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B1 فعل (سوم شخص جمع - محاوره‌ای) #17 le plus courant 9 min de lecture

کنن

«کنن» شکل محاوره‌ای و غیررسمی فعل «بکنند» (وجه التزامی) یا در برخی موارد «می‌کنند» (وجه اخباری) از مصدر «کردن» برای سوم شخص جمع است.

konan Top 17

At the A1 level, you are just starting to learn how to describe people's actions. You might know 'kardan' means 'to do'. 'Konan' is a special way to say 'they do' or 'they should do' when you are talking to friends. It is like saying 'they do' but in a very relaxed way. You usually see it after the word 'bāyad' (must). For example, 'Bāyad kār konan' means 'They must work'. Just remember that the 'an' at the end means 'they'. It is the short version of the long word 'bokonand' that you see in books. At this stage, just try to recognize it when you hear it in songs or movies.

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At the A2 level, you should start using 'konan' in simple compound verbs. Persian uses 'kardan' to make many verbs, like 'tamiz kardan' (to clean) or 'negāh kardan' (to look). When you want to say 'They want to look', you say 'Mixān negāh konan'. Notice how the 'bo-' prefix from 'bokonand' is gone. This makes your Persian sound much more natural. You will use this word a lot when talking about your family or friends' plans. It is important to distinguish 'konan' (they) from 'konam' (I) and 'koni' (you). The 'an' ending is your key to identifying the third person plural.

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At the B1 level, you are expected to understand the 'Subjunctive Mood' (Vajh-e Eltezāmi). 'Konan' is the colloquial subjunctive for 'they'. You use it after verbs of desire, necessity, or doubt. For example, 'Shāyad in kār ro konan' (Perhaps they will do this). You should also be comfortable using it with a wide range of compound verbs like 'ezdevāj konan' (to get married) or 'safar konan' (to travel). At this level, you should also notice that in negative sentences, it becomes 'nakonan'. You are moving from just recognizing the word to using it to express complex ideas about other people's intentions.

At the B2 level, you should be fluent in switching between the formal 'bokonand' and the colloquial 'konan' depending on your audience. You understand that 'konan' is not just a 'lazy' version of the verb, but a systematic feature of the Tehrani dialect that has become the standard for spoken Persian. you can use it in complex sentences with multiple clauses, such as 'Omidvāram ke betunan be mo'ghe tamrin konan' (I hope they can practice on time). You also start to pick up on idiomatic expressions where 'konan' is used, and you can distinguish it clearly from the indicative 'mikonan' even in fast speech.

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At the C1 level, you use 'konan' with the nuance of a native speaker. You understand its role in 'light verb constructions' and how it carries the grammatical weight of the sentence while the preceding noun carries the meaning. You can use it in hypothetical situations, reported speech, and nuanced social interactions. You are also aware of regional variations; while 'konan' is standard in Tehran, you might hear slight variations in other dialects, but you stick to 'konan' for a polished, modern spoken style. You can also identify when 'konan' is used sarcastically or as part of a rhetorical question in a debate.

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At the C2 level, 'konan' is second nature. You can analyze the historical linguistic shift from Middle Persian to the modern colloquialisms that led to the dropping of the final 'd'. You can use the word in high-level discussions about sociology, politics, or literature when speaking informally with peers. You understand the rhythmic and poetic value of using 'konan' in modern lyrics versus the classical 'bokonand'. Your mastery is such that you never accidentally use it in a formal written document, but you would never sound 'bookish' in a cafe by using the formal version where 'konan' is expected.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

کنن en 30 secondes

Informal version of 'bokonand' (they do/should do).
Used in spoken Persian, never in formal writing.
Essential for forming colloquial compound verbs.
Indicates the subjunctive mood (desire, necessity, doubt).

The Persian word کنن (konan) is a cornerstone of colloquial spoken Persian. It is the informal, third-person plural form of the verb kardan (to do/make), specifically functioning as the subjunctive mood (vajh-e eltezāmi). In formal, written Persian, this would be written as بکنند (bokonand). However, in the streets of Tehran, in Iranian cinema, and in daily conversations, the 'bo-' prefix is often dropped in compound verbs, and the final 'd' is almost always omitted. Understanding this word is essential for moving beyond textbook Persian and grasping how Iranians actually communicate. It is a 'light verb,' meaning it combines with nouns or adjectives to form a vast array of compound verbs. Without کنن, you cannot describe what 'they' are doing, planning, or being required to do in a natural way.

Grammatical Status: Colloquial Subjunctive 3rd Person Plural (They)
Root Source: The infinitive 'Kardan' (کردن), which is the most productive verb in the Persian language.

باید سعی کنن زودتر بیان.
(Bāyad sa'y konan zudtar biyān.)
They should try to come earlier.

In this example, 'sa'y kardan' (to try) is used. In formal Persian, you would say 'sa'y bokonand'. But in speech, 'bo' disappears and 'd' drops, leaving us with 'konan'. This happens because Persian speakers prefer efficiency and flow. The word is ubiquitous because Persian relies heavily on compound verbs. Whether 'they' are cleaning (tamiz konan), calling (zang bezanan - though this uses zadan, kardan follows the same logic), or working (kar konan), the 'konan' ending is the engine of the sentence.

می‌خوان چیکار کنن؟
(Mixān chikār konan?)
What do they want to do?

This word is also used in the indicative present tense in some dialects, though usually, 'mikonan' (they do) is the standard colloquial indicative. However, in the context of 'wanting' (mixān) or 'must' (bāyad), 'konan' is the mandatory subjunctive form. It conveys a sense of possibility, necessity, or desire rather than a realized fact. If you are watching an Iranian film, listen for the 'an' sound at the end of verbs; it is the heartbeat of plural action. It is also important to note that while 'konan' is informal, it is not 'slang' in a derogatory sense; it is simply the standard way people speak across all social classes in informal settings.

اجازه بدید فکر کنن.
(Ejāze bedid fekr konan.)
Let them think.

Usage Context: Daily chores, planning with friends, discussing news about others, and expressing requirements.

Furthermore, the word 'konan' represents the broader linguistic shift in Persian where the 'd' at the end of 3rd person plural verbs is dropped. This is similar to how 'mirand' (they go) becomes 'miran'. Mastery of 'konan' allows a learner to sound less like a 13th-century poet and more like a modern resident of contemporary Iran. It bridges the gap between the rigid grammar of textbooks and the fluid reality of the Persian tongue.

Using کنن (konan) correctly requires understanding the 'Subjunctive Mood'. In Persian, when a verb follows words like 'must' (bāyad), 'want' (mixān), 'perhaps' (shāyad), or 'to be able to' (mitunan), the second verb must be in the subjunctive. While the formal subjunctive of 'kardan' is 'bokonand', the colloquial version used in compound verbs is simply 'konan'.

باید خونه رو تمیز کنن.
(Bāyad xune ro tamiz konan.)
They must clean the house.

Notice how 'tamiz kardan' (to clean) splits. The 'tamiz' stays, and 'kardan' changes to 'konan'. This pattern is consistent across hundreds of verbs. If you want to say 'they should study', you use 'dars xundan', but if you use a verb with 'kardan' like 'motāle'e kardan' (to study/research), it becomes 'bāyad motāle'e konan'.

Common Compound Verb Structure: [Noun/Adjective] + کنن (konan)

ممکنه تعجب کنن.
(Momkene ta'ajob konan.)
They might be surprised.

Another crucial aspect is the omission of the 'bo-' prefix. In formal Persian, the subjunctive usually takes a 'bo-' prefix (e.g., bokonand). However, in compound verbs (verbs made of two parts), the 'bo-' is almost always dropped in spoken Persian. Thus, 'bāyad tamiz bokonand' becomes 'bāyad tamiz konan'. If 'kardan' were used alone (which is rare, as it usually needs an object or a partner word), you might hear 'bokonan', but in 90% of cases, you will just hear 'konan'.

نمی‌تونن صبر کنن.
(Nemitunan sabr konan.)
They cannot wait.

In negative sentences, the 'na-' prefix is added, making it 'nakonan'. For example, 'bāyad dars bexunan ke tajdid nakonan' (They should study so they don't fail/repeat). The flexibility of 'konan' allows it to adapt to various emotional tones, from commands to gentle suggestions.

You will hear کنن (konan) everywhere in Iran except in formal news broadcasts or academic lectures. It is the language of the 'bazaar', the 'taxi', and the 'family dinner'. If you are listening to Persian pop music, the lyrics will frequently use 'konan' to describe the actions of others or the world at large.

همه دارن نگاه کنن.
(Hame dāran negāh konan.)
Everyone is watching (in certain continuous contexts or as a shortened form).

In Iranian cinema, particularly in 'slice of life' dramas like those of Asghar Farhadi, characters use 'konan' to express frustration, hope, or instructions. For instance, a mother might say 'bāyad dars بخونن تا پیشرفت کنن' (They must study so they can progress). The word is also very common in social media comments. On Instagram or Twitter (X), Iranians write as they speak, so you will see 'کنن' written far more often than 'بکنند'.

Media Presence: Podcasts, Vlogs, TV Series, and casual YouTube content.

In the workplace, colleagues discussing a third party (like clients or another department) will use it: 'Mixān gharārdād ro emzā konan?' (Do they want to sign the contract?). It is the standard for discussing 'them' in any non-ceremonial setting. Even in semi-formal business meetings, the colloquial 'konan' is often preferred over the stiff 'bokonand' to build rapport and sound more natural.

بذار هر کاری می‌خوان کنن.
(Bezār har kāri mixān konan.)
Let them do whatever they want.

Interestingly, 'konan' is also found in modern Persian poetry and song lyrics where the meter requires a shorter syllable than 'bokonand'. It bridges the gap between the high art of Persian literature and the gritty reality of modern life. If you want to fit in with Iranians, start replacing 'bokonand' with 'konan' in your speech immediately.

The most common mistake for English speakers is using کنن (konan) in formal writing. If you are writing a formal letter to a university, a government office, or a professional email, you must use the full form بکنند (bokonand). Using 'konan' in these contexts makes you look uneducated or overly casual.

Mistake #1: Over-informality: Using 'konan' in an essay or a formal speech.

Another frequent error is confusing 'konan' (subjunctive) with 'mikonan' (indicative). 'Mikonan' means 'they are doing' or 'they do' (fact). 'Konan' is used after 'want', 'must', or 'should' (possibility/necessity). For example:

Incorrect: اونا دارن کار کنن. (Unā dāran kār konan.)
Correct: اونا دارن کار می‌کنن. (Unā dāran kār mikonan.)
They are working.

A third mistake is mispronunciation. Some learners pronounce the 'an' like the English word 'an'. In Persian, the 'a' in 'konan' is a short 'a' (like the 'a' in 'cat' or 'hat' in some accents, but more neutral). It should be quick and crisp. If you elongate it too much, it might sound like a different word or simply unnatural.

Finally, learners often forget to change the ending when the subject changes. 'Konan' is strictly for 'they'. If you are talking about 'we', it's 'konim'. If you are talking about 'you all', it's 'konin'. Because Persian is a pro-drop language (you can omit the pronoun 'unā'), the ending 'an' is the only thing telling the listener who you are talking about. If you say 'konan' when you mean 'we', the listener will be very confused about who is supposed to be doing the action.

To truly master کنن (konan), you must understand its relationship with its formal and indicative siblings. The most direct alternative is the formal بکنند (bokonand). While 'konan' is for the street, 'bokonand' is for the book.

Comparison: Subjunctive vs. Indicative: Konan: Subjunctive (They should/might/want to do).
Mikonan: Indicative (They do/are doing).

Another word often confused is کنین (konin). Note the 'i' sound. 'Konin' is the colloquial form of 'bokonid' (you plural do). It sounds very similar to 'konan' to the untrained ear, but the difference between 'they' and 'you' is vital.

باید کار کنن (They must work) vs. باید کار کنین (You all must work).

In some contexts, you might hear انجام بدن (anjām bedan). 'Anjām dādan' is a more specific way to say 'to perform' or 'to carry out' an action. While 'kardan' is a general 'do', 'anjām dādan' is often used for tasks, assignments, or official duties. If someone says 'bāyad anjām bedan', it sounds slightly more formal or focused on the completion of a task than 'bāyad konan'.

Lastly, consider the verb بزنن (bezanan - colloquial for 'bezanand'). Many compound verbs that use 'kardan' in English use 'zadan' in Persian (like 'zang zadan' - to call). Learners often try to say 'zang konan', which is incorrect. You must learn which nouns pair with 'kardan' (and thus 'konan') and which pair with 'zadan' (and thus 'bezanan').

How Formal Is It?

Formel

"آن‌ها باید مطالعه بکنند."

Neutre

"اونا باید مطالعه کنن."

Informel

"باید درس بخونن تا حال کنن."

Child friendly

"بچه‌ها باید بازی کنن."

Argot

"می‌خوان ما رو پیچ کنن."

Le savais-tu ?

The verb 'kardan' is so versatile that it has replaced hundreds of specific verbs over the centuries, leading to the modern Persian system of compound verbs.

Guide de prononciation

UK /ko.næn/

US /koʊ.næn/

The stress is on the first syllable 'ko'.

Rime avec

کنن (konan) زنن (zanan) برن (beran) خرن (kharan) بدن (bedan) بیان (biyān - slant rhyme) بگن (began) خورن (khoran)

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing the 'an' like 'on'.
Elongating the 'o' too much.
Putting the stress on the last syllable.
Confusing it with 'konin' (you plural).
Pronouncing the 'k' too softly.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 3/5

Easy to recognize but can be confused with other endings.

Écriture 4/5

Requires knowing when to use informal vs formal.

Expression orale 2/5

Very natural and easy to say once the 'an' pattern is learned.

Écoute 5/5

Can be hard to hear in fast speech as it blends with the noun.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

کردن (kardan) باید (bāyad) می‌خوان (mixān) آن‌ها (unā) کار (kār)

Apprends ensuite

کنیم (konim) کنین (konin) بشه (beshe) بگن (began) بیان (biyān)

Avancé

وجه التزامی (Subjunctive Mood) افعال مرکب (Compound Verbs) لهجه تهرانی (Tehrani Dialect)

Grammaire à connaître

Subjunctive Mood

باید برن (They must go).

Compound Verb Formation

کار کردن (To work).

Colloquial 'd' dropping

می‌کنند -> می‌کنن.

Colloquial 'bo' prefix dropping

بکنند -> کنن.

Pro-drop (omitting the subject)

(اونا) باید کار کنن.

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Exemples par niveau

باید کار کنن.

They must work.

Subjunctive after 'bāyad'.

می‌خوان بازی کنن.

They want to play.

Subjunctive after 'mixān'.

بذار نگاه کنن.

Let them look.

Imperative 'bezār' followed by subjunctive.

باید صبر کنن.

They must wait.

Compound verb 'sabr kardan'.

می‌تونن کمک کنن؟

Can they help?

Subjunctive after 'mitunan'.

باید تمیز کنن.

They must clean.

Compound verb 'tamiz kardan'.

شاید دعا کنن.

Perhaps they pray.

Subjunctive after 'shāyad'.

باید شنا کنن.

They must swim.

Compound verb 'shenā kardan'.

اونا می‌خوان ازدواج کنن.

They want to get married.

Subjunctive of 'ezdevāj kardan'.

باید بیشتر تمرین کنن.

They must practice more.

Adverb 'bishtar' used with the verb.

نمی‌تونن فرار کنن.

They cannot escape.

Negative 'nemitunan' + subjunctive.

باید فکر کنن.

They must think.

Compound verb 'fekr kardan'.

می‌خوان سفر کنن.

They want to travel.

Compound verb 'safar kardan'.

باید چای درست کنن.

They must make tea.

Compound verb 'dorost kardan'.

ممکنه دیر کنن.

They might be late.

Subjunctive after 'momkene'.

باید ورزش کنن.

They must exercise.

Compound verb 'varzesh kardan'.

امیدوارم که اشتباه نکنن.

I hope they don't make a mistake.

Negative subjunctive 'nakonan'.

باید سعی کنن مشکل رو حل کنن.

They must try to solve the problem.

Two subjunctive verbs in one sentence.

می‌خوان خونه رو تعمیر کنن.

They want to repair the house.

Compound verb 'ta'mir kardan'.

باید به حرف من گوش کنن.

They must listen to what I say.

Compound verb 'gush kardan'.

شاید بخوان تغییر کنن.

Perhaps they want to change.

Nested subjunctive: shāyad + bixān + konan.

باید برای امتحان مطالعه کنن.

They must study for the exam.

Compound verb 'motāle'e kardan'.

می‌تونن از ما حمایت کنن.

They can support us.

Compound verb 'hemāyat kardan'.

باید خودشون رو معرفی کنن.

They must introduce themselves.

Reflexive 'khodeshun' with the verb.

باید جوری رفتار کنن که بقیه ناراحت نشن.

They should behave in a way that others don't get upset.

Subjunctive 'raftār konan' in a complex clause.

ممکنه بخوان پیشنهاد ما رو رد کنن.

They might want to reject our proposal.

Subjunctive 'radd konan'.

باید تلاش کنن تا به هدفشون برسن.

They must strive to reach their goal.

Subjunctive 'talāsh konan'.

می‌خوان در مورد این موضوع بحث کنن.

They want to discuss this subject.

Compound verb 'bahs kardan'.

باید ثابت کنن که حق با اوناست.

They must prove that they are right.

Compound verb 'sābet kardan'.

شاید بخوان از این فرصت استفاده کنن.

Perhaps they want to use this opportunity.

Compound verb 'estefāde kardan'.

باید سعی کنن با شرایط کنار بیان.

They must try to cope with the situation.

Subjunctive 'sa'y konan'.

می‌تونن روی کمک ما حساب کنن.

They can count on our help.

Compound verb 'hesāb kardan'.

باید طوری مدیریت کنن که منابع هدر نره.

They must manage in such a way that resources aren't wasted.

Subjunctive 'modiriyat konan'.

ممکنه بخوان در تصمیمشون تجدید نظر کنن.

They might want to reconsider their decision.

Compound verb 'tajdid-e nazar kardan'.

باید سعی کنن فضا رو تلطیف کنن.

They should try to soften the atmosphere.

Advanced compound verb 'taltif kardan'.

می‌خوان به هر قیمتی که شده مقاومت کنن.

They want to resist at any cost.

Compound verb 'moghavamat kardan'.

باید تلاش کنن تا سوءتفاهم‌ها رو برطرف کنن.

They must try to resolve the misunderstandings.

Compound verb 'bartaraf kardan'.

شاید بخوان در این زمینه سرمایه‌گذاری کنن.

Perhaps they want to invest in this field.

Compound verb 'sarmāye-gozāri kardan'.

باید بتونن بین کار و زندگی تعادل برقرار کنن.

They must be able to establish a balance between work and life.

Compound verb 'bargharār kardan'.

می‌خوان با این کارشون ما رو غافلگیر کنن.

They want to surprise us with this action of theirs.

Compound verb 'ghāfelgir kardan'.

باید جوری تبیین کنن که جای هیچ شکی باقی نمونه.

They must explain/elucidate in a way that leaves no room for doubt.

Academic compound verb 'tabyin kardan'.

ممکنه بخوان با این حرکت، افکار عمومی رو منحرف کنن.

They might want to distract public opinion with this move.

Compound verb 'monharef kardan'.

باید سعی کنن تضادهای درونی رو حل و فصل کنن.

They must try to resolve internal conflicts.

Compound verb 'hal-o fasl kardan'.

می‌خوان با استفاده از این تکنولوژی، بازار رو قبضه کنن.

They want to take over the market using this technology.

Idiomatic compound 'ghabze kardan'.

باید تلاش کنن تا ارزش‌های اخلاقی رو نهادینه کنن.

They must strive to institutionalize moral values.

Compound verb 'nahādine kardan'.

شاید بخوان با این سیاست، بحران رو مهار کنن.

Perhaps they want to contain the crisis with this policy.

Compound verb 'mahār kardan'.

باید بتونن مفاهیم پیچیده رو ساده‌سازی کنن.

They must be able to simplify complex concepts.

Compound verb 'sāde-sāzi kardan'.

می‌خوان با این رویکرد، تحولی در صنعت ایجاد کنن.

They want to create a transformation in the industry with this approach.

Compound verb 'ijād kardan'.

Collocations courantes

کار کنن

فکر کنن

نگاه کنن

تمیز کنن

صحبت کنن

زندگی کنن

کمک کنن

سعی کنن

بازی کنن

ازدواج کنن

Phrases Courantes

چیکار کنن؟

باید یه کاری کنن.

می‌خوان چیکار کنن؟

نمی‌تونن کاری کنن.

بذار هر کاری می‌خوان کنن.

باید دقت کنن.

شاید باور نکنن.

می‌تونن اعتماد کنن.

باید صبر کنن.

می‌خوان فرار کنن.

Souvent confondu avec

کنن vs کنین (konin)

Means 'you all' (informal). 'Konan' is 'they'.

کنن vs کنم (konam)

Means 'I'. 'Konan' is 'they'.

کنن vs کنه (kone)

Means 'he/she/it'. 'Konan' is 'they'.

Expressions idiomatiques

"پشت گوش بندازن"

To procrastinate or ignore. Used with 'konan' in the subjunctive.

نباید این کار رو پشت گوش بندازن.

Informal

"کلاه سر کسی بذارن"

To trick or scam someone.

می‌خوان سر ما کلاه بذارن.

Slang

"دل‌دل کنن"

To hesitate.

نباید اینقدر دل‌دل کنن.

Informal

"ناز کنن"

To act coy or play hard to get.

دوست دارن واسه ما ناز کنن.

Informal

"پز بدن"

To show off.

می‌خوان با ماشین جدیدشون پز بدن.

Informal

"چشم و هم‌چشمی کنن"

To keep up with the Joneses (social competition).

همش می‌خوان چشم و هم‌چشمی کنن.

Informal

"خر کیف بشن"

To be extremely happy (slang).

اگه بفهمن، حتماً خر کیف می‌شن (using shodan, but similar context).

Slang

"زیرآبی برن"

To do something sneakily.

می‌خوان زیرآبی برن و ما نفهمیم.

Slang

"دبه کنن"

To go back on a deal.

می‌ترسم موقع معامله دبه کنن.

Informal

"لفتش بدن"

To take too long/procrastinate.

بگو اینقدر لفتش ندن.

Informal

Facile à confondre

کنن vs می‌کنن (mikonan)

Both end in 'an' and come from 'kardan'.

'Mikonan' is the indicative (they are doing), while 'konan' is the subjunctive (they should do).

دارن کار می‌کنن (They are working) vs باید کار کنن (They must work).

کنن vs بکنن (bokonan)

It is the same word but with the 'bo-' prefix.

'Bokonan' is used for simple verbs, while 'konan' is used for compound verbs in speech.

باید بکنن (They must do it) vs باید کار کنن (They must work).

کنن vs کنند (konand)

It is the formal version of 'mikonand' or 'bokonand'.

'Konand' is written/formal; 'konan' is spoken/informal.

کار می‌کنند (Formal) vs کار می‌کنن (Informal).

کنن vs کنین (konin)

Sounds very similar.

'Konin' is 2nd person plural (you); 'konan' is 3rd person plural (they).

شما کنین (You do) vs اونا کنن (They do).

کنن vs کنی (koni)

Both start with 'kon'.

'Koni' is 2nd person singular (you); 'konan' is 3rd person plural (they).

تو بکنی (You do) vs اونا کنن (They do).

Structures de phrases

باید [Noun] کنن.

باید کار کنن.

می‌خوان [Noun] کنن.

می‌خوان بازی کنن.

نمی‌تونن [Noun] کنن.

نمی‌تونن صبر کنن.

شاید [Noun] کنن.

شاید اشتباه کنن.

امیدوارم [Noun] کنن.

امیدوارم قبول کنن.

بذار [Noun] کنن.

بذار فکر کنن.

ممکنه بخوان [Noun] کنن.

ممکنه بخوان اعتراض کنن.

باید طوری [Noun] کنن که...

باید طوری مدیریت کنن که همه راضی باشن.

Famille de mots

Noms

Verbes

Adjectifs

Apparenté

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Extremely high in daily speech.

Erreurs courantes

Using 'konan' in a formal essay. → بکنند (bokonand)
'Konan' is strictly for spoken or very informal written Persian.
Saying 'unā dāran kār konan'. → اونا دارن کار می‌کنن (mikonan)
The continuous present 'dāran' requires the indicative 'mikonan', not the subjunctive 'konan'.
Confusing 'konan' with 'konin'. → بستگی به فاعل دارد (Depends on the subject)
'Konan' is for 'they'; 'konin' is for 'you all'.
Saying 'zang konan'. → زنگ بزنن (bezanan)
The verb for 'to call' is 'zang zadan', not 'zang kardan'.
Pronouncing it 'ko-nān'. → ko-nan
The 'a' is short, like in 'cat', not long like in 'father'.

Astuces

The 'an' Rule

Whenever you want to say 'they' in spoken Persian, change the 'and' ending of the verb to 'an'.

Drop the 'bo'

In compound verbs, don't say 'kār bokonan'. Just say 'kār konan' to sound like a native.

Texting Style

When texting friends, it's perfectly fine to write 'کنن'. It shows you are comfortable with the language.

Light Verbs

Learn nouns that pair with 'kardan' so you can use 'konan' in many different situations.

Be Casual

Using 'konan' instead of 'bokonand' in a cafe will make you sound much more friendly and approachable.

Don't Mix Persons

Remember: konam (I), koni (you), kone (he/she), konim (we), konin (you all), konan (they).

Stress the Start

Put the emphasis on 'ko' in 'konan'. This helps the flow of the sentence.

Negative Subjunctive

Practice 'nakonan' to express what people shouldn't or might not do.

Group Action

Associate 'konan' with a group of people performing a task together.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of 'Conan' the Barbarian. If 'Conan' and his friends ('they') are told what to do, they 'konan'.

Association visuelle

Imagine a group of people ('they') standing in a circle, and a big 'O' (the 'o' in konan) in the middle representing the action they are about to perform.

Word Web

باید (must) می‌خوان (want) کار (work) فکر (think) تمیز (clean) سعی (try) کمک (help) آن‌ها (they)

Défi

Try to list 5 things 'they' (your friends or family) must do tomorrow using 'bāyad' and 'konan'.

Origine du mot

Derived from the Old Persian root 'kar-', meaning to do, make, or build. This root is cognate with the Sanskrit 'kr-' and the Latin 'creare'.

Sens originel : To perform an action or create something.

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

Contexte culturel

No specific sensitivities, but remember it is informal. Avoid using it with elders in a formal setting unless you are very close.

English speakers often struggle with the subjunctive mood because it's less common in English. Think of 'konan' as the 'to' in 'I want them TO do'.

Used in countless songs by Googoosh and Hayedeh. Common in the dialogue of films by Abbas Kiarostami. Frequently found in modern Persian rap lyrics (e.g., Hichkas).

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

At Home

باید تمیز کنن.
می‌خوان غذا درست کنن.
باید کمک کنن.
می‌تونن استراحت کنن.

At Work

باید گزارش رو آماده کنن.
می‌خوان جلسه رو شروع کنن.
باید تایید کنن.
می‌تونن همکاری کنن.

Socializing

می‌خوان بازی کنن.
باید صحبت کنن.
می‌تونن همراهی کنن.
شاید دیر کنن.

Planning

باید تصمیم بگیرن (using gereftan, but similar).
می‌خوان سفر کنن.
باید رزرو کنن.
می‌تونن هماهنگ کنن.

Problem Solving

باید فکر کنن.
می‌تونن حلش کنن.
باید سعی کنن.
نباید عجله کنن.

Amorces de conversation

"فکر می‌کنی اونا می‌خوان چیکار کنن؟ (What do you think they want to do?)"

"باید بهشون بگیم که چیکار کنن؟ (Should we tell them what to do?)"

"چرا نمی‌خوان با ما همکاری کنن؟ (Why don't they want to cooperate with us?)"

"ممکنه اونا اشتباه کنن؟ (Is it possible they are making a mistake?)"

"چطور می‌تونن این همه کار کنن؟ (How can they work this much?)"

Sujets d'écriture

Write about what your colleagues should do to improve the office environment (use 'bāyad... konan').

Describe a group of people you saw today and what you think they wanted to do.

Imagine a group of scientists; what must they do to save the planet?

Write about a team of athletes and how they should practice for the next game.

Discuss what world leaders should do to bring peace.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

Yes, it is the colloquial form of the verb 'bokonand'. It is used by millions of Persian speakers every day in informal settings.

Only if the email is to a very close friend. For business or formal communication, use 'بکنند' (bokonand) or 'کنند' (konand).

In Persian compound verbs (like 'kār kardan'), the 'bo-' prefix of the subjunctive is usually dropped in spoken language to make it faster to say.

Not exactly. 'Mikonan' means 'they do'. 'Konan' is the subjunctive, meaning 'they should do', 'they want to do', or 'they might do'.

You add the 'na-' prefix: 'nakonan'. For example, 'نباید کار نکنن' (They shouldn't not work - though usually 'نباید این کار رو بکنن').

Yes, while there are regional accents, 'konan' is the standard colloquial form across most of Iran, especially in media.

The formal version is 'بکنند' (bokonand).

No, 'you' (plural) is 'konin'. 'Konan' is strictly for 'they'.

Rarely. It is almost always the second part of a compound verb like 'kār konan' or 'fekr konan'.

No, it is informal/colloquial, but not slang. It is used by everyone in casual conversation.

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