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A1 noun #3,500 le plus courant 10 min de lecture

دندان

Q: How do you say 'dentist' in Persian?

The word for dentist is 'دندانپزشک' (dandān-pezeshk), which literally means 'tooth-doctor'. In casual speech, people also say 'دکتر دندان' (doktor-e dandān).

Q: What is the plural of 'dandān'?

The standard plural is 'دندانها' (dandānhā). In very formal or poetic contexts, you might see 'دندانان' (dandānān), but this is rare.

Q: What is the Persian idiom for 'Don't look a gift horse in the mouth'?

It is exactly the same: 'دندان اسب پیشکشی را نمیشمارند' (dandān-e asb-e pishkeshi rā nemishomārand).

Q: How do you say 'toothache'?

You say 'دنداندرد' (dandān-dard). Example: 'من دنداندرد دارم' (I have a toothache).

Q: How do you say 'to brush teeth'?

The phrase is 'مسواک زدن' (mesvāk zadan). Example: 'دندانهایم را مسواک میزنم'.

Top 3,500

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces دندان en 30 secondes

Explication دندان in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'dandān' is one of the basic body parts you must learn. You should focus on the singular 'dandān' and the plural 'dandānhā'. At this stage, you only need to know how to say you have a toothache ('dandān-dard dāram') and how to describe teeth simply, such as 'sefid' (white) or 'bozorg' (big). You will also learn the word 'mesvāk' (toothbrush) in conjunction with 'dandān'. The goal is to be able to identify the object and express basic needs or states related to it. You might see it in children's books or basic health posters. It's important to practice the pronunciation: 'dan' (rhymes with 'can') and 'dān' (rhymes with 'dawn'). Don't worry about complex idioms yet; just focus on the physical object. You should also learn the word for dentist, 'dandān-pezeshk', which is a simple compound of 'tooth' and 'doctor'. This level is about building the foundation of your anatomical vocabulary so you can navigate a basic conversation about health or appearance. You will likely encounter this word when learning the possessive adjectives, like 'dandānam' (my tooth) or 'dandānat' (your tooth).

At the A2 level, you begin to use 'dandān' in more functional sentences. You should be able to describe your daily routine, including 'dandānhāyam rā mesvāk mizanam' (I brush my teeth). You will also start to learn more specific types of teeth, like 'dandān-e aghl' (wisdom tooth). At this stage, you can handle a simple visit to the dentist, explaining which tooth hurts or asking for a cleaning. You will learn verbs like 'keshidan' (to pull) and 'por kardan' (to fill) in the context of dental care. You should also be aware of the colloquial shift from 'dandān' to 'dandun' in spoken Persian. This level involves expanding your descriptive capabilities, using more adjectives like 'kharāb' (decayed) or 'sālem' (healthy). You might encounter the word in simple stories or news snippets about health. You are also introduced to the Ezafe construction in more detail, ensuring you can correctly link 'dandān' to its owners or descriptions. Understanding the difference between 'dandān' and 'dahān' (mouth) becomes crucial here to avoid basic communication errors.

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At the B1 level, you move beyond basic health and routines into more descriptive and slightly idiomatic territory. You should be able to discuss dental hygiene in more detail, perhaps debating the importance of fluoride or regular check-ups. You will start to encounter common idioms like 'dandān-e tama'' (the tooth of greed) in reading passages or media. Your vocabulary will expand to include related terms like 'laseh' (gums) and 'khamir-dandān' (toothpaste) in more complex sentence structures. You should be comfortable using 'dandān' in various tenses, such as 'dandānam rā por khāham kard' (I will fill my tooth). This level also introduces more nuanced adjectives like 'tiz' (sharp) or 'kond' (blunt) when describing teeth or tooth-like objects. You might read short articles about Iranian dental history or the modern healthcare system in Iran, where 'dandān' appears frequently. You should also be able to understand the 'Tooth Fairy' cultural equivalent in Iran. Your ability to distinguish between literal and metaphorical uses of the word begins to sharpen here.

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At the B2 level, you are expected to understand 'dandān' in academic, professional, and literary contexts. You might read a medical text about 'minā-ye dandān' (tooth enamel) or a technical manual for dental equipment. Your understanding of idioms should be quite advanced; you should know what 'dandān ru-ye jigar gozashtan' (to be patient) means without needing a translation. You can participate in discussions about public health policy regarding dental care in Iran. In literature, you will recognize 'dandān' as a symbol of beauty or aging in classical poetry. You should be able to use the word in complex grammatical structures, including passive voices and conditional clauses. For example, 'Agar dāndan-e u zudtar mo'āyeneh shodeh bud...' (If his tooth had been examined sooner...). You also start to see the word in the context of other animals or paleontology. Your grasp of the Tehrani dialect's 'dandun' should be firm, allowing you to follow fast-paced films or street conversations easily. This level is about precision and the ability to switch between formal and informal registers.

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At the C1 level, your mastery of 'dandān' includes its most obscure and literary applications. You will encounter the word in the 'Shāhnāmeh' or the works of Saadi, where it might be used to describe the ivory of a throne or the ferocity of a mythical beast. You should be able to analyze the etymological links between Persian 'dandān' and other Indo-European languages. Your use of idioms should be native-like, using 'dandān-gerd-kardan' (to be experienced) or 'dandān-e kerm-khorde' (a source of trouble) with perfect timing. You can write detailed essays on the evolution of dentistry or the symbolism of teeth in Iranian folklore. In professional settings, you could act as a translator for a dental conference. You understand the subtle differences between 'dandān' and its diminutive 'dandaneh' in technical engineering contexts. Your listening skills are sharp enough to catch 'dandān' even in archaic or highly poetic recitations. At this level, the word is not just a vocabulary item but a tool for sophisticated expression and cultural analysis.

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At the C2 level, you have a near-native or native command of the word 'dandān' in all its glory. You can appreciate the most complex puns and wordplay involving teeth in Persian satire. You understand the historical shifts in the word's pronunciation and orthography over centuries. You can lead philosophical discussions on the nature of pain or beauty, using 'dandān' as a focal point in Persian aesthetics. Your ability to produce and interpret 'dandān'-related metaphors is limitless. You might even explore regional dialects (like Gilaki or Luri) to see how they modify the word. You are comfortable reading 10th-century medical manuscripts by Avicenna (Ibn Sina) that discuss dental surgery. For you, 'dandān' is a gateway to the entire history of the Persian language and the Iranian people's worldview. You can use the word to convey the finest shades of meaning, from the grit of a soldier 'gnashing his teeth' to the delicate 'pearls' of a beloved's smile. Your mastery is complete, encompassing the physical, the metaphorical, the technical, and the historical.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

دندان en 30 secondes

Dandān means 'tooth' in Persian, a basic anatomical term for the hard structures used for chewing.
It is a direct cognate of the English word 'tooth', sharing the same Proto-Indo-European root.
Commonly used in compound words like 'dandān-pezeshk' (dentist) and 'dandān-dard' (toothache).
Carries many idiomatic meanings related to greed, patience, and experience in Persian culture.

The Persian word دندان (pronounced 'dandān') is the primary noun used to describe a tooth, the hard, calcified structures found in the jaws of humans and many animals. In the context of the Persian language, this word carries both a literal biological meaning and a vast array of metaphorical and idiomatic weights. Linguistically, it is a foundational noun that English speakers will encounter almost immediately in their studies, as it pertains to basic health, daily routines, and physical descriptions. Whether you are discussing a visit to the dentist or describing someone's beautiful smile, this word is indispensable.

Anatomical Context: In a medical or biological sense, it refers to the individual units of the dentition. In Persian, we distinguish between different types of teeth using modifiers, such as 'dandān-e aghl' for wisdom teeth or 'dandān-e shiri' for baby teeth.

Historically, the word has roots that trace back to the Proto-Indo-European 'dent-', making it a direct cognate with the English word 'tooth' and the Latin 'dens'. This shared heritage makes it particularly easy for English speakers to remember. In everyday life in Iran, oral hygiene is highly valued, and the word appears frequently in advertisements for 'khamir-dandān' (toothpaste) and 'mesvāk' (toothbrush).

او لبخند زد و دندانهای سفیدش نمایان شد.

Translation: He smiled and his white teeth became visible.

Beyond the physical, the word is used to describe tooth-like structures in machinery, such as the 'teeth' of a gear or a saw. It is also a central component in Persian poetry, where teeth are often compared to 'gowhar' (jewels) or 'morvārid' (pearls) to signify beauty and purity. In social settings, discussing dental health is common, and the phrase 'dandān-e pishkeshi' refers to a gift horse's teeth, used in the same context as the English proverb.

Functional Usage: The verb usually associated with using one's teeth is 'gāz gereftan' (to bite) or 'javidan' (to chew), where the teeth are the primary instrument of action.

بچه با دندان سیب را گاز زد.

Furthermore, the cultural significance of the 'Tooth Fairy' is different in Iran; traditionally, children might throw a lost tooth toward the sun or onto a rooftop while making a wish for a better, stronger 'iron' tooth to replace the lost 'salt' tooth. This deep cultural embedding makes 'dandān' more than just a biological term; it is a bridge to Persian folklore and daily habits. Understanding its usage requires recognizing the plural 'dandānhā', though in colloquial speech, you might hear 'dandun'.

Symbolism: Teeth symbolize strength and age; a 'dandān-gerd-kardan' (rounding the tooth) is an idiom for having long experience in a particular field.

او برای این کار دندان تیز کرده است.

This last example shows the idiom for greed, 'sharpening one's teeth' for something. In summary, 'dandān' is a versatile, ancient, and essential word for any Persian learner to master.

Using 'dandān' in sentences requires an understanding of Persian possessive constructions (Ezafe) and common verbal pairings. At its simplest level, you use it to describe physical states. For example, 'Dandān-e man dard mikonad' (My tooth hurts). Here, the 'e' sound connecting 'dandān' and 'man' is the Ezafe, showing possession.

Possessive Examples: Dandān-e u (His/Her tooth), Dandānhā-ye mā (Our teeth). Note that when pluralized, the Ezafe becomes 'ye' after the 'ā' sound.

When acting upon the teeth, such as cleaning them, the verb 'mesvāk zadan' is used, but the object is often implied or specified: 'Dandānhāyam rā mesvāk zadam' (I brushed my teeth).

باید روزی دو بار دندانهای خود را مسواک بزنید.

Translation: You should brush your teeth twice a day.

In more complex sentences, 'dandān' can function as the subject of a passive or active verb. For instance, 'Dandān-e aghlam rā keshidam' (I pulled my wisdom tooth). The verb 'keshidan' (to pull/draw) is the standard way to describe tooth extraction. Adjectives usually follow the noun: 'Dandān-e sefid' (white tooth), 'Dandān-e kharāb' (decayed/bad tooth). In literary Persian, you might see 'dandān' used to describe the ivory of an elephant ('dandān-e fil'), which highlights the word's breadth.

Compound Nouns: Dandān-pezeshk (Dentist), Dandān-sāz (Dental technician), Khamir-dandān (Toothpaste).

دکتر دندان مرا معاینه کرد.

In conditional sentences, 'dandān' often appears in health advice: 'Agar dandānat dard mikonad, be pezeshk boro' (If your tooth hurts, go to the doctor). The word is also central to describing age in livestock, similar to English: 'Dandān-e asb rā nemishomarand' (They don't count the horse's teeth - meaning don't judge a gift).

او دندانهایش را به هم می‌سایید.

Translation: He was grinding his teeth.

Finally, in poetic contexts, the word can be used to describe the 'teeth' of a comb ('shāneh'). This versatility across physical, medical, and metaphorical domains makes 'dandān' a perfect example of how a basic noun expands into a complex linguistic tool. Mastery of this word involves not just the noun itself, but the cluster of verbs and adjectives that orbit it in the Persian solar system.

You will hear 'dandān' in a variety of real-life settings in Iran and Persian-speaking communities. The most common location is, naturally, the 'dandān-pezeshki' (dental clinic). Here, conversations revolve around 'dard' (pain), 'e-fūn-at' (infection), and 'estekhrāj' (extraction). You'll hear the dentist say, 'Dahānat rā bāz kon' (Open your mouth) followed by an assessment of your 'dandānhā'.

Daily Life: In the morning, parents often ask their children: 'Dandānhāyat rā mesvāk zadi?' (Did you brush your teeth?). This is a staple of household dialogue.

In the bazaar or shopping malls, you will hear it in the health and beauty aisles. Advertisements on Iranian TV (Seda va Sima) frequently promote toothpaste brands by showing bright white 'dandānhā' and promising 'estehkām' (strength).

این خمیردندان برای لثه‌های حساس عالی است.

Translation: This toothpaste is great for sensitive gums.

In the realm of idioms, you'll hear 'dandān' in heated arguments or political commentary. A commentator might say a country has 'dandān-e tama' (the tooth of greed) for a resource. This idiomatic usage is very common in news broadcasts and editorials. In literature and cinema, 'dandān' is often used to describe a character's aging or their ferocity. A villain might be described as having 'dandānhā-ye tiz' (sharp teeth).

Proverbs in Speech: 'Dandān-e kerm-khorde rā bāyad keshid' (A worm-eaten tooth must be pulled). This is used to say that a source of trouble must be removed completely.

او با دندان جگرش را فشرد.

This literary phrase describes someone enduring great pain or suppression of emotion. In schools, teachers might use 'dandān' when teaching biology or hygiene. The word is truly ubiquitous, appearing in the most mundane grocery lists and the most profound classical ghazals of Hafez or Rumi.

صدای برخورد دندانهایش از سرما می‌آمد.

Translation: The sound of his teeth chattering from the cold could be heard.

Whether it's the 'chattering' of teeth in the cold mountain air of the Alborz or the clinical precision of a medical diagnosis in Tehran, 'dandān' is a sound you will hear everywhere.

For English speakers, the most common mistake when using 'dandān' is neglecting the Ezafe construction. Many beginners say 'man dandān' instead of 'dandān-e man' for 'my tooth'. The connecting 'e' is vital for clarity. Another error involves the pluralization. While 'dandānhā' is the standard plural, some learners try to use the Arabic-style broken plural, which doesn't apply here. Stick to the Persian '-hā'.

Pronunciation Pitfalls: Confusing the 'a' in 'dan' with a long 'ā'. The first 'a' is short (like 'cat'), while the second is long (like 'father'). Pronouncing it as 'dāndān' sounds unnatural.

A conceptual mistake is using 'dandān' when you should use 'dahān' (mouth). Because they sound somewhat similar to a new ear, students often swap them. Remember: 'dandān' is the tooth, 'dahān' is the whole mouth.

اشتباه: دهانم درد می‌کند (وقتی فقط یک دندان درد می‌کند).

Correction: Use 'dandānam' if it's a specific tooth, not the whole mouth.

In colloquial settings, failing to recognize 'dandun' can lead to confusion. If an Iranian friend says 'dandunam', they are talking about their tooth. Using the wrong verb for 'brushing' is also common. English speakers often want to use 'pāk kardan' (to clean), but the standard idiomatic verb is 'mesvāk zadan' (to hit the toothbrush).

Idiomatic Misuse: Translating English idioms literally. For example, 'to have a sweet tooth' does not translate using 'dandān'. In Persian, you would say someone is 'shirini-dust' (sweet-lover).

او دندانش را طلا کرد.

This sentence means he got a gold tooth, but some might misinterpret it as a metaphor for wealth. It's usually literal.

نباید دندان روی جگر بگذاری.

Usage: This idiom means 'to endure/be patient', don't take it literally as putting a tooth on a liver!

Avoiding these pitfalls will make your Persian sound much more natural and precise.

While 'dandān' is the standard word, there are several related terms and alternatives depending on the context. For example, 'dandaneh' is a diminutive or specific form referring to the teeth of a tool or a mountain ridge.

Dandān vs. Dandaneh: 'Dandān' is for humans/animals. 'Dandaneh' is for inanimate objects like gears, combs, or saws.

In a medical context, you might hear 'sen' (age) used because teeth are a primary indicator of age in animals. However, 'dandān' remains the anatomical term.

این اره دندانههای تیزی دارد.

Translation: This saw has sharp teeth (notches).

When talking about ivory, the word 'āj' is used. While 'dandān-e fil' (elephant's tooth) is correct, 'āj' is the specific term for the material itself. In poetic or highly formal Persian, synonyms are rare because 'dandān' is so fundamental, but poets might use 'dor' (pearl) or 'gowhar' (gem) as metaphors.

Synonym Comparison: 'Dandān' (Standard) vs. 'Dandun' (Slang/Colloquial). Always use the former in writing.

او دندانهای مرواریدگونی دارد.

Translation: She has pearl-like teeth.

Another related word is 'nas' (gum), though the correct Persian word is 'laseh'. People often associate 'dandān' with 'laseh' when discussing health.

مینای دندان سخت‌ترین ماده در بدن است.

In summary, while 'dandān' has few direct synonyms for the biological tooth, it has many 'cousins' in the world of tools, materials, and metaphors. Knowing when to use 'dandaneh' for a comb or 'āj' for ivory will elevate your Persian from basic to advanced.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

Because it's a cognate, 'dandān' is related to the English 'dentist', 'dental', and 'tooth'. The 'd-n-t' skeleton is preserved across thousands of years and miles, from Sanskrit 'dant' to Latin 'dens'.

Guide de prononciation

UK /dænˈdɑːn/

US /dænˈdɑːn/

The stress is typically on the second syllable: dan-DĀN.

Rime avec

زندان (zendān - prison) خندان (khandān - laughing) قندان (ghandān - sugar bowl) میدان (meydān - square) ایوان (eyvān - porch) پیمان (peymān - promise) چمدان (chamedān - suitcase) داستان (dāstān - story)

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing both 'a's the same way.
Using a long 'ā' for the first syllable (dāndān).
Failing to pronounce the final 'n' clearly.
In Tehrani dialect, 'dandān' becomes 'dandun', which learners might confuse as a different word.
Confusing the 'd' sound with a 't' sound.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 1/5

The word is easy to recognize and follows standard phonetic rules.

Écriture 1/5

Simple spelling with common letters.

Expression orale 2/5

Requires distinguishing between short 'a' and long 'ā'.

Écoute 2/5

Must recognize the colloquial 'dandun' variation.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

دهان (mouth) بدن (body) درد (pain) سفید (white) داشتن (to have)

Apprends ensuite

لثه (gums) مسواک (toothbrush) پزشک (doctor) جویدن (to chew) لبخند (smile)

Avancé

مینای دندان (enamel) ارتودنسی (orthodontics) ایمپلنت (implant) جرم‌گیری (scaling) دندان‌های نیش (canines)

Grammaire à connaître

Ezafe Construction

دندانِ من (dandān-e man) - My tooth.

Pluralization with -hā

دندان‌ها (dandānhā) - Teeth.

Possessive Suffixes

دندانم (dandānam) - My tooth.

Compound Noun Formation

دندان + پزشک = دندان‌پزشک (Dentist).

Colloquial Vowel Shift (ā to u)

دندان -> دندون (dandun).

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Exemples par niveau

دندان من سفید است.

My tooth is white.

Simple subject-predicate sentence with Ezafe.

او دو دندان دارد.

He has two teeth.

Use of 'dārad' (has) with a number.

دندانم درد می‌کند.

My tooth hurts.

Compound verb 'dard kardan' with a possessive suffix.

مسواک برای دندان خوب است.

A toothbrush is good for the tooth.

Preposition 'barāye' (for).

دندان‌هایت را بشور.

Wash (brush) your teeth.

Imperative form of 'shostan' (to wash).

این دندان بزرگ است.

This tooth is big.

Demonstrative pronoun 'in' (this).

دندان‌پزشک کجاست؟

Where is the dentist?

Question word 'kojāst' (where is).

دندان شیرین ندارم.

I don't have a sweet tooth (literal but used for practice).

Negative form 'nadāram'.

من هر شب دندان‌هایم را مسواک می‌زنم.

I brush my teeth every night.

Present continuous tense for routine.

دندان عقل من درآمده است.

My wisdom tooth has come in.

Present perfect tense 'dar-āmadeh ast'.

باید این دندان را پر کنید.

You must fill this tooth.

Modal verb 'bāyad' (must).

دندان‌های او خیلی مرتب هستند.

His teeth are very neat/straight.

Adjective 'morattab' (ordered/neat).

بچه اولین دندانش را درآورد.

The baby got its first tooth.

Past tense 'dar-āvord'.

خمیردندان تمام شده است.

The toothpaste is finished.

Compound noun 'khamir-dandān'.

او دندانش را کشید.

He pulled his tooth.

Simple past tense.

دندان‌های گربه تیز هستند.

The cat's teeth are sharp.

Plural Ezafe.

او برای دندان‌دردش به داروخانه رفت.

He went to the pharmacy for his toothache.

Compound noun 'dandān-dard'.

دندان‌های مصنوعی پدربزرگم در لیوان است.

My grandfather's dentures are in the glass.

Adjective 'masnu'i' (artificial).

شکلات زیاد برای دندان ضرر دارد.

Too much chocolate is harmful to teeth.

Noun 'zarar' (harm).

دندان‌پزشک گفت که باید عکس بگیریم.

The dentist said we must take an X-ray.

Reported speech.

او لبخندی زد که تمام دندان‌هایش پیدا شد.

He gave a smile that showed all his teeth.

Relative clause with 'ke'.

آیا دندان‌هایت را جرم‌گیری کرده‌ای؟

Have you had your teeth scaled/cleaned?

Compound verb 'jarm-giri kardan'.

دندان‌های شیری معمولاً در شش سالگی می‌افتند.

Milk teeth usually fall out at age six.

Adjective 'shiri' (milky).

او با دندان گره را باز کرد.

He opened the knot with his teeth.

Instrumental use of the noun.

مینای دندان سخت‌ترین بخش بدن انسان است.

Tooth enamel is the hardest part of the human body.

Superlative adjective 'sakht-tarin'.

او برای این معامله دندان تیز کرده است.

He has sharpened his teeth for this deal (he is greedy for it).

Idiomatic usage.

بیماری‌های لثه می‌تواند به دندان آسیب برساند.

Gum diseases can damage the teeth.

Modal 'mitavānad' (can).

دندان‌های فیل برای تجارت غیرقانونی شکار می‌شوند.

Elephant tusks (teeth) are hunted for illegal trade.

Passive construction.

او دندان روی جگر گذاشت و چیزی نگفت.

He put a tooth on the liver (bore it patiently) and said nothing.

Complex idiom.

دندان‌های نوزادان به مراقبت ویژه‌ای نیاز دارند.

Infants' teeth need special care.

Plural possessive.

این اره دندانه‌های بسیار تیزی دارد که چوب را راحت می‌برد.

This saw has very sharp teeth that cut wood easily.

Use of 'dandaneh' for tools.

دندان‌پزشکی در ایران پیشرفت زیادی کرده است.

Dentistry in Iran has progressed a lot.

Abstract noun 'dandān-pezeshki'.

شاعر دندان‌های معشوق را به درّ و گوهر تشبیه کرده است.

The poet has likened the beloved's teeth to pearls and gems.

Literary vocabulary 'tashbih' (comparison).

او در این حرفه دندان گرد کرده است و فریب نمی‌خورد.

He has rounded his teeth (become experienced) in this profession and isn't fooled.

Advanced idiom.

ساختار میکروسکوپی دندان نشان‌دهنده رژیم غذایی اجداد ماست.

The microscopic structure of the tooth indicates the diet of our ancestors.

Academic register.

دندان کینه را باید از دل برکند.

One must uproot the tooth of malice from the heart.

Metaphorical/Poetic usage.

او با دندان‌قروچه خشم خود را پنهان کرد.

He hid his anger with tooth-grinding.

Compound noun 'dandān-ghoruche'.

فساد دندان در جوامع مدرن به دلیل مصرف قند رو به افزایش است.

Tooth decay in modern societies is increasing due to sugar consumption.

Formal noun 'fasād' (decay/corruption).

او دندان اسب پیشکشی را نمی‌شمارد.

He doesn't count the teeth of a gift horse.

Proverbial usage.

پوسیدگی دندان می‌تواند به عفونت‌های جدی منجر شود.

Tooth decay can lead to serious infections.

Formal verb 'monjar shodan'.

در متون طب سنتی، دندان را مظهر استقامت مزاج می‌دانستند.

In traditional medical texts, the tooth was considered a manifestation of constitutional endurance.

High formal/Historical register.

او چنان دندان بر جگر فشرد که لب‌هایش کبود شد.

He pressed his teeth on his liver (endured) so much that his lips turned blue.

Archaic/Literary intensity.

تحلیل فیلوژنتیک دندان‌های پستانداران اولیه، مسیر تکامل را روشن می‌کند.

Phylogenetic analysis of early mammalian teeth clarifies the path of evolution.

Scientific/Academic jargon.

دندان‌مزد، رسمی قدیمی بود که برای مهمانان در نظر می‌گرفتند.

Dandān-mozd (tooth-wage) was an old custom of giving gifts to guests after a meal.

Historical cultural term.

او دندان‌خایان از پشیمانی، به گذشته می‌نگریست.

Chewing his teeth (gnashing) in regret, he looked at the past.

Rare literary participle 'dandān-khāyān'.

تقابل میان دندان و زبان در ادب پارسی، استعاره‌ای از قدرت و نرمش است.

The contrast between the tooth and the tongue in Persian literature is a metaphor for power and flexibility.

Philosophical analysis.

او دندانِ طمع از همه چیز برکنده است.

He has uprooted the tooth of greed from everything (given up all worldly desires).

Sufi/Mystical idiom.

بررسی مورفولوژیک دندان‌های نئاندرتال‌ها تفاوت‌های گونه‌ای را آشکار می‌سازد.

Morphological examination of Neanderthal teeth reveals species differences.

Anthropological terminology.

Collocations courantes

دندان کشیدن

دندان پر کردن

دندان عقل

دندان شیری

دندان مصنوعی

دندان تیز کردن

دندان روی جگر گذاشتن

دندان‌قروچه کردن

دندان طلا

دندان سفید

Phrases Courantes

دندانت را مسواک بزن

— A command to brush one's teeth. Used daily by parents.

قبل از خواب دندانت را مسواک بزن.

دندان‌درد دارم

— I have a toothache. A very common health complaint.

امروز نمی‌توانم بیایم چون دندان‌درد دارم.

دندان‌پزشک خوب

— A good dentist. Often used when asking for recommendations.

آیا دندان‌پزشک خوبی می‌شناسی؟

دندان لق

— A loose tooth. Common in children.

دندان جلویی‌اش لق شده است.

دندان خراب

— A decayed or bad tooth. Refers to cavities.

چند دندان خراب در دهانش دارد.

خمیردندان و مسواک

— Toothpaste and toothbrush. The standard pair for hygiene.

باید خمیردندان و مسواک بخرم.

دندان طمع بریدن

— To give up greed for something. A common ethical phrase.

او دندان طمع از ارث برید.

دندان نشان دادن

— To show teeth, usually as a threat or showing aggression.

سگ به غریبه دندان نشان داد.

دندان به دندان ساییدن

— To grind teeth due to cold or anger.

از سرما دندان به دندان می‌سایید.

دندان‌گیر

— Something worth having or a substantial gain. Literally 'tooth-catcher'.

سود دندان‌گیری نصیبش شد.

Souvent confondu avec

دندان vs دهان (dahān)

Means 'mouth'. Beginners often confuse them because they sound similar.

دندان vs دندانه (dandaneh)

Refers to the teeth of a comb, saw, or gear, not biological teeth.

دندان vs دندان‌ساز (dandān-sāz)

A technician who makes dentures, not the dentist (dandān-pezeshk) who treats patients.

Expressions idiomatiques

"دندان روی جگر گذاشتن"

— To endure pain or hardship patiently without complaining. Literally: to put a tooth on the liver.

در آن شرایط سخت، فقط دندان روی جگر گذاشتم.

literary/common

"دندان تیز کردن"

— To be greedy for something or to set one's sights on acquiring something. Literally: to sharpen the tooth.

او برای پست مدیریت دندان تیز کرده است.

common

"دندان طمع را کندن"

— To abandon greed or expectation for something. Literally: to pull out the tooth of greed.

بالاخره دندان طمع را از آن خانه کندم.

common

"دندان اسب پیشکشی را نمی‌شمارند"

— Don't look a gift horse in the mouth. Don't criticize a gift.

هدیه‌اش ارزان بود اما دندان اسب پیشکشی را نمی‌شمارند.

proverbial

"دندان گرد کردن"

— To become experienced or 'old' in a profession. Literally: to round the tooth.

او در بازار دندان گرد کرده است.

common/informal

"دندان به هم ساییدن"

— To be extremely angry or frustrated. Literally: to rub teeth together.

از شدت عصبانیت دندان به هم می‌سایید.

common

"دندان‌مزد"

— A gift given to guests. Historically, a fee for 'wearing out' teeth on the host's food.

پادشاه به شاعران دندان‌مزد داد.

archaic/historical

"دندان نشان دادن"

— To threaten or show power. Literally: to show teeth.

دشمن دندان نشان می‌دهد.

political/literary

"دندان کینه"

— Deep-seated malice or grudge. Literally: the tooth of spite.

دندان کینه را از دل برکن.

poetic

"از دندان شمردن"

— To consider something as a great gain or opportunity.

او این فرصت را از دندان شمرد.

rare/literary

Facile à confondre

دندان vs دندانه

Similar root and meaning.

Dandān is for living beings; dandaneh is for inanimate objects like tools or mountain ridges.

دندانه اره (teeth of a saw).

دندان vs دهان

Phonetic similarity.

Dahān is the oral cavity; dandān is the hard structure inside it.

دهانش را باز کرد.

دندان vs نیش

Both refer to teeth.

Nish is specifically a fang or a sting; dandān is the general term.

نیش مار.

دندان vs عاج

Both refer to tooth material.

Āj is ivory (the material); dandān is the organ.

مجسمه عاج.

دندان vs لثه

Anatomically adjacent.

Laseh is the gum tissue; dandān is the tooth itself.

لثه‌اش خون می‌آید.

Structures de phrases

[Subject] [Noun] dārad.

Ali dandān dārad.

[Possessive Noun] dard mikonad.

Dandānam dard mikonad.

Bāyad [Noun] rā [Verb].

Bāyad dandānam rā por konam.

[Noun] mesle [Metaphor] ast.

Dandānhāyash mesle morvārid ast.

[Idiom] kardan.

Dandān barāye pul tiz kardeh ast.

[Archaic Phrase].

Dandān bar jigar feshord.

[Noun] [Adjective] ast.

Dandān sefid ast.

Har ruz [Noun] rā mesvāk mizanam.

Har ruz dandānhāyam rā mesvāk mizanam.

Famille de mots

Noms

دندان‌پزشک (dentist)

دندان‌پزشکی (dentistry)

دندان‌ساز (denture maker)

دندان‌درد (toothache)

دندان‌گیر (teether)

خمیردندان (toothpaste)

دندانه (notch/cog)

Verbes

دندان زدن (to bite - rare)

دندان‌قروچه کردن (to grind teeth)

دندان نشان دادن (to show teeth/threaten)

Adjectifs

دندان‌دار (toothed)

بی‌دندان (toothless)

دندان‌شکن (crushing/decisive - like a 'tooth-breaking' answer)

Apparenté

مسواک (toothbrush)

لثه (gums)

دهان (mouth)

فک (jaw)

مینا (enamel)

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Extremely high. It is a core vocabulary word.

Erreurs courantes

Saying 'man dandān' for 'my tooth'. → دندانِ من (dandān-e man) or دندانم (dandānam).
Persian uses the Ezafe construction or possessive suffixes to show ownership.
Using 'dandān' for a comb's teeth. → دندانه (dandaneh).
Biological teeth are 'dandān', but mechanical/tool teeth are 'dandaneh'.
Pronouncing it as 'dāndān'. → دَندان (dandān).
The first 'a' is short, and the second 'ā' is long. Swapping them sounds wrong.
Confusing 'dandān' with 'dahān'. → دندان (tooth) vs دهان (mouth).
They sound similar but refer to different anatomical parts.
Translating 'sweet tooth' literally. → شیرینی‌دوست (shirini-dust).
English idioms involving 'tooth' often don't translate literally into Persian.

Astuces

The Dental Dan

Remember 'Dan' the 'Dentist' works on your 'Dandān'. The first three letters are identical to the English root of dental.

Ezafe is Key

Always remember the 'e' sound when connecting 'dandān' to other words, like 'dandān-e sefid' (white tooth).

Tooth Party

If you are in Iran and hear about a 'Jashn-e Dandāni', it's a celebration for a baby's first tooth. Don't forget to try the special soup!

Colloquial Shift

When listening to Iranians, 'ā' often becomes 'u' before 'n' or 'm'. So 'dandān' becomes 'dandun'. Practice both to be versatile.

Compound Power

Persian loves compounds. Once you know 'dandān', you automatically know half of 'dandān-pezeshk' and 'dandān-dard'.

Spelling Tip

The word is spelled exactly as it sounds: D-N-D-Ā-N. No hidden letters or complex combinations.

At the Clinic

If you need a filling, tell the dentist: 'Bāyad dandānam rā por konid'. If it needs to be pulled: 'Bāyad dandānam rā bekeshid'.

Ancient Roots

Knowing that 'dandān' is related to 'tooth' and 'dentist' helps you realize that Persian is part of the same language family as English.

Greed and Teeth

In Persian, greed is often expressed through the metaphor of 'sharpening one's teeth' (dandān tiz kardan). Use this to sound advanced!

Context Clues

If you hear 'dandaneh' instead of 'dandān', look for a saw, a comb, or a mountain nearby, as it refers to inanimate notches.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of a 'Dan' who has a 'Dan' (tooth). Or remember that 'Dandān' sounds like 'Dental' without the 'l'. Dan-Dan is what you use to Dine-Dine.

Association visuelle

Imagine a giant white tooth with the name 'DAN' written on it twice. DAN-DAN.

Word Web

دندان‌پزشک مسواک خمیردندان لثه درد سفید لبخند غذا

Défi

Try to say 'Dandānam rā mesvāk mizanam' five times fast without making a mistake. Then, write a sentence about a 'dandān-e fil' (elephant tusk).

Origine du mot

The word 'dandān' comes from the Middle Persian 'dandān' and Old Persian 'dantān-'. It is traced back to the Proto-Indo-European root *h₁dóntm̥, which means 'tooth'.

Sens originel : The original meaning has always been the anatomical tooth. It is one of the most stable words in the Indo-European language family.

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

Contexte culturel

No specific sensitivities, but avoid making fun of missing teeth in elderly people as it can be seen as disrespectful to elders.

English speakers might find the 'Tooth Fairy' concept missing; Iranians have different folk traditions for lost baby teeth.

The poem by Saadi where he mentions 'dandān' as a metaphor for the passage of time. The Iranian film 'Dandān-e Mār' (Snake's Tooth) by Masoud Kimiai. The traditional Ash-e Dandāni recipe found in almost every Iranian cookbook.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

At the Dentist

دندانم درد می‌کند.
باید دندانم را بکشم؟
هزینه پر کردن دندان چقدر است؟
می‌خواهم دندان‌هایم را سفید کنم.

Morning Routine

مسواک من کجاست؟
خمیردندان بزن.
دندان‌هایت را خوب بشور.
نخ دندان کشیدی؟

Describing Someone

او دندان‌های زیبایی دارد.
دندان‌هایش مثل مروارید است.
یک دندانش افتاده است.
دندان‌هایش ردیف هستند.

With Children

دندان شیری‌ات لق شده؟
بگذار دندانت را ببینم.
شکلات برای دندانت بد است.
جشن دندونی مبارک!

Idiomatic/Metaphorical

دندان روی جگر بگذار.
برای آن پول دندان تیز نکن.
دندان طمع را بکن.
جواب دندان‌شکن بده.

Amorces de conversation

"آخرین بار کی پیش دندان‌پزشک رفتی؟ (When was the last time you went to the dentist?)"

"آیا تا به حال دندان عقلت را کشیده‌ای؟ (Have you ever pulled your wisdom tooth?)"

"به نظر تو بهترین خمیردندان کدام است؟ (In your opinion, which is the best toothpaste?)"

"در کشور شما فرشته دندان وجود دارد؟ (Is there a Tooth Fairy in your country?)"

"چگونه از دندان‌های خود مراقبت می‌کنی؟ (How do you take care of your teeth?)"

Sujets d'écriture

تجربه خود را از اولین باری که به دندان‌پزشکی رفتی بنویس. (Write about your first experience at the dentist.)

چرا سلامت دندان برای انسان مهم است؟ (Why is dental health important for humans?)

درباره یک ضرب‌المثل فارسی که کلمه دندان در آن است توضیح بده. (Explain a Persian proverb that contains the word 'tooth'.)

اگر می‌توانستی دندان‌هایت را به هر رنگی درآوری، چه رنگی را انتخاب می‌کردی؟ (If you could make your teeth any color, what color would you choose?)

تفاوت دندان‌های انسان و حیوانات را توصیف کن. (Describe the difference between human and animal teeth.)

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

The word for dentist is 'دندان‌پزشک' (dandān-pezeshk), which literally means 'tooth-doctor'. In casual speech, people also say 'دکتر دندان' (doktor-e dandān).

The standard plural is 'دندان‌ها' (dandānhā). In very formal or poetic contexts, you might see 'دندانان' (dandānān), but this is rare.

Yes, but for inanimate objects like the teeth of a comb or gear, Persian uses 'دندانه' (dandaneh) instead of 'دندان'.

It is exactly the same: 'دندان اسب پیشکشی را نمی‌شمارند' (dandān-e asb-e pishkeshi rā nemishomārand).

You say 'دندان‌درد' (dandān-dard). Example: 'من دندان‌درد دارم' (I have a toothache).

It is the colloquial/spoken form of 'dandān'. It is correct in speech but should be avoided in formal writing.

It is 'دندان عقل' (dandān-e aghl). 'Aghl' means wisdom or intellect.

The phrase is 'مسواک زدن' (mesvāk zadan). Example: 'دندان‌هایم را مسواک می‌زنم'.

The word is 'خمیردندان' (khamir-dandān). 'Khamir' means paste or dough.

Literally 'tooth-breaking', it is an adjective used to describe a crushing, decisive, or very strong response or argument.

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