At the A1 level, you just need to know that 'sarmā khordan' means 'to catch a cold'. You should be able to say 'I have a cold' (sarmā khordam) and 'I am sick' (man marizam). You don't need to worry about complex grammar, just remember that 'khordan' is the verb part. If you sneeze, your Persian friends might ask 'Sarmā khordi?' (Did you catch a cold?). You can answer 'Bale' (Yes) or 'Na' (No). Focus on the past tense 'khordam' as it's the most common way to report your status.
At A2, you should start using the present tense 'sarmā mikhoram' to describe the process of getting sick. You can also add simple reasons, like 'I caught a cold because of the rain' (be khāter-e bārān sarmā khordam). You should also learn the word 'sarmā-khordegi' (the noun for 'a cold'). You can start using simple remedies in sentences, like 'I have a cold, I'm drinking tea' (sarmā khordam, chāy mikhoram).
As a B1 learner, you should understand the compound nature of this verb and conjugate it correctly across all tenses, including the present continuous (dāram sarmā mikhoram). You should be able to use it in more complex sentences with conjunctions like 'vaqt-i ke' (when) or 'chon' (because). You should also be familiar with the cultural context, such as the importance of 'shalgam' (turnips) and avoiding 'sardi' (cold foods) when you 'eat the cold'. You can describe symptoms like 'sūzesh-e gelū' (burning throat) alongside the verb.
At the B2 level, you should be able to use 'sarmā khordan' in various registers. You can differentiate between the informal 'sarmā khordam' and the more formal 'dūchār-e sarmā-khordegi shodan'. You should understand idiomatic uses and how to use intensifiers like 'sakht' (severely) or 'bad-jūr' (badly). You can discuss the social implications, such as taking sick leave (morakhasi-ye estelāji) due to catching a cold.
At C1, you should have a nuanced understanding of the verb's etymology and its place in the Persian linguistic system of 'khordan' verbs. You should be able to use it in literary or academic contexts, discussing the epidemiology of cold viruses in Persian or traditional medical theories of 'sarmā'. You should also be comfortable with synonyms like 'zokām' or 'nazle' (though rare) and know when to use them for stylistic effect.
At the C2 level, you should be indistinguishable from a native speaker in your use of this term. This includes using it in humor, sarcasm, or complex metaphors. You understand the deep cultural psyche behind 'eating the cold' and can engage in debates about traditional vs. modern medicine in Persian regarding this specific ailment. You can use the verb effortlessly in any complex grammatical structure, including passive forms or causative structures if necessary (though rare for this specific verb).

سرما خوردن 30초 만에

  • Commonly used to mean 'catching a cold' in Persian.
  • A compound verb consisting of 'sarmā' (cold) and 'khordan' (to eat).
  • Essential for discussing health and winter illness in Iran.
  • Conjugated by changing only the 'khordan' part of the phrase.

The Persian verb سرما خوردن (sarmā khordan) is the standard way to express 'catching a cold' or 'becoming ill' due to cold weather or viral infection. Literally translated, it means 'to eat the cold.' This linguistic construction is fascinating because the verb khordan (to eat) in Persian is used for a wide variety of experiences where something is 'consumed' or 'sustained' by the body or the self, such as 'eating a blow' (being hit) or 'eating a regret' (feeling regret). In the context of health, it suggests that the body has absorbed the 'coldness' of the environment, leading to the symptoms we associate with the common cold.

Literal Meaning
To eat the cold (Sarmā = Cold, Khordan = To eat/consume).
Medical Context
Used for minor upper respiratory infections, sore throats, and runny noses.

In Iranian culture, the concept of 'sarma' (cold) is not just about temperature; it is deeply tied to traditional Persian medicine (Teb-e Sonnati), which classifies illnesses and foods into 'hot' (garmi) and 'cold' (sardi) categories. Catching a cold is often seen as an imbalance where the body has been exposed to too much 'sardi'. Therefore, when someone says they have 'eaten the cold,' they are signaling a state of physical vulnerability. You will hear this phrase constantly during the autumn and winter months in Iran. It is used by doctors, parents, and colleagues alike. It is a neutral, everyday term suitable for all social settings, from a formal office environment to an informal family gathering.

مراقب باش! اگر بدون ژاکت بیرون بروی، حتماً سرما می‌خوری.

The verb is a compound verb, meaning it consists of a noun (sarmā) and a light verb (khordan). When conjugating, only the 'khordan' part changes. For example, 'I caught a cold' is sarmā khordam, and 'I am catching a cold' is dāram sarmā mikhoram. This distinction is crucial for learners to master, as the noun remains static while the verb carries the tense and person markers.

Understanding this word also opens the door to understanding how Iranians view recovery. If you tell someone you 'ate the cold,' they will likely suggest 'hot' remedies like turnip (shalgam), honey and lemon, or herbal teas (damnoosh) to counteract the 'cold' that you have 'eaten'. It is more than just a medical description; it is a cultural anchor for winter social interactions.

او به خاطر باران شدید سرما خورده است و امروز به مدرسه نمی‌آید.

Register
Neutral/Standard. Used in both spoken and written Persian.

Using سرما خوردن correctly requires understanding its structure as a compound verb. In Persian, compound verbs are the norm, and 'khordan' is one of the most productive light verbs. To use it in a sentence, you must place the subject first, then the noun 'sarmā', and finally the conjugated form of 'khordan'. If you want to specify who caught the cold, you use the standard verbal endings (-am, -i, -ad, etc.).

Past Tense
من سرما خوردم (I caught a cold). Simple past is used for completed actions.
Present Continuous
دارم سرما می‌خورم (I am catching a cold). Used when you feel the first symptoms like a scratchy throat.

When adding adverbs, they usually come before the whole verb or between the noun and the light verb. For example, 'I caught a bad cold' can be said as بدجور سرما خوردم (bad-joor sarmā khordam). Notice how the intensifier 'bad-joor' (badly) provides more flavor to the sentence. In formal writing, you might see دچارِ سرماخوردگی شدن (to become afflicted with a cold), but in 99% of conversations, 'sarmā khordan' is the preferred choice.

بچه‌ها در زمستان زود سرما می‌خورند.

Negating the verb is also straightforward: add the prefix 'na-' to the light verb. 'I didn't catch a cold' becomes سرما نخوردم. Note that the 'na-' attaches to 'khordan', not 'sarmā'. This is a common point of confusion for beginners who might try to negate the noun. Always remember: the action is 'eating', and you didn't 'eat'.

امیدوارم در سفر سرما نخوری.

Finally, consider the use of the word in questions. 'Did you catch a cold?' is simply سرما خوردی؟ with a rising intonation. This is a very common way to show concern for someone who is coughing or sneezing. It is polite and empathetic.

Future Tense
سرما خواهم خورد (I will catch a cold - Formal). In speech: سرما می‌خورم (I'll catch a cold).

You will encounter سرما خوردن in almost every facet of daily life during the colder months in Iran, Afghanistan, and Tajikistan. One of the most common places is the local pharmacy (dāruk hāne). A customer might walk in and say, 'I've caught a cold, do you have something for a cough?' (sarmā khordam, dāru barāye sofe dārid?). Pharmacists will immediately understand this as a request for over-the-counter cold medicine.

In Schools
Parents calling teachers to excuse their children: 'Ali sarmā khorde, nemiyād'.
In Offices
Colleagues warning each other: 'Dast nade, sarmā khordam' (Don't shake hands, I have a cold).

The word also appears frequently in media. Weather reports might end with a warning to 'dress warmly so you don't catch a cold' (lebās-e garm bepooshid ke sarmā nakhorid). In TV dramas, a character catching a cold is a common trope to show they are being cared for by another character, often involving the preparation of 'Soup-e Morgh' (chicken soup) or 'Ash-e Shalgam'.

دیشب کولر روشن بود و من سرما خوردم.

Interestingly, you will also hear this in the context of 'pre-emptive' warnings. Iranian grandmothers (māman-bozorg) are famous for saying 'sarmā mikhori!' if they see a child walking barefoot on a cold floor or drinking ice water. This highlights the cultural belief that direct contact with cold surfaces or substances 'feeds' the cold to the body.

همه همکارانم سرما خورده‌اند، امیدوارم من نگیرم.

In summary, 'sarmā khordan' is unavoidable in Persian daily life. It is the bridge between weather, health, and social care. Whether you are at a clinic, a party, or home, knowing this word allows you to participate in the universal human experience of being unwell and seeking sympathy or medicine.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make is trying to translate 'to have a cold' literally using the verb 'dāshtan' (to have). While you can say سرماخوردگی دارم (I have a cold-illness), it sounds much more clinical and less natural than the standard سرما خوردم. In Persian, you don't 'have' a cold; you 'ate' it or you are currently 'eating' it.

Mistake 1: Using 'Dāshtan'
Incorrect: من سرما دارم (I have cold). Correct: من سرما خوردم.
Mistake 2: Confusing with 'Sard'
Saying 'man sardam' means 'I am cold' (feeling the temperature), not 'I have a cold'.

Another error involves the placement of the negative prefix. Learners often say نـسرما خوردم, which is incorrect. The 'na-' must always attach to the light verb: سرما نـخوردم. This is a rule for all Persian compound verbs, but it is especially common to mess up with 'sarmā khordan' because learners treat it as a single unit in their minds.

اشتباه: من سردم خوردم. (Wrong: I ate my cold). درست: من سرما خوردم.

Lastly, be careful with the word zadan (to hit). Some learners think since you 'hit' a virus, you might use 'zadan'. While sarmā zadan exists, it usually refers to frostbite or crops being damaged by frost, not a human catching a cold. If you say a person 'sarmā zad', it sounds like they were frozen in a block of ice!

نکته: برای بیماری همیشه از فعل خوردن استفاده کنید.

Mistake 3: Verb Tense
Using present tense 'sarmā mikhoram' when you already have the cold. Use the past 'sarmā khordam' or present perfect 'sarmā khorde-am'.

While سرما خوردن is the most common term, there are several alternatives depending on the severity and the context. If the illness is more general, you might use مریض شدن (mariz shodan), which simply means 'to become sick.' This is useful if you aren't sure if it's a cold, a stomach bug, or just exhaustion.

Anfoluanzā (آنفولانزا)
Used specifically for the Flu. It sounds more serious than a simple cold.
Chāyi kardan (چایی کردن)
A more colloquial, slightly older term for catching a chill or a mild cold.

If you want to sound more formal or medical, you can use the noun form سرماخوردگی (sarmā-khordegi). For example, 'Sarmākhordegi-ye shadid' means 'a severe cold.' This is common in news reports or medical brochures. In the medical field, a doctor might use عفونتِ تنفسی (ofunat-e tanafosi), meaning 'respiratory infection,' though this is strictly professional.

او به یک سرماخوردگیِ ساده مبتلا شده است.

Comparison with 'Gelo-dard' (sore throat): Often, people will specify their symptom rather than the whole cold. 'Gelo-dard dāram' (I have a sore throat) is a common companion to 'sarmā khordam'. Similarly, 'Zokām' is an older, more poetic or formal word for a runny nose or congestion, though it is rarely used in modern speech.

Vā-gereftan (واگرفتن)
To 'catch' it from someone else (contagion). 'Az u sarmā vā-gereftam'.

به جای سرما خوردن، گاهی می‌گوییم ناخوش هستم (I am unwell).

How Formal Is It?

재미있는 사실

In Persian, you 'eat' many things that aren't food: you eat a blow (kotak khordan), you eat a pity (ghosse khordan), and you even eat a turn (fereyb khordan - to be deceived).

발음 가이드

UK /sæɾmɒː xoɾdæn/
US /sæɾmɑː xoɾdæn/
The primary stress is on the last syllable of 'khordan' when used as an infinitive: khordÁN. In conjugated forms like 'mikhóram', the stress shifts to the 'khó'.
라임이 맞는 단어
آوردن (Āvordan) بردن (Bordan) مردن (Mordan) شمردن (Shemordan) سپردن (Sepordan) آزردن (Āzordan) فشردن (Feshordan) پژمردن (Pazhmordan)
자주 하는 실수
  • Pronouncing 'kh' as a hard 'k' (it should be fricative).
  • Making the 'a' in 'sarma' too long like 'aa'.
  • Ignoring the 'r' sound in the middle of 'sarma'.
  • Stressing the 'sarma' part instead of the verb part.
  • Merging the two words into one without a slight pause.

난이도

독해 2/5

Easy to recognize in text as it uses common words.

쓰기 3/5

Requires knowledge of compound verb conjugation and spacing (nim-fāsele).

말하기 2/5

Very common, but the 'kh' sound can be tricky for beginners.

듣기 2/5

Easily identified due to its distinct rhythm.

다음에 무엇을 배울까

선수 학습

سرما (Cold) خوردن (To eat) مریض (Sick) زمستان (Winter) هوا (Weather)

다음에 배울 것

آنفولانزا (Flu) داروخانه (Pharmacy) دکتر (Doctor) نسخه (Prescription) استراحت کردن (To rest)

고급

مزاج (Temperament) طب سنتی (Traditional Medicine) سیستم ایمنی (Immune System) واگیردار (Contagious) عفونت (Infection)

알아야 할 문법

Compound Verb Conjugation

In 'sarmā khordan', only 'khordan' changes: sarmā khordam, sarmā mikhori, sarmā khorde-and.

Negative Prefix Placement

The 'na-' goes before the light verb: sarmā nakhordam (NOT nasarmā khordam).

Present Continuous with 'Dāshtan'

Dāram sarmā mikhoram (I am currently catching a cold).

Subjunctive Mood

Mikhāham sarmā nakhoram (I want to not catch a cold).

Nim-fāsele usage

Using a short space in 'می‌خورم' (mi-khoram).

수준별 예문

1

من سرما خوردم.

I caught a cold.

Simple past of sarmā khordan.

2

آیا تو سرما خوردی؟

Did you catch a cold?

Question form with rising intonation.

3

او سرما خورده است.

He/she has caught a cold.

Present perfect tense.

4

ما سرما خوردیم.

We caught a cold.

First person plural, past tense.

5

سرما نخور!

Don't catch a cold!

Imperative negative.

6

امروز سرما خوردم.

I caught a cold today.

Use of 'emrooz' (today) with past tense.

7

گلویم درد می‌کند، شاید سرما خوردم.

My throat hurts, maybe I caught a cold.

Connecting a symptom to the verb.

8

من خیلی سرما خوردم.

I caught a bad cold (literally: I caught a cold very much).

Use of 'kheyli' as an intensifier.

1

هوا سرد است، سرما می‌خوری.

The weather is cold, you will catch a cold.

Present tense used for future warning.

2

اگر باران بیاید، سرما می‌خوریم.

If it rains, we will catch a cold.

Conditional sentence.

3

چون سرما خوردم، به مهمانی نمی‌روم.

Because I caught a cold, I am not going to the party.

Using 'chon' (because).

4

مادرم می‌گوید سرما خوردی.

My mother says you caught a cold.

Reported speech.

5

من هیچ‌وقت سرما نمی‌خورم.

I never catch a cold.

Negative habitual present.

6

باید دارو بخوری چون سرما خوردی.

You must take medicine because you caught a cold.

Modal verb 'bāyad' (must).

7

او هر زمستان سرما می‌خورد.

He/she catches a cold every winter.

Habitual present.

8

چرا سرما خوردی؟

Why did you catch a cold?

Question with 'cherā' (why).

1

فکر کنم دارم سرما می‌خورم چون گلویم می‌سوزد.

I think I'm catching a cold because my throat is burning.

Present continuous tense.

2

او بدجوری سرما خورده و نمی‌تواند حرف بزند.

He has caught a bad cold and cannot speak.

Adverb 'bad-joori' (badly).

3

اگر مراقب نباشی، حتماً سرما می‌خوری.

If you aren't careful, you will definitely catch a cold.

Use of 'hatman' (definitely).

4

به محض اینکه رسیدم خانه، فهمیدم سرما خوردم.

As soon as I got home, I realized I caught a cold.

Time clause 'be mahz-e inke'.

5

تا حالا سه بار در این ماه سرما خورده‌ام.

I have caught a cold three times this month already.

Present perfect with frequency.

6

بچه‌ها معمولاً در مهدکودک سرما می‌خورند.

Children usually catch colds in kindergarten.

General statement.

7

دکتر گفت که فقط یک سرماخوردگی ساده است.

The doctor said it's just a simple cold.

Noun form 'sarmā-khordegi'.

8

نمی‌خواهم از تو سرما بخورم، پس فاصله بگیر!

I don't want to catch a cold from you, so keep your distance!

Subjunctive mood 'bekhoram'.

1

با وجود اینکه واکسن زده بودم، باز هم سرما خوردم.

Despite having been vaccinated, I still caught a cold.

Concessive clause 'bā voojood-e inke'.

2

او به دلیل ضعف سیستم ایمنی، مدام سرما می‌خورد.

Due to a weak immune system, he constantly catches colds.

Formal reason 'be dalil-e'.

3

سرما خوردن در ابتدای فصل پاییز بسیار شایع است.

Catching a cold at the beginning of autumn is very common.

Infinitive as a subject.

4

امیدوارم این سرما خوردن باعث نشود از امتحان عقب بیفتم.

I hope this catching a cold doesn't cause me to fall behind on the exam.

Subjunctive mood after 'omidvār-am'.

5

او چنان سخت سرما خورده که صدایش کاملاً گرفته است.

He has caught such a severe cold that his voice is completely hoarse.

Result clause 'chonān... ke'.

6

بسیاری معتقدند که با خوردن ویتامین سی، کمتر سرما می‌خوریم.

Many believe that by taking Vitamin C, we catch colds less often.

Gerund-like structure 'bā khordan'.

7

او ادعا می‌کند که هیچ‌وقت در زندگی‌اش سرما نخورده است.

He claims that he has never caught a cold in his life.

Negative present perfect in reported speech.

8

سرما خوردن می‌تواند برنامه‌های سفر ما را مختل کند.

Catching a cold can disrupt our travel plans.

Modal 'tavānestan' (can).

1

شیوع ویروس‌های جدید باعث شده که مردم به کرات سرما بخورند.

The outbreak of new viruses has caused people to catch colds frequently.

Formal adverb 'be karrāt' (frequently).

2

در طب سنتی، سرما خوردن نتیجه غلبه سردی بر مزاج بدن است.

In traditional medicine, catching a cold is the result of coldness dominating the body's temperament.

Academic/Traditional terminology.

3

او از اینکه مدام سرما می‌خورد و کارش را از دست می‌دهد، مستأصل شده است.

He is frustrated by the fact that he constantly catches colds and loses his work.

Complex sentence with multiple clauses.

4

پدیده سرما خوردن در جوامع مدرن به دلیل فضاهای بسته شایع‌تر شده است.

The phenomenon of catching a cold has become more common in modern societies due to enclosed spaces.

Noun phrase 'padide-ye sarmā khordan'.

5

اگرچه سرما خوردن بیماری خطرناکی نیست، اما هزینه‌های اقتصادی زیادی دارد.

Although catching a cold is not a dangerous disease, it has high economic costs.

Concessive 'agar-che' (although).

6

تحقیقات نشان می‌دهد که استرس احتمال سرما خوردن را افزایش می‌دهد.

Research shows that stress increases the probability of catching a cold.

Objective reported research.

7

نباید اجازه دهیم یک سرما خوردن ساده به عفونت ریه تبدیل شود.

We should not allow a simple cold to turn into a lung infection.

Causative structure with 'ejāze dādan'.

8

او با وجود رعایت تمام نکات بهداشتی، باز هم به شدت سرما خورده است.

Despite observing all hygiene tips, he has still caught a severe cold.

Contrast with 'bā voojood-e'.

1

گویی طبیعت با هر بار سرما خوردن، به ما هشدار می‌دهد که ضعیف و فانی هستیم.

It is as if nature, with every instance of catching a cold, warns us that we are weak and mortal.

Literary/Philosophical register.

2

سرما خوردن او در این موقعیت حساس، چیزی جز بدشانسی محض نبود.

His catching a cold at this sensitive juncture was nothing but pure bad luck.

Abstract noun phrase.

3

اینکه چگونه یک سرما خوردن ساده می‌تواند کل سیستم دفاعی بدن را به چالش بکشد، شگفت‌انگیز است.

How a simple cold can challenge the body's entire defense system is amazing.

Complex 'inke' clause as subject.

4

او با لحنی طنزآمیز از سرما خوردن‌های مکرر خود در زمستان لندن گلایه می‌کرد.

He complained about his frequent colds in the London winter with a humorous tone.

Descriptive narrative.

5

در ادبیات کلاسیک، سرما خوردن گاه به معنای دوری از گرمای عشق تعبیر می‌شد.

In classical literature, catching a cold was sometimes interpreted as being away from the warmth of love.

Metaphorical analysis.

6

هرچند که سرما خوردن امری پیش‌پاافتاده به نظر می‌رسد، اما ریشه‌های عمیقی در بیولوژی ما دارد.

Although catching a cold seems trivial, it has deep roots in our biology.

Formal concessive.

7

او چنان به سلامت خود مغرور بود که سرما خوردن را کسر شأن می‌دانست.

He was so proud of his health that he considered catching a cold beneath his dignity.

Character description.

8

بررسی تاریخچه سرما خوردن نشان‌دهنده تکامل موازی ویروس و انسان است.

Examining the history of catching a cold indicates the parallel evolution of virus and human.

Scientific/Academic tone.

자주 쓰는 조합

سخت سرما خوردن
بدجور سرما خوردن
زود سرما خوردن
دوباره سرما خوردن
به خاطر سرما خوردن
علائم سرما خوردن
احتمال سرما خوردن
پیشگیری از سرما خوردن
ترس از سرما خوردن
فصل سرما خوردن

자주 쓰는 구문

سرما خوردی؟

— Did you catch a cold? Used when someone sneezes or coughs.

صدایت گرفته، سرما خوردی؟

مراقب باش سرما نخوری

— Take care not to catch a cold. A common parting advice.

هوا سرد است، مراقب باش سرما نخوری.

سرما خوردم افتادم

— I caught a cold and it knocked me down (I'm bedridden).

هفته پیش چنان سرما خوردم که افتادم توی خونه.

از کی سرما خوردی؟

— Since when have you had a cold?

خیلی سرفه می‌کنی، از کی سرما خوردی؟

نکنه سرما خوردی؟

— I hope you haven't caught a cold? (Expressing suspicion/concern).

چرا می‌لرزی؟ نکنه سرما خوردی؟

سرماخورده‌ام، نزدیک نیا

— I have a cold, don't come close.

ببخشید دست نمی‌دهم، سرماخورده‌ام.

تازه خوب شده بودم که دوباره سرما خوردم

— I had just gotten better when I caught a cold again.

شانس ندارم، تازه خوب شده بودم که دوباره سرما خوردم.

سرما خوردن که ترس ندارد

— Catching a cold is nothing to be afraid of.

نگران نباش، سرما خوردن که ترس ندارد.

یک سرما خوردن ساده است

— It's just a simple cold.

دکتر گفت نگران نباشید، یک سرما خوردن ساده است.

همه خانواده سرما خوردند

— The whole family caught a cold.

متأسفانه این هفته همه خانواده سرما خوردند.

자주 혼동되는 단어

سرما خوردن vs سرد بودن (Sard boodan)

This means 'to be cold' (temperature). Don't say 'man sardam' when you mean you have a cold.

سرما خوردن vs سرما زدن (Sarmā zadan)

This refers to frostbite or crops being ruined by frost. It's not for the common cold.

سرما خوردن vs چایی کردن (Chāyi kardan)

A colloquial synonym, but 'sarmā khordan' is more standard and covers all cold symptoms.

관용어 및 표현

"سرما خوردن به استخوان رسیدن"

— When a cold is so deep it feels like it's in the bones. Used for severe chills.

از شدت لرز، انگار سرما به استخوانم رسیده.

Informal/Emphatic
"آش دهن‌سوزی نبودن"

— Not related to the verb, but often used in health contexts to say a remedy isn't great.

این دارو برای سرما خوردن من آش دهن‌سوزی نبود.

Idiomatic
"باد به کله خوردن"

— To get a chill in the head (often thought to cause a cold).

کلاه بپوش که باد به کله‌ات نخورد و سرما نخوری.

Informal
"خود را به موش‌مردگی زدن"

— To pretend to be sick/weak to avoid work (sometimes used when faking a cold).

سرما نخورده، خودش را به موش‌مردگی زده.

Slang
"دماغ کسی چاق بودن"

— To be in excellent health (opposite of having a cold).

خدا را شکر دماغش چاق است و سرما نمی‌خورد.

Idiomatic/Traditional
"جون به لب شدن"

— To be at one's wit's end (often used during a long, annoying cold).

از این سرما خوردن طولانی جون به لب شدم.

Informal
"مثل بید لرزیدن"

— To shake like a willow tree (due to fever/chills from a cold).

چون سرما خورده، دارد مثل بید می‌لرزد.

Descriptive
"آب از سر گذشتن"

— To be beyond help (used if a cold turns into something worse).

وقتی ریه‌اش عفونت کرد، دیگر آب از سرش گذشت.

Idiomatic
"صدای خروس دادن"

— To have a cracking voice due to a sore throat from a cold.

سرما خورده و صدایش مثل خروس شده.

Informal/Humorous
"پا به ماه بودن"

— Not related to cold, but used for pregnancy; sometimes confused by learners with 'sarmā' if they mishear.

او پا به ماه است (She is in her last month of pregnancy).

Specific

혼동하기 쉬운

سرما خوردن vs خوراندن

It sounds like 'khordan'.

Khordan is 'to eat', Khorāndan is 'to feed'. You don't 'feed' the cold, you 'eat' it.

Madar be bache dāru khorānd.

سرما خوردن vs سر سام

Starts with 'Sar'.

Sarsām means delirium or extreme headache/confusion, not a cold.

Az sarosedā sarsām gereftam.

سرما خوردن vs سرمایه

Starts with 'Sarmā'.

Sarmāye means 'capital' or 'wealth'. It has nothing to do with temperature or health.

Sarmāye-ye in sherkat ziād ast.

سرما خوردن vs سرما

It is the first part of the verb.

Sarmā is the noun for 'coldness'. You need the verb 'khordan' to mean 'catch a cold'.

Sarmā-ye emshab shadid ast.

سرما خوردن vs خوردنی

Related to 'khordan'.

Khordani means 'edible'. A cold is definitely not 'khordani'!

In mive khordani ast.

문장 패턴

A1

[Subject] sarmā khordam.

Man sarmā khordam.

A2

[Subject] [Adverb] sarmā khordam.

Ali kheyli sarmā khord.

B1

Dāram sarmā mikhoram.

Fekr konam dāram sarmā mikhoram.

B1

Agar [Action], sarmā mikhori.

Agar biroon beri, sarmā mikhori.

B2

Be dalil-e sarmā khordan, [Result].

Be dalil-e sarmā khordan, be kār narafat.

C1

Sarmā khordan-e [Person] bā'es shod ke...

Sarmā khordan-e man bā'es shod ke safar laghv shavad.

C1

Har-cheghadr ham [Action], bāz sarmā mikhori.

Har-cheghadr ham lebās bepooshi, bāz sarmā mikhori.

C2

Gūyi [Metaphor] sarmā khordan...

Gūyi sarmā khordan juz'i az sarnevesht-e māst.

어휘 가족

명사

سرماخوردگی (Sarmākhordegi - The illness itself)
سرما (Sarmā - Coldness/Winter)
خوراک (Khorāk - Food/Eating)

동사

خوردن (Khordan - To eat)
خوراندن (Khorāndan - To cause to eat/feed)

형용사

سرماخورده (Sarmākhorde - Person who has a cold)
سرد (Sard - Cold)
خوردنی (Khordani - Edible)

관련

سوزش گلو (Sūzesh-e gelū - Sore throat)
عطسه (Atse - Sneeze)
سرفه (Sofe - Cough)
تب (Tab - Fever)
لرز (Larz - Chills)

사용법

frequency

Extremely high, especially from October to March.

자주 하는 실수
  • من سرما دارم (Man sarmā dāram) من سرما خوردم (Man sarmā khordam)

    English speakers use 'have', but Persians use 'eat' (khordan) for catching a cold.

  • نـسرما خوردم (Nasarmā khordam) سرما نـخوردم (Sarmā nakhordam)

    The negative prefix 'na' must be attached to the light verb 'khordan', not the noun 'sarmā'.

  • من سردم (Man sardam) meaning 'I have a cold' من سرما خوردم (Man sarmā khordam)

    'Man sardam' means 'I am feeling cold' due to the temperature. It doesn't mean you are sick.

  • سرما خوردم در باران (Sarmā khordam dar bārān) توی باران سرما خوردم (Tooye bārān sarmā khordam)

    While understandable, word order usually puts the location/reason before the verb in Persian.

  • سرما زدم (Sarmā zadam) سرما خوردم (Sarmā khordam)

    'Sarmā zadan' is for plants/crops being frostbitten, not for humans catching a virus.

Conjugate the End

Remember that only 'khordan' changes. 'Sarmā' stays exactly the same no matter who caught the cold.

Drink Tea

If you tell an Iranian you 'sarmā khordi', they will immediately offer you tea or warm water. Accept it; it's cultural medicine!

Noun vs Verb

Sarmā-khordegi is the 'cold' (noun). Sarmā khordan is 'to catch a cold' (verb). Use the verb for actions.

The 'Kh' Sound

Practice the 'kh' sound in 'khordan'. It's like clearing your throat gently. Don't use a 'k' sound.

Winter Word

This is a seasonal word. You will use it 10x more in winter than in summer. It's a great conversation starter in January.

Negation

Put the 'na' on the verb! Sarmā nakhordam. Putting it on sarmā is a very common beginner mistake.

Pharmacy Talk

In a pharmacy, just say 'dāru barāye sarmā-khordegi' (medicine for a cold). It's simple and effective.

Listen for Nim-fāsele

In written Persian, 'mi' and 'khoram' are separated by a tiny space. In speech, they are one flow: mikhoram.

Soup is King

Chicken soup is called 'Soup-e Morgh'. It is the standard meal for someone who has 'sarmā khorde'.

The 'Eating' Logic

Think of catching a cold as your body 'absorbing' or 'consuming' the environment's chill. That's why we use 'khordan'.

암기하기

기억법

Think of 'Sarma' as 'Summer' (but it's the opposite!) and 'Khordan' as 'Accordion'. If you play the accordion in the winter instead of summer, you 'eat' the cold air and catch a cold.

시각적 연상

Imagine a giant ice cube (Sarma) and a person trying to take a bite out of it (Khordan). This 'eating' of the ice makes them sneeze immediately.

Word Web

Sarma (Cold) Khordan (Eat) Mariz (Sick) Shalgam (Turnip) Zemestan (Winter) Atse (Sneeze) Sofe (Cough) Dāru (Medicine)

챌린지

Try to use 'sarmā khordan' in three different tenses today: past (I caught), present (I am catching), and imperative (Don't catch!).

어원

The phrase is a compound of the Middle Persian roots. 'Sarmā' comes from Proto-Iranian *sar- (cold), and 'Khordan' comes from Proto-Indo-European *swerd- (to swallow/eat).

원래 의미: The original meaning of 'khordan' was strictly to swallow or consume food, but in Persian, it evolved to mean 'to receive' or 'to be struck by'.

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

문화적 맥락

It is a safe, non-sensitive topic. However, always show sympathy (hamdardi) when someone says they have caught a cold.

English speakers say they 'catch' a cold (like a ball) or 'have' a cold (like a possession). Persians 'eat' it.

Many Persian poems use 'sarmā' as a metaphor for the 'winter of the soul' or separation from the beloved. The movie 'The Salesman' (Forushande) features characters dealing with the coldness of winter and physical ailments. Iranian children's songs often warn about 'sarmā khordan' to encourage kids to wear hats.

실생활에서 연습하기

실제 사용 상황

At the Doctor's Office

  • آقای دکتر، من سرما خوردم.
  • آیا این سرما خوردگی واگیردار است؟
  • از کی سرما خوردی؟
  • برای سرما خوردن چه دارویی خوب است؟

Winter Socializing

  • مراقب باش سرما نخوری.
  • می‌گویند امسال همه سرما می‌خورند.
  • چای بخور که سرما نخوری.
  • من همیشه در پاییز سرما می‌خورم.

Work/School Excuse

  • فرزندم سرما خورده و به مدرسه نمی‌آید.
  • امروز مرخصی می‌گیرم چون سرما خوردم.
  • صدایم گرفته، سرما خوردم.
  • نمی‌توانم در جلسه شرکت کنم، سرما خوردم.

Pharmacy

  • قرص برای سرما خوردن دارید؟
  • این شربت برای سرما خوردن خوب است؟
  • من سرما خوردم، ویتامین سی می‌خواهم.
  • چیزی برای گلودرد و سرما خوردن بدهید.

Home Remedies

  • شلغم برای سرما خوردن معجزه می‌کند.
  • آش بخور تا سرما خوردگی‌ات خوب شود.
  • وقتی سرما خوردی، آب سرد نخور.
  • این دمنوش برای سرما خوردن عالی است.

대화 시작하기

"آیا تا به حال در تابستان سرما خورده‌ای؟ (Have you ever caught a cold in the summer?)"

"وقتی سرما می‌خوری، چه غذایی می‌خوری؟ (When you catch a cold, what food do you eat?)"

"بهترین دارو برای سرما خوردن از نظر تو چیست؟ (What is the best medicine for a cold in your opinion?)"

"آیا فکر می‌کنی شلغم واقعاً برای سرما خوردن خوب است؟ (Do you think turnip is really good for a cold?)"

"در کشور تو، مردم وقتی سرما می‌خورند چه کار می‌کنند؟ (In your country, what do people do when they catch a cold?)"

일기 주제

آخرین باری که سرما خوردی را توصیف کن. (Describe the last time you caught a cold.)

چرا بعضی از مردم بیشتر از دیگران سرما می‌خورند؟ (Why do some people catch colds more than others?)

یک لیست از کارهایی که برای جلوگیری از سرما خوردن انجام می‌دهی بنویس. (Write a list of things you do to prevent catching a cold.)

آیا ترجیح می‌دهی وقتی سرما خوردی از داروهای گیاهی استفاده کنی یا شیمیایی؟ چرا؟ (Do you prefer herbal or chemical medicines when you have a cold? Why?)

تأثیر سرما خوردن بر کارهای روزمره خود را بنویس. (Write about the impact of catching a cold on your daily tasks.)

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

Technically, you can say 'sarmā-khordegi dāram', but it's much less common than 'sarmā khordam'. Use 'khordan' for a more native sound.

It is neutral. You can use it with your boss, your doctor, or your best friend. It is the standard term.

Use the adverb 'sakht' or 'bad-joor'. Example: 'Sakht sarmā khordam'.

No, it's a metaphor. However, Iranians do believe eating cold things (like ice cream) can lead to 'sarmā khordan'.

The past participle is 'sarmā khorde'. You use it to describe yourself: 'Man sarmā-khorde-am' (I am cold-stricken/I have a cold).

Yes, people often use it generically for any minor respiratory illness, including the flu, unless they want to be specific.

'Sarmā khordam' is simple past (I caught a cold). 'Sarmā khorde-am' is present perfect (I have caught a cold and still have it).

Say 'sarmā nemikhoram' (I am not catching a cold) or 'dāram sarmā nemikhoram' (rare/unnatural). Usually just 'sarmā nemikhoram'.

'Shalgam' is turnip. It's the most famous Iranian home remedy for 'sarmā khordan'. If you are sick, expect to be told to eat it!

'Sarmā' is the physical cold temperature. 'Sardi' is the 'cold nature' of foods or temperaments in traditional medicine.

셀프 테스트 180 질문

writing

Write a sentence saying you caught a cold yesterday.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a warning to a friend to wear a coat so they don't catch a cold.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Describe three symptoms of catching a cold in Persian.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a short note to your teacher explaining you are sick with a cold.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Use 'sakht sarmā khordan' in a sentence about your brother.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Explain why you caught a cold (e.g., the rain).

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a sentence using the present continuous form of the verb.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Ask a pharmacist if they have medicine for a cold.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a sentence about catching a cold from a colleague.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Use the word 'sarmā-khordegi' in a formal sentence.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write: 'I never catch a cold in summer.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write: 'My mother makes soup when I catch a cold.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write: 'Don't shake hands, I have a cold.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write: 'The doctor said it's a simple cold.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write: 'I hope you get well soon.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Describe the feeling of a sore throat.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write: 'Turnips are good for a cold.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write: 'Everyone in the office has a cold.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write: 'I am taking vitamin C to not catch a cold.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a sentence about the 'Garmi/Sardi' belief.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'I caught a cold' in Persian.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Ask a friend if they have a cold.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Tell someone 'Don't catch a cold!'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'I am catching a cold' (Continuous).

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'I caught a bad cold.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'I caught a cold from my sister.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Tell your boss you are sick with a cold.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'Turnips are good for a cold.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'Everyone is catching a cold these days.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'I hope you get better soon.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'My throat hurts, I think I caught a cold.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'I don't like catching a cold.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'It's just a simple cold.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'I caught a cold because of the rain.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'Don't come near me, I have a cold.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'I caught a cold three times this year.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'I am taking medicine for my cold.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'Winter is the season for catching colds.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'I caught a cold and stayed in bed.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'The weather is cold, you'll catch a cold.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen to 'Sarmā khordam' and translate.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen to 'Sarmā nakhordam' and translate.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen to 'Dāram sarmā mikhoram' and translate.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen to 'Sarmā khordi?' and translate.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen to 'Sakht sarmā khordam' and translate.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen to 'Moraqeb bāsh sarmā nakhori' and translate.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen to 'Ali sarmā khorde' and translate.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen to 'Zood sarmā mikhoram' and translate.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen to 'Sarmā nakhordid?' and translate.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen to 'Sarmā-khordegi bad ast' and translate.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen to 'Dūchār-e sarmā-khordegi shodam' and translate.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen to 'Sarmā khordan-e mardom' and translate.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen to 'Bāz ham sarmā khordi?' and translate.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen to 'Sarmā nakhordan mohem ast' and translate.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen to 'Soup barāye sarmā khordan' and translate.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:

/ 180 correct

Perfect score!

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