، اثرش جاودانه میشود.
When the artist is liberated from the shackles of his time, his work becomes immortal.
Elevated aesthetic philosophy.
زمانی که گسستهای اجتماعی تعمیق یابند، وفاق ملی به مخاطره میافتد.
When social rifts deepen, national consensus is jeopardized.
Advanced sociological/political analysis.
زمانی که سکوت بر هیاهوی ذهن چیره شود، حقیقت تجلی مییابد.
When silence prevails over the clamor of the mind, truth manifests.
Mystical/Philosophical prose.
زمانی که فرآیندهای دموکراتیک صوری گردند، مشروعیت نظام سیاسی فرسوده میشود.
When democratic processes become formalistic, the legitimacy of the political system erodes.
Complex political science terminology.
زمانی که نوآوری با اخلاق همسو نباشد، پیامدهای ناگواری برای بشریت خواهد داشت.
When innovation is not aligned with ethics, it will have dire consequences for humanity.
Ethical/Scientific debate register.
زمانی که متن از نیت مؤلف مستقل میگردد، هرمنوتیک وارد ساحت جدیدی میشود.
When the text becomes independent of the author's intent, hermeneutics enters a new realm.
Advanced literary theory.
Häufige Kollokationen
Häufige Phrasen
زمانی که فرصت شد
زمانی که دیر شده بود
زمانی که انتظار نداشتم
زمانی که بار اول بود
زمانی که همه خواب بودند
زمانی که خورشید طلوع میکند
زمانی که کار از کار گذشت
زمانی که وقتش برسد
زمانی که نیاز داری
زمانی که هوا تاریک شد
Wird oft verwechselt mit
English speakers use 'when' for both questions and statements. In Persian, 'key' is only for questions, and 'zamāni ke' is only for statements.
Sometimes 'tā' can mean 'when' or 'as soon as', but it often implies 'until'. 'Zamāni ke' is purely temporal.
'Hengām' is a noun. You usually say 'hengām-e' (during) or 'hengāmi ke' (when). Don't use 'hengām' alone as a conjunction.
Redewendungen & Ausdrücke
"زمانی که کار از کار گذشته است"
When it's too late; when the opportunity is gone.
او زمانی که کار از کار گذشته بود، عذرخواهی کرد.
Common"زمانی که کوه به کوه نمیرسد، آدم به آدم میرسد"
When mountains don't meet, but people do (meaning: we will meet again).
دنیا کوچک است؛ زمانی که کوه به کوه نمیرسد، آدم به آدم میرسد.
Proverbial"زمانی که خر از پل گذشت"
When the donkey has crossed the bridge (meaning: when someone has achieved their goal and no longer cares about others).
او زمانی که خرش از پل گذشت، ما را فراموش کرد.
Informal/Cynical"زمانی که آبها از آسیاب افتاد"
When the waters have fallen from the mill (meaning: when the excitement or trouble has settled down).
زمانی که آبها از آسیاب افتاد، دوباره با هم صحبت میکنیم.
Common"زمانی که کفگیر به ته دیگ خورد"
When the spatula hits the bottom of the pot (meaning: when resources or money have run out).
زمانی که کفگیر به ته دیگ خورد، به فکر صرفهجویی افتاد.
Informal"زمانی که مرغ یک پا دارد"
When the chicken has one leg (meaning: when someone is being stubborn and won't change their mind).
او زمانی که مرغش یک پا دارد، هیچ حرفی را قبول نمیکند.
Informal"زمانی که دستش به دهانش میرسد"
When his hand reaches his mouth (meaning: when someone becomes financially independent).
او زمانی که دستش به دهانش رسید، به فقرا کمک کرد.
Common"زمانی که چشمش ترسید"
When his eye got scared (meaning: when someone became cautious after a bad experience).
او زمانی که چشمش ترسید، دیگر تند رانندگی نکرد.
Informal"زمانی که ورق برگشت"
When the leaf turned (meaning: when the situation completely changed).
زمانی که ورق برگشت، او متوجه شد که اشتباه کرده است.
Common"زمانی که تیر از کمان رها شد"
When the arrow is released from the bow (meaning: when an action is irreversible).
زمانی که تیر از کمان رها شد، دیگر نمیتوان آن را بازگرداند.
LiteraryLeicht verwechselbar
Both mean 'when'.
'Vaghti ke' is common and informal. 'Zamāni ke' is formal and literary. Use 'vaghti ke' with friends and 'zamāni ke' in your university essays.
وقتی بارون میاد (Casual) vs زمانی که باران میبارد (Formal).
Direct translation of 'when'.
'Key' is an interrogative adverb (for questions). 'Zamāni ke' is a relative conjunction (for connecting clauses).
کِی میآیی؟ (When are you coming?) vs زمانی که آمدی... (When you came...).
Both refer to time.
'Moghe'i ke' refers to a specific 'occasion' or 'situation'. 'Zamāni ke' is a more general temporal marker.
موقعی که فرصت شد (On the occasion that there was a chance).
Both describe timing.
'Dar hāli ke' emphasizes that two actions are happening simultaneously (while). 'Zamāni ke' just sets the time frame.
در حالی که میخندید، گریه میکرد (While he was laughing, he was crying).
Both relate to the timing of an event.
'Be mahzi ke' means 'as soon as' (immediate). 'Zamāni ke' is just 'when' (general).
به محض اینکه رسیدم، زنگ زدم (I called as soon as I arrived).
Satzmuster
زمانی که [Noun] [Adjective] است، [Action].
زمانی که هوا سرد است، چای میخورم.
زمانی که [Past Verb]، [Past Verb].
زمانی که رسیدم، او رفته بود.
زمانی که [Subjunctive Verb]، [Future Verb].
زمانی که برگردی، خوشحال خواهم شد.
[Subject] زمانی که [Action]، [Result].
او زمانی که عصبانی میشود، فریاد میزند.
زمانی که [Complex Clause], [Formal Result].
زمانی که بحران به اوج خود رسید، دولت مداخله کرد.
در آن زمانی که [Literary Clause]...
در آن زمانی که ظلمت بر جهان چیره گشته بود...
فقط زمانی که [Condition]...
فقط زمانی که اجازه بدهی، وارد میشوم.
دقیقاً زمانی که [Unexpected Action]...
دقیقاً زمانی که فکر میکردم پیروز شدهام، شکست خوردم.
Wortfamilie
Substantive
Verben
Adjektive
Verwandt
So verwendest du es
Very high in written Persian; moderate in spoken Persian.
-
زمانی که میآیی؟
→
کِی میآیی؟
You used 'zamāni ke' for a question. 'Zamāni ke' is only for statements. Use 'key' for questions.
-
زمانی باران بارید، من خانه بودم.
→
زمانی که باران بارید، من خانه بودم.
You forgot the 'ke'. Without 'ke', the sentence doesn't connect properly.
-
زمانی که او خواهد آمد، من میروم.
→
زمانی که او بیاید، من میروم.
In Persian, we use the subjunctive mood (biāyad) for future temporal clauses, not the future indicative (khāhad āmad).
-
زمان که بچه بودم...
→
زمانی که بچه بودم...
You forgot the 'i' (yā-ye vahdat) in 'zamāni'. This 'i' is grammatically necessary for the relative construction.
-
زمانی که او را دیدم، او رفته است.
→
زمانی که او را دیدم، او رفته بود.
Tense mismatch. If the first part is in the past, the second part should usually be in the past or past perfect.
Tipps
Tense Harmony
Ensure the verb in your 'zamāni ke' clause matches the logic of your main clause. If the main action is in the past, the 'when' action must also be in the past. This consistency is vital for clear communication.
Elevate Your Writing
In your Persian essays, try to replace 'vaghti' with 'zamāni ke'. It's an easy way to instantly make your writing look more academic and sophisticated to a native reader.
Don't Over-Formalize
While 'zamāni ke' is great for writing, using it too much while chatting with friends at a party might make you sound like a news anchor. Stick to 'vaghti' for casual hangouts.
Indefinite 'i'
The 'i' in 'zamāni' is the same 'i' you see in 'ketābi' (a book). It turns the noun 'time' into a relative 'the time that'. Understanding this helps you see the logic behind the phrase.
Listen for the 'Ke'
In fast speech, 'zamāni' might be said quickly, but the 'ke' is the signal that a new clause is starting. Train your ear to catch that 'ke' to follow the structure of long sentences.
The Time Key
Remember: Zamān (Time) + i (Relative) + Ke (Key/That). It's the 'Time-Key' that opens the door to the rest of your sentence.
Respect the Register
Using 'zamāni ke' in a job interview shows you have a high level of education. Iranians value linguistic eloquence, and this phrase is a small but powerful part of that.
Punctuation
In Persian, you don't always need a comma after the 'zamāni ke' clause, but in English translation, you usually do. Keep this in mind when translating back and forth.
Key vs Zamāni Ke
Never start a question with 'zamāni ke'. If there is a question mark at the end, the word you need is 'key' (کِی).
Subjunctive Mastery
Mastering the subjunctive after 'zamāni ke' is what separates B1 learners from B2/C1 learners. Practice saying 'zamāni ke beravam' (when I go) instead of 'zamāni ke miravam'.
Einprägen
Eselsbrücke
Think of 'Zamān' as 'The Man' who holds the 'Time'. 'Ke' is the 'Key' that unlocks the next part of the sentence. So, 'The Man with the Key' tells you *when* something happens.
Visuelle Assoziation
Imagine a giant clock (Zamān) with a small key (Ke) hanging from the minute hand. When the key turns, the next scene of the movie starts.
Word Web
Herausforderung
Try to write three sentences about your childhood using 'زمانی که'. Then, try to write three sentences about your future plans using 'زمانی که' and the subjunctive mood.
Wortherkunft
The word 'zamān' comes from Middle Persian 'zamān', which has roots in Old Persian and is shared with other Indo-European languages. The suffix '-i' is the Persian relative/indefinite marker. 'Ke' is the ancient Iranian relative particle.
Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: The original meaning of 'zamān' was related to a 'stretch' or 'extent' of time. In Middle Persian, it was already used to denote time in a general sense.
Indo-European -> Indo-Iranian -> Iranian -> PersianKultureller Kontext
There are no specific sensitivities, but using 'zamāni ke' in a very casual setting (like with a small child) might sound slightly 'robotic' or overly stiff.
English speakers often use 'when' for everything. In Persian, you must learn to switch between 'vaghti' and 'zamāni ke' to match the social context.
Im Alltag üben
Kontexte aus dem Alltag
Academic Writing
- زمانی که متغیرها تغییر میکنند...
- زمانی که فرضیه اثبات شود...
- زمانی که دادهها جمعآوری شدند...
- زمانی که به تاریخ نگاه میکنیم...
News Reporting
- زمانی که حادثه رخ داد...
- زمانی که سخنگو اعلام کرد...
- زمانی که مذاکرات به پایان رسید...
- زمانی که پلیس رسید...
Legal Documents
- زمانی که قرارداد امضا شود...
- زمانی که تخلف صورت گیرد...
- زمانی که مهلت تمام شود...
- زمانی که طرفین توافق کنند...
Storytelling
- زمانی که پادشاه جوان بود...
- زمانی که او به جنگل رسید...
- زمانی که خورشید غروب کرد...
- زمانی که راز فاش شد...
Professional Emails
- زمانی که فرصت داشتید، پاسخ دهید.
- زمانی که فایل را دریافت کردید...
- زمانی که جلسه هماهنگ شد...
- زمانی که پروژه نهایی شد...
Gesprächseinstiege
"زمانی که بچه بودی، دوست داشتی چه کاره شوی؟ (When you were a kid, what did you want to be?)"
"زمانی که برای اولین بار به ایران آمدی، چه حسی داشتی؟ (When you first came to Iran, how did you feel?)"
"زمانی که خسته هستی، بهترین راه برای آرامش چیست؟ (When you are tired, what is the best way to relax?)"
"زمانی که یک زبان جدید یاد میگیری، سختترین بخش چیست؟ (When you learn a new language, what is the hardest part?)"
"زمانی که باران میبارد، ترجیح میدهی کجا باشی؟ (When it rains, where do you prefer to be?)"
Tagebuch-Impulse
درباره زمانی که یک تصمیم بزرگ در زندگیتان گرفتید، بنویسید. (Write about a time when you made a big decision in your life.)
زمانی که دنیا در صلح باشد، زندگی چگونه خواهد بود؟ (When the world is at peace, what will life be like?)
خاطرهای از زمانی که خیلی خوشحال بودید را توصیف کنید. (Describe a memory from a time when you were very happy.)
زمانی که تکنولوژی تمام جنبههای زندگی را بگیرد، چه اتفاقی میافتد؟ (When technology takes over all aspects of life, what happens?)
درباره زمانی که در یک کار سخت موفق شدید، بنویسید. (Write about a time when you succeeded in a difficult task.)
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenNo, you cannot. 'زمانی که' is only used for statements and relative clauses. To ask 'When?', you must use the word 'کِی' (Key). For example, 'کِی میروی؟' (When are you going?).
The main difference is the register. 'وقتی که' is informal and very common in daily conversation. 'زمانی که' is formal and preferred in writing, news, and academic settings. They mean the same thing, but 'زمانی که' sounds more professional.
Yes, in this construction, 'که' is essential to link the temporal noun 'زمانی' to the following clause. Without 'که', the sentence would be grammatically incomplete.
For future or hypothetical events, you should use the subjunctive mood (التزامی). For example: 'زمانی که او را ببینی...' (When you see him...). For past events, use the indicative (اخباری).
Yes, 'در زمانی که' (In the time that) is also correct and used for emphasis, especially when describing a longer period or era. However, 'زمانی که' on its own is more common.
Yes, it is very common in both classical and modern poetry. It helps poets set the scene and manage the rhythm of their verses.
Sometimes, in colloquial Persian, 'تا' can mean 'when' or 'as soon as'. But in formal writing, 'زمانی که' is the standard choice for 'when'.
It is a long 'ee' sound, like in the English word 'knee'. It should be clear but not overly stressed.
Yes! You can say 'من زمانی که گرسنه هستم...' (I, when I am hungry...). This often puts more focus on the subject.
Not exactly. 'Whenever' is usually translated as 'هر زمان که' or 'هرگاه'. 'زمانی که' usually refers to a specific 'when'.
Teste dich selbst 192 Fragen
یک جمله درباره دوران کودکی خود با 'زمانی که' بنویسید.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
جمله 'When it rains, I read a book' را به فارسی ترجمه کنید.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
با استفاده از 'زمانی که' و فعل التزامی یک جمله برای آینده بنویسید.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
یک جمله رسمی درباره اخبار با 'زمانی که' بنویسید.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
تفاوت 'وقتی' و 'زمانی که' را در یک جمله توضیح دهید.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
جمله 'Call me when you are free' را ترجمه کنید.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
یک جمله با 'دقیقاً زمانی که' بنویسید.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
یک جمله درباره طبیعت با 'زمانی که' بنویسید.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
جمله 'When the technology advances, life changes' را ترجمه کنید.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
با 'زمانی که' و 'اگر' یک جمله مرکب بسازید.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
یک جمله درباره یک خاطره تلخ با 'زمانی که' بنویسید.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
جمله 'I am happy when I see you' را ترجمه کنید.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
یک جمله با 'حتی زمانی که' بنویسید.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
یک جمله درباره مدرسه با 'زمانی که' بنویسید.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
جمله 'When justice is served, people are happy' را ترجمه کنید.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
یک جمله با 'فقط زمانی که' بنویسید.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
یک جمله درباره سفر با 'زمانی که' بنویسید.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
جمله 'When the moon comes out, it is night' را ترجمه کنید.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
یک جمله درباره یک کشف علمی با 'زمانی که' بنویسید.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
یک جمله با 'زمانی که لازم باشد' بنویسید.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
درباره زمانی که برای اولین بار به یک رستوران ایرانی رفتید صحبت کنید.
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
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توضیح دهید زمانی که باران میبارد چه کارهایی انجام میدهید.
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
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درباره زمانی که در یک امتحان سخت موفق شدید صحبت کنید.
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
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زمانی که به کشور خود برگردید، اولین کاری که میکنید چیست؟
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
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درباره زمانی که یک دوست قدیمی را دیدید صحبت کنید.
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
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زمانی که عصبانی هستید، چگونه خود را آرام میکنید؟
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
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درباره زمانی که یک زبان جدید را شروع کردید صحبت کنید.
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
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زمانی که وقت آزاد دارید، چه سرگرمیهایی دارید؟
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
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درباره زمانی که به یک سفر هیجانانگیز رفتید صحبت کنید.
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
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زمانی که خورشید غروب میکند، چه حسی دارید؟
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
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درباره زمانی که یک هدیه عالی گرفتید صحبت کنید.
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
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زمانی که در ترافیک هستید، چه کار میکنید؟
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
درباره زمانی که یک فیلم تاثیرگذار دیدید صحبت کنید.
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
زمانی که بچه بودید، قهرمان شما چه کسی بود؟
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
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درباره زمانی که یک اشتباه بزرگ کردید صحبت کنید.
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
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زمانی که برف میبارد، شهر شما چه شکلی میشود؟
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
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درباره زمانی که با یک فرهنگ جدید آشنا شدید صحبت کنید.
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
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زمانی که بیمار هستید، چه چیزی حال شما را بهتر میکند؟
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
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درباره زمانی که یک کتاب عالی خواندید صحبت کنید.
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
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زمانی که دنیا را در صد سال آینده تصور میکنید، چه میبینید؟
Read this aloud:
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گوش دهید: 'زمانی که به خانه رسیدم، باران قطع شد.' سوال: چه زمانی باران قطع شد؟
گوش دهید: 'او زمانی که خسته است، زود میخوابد.' سوال: او چه زمانی زود میخوابد؟
گوش دهید: 'زمانی که خورشید طلوع کرد، ما حرکت کردیم.' سوال: ما چه زمانی حرکت کردیم؟
گوش دهید: 'زمانی که نامه را خواند، گریه کرد.' سوال: او چه کار کرد؟
گوش دهید: 'زمانی که به تهران بیایی، خوشحال میشوم.' سوال: شرط خوشحالی چیست؟
گوش دهید: 'زمانی که جنگ بود، نان کم بود.' سوال: چه زمانی نان کم بود؟
گوش دهید: 'زمانی که درس تمام شد، به پارک برو.' سوال: بعد از درس چه کار باید کرد؟
گوش دهید: 'زمانی که او صحبت میکند، همه گوش میدهند.' سوال: بقیه چه کار میکنند؟
گوش دهید: 'زمانی که قیمتها بالا رفت، مردم اعتراض کردند.' سوال: چرا مردم اعتراض کردند؟
گوش دهید: 'زمانی که برف میبارد، هوا سرد است.' سوال: هوا چه زمانی سرد است؟
گوش دهید: 'زمانی که بچه بود، در این خانه زندگی میکرد.' سوال: او کجا زندگی میکرد؟
گوش دهید: 'زمانی که خورشید غروب کرد، چراغها روشن شدند.' سوال: چه چیزی روشن شد؟
گوش دهید: 'زمانی که او را دیدم، تعجب کردم.' سوال: واکنش من چه بود؟
گوش دهید: 'زمانی که کار تمام شد، با من تماس بگیر.' سوال: چه زمانی باید تماس گرفت؟
گوش دهید: 'زمانی که باران میبارد، زمین خیس میشود.' سوال: نتیجه باران چیست؟
/ 192 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
The phrase 'زمانی که' is the formal equivalent of 'when'. Use it to sound professional and precise in written Persian. Remember: it's for statements, not for asking questions (use 'key' for questions). Example: 'زمانی که باران میبارد، زمین خیس میشود' (When it rains, the ground gets wet).
- A formal conjunction meaning 'when' or 'at the time that'.
- Used to link a temporal condition to a main action in a sentence.
- Common in written Persian, news, and academic contexts.
- Requires careful use of verb moods, especially the subjunctive for future events.
Tense Harmony
Ensure the verb in your 'zamāni ke' clause matches the logic of your main clause. If the main action is in the past, the 'when' action must also be in the past. This consistency is vital for clear communication.
Elevate Your Writing
In your Persian essays, try to replace 'vaghti' with 'zamāni ke'. It's an easy way to instantly make your writing look more academic and sophisticated to a native reader.
Don't Over-Formalize
While 'zamāni ke' is great for writing, using it too much while chatting with friends at a party might make you sound like a news anchor. Stick to 'vaghti' for casual hangouts.
Indefinite 'i'
The 'i' in 'zamāni' is the same 'i' you see in 'ketābi' (a book). It turns the noun 'time' into a relative 'the time that'. Understanding this helps you see the logic behind the phrase.
Beispiel
زمانی که او رسید، همه رفته بودند.
Verwandte Inhalte
Verwandte Redewendungen
Mehr politics Wörter
عاقلانه
B1In a sensible or wise manner; wisely.
اعتراف
B1Confession; a formal statement admitting that one is guilty of a crime.
اعتصاب
B1Strike; a refusal to work as a form of protest, typically to gain concessions.
عملاً
B1In practice rather than in theory; practically.
ادعا کردن
B1Er behauptete, dass er unschuldig sei, aber niemand glaubte ihm.
افراطی
B1Holding extreme political or religious views; extremist.
اجباراً
B1By compulsion or force; compulsorily.
اجرایی
B1Having the power to put plans, actions, or laws into effect.
اختیاراً
B1Of one's own free will; voluntarily.
الزامی
B1Obligatory; necessary; required by a law or rule.