نواختن
نواختن en 30 secondes
- Navākhtan is the formal Persian verb meaning to play a musical instrument.
- It is different from 'bāzi kardan' which is used for games and sports.
- The present stem is 'navāz' and the past stem is 'navākht'.
- It also has a beautiful literary meaning of 'to caress' or 'to comfort'.
The Persian verb نواختن (navākhtan) is a multifaceted word that primarily translates to "to play a musical instrument" in modern Persian. However, its linguistic roots and historical usage extend far beyond the concert hall. At its core, the verb conveys the act of striking, touching, or caressing with rhythm and intention. While a beginner might only encounter it in the context of a piano or a guitar, a deep dive into Persian literature reveals a word that breathes life into the relationship between the performer and the instrument, and even between two human beings. When you use this word, you are not just describing a mechanical action; you are describing an art form. In contemporary Iranian society, music is a vital part of the cultural fabric, and using the correct verb to describe musical performance is a sign of linguistic competence. Unlike the English word "play," which is used for games, sports, and music, Persian distinguishes between these activities. You would never use navākhtan to describe playing football or playing a board game; it is reserved for the soulful interaction with musical tools.
- Musical Context
- This is the most common modern usage. It applies to all instruments, whether they are stringed like the Tar, percussion-based like the Tonbak, or western instruments like the violin. It implies a level of skill and artistic expression.
- Literary/Archaic Context
- In classical poetry, such as that of Rumi or Hafez, navākhtan can mean to caress, to comfort, or to treat someone with kindness. It suggests a gentle, rhythmic touch, much like the way a musician touches the strings of a harp.
او با مهارت بسیار زیادی پیانو مینوازد و همه را مبهوت میکند. (He plays the piano with great skill and amazes everyone.) نواختن.
Understanding the nuance of navākhtan requires recognizing its present stem, نواز (navāz). This stem appears in many beautiful compound adjectives. For example, del-navāz (heart-soothing) describes something so beautiful it "caresses the heart." This connection between music and the physical act of soothing is central to the Persian worldview. When a musician plays, they are not just making noise; they are "caressing" the air and the ears of the listeners. This is why the word is preferred in formal and artistic settings over the more colloquial zadan (to hit/strike), although zadan is frequently used in everyday speech for playing instruments. If you are writing an essay, introducing a performer, or speaking formally, navākhtan is the superior choice.
آیا شما میتوانید سنتور بنوازید؟ (Can you play the Santur?) بنوازید.
Using نواختن (navākhtan) correctly involves understanding Persian verb conjugation and sentence structure. In Persian, the basic sentence order is Subject-Object-Verb (SOV). Therefore, the instrument you are playing will typically sit in the middle of the sentence. For example, in the sentence "I play the guitar," "I" (man) is the subject, "guitar" is the object, and "play" (mi-navāzam) is the verb. Because navākhtan is a formal and precise verb, it often appears in contexts where the quality of the playing is being discussed. It is also important to note that the present stem navāz is used for the present continuous, present simple, and imperative forms, while the past stem navākht is used for all past tenses.
- Present Tense
- To conjugate in the present, use the prefix mi- + navāz + personal ending. For example: man mi-navāzam (I am playing/I play).
- Past Tense
- To conjugate in the simple past, use navākht + personal ending. For example: u navākht (he/she played).
دیشب او یک قطعه زیبا با ویولن نواخت. (Last night he played a beautiful piece with the violin.) نواخت.
When asking someone if they can play an instrument, the verb is often used in the subjunctive mood. For instance, "I want to play" would be man mikhandam benavāzam. The "be-" prefix is added to the present stem. This is a common pattern for expressing desires, possibilities, or requests. Furthermore, in more complex sentences, navākhtan can be used as a gerund (noun form). "Playing the piano is difficult" would be navākhtan-e piano doshvār ast. Here, the verb acts as the subject of the sentence. This versatility allows learners to move from simple statements to more sophisticated observations about music and art.
خواهرم ده سال است که سهتار مینوازد. (My sister has been playing the Setar for ten years.) مینوازد.
You will encounter نواختن (navākhtan) in a variety of settings, ranging from formal media to the intimate world of Persian classical music. If you tune into an Iranian cultural television program or a radio show dedicated to the arts, the host will invariably use navākhtan to introduce a guest musician. For example, they might say, "Emshab ostād barāye mā nay mi-navāzad" (Tonight, the master will play the Ney for us). This word carries a weight of respect and professionalism. In music conservatories (Honarestān-e Moosighi) across Tehran and other major cities, teachers use this verb to instruct students on technique and expression. It is the language of the 'Ostād' (Master).
- Concert Halls
- On concert posters and programs, you will see phrases like 'Navākhtan-e goroohi' (Group playing/ensemble) or 'Solo-navāzi' (Solo playing).
- Literary Circles
- In poetry readings, the verb is used metaphorically to describe the 'playing' of the strings of the heart or the wind playing with the leaves.
در اخبار شنیدم که او در تالار وحدت پیانو خواهد نواخت. (I heard on the news that he will play the piano at Vahdat Hall.) نواختن.
Beyond the literal music, navākhtan appears in the context of official ceremonies. For instance, the national anthem is often "played" (navākhte shodan) at the start of events. Here, the passive form is used to indicate the formal performance of the piece. You will also hear it in the titles of famous Persian songs or instrumental albums. The word evokes a sense of tradition and mastery. While a teenager in a garage band might tell his friends, "Biyā guitar bezanim" (Let's play guitar - using the informal verb), a professional musician recording an album would describe their work using navākhtan. Understanding this distinction helps you navigate the social hierarchy of the Persian language.
صدای نواختن او آرامشبخش است. (The sound of his playing is soothing.) نواختن.
One of the most frequent errors English speakers make when learning Persian is overusing the verb "to play" (bāzi kardan) for musical instruments. In English, we use "play" for games, sports, drama, and music. In Persian, these are strictly separated. If you say "Man piano bāzi mikonam," a Persian speaker will imagine you are literally playing with the piano as if it were a toy, perhaps pushing it around or hiding behind it, rather than producing music from it. This is a classic "false friend" in terms of functional usage. Always remember: Bāzi kardan is for games; Navākhtan is for music.
- Mistake: Using 'Bāzi kardan'
- Incorrect: من گیتار بازی میکنم. (I play guitar - literal but wrong). Correct: من گیتار مینوازم.
- Mistake: Confusing Stems
- Learners often mix up navāz and navākht. Remember: navāz is for now/future, navākht is for the past.
اشتباه: او دیروز پیانو مینوازد. (Wrong: He plays piano yesterday.) نواخت.
Another common mistake is the confusion between navākhtan and zadan. While zadan is acceptable in casual conversation, relying on it too much can make your Persian sound "flat" or unrefined. Conversely, using navākhtan in a very casual, slang-heavy conversation might sound overly dramatic or stiff. It's about matching the register to the situation. Furthermore, don't confuse navākhtan with khāndan (to sing). In English, we sometimes say someone "played a song," which could imply singing or playing an instrument. In Persian, you mi-navāzid an instrument but mi-khānid a song with your voice. Precision is key in Persian verb selection.
درست: او آهنگ را پخش کرد. (Correct: He played/broadcast the song.) پخش کرد.
While نواختن (navākhtan) is the primary verb for playing an instrument, Persian offers several alternatives depending on the context and the specific action being performed. The most common alternative is زدن (zadan), which literally means "to hit" or "to strike." In everyday Persian, people almost always use zadan for instruments. For example, "Guitar zadan" is much more common in a cafe than "Guitar navākhtan." However, zadan is less specific and can be used for hundreds of other actions (hitting a ball, typing on a keyboard, etc.), whereas navākhtan is specialized and elegant.
- زدن (Zadan)
- The colloquial workhorse. Used for all instruments in informal speech. Man dāram piano mizanam (I'm playing piano).
- اجرا کردن (Ejrā kardan)
- Means "to perform." Used when talking about a concert or a formal recital. Gorooh yek ghat'e-ye jadid ejrā kard (The band performed a new piece).
مقایسه: او پیانو میزند (Casual) در مقابل او پیانو مینوازد (Formal). نواختن.
Another related verb is سرودن (soroodan), which means to compose or recite poetry/song. While not about playing an instrument, it is often in the same semantic field as navākhtan in artistic discussions. Additionally, the verb دمیدن (damidan), meaning "to blow," is sometimes used specifically for wind instruments like the Ney or flute, though navākhtan is still the standard. Understanding these synonyms allows you to vary your vocabulary and sound more like a native speaker who can adjust their tone based on their audience.
استاد با چنان عشقی مینواخت که همه گریه کردند. (The master played with such love that everyone cried.) مینواخت.
How Formal Is It?
Le savais-tu ?
The present stem 'navāz' is the same root used in the name of the famous Persian musical style 'Navā'. It also shares a root with the word for 'new' (now) in some linguistic theories, implying a 'renewal' of spirit through music.
Guide de prononciation
- Pronouncing 'kh' as a hard 'k'. It should be a breathy sound from the throat.
- Making the 'ā' too short. It must be held longer than the other vowels.
- Putting the stress on the first syllable.
- Confusing the present stem 'navāz' with the past stem 'navākht' in speech.
- Using an English 'v' that is too strong; in Persian, it is slightly softer.
Niveau de difficulté
Easy to recognize in texts due to the distinct 'vākht' ending.
Requires remembering the 'kh' and the correct stem changes.
The 'kh' sound and the rhythm of conjugation can be tricky for beginners.
Usually clearly pronounced in formal and musical contexts.
Quoi apprendre ensuite
Prérequis
Apprends ensuite
Avancé
Grammaire à connaître
Transitive Verb Construction
من [ساز] را مینوازم.
Present Stem Usage
مینوازم، بنواز، نوازنده
Past Stem Usage
نواختم، نواخته شد
Subjunctive with Desire
میخواهم بنوازم.
Habitual Past
او هر روز مینواخت.
Exemples par niveau
من پیانو مینوازم.
I play the piano.
Simple present tense: Subject + Instrument + Verb.
او گیتار مینوازم.
He plays the guitar.
Notice the verb ending changes with the subject.
آیا تو ویولن مینوازی؟
Do you play the violin?
Question form using 'āyā' and the second person singular.
ما موسیقی مینوازیم.
We play music.
First person plural conjugation.
آنها تار مینوازند.
They play the Tar.
Third person plural conjugation.
بیا پیانو بنوازیم.
Let's play the piano.
Imperative/Exhortative form with 'be-' prefix.
او خوب مینوازد.
He/she plays well.
Adverb 'khoob' placed before the verb.
من نمینوازم.
I do not play.
Negative form using 'ne-' prefix.
دیروز من دو ساعت پیانو نواختم.
Yesterday I played the piano for two hours.
Simple past tense using the past stem 'navākht'.
او در کودکی سنتور مینواخت.
He used to play the Santur in his childhood.
Past habitual tense: 'mi-' + past stem.
برادرم میخواهد گیتار بنوازد.
My brother wants to play the guitar.
Subjunctive mood after the verb 'khāstan'.
شما خیلی زیبا مینوازید.
You play very beautifully.
Polite second person plural form.
آنها دیشب در مهمانی آهنگ نواختند.
They played a song at the party last night.
Past tense with a temporal adverb 'dishab'.
دوست داری پیانو بنوازی؟
Do you like to play the piano?
Subjunctive used with 'doost dāshtan'.
من هر روز تمرین نواختن میکنم.
I practice playing every day.
Using the infinitive 'navākhtan' as a noun.
او سازهای زیادی مینوازد.
He plays many instruments.
Plural object 'sāzhā'.
اگر وقت داشتم، بیشتر پیانو مینواختم.
If I had time, I would play the piano more.
Conditional sentence using the imperfect past.
او همیشه آرزو داشت که در یک ارکستر بزرگ بنوازد.
He always dreamed of playing in a large orchestra.
Subjunctive mood after 'ārezoo dāshtan'.
نواختن این قطعه برای من خیلی سخت است.
Playing this piece is very difficult for me.
Infinitive used as the subject of the sentence.
او در حال نواختن یک آهنگ سنتی است.
He is currently playing a traditional song.
Present continuous construction using 'dar hāl-e'.
من شنیدهام که او خیلی خوب مینوازد.
I have heard that he plays very well.
Present perfect 'shenide-am' followed by a clause.
قبل از اینکه بروی، کمی برای ما بنواز.
Before you go, play a little for us.
Imperative form with 'be-' prefix.
او با احساس زیادی ویولن مینواخت.
He was playing the violin with a lot of emotion.
Past continuous/habitual describing a scene.
آیا میتوانی بدون نت بنوازی؟
Can you play without sheet music?
Subjunctive mood after 'tavānestan'.
سرود ملی در ابتدای مراسم نواخته شد.
The national anthem was played at the beginning of the ceremony.
Passive voice: Past participle + 'shodan'.
مهارت او در نواختن پیانو واقعاً تحسینبرانگیز است.
His skill in playing the piano is truly admirable.
Compound noun phrase as the subject.
او چنان مینواخت که گویی روحش در ساز دمیده شده است.
He played as if his soul had been breathed into the instrument.
Literary comparison using 'gooyi' (as if).
نواختن موسیقی در فضای باز لذت خاصی دارد.
Playing music in the open air has a special pleasure.
Gerund phrase with a locative complement.
او تمام شب را به نواختن و آهنگسازی گذراند.
He spent the whole night playing and composing.
Coordinated infinitives after a preposition.
باید یاد بگیریم که با دقت بیشتری بنوازیم.
We must learn to play with more precision.
Subjunctive mood after 'yād gereftan'.
او از نواختن در جمعهای بزرگ خجالت میکشد.
He is shy about playing in large gatherings.
Infinitive used as the object of a complex verb.
صدای بادی که در لابلای درختان مینواخت، آرامشبخش بود.
The sound of the wind playing through the trees was soothing.
Metaphorical use of the verb in a relative clause.
در ادبیات کلاسیک، شاهان خادمان خود را با بخشش مینواختند.
In classical literature, kings would favor their servants with generosity.
Archaic meaning: to favor or treat with kindness.
او با سرانگشتان هنرمندش، تارهای دل ما را نواخت.
With his artistic fingertips, he played the strings of our hearts.
Poetic and metaphorical usage.
نواختن این ردیفهای پیچیده نیازمند سالها ریاضت است.
Playing these complex Radifs requires years of discipline.
Technical musical terminology (Radif).
او در حالی که میگریست، آخرین قطعهاش را نواخت.
While he was weeping, he played his last piece.
Converbial structure 'dar hāli ke'.
هیچکس نمیتواند مثل او نای را چنین سوزناک بنوازد.
No one can play the Ney so mournfully like him.
Adverbial usage of 'sooznāk'.
او از هر فرصتی برای نواختن و رهایی از تنهایی استفاده میکرد.
He used every opportunity for playing and escaping loneliness.
Abstract noun usage of the infinitive.
نواختن موسیقی سنتی پلی است میان گذشته و حال.
Playing traditional music is a bridge between the past and the present.
Metaphorical noun phrase.
او با چنان ظرافتی مینواخت که گویی فرشتگان گوش میدهند.
He played with such delicacy that it was as if angels were listening.
Hyperbolic literary description.
نواختن در ساحت هنر، نوعی نیایش و مراقبه است.
Playing in the realm of art is a form of prayer and meditation.
Philosophical/Abstract usage.
او در پی آن بود که نغمهای کیهانی را بر چنگ هستی بنوازد.
He sought to play a cosmic melody upon the harp of existence.
Highly metaphorical and archaic phrasing.
در این اثر، آهنگساز بر تقابل سکوت و نواختن تأکید دارد.
In this work, the composer emphasizes the contrast between silence and playing.
Musicological critique terminology.
او با هر زخمه که بر تار میزد، گویی تاریخ را مینواخت.
With every stroke he made on the Tar, it was as if he were playing history.
Deeply symbolic usage.
نواختن، در این بستر، نه یک فعل، که یک صیرورت است.
Playing, in this context, is not a verb, but a 'becoming'.
Philosophical terminology ('seyroorat').
او به چنان مقامی در نواختن رسیده که ساز با او یکی شده است.
He has reached such a station in playing that the instrument has become one with him.
Mystical/Sufi terminology ('maghām').
او از نواختن برای تودهها پرهیز میکرد و تنها برای نخبگان مینواخت.
He avoided playing for the masses and played only for the elite.
Sociopolitical context.
در این منظومه، باد بر نیزارهای خاموش مینوازد.
In this epic poem, the wind plays upon the silent reed-beds.
Epic literary style.
Collocations courantes
Phrases Courantes
— To start playing an instrument. It implies taking up the instrument to perform.
او هر روز ساعتی را به دست به ساز نواختن میگذراند.
— To play music for one's own pleasure rather than for an audience.
او بیشتر برای دل خودش مینوازد تا برای دیگران.
— Playing with fingers (usually for string instruments like Tar).
نواختن با پنجه در موسیقی ایرانی تکنیک خاصی دارد.
— Playing with a bow (for violin, cello, etc.).
نواختن با آرشه نیاز به تمرین مداوم دارد.
Souvent confondu avec
English speakers use 'play' for both, but Persian uses 'bāzi kardan' only for games.
A common synonym, but much more casual and less precise than 'navākhtan'.
Used for singing or reading, whereas 'navākhtan' is strictly for instruments.
Expressions idiomatiques
— To touch someone's heart deeply or emotionally.
او با حرفهایش تار دل مرا نواخت.
Poetic— To disagree or take a contrary position (literally: to play a discordant instrument).
او همیشه در جلسات ساز مخالف مینوازد.
Common/Metaphorical— To promote or incite war.
سیاستمداران دوباره بر طبل جنگ مینوازند.
Journalistic/Formal— To be pleasant to the ear (derived from the stem 'navāz').
صدای آبشار واقعاً گوشنواز است.
Neutral— To be hospitable (literally: 'guest-caressing').
ایرانیها به مهماننواز بودن معروف هستند.
Very Common— To show kindness or favor to someone (humble expression used by the recipient).
شما با تشریففرمایی خود بنده نوازی کردید.
Formal/Polite— To strike a slap (archaic/formal use of the strike meaning).
او سیلی محکمی بر صورت دشمن نواخت.
Literary/DramaticFacile à confondre
Sounds similar in rhythm and ending.
'Andākhtan' means to throw, while 'navākhtan' means to play or caress.
او توپ را انداخت. (He threw the ball.)
Both end in '-ākhtan'.
'Sākhtan' means to build or make, while 'navākhtan' is for music.
او یک خانه ساخت. (He built a house.)
Both end in '-ākhtan'.
'Bākhtan' means to lose (a game), while 'navākhtan' is positive (music).
او بازی را باخت. (He lost the game.)
Both end in '-ākhtan'.
'Tākhtan' means to gallop or attack, much more aggressive than 'navākhtan'.
اسب در دشت میتاخت. (The horse was galloping in the plain.)
Common verb ending in '-ākhtan'.
'Shenākhtan' means to know or recognize someone.
من او را میشناسم. (I know him.)
Structures de phrases
[Subject] [Instrument] مینوازد.
علی پیانو مینوازد.
[Subject] [Time] [Instrument] نواخت.
سارا دیروز گیتار نواخت.
[Subject] میخواهد [Instrument] بنوازد.
من میخواهم تار بنوازم.
نواختنِ [Instrument] [Adjective] است.
نواختنِ ویولن دشوار است.
[Subject] با [Emotion] مینواخت.
او با تمام وجود مینواخت.
[Instrument] توسط [Subject] نواخته شد.
آهنگ توسط استاد نواخته شد.
آیا [Subject] [Instrument] مینوازی؟
آیا تو سنتور مینوازی؟
[Subject] [Instrument] نمینوازد.
او فلوت نمینوازد.
Famille de mots
Noms
Verbes
Adjectifs
Apparenté
Comment l'utiliser
High in musical and cultural contexts; medium in general daily life.
-
من پیانو بازی میکنم.
→
من پیانو مینوازم.
You cannot use 'bāzi kardan' (to play a game) for musical instruments. It is a literal translation from English that doesn't work in Persian.
-
او دیروز گیتار مینواخت.
→
او دیروز گیتار نواخت.
If the action happened once in the past, use the simple past 'navākht'. 'Mi-navākht' implies he used to play regularly or was playing at that moment.
-
من میخواهم نواختن.
→
من میخواهم بنوازم.
After 'want' (khāstan), you must use the subjunctive form 'benavāzam', not the infinitive 'navākhtan'.
-
او آهنگ را نواخت.
→
او آهنگ را خواند. (if singing) / او ساز نواخت.
While you can 'play a song' on an instrument, be careful not to confuse it with singing (khāndan).
-
صدای نواختن او خیلی خوب است.
→
نوازندگی او خیلی خوب است.
While 'navākhtan' works, 'navāzandegi' (musicianship/playing skill) is often a more natural noun to use in this context.
Astuces
Master the Stems
Memorize 'navāz' (present) and 'navākht' (past) immediately. Most learners struggle because they mix these up. Practice saying 'mi-navāzam' and 'navākhtam' back to back.
Instrument Pairing
Learn the names of Persian instruments like Tar, Setar, and Santur along with this verb. It will make your conversations about Iranian culture much richer.
Use it Formally
If you are in a music class or talking to a teacher, always use 'navākhtan'. It shows respect for the art and your own level of language study.
Listen for 'Navāz'
When listening to Persian songs or interviews, listen for the 'navāz' sound. You will hear it in the word 'navāzandeh' (musician) very often.
Avoid 'Bāzi'
This is the #1 mistake. Never say 'piano bāzi mikonam'. Remind yourself: Games are 'bāzi', Music is 'navākhtan'.
Literary Connections
Understand that 'navāzesh' (caress) comes from this verb. It helps you understand the 'soul' of the word beyond just playing an instrument.
Compound Adjectives
Use 'del-navāz' (heart-soothing) in your writing to describe music or a beautiful scene. It's a very high-level and impressive word choice.
The 'KH' Sound
Make sure your 'kh' in 'navākhtan' is not a 'k'. It should sound like you are clearing your throat gently, like the German 'ch'.
Daily Routine
If you play an instrument, say 'Man dāram [instrument] mi-navāzam' every time you start practicing to lock the verb in your memory.
Passive Usage
Learn 'navākhte shodan' for formal reports. 'The music was played' is a common way to describe events in news or history.
Mémorise-le
Moyen mnémotechnique
Think of a 'New Voice' (Na-Vāz). When you play an instrument, you are giving it a 'new voice' or 'caressing' the sound out of it.
Association visuelle
Imagine a musician gently stroking the strings of a harp. This physical act connects the modern 'play instrument' meaning with the literary 'caress' meaning.
Word Web
Défi
Try to say 'Man piano mi-navāzam' five times fast without tripping over the 'v' and 'kh' sounds. Then, try to use the past tense 'navākhtam' in a sentence about your childhood.
Origine du mot
The word 'navākhtan' comes from the Middle Persian (Pahlavi) word 'navāxtan'. It is rooted in the Proto-Indo-European concepts of sound and movement.
Sens originel : The original meaning in Middle Persian included 'to make sound,' 'to comfort,' and 'to favor.' It has maintained this duality for over a millennium.
Indo-European -> Indo-Iranian -> Iranian -> West Iranian -> Persian.Contexte culturel
Be careful not to use 'navākhtan' for modern electronic DJing; 'pakhsh kardan' or 'ejrā kardan' is better for that context.
Unlike English where 'play' is used for everything from sports to drama, Persian speakers are very specific. Using 'navākhtan' for music makes you sound educated.
Pratique dans la vie réelle
Contextes réels
Music School
- استاد نواختن
- تمرین نواختن
- کلاس نواختن
- روش نواختن
Concert Hall
- نواختن زنده
- نواختن گروهی
- برنامه نواختن
- اجازه نواختن
Literature
- نواختن تار دل
- نواختن نسیم
- نواختن با مهربانی
- نواختن پادشاه
Social Gatherings
- کمی بنوازید
- نواختن برای دوستان
- لذت نواختن
- درخواست نواختن
Formal Ceremonies
- نواختن سرود
- نواختن طبل
- نواختن شیپور
- زمان نواختن
Amorces de conversation
"آیا شما ساز خاصی مینوازید؟ (Do you play a specific instrument?)"
"از چه زمانی شروع به نواختن پیانو کردید؟ (Since when did you start playing the piano?)"
"کدام آهنگ را بیشتر دوست دارید بنوازید؟ (Which song do you like to play the most?)"
"آیا نواختن تار سختتر از گیتار است؟ (Is playing the Tar harder than the guitar?)"
"دوست دارید در یک کنسرت بزرگ بنوازید؟ (Would you like to play in a big concert?)"
Sujets d'écriture
درباره اولین باری که سعی کردید یک ساز بنوازید بنویسید. (Write about the first time you tried to play an instrument.)
چرا نواختن موسیقی برای روح انسان مفید است؟ (Why is playing music beneficial for the human soul?)
اگر میتوانستید هر سازی را بنوازید، کدام را انتخاب میکردید؟ (If you could play any instrument, which one would you choose?)
تفاوت بین نواختن در تنهایی و نواختن برای دیگران چیست؟ (What is the difference between playing in solitude and playing for others?)
توصیف کنید که وقتی کسی به زیبایی مینوازد، چه احساسی دارید. (Describe how you feel when someone plays beautifully.)
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, you cannot. For sports and games, you must use 'bāzi kardan'. Using 'navākhtan' for football would sound like you are trying to play music with the ball, which doesn't make sense in Persian.
It is not wrong, but it is informal. In a friendly setting, saying 'guitar mizanam' is perfectly fine. However, in a professional or formal setting, 'mi-navāzam' is much better.
The present stem is 'navāz' (نواز). You use this for the present tense, future tense, and imperative forms. For example, 'mi-navāzam' (I play).
A musician is called a 'navāzandeh' (نوازنده). This word is directly derived from the present stem of the verb.
Yes, in a literary and poetic context, it means to caress or treat someone with kindness. This is why the word for a physical caress is 'navāzesh'.
No. For singing, you use the verb 'khāndan' (to read/sing). 'Navākhtan' is only for physical instruments.
You use the past stem 'navākht'. For example: navākhtam (I played), navākhti (you played), navākht (he/she played), navākhtim (we played), navākhtid (you all played), navākhtand (they played).
Yes, it is very common to say 'sorood-e melli navākhte shod' (the national anthem was played) during official ceremonies.
'Navākhtan' is specifically about the act of playing the instrument, while 'ejrā kardan' means 'to perform' and can include singing, acting, or the whole concert.
Because both come from the same root meaning 'to touch rhythmically and gently.' Playing an instrument and caressing someone both involve this gentle, intentional touch.
Teste-toi 200 questions
Write a sentence in Persian saying 'I play the guitar every day.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence in Persian saying 'My brother played the piano yesterday.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence in Persian saying 'I want to learn how to play the Tar.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate to Persian: 'She plays the violin very beautifully.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a short paragraph (3 sentences) about your favorite instrument and if you play it.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate to Persian: 'The national anthem was played at the start of the game.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence using the word 'navāzandeh'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'Playing music is my hobby.'
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Write a sentence using 'mi-navākht' (Past Habitual).
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Translate: 'Can you play this song for me?'
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Write a sentence using 'del-navāz'.
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Translate: 'He is busy playing the guitar.'
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Write a sentence about a famous musician you know.
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Translate: 'Don't play so loudly!'
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Write a sentence using the passive form 'navākhte shodan'.
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Translate: 'I have never played the Tar.'
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Write a sentence using 'navāzandegi'.
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Translate: 'Please play a little for us.'
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Write a sentence about a concert you attended.
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Translate: 'Learning to play an instrument takes time.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Pronounce 'نواختن' clearly.
Read this aloud:
Tu as dit :
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Say 'I play piano' in Persian.
Read this aloud:
Tu as dit :
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Say 'He played guitar' in Persian.
Read this aloud:
Tu as dit :
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Ask someone 'Do you play an instrument?' in Persian.
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Tu as dit :
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Tell someone 'Play a song for me' in Persian.
Read this aloud:
Tu as dit :
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Say 'I want to play' in Persian.
Read this aloud:
Tu as dit :
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Pronounce the present stem 'نواز' (navāz).
Read this aloud:
Tu as dit :
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Say 'She was playing beautifully' in Persian.
Read this aloud:
Tu as dit :
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Ask 'Can you play the Tar?' in Persian.
Read this aloud:
Tu as dit :
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Say 'I don't play any instruments' in Persian.
Read this aloud:
Tu as dit :
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Say 'We are playing music' in Persian.
Read this aloud:
Tu as dit :
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Pronounce 'نوازنده' (navāzandeh).
Read this aloud:
Tu as dit :
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Say 'The sound is heart-soothing' in Persian.
Read this aloud:
Tu as dit :
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Say 'They played the national anthem' in Persian.
Read this aloud:
Tu as dit :
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Tell your teacher 'I practiced playing today' in Persian.
Read this aloud:
Tu as dit :
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Say 'I played for two hours' in Persian.
Read this aloud:
Tu as dit :
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Say 'Playing piano is fun' in Persian.
Read this aloud:
Tu as dit :
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Say 'He used to play the flute' in Persian.
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Tu as dit :
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Say 'Let's play together' in Persian.
Read this aloud:
Tu as dit :
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Pronounce 'همنوازی' (ham-navāzi).
Read this aloud:
Tu as dit :
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Listen to the sentence: 'او پیانو مینوازد.' Which instrument is mentioned?
Listen to the sentence: 'من دیروز گیتار نواختم.' When did I play?
Listen to the sentence: 'آیا تو میتوانی سنتور بنوازی؟' What is the question asking?
Listen to the sentence: 'نوازنده خیلی جوان بود.' How was the musician described?
Listen to the sentence: 'صدای ویولن دلنواز بود.' How was the sound described?
Listen to the sentence: 'او نمیخواهد بنوازد.' Does he want to play?
Listen to the sentence: 'آنها با هم مینواختند.' Were they playing alone?
Listen to the sentence: 'استاد تار مینوازد.' Who is playing?
Listen to the sentence: 'نواختن این قطعه سخت است.' Is the piece easy?
Listen to the sentence: 'او هر شب مینوازد.' How often does he play?
Listen to the sentence: 'بیا سنتور بنوازیم.' What are they going to play?
Listen to the sentence: 'او با احساس مینوازد.' How does he play?
Listen to the sentence: 'نوازندگی شغل اوست.' Is playing his job?
Listen to the sentence: 'او پیانو را به زیبایی نواخت.' Did he play well?
Listen to the sentence: 'صدای نواختن قطع شد.' Did the music continue?
/ 200 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
Always use 'navākhtan' when you want to sound professional and respectful about music. For example: 'Man dāram piano mi-navāzam' (I am playing the piano). Avoid confusing it with 'bāzi kardan'.
- Navākhtan is the formal Persian verb meaning to play a musical instrument.
- It is different from 'bāzi kardan' which is used for games and sports.
- The present stem is 'navāz' and the past stem is 'navākht'.
- It also has a beautiful literary meaning of 'to caress' or 'to comfort'.
Master the Stems
Memorize 'navāz' (present) and 'navākht' (past) immediately. Most learners struggle because they mix these up. Practice saying 'mi-navāzam' and 'navākhtam' back to back.
Instrument Pairing
Learn the names of Persian instruments like Tar, Setar, and Santur along with this verb. It will make your conversations about Iranian culture much richer.
Use it Formally
If you are in a music class or talking to a teacher, always use 'navākhtan'. It shows respect for the art and your own level of language study.
Listen for 'Navāz'
When listening to Persian songs or interviews, listen for the 'navāz' sound. You will hear it in the word 'navāzandeh' (musician) very often.
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