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A2 noun #9,000 le plus courant 10 min de lecture

مارمولک

marmulak
Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces مارمولک en 30 secondes
Explication مارمولک in your Level:
At the A1 level, you only need to know that 'mārmulak' means 'lizard'. It is a basic noun for an animal. You might see it in children's books or hear it when someone points at a small animal on a wall. It is a good word to practice the 'm' and 'l' sounds in Persian. You can use it in very simple sentences like 'This is a lizard' (In yek mārmulak ast). Learning this word helps you talk about nature and the animals you see around you in a very basic way. It is one of the first reptile names you will learn after 'snake' (mār).
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At the A2 level, you can start using 'mārmulak' in more descriptive sentences. You can talk about where the lizard is (on the wall, in the garden) and what it is doing (running, eating). You should be able to use plural forms like 'mārmulakhā' and add simple adjectives like 'sabz' (green) or 'kuchek' (small). You might also encounter the word in simple stories or conversations about household pests. Understanding that lizards are common in Iran and generally not dangerous is part of the cultural knowledge at this level.
At the B1 level, you should be aware of the metaphorical use of 'mārmulak'. You might hear friends calling each other 'mārmulak' to mean they are clever or 'slippery' in a funny way. You can also use the word in more complex grammar, such as using relative clauses: 'The lizard that I saw yesterday was very fast'. You should also be able to distinguish between 'mārmulak' and 'susmār' (large lizard). This level involves understanding the word in context, such as in the title of the famous movie 'Marmoulak', and why that title is funny or significant.
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At the B2 level, you can use 'mārmulak' in discussions about biology, the environment, or even social issues if referencing the film. You should understand the nuances of its metaphorical use—when it is a compliment and when it is a slight insult. You can describe the lizard's behavior using more specific verbs like 'khazidan' (to crawl) or 'shekār kardan' (to hunt). You are also expected to understand the word when it appears in more advanced listening materials, like news reports about wildlife or interviews with filmmakers who discuss the cultural impact of the 'Marmoulak' movie.
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At the C1 level, you should have a deep understanding of 'mārmulak' including its etymology and its place in Persian idioms. You can use phrases like 'mārmulak-e dam-borideh' to describe a very experienced and cunning person. You should be able to analyze the use of the lizard as a literary device in modern Persian prose or poetry. Your vocabulary should include related technical terms and regional variations like 'chalpāse'. You can engage in high-level discussions about how the metaphor of the lizard reflects certain social archetypes in Iranian society.
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At the C2 level, your mastery of 'mārmulak' is near-native. You understand all its subtle connotations, regional dialects, and historical usage. You can use the word fluently in any context, from a scientific lecture on herpetology to a sophisticated political satire. You are familiar with the word's appearance in classical texts and how its meaning might have evolved. You can play with the word in puns and complex metaphors, and you understand the deep cultural resonance the word has gained in the 21st century due to its association with iconic Iranian cinema and social commentary.
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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

مارمولک en 30 secondes

  • Mārmulak means lizard in Persian, commonly referring to small house geckos.
  • It is a versatile noun used in daily life, science, and slang.
  • The word gained massive cultural fame through the 2004 Iranian movie 'Marmoulak'.
  • Metaphorically, it describes a person who is exceptionally clever, slippery, or cunning.

The Persian word مارمولک (mārmulak) refers to a lizard. In a biological sense, it encompasses a wide variety of reptiles characterized by scaly skin, four legs, and long tails. However, in the cultural and everyday context of Iran, the word carries several layers of meaning and specific associations that go beyond a simple dictionary definition. When Iranians use this word, they are often referring to the small geckos commonly found on the walls of houses, especially in warmer regions or during the summer months. These creatures are generally considered harmless but can evoke a range of reactions from mild annoyance to curiosity.

Biological Classification
In Persian, 'mārmulak' is the general term for small to medium-sized lizards. Large lizards like monitor lizards are often called 'susmār' (سوسمار), though the distinction can sometimes blur in casual speech.

یک مارمولک کوچک روی دیوار حیاط می‌دوید.

Translation: A small lizard was running on the yard wall.

The word is also used metaphorically. In Iranian culture, the lizard is sometimes seen as a symbol of agility, stealth, and survival. Because lizards can drop their tails to escape predators and can squeeze into tiny cracks, the term 'mārmulak' is colloquially applied to a person who is exceptionally clever, slippery, or cunning—someone who knows how to get out of difficult situations or manipulate circumstances to their advantage. This metaphorical use was popularized significantly by the famous 2004 Iranian film titled 'The Lizard' (Marmoulak), where a thief disguises himself as a cleric to escape prison.

Etymological Breakdown
The word is a compound of 'mār' (snake) and likely a diminutive or variation of 'mush' (mouse) or a specific suffix, implying a 'snake-like creature that is small like a mouse'.

او مثل مارمولک از هر مشکلی فرار می‌کند.

Translation: He escapes from every problem like a lizard (cunningly).

When discussing nature or science, you will find 'mārmulak' used in documentaries and textbooks to describe various species. Iran has a diverse range of lizard species, from the brightly colored agamas in the deserts to the skinks in the northern forests. Therefore, the context of the word can shift from a common household pest to a subject of biological study or a sharp social metaphor for human behavior.

Common Phrasal Contexts
You will often hear 'mārmulak-e dam-borideh' (a lizard with a cut tail), which is a specific idiom for someone very mischievous or experienced in trickery.

بچه‌ها با دیدن مارمولک در باغچه هیجان‌زده شدند.

Translation: The children got excited seeing a lizard in the garden.

Using 'mārmulak' in a sentence requires an understanding of its role as a common noun. It follows standard Persian grammar rules for nouns, meaning it can take plural markers, definite markers, and adjectives. For example, to say 'the lizards' (plural), you add the suffix '-hā' to get 'mārmulakhā'. If you are describing a specific lizard that both the speaker and listener are aware of, you might add the colloquial '-e' or use context to establish definiteness.

Action Verbs
Common verbs associated with lizards include 'khazidan' (to crawl), 'davidan' (to run), 'māndan' (to stay/hide), and 'shekār kardan' (to hunt).

مارمولک به سرعت از لای سنگ‌ها خزید و غیب شد.

Translation: The lizard quickly crawled through the stones and disappeared.

When describing a person as a 'mārmulak', the sentence structure often involves the verb 'budan' (to be) or 'shodan' (to become). In this context, it is almost always used informally. You might say 'Ajab mārmulaki hasti!' which translates to 'What a lizard you are!', meaning 'You are so clever/sneaky!'. This is a common way to acknowledge someone's wit or ability to bypass rules.

Adjective Agreement
Adjectives follow the noun using the Ezafe construction. Example: 'mārmulak-e sabz' (green lizard).

ما در سفر به کویر، یک مارمولک بزرگ دیدیم.

Translation: We saw a large lizard during our trip to the desert.

In more complex sentences, you can use 'mārmulak' as the subject of a subordinate clause. For instance, 'I saw the lizard that was on the ceiling' would be 'Mārmulaki rā ke ruye saghf bud didam'. Here, the relative pronoun 'ke' connects the description to the noun. This is useful for storytelling or describing observations in nature.

Plurality and Counting
When using numbers, the noun remains singular. Example: 'Se tā mārmulak' (Three lizards).

گربه سعی می‌کرد مارمولک را شکار کند اما موفق نشد.

Translation: The cat tried to hunt the lizard but didn't succeed.

You will encounter the word 'mārmulak' in a variety of settings in Iran. The most common is within the home. Because many Iranian houses have courtyards or are located in regions where small house geckos are prevalent, children and adults alike frequently mention them. You might hear a mother telling her child, 'Dast nazan, mārmulake!' (Don't touch it, it's a lizard!). It is a word associated with daily life, nature, and sometimes the minor scares of finding an unexpected guest on the wall.

Media and Cinema
The word is iconic in Iranian pop culture due to Kamal Tabrizi's film 'Marmoulak'. Hearing the word often triggers a smile because of the film's comedic and social undertones.

فیلم مارمولک یکی از پربیننده‌ترین فیلم‌های تاریخ سینمای ایران است.

Translation: The movie 'The Lizard' is one of the most-watched films in the history of Iranian cinema.

In educational settings, such as schools or in nature documentaries dubbed into Persian, 'mārmulak' is the standard term used by narrators and teachers. You will hear it in discussions about biodiversity, reptiles, and the ecosystem. For example, a teacher might explain how lizards lose their tails as a defense mechanism: 'Mārmulakhā barāye farār az doshman, dom-e khod rā mi-andāzand'.

Colloquial Banter
Friends often use the word to tease each other about being sneaky or finding a clever way out of a situation.

عجب مارمولکی هستی، چطور توانستی این کار را بکنی؟

Translation: What a lizard you are, how were you able to do this?

Lastly, in literature and poetry, though less common than 'mār' (snake) or 'āhu' (gazelle), the lizard can appear in modern prose to depict a dry, desert landscape or to serve as a metaphor for a character's physical appearance or behavior. It is a versatile word that bridges the gap between scientific terminology and street-smart slang.

Scientific Context
In biology class, students learn about 'mārmulak-e parandeh' (flying lizard) or 'mārmulak-e daryāyi' (marine iguana).

در مستند حیات وحش، مارمولک در حال خوردن حشرات بود.

Translation: In the wildlife documentary, the lizard was eating insects.

One of the most frequent mistakes for Persian learners is confusing 'mārmulak' with other reptiles. Specifically, learners often mix it up with 'susmār' (monitor lizard or large lizard) and 'mār' (snake). While 'mārmulak' literally contains the word 'mār', they are distinct animals. Using 'mār' when you mean a lizard could cause unnecessary alarm, as snakes are generally feared as venomous, whereas lizards are seen as mostly harmless.

Confusion with 'Susmār'
Learners often use 'susmār' for small house lizards. Remember: 'mārmulak' is for the little ones; 'susmār' is for the big ones like Komodo dragons or large desert monitors.

اشتباه: من یک سوسمار روی دیوار دیدم. (درست: مارمولک)

Translation: Error: I saw a 'susmār' on the wall. (Correct: mārmulak)

Another common error is related to the metaphorical use. While calling someone a 'mārmulak' can be a way of acknowledging their cleverness, it can also be offensive depending on the tone and relationship. If you use it with a superior or in a formal setting, it may be interpreted as calling them untrustworthy or manipulative. It is best reserved for casual conversations among friends or when discussing the movie.

Grammatical Errors
Mistaking the word for a compound verb. 'Mārmulak' is purely a noun. You cannot say 'mārmulak kardan'.

او مارمولک‌بازی درآورد تا برنده شود.

Translation: He played lizard-games (was sneaky) to win.

Pronunciation can also be a hurdle. Some learners might stress the wrong syllable. In 'mārmulak', the stress is typically on the last syllable. Also, ensure you don't drop the 'l' sound in the middle, which can happen if speaking too quickly. Proper articulation is 'mār-mu-lak'.

Spelling Note
Do not confuse the letter 'k' (ک) at the end with 'g' (گ). It is definitely a 'k'.

نباید مارمولک را با آفتاب‌پرست اشتباه بگیرید.

Translation: You should not confuse a lizard with a chameleon.

While 'mārmulak' is the most common word for lizard, Persian has several other words that describe similar creatures or specific types of lizards. Understanding these can help you expand your vocabulary and be more precise in your descriptions. For example, 'āftāb-parast' (آفتاب‌پرست) is the word for chameleon, literally meaning 'sun-worshiper'. This is a beautiful and descriptive alternative when you are talking about that specific type of lizard known for changing color.

Mārmulak vs. Susmār
Mārmulak is for small, common lizards. Susmār is for large reptiles like monitor lizards or even crocodiles in some archaic contexts.

در صحرا، ما یک سوسمار بزرگ دیدیم که زیر آفتاب بود.

Translation: In the desert, we saw a large monitor lizard basking under the sun.

Another word is 'chalpāse' (چلپاسه), which is a more regional or dialectal term for lizard, often heard in Eastern Iran or Afghanistan. It is less common in standard Tehrani Persian but is good to know if you are reading classical literature or traveling to those regions. Additionally, 'gowazn-e kuhi' refers to a mountain lizard in some very specific contexts, though this is rare.

Mārmulak vs. Āftāb-parast
Mārmulak is general. Āftāb-parast specifically refers to the chameleon's ability to change color and its unique eyes.

آفتاب‌پرست رنگ خود را با محیط هماهنگ کرد.

Translation: The chameleon matched its color with the environment.

When it comes to metaphors, instead of 'mārmulak', you might use 'rubāh' (fox) to describe someone who is cunning. However, 'mārmulak' implies a specific kind of slipperiness and agility that 'fox' does not. A 'fox' is traditionally more about strategic deceit, while a 'lizard' is about being hard to catch or pin down. Choosing between them depends on the specific shade of 'clever' you wish to convey.

Comparison Table
Mārmulak: Small lizard (general). Susmār: Large lizard/Monitor. Chalpāse: Dialectal/Archaic lizard. Āftāb-parast: Chameleon.

او مثل یک روباه مکار است، اما در فرار کردن مثل مارمولک است.

Translation: He is like a cunning fox, but in escaping, he is like a lizard.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

In some dialects, the word was thought to be related to 'mush' (mouse), suggesting a 'snake-mouse'.

Guide de prononciation

UK /mɑːmʊˈlæk/
US /mɑrmʊˈlæk/
The primary stress is on the final syllable: mār-mu-LAK.
Rime avec
غلتک (ghaltak) اردک (ordak) دلقک (dalghak) اندک (andak) عینک (eynak) دشک (doshak) نمک (namak) کمک (komak)
Erreurs fréquentes
  • Pronouncing 'mār' like 'mare' (horse). It should be a deep 'ah' sound.
  • Dropping the 'l' in the middle, making it sound like 'mārmuk'.
  • Stress on the first syllable.
  • Pronouncing the final 'k' as a 'g'.
  • Confusing the 'u' (short 'oo') with a long 'u' sound.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 2/5

Easy to read as it follows standard phonetic rules.

Écriture 3/5

Requires attention to the 'm' and 'l' placement and the final 'k'.

Expression orale 2/5

Common word, easy to pronounce once the 'ah' sound is mastered.

Écoute 2/5

Distinctive sound, usually easy to pick out in conversation.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

مار (snake) دیوار (wall) دم (tail) حیوان (animal) سبز (green)

Apprends ensuite

سوسمار (monitor lizard) خزنده (reptile) حشره (insect) باهوش (smart) مکار (cunning)

Avancé

دگردیسی (metamorphosis) پولک (scale) خونسرد (cold-blooded) زیستگاه (habitat) انقراض (extinction)

Grammaire à connaître

Ezafe Construction

مارمولکِ سبز (mārmulak-e sabz)

Pluralization with -hā

مارمولک‌ها (mārmulakhā)

Indefinite marker -i

مارمولکی (a lizard)

Direct object marker 'rā'

مارمولک را دیدم.

Prepositions with animals

رویِ دیوار (on the wall)

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Exemples par niveau

1

این یک مارمولک است.

This is a lizard.

Simple subject-predicate structure.

2

مارمولک کوچک است.

The lizard is small.

Adjective following the noun.

3

من مارمولک را دیدم.

I saw the lizard.

Use of the direct object marker 'rā'.

4

مارمولک کجاست؟

Where is the lizard?

Basic question word 'kojāst'.

5

آن مارمولک سبز است.

That lizard is green.

Demonstrative pronoun 'ān' (that).

6

مارمولک پا دارد.

The lizard has legs.

Verb 'dāshtan' (to have).

7

دو مارمولک اینجا هستند.

Two lizards are here.

Number with a singular noun.

8

مارمولک را دوست ندارم.

I do not like the lizard.

Negative verb form.

1

مارمولک روی دیوار می‌دود.

The lizard is running on the wall.

Present continuous sense using 'mi-'.

2

یک مارمولک در حیاط دیدم.

I saw a lizard in the yard.

Indefinite marker 'yek'.

3

مارمولک‌ها حشره می‌خورند.

Lizards eat insects.

Plural subject with plural verb.

4

دم مارمولک افتاد.

The lizard's tail fell off.

Ezafe construction 'dom-e mārmulak'.

5

آیا مارمولک خطرناک است؟

Is the lizard dangerous?

Question particle 'āyā'.

6

مارمولک زیر سنگ پنهان شد.

The lizard hid under the rock.

Preposition 'zir' (under).

7

بچه از مارمولک ترسید.

The child was afraid of the lizard.

Verb 'tarsidan' with preposition 'az'.

8

مارمولک خیلی سریع است.

The lizard is very fast.

Adverb 'kheyli' (very).

1

او مثل مارمولک از دیوار بالا رفت.

He climbed up the wall like a lizard.

Simile using 'mesl-e'.

2

مارمولکی که دیدم، دمش بریده بود.

The lizard I saw had its tail cut.

Relative clause with 'ke'.

3

بسیاری از مردم از مارمولک می‌ترسند.

Many people are afraid of lizards.

Use of 'basyāri az' (many of).

4

این مارمولک به رنگ محیط درآمده است.

This lizard has taken the color of the environment.

Compound verb 'dar-āmadan'.

5

فیلم مارمولک را دیده‌ای؟

Have you seen the movie 'The Lizard'?

Present perfect tense.

6

مارمولک‌ها برای اکوسیستم مفید هستند.

Lizards are useful for the ecosystem.

Formal adjective 'mofid' (useful).

7

او آدم مارمولکی است، مراقب باش.

He is a 'lizard' person (sneaky), be careful.

Metaphorical use of the noun as an adjective.

8

مارمولک با سرعت ناپدید شد.

The lizard disappeared with speed.

Noun 'sor'at' used with 'bā'.

1

مارمولک‌ها قادرند دم خود را بازسازی کنند.

Lizards are able to regenerate their tails.

Use of 'ghāder budan' (to be able).

2

در مناطق گرمسیری، مارمولک‌های زیادی یافت می‌شود.

In tropical regions, many lizards are found.

Passive-like construction with 'yāft shodan'.

3

رفتار مارمولک نشان‌دهنده هوش اوست.

The lizard's behavior is indicative of its intelligence.

Compound adjective 'neshān-dahandeh'.

4

او چنان مارمولک است که هیچ‌کس مچش را نمی‌گیرد.

He is such a lizard that nobody catches him (red-handed).

Use of 'chonān... ke' (such... that).

5

برخی مارمولک‌ها می‌توانند روی آب بدوند.

Some lizards can run on water.

Modal verb 'tavānestan'.

6

زیستگاه اصلی این مارمولک کویر است.

The main habitat of this lizard is the desert.

Formal noun 'zisthāh' (habitat).

7

مارمولک‌ها از گرمای خورشید انرژی می‌گیرند.

Lizards get energy from the sun's heat.

Scientific causal sentence.

8

او با مارمولک‌بازی توانست معامله را ببرد.

With lizard-games (trickery), he was able to win the deal.

Compound noun 'mārmulak-bāzi'.

1

دگردیسی و تکامل مارمولک‌ها موضوعی پیچیده است.

The metamorphosis and evolution of lizards is a complex subject.

Academic vocabulary.

2

او یک مارمولک دم‌بریده است که همه را فریب می‌دهد.

He is a 'cut-tailed lizard' (very sneaky) who deceives everyone.

Idiomatic expression.

3

تنوع گونه‌های مارمولک در ایران شگفت‌انگیز است.

The diversity of lizard species in Iran is amazing.

Abstract noun 'tanavvo' (diversity).

4

نویسنده از استعاره مارمولک برای بیان حقارت استفاده کرد.

The author used the lizard metaphor to express baseness.

Literary analysis terms.

5

مارمولک‌ها به دلیل خونسرد بودن، به آفتاب نیاز دارند.

Lizards need the sun because they are cold-blooded.

Causal conjunction 'be dalil-e'.

6

او با ظرافتی مارمولک‌وار از زیر بار مسئولیت شانه خالی کرد.

With lizard-like subtlety, he shirked his responsibility.

Adverbial suffix '-vār'.

7

حفاظت از مارمولک‌های کمیاب وظیفه محیط‌زیست است.

Protecting rare lizards is the duty of the environment (department).

Formal sentence structure.

8

مارمولک در فرهنگ‌های مختلف نمادهای متفاوتی دارد.

The lizard has different symbols in various cultures.

Plurality and diversity.

1

بررسی فیلوژنتیک مارمولک‌های فلات ایران ضروری است.

A phylogenetic study of the lizards of the Iranian plateau is essential.

Highly technical terminology.

2

او در عرصه سیاست، مارمولکی تمام‌عیار محسوب می‌شود.

In the political arena, he is considered a full-blown lizard (extremely cunning).

Political metaphor.

3

انطباق‌پذیری مارمولک‌ها با شرایط سخت کویری تحسین‌برانگیز است.

The adaptability of lizards to harsh desert conditions is admirable.

Complex noun phrase as subject.

4

فلس‌های مارمولک مانع از هدررفت آب بدن می‌شوند.

The scales of the lizard prevent the loss of body water.

Biological process description.

5

ویژگی‌های کالبدشناختی مارمولک‌ها آن‌ها را از دوزیستان متمایز می‌کند.

The anatomical features of lizards distinguish them from amphibians.

Comparative academic structure.

6

او با چنان مهارتی مارمولک‌وار خزید که هیچ ردی باقی نگذاشت.

He crawled so skillfully like a lizard that he left no trace.

Advanced descriptive adverbial.

7

نقش مارمولک در اساطیر باستان غالباً با مفاهیم باززایی گره خورده است.

The role of the lizard in ancient mythology is often tied to concepts of rebirth.

Historical and mythological context.

8

واکاوی پدیده مارمولک در سینمای ایران ابعاد جامعه‌شناختی مهمی دارد.

Analyzing the 'Marmoulak' phenomenon in Iranian cinema has important sociological dimensions.

Sociological analysis vocabulary.

Collocations courantes

مارمولک کوچک
دم مارمولک
مارمولک خانگی
مثل مارمولک
مارمولک دیواری
ترس از مارمولک
شکار مارمولک
مارمولک سبز
مارمولک بیابانی
حرکت مارمولک‌وار

Phrases Courantes

مارمولک دم‌بریده

— Someone very experienced in mischief or trickery.

او مارمولک دم‌بریده‌ای است، حواست باشد.

مثل مارمولک خزیدن

— To move stealthily and quickly.

سارق مثل مارمولک از دیوار بالا خزید.

مارمولک بازی درآوردن

— To act sneakily or use tricks to get one's way.

باز هم مارمولک بازی درآوردی؟

عجب مارمولکی!

— What a clever/sneaky person! (Exclamation of surprise).

عجب مارمولکی! چطور این کار را کردی؟

مارمولک هفت‌خط

— An extremely cunning and deceptive person.

او یک مارمولک هفت‌خط است.

اندازه مارمولک

— Something very small or insignificant (sometimes used for people).

قدش اندازه مارمولک است.

دنبال مارمولک دویدن

— Doing something futile or chasing something fast.

تمام روز دنبال مارمولک دویدیم.

مارمولک روی سقف

— A common sight in Iranian homes, often a conversation starter.

یک مارمولک روی سقف اتاق است.

صدای مارمولک

— Referring to the clicking sound some geckos make.

صدای مارمولک را می‌شنوی؟

پوست مارمولک

— Often used to describe something scaly or dry.

پوستش مثل پوست مارمولک خشک است.

Souvent confondu avec

مارمولک vs مار (mār)

Mār is a snake; mārmulak is a lizard. One is often dangerous, the other is not.

مارمولک vs سوسمار (susmār)

Susmār is for large lizards like monitors; mārmulak is for small ones.

مارمولک vs کرم (kerm)

Kerm is a worm. Sometimes small lizards are confused with large worms in very dark settings.

Expressions idiomatiques

"مارمولک دم‌بریده"

— A person who is extremely shrewd, often because they have survived many difficult situations.

پیرمرد یک مارمولک دم‌بریده است.

Informal
"مارمولک‌بازی"

— Deceptive behavior or using clever tricks to bypass rules.

در امتحان مارمولک‌بازی نکن.

Slang
"مثل مارمولک رنگ عوض کردن"

— To change one's opinion or behavior to suit the situation (like a chameleon).

او مثل مارمولک رنگ عوض می‌کند.

Informal
"مارمولک در آستین داشتن"

— To have a trick up one's sleeve (less common, but understood).

او همیشه یک مارمولک در آستین دارد.

Literary
"از مارمولک نترس، از آدم مارمولک بترس"

— Don't fear the lizard, fear the person who acts like one.

همیشه می‌گفت: از مارمولک نترس...

Proverbial
"مارمولک‌وار"

— Doing something with the stealth and agility of a lizard.

مارمولک‌وار وارد اتاق شد.

Neutral
"دم مارمولک را گرفتن"

— To catch someone in a way that they still manage to escape (leaving the 'tail' behind).

فقط دم مارمولک را گرفتیم و خودش در رفت.

Informal
"مارمولک هفت‌رنگ"

— A person who is very inconsistent or deceptive.

به این مارمولک هفت‌رنگ اعتماد نکن.

Informal
"مارمولک صحرا"

— A person who is very tough and used to harsh conditions.

او مثل مارمولک صحرا جان‌سخت است.

Informal
"بچه مارمولک"

— A young person who is already showing signs of being very sneaky.

این بچه مارمولک خیلی باهوش است.

Child-friendly/Informal

Facile à confondre

مارمولک vs آفتاب‌پرست

Both are reptiles.

Āftāb-parast is specifically a chameleon that changes color.

آفتاب‌پرست روی شاخه است.

مارمولک vs سمندر

Similar body shape.

Samandar is a salamander, which is an amphibian, not a reptile.

سمندر در آب زندگی می‌کند.

مارمولک vs تمساح

Both are reptiles with tails.

Temsāh is a crocodile, much larger and aquatic.

تمساح در رودخانه است.

مارمولک vs لاک‌پشت

Both are reptiles.

Lāk-posht has a shell; mārmulak does not.

لاک‌پشت خیلی کند است.

مارمولک vs مار

The name 'mārmulak' starts with 'mār'.

Mār has no legs; mārmulak has four legs.

مار در علف‌ها خزید.

Structures de phrases

A1

این [اسم] است.

این مارمولک است.

A2

[اسم] روی [مکان] است.

مارمولک روی دیوار است.

B1

من [اسم] را که [صفت] بود دیدم.

من مارمولکی را که سبز بود دیدم.

B2

او مثل [اسم] [فعل] می‌کند.

او مثل مارمولک فرار می‌کند.

C1

به دلیل [دلیل]، [اسم] [فعل].

به دلیل گرما، مارمولک بیرون آمد.

C2

واکاوی [موضوع] نشان‌دهنده [نتیجه] است.

واکاوی رفتار مارمولک نشان‌دهنده هوش اوست.

B1

آیا [اسم] می‌تواند [فعل]؟

آیا مارمولک می‌تواند پرواز کند؟

A2

[اسم] [مفعول] می‌خورد.

مارمولک پشه می‌خورد.

Famille de mots

Noms

مارمولک‌سانان (Sauria)
مارمولک‌بازی (trickery)

Verbes

مارمولک‌وار خزیدن (to crawl like a lizard)

Adjectifs

مارمولکی (lizard-like/sneaky)

Apparenté

خزنده
سوسمار
دم
فلس
بیابان
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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Very high in daily speech and nature contexts.

Erreurs courantes
  • Using 'mār' for a lizard. → Mārmulak

    A snake (mār) has no legs; a lizard (mārmulak) does.

  • Saying 'mārmulak kardan'. → Mārmulak-bāzi kardan

    'Mārmulak' is a noun; to describe the action, use the compound 'mārmulak-bāzi'.

  • Pluralizing after a number. → Panj mārmulak

    In Persian, nouns stay singular after a number.

  • Calling a crocodile a 'mārmulak'. → Temsāh

    Lizards are small; crocodiles are 'temsāh'.

  • Confusing 'mārmulak' with 'mush' (mouse). → Mārmulak

    Though they both run fast, one is a reptile and the other a mammal.

Astuces

Remember the legs

If it has legs, it's a 'mārmulak'. If not, it's a 'mār'.

Watch the movie

Watching 'Marmoulak' will help you understand the deep cultural meaning of the word.

Singular with numbers

Say 'se mārmulak' (three lizard), not 'se mārmulakhā'.

Stress the end

Always put the emphasis on 'LAK' at the end of the word.

Use with friends

Try calling a clever friend 'mārmulak' to practice the colloquial usage.

Desert context

When in the desert, use 'susmār' for the big ones you see.

Final K

Make sure the final 'k' (ک) is clear in your handwriting.

Listen for geckos

Iranians often say 'mārmulak' when they hear gecko noises at night.

Slippery characters

Think of the word whenever you see a character in a book escaping a trap.

Don't panic

If someone shouts 'mārmulak!', don't worry—it's likely just a small gecko.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of a 'Mar' (snake) that is 'Mu' (small like a mouse) and 'Lak' (lives in a lake or on a rock).

Association visuelle

Imagine a tiny snake with four legs running up a wall. That's a 'mārmulak'.

Word Web

Animal Reptile Wall Tail Fast Clever Gecko Desert

Défi

Try to spot a lizard in a garden and say 'Mārmulak rā didam' three times quickly.

Origine du mot

The word is of Persian origin, combining 'mār' (snake) with a suffix that likely relates to its small, mouse-like or worm-like nature.

Sens originel : Small snake-like creature.

Indo-European (Indo-Iranian).

Contexte culturel

Calling someone a 'mārmulak' can be taken as an insult if you mean they are untrustworthy. Use it carefully.

In English, 'lizard' doesn't usually imply 'clever' as strongly as 'mārmulak' does in Persian; English speakers might use 'fox' or 'snake' instead.

The movie 'Marmoulak' (2004) Persian nature documentaries Modern Iranian satirical literature

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

At home

  • مارمولک روی دیوار
  • مارمولک را بیرون کن
  • از مارمولک نترس
  • مارمولک حشره می‌خورد

Nature/Hiking

  • مارمولک صحرایی
  • مارمولک زیر سنگ
  • دم مارمولک قطع شده
  • مارمولک سریع می‌دود

Talking about people

  • آدم مارمولک
  • مارمولک‌بازی نکن
  • خیلی مارمولکی
  • او مثل مارمولک است

Movies/Culture

  • فیلم مارمولک
  • رضا مارمولک
  • دیالوگ‌های مارمولک
  • طنز مارمولک

School/Biology

  • دسته مارمولک‌سانان
  • آناتومی مارمولک
  • تغذیه مارمولک
  • تولید مثل مارمولک

Amorces de conversation

"آیا تا به حال در خانه‌تان مارمولک دیده‌اید؟ (Have you ever seen a lizard in your house?)"

"نظر شما در مورد فیلم مارمولک چیست؟ (What is your opinion about the movie 'The Lizard'?)"

"آیا از مارمولک می‌ترسید یا فکر می‌کنید جالب هستند؟ (Are you afraid of lizards or do you think they are interesting?)"

"در زبان شما به آدم‌های زرنگ چه می‌گویند؟ (In your language, what do they call clever/sneaky people?)"

"می‌دانستید مارمولک‌ها می‌توانند دمشان را دوباره بسازند؟ (Did you know lizards can regenerate their tails?)"

Sujets d'écriture

امروز یک مارمولک کوچک دیدم که... (Today I saw a small lizard that...)

چرا در فرهنگ ایرانی به آدم‌های زرنگ مارمولک می‌گویند؟ (Why in Iranian culture are clever people called lizards?)

خاطره‌ای از دیدن یک خزنده در طبیعت بنویسید. (Write a memory of seeing a reptile in nature.)

اگر می‌توانستید مثل مارمولک از دیوار بالا بروید، چه می‌کردید؟ (If you could climb walls like a lizard, what would you do?)

تفاوت بین مارمولک و مار از نظر شما چیست؟ (What is the difference between a lizard and a snake in your view?)

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

No, most lizards found in Iranian homes (geckos) are completely harmless and actually help by eating insects.

It is a brilliant satire that uses the 'lizard' metaphor to explore themes of religion and social identity in Iran.

Not necessarily. It often implies a begrudging respect for someone's cleverness or ability to solve problems.

The plural is 'mārmulakhā' (مارمولک‌ها).

They mostly eat mosquitoes, flies, and other small insects found around homes and gardens.

Yes, it is the standard scientific term, though you might also use 'khazandeh' (reptile).

'Chalpāse' is an older or regional term, while 'mārmulak' is the standard modern Persian word.

It is a defense mechanism called autotomy to distract predators while the lizard escapes.

Yes, occasionally in modern poetry to signify the desert or a small, overlooked life.

Yes, the metaphor is gender-neutral.

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Teste-toi 185 questions

writing

Write a sentence in Persian: 'The lizard is green.'

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writing

Write a sentence: 'I saw a lizard on the wall.'

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writing

Explain why 'mārmulak' is used for a person.

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writing

Write the plural of 'mārmulak'.

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writing

Translate: 'Lizards eat small insects.'

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writing

Write a sentence using 'mesl-e mārmulak'.

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writing

Translate: 'The lizard's tail fell off.'

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writing

Write a short paragraph about lizards in Iran.

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writing

Translate: 'What a clever lizard you are!'

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writing

Write a sentence about a lizard in the desert.

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writing

Translate: 'Lizards are reptiles.'

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writing

Write a sentence using the word 'khazidan' (to crawl).

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writing

Translate: 'Do you like lizards?'

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writing

Write a sentence: 'The cat is hunting the lizard.'

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writing

Translate: 'The lizard hid under the rock.'

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writing

Write a sentence about the movie 'Marmoulak'.

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writing

Translate: 'Lizards can change color.'

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writing

Write the Persian word for lizard five times.

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writing

Translate: 'The lizard is fast.'

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writing

Write a sentence: 'There are three lizards in the garden.'

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speaking

Say 'Lizard' in Persian.

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speaking

Say 'The lizard is on the wall.'

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speaking

Say 'I am not afraid of lizards.'

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speaking

Say 'What a sneaky person!' using the lizard metaphor.

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speaking

Say 'Three small lizards.'

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speaking

Say 'Lizards eat flies.'

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speaking

Say 'The lizard's tail is long.'

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speaking

Say 'I like the movie Marmoulak.'

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speaking

Say 'The lizard ran fast.'

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speaking

Say 'Where is the lizard?'

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speaking

Say 'Lizards are reptiles.'

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speaking

Say 'Don't touch the lizard.'

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speaking

Say 'The lizard is green and brown.'

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speaking

Say 'It is a house lizard.'

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speaking

Say 'Lizards love the sun.'

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speaking

Say 'He is like a lizard.'

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speaking

Say 'The lizard hid.'

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speaking

Say 'Do you see the lizard?'

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speaking

Say 'The lizard is small.'

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speaking

Say 'Lizards are fast.'

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listening

Listen and identify the word: 'مارمولک'

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listening

Listen: 'مارمولک روی دیوار است.' Where is it?

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listening

Listen: 'من از مارمولک می‌ترسم.' What is the feeling?

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listening

Listen: 'عجب مارمولکی!' Is this about an animal or a person?

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listening

Listen: 'سه تا مارمولک دیدم.' How many?

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listening

Listen: 'دمش افتاد.' What fell?

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listening

Listen: 'مارمولک سبز بود.' What color?

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listening

Listen: 'فیلم مارمولک را ببین.' What should you do?

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listening

Listen: 'مارمولک حشره خورد.' What happened?

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listening

Listen: 'مارمولک سریع رفت.' How did it go?

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listening

Listen: 'بچه مارمولک کجاست؟' Who are they looking for?

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listening

Listen: 'مارمولک‌ها خزنده هستند.' What group do they belong to?

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listening

Listen: 'او خیلی مارمولک است.' What is said about him?

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listening

Listen: 'صدای مارمولک را شنیدی؟' Did you hear the what?

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listening

Listen: 'مارمولک در باغچه است.' Where is it?

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/ 185 correct

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