تعریفکردن
تعریفکردن 30초 만에
- Means 'to define', 'to praise', or 'to tell a story'.
- Essential for academic writing and social etiquette in Iran.
- Requires 'az' when used for praising someone.
- A compound verb using the light verb 'kardan'.
The Persian verb تعریفکردن (ta'rif kardan) is a multi-faceted compound verb that holds a central place in both academic discourse and everyday social interaction. At its most literal level, particularly in formal and educational contexts, it translates to 'to define' or 'to state the meaning of.' However, the word carries significant cultural weight in Iran, branching into two other primary meanings: 'to praise/compliment' and 'to narrate/tell a story.' This versatility makes it a CEFR B2 level word because the learner must distinguish between these meanings based on context, prepositions, and social cues.
- Academic Definition
- In a logic or science classroom, this verb is used to delineate the boundaries of a concept. It involves providing a clear, concise explanation of what something is, often using the structure 'X را Y تعریف کردن' (To define X as Y).
- Social Praise
- When you speak highly of someone's character, appearance, or work, you are 'ta'rif kardan' them. This is a core component of Iranian social etiquette. If you tell a friend, 'Everyone was praising your cooking,' you use this verb.
- Narrative/Storytelling
- In informal settings, it means to recount an event or tell a joke. 'Ta'rif kon bebinam chi shod' (Tell me what happened) is a very common phrase during gatherings.
استاد علوم سیاسی قدرت را به عنوان توانایی تأثیرگذاری بر دیگران تعریف کرد.
Historically, the word comes from the Arabic root 'arafa' (to know). The 'ta'rif' form is the causative gerund, literally meaning 'to make known.' This etymological root explains why the word spans across defining a concept (making its meaning known) and praising someone (making their virtues known). In modern Persian, the distinction between 'defining' and 'praising' is usually clear from the object: defining usually takes an abstract noun, while praising takes a person or their specific attribute. Storytelling usually involves the preposition 'az' (about) or occurs in a context where an event is being discussed.
مادرم همیشه از دستپخت همسایه تعریف میکند.
When using the word in its 'to define' sense, it is often paired with 'به عنوانِ' (as) or 'عبارت است از' (consists of). In academic writing, you will see 'تعریف عملیاتی' (operational definition) or 'تعریف جامع' (comprehensive definition). Understanding this word requires a grasp of how Persian light verbs work; 'kardan' (to do/make) combines with the noun 'ta'rif' to create the action. This structure is flexible, allowing for passive forms like 'تعریف شدن' (to be defined).
لطفاً ماجرای سفرتان را برای ما تعریف کنید.
- Formal vs Informal
- In formal writing, stick to the 'define' meaning. In spoken Persian, the 'praise' and 'tell' meanings dominate about 80% of usage. If a Persian speaker says 'Ta'rifetoon-o shenidam,' they mean 'I have heard great things about you,' not 'I heard a definition of you.'
Mastering تعریفکردن involves navigating its three distinct syntactic patterns. Depending on whether you are defining a word, praising a person, or telling a story, the sentence structure changes slightly. This section breaks down these patterns with high-level examples suitable for B2 learners who wish to sound natural and precise.
1. The 'To Define' Pattern (Academic)
When defining a term, the object is usually followed by the preposition 'ra' (marking the definite object) and then the definition itself, often introduced by 'be onvan-e' (as) or simply placed before the verb. This is standard in textbooks, dictionaries, and lectures.
فرهنگنویسان این واژه را به صورت دقیق تعریف نکردهاند.
2. The 'To Praise' Pattern (Social)
When praising someone, the structure is usually 'az kasi ta'rif kardan' (to praise of someone). The preposition 'az' is crucial here. Without it, the sentence might sound like you are defining the person rather than complimenting them. Note that over-praising is sometimes viewed with suspicion in Iranian culture if it feels insincere.
همه از اخلاق خوب او تعریف میکنند.
3. The 'To Tell' Pattern (Narrative)
When telling a story, joke, or account of an event, the object is the story itself. You 'ta'rif' a story 'baraye' (for) someone. This is the most common use in casual conversation. If you want to ask someone 'What's the story?', you can say 'Qaziye chie? Ta'rif kon!' (What's the matter? Tell me!).
پدربزرگ همیشه خاطرات جنگ را برای ما تعریف میکرد.
- Passive Usage
- The passive form 'ta'rif shodan' is common in scientific contexts. For example: 'این متغیر در ابتدای تحقیق تعریف شده است' (This variable was defined at the beginning of the research).
- Negation
- Negating the verb 'na-ta'rif kardan' is straightforward. In the 'praise' sense, not praising someone doesn't necessarily mean criticizing them; it just means the absence of a compliment.
In summary, pay close attention to prepositions. 'Az' usually signals praise, while 'baraye' or a direct object usually signals storytelling or defining. In a B2 level essay, you should aim to use 'ta'rif kardan' when discussing abstract concepts like 'freedom' or 'justice,' showing that you can handle complex linguistic definitions.
If you walk into a Persian-speaking environment, from a university lecture hall in Tehran to a family dinner in Los Angeles, you will hear تعریفکردن constantly, but the 'vibe' of the word will shift dramatically. This section explores the real-world environments where this word is most prevalent and how its meaning adapts to the setting.
In the University (Academic Context)
In a classroom, 'ta'rif kardan' is the bread and butter of conceptual clarity. Professors will ask students, 'How do you define this term?' (In vazhe ra chetor ta'rif mikonid?). You'll hear it in mathematics (defining a function), sociology (defining social classes), and linguistics. Here, the word is clinical, precise, and devoid of emotional baggage. It is about boundaries and specifications.
At a Dinner Party (Social Context)
This is where the 'praise' and 'storytelling' meanings take over. Persian culture is deeply rooted in verbal appreciation. When a host brings out a dish, guests will 'ta'rif' the food. If a guest is absent, others might 'ta'rif' their absence by saying how much they are missed. You might hear: 'Ta'rif-e in resturan-o kheyli shenidam' (I've heard a lot of praise for this restaurant). It’s also the word for 'catching up.' Friends will sit down and say, 'Ta'rif kon, che khabar?' (Tell me, what's the news?).
«ببخشید که وسط حرفتان میپرم، اما میشود این اصطلاح را تعریف کنید؟»
In Media and Literature
On news programs, journalists 'ta'rif' (define) the scope of a new law. In literature, authors 'ta'rif' (narrate) the struggles of their characters. If you listen to Persian podcasts, the host will often say, 'Mehman-e emrooz-e ma niyazi be ta'rif nadarad' (Our guest today needs no introduction/praise), implying they are already very famous and well-regarded.
- Radio & TV
- Used in interviews to ask for explanations: 'Lotfan vazife-ye in sazman ra ta'rif konid' (Please define the duties of this organization).
- Family Gatherings
- Used to gossip or share news: 'Darand dar mored-e aroosi ta'rif mikonand' (They are telling [stories] about the wedding).
Ultimately, 'ta'rif kardan' is a bridge between the intellectual and the emotional. It allows a speaker to move from the rigid world of definitions to the warm world of compliments and the engaging world of stories. For a B2 learner, recognizing this shift is a sign of true fluency.
Because تعریفکردن has multiple meanings, it is a frequent source of errors for English speakers. The mistakes usually fall into three categories: preposition errors, confusion with similar verbs, and cultural misapplications. Understanding these will help you avoid sounding 'translated' and help you sound more like a native speaker.
1. Using the Wrong Preposition
In English, you 'praise someone.' In Persian, you 'praise *of* someone' (az kasi ta'rif kardan). Many learners say 'u ra ta'rif kardam,' which sounds like you were trying to define the person as if they were a vocabulary word. Always remember: Az = Praise.
Mistake: من او را تعریف کردم. (I defined him.)
Correct: من از او تعریف کردم. (I praised him.)
2. Confusion with 'Mo'arrefi Kardan' (To Introduce)
Learners often confuse 'ta'rif kardan' with 'mo'arrefi kardan.' While both involve 'knowing,' mo'arrefi is for introducing two people who don't know each other or introducing a new topic. Ta'rif is for explaining what something is or praising it. You don't 'ta'rif' a friend to your mother; you 'mo'arrefi' them.
3. Over-using it for 'Saying'
While 'ta'rif kardan' can mean 'to tell,' it implies a narrative or a detailed account. You shouldn't use it for simple statements. If you just want to say 'He said hello,' use 'goftan.' Use 'ta'rif kardan' when there is a story involved, like 'He told me about his trip.'
- The 'Self-Praise' Trap
- In English, saying 'I'm good at this' is acceptable. In Persian, if you 'ta'rif' yourself without the disclaimer 'ta'rif az khod nabashad,' it can come across as extremely arrogant. Cultural competence is just as important as grammatical accuracy here.
Finally, ensure you are using the correct light verb. It is always 'kardan.' Using 'shodan' (to become) changes the meaning to the passive 'to be defined/praised.' Using 'dadan' (to give) is incorrect, although 'sharh dadan' (to explain) is a valid alternative in some contexts.
Persian is a language rich in synonyms, each with its own specific 'flavor.' While تعریفکردن is a versatile all-rounder, choosing a more specific word can make your Persian sound more sophisticated and precise, especially at the B2 and C1 levels.
- توضیح دادن (To Explain)
- Use this when you are clarifying a situation or a reason, rather than defining a word. If someone asks 'Why were you late?', you 'tozih midahid,' you don't 'ta'rif mikonid.'
- ستایش کردن (To Glorify/Praise highly)
- This is much stronger than 'ta'rif.' It's often used in literature, poetry, or religious contexts to mean worship or intense admiration. 'Ta'rif' is for a good meal; 'setayesh' is for a hero or a deity.
- شرح دادن (To Elaborate/Detail)
- This is closer to the 'storytelling' or 'defining' sense but implies a much higher level of detail. It’s often used in legal or technical reports.
- تمجید کردن (To Commend/Extol)
- A formal synonym for 'praising.' You will see this in formal letters of recommendation or news reports about awards.
| Word | Nuance | Best For... |
|---|---|---|
| تعریف کردن | General/Multi-purpose | Everyday life |
| تبیین کردن | To elucidate (Academic) | Scientific papers |
| وصف کردن | To describe/depict | Poetry/Art |
When you want to say 'to define' in a very formal, logical sense, the word تحدید (tahdid) is sometimes used to mean 'delimiting' or 'setting boundaries,' though it is much rarer than 'ta'rif.' For the storytelling sense, بازگو کردن (bazgoo kardan) is a beautiful literary alternative that means 'to recount' or 'to tell again.'
발음 가이드
- Pronouncing the 'ayn' too harshly like an Arabic speaker.
- Misplacing the stress on the first syllable.
- Dropping the 'r' in 'kardan' entirely.
- Pronouncing 'rif' as 'reef' with too long of an 'i'.
- Merging the two words into one without a slight pause.
수준별 예문
لطفاً برای من یک قصه تعریف کن.
Please tell me a story.
Imperative form: 'ta'rif kon'.
او دیروز یک جوک تعریف کرد.
He told a joke yesterday.
Simple past: 'ta'rif kard'.
چی شد؟ تعریف کن!
What happened? Tell me!
Common conversational command.
من برای دوستم خاطره تعریف میکنم.
I am telling a memory to my friend.
Present continuous sense.
علی همیشه داستانهای خوب تعریف میکند.
Ali always tells good stories.
Habitual present.
مادرم از من تعریف کرد.
My mother praised me.
Uses 'az' for praise.
او از کتاب جدیدش تعریف میکند.
He is praising his new book.
Praising an object.
میخواهم یک خبر خوش تعریف کنم.
I want to tell some good news.
Infinitive construction.
معلم از دانشآموزان خوب تعریف میکند.
The teacher praises the good students.
Present tense with 'az'.
او ماجرای تصادف را برای پلیس تعریف کرد.
He told the story of the accident to the police.
Direct object 'majara'.
آیا میتوانید این کلمه را تعریف کنید؟
Can you define this word?
Formal 'you' with 'ta'rif konid'.
دوستم از فیلم جدید خیلی تعریف کرد.
My friend praised the new movie a lot.
Adverb 'kheyli' added.
او همیشه از برادرش تعریف میکند.
She always praises her brother.
Prepositional object.
لطفاً برای ما تعریف کنید چه دیدید.
Please tell us what you saw.
Subordinate clause 'che didid'.
پدرم از دستپخت من تعریف کرد.
My father praised my cooking.
Possessive 'dast-pokht-e man'.
او هیچوقت از کسی تعریف نمیکند.
He never praises anyone.
Negative form 'na-mikonad'.
فرهنگ لغت این واژه را به درستی تعریف کرده است.
The dictionary has defined this word correctly.
Present perfect tense.
او داشت خاطرات سفرش به پاریس را تعریف میکرد.
He was telling the memories of his trip to Paris.
Past progressive: 'dasht ta'rif mikard'.
باید این مفاهیم را برای امتحان تعریف کنیم.
We must define these concepts for the exam.
Modal 'bayad' + subjunctive.
همه از شجاعت آن سرباز تعریف میکردند.
Everyone was praising that soldier's bravery.
Past continuous.
او طوری تعریف میکند که انگار خودش آنجا بوده است.
He tells it as if he were there himself.
Conjunction 'engaar' (as if).
میتوانید زیبایی این منظره را تعریف کنید؟
Can you describe/define the beauty of this landscape?
Abstract object 'zibayi'.
او از همکارانش در جلسه تعریف کرد.
He praised his colleagues in the meeting.
Professional context.
داستانی که تعریف کردی خیلی غمانگیز بود.
The story you told was very sad.
Relative clause 'ke ta'rif kardi'.
نویسنده در مقدمه کتاب، هدف خود را تعریف میکند.
The author defines his goal in the book's introduction.
Formal academic usage.
این قانون حقوق شهروندی را به وضوح تعریف کرده است.
This law has clearly defined civil rights.
Abstract legal concept.
او بدون اینکه از خودش تعریف کند، موفقیتهایش را گفت.
Without praising himself, he spoke of his successes.
Gerund-like structure 'bedun-e inke'.
در این مقاله، فقر به عنوان یک پدیده چندبعدی تعریف شده است.
In this article, poverty is defined as a multidimensional phenomenon.
Passive voice 'ta'rif shode ast'.
او با آب و تاب فراوان ماجرا را تعریف میکرد.
He was telling the story with great exaggeration/enthusiasm.
Idiom 'ba ab o tab' (with zest).
مدیر از عملکرد تیم در فصل گذشته تعریف و تمجید کرد.
The manager praised and commended the team's performance last season.
Pairing with synonym 'tamjid'.
چگونه میتوان خوشبختی را در یک جمله تعریف کرد؟
How can one define happiness in a single sentence?
Generic 'can one' structure.
او از مهماننوازی ایرانیها خیلی تعریف میکرد.
He praised Iranian hospitality a lot.
Cultural observation.
ارسطو انسان را «حیوان ناطق» تعریف کرده است.
Aristotle defined man as a 'rational animal'.
Philosophical definition.
او با مهارتی خاص، فضای سیاسی آن دوران را تعریف کرد.
With a specific skill, he depicted/defined the political atmosphere of that era.
Metaphorical use for 'depicting'.
تعریف کردن مفاهیم انتزاعی همیشه با دشواری همراه است.
Defining abstract concepts is always accompanied by difficulty.
Infinitive as a subject.
منتقدان از سبک نوآورانه او در فیلمسازی تعریف کردند.
Critics praised his innovative style in filmmaking.
Professional critique.
او از تواضع بیش از حد اطرافیانش تعریف میکرد.
He was [ironically] praising the excessive humility of those around him.
Could imply irony in context.
در این پارادایم، هویت به گونهای متفاوت تعریف میشود.
In this paradigm, identity is defined in a different way.
High-level academic structure.
او چنان از آن باغ تعریف کرد که مشتاق دیدنش شدم.
He praised that garden so much that I became eager to see it.
Result clause 'chonan... ke'.
باید مرزهای اخلاق را در هوش مصنوعی تعریف کنیم.
We must define the boundaries of ethics in artificial intelligence.
Modern technical context.
این رساله میکوشد تا مفهوم «عدالت» را بازتعریف کند.
This treatise attempts to redefine the concept of 'justice'.
Prefix 'baz-' for 're-'.
او در کتابش، عشق را به مثابه یک کنش ارادی تعریف کرده است.
In his book, he defined love as a voluntary act.
Formal 'be masabe-ye' (as/in the role of).
اگر بخواهیم این پدیده را به درستی تعریف کنیم، باید به ریشههای تاریخی آن بازگردیم.
If we wish to define this phenomenon correctly, we must return to its historical roots.
Complex conditional structure.
تعریفکردنِ امرِ قدسی در جهانِ مدرن چالشی بزرگ است.
Defining the sacred in the modern world is a great challenge.
Ezafe construction with infinitive.
او از شکوه و جلالِ تمدنهای باستان با شور و گداز تعریف میکرد.
He praised the glory and splendor of ancient civilizations with passion.
Elevated literary vocabulary.
نحوه تعریف کردنِ ما از «دیگری»، بازتابدهنده ترسهای درونی ماست.
The way we define 'the other' is a reflection of our inner fears.
Psychological/Philosophical depth.
در این نظریه، زمان به عنوان بعد چهارم تعریف شده است.
In this theory, time is defined as the fourth dimension.
Scientific precision.
او از اصالتِ کلامِ شاعر چنان تعریف کرد که همه به وجد آمدند.
He praised the authenticity of the poet's words so much that everyone was delighted.
Sophisticated emotional description.
자주 쓰는 조합
자주 쓰는 구문
— To not have a proper definition or reputation.
این کلمه در فارسی تعریف درستی ندارد.
관용어 및 표현
— Not to toot my own horn / Without wanting to brag.
تعریف از خود نباشد، من آشپز خوبی هستم.
Informal/Neutral— It's not worth mentioning / It wasn't that great (often used modestly).
دستپخت من که تعریف کردن ندارد.
Informal— It speaks for itself / Everyone knows how good it is.
کیفیت این محصول نیاز به تعریف ندارد.
Neutral— Used to describe something so bad or tragic that even a mountain would melt hearing it (Exaggeration).
بدبختیهایش را اگر تعریف کنی، کوه آب میشود.
Informal/Slang— It's nothing special / It's not very good.
اوضاع مالیاش چندان تعریفی ندارد.
Informal— To tell a story with great excitement and detail (sometimes exaggerating).
او سفرش را با آب و تاب تعریف کرد.
Informal— Unwarranted or excessive flattery.
او از تعریف و تمجید بیجا خوشش نمیآید.
Formal— To tell a story with many exaggerations (like 'Chinese whispers' but where the story grows).
او همیشه ماجراها را یک کلاغ چهل کلاغ تعریف میکند.
Informal— To give a half-hearted or dismissive explanation/story.
فقط از سر باز کنی یک چیزی تعریف کرد.
Informal— To start praising someone/something (Literary).
همه دهان به تعریف از او گشودند.
Literary어휘 가족
명사
동사
Summary
The verb 'ta'rif kardan' is a linguistic 'Swiss Army knife' in Persian; use it to define a word in class, praise your friend's cooking at dinner, or tell a story about your weekend. Example: 'U az ghaza ta'rif kard' (He praised the food).
- Means 'to define', 'to praise', or 'to tell a story'.
- Essential for academic writing and social etiquette in Iran.
- Requires 'az' when used for praising someone.
- A compound verb using the light verb 'kardan'.
관련 콘텐츠
academic 관련 단어
اعمال کردن
B2To apply, to implement; to put into operation or effect.
عامل شدن
B2무엇인가의 요인이나 원인이 되다.
اعتبار علمی
B2대학이나 연구자의 학문적 신뢰도 또는 명성.
اعتبار بخشیدن
B2무언가를 검증하거나 공식적으로 승인하다.
اعتبار سنجی کردن
B2무언가의 유효성이나 정확성을 확인하거나 증명하는 것.
اعتباربخشی
B2인증은 개인 또는 기관이 특정 기준을 충족한다는 공식적인 인정입니다.
اعتمادپذیر
B2신뢰할 수 있는; 믿음직한.
اعتراف کردن
B2고백하다, 인정하다. 범죄를 저지르거나 잘못된 일을 했음을 인정하는 것. (그는 거짓말을 했다고 인정해야 한다. 그는 그 범죄를 자백했다.)
عضو هیئت علمی
B2A faculty member; a professional academic engaged in teaching and research at a university.
عقلانی
B2합리적인; 이성이나 논리에 근거한.