A1 verb 10分で読める
At the A1 level, 'varzesh kardan' is one of the essential 'routine' verbs. You learn it alongside words like 'eating,' 'sleeping,' and 'working.' At this stage, you should focus on the simplest present tense conjugation: 'Man varzesh mikonam' (I exercise). You might use it to describe your daily schedule or hobbies. A1 learners should understand that 'varzesh' is the thing (sport/exercise) and 'kardan' is the action (to do). You don't need to worry about complex tenses yet; just being able to say 'I exercise' or 'Do you exercise?' is enough. You will often see this word in basic textbooks paired with pictures of people running or playing ball. It's a key building block for talking about yourself and your health in a very basic way. You should also recognize the negative form 'varzesh nemikonam' as a way to express things you don't do in your free time.
At the A2 level, you begin to expand how you use 'varzesh kardan' by adding time and location. You might say 'Man dar bāshgāh varzesh mikonam' (I exercise in the gym) or 'Man har ruz sobh varzesh mikonam' (I exercise every morning). You also start using the simple past tense: 'Diruz varzesh kardam' (Yesterday I exercised). At this level, you should be able to ask others about their exercise habits using the 'shomā' (formal you) or 'to' (informal you) forms. You also start to see the difference between 'varzesh kardan' (general exercise) and 'bazi kardan' (playing a specific game). A2 learners should be comfortable using this verb in short paragraphs about their lifestyle and should be able to understand simple health advice in Persian that uses this term.
At the B1 level, you move into more complex sentence structures. You will use 'varzesh kardan' with modal verbs like 'must,' 'can,' and 'want.' For example, 'Man bāyad varzesh bokonam' (I must exercise). This introduces the subjunctive mood ('bokonam'). You also start to use 'varzesh kardan' as an infinitive or a gerund: 'Varzesh kardan barāye salāmati mofid ast' (Exercising is useful for health). B1 learners can describe the benefits of exercise and can talk about their past experiences with sports more fluidly. You might also start using adverbs of frequency more precisely, such as 'be nodrat' (rarely) or 'ma'mulan' (usually). This level is about connecting 'varzesh kardan' to other ideas, like health, stress, and social life, using conjunctions like 'chon' (because) and 'agar' (if).
At the B2 level, you can use 'varzesh kardan' in more abstract and formal discussions. You might discuss the cultural importance of sports in Iran or compare different types of exercise. You will use the present perfect tense ('varzesh karde-am') to talk about things you have done recently or throughout your life. You can also handle passive-like constructions or more formal synonyms like 'fa'āliat-e badani dāshtan.' B2 learners should be able to follow a news report about sports or a podcast discussing fitness trends where 'varzesh kardan' is used frequently. You can also use the verb in the conditional mood: 'Agar vaght dāshtam, bishtar varzesh mikardam' (If I had time, I would exercise more). This level requires a high degree of grammatical accuracy and the ability to use the word in varied registers.
At the C1 level, 'varzesh kardan' is used within sophisticated arguments and nuanced descriptions. You might analyze the psychological effects of 'varzesh kardan' or its role in national identity. You will use advanced grammatical structures like the past perfect or complex subjunctive forms. You should be able to use the word in literary or academic contexts, perhaps discussing 'varzesh' in the context of Persian literature or history (like the Shahnameh's emphasis on physical strength). C1 learners can use the word idiomatically and understand its nuances compared to technical terms like 'physiological exertion.' You can also write detailed essays or give presentations on topics like 'The evolution of varzesh kardan in the digital age' or 'The socio-economic barriers to varzesh kardan in urban environments.'
At the C2 level, you have near-native mastery of 'varzesh kardan.' You can use it in any context, from a casual street slang conversation to a formal academic lecture on sports science. You understand the deep etymological roots of the word and how it relates to other Persian concepts of labor and cultivation. You can use the word in poetic or highly rhetorical ways. You are also aware of the most subtle distinctions between 'varzesh kardan' and its many synonyms, using them with perfect precision to convey exact meanings. At this level, the word is just one tool in a vast linguistic arsenal, used effortlessly and correctly in 100% of instances, including complex hypothetical or highly formal legal/medical discussions regarding physical education and public health policies.

The Persian compound verb ورزش کردن (varzesh kardan) is the fundamental way to express the act of exercising or engaging in sports. In the Persian language, many actions are expressed through 'compound verbs,' where a noun or adjective is paired with a 'light verb' like kardan (to do/make). Here, varzesh means 'sport' or 'exercise,' and kardan is the functional engine of the phrase. This term is incredibly versatile, covering everything from a light morning stretch to professional athletic competition. Understanding this word is essential because physical culture and health are deeply embedded in Iranian society, from the ancient traditions of the Zurkhaneh to the modern obsession with football and wrestling. When you use this word, you are not just describing movement; you are participating in a linguistic structure that defines how Persians view activity—not as a single unit of action, but as the 'doing' of 'sport.'

Literal Meaning
To do sport or to perform exercise.
Grammatical Category
Compound Verb (Noun + Light Verb).
Common Context
Daily routines, health discussions, gym environments, and school activities.

من هر روز صبح در پارک ورزش می‌کنم تا سالم بمانم.

(I exercise in the park every morning to stay healthy.)

In Iranian culture, varzesh kardan is often a social activity. You will see groups of elderly people in city parks like Mellat Park in Tehran gathering at dawn to 'varzesh kardan' together. It is also the term used in schools for Physical Education (P.E.) classes. Because it is a compound verb, the conjugation happens entirely on the 'kardan' part. For example, in the present continuous, you would say dāram varzesh mikonam (I am exercising). The word varzesh itself has roots in Middle Persian, relating to work, cultivation, and practice, suggesting that exercise is a form of self-cultivation.

آیا شما دوست دارید در باشگاه ورزش کنید؟

(Do you like to exercise at the gym?)

پزشک به من گفت که باید بیشتر ورزش کنم.

(The doctor told me that I must exercise more.)

Furthermore, the term scales across all levels of intensity. A professional wrestler (koshtigir) will 'varzesh kardan' with extreme intensity, while a child playing in the yard might be told to 'varzesh kardan' to burn energy. It's a word that bridges the gap between ancient heroic traditions (Pahlavani) and modern fitness trends. When Iranians talk about their hobbies, 'varzesh kardan' is almost always near the top of the list, reflecting a national pride in athletic prowess, especially in individual sports like wrestling and weightlifting.

آن‌ها برای مسابقات المپیک سخت ورزش می‌کنند.

(They are exercising/training hard for the Olympic games.)

قبل از صبحانه کمی ورزش کردن انرژی زیادی به شما می‌دهد.

(Exercising a little before breakfast gives you a lot of energy.)

Using ورزش کردن correctly requires an understanding of Persian verb conjugation, specifically for compound verbs. The noun part, ورزش, remains static, while the light verb کردن changes to reflect tense, person, and number. This is a pattern you will see thousands of times in Persian, so mastering it here is a great stepping stone. Let's look at the present tense first. To say 'I exercise,' you take the present stem of kardan, which is kon, add the prefix mi- for habituality, and the personal ending -am, resulting in varzesh mikonam.

Present Tense (Habitual)
Subject + ورزش + می‌ + [stem: کن] + ending. Example: ما ورزش می‌کنیم (We exercise).
Past Tense (Simple)
Subject + ورزش + [stem: کرد] + ending. Example: او ورزش کرد (He/She exercised).
Future Tense
Subject + ورزش + خواه + ending + کرد. Example: من ورزش خواهم کرد (I will exercise).

دیروز به خاطر باران نتوانستم ورزش کنم.

(Yesterday, because of the rain, I couldn't exercise.)

When you want to specify *where* or *how* you exercise, you usually place those details before the verb or between the noun and the light verb (though before the verb is more common). For example, 'I exercise in the gym' is man dar bāshgāh varzesh mikonam. If you want to say 'I exercise a lot,' you say man ziād varzesh mikonam. The flexibility of Persian word order allows for some variation, but keeping the compound verb parts close together is standard for clarity.

آیا شما هر روز ورزش می‌کنید یا فقط آخر هفته‌ها؟

(Do you exercise every day or only on weekends?)

ما تصمیم گرفتیم که از این به بعد با هم ورزش کنیم.

(We decided to exercise together from now on.)

Another important aspect is the use of the subjunctive mood with auxiliary verbs like 'want' (khāstan) or 'must' (bāyadan). If you say 'I want to exercise,' the verb kardan changes to its subjunctive form: mikhoham varzesh bokonam (or bokonam). Notice the 'bo-' prefix. This is a hallmark of more advanced Persian grammar but is used even in basic daily conversations. Whether you are discussing health goals or inviting a friend to the gym, these patterns remain consistent.

بسیاری از مردم برای کاهش استرس ورزش می‌کنند.

(Many people exercise to reduce stress.)

Finally, consider the infinitive form varzesh kardan itself. It can act as a noun (gerund) in English. For example, 'Exercising is good for the heart' would be varzesh kardan barāye ghalb khub ast. Here, the entire compound verb acts as the subject of the sentence. This illustrates the multi-functional nature of Persian infinitives.

او از ورزش کردن در هوای آزاد لذت می‌برد.

(He enjoys exercising in the open air.)

If you walk through any major Iranian city like Tehran, Isfahan, or Shiraz, you will hear ورزش کردن in various settings. One of the most iconic places is the local park. Iran has a very strong culture of 'public exercise.' Early in the morning, often before the sun is fully up, groups of people—especially the elderly—gather for communal stretching and light aerobics. You will hear the leader of the group shouting instructions or simply people chatting about how varzesh kardan has improved their joint pain or energy levels.

The Gym (Bāshgāh)
The most common place for the younger generation to 'varzesh kardan.' You'll hear 'Emruz miri bāshgāh varzesh koni?' (Are you going to the gym to exercise today?).
Television & Radio
Health programs frequently use the term when giving medical advice. 'Varzesh kardan rā dar barnāme-ye ruzāne-ye khod gharār dehid' (Include exercising in your daily schedule).
Schools
Teachers tell students to 'varzesh kardan' during the 'zang-e varzesh' (sports bell/period).

توی این پارک همه دارند ورزش می‌کنند، چقدر حس خوبی دارد!

(Everyone is exercising in this park; it feels so good!)

Another fascinating context is the 'Zurkhaneh' (House of Strength). While the specific rituals there have their own names (like charkh zadan), the participants will still generally refer to their training as varzesh kardan. This is the ancient Iranian gym where athletes exercise to the beat of a drum and the chanting of rhythmic poetry. Hearing the term in this context connects you to thousands of years of Persian history. In more modern settings, like the 'Bāshgāh-e Badansāzi' (Bodybuilding Club), you'll hear it used alongside loanwords like 'cardio' or 'sets.'

تلویزیون همیشه درباره فواید ورزش کردن برنامه پخش می‌کند.

(The TV always broadcasts programs about the benefits of exercising.)

ببخشید، ساعت چند برای ورزش کردن به استادیوم می‌روید؟

(Excuse me, what time do you go to the stadium to exercise?)

You will also encounter this word in news reports regarding national athletes. When a champion wrestler is being interviewed, they might talk about their years of sakht varzesh kardan (exercising/training hard). In this sense, the word takes on a more disciplined, professional tone. Even in the workplace, with the rise of wellness culture in Iran, some offices have 'varzesh-e ruzāne' (daily exercise) breaks where employees are encouraged to stretch. It's a word that permeates every layer of life, from the most traditional to the most modern.

پدرم می‌گوید ورزش کردن بهترین دارو برای هر دردی است.

(My father says exercising is the best medicine for any pain.)

For English speakers, the most common mistake when using ورزش کردن is confusing it with بازی کردن (bāzi kardan - to play). In English, we 'play' sports (play football, play tennis). In Persian, while you can 'play' a specific game, the general act of engaging in that sport for fitness or training is almost always varzesh kardan. If you say 'Man football varzesh mikonam,' it sounds slightly off; you should say 'Man football bāzi mikonam' or 'Man bā football varzesh mikonam' (I exercise with football). However, 'varzesh kardan' is the umbrella term for the physical activity itself.

Mistake 1: Wrong Light Verb
Using 'dāshtan' (to have) or 'shodan' (to become) instead of 'kardan'. Incorrect: 'Varzesh dāram' (unless you mean 'I have a PE class'). Correct: 'Varzesh mikonam'.
Mistake 2: Negation Placement
Placing the 'ne-' (not) before 'varzesh'. Incorrect: 'Ne-varzesh mikonam'. Correct: 'Varzesh ne-mikonam'.
Mistake 3: Overusing 'Bazi'
Using 'bazi kardan' for gym workouts. You don't 'play' the gym; you 'varzesh' in it.

غلط: من دیروز ورزش نکردم. (Correct syntax, but watch for the 'ne' placement!)

(Wait, this is actually correct! The mistake would be 'ne-varzesh kardam'.)

Another common error involves the 'mi-' prefix in the present tense. Beginners often forget it, saying 'Man varzesh konam.' This actually changes the meaning to the subjunctive ('That I exercise' or 'Let me exercise'). For a regular habit, the 'mi-' is mandatory: 'Man varzesh mikonam.' Also, pay attention to the difference between 'varzesh' (the noun) and 'varzesh kardan' (the verb). You can say 'Varzesh khub ast' (Exercise is good), but you cannot use 'varzesh' alone to mean 'I exercise.'

اشتباه: من می‌خواهم ورزش می‌کنم.

(Mistake: After 'want', you need the subjunctive 'bokonam', not 'mikonam'.)

اشتباه: او هر روز ورزش کرد.

(Mistake: If it's 'every day', use the present 'mikonad', not the past 'kard'.)

Lastly, be careful with the plural. While 'varzesh-hā' (sports) exists, when talking about the act of exercising, we almost always use the singular 'varzesh kardan.' Saying 'varzesh-hā kardan' sounds like you are doing multiple different types of sports simultaneously, which is logically and linguistically awkward. Stick to the singular noun in the compound verb unless you are specifically listing different sports as separate entities.

درست: او به ورزش کردن علاقه دارد.

(Correct: He is interested in exercising.)

While ورزش کردن is the most common term, Persian offers several alternatives depending on the specific type of activity or the level of formality. For example, if you are talking about 'training' or 'practicing' for a specific goal, tamrin kardan is more appropriate. If you are doing light stretches or warming up, you might use narmesh kardan. Understanding these nuances will make your Persian sound much more natural and precise.

تمرین کردن (Tamrin Kardan)
To practice or train. Used for repetitive skill-building, like practicing piano or football drills. Focuses on improvement.
نرمش کردن (Narmesh Kardan)
To do light exercise or calisthenics. Often used for morning stretches or warm-ups before 'real' sport.
بدنسازی (Badansāzi)
Bodybuilding or weight training. Literally 'body-making.' If you are going to the gym specifically to lift weights, this is the word.

من قبل از فوتبال بازی کردن، کمی نرمش می‌کنم.

(I do some light stretches before playing football.)

Another interesting alternative is fa'āliat-e badani (physical activity). This is more formal and clinical, often used in medical or academic contexts. For example, a health brochure might say 'Fa'āliat-e badani barāye salāmati zaruri ast' (Physical activity is necessary for health). If you are talking about a specific sport, you use the name of the sport + kardan or bāzi kardan. For instance, shenā kardan (to swim) or kuhnavardi kardan (to hike/mountain climb).

تیم ملی برای بازی فینال خیلی تمرین کرده است.

(The national team has practiced/trained a lot for the final game.)

برادرم به بدنسازی علاقه زیادی دارد و هر روز وزنه می‌زند.

(My brother is very interested in bodybuilding and lifts weights every day.)

In summary, while varzesh kardan is your 'go-to' verb for general exercise, use tamrin for practice, narmesh for stretching, and badansāzi for the gym. This variety allows you to specify exactly what kind of movement you are engaging in, which is a sign of a more advanced speaker.

پیاده‌روی هم نوعی ورزش کردن محسوب می‌شود.

(Walking is also considered a type of exercising.)

レベル別の例文

1

من ورزش می‌کنم.

I exercise.

Simple present tense, 1st person singular.

2

آیا تو ورزش می‌کنی؟

Do you exercise?

Interrogative present tense, 2nd person singular informal.

3

ما هر روز ورزش می‌کنیم.

We exercise every day.

Habitual present tense with 'har ruz'.

4

او ورزش نمی‌کند.

He/She does not exercise.

Negative present tense.

5

آن‌ها در پارک ورزش می‌کنند.

They exercise in the park.

Present tense, 3rd person plural.

6

ورزش کردن خوب است.

Exercising is good.

Infinitive used as a subject.

7

بیا ورزش کنیم!

Let's exercise!

Imperative/Hortative mood.

8

شما کجا ورزش می‌کنید؟

Where do you (formal) exercise?

Interrogative with 'koja'.

1

دیروز کمی ورزش کردم.

Yesterday I exercised a little.

Simple past tense.

2

او دوست دارد در باشگاه ورزش کند.

He likes to exercise in the gym.

Subjunctive after 'dust dārad'.

3

ما قبل از ناهار ورزش کردیم.

We exercised before lunch.

Simple past with time preposition.

4

آیا شما قبلاً ورزش می‌کردید؟

Did you used to exercise before?

Past habitual tense.

5

من می‌خواهم فردا ورزش کنم.

I want to exercise tomorrow.

Subjunctive after 'mikhoham'.

6

او برای سلامتی‌اش ورزش می‌کند.

He exercises for his health.

Present tense with purpose preposition.

7

بچه‌ها در مدرسه ورزش می‌کنند.

The children exercise at school.

Plural subject with present tense.

8

من هیچ‌وقت ورزش نمی‌کنم.

I never exercise.

Negative with 'hich-vaght'.

1

اگر وقت داشته باشم، ورزش می‌کنم.

If I have time, I will exercise.

Conditional sentence type 1.

2

باید هر روز حداقل سی دقیقه ورزش کنید.

You must exercise at least thirty minutes every day.

Subjunctive after 'bāyad'.

3

ورزش کردن باعث می‌شود احساس بهتری داشته باشم.

Exercising makes me feel better.

Causative structure with 'bā'es shodan'.

4

او ترجیح می‌دهد صبح زود ورزش کند.

He prefers to exercise early in the morning.

Subjunctive after 'tarjih dādan'.

5

من از ورزش کردن در هوای سرد متنفرم.

I hate exercising in cold weather.

Infinitive as an object of a verb of emotion.

6

او مدتی است که ورزش نمی‌کند.

It has been a while since he has exercised.

Present perfect negative in a duration context.

7

آیا می‌توانی بدون مربی ورزش کنی؟

Can you exercise without a coach?

Subjunctive after 'tavānestan'.

8

ورزش کردن در خانه راحت‌تر است.

Exercising at home is easier.

Comparative adjective with infinitive subject.

1

او سال‌هاست که به طور حرفه‌ای ورزش می‌کند.

He has been exercising professionally for years.

Present perfect continuous sense in Persian.

2

به نظر می‌رسد که او منظم ورزش کرده است.

It seems that he has exercised regularly.

Present perfect after 'be nazar mi-rasad'.

3

ورزش کردن نه تنها برای بدن، بلکه برای روح هم مفید است.

Exercising is useful not only for the body but also for the soul.

Correlative conjunction 'na tanhā... balke'.

4

او تصمیم گرفته است که ورزش کردن را جدی بگیرد.

He has decided to take exercising seriously.

Present perfect with infinitive object.

5

با وجود خستگی، او باز هم ورزش کرد.

Despite being tired, he still exercised.

Concessive phrase 'bā vojud-e'.

6

او همیشه می‌گفت که باید از جوانی ورزش کرد.

He always used to say that one should exercise from youth.

Impersonal 'bāyad' with short infinitive.

7

تا زمانی که ورزش نکنی، بدنت قوی نمی‌شود.

As long as you don't exercise, your body won't get strong.

Temporal clause with 'tā zamāni ke'.

8

او با هدف لاغر شدن شروع به ورزش کردن کرد.

He started exercising with the goal of losing weight.

Compound sentence with 'shoru' be'.

1

تداوم در ورزش کردن کلید اصلی موفقیت در تناسب اندام است.

Consistency in exercising is the main key to success in fitness.

Abstract noun phrase as subject.

2

او چنان سخت ورزش می‌کرد که همه را شگفت‌زده کرده بود.

He was exercising so hard that he had amazed everyone.

Past continuous with result clause.

3

پژوهش‌ها نشان می‌دهند که ورزش کردن از بروز افسردگی جلوگیری می‌کند.

Research shows that exercising prevents the onset of depression.

Academic reporting verb with noun clause.

4

او به جای ورزش کردن، تمام وقتش را صرف مطالعه می‌کند.

Instead of exercising, he spends all his time studying.

Prepositional phrase 'be jāye'.

5

اگر او زودتر ورزش کردن را شروع کرده بود، اکنون سالم‌تر بود.

If he had started exercising sooner, he would be healthier now.

Mixed conditional (Past perfect + Present conditional).

6

ورزش کردن در فرهنگ باستانی ایران جایگاه ویژه‌ای داشته است.

Exercising held a special place in ancient Iranian culture.

Historical present perfect.

7

او معتقد است که ورزش کردن باید به یک عادت اجتماعی تبدیل شود.

He believes that exercising should become a social habit.

Complex belief statement with subjunctive.

8

علیرغم مشکلات جسمانی، او از ورزش کردن دست نمی‌کشد.

Despite physical problems, he does not give up exercising.

Advanced concessive 'alā-raghm-e'.

1

نهادینه کردن فرهنگ ورزش کردن مستلزم برنامه‌ریزی‌های کلان آموزشی است.

Institutionalizing the culture of exercising requires macro-educational planning.

Highly formal, academic register.

2

ورزش کردن در این سطح از حرفه‌ای‌گری، نیازمند انضباطی آهنین است.

Exercising at this level of professionalism requires iron discipline.

Metaphorical language in a formal context.

3

او با وجود کهولت سن، همچنان به ورزش کردن به مثابه یک فریضه می‌نگرد.

Despite his advanced age, he still views exercising as a duty.

Literary/Archaic phrasing 'be masābe-ye'.

4

تأثیرات شگرف ورزش کردن بر پلاستیسیته مغز غیرقابل انکار است.

The profound effects of exercising on brain plasticity are undeniable.

Scientific terminology within a Persian sentence.

5

او چنان با شور و اشتیاق ورزش می‌کرد که گویی هیچ غمی در جهان ندارد.

He exercised with such passion as if he had no sorrow in the world.

Simile using 'guyi'.

6

ورزش کردن می‌تواند به عنوان ابزاری برای دیپلماسی عمومی مورد استفاده قرار گیرد.

Exercising/Sports can be used as a tool for public diplomacy.

Passive voice in a political context.

7

عدم تمایل به ورزش کردن در جوامع مدرن، پیامدهای ناگواری به همراه دارد.

The lack of inclination to exercise in modern societies brings unfortunate consequences.

Complex noun phrase with negative prefix 'adam'.

8

او تمام هستی خود را وقف ورزش کردن و ترویج آن در میان جوانان کرد.

He dedicated his entire existence to exercising and promoting it among the youth.

Literary register with 'vaghf kardan'.

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