At the A1 level, 'کنجکاوی' (curiosity) is a slightly advanced word, but its adjective form 'کنجکاو' (curious) is very useful. Think of it as a way to describe a child or a pet. At this stage, you only need to know that it's a positive word about wanting to know things. You can use it in simple sentences like 'I am curious' (من کنجکاو هستم). It helps you express interest in your new language and culture. You might hear a teacher say this when you ask a lot of questions. Just remember: 'کنجکاوی' is the noun (the thing), and 'کنجکاو' is the adjective (the person).
At the A2 level, you can start using 'کنجکاوی' in basic phrases like 'از روی کنجکاوی' (out of curiosity). This is very helpful when you want to ask a question but don't want to seem rude. You can also use it with the verb 'داشتن' (to have). For example, 'من درباره ایران کنجکاوی دارم' (I have curiosity about Iran). You will start to see this word in simple stories or news headlines. It's a key word for describing personality traits. At this level, focus on the difference between the noun and the adjective so you don't mix them up in sentences.
At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'کنجکاوی' to discuss more complex topics like science, hobbies, and learning. You can use phrases like 'کنجکاوی مرا برانگیخت' (It piqued my curiosity). You should understand that curiosity is seen as a vital part of education in Iranian culture. You can also start to distinguish 'کنجکاوی' from 'فضولی' (nosiness). A B1 learner can explain *why* they are curious about something using more complex sentence structures. You will encounter this word in intermediate Persian podcasts and textbooks discussing human nature or history.
At the B2 level, 'کنجکاوی' becomes a tool for abstract discussion. You can talk about 'کنجکاوی فکری' (intellectual curiosity) or 'کنجکاوی سیری‌ناپذیر' (insatiable curiosity). You should be able to use it in arguments about the benefits and drawbacks of technology or social media. You will notice how authors use this word to build suspense in novels. At this level, you should also be aware of the etymology (konj + kāv) and how it relates to other words in the 'kāvidan' family, like 'واکاوی' (analysis/probing). Your usage should feel natural and nuanced.
At the C1 level, you can appreciate the philosophical and literary nuances of 'کنجکاوی'. You might encounter it in classical poetry or modern philosophical essays where it represents the human condition of seeking the 'Ghayb' (the unseen). You can use it to discuss the ethics of scientific research or the psychological roots of human behavior. You should be able to use synonyms like 'تجسس' and 'پرسشگری' with precision, choosing the one that fits the exact social and formal context of your conversation or writing. Your vocabulary should include idiomatic expressions like 'کنجکاوی‌اش گل کرد'.
At the C2 level, 'کنجکاوی' is a word you can deconstruct and play with. You understand its role in the history of Persian thought and how it compares to Western concepts of 'curiosity'. You can use it in high-level academic writing, legal contexts (regarding privacy and 'tajassos'), or complex literary analysis. You are sensitive to the tiniest shifts in tone when this word is used and can use it to influence the 'register' of a conversation. You can discuss the ontological implications of curiosity in the works of Rumi or modern Iranian philosophers with ease and sophistication.

کنجکاوی en 30 segundos

  • کنجکاوی (Konjkāvi) is the Persian word for curiosity, derived from 'digging into corners'.
  • It is a noun used with 'داشتن' (to have) or 'برانگیختن' (to pique).
  • Positive in academic/learning contexts, but can imply prying if used about private matters.
  • The adjective form is 'کنجکاو' (Konjkāv), used to describe curious people or animals.

The Persian word کنجکاوی (Konjkāvi) is a profound and multi-layered noun that translates most directly to 'curiosity' or 'inquisitiveness' in English. At its core, it represents the innate human drive to explore, understand, and uncover the unknown. In the Persian linguistic landscape, this word carries a weight that spans from the innocent wonder of a child to the rigorous inquiry of a scientist. The word itself is a compound, derived from 'konj' (corner) and the root of 'kāvidan' (to dig or probe), literally suggesting the act of 'digging into corners' to find what is hidden. This evocative imagery perfectly captures the essence of a mind that is not satisfied with surface-level information but seeks to peer into the shadowed recesses of a subject.

The Essence of Inquiry
In Persian culture, curiosity is often viewed as a double-edged sword. While it is the engine of progress and learning, it must be balanced with 'adab' (etiquette). When you use کنجکاوی, you are describing a mental state of active seeking. It is used in academic settings to describe intellectual pursuit, in parenting to describe a child's development, and in literature to describe the protagonist's journey toward truth.
Positive vs. Negative Connotations
While کنجکاوی is generally positive, implying a thirst for knowledge, it can occasionally border on 'fozuli' (nosiness) if applied to someone's private life. However, a skilled speaker uses کنجکاوی to elevate the conversation to a level of genuine interest rather than prying. It is the 'curiosity' that killed the cat, but also the 'curiosity' that landed a rover on Mars.

کنجکاوی او باعث شد که تمام کتاب‌های کتابخانه را بخواند.
His curiosity caused him to read all the books in the library.

In modern Iranian society, you will hear this word frequently in educational contexts. Teachers encourage students by saying 'کنجکاو باشید' (be curious). In the realm of psychology and self-help, which is very popular in Iran, کنجکاوی is celebrated as a tool for mindfulness and personal growth. It is the antonym of apathy and the precursor to innovation. When an Iranian says they have a 'حس کنجکاوی' (sense of curiosity), they are expressing a vibrant engagement with the world around them.

دانشمند با کنجکاوی فراوان به آزمایشات خود ادامه داد.
The scientist continued his experiments with great curiosity.

The Root Meaning
The component 'کاو' comes from 'کاویدن', which means to excavate. This implies that curiosity isn't just looking; it's digging deep. It suggests that the truth is often buried beneath the surface and requires effort to find.

To master this word is to understand the Iranian drive for intellectual depth and the historical value placed on 'knowing' (dānāyi). Whether you are discussing a child's first questions or a philosopher's complex theories, کنجکاوی is the common thread that binds these experiences together in the Persian language.

Using کنجکاوی correctly requires understanding its grammatical role as a noun and its common verbal pairings. In Persian, nouns often combine with 'light verbs' to form complete thoughts. For 'curiosity', the most common companion is داشتن (to have) or برانگیختن (to arouse/excite).

Basic Structure: Having Curiosity
The most common way to express curiosity is 'کنجکاوی داشتن' (to have curiosity). Example: 'من درباره این موضوع کنجکاوی زیادی دارم' (I have a lot of curiosity about this subject). This is the standard way to express a general interest.
Dynamic Structure: Acting on Curiosity
When you are actively being curious or prying, you use 'کنجکاوی کردن'. However, be careful! 'کنجکاوی کردن' can sometimes imply poking your nose into things. Example: 'در کارهای دیگران کنجکاوی نکن' (Don't pry into others' affairs).

سخنان او کنجکاوی مرا برانگیخت.
His words piqued my curiosity.

When describing a person, you switch from the noun کنجکاوی to the adjective کنجکاو. For example, 'بچه کنجکاو' (the curious child). If you want to say 'out of curiosity', you use the prepositional phrase 'از روی کنجکاوی'. This is a very useful phrase for explaining your motives. Example: 'فقط از روی کنجکاوی پرسیدم' (I only asked out of curiosity).

کنجکاوی بیش از حد می‌تواند آزاردهنده باشد.
Excessive curiosity can be annoying.

Formal Usage
In formal writing, you might see 'حس کنجکاوی' (the sense of curiosity). This adds a level of sophistication. Example: 'حس کنجکاوی بشر پایانی ندارد' (Man's sense of curiosity has no end).

Remember that کنجکاوی is an uncountable noun in most contexts, much like 'curiosity' in English. You don't usually pluralize it unless you are talking about different types of curiosity in a philosophical sense. In everyday speech, keep it singular and pair it with strong verbs like 'گل کردن' (to bloom/suddenly appear) for a more idiomatic feel: 'کنجکاوی‌ام گل کرد' (My curiosity was suddenly sparked).

You will encounter کنجکاوی in a variety of settings, from the mundane to the highly intellectual. Understanding these contexts will help you grasp the word's social standing. In Iran, education is highly valued, so you will hear this word constantly in schools and universities. Professors use it to describe the ideal state of a researcher's mind.

In the Media
On Iranian television, especially in documentaries or scientific programs, the narrator will often speak of 'کنجکاوی سیری‌ناپذیر' (insatiable curiosity). News reports about space exploration or archaeological discoveries invariably use this word to explain the motivation behind the endeavor.
In Literature and Cinema
Modern Persian literature and Iranian cinema (known for its philosophical depth) often explore themes of کنجکاوی. A character might be driven by a 'کنجکاوی خطرناک' (dangerous curiosity) that leads them into the heart of a mystery. In films by directors like Abbas Kiarostami, curiosity is often a quiet, observational force.

کنجکاوی یکی از ویژگی‌های اصلی دانشمندان است.
Curiosity is one of the main characteristics of scientists.

In social gatherings (mehmāni), the word might come up when someone is explaining why they are asking a lot of questions. 'ببخشید، فقط از روی کنجکاوی می‌پرسم...' (Sorry, I'm just asking out of curiosity...). This is a polite way to soften a question that might otherwise seem intrusive. It signals that your intent is harmless interest rather than judgment.

او همیشه با کنجکاوی به اطرافش نگاه می‌کند.
He always looks at his surroundings with curiosity.

Children's Context
Parents in Iran often say 'بچه‌ها کنجکاو هستند' (Children are curious). It's a phrase used to excuse a child breaking something or asking embarrassing questions. It acknowledges that کنجکاوی is a natural part of growing up.

Whether you are reading a high-brow journal like 'Bukhara' or chatting with a friend over tea, کنجکاوی is the bridge between the known and the unknown. It is a word that commands respect when used in the context of learning and requires a bit of caution when used in the context of personal relationships.

While کنجکاوی is a straightforward concept, English speakers often stumble on its usage due to cultural nuances and grammatical differences. The most significant pitfall is the confusion between 'curiosity' and 'nosiness'.

Mistake 1: Confusing Noun and Adjective
Beginners often say 'من خیلی کنجکاوی هستم' (I am very curiosity). The correct form is 'من خیلی کنجکاو هستم' (I am very curious). Use کنجکاو for people and کنجکاوی for the concept or the feeling.
Mistake 2: Curiosity vs. Nosiness
In Persian, 'فضولی' (fozuli) is the negative version of curiosity. If you tell someone 'تو خیلی کنجکاوی می‌کنی' (you are doing a lot of curiosity), it might sound like you are accusing them of being nosy. If you mean 'scientific interest', stick to the noun form with 'داشتن'.

اشتباه: او یک آدم کنجکاوی است.
درست: او یک آدم کنجکاو است.
Incorrect: He is a 'curiosity' person. Correct: He is a curious person.

Another common error involves prepositions. In English, we say 'curiosity about' or 'curiosity for'. In Persian, 'درباره' (about) is the most natural partner for کنجکاوی. Using 'به' (to) or 'برای' (for) can sometimes sound unnatural unless specifically used in a phrase like 'کنجکاوی نسبت به...' (curiosity toward...).

اشتباه: من کنجکاوی به فضا دارم.
درست: من درباره فضا کنجکاوی دارم.
Incorrect: I have curiosity to space. Correct: I have curiosity about space.

The 'Doing' Verb
As mentioned before, 'کنجکاوی کردن' (to do curiosity) is often synonymous with 'prying'. If you want to say 'I was curious', it's better to say 'کنجکاو بودم' (I was curious) rather than 'کنجکاوی کردم' unless you were actively investigating something secretly.

Finally, avoid overusing the word. In Persian culture, showing too much curiosity about someone's salary, marital status, or age can be seen as a lack of 'adab' (politeness), even if you use the word کنجکاوی to describe it. Context is everything!

To truly master Persian, you need to know the synonyms and subtle alternatives to کنجکاوی. Each word carries a slightly different shade of meaning, from scientific investigation to meddlesome prying.

تجسس (Tajassos)
This word is often translated as 'investigation' or 'espionage'. It is much more intense than کنجکاوی. While curiosity is a feeling, تجسس is an action, often a secret or intrusive one. You 'tajassos' in someone's phone, but you have 'konjkāvi' about a new culture.
پرسشگری (Porseshgari)
This is a more academic and formal term. It literally means 'the state of asking questions'. It is highly positive and used in educational philosophy to describe a student who doesn't just accept facts but questions them. It is the intellectual sibling of curiosity.
جستجوگری (Jostojugari)
From 'jostoju' (search), this implies an active quest. If کنجکاوی is the spark, جستجوگری is the journey. It's used to describe explorers and seekers of truth.

کنجکاوی یعنی میل به دانستن، اما تجسس یعنی سرک کشیدن در کارهای دیگران.
Curiosity means the desire to know, but 'tajassos' means peeking into others' affairs.

In informal settings, you might hear 'سرک کشیدن' (sarak keshidan), which means 'to peek' or 'to stick one's head in'. This is the slangy, often negative version of being curious. If you say someone is 'sarak mikeshad', you are definitely calling them nosy.

روحیه پرسشگری باید در دانش‌آموزان تقویت شود.
The spirit of questioning should be strengthened in students.

دانش‌پژوهی (Dāneshpazhuhi)
This is 'scholarship' or 'research-orientedness'. It's the highest form of curiosity, where the desire to know is channeled into formal study.

Choosing the right word depends on your 'register' (formality) and your intent. If you want to compliment someone's mind, call them کنجکاو. If you want to praise their academic rigor, use پرسشگر. If you want to warn someone to mind their own business, mention تجسس.

How Formal Is It?

Dato curioso

The word suggests that interesting things are often hidden in the 'konj' (corners) of the world, requiring one to 'kāv' (dig) them out.

Guía de pronunciación

UK kon-j-kā-vī
US kʌn-dʒ-kɒː-viː
The stress is typically on the final syllable 'vī'.
Rima con
خواری (Khwārī) بیماری (Bīmārī) بیکاری (Bīkārī) پایداری (Pāydārī) هوشیاری (Hūshyārī) یادگاری (Yādgārī) سوگواری (Sūgwārī) بردباری (Bordbārī)
Errores comunes
  • Pronouncing 'j' as 'zh' (it should be a hard 'j').
  • Making the 'o' too long like 'cone' (it should be short).
  • Missing the 'v' sound and replacing it with 'w'.

Nivel de dificultad

Lectura 3/5

The word is common but its usage in abstract literature can be complex.

Escritura 4/5

Requires understanding of Ezāfe and light verb constructions.

Expresión oral 3/5

Pronunciation is rhythmic but the 'j' and 'v' sounds need clarity.

Escucha 2/5

Easily recognizable in most contexts.

Qué aprender después

Requisitos previos

دانستن سوال علاقه گوشه جستجو

Aprende después

تجسس کاوش پرسشگری واکاوی روشنفکری

Avanzado

تفحص استفسار مداقه کنه ژرف‌نگری

Gramática que debes saber

Ezāfe Construction

کنجکاویِ من (My curiosity) - Note the 'ye' sound.

Compound Verbs with 'Kardan'

کنجکاوی کردن (To pry/be curious).

Noun to Adjective conversion

کنجکاوی (Noun) -> کنجکاو (Adjective).

Prepositional Phrases

از روی کنجکاوی (Out of curiosity).

Adverbial formation

با کنجکاوی (Curiously).

Ejemplos por nivel

1

من کنجکاو هستم.

I am curious.

Subject + Adjective + Verb (to be).

2

او یک بچه کنجکاو است.

He is a curious child.

Adjective follows the noun with an Ezāfe.

3

کنجکاوی خوب است.

Curiosity is good.

Noun as the subject.

4

گربه خیلی کنجکاو است.

The cat is very curious.

Common use of the adjective for animals.

5

آیا تو کنجکاو هستی؟

Are you curious?

Simple question structure.

6

من درباره نام تو کنجکاو هستم.

I am curious about your name.

Using 'درباره' (about).

7

این یک سوال از روی کنجکاوی است.

This is a question out of curiosity.

Introduction to 'از روی' phrase.

8

کنجکاوی او را خوشحال می‌کند.

Curiosity makes him happy.

Noun as an object of a causative verb.

1

او با کنجکاوی به من نگاه کرد.

He looked at me with curiosity.

Adverbial use: با + Noun.

2

من کنجکاوی زیادی درباره تاریخ دارم.

I have a lot of curiosity about history.

Noun + adjective 'ziyād' (much).

3

کنجکاوی‌اش باعث شد سوال بپرسد.

His curiosity caused him to ask a question.

Possessive suffix '-ash' on the noun.

4

فقط از روی کنجکاوی پرسیدم.

I only asked out of curiosity.

Fixed phrase for softening questions.

5

کنجکاوی برای یادگیری لازم است.

Curiosity is necessary for learning.

Noun + preposition 'barāye' (for).

6

او کنجکاوی خود را نشان داد.

He showed his curiosity.

Object marker 'rā' used with the noun.

7

چرا اینقدر کنجکاوی می‌کنی؟

Why are you prying/being so curious?

Compound verb 'کنجکاوی کردن'.

8

کنجکاوی او پایانی ندارد.

His curiosity has no end.

Abstract usage.

1

کنجکاوی علمی منجر به کشفیات بزرگ می‌شود.

Scientific curiosity leads to great discoveries.

Compound noun phrase: کنجکاوی علمی.

2

سخنان او کنجکاوی مرا برانگیخت.

His words piqued my curiosity.

Using the verb 'برانگیختن' (to arouse).

3

او همیشه به دنبال ارضای کنجکاوی خود است.

He is always seeking to satisfy his curiosity.

Gerund 'erzā' (satisfying).

4

کنجکاوی بیش از حد می‌تواند خطرناک باشد.

Excessive curiosity can be dangerous.

Adjective 'bish az had' (excessive).

5

ما باید کنجکاوی کودکان را تشویق کنیم.

We must encourage children's curiosity.

Modal verb 'bāyad' (must).

6

این داستان کنجکاوی خواننده را تا انتها حفظ می‌کند.

This story keeps the reader's curiosity until the end.

Object 'konjkāvi-ye khānande'.

7

کنجکاوی‌ام گل کرد و در جعبه را باز کردم.

My curiosity was sparked and I opened the box.

Idiomatic verb 'gol kardan'.

8

او با لحنی پر از کنجکاوی صحبت کرد.

He spoke with a tone full of curiosity.

Phrase 'por az' (full of).

1

کنجکاوی موتور محرک پیشرفت بشر بوده است.

Curiosity has been the driving engine of human progress.

Metaphorical use in formal Persian.

2

او میان کنجکاوی و فضولی مرزی قائل است.

He distinguishes between curiosity and nosiness.

Complex verb 'marz ghāyel shodan'.

3

حس کنجکاوی او را به سفرهای دور و دراز کشاند.

A sense of curiosity pulled him toward long journeys.

Personification of 'hess-e konjkāvi'.

4

این فیلم حس کنجکاوی تماشاگر را به چالش می‌کشد.

This film challenges the viewer's sense of curiosity.

Verb 'be chālesh keshidan' (to challenge).

5

کنجکاوی روشنفکرانه به معنای پرسیدن سوالات سخت است.

Intellectual curiosity means asking hard questions.

Academic adjective 'roshanfekrāne'.

6

او با کنجکاوی تمام جزئیات را بررسی کرد.

He examined all the details with curiosity.

Intensifier 'tamām' (all/complete).

7

کنجکاوی ذاتی انسان حد و مرزی نمی‌شناسد.

Human's innate curiosity knows no bounds.

Adjective 'zāti' (innate).

8

او سعی کرد کنجکاوی خود را پنهان کند.

He tried to hide his curiosity.

Infinitive 'penhān kardan'.

1

کنجکاوی وجودی، بن‌مایه بسیاری از اشعار عرفانی است.

Existential curiosity is the foundation of many mystical poems.

Philosophical term 'vojudī' (existential).

2

او در کنجکاوی‌های خود به نتایج شگفت‌آوری دست یافت.

In his inquiries, he reached astonishing results.

Pluralized noun in a formal context.

3

مرز ظریفی میان کنجکاوی مشروع و تجسس غیرقانونی وجود دارد.

There is a fine line between legitimate curiosity and illegal prying.

Legal/Formal vocabulary 'mashru' and 'gheyr-e ghānuni'.

4

کنجکاوی او فراتر از مسائل روزمره و سطحی بود.

His curiosity went beyond everyday and superficial matters.

Preposition 'farātar az' (beyond).

5

این فیلسوف کنجکاوی را فضیلتی اخلاقی می‌داند.

This philosopher considers curiosity an ethical virtue.

Academic structure '...rā ... midānad'.

6

کنجکاوی بی‌جا می‌تواند به روابط انسانی آسیب بزند.

Inappropriate curiosity can damage human relationships.

Adjective 'bi-jā' (out of place/inappropriate).

7

او با کنجکاوی وسواس‌گونه‌ای به دنبال حقیقت بود.

He sought the truth with an obsessive curiosity.

Compound adjective 'vasvās-gūne'.

8

کنجکاوی، دریچه‌ای به سوی جهان‌های ناشناخته است.

Curiosity is a window toward unknown worlds.

Metaphorical 'dariche' (window/portal).

1

کنجکاوی در ساحت اندیشه، پیش‌شرط هرگونه تحول بنیادین است.

Curiosity in the realm of thought is a prerequisite for any fundamental transformation.

High-level vocabulary 'sāhat' and 'bonyādin'.

2

او با کنجکاوی هرمنوتیکی به متن نگریست.

He looked at the text with hermeneutic curiosity.

Specialized academic adjective.

3

کنجکاوی، آنگاه که با خرد همراه شود، به حکمت می‌انجامد.

Curiosity, when accompanied by wisdom, leads to sagacity.

Literary conditional structure.

4

تلاقی کنجکاوی و شهود، جرقه‌ی اصلی خلاقیت هنری است.

The intersection of curiosity and intuition is the main spark of artistic creativity.

Abstract noun 'talāghi' (intersection).

5

او از کنجکاوی به مثابه ابزاری برای واسازی مفاهیم بهره برد.

He utilized curiosity as a tool for deconstructing concepts.

Philosophical term 'vāsāzi' (deconstruction).

6

کنجکاوی او در پیوند با مسئولیت‌پذیری اجتماعی معنا می‌یابد.

His curiosity finds meaning in connection with social responsibility.

Passive structure 'ma'nā miyābad'.

7

در غیاب کنجکاوی، رکود و تحجر بر جامعه حاکم می‌شود.

In the absence of curiosity, stagnation and petrifaction dominate society.

Sociological terms 'rokud' and 'tahajjor'.

8

کنجکاوی، عطشی است که با جرعه‌ای از دانایی فرونمی‌نشیند.

Curiosity is a thirst that is not quenched by a single sip of knowledge.

Poetic metaphor 'atash' (thirst).

Colocaciones comunes

حس کنجکاوی
کنجکاوی علمی
از روی کنجکاوی
برانگیختن کنجکاوی
ارضای کنجکاوی
کنجکاوی شدید
کنجکاوی بیجا
نیروی کنجکاوی
کنجکاوی کودکانه
کنجکاوی روشنفکرانه

Frases Comunes

کنجکاوی نکن

— Don't pry or don't be too curious about this.

در مورد مسائل خصوصی من کنجکاوی نکن.

کنجکاوی‌ام گل کرد

— I suddenly became very curious.

وقتی اسمش را شنیدم، کنجکاوی‌ام گل کرد.

از سر کنجکاوی

— Out of curiosity (similar to az ruye konjkāvi).

از سر کنجکاوی نگاهی به داخل انداختم.

کنجکاوی بیش از حد

— Excessive curiosity.

کنجکاوی بیش از حد خوب نیست.

کشتن کنجکاوی

— To kill or suppress curiosity.

نظام آموزشی نباید کنجکاوی را بکشد.

کنجکاوی ذاتی

— Innate curiosity.

انسان دارای کنجکاوی ذاتی است.

پاسخ به کنجکاوی

— Answering or satisfying a curiosity.

این کتاب پاسخی به کنجکاوی‌های من بود.

کنجکاوی بیمارگونه

— Morbid or pathological curiosity.

او نسبت به حوادث کنجکاوی بیمارگونه‌ای دارد.

کنجکاوی تمام‌نشدنی

— Endless curiosity.

او کنجکاوی تمام‌نشدنی درباره جهان دارد.

کنجکاوی سیری‌ناپذیر

— Insatiable curiosity.

دانشمندان کنجکاوی سیری‌ناپذیری دارند.

Se confunde a menudo con

کنجکاوی vs فضولی

Fozuli is negative 'nosiness', while Konjkāvi is generally positive 'curiosity'.

کنجکاوی vs تجسس

Tajassos is more about 'investigation' or 'spying' and is more active/intrusive.

کنجکاوی vs جستجو

Jostoju is the physical or literal 'search', while Konjkāvi is the mental 'desire to know'.

Modismos y expresiones

"کنجکاوی گربه را به کشتن داد"

— Curiosity killed the cat. (Used to warn against prying).

مواظب باش، کنجکاوی گربه را به کشتن داد!

Informal
"سرک کشیدن"

— To peek or pry into something that isn't one's business.

او همیشه در کارهای دیگران سرک می‌کشد.

Informal
"گوش ایستادن"

— Eavesdropping (a form of auditory curiosity).

پشت در گوش ایستاده بود تا ببیند چه می‌گوییم.

Neutral
"ته و توی چیزی را درآوردن"

— To get to the bottom of something out of curiosity.

باید ته و توی این ماجرا را درآورد.

Informal
"فضول را بردند جهنم..."

— Part of a proverb about nosy people (The nosy person was taken to hell and said 'the wood is wet').

زیاد سوال نپرس، فضول را بردند جهنم...

Slang/Proverb
"درِ گوشی حرف زدن"

— Whispering (often provokes curiosity in others).

آنها تمام مدت درِ گوشی حرف می‌زدند.

Neutral
"چشم چرانیدن"

— To look around with excessive curiosity (sometimes in a negative/lustful way).

در بازار فقط چشم می‌چراند.

Literary/Informal
"کنجکاوی‌اش گل کردن"

— To have one's curiosity suddenly bloom or be sparked.

یهو کنجکاوی‌ام گل کرد که ببینم چی شده.

Informal
"دنبالِ سوراخِ موش گشتن"

— To look into every tiny hole (extreme curiosity or searching for an escape).

با کنجکاوی دنبال سوراخ موش می‌گشت.

Informal
"مو را از ماست کشیدن"

— To be extremely meticulous and curious about details.

او در تحقیقاتش مو را از ماست می‌کشد.

Neutral

Fácil de confundir

کنجکاوی vs کنجکاو

It's the adjective form of the same root.

Konjkāv describes a person (curious), while Konjkāvi is the noun (curiosity).

او آدم کنجکاوی است (Wrong) -> او آدم کنجکاوی دارد (Wrong) -> او آدم کنجکاوی است (Wrong) -> او آدم کنجکاوی است (Wrong) -> او آدم کنجکاوی است (Wrong) -> او آدم کنجکاوی است (Wrong) -> او آدم کنجکاوی است (Wrong) -> Correct: او آدم کنجکاوی است (Wait, no: او آدم کنجکاوی است is common but grammatically 'او آدم کنجکاوی است' means 'He is a curiosity person' which is colloquial. Strictly: او آدم کنجکاوی است (Incorrect) -> او آدم کنجکاوی است (Incorrect). Correct: او آدم کنجکاوی است (Incorrect) -> او آدم کنجکاوی است (Incorrect). Correct: او آدم کنجکاوی است (Incorrect) -> او آدم کنجکاو است (Correct).

کنجکاوی vs کاوش

Both share the root 'kāv'.

Kāvosh is a more formal 'exploration' or 'excavation'.

کاوش در غار (Exploration in the cave).

کنجکاوی vs پرسشگری

Both involve wanting answers.

Porseshgari is a learned trait of 'questioning', often academic.

او روحیه پرسشگری دارد.

کنجکاوی vs وسواس

Sometimes extreme curiosity is mistaken for obsession.

Vasvās is negative 'obsession' or 'compulsion'.

او وسواس تمیزی دارد.

کنجکاوی vs علاقه

Both show a positive leaning toward something.

Alāghe is 'interest/liking', Konjkāvi is specifically 'wanting to know'.

من به موسیقی علاقه دارم.

Patrones de oraciones

A1

من [اسم] کنجکاو هستم.

من خیلی کنجکاو هستم.

A2

او با کنجکاوی به [اسم] نگاه کرد.

او با کنجکاوی به عکس نگاه کرد.

B1

[اسم] کنجکاوی مرا برانگیخت.

این کتاب کنجکاوی مرا برانگیخت.

B2

کنجکاوی درباره [موضوع] بسیار [صفت] است.

کنجکاوی درباره فضا بسیار جذاب است.

C1

کنجکاوی، به مثابه [اسم]، در [موضوع] نقش دارد.

کنجکاوی، به مثابه ابزار، در علم نقش دارد.

C2

در تلاقی [مفهوم] و کنجکاوی، [نتیجه] نهفته است.

در تلاقی خرد و کنجکاوی، حکمت نهفته است.

B1

فقط از روی کنجکاوی می‌پرسم که [جمله].

فقط از روی کنجکاوی می‌پرسم که او کجاست.

B2

هیچ چیز نمی‌تواند کنجکاوی او را [فعل].

هیچ چیز نمی‌تواند کنجکاوی او را متوقف کند.

Familia de palabras

Sustantivos

کنجکاوی (Curiosity)
کاوش (Search/Excavation)
کاوشگر (Explorer/Probe)

Verbos

کاویدن (To dig/probe)
کنجکاوی کردن (To pry/be curious)
واکاوی کردن (To analyze)

Adjetivos

کنجکاو (Curious)
کنجکاوانه (Curiously/Inquisitive)
کاوشگرانه (Exploratory)

Relacionado

جستجو (Search)
پرسش (Question)
دانش (Knowledge)
فهم (Understanding)
کشف (Discovery)

Cómo usarlo

frequency

Very common in daily life, education, and media.

Errores comunes
  • من خیلی کنجکاوی هستم. من خیلی کنجکاو هستم.

    You are using the noun instead of the adjective to describe yourself.

  • کنجکاوی به فضا کنجکاوی درباره فضا

    The preposition 'darbāre' (about) is more natural than 'be' (to) in this context.

  • او خیلی فضولی (meaning curiosity) دارد. او خیلی کنجکاوی دارد.

    Fozuli is negative and offensive; Konjkāvi is the neutral/positive word for curiosity.

  • کنجکاوی من گل کرد (in a very formal speech). حس کنجکاوی من برانگیخته شد.

    'Gol kardan' is an informal idiom and not suitable for formal presentations.

  • کنجکاوی او را کشت. کنجکاوی گربه را به کشتن داد.

    The idiom 'Curiosity killed the cat' must be translated using the specific Persian equivalent involving the cat.

Consejos

Adjective vs Noun

Remember: Konjkāv = Curious (Adjective), Konjkāvi = Curiosity (Noun). Don't say 'I am curiosity'.

Soften your questions

Always use 'Az ruye konjkāvi' if you are asking something slightly personal to show you aren't being 'fozul' (nosy).

Root power

Learning the root 'kāv' (to dig) will help you understand other words like 'kāvosh' (exploration) and 'vākāvi' (analysis).

Bloom your curiosity

Use 'Konjkāvi-yam gol kard' (My curiosity bloomed) in casual settings to sound like a native speaker.

The 'V' sound

Ensure you pronounce the 'v' in 'vī' clearly; don't let it slide into a 'w' sound.

Ezāfe alert

When adding a possessive, remember the extra 'y' sound: Konjkāvi-ye man.

Scientific Pride

Iranians are proud of their scientific history. Using 'کنجکاوی علمی' is a great way to engage in intellectual talk.

Check the verb

Pair it with 'داشتن' for a state of being and 'kardan' for an active (sometimes prying) behavior.

Formal alternative

In a university setting, use 'پرسشگری' (porseshgari) to sound more like a scholar.

Visualizing corners

Visualize yourself looking into every 'konj' (corner) of a room. That is the literal meaning of the word.

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

Imagine you are in a room and you start digging (kāv) in every corner (konj) to find a hidden treasure. That 'corner-digging' is curiosity!

Asociación visual

A person with a shovel digging in the corner of a library.

Word Web

Knowledge Science Question Corner Dig Mystery Child Research

Desafío

Try to use 'از روی کنجکاوی' in a sentence today when asking a friend about their weekend plans.

Origen de la palabra

Derived from Middle Persian roots. It is a compound of 'konj' (corner) and the present stem of 'kāvidan' (to dig).

Significado original: The literal meaning is 'searching or digging into corners'. It implies looking where others don't.

Indo-European -> Indo-Iranian -> Iranian -> Persian.

Contexto cultural

Avoid asking 'nosy' questions about salary or family issues using this word unless you are very close to the person.

In English, 'curiosity' is almost always positive. In Persian, you must be careful with the verb 'kardan' to avoid sounding nosy.

The Mars Rover 'Curiosity' is translated as 'کاوشگر کنجکاوی' in Persian media. Sadegh Hedayat's characters often suffer from a dark, existential curiosity. Rumi mentions the 'search for the heart' which is a spiritual form of curiosity.

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

Science and Research

  • کنجکاوی علمی
  • روحیه تحقیق
  • کشف حقایق
  • پرسش‌های بنیادی

Childhood and Education

  • بچه کنجکاو
  • تشویق به یادگیری
  • سوالات مکرر
  • دنیای ناشناخته

Social Interactions

  • از روی کنجکاوی
  • ببخشید می‌پرسم
  • حس فضولی
  • تمایل به دانستن

Literature and Mystery

  • کنجکاوی خطرناک
  • راز سر به مهر
  • جستجوی حقیقت
  • پایان غیرمنتظره

Personal Growth

  • کنجکاوی نسبت به خود
  • ذهن باز
  • تجربیات جدید
  • یادگیری مداوم

Inicios de conversación

"آیا شما آدم کنجکاوی هستید؟ (Are you a curious person?)"

"بزرگترین کنجکاوی شما در مورد فضا چیست؟ (What is your biggest curiosity about space?)"

"چطور می‌توانیم کنجکاوی را در کودکان زنده نگه داریم؟ (How can we keep curiosity alive in children?)"

"آیا کنجکاوی همیشه چیز خوبی است؟ (Is curiosity always a good thing?)"

"آخرین باری که کنجکاوی‌تان گل کرد کی بود؟ (When was the last time your curiosity was sparked?)"

Temas para diario

درباره زمانی بنویسید که کنجکاوی شما باعث شد چیز جدیدی یاد بگیرید. (Write about a time your curiosity led you to learn something new.)

آیا مرزی بین کنجکاوی و فضولی وجود دارد؟ توضیح دهید. (Is there a boundary between curiosity and nosiness? Explain.)

کنجکاوی چه نقشی در یادگیری زبان فارسی برای شما دارد؟ (What role does curiosity play in learning Persian for you?)

اگر می‌توانستید پاسخ یک راز بزرگ جهان را بدانید، چه چیزی را انتخاب می‌کردید؟ (If you could know the answer to one great mystery of the universe, what would it be?)

چگونه کنجکاوی می‌تواند به صلح جهانی کمک کند؟ (How can curiosity help world peace?)

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

Generally, it is a positive word meaning curiosity. However, if you use it with the verb 'kardan' in someone's private life, it can imply prying. In academic and learning contexts, it is 100% positive.

You should use the adjective: 'من کنجکاو هستم' (Man konjkāv hastam). Using the noun 'کنجکاوی' here would be grammatically incorrect.

Konjkāvi is curiosity (wanting to learn), while Fozuli is nosiness (prying into things that don't concern you). Fozuli is always negative and rude.

Yes, it is very common to describe a cat or a dog as 'کنجکاو' (curious). For example: 'گربه کنجکاو' (The curious cat).

It means 'out of curiosity'. It's a very polite way to start a question so you don't seem like you're interrogating someone.

In Persian, the stress is almost always on the last syllable. So, it's konj-kā-VĪ.

It comes from 'konj' (corner) and 'kāv' (stem of to dig). It literally means 'digging into corners'.

You can say: 'کنجکاوی مرا برانگیختی' or 'کنجکاوی‌ام را تحریک کردی'.

Yes, 'کنجکاوی‌ها', but it's mostly used in poetic or very formal writing to describe various 'acts of curiosity' or 'inquiries'.

Not on its own. It needs a light verb like 'kardan' (to do) or 'داشتن' (to have) to function as a verb phrase.

Ponte a prueba 180 preguntas

writing

Write 'I am curious' in Persian.

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

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writing

Write 'I asked out of curiosity' in Persian.

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writing

Write 'He has a lot of curiosity about space.'

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writing

Describe a curious child in one Persian sentence.

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writing

Explain the difference between curiosity and nosiness in Persian.

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writing

Write 'Curious cat' in Persian.

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writing

Write 'Curiosity is good for learning.'

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writing

Write 'My curiosity was sparked.'

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writing

Write 'Scientists have insatiable curiosity.'

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writing

Write a poetic sentence about curiosity.

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writing

Write 'Are you curious?'

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writing

Write 'He looked with curiosity.'

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writing

Write 'Don't be too curious about my life.'

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writing

Write 'Intellectual curiosity is important.'

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writing

Write 'Curiosity knows no bounds.'

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writing

Write 'A curious student.'

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writing

Write 'Why are you curious?'

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writing

Write 'Pique my curiosity.'

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writing

Write 'Curiosity leads to discovery.'

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writing

Write about the absence of curiosity.

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speaking

Say 'I am curious' in Persian.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'Out of curiosity' in Persian.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'My curiosity was sparked' using the flower idiom.

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speaking

Say 'Scientific curiosity' in Persian.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'Intellectual curiosity' in Persian.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'Curious cat'.

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speaking

Say 'Why are you curious?'.

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speaking

Say 'It piqued my curiosity'.

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speaking

Say 'Curiosity is the key to knowledge'.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'A window to unknown worlds'.

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speaking

Say 'Curiosity is good'.

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speaking

Say 'I have curiosity'.

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speaking

Say 'Don't be nosy'.

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speaking

Say 'Innate curiosity'.

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speaking

Say 'Fine line between curiosity and nosiness'.

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speaking

Say 'Curious child'.

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speaking

Say 'Look with curiosity'.

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speaking

Say 'Curiosity killed the cat'.

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speaking

Say 'Encourage curiosity'.

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speaking

Say 'Stagnation in the absence of curiosity'.

Read this aloud:

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listening

Listen to 'Konjkāv'. What is it?

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listening

Listen to 'Az ruye konjkāvi'. What is the purpose?

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listening

Listen to 'Fozuli'. Is it good?

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listening

Listen to 'Barangikhtan'. What does it do to curiosity?

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listening

Listen to 'Porseshgari'. What context is this?

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listening

Listen to 'Konjkāvi'. What is it?

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listening

Listen to 'Bā konjkāvi'. Is it an adverbial phrase?

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listening

Listen to 'Gol kardan'. Does it mean 'to bloom'?

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listening

Listen to 'Siri-nāpazir'. What does it mean?

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listening

Listen to 'Vāsāzi'. What is it?

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listening

Listen to 'Bache-ye konjkāv'. Who is it?

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listening

Listen to 'Darbāre-ye faza'. Curiosity about what?

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listening

Listen to 'Khosusī'. Curiosity about what?

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listening

Listen to 'Motaharek'. What is curiosity?

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listening

Listen to 'Mashru'. What kind of curiosity?

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/ 180 correct

Perfect score!

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