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B1 noun 5 min de lecture

زهر

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces زهر en 30 secondes

Explication زهر in your Level:

At the A1 level, you only need to know that 'زهر' (Zahr) means something very dangerous like 'poison'. You might see it in pictures of snakes or scorpions. It is a simple noun. For example, 'مار زهر دارد' means 'The snake has poison'. Don't worry about the difficult idioms yet. Just remember it is a 'bad' word that means something can hurt you if it bites you. It sounds a bit like the 'za' in 'zap' and 'hr' at the end. It is a short and important word for safety. If you see a bottle with a skull and crossbones in a cartoon, that's the feeling of 'زهر'.

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At the A2 level, you can start using 'زهر' in basic sentences about nature. You should know that 'زهر' is usually for animals. You can say 'زهر این عنکبوت قوی است' (This spider's venom is strong). You might also hear the phrase 'زهر مار' in movies. While it literally means 'snake venom', people use it when they are angry. At this level, focus on the difference between 'زهر' (venom) and 'غذا' (food). One is good, one is very bad! You can also learn the word 'پادزهر' (antidote) as the 'medicine' for 'زهر'.

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As a B1 learner, you should understand the metaphorical uses of 'زهر'. You will encounter it in stories where someone's words are 'like poison' (مثل زهر). You should be able to use the word in compound forms like 'زهرآلود' (poisoned/venomous). For example, 'تیر زهرآلود' (a poisoned arrow). You also start to see the word in medical contexts, like discussing how doctors use venom to make medicine. You should distinguish 'زهر' from 'سم' (chemical poison) and know that 'زهر' has a more 'natural' or 'biological' feel. You can use it to describe a very bitter taste as well.

At the B2 level, you should be comfortable with idiomatic expressions like 'زهر چشم گرفتن' (to intimidate). You understand that 'زهر' isn't just a physical substance but a tool for social power and intimidation. You can read news articles about the 'Razi Institute' and their work with 'زهر'. You should also be able to use the verb 'زهر کردن' to describe ruining an experience. For instance, 'او سفر را به ما زهر کرد' (He ruined the trip for us). Your vocabulary should include 'زهرابه' (toxin/venomous secretion) and you should understand the nuances of 'زهر' in classical poetry as a symbol of suffering.

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At the C1 level, you explore the deep literary and historical roots of 'زهر'. You will find it in the Shahnameh, where it is used in the context of tragedy and betrayal. You understand the etymological link between 'زهر' and the Middle Persian 'zahr'. You can discuss the ethics of using animal venom in modern pharmacology using this term. You are also expected to recognize 'زهر' in high-level political discourse, where a 'poisonous atmosphere' (فضای زهرآگین) refers to toxic political or social environments. You can use the word with precision, choosing it over 'سم' to evoke a more dramatic or organic imagery.

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At the C2 level, 'زهر' becomes a tool for sophisticated expression. You can analyze how 'زهر' functions as a motif in Iranian cinema and literature to represent the 'bitterness of reality'. You understand the subtle phonological shifts in different Persian dialects regarding this word. You can use it in academic writing concerning toxicology or history. You also master the most obscure idioms and can use 'زهر' in creative writing to describe anything from the 'venomous' sting of a cold winter wind to the 'poisoned' legacy of a historical figure. You understand its full weight as a word that connects the biological reality of the Iranian plateau with the spiritual struggles of its people.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

زهر en 30 secondes

Zahr means animal venom (snakes, scorpions).
It is different from 'Samm' (general/chemical poison).
It is used metaphorically for extreme bitterness or ruined moments.
Common in safety warnings, literature, and harsh colloquialisms.

The Persian word زهر (Zahr) is a multifaceted term that primarily refers to the biological venom produced by animals. While in English we often distinguish between 'venom' (injected) and 'poison' (ingested), in Persian, زهر is the go-to word for the lethal substances found in snakes, scorpions, and spiders. It carries a heavy, dark connotation, often associated with danger, death, and bitterness. Unlike the more general word سم (Samm), which can refer to industrial chemicals or pesticides, زهر feels more organic and ancient, deeply rooted in the natural world and classical literature.

Biological Context: In a scientific or naturalistic setting, 'زهر' describes the complex proteins and enzymes used by predators to immobilize prey. For instance, 'زهر مار' (snake venom) is a common phrase used by biologists and hikers alike.
Metaphorical Bitterness: Beyond biology, 'زهر' represents extreme emotional bitterness. A 'زهرخند' (poisonous laugh) is not literally toxic but describes a cynical, mocking, or painful smile that cuts deeper than words.

مراقب باش، این مار زهر بسیار خطرناکی دارد.
(Be careful, this snake has a very dangerous venom.)

In classical Persian poetry, such as the works of Rumi or Hafez, زهر is frequently contrasted with پادزهر (Pādzahr), the antidote. This duality represents the struggles of life—the pain of separation (poison) versus the joy of union (antidote). Understanding this word requires recognizing its weight; it is never a 'light' word. It evokes the dry deserts of Iran where scorpions lurk, and the deep tragedies of the Shahnameh where heroes succumb to poisoned blades. Whether you are reading a medical report or a historical epic, 'زهر' signals a turning point where life meets its most potent biological or emotional threat.

Using زهر correctly involves understanding its grammatical role as a noun and its common verbal pairings. It most frequently appears as the subject of a sentence describing an effect, or as the object of a verb like 'to have' or 'to pour'.

Descriptive Usage: When describing an animal, 'زهر' is often linked with adjectives like 'کشنده' (lethal) or 'قوی' (strong). 'زهر این عقرب کشنده است' (The venom of this scorpion is lethal).

پزشکان به دنبال راهی برای خنثی کردن زهر هستند.
(Doctors are looking for a way to neutralize the venom.)

One of the most powerful ways to use this word is in the compound verb زهر کردن (Zahr kardan). This literally means 'to make [something] poison', but it is used idiomatically to mean 'to ruin someone's enjoyment'. For example, if someone starts an argument during a nice dinner, you could say: 'شام را به کام ما زهر کردی' (You turned the dinner into poison in our mouths/You ruined the dinner for us).

او با نگاهی پر از زهر به من خیره شد.
(He stared at me with a look full of venom/bitterness.)

You will encounter زهر in several distinct environments in Iran. First and foremost is in nature and safety warnings. Iran has a diverse climate with many venomous species, particularly in the central deserts and southern regions. Signs in national parks or warnings from locals often feature this word to ensure safety against snakes and scorpions.

News and Science: In Iranian media, you might hear about 'موسسه رازی' (Razi Institute), which is world-renowned for producing antivenom. News reports about medical breakthroughs or snakebite statistics will use 'زهر' frequently.

دانشمندان از زهر زنبور برای درمان برخی بیماری‌ها استفاده می‌کنند.
(Scientists use bee venom to treat certain diseases.)

Another common place is in informal arguments. As mentioned, 'زهر مار' is a very common (though rude) exclamation. If a child is being picky about food, an impatient parent might say 'بخور، زهر مار بخور!' which is a very harsh way of saying 'Just eat it and stop complaining!'. Furthermore, in historical dramas and literature, 'زهر' is the primary tool for political assassinations. You will hear it in TV shows set in the Qajar or Safavid eras, where characters fear poisoned tea or 'قهوه قجری' (Qajar Coffee).

Learners of Persian often confuse زهر (Zahr) with its close synonym سم (Samm). While they both mean poison, their usage is not always interchangeable.

Zahr vs. Samm: Use 'Zahr' for animal-produced toxins (venom). Use 'Samm' for chemicals, pesticides, or general poisons. For example, 'سم موش' (rat poison) is never called 'زهر موش'.

Another mistake is taking the phrase زهر مار literally. If an Iranian friend says this to you in a heated moment, they aren't actually talking about snakes; they are expressing intense frustration. Responding by asking about the snake's species would be a humorous linguistic blunder.

اشتباه: این صابون زهر دارد.
(Mistake: This soap has venom. Correct: This soap is poisonous/toxic - این صابون سمی است.)

Persian has a rich vocabulary for things that are harmful or bitter. Here is how زهر compares to other terms:

سم (Samm): General poison. It is more common in modern industrial and medical contexts. If you accidentally drink bleach, you've consumed 'سم', not 'زهر'.
تلخ (Talkh): Means 'bitter'. While 'زهر' is often described as bitter, 'talkh' is the standard word for the taste of coffee or unsweetened chocolate. However, 'مثل زهر تلخ' (bitter as venom) is a common simile for extreme bitterness.
پادزهر (Pādzahr): The antidote. This is the direct opposite. Interestingly, the English word 'Bezoar' (a stone found in the stomachs of animals once thought to be an antidote) comes from this Persian word.

عشق هم درد است و هم پادزهر.
(Love is both the pain and the antidote.)

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

The English word 'Bezoar' (a stone thought to be an antidote) comes from the Persian 'Pādzahr' (Antidote). This shows how influential Persian medical and toxicological terms were in history.

Guide de prononciation

UK /zæhr/

US /zæhr/

Single syllable, so the stress is on the entire word.

Rime avec

قهر (Qahr - anger) شهر (Shahr - city) دهر (Dahr - fate/time) بحر (Bahr - sea) نهر (Nahr - stream) فخر (Fakhr - pride) سحر (Sahr - dawn) مهر (Mehr - love/sun)

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing the 'h' too strongly like a 'kh' (German 'ch'). It should be a soft breath.
Ignoring the 'h' entirely. In Persian, the 'h' in 'zahr' is usually pronounced.
Pronouncing it like 'Zohr' (noon).
Confusing the 'z' with a 'j' sound.
Making the 'a' too long like 'Zaa-hr'.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 3/5

The word itself is easy to read, but it often appears in complex literary metaphors.

Écriture 2/5

Simple spelling, but requires knowledge of Ezafe for possessive forms.

Expression orale 3/5

The 'h' sound must be clear but not harsh.

Écoute 2/5

Easy to recognize in speech due to its distinct 'z' and 'r' sounds.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

مار عقرب خطرناک تلخ کشتن

Apprends ensuite

پادزهر سمی تزریق دارو کینه

Avancé

هلاهل شرنگ زهرابه خنثی‌سازی فیزیولوژی

Grammaire à connaître

Ezafe Construction

زهرِ مار (Venom of snake)

Compound Adjectives

زهر+آگین = زهرآگین (Poisonous)

Compound Verbs

زهر + کردن (To ruin/poison)

Comparison with 'Mesle'

تلخ مثل زهر (Bitter like venom)

Direct Object Marker 'rā'

زهر را خارج کرد (He removed the venom)

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Exemples par niveau

مار زهر دارد.

The snake has venom.

Subject + Noun + Verb (has).

زهر بد است.

Venom is bad.

Simple adjective sentence.

آیا این زهر است؟

Is this venom?

Question form.

من از زهر می‌ترسم.

I am afraid of venom.

Verb 'to fear' takes 'az'.

زهر در دهان مار است.

The venom is in the snake's mouth.

Prepositional phrase 'dar'.

این یک زهر قوی است.

This is a strong venom.

Noun + Adjective.

زهر مار خطرناک است.

Snake venom is dangerous.

Possessive construction (Ezafe).

او زهر را دید.

He saw the venom.

Direct object with 'rā'.

عقرب زهر خود را تزریق می‌کند.

The scorpion injects its venom.

Compound verb 'tazriq kardan'.

زهر این گیاه کشنده نیست.

The poison of this plant is not lethal.

Negative 'nist'.

پزشک برای زهر پادزهر داد.

The doctor gave an antidote for the venom.

Preposition 'barāye'.

چرا زهر مار گران است؟

Why is snake venom expensive?

Interrogative 'cherā'.

او درباره زهر کتاب می‌خواند.

He is reading a book about venom.

Preposition 'darbāreye'.

زهر زنبور برای بعضی‌ها آلرژی‌زا است.

Bee venom is allergenic for some.

Adjective 'allergy-zā'.

ما باید زهر را آزمایش کنیم.

We must test the venom.

Modal 'bāyad' + Subjunctive.

این زهر رنگ عجیبی دارد.

This venom has a strange color.

Adjective 'ajibi'.

او با زهر مار، دارو درست می‌کند.

He makes medicine with snake venom.

Instrumental 'bā'.

نگاه او مثل زهر تلخ بود.

His look was bitter like venom.

Simile with 'mesle'.

او از شدت درد، مثل مار به خود می‌پیچید و زهر می‌ریخت.

From the intensity of pain, he was writhing like a snake and spitting venom (metaphorically).

Metaphorical usage.

زهرآلود کردن چاه‌ها در جنگ‌های قدیمی رایج بود.

Poisoning wells was common in ancient wars.

Gerund 'zahr-ālud kardan'.

این میوه طعم زهر می‌دهد.

This fruit tastes like poison (extremely bitter).

Idiom 'ta'm-e zahr dādan'.

او سعی کرد زهر کلامش را بگیرد.

He tried to take the sting/venom out of his words.

Metaphorical object.

زهر در تمام بدنش پخش شده بود.

The venom had spread throughout his body.

Past perfect 'pakhsh shode bud'.

پادزهر این زهر هنوز کشف نشده است.

The antidote to this venom has not been discovered yet.

Passive voice.

او با این کار می‌خواست از رقیبش زهر چشم بگیرد.

With this action, he wanted to intimidate his rival.

Idiom 'zahr-e chashm gereftan'.

تلخی این خبر برای او مثل زهر بود.

The bitterness of this news was like poison to him.

Abstract noun 'talkhi'.

او حرف‌هایش را با زهر کینه آلوده بود.

He had tainted his words with the venom of malice.

Compound adjective 'kine-ālude'.

سیاستمدار با سخنرانی‌اش در جامعه زهر ریخت.

The politician spread poison/venom in society with his speech.

Figurative 'zahr rikhtan'.

او موفق شد زهر دشمن را خنثی کند.

He succeeded in neutralizing the enemy's venom/threat.

Verb 'khonsā kardan'.

این دارو از زهر تصفیه شده ساخته شده است.

This medicine is made from purified venom.

Participle 'tasfiye shode'.

او هر روز با زهر حسادت خود را نابود می‌کند.

Every day he destroys himself with the venom of jealousy.

Noun + Noun (Ezafe).

زهر مار در دوزهای کم می‌تواند درمان‌گر باشد.

Snake venom in low doses can be healing.

Conditional/Potential context.

در متون کهن، زهر نمادی از خیانت و مرگ ناگهانی است.

In ancient texts, venom is a symbol of betrayal and sudden death.

Academic register.

او با زهرخندی تلخ، شکست مرا تماشا کرد.

With a bitter poisonous laugh, he watched my defeat.

Compound noun 'zahr-khand'.

نویسنده در این کتاب، زهر فقر را به تصویر می‌کشد.

The author depicts the venom/bitterness of poverty in this book.

Metaphorical 'zahr'.

او چنان با قدرت صحبت کرد که زهر کلامش همه را ترساند.

He spoke with such power that the venom of his words frightened everyone.

Result clause 'chonān... ke'.

پادزهر واقعی برای زهر نفرت، بخشش است.

The real antidote for the venom of hatred is forgiveness.

Philosophical statement.

او از زهرآگین شدن فضای سیاسی کشور ابراز نگرانی کرد.

He expressed concern about the political atmosphere of the country becoming poisonous.

Gerund phrase.

استخراج زهر از مارهای سمی فرآیندی بسیار دقیق است.

Extracting venom from poisonous snakes is a very precise process.

Technical noun 'estekhrāj'.

او جام زهر را نوشید و مسئولیت شکست را پذیرفت.

He drank the cup of poison and accepted responsibility for the defeat.

Historical/Idiomatic 'jām-e zahr'.

دیالکتیک میان زهر و پادزهر در فلسفه اشراق جایگاه ویژه‌ای دارد.

The dialectic between venom and antidote holds a special place in Illuminationist philosophy.

Highly academic terminology.

او با مهارتی بی‌نظیر، زهر کنایه را در لفافه طنز پیچیده بود.

With unparalleled skill, he had wrapped the venom of sarcasm in the cloak of humor.

Complex metaphor.

تراژدی زمانی رخ می‌دهد که قهرمان، خود زهر را به کام خویش می‌ریزد.

Tragedy occurs when the hero himself pours the poison into his own mouth.

Literary analysis.

تحلیل ساختار شیمیایی این زهر نشان‌دهنده تکامل پیچیده آن است.

Analysis of the chemical structure of this venom indicates its complex evolution.

Scientific register.

او در خاطراتش از زهر تنهایی در سال‌های تبعید می‌گوید.

In his memoirs, he speaks of the venom of loneliness during the years of exile.

Poetic prose.

نظام‌های توتالیتر با تزریق زهر بی‌اعتمادی، جامعه را فلج می‌کنند.

Totalitarian systems paralyze society by injecting the venom of mistrust.

Political science metaphor.

او زهرآگین‌ترین نقدهای ممکن را نثار آن اثر هنری کرد.

He bestowed the most poisonous criticisms possible upon that artwork.

Superlative 'zahr-āgin-tarin'.

در اساطیر ایران، خون سیاوش چون پادزهری علیه زهر بیداد عمل می‌کند.

In Iranian mythology, Siavash's blood acts as an antidote against the venom of injustice.

Comparative 'chon'.

Collocations courantes

زهر مار

زهر کشنده

زهرآگین

جام زهر

زهر چشم

پادزهر زهر

زهر ریختن

زهر کردن

خطر زهر

استخراج زهر

Phrases Courantes

زهر مار!

— A very rude way to say 'Shut up' or 'Be quiet'. Literally 'Snake venom'.

وقتی زیاد حرف می‌زدم، گفت: زهر مار!

مثل زهر تلخ

— Extremely bitter, either in taste or in emotional experience.

این دارو مثل زهر تلخ است.

زهر کردن زندگی

— To make someone's life a living hell or very miserable.

او زندگی را به همسرش زهر کرد.

زهر خند زدن

— To give a bitter, cynical, or mocking smile.

او فقط یک زهر خند زد و رفت.

به کام کسی زهر کردن

— To ruin a pleasant moment or meal for someone.

شام را به کام ما زهر کرد.

زهر کلام

— The 'sting' or hurtful quality of someone's words.

زهر کلامش هنوز در قلبم است.

ریختن زهر

— To act maliciously or spread negativity.

او در هر جلسه زهر می‌ریزد.

نیش و زهر

— Sarcasm and hurtful remarks combined.

حرف‌هایش پر از نیش و زهر بود.

زهرآلود

— Contaminated with poison; venomous.

هوا زهرآلود شده است.

پادزهر یافتن

— To find a solution to a difficult or 'poisonous' problem.

بالاخره پادزهر این مشکل را یافتیم.

Souvent confondu avec

زهر vs سم (Samm)

Samm is general/chemical; Zahr is biological/animal.

زهر vs زر (Zar)

Zar means gold. They sound similar if the 'h' in Zahr is ignored.

زهر vs ظهر (Zohr)

Zohr means noon. The 'o' vs 'a' sound is the key difference.

Expressions idiomatiques

"زهر چشم گرفتن"

— To intimidate someone so they don't cause trouble in the future.

باید از این کارمند زهر چشم بگیریم.

Informal/Neutral

"جام زهر را نوشیدن"

— To reluctantly accept a very difficult or humiliating situation for a greater cause.

رهبر جام زهر را نوشید و صلح کرد.

Political/Formal

"زهر مار خوردن"

— A rude way to ask 'What the hell are you eating/doing?'.

داری چه زهر ماری می‌خوری؟

Slang

"مثل مار زخمی زهر ریختن"

— To lash out at others because one is hurt or offended.

او مثل مار زخمی زهر می‌ریزد.

Literary

"زهر در عسل"

— Something that looks good but is actually harmful.

وعده‌های او زهر در عسل بود.

Literary

"زهرش را ریخت"

— He did his damage/He said his piece of malice.

بالاخره زهرش را ریخت و رفت.

Informal

"پادزهر در کیسه داشتن"

— To have a solution ready for any trick or attack.

او همیشه پادزهری در کیسه دارد.

Metaphorical

"زهر به جان خریدن"

— To willingly accept hardship or pain.

او زهر تنهایی را به جان خرید.

Poetic

"زهر خند"

— A smile that hides pain or malice.

او با زهرخندی ما را ترک کرد.

Neutral

"زهرآگین کردن فضا"

— To make an environment toxic or hostile.

او با غیبت کردن فضا را زهرآگین کرد.

Neutral

Facile à confondre

زهر vs سم (Samm)

Both mean poison.

Zahr is for animals (venom), Samm is for chemicals or general use.

سم موش (rat poison) vs زهر مار (snake venom).

زهر vs تلخ (Talkh)

Zahr is often described as talkh.

Talkh is a taste (bitter); Zahr is a substance (venom).

این چای تلخ است vs این مار زهر دارد.

زهر vs نیش (Nish)

Both relate to stings.

Nish is the physical sting/bite or the organ; Zahr is the fluid inside.

نیش عقرب (scorpion's sting) vs زهر عقرب (scorpion's venom).

زهر vs دارو (Dāru)

Venom is used to make medicine.

Dāru is the medicine (cure); Zahr is the toxin (cause).

دارو برای درمان است vs زهر برای کشتن است.

زهر vs مرگ (Marg)

Zahr leads to Marg.

Marg is the state of death; Zahr is the agent.

زهر باعث مرگ شد.

Structures de phrases

[Animal] [Zahr] dārad.

Mār zahr dārad.

[Zahr-e] [Animal] [Adjective] ast.

Zahr-e aqrab ghavi ast.

Mesle zahr [Adjective] bud.

Mesle zahr talkh bud.

[Something] rā be kām-e mā zahr kard.

Safar rā be kām-e mā zahr kard.

Az kasi zahr-e chashm gereftan.

Az u zahr-e chashm gereftam.

[Abstract Noun] zahr-āgin shode ast.

Fazā-ye siāsi zahr-āgin shode ast.

Jām-e zahr rā nushidan.

U jām-e zahr rā nushid.

Zahr-e [Emotion] dar jān-e u rikht.

Zahr-e tanhāyi dar jān-e u rikht.

Famille de mots

Noms

زهرابه (toxin)

زهرخند (bitter laugh)

پادزهر (antidote)

زهرآگینی (poisonousness)

Verbes

زهر کردن (to poison/ruin)

زهر ریختن (to spit venom/malice)

Adjectifs

زهرآگین (poisonous)

زهردار (venomous)

زهرآلود (poisoned)

Apparenté

مار (snake)

عقرب (scorpion)

سم (poison)

مرگ (death)

تلخ (bitter)

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Common in both biology and everyday emotional expression.

Erreurs courantes

Using Zahr for bleach or detergent. → Samm (سم)
Chemical poisons are always 'Samm', not 'Zahr'.
Saying 'Zahr-e Mar' to a teacher. → Be silent.
It is an insult and very disrespectful in formal settings.
Pronouncing it like 'Zar'. → Zahr
Without the 'h', you are saying 'gold', which changes the meaning entirely.
Using 'Zahr' as an adjective without a suffix. → Zahr-dār or Zahr-āgin
Zahr is a noun. You need a suffix to make it 'poisonous'.
Confusing Zahr with Zohr. → Zahr
Zohr means noon; Zahr means venom. Watch the vowel!

Astuces

Animal specific

Always associate 'Zahr' with animals like snakes and scorpions to remember its specific meaning.

Handle with care

Avoid using 'Zahr-e Mar' unless you are very close with someone and being playful, or if you are genuinely very angry.

Look for the Antidote

In Persian stories, where there is 'Zahr', there is often 'Pādzahr'. Look for this pairing.

Compound Power

Learn the compound verb 'Zahr kardan' early; it's very common for describing ruined plans.

The Soft H

Practice the 'h' in 'Zahr' by sighing gently after the 'a' sound.

History

Research 'Qajar Coffee' to understand the historical fear of 'Zahr' in Iranian politics.

Razi Institute

Knowing about the Razi Institute helps you see 'Zahr' in a modern, scientific context.

Zahr-āgin

Use 'Zahr-āgin' instead of 'Sammi' when you want to sound more poetic or intense.

Bitterness

Use 'Mesle zahr talkh' to describe the worst-tasting medicine you've ever had.

Visual Cues

In Iran, warning signs for dangerous animals might use the word 'Zahr' or 'Sammi'.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of a 'Zebra' (Z) that is 'Harsh' (H-R). A zebra with venom is a 'Zahr'.

Association visuelle

Imagine a snake's fangs dripping a bright green liquid labeled 'Zahr' in a desert setting.

Word Web

Snake Scorpion Bitter Antidote Death Dangerous Lethal Sting

Défi

Try to use 'Zahr' in a sentence about a bad day and a sentence about a dangerous animal today.

Origine du mot

Derived from Middle Persian 'zahr', which itself comes from Old Persian origins. It has been a stable word in the Iranian linguistic landscape for millennia.

Sens originel : The word has always referred to poison or venom, specifically associated with the biological weapons of animals.

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

Contexte culturel

Be careful using 'Zahr-e Mar' as it is genuinely rude and can escalate an argument.

In English, we distinguish venom (injected) from poison (ingested). In Persian, 'Zahr' covers both if it's animal-based, but 'Samm' is more common for chemicals.

The death of Rostam in the Shahnameh (poisoned pits). The 'Cup of Poison' speech by Ayatollah Khomeini regarding the end of the Iran-Iraq war. Classical poems by Hafez comparing separation to zahr.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Wildlife Safety

آیا این مار زهر دارد؟
زهر این عقرب کشنده است؟
کمک! او را زهر زده است.
کیت پادزهر کجاست؟

Cooking/Food

این غذا مثل زهر تلخ است.
چرا به کام ما زهر می‌کنی؟
طعم زهر می‌دهد.
بخور، زهر مار بخور!

Medical/Lab

استخراج زهر.
تحلیل پروتئین‌های زهر.
تولید پادزهر از زهر.
دوز زهر.

Literature/Poetry

زهر فراق.
جام زهر.
زهرخند روزگار.
کلام زهرآگین.

Interpersonal Conflict

زهر چشم گرفتن.
زهر مار!
زهرت را ریختی؟
زندگی را زهر کردن.

Amorces de conversation

"آیا تا به حال ماری را دیده‌ای که زهر داشته باشد؟"

"به نظر تو چرا زهر مار در پزشکی مفید است؟"

"در کشور تو، مردم از چه حیواناتی به خاطر زهرشان می‌ترسند؟"

"آیا تا به حال کسی سفر یا مهمانی را به کام تو زهر کرده است؟"

"معنی اصطلاح 'زهر مار' را در فارسی می‌دانی؟"

Sujets d'écriture

درباره زمانی بنویس که یک خبر تلخ مثل زهر برایت بود.

اگر می‌توانستی پادزهری برای یکی از مشکلات دنیا بسازی، آن چه بود؟

تفاوت بین زهر (venom) و سم (poison) را به فارسی توضیح بده.

داستانی کوتاه درباره یک شکارچی زهر بنویس.

چرا در ادبیات فارسی از زهر برای توصیف غم استفاده می‌شود؟

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

Zahr is specifically animal venom (like from a snake), while Samm is a general word for any poison, especially chemicals or pesticides.

Yes, it is quite harsh. It literally means 'snake venom' but is used to tell someone to shut up or to stop complaining in a very aggressive way.

Usually, 'Samm' or the adjective 'Sammi' is used for plants. Zahr is almost exclusively for animals, though in poetry it can be used more broadly.

The word is 'Pādzahr' (پادزهر), which literally means 'against-venom'.

It means to intimidate someone or give them a warning look so they fear you or follow your rules.

Yes, it is used when discussing toxins produced by organisms and the production of serums and vaccines.

It is a soft breathy sound. Don't skip it, but don't make it a harsh 'kh' sound either.

It's a compound word meaning a 'bitter laugh' or a cynical smirk.

Not literally, but it is the ultimate symbol of bitterness. If something is 'mesle zahr', it is extremely bitter.

It means 'Cup of Poison'. It's a historical and political metaphor for accepting a painful necessity.

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