At the A1 level, 'Tokhm' is most commonly encountered as part of the phrase 'Tokhm-e Morgh' (chicken egg). You learn it as a basic food item. You might use it when talking about what you had for breakfast or what you need to buy at the supermarket. The focus is on the physical object: a white or brown egg that you fry or boil. You should know that 'Tokhm' means egg and 'Morgh' means chicken. At this stage, don't worry about the botanical or slang meanings. Just remember: 'Man tokhm-e morgh doust daram' (I like eggs). You might also see it in simple pictures of farm animals. It's a concrete noun that helps you build your basic vocabulary for daily life and shopping.
At the A2 level, you expand the use of 'Tokhm' to include seeds. You might learn about 'Tokhme' as a snack (sunflower seeds) which is very popular in Iran. You start to see 'Tokhm' in the context of simple nature descriptions, like 'The bird has three eggs'. You also learn the verb 'Tokhm gozashtan' (to lay eggs) to describe what birds do. You begin to notice that 'Tokhm' is used for many types of seeds used in Iranian drinks, like 'Tokhm-e Sharbati'. You can now distinguish between 'Tokhm' (the concept/seed) and 'Tokhme' (the snack). Your sentences become slightly more complex: 'In parandeh dar laneh tokhm migozarad' (This bird lays eggs in the nest).
At the B1 level, you start to use 'Tokhm' in more metaphorical and idiomatic ways. You might encounter expressions like 'Tokhm-e kineh kashtan' (to sow the seeds of hatred). You understand that 'Tokhm' can represent the beginning or the cause of something. You also become more aware of the different words for seeds, like 'Daneh' and 'Bazr', and when to use 'Tokhm' instead. You can discuss simple biological cycles or gardening: 'First, we put the seed (tokhm) in the soil'. You are also introduced to the cultural importance of 'Tokhme' in social gatherings and how it's a part of Iranian hospitality. You start to recognize the word in news reports about agriculture or environment.
At the B2 level, you handle 'Tokhm' in technical and formal contexts. You can read a text about the poultry industry or plant biology where 'Tokhm' and 'Tokhmak' (ovule) are used precisely. You understand the nuances of register—knowing that 'Tokhm' is the standard word but 'Bazr' is more professional for farming. You are also aware of the slang connotations and know how to avoid them in formal speech. You can use 'Tokhm' in complex sentences involving abstract concepts: 'The seeds of revolution were sown years ago'. You also understand more complex idioms like 'Tokhm-e do-zardeh kardan' and can use them sarcastically in conversation to add flavor to your speech.
At the C1 level, you appreciate the literary and historical depth of 'Tokhm'. You see it in classical poetry where it symbolizes lineage, potential, or the divine spark. You can analyze how poets like Saadi or Hafiz might use the word to describe the 'seed' of love or wisdom. You are comfortable with all its scientific, culinary, and colloquial uses. You can participate in debates about genetics or agricultural policy where terms like 'Tokhm-e eslah-shodeh' (improved/genetically modified seeds) might come up. Your understanding of the word is now deeply tied to Persian culture and history, recognizing it as a symbol of fertility and continuity.
At the C2 level, you have a near-native grasp of 'Tokhm'. You understand the subtlest puns and wordplay involving the word. You can navigate the most vulgar slang or the most elevated academic discourse with ease. You know the etymological roots of the word and how it relates to other Indo-European languages. You can use the word to discuss philosophy—the 'seed' of existence—or to write a technical paper on embryology. You understand the regional variations in how 'Tokhm' or 'Tokhme' might be used across different Persian-speaking areas like Tajikistan or Afghanistan. The word is no longer just a vocabulary item; it's a versatile tool in your linguistic arsenal.

تخم 30초 만에

  • Tokhm primarily means 'egg' or 'seed' in Persian, covering both animal reproduction and plant growth in a single, versatile term.
  • In culinary contexts, it is most frequently used as 'Tokhm-e Morgh' to refer specifically to chicken eggs for cooking.
  • The word 'Tokhme' (with a silent 'h') refers to popular Iranian roasted seed snacks like sunflower or pumpkin seeds.
  • Metaphorically, it represents origin, lineage, or the 'seed' of an idea, appearing in many common Persian idioms and proverbs.

The Persian word تخم (Tokhm) is a foundational noun in the Persian language, primarily referring to an 'egg' or a 'seed'. At its most basic level, it denotes the reproductive vessel produced by birds, reptiles, fish, and insects. However, its semantic range extends significantly into botany, where it refers to the seed of a plant, particularly those that are edible or used for planting. In everyday Iranian life, when you hear 'Tokhm' without a modifier, it often refers to the biological concept of an embryo's starting point or, colloquially, to snacks like sunflower seeds (though the diminutive 'Tokhme' is more common for snacks). Understanding 'Tokhm' requires recognizing its dual nature: it is both the start of animal life and the potential for plant growth. In a culinary context, while 'Tokhm-e Morgh' specifically means chicken egg, 'Tokhm' serves as the root for various ingredients. Historically, the word derives from Middle Persian 'tom', relating to lineage and seed, highlighting its deep connection to the concept of origin and ancestry. It is a word that bridges the gap between the kitchen, the farm, and the laboratory.

Biological Primary
The organic vessel (egg) from which offspring emerge.
Botanical Primary
The seed of a plant, the unit of reproduction of a flowering plant.
Metaphorical
The core, essence, or 'seed' of an idea or a lineage.

"مرغ روی تخم‌های خود خوابیده است." (The hen is sitting on her eggs.)

"این تخم هندوانه بسیار مرغوب است." (This watermelon seed is of very high quality.)

"او تخم کینه را در دل‌ها کاشت." (He sowed the seed of hatred in hearts.)

"لاک‌پشت‌ها در ساحل تخم می‌گذارند." (Turtles lay eggs on the beach.)

"برای کاشتن سبزی، به تخم ریحان نیاز داریم." (To plant greens, we need basil seeds.)

Culinary Usage
Refers to various seeds used in Persian cooking, like 'Tokhm-e Sharbati'.
Scientific Usage
Used in biology to describe the ovum or zygote.

Using تخم (Tokhm) correctly involves understanding its role as a noun that often requires a modifier (Ezafe construction) to specify what kind of egg or seed is being discussed. For example, 'Tokhm-e Morgh' (chicken egg), 'Tokhm-e Mahi' (fish roe/caviar), or 'Tokhm-e Aftabgardan' (sunflower seed). Grammatically, it functions like any other Persian noun. It can take the plural suffix '-ha' (تخم‌ها) to mean 'eggs' or 'seeds'. When used in the context of laying eggs, it is paired with the light verb 'gozashtan' (to put/place), forming the compound verb 'Tokhm gozashtan' (to lay eggs). This is essential for describing the behavior of birds and reptiles. In botanical contexts, you might use it with 'kashtan' (to plant). For instance, 'Tokhm kashtan' means to sow seeds. Interestingly, the word 'Tokhme' (with the silent 'h' at the end) is specifically used for the roasted seeds Iranians love to snack on while watching movies or football. If you are in a grocery store, you might ask for 'Tokhm-e Morgh', but if you are at a nut shop (Aji-foroushi), you would ask for 'Tokhme'. From a stylistic perspective, 'Tokhm' is more formal and biological than 'Daneh' (seed), which is used for smaller grains or the seeds inside fruits like apples. In poetry and literature, 'Tokhm' often symbolizes the 'origin' or 'essence' of something, such as 'Tokhm-e Pak' (pure lineage/seed). When discussing genetics or ancestry, 'Tokhm' can refer to the hereditary line. It is also used in various idiomatic expressions that describe planting ideas or causing trouble. For example, 'Tokhm-e nifagh pashidan' means to spread the seeds of discord. Understanding the register is crucial; while 'Tokhm' is perfectly fine in biological or agricultural talk, using it loosely in social settings can sometimes lean towards the colloquial or even the slightly crude if the context is not clearly about food or plants. Always aim for specificity: if it's for eating, specify the animal; if it's for planting, specify the plant.

You will encounter the word تخم (Tokhm) in a wide variety of settings, ranging from the mundane to the scientific. In a typical Iranian household, the most frequent occurrence is in the kitchen. Mornings often begin with the sound of 'Tokhm-e Morgh' being cracked into a pan for 'Nimroo' (sunny-side-up eggs). At the dinner table, you might hear about 'Tokhm-e Sharbati' (basil seeds), which are soaked in water to make a refreshing summer drink. If you visit a traditional bazaar, the 'Attari' (herbalist) will have jars labeled with various 'Tokhm' for medicinal purposes, such as 'Tokhm-e Katun' (flaxseed) or 'Tokhm-e Gishniz' (coriander seed). In an educational setting, specifically a biology class, 'Tokhm' is the standard term for an egg cell or the zygote. You'll hear teachers explain how 'Tokhm' develops into an embryo. On a farm or in a garden, the word is ubiquitous. Farmers talk about the quality of the 'Tokhm' they are sowing for the next harvest. In the wild, nature documentaries in Persian will use 'Tokhm gozashtan' to describe the life cycles of salmon or migratory birds. Furthermore, in the realm of Persian idioms and street slang, 'Tokhm' appears frequently. You might hear someone say 'Tokhm-e do-zardeh kardeh?' (Has he laid a double-yolked egg?) to sarcastically describe someone who thinks they've done something incredibly special when they haven't. In more aggressive or colloquial street talk, the word is used in insults or to describe someone's 'guts' or 'balls' (courage), though this is considered 'bi-adabaneh' (impolite) and should be avoided by learners. Lastly, in classical Persian literature and Sufi poetry, 'Tokhm' is used as a metaphor for the human soul or the potential within a person that needs to be nurtured to grow into a 'fruitful tree' of wisdom. Whether you are reading a recipe, a science textbook, or a poem by Rumi, 'Tokhm' remains a central, evocative term.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make with تخم (Tokhm) is failing to distinguish it from دانه (Daneh). While both can translate to 'seed', 'Tokhm' usually refers to seeds that are specifically for planting or those that have a reproductive capacity, whereas 'Daneh' is a more general term for grains, beads, or the small seeds found inside fruits like pomegranates or grapes. For example, you wouldn't usually call a pomegranate seed a 'Tokhm'; it's a 'Daneh'. Another common error is using 'Tokhm' alone when you mean 'chicken egg'. In English, we just say 'egg', but in Persian, saying 'Man tokhm mikhoram' (I eat egg) can sound slightly odd or incomplete; 'Tokhm-e Morgh' is the standard culinary term. A significant cultural pitfall is the accidental use of 'Tokhm' in its slang sense. Because 'Tokhm' is a slang term for testicles, using it in phrases like 'Tokhm-e man' (my egg/seed) can be interpreted as a vulgarity depending on the tone and context. Learners should stick to 'Tokhm-e Morgh' or 'Tokhme' (the snack) to be safe. Additionally, there is confusion between 'Tokhm' and بذر (Bazr). 'Bazr' is the more formal, agricultural term for 'seed' used by professionals. If you are talking to a gardener, 'Bazr' sounds more sophisticated, while 'Tokhm' is more common. Another mistake is in the verb pairing. Learners often try to use 'zadan' (to hit) or 'kardan' (to do) with eggs. Remember: birds 'Tokhm migozarand' (lay eggs), but you 'Tokhm-e morgh mishkani' (break/crack an egg) or 'Tokhm-e morgh mipazi' (cook an egg). Finally, don't confuse 'Tokhm' with 'Tohm' (which isn't a word) or 'Tohmat' (accusation). Pay close attention to the 'kh' sound (the voiceless velar fricative), as mispronouncing it can change the word's meaning entirely or make it unintelligible.

To truly master تخم (Tokhm), it is helpful to compare it with its linguistic neighbors. The most immediate relative is تخمه (Tokhme). While 'Tokhm' is the raw seed or biological egg, 'Tokhme' refers specifically to the roasted, salted seeds (sunflower, pumpkin, watermelon) that are a staple snack in Iranian culture. If you are at a party, you are eating 'Tokhme', not 'Tokhm'. Another similar word is دانه (Daneh). 'Daneh' is used for individual units of things: a grain of rice (daneh-ye berenj), a bead of a necklace, or a single seed in a fruit. It is more versatile and less biological than 'Tokhm'. Then there is بذر (Bazr), which is the specialized agricultural term for seeds intended for sowing. You'll see 'Bazr' on commercial seed packets. For the biological 'egg cell' in a medical context, you might also encounter تخمک (Tokhmak), which is the diminutive form used specifically for the ovum in females. In terms of animal eggs, 'Tokhm' is the general term, but خایه (Khaye) is another word for egg/testicle that is much more vulgar and should generally be avoided in polite conversation, though you might see it in older literature or very crude slang. Another related concept is نطفه (Notfeh), which means 'embryo' or 'sperm' and is used when discussing the very beginning of life or the 'germ' of an idea. Lastly, هسته (Hasteh) refers to the 'pit' or 'stone' of a fruit, like a cherry or peach pit. While an English speaker might call a cherry pit a 'seed', a Persian speaker would strictly use 'Hasteh'. Understanding these nuances—'Tokhm' for reproduction/planting, 'Tokhme' for snacks, 'Daneh' for grains, 'Bazr' for agriculture, and 'Hasteh' for pits—will make your Persian sound much more natural and precise.

How Formal Is It?

난이도

알아야 할 문법

Ezafe construction for possession/specification.

Compound verbs with 'gozashtan'.

Pluralization with '-ha'.

Direct object marker 'ra'.

수준별 예문

1

من برای صبحانه تخم‌مرغ می‌خورم.

I eat eggs for breakfast.

Tokhm-e morgh is a compound noun.

2

این تخم بزرگ است.

This egg is big.

Simple adjective-noun agreement.

3

آیا تخم‌مرغ داری؟

Do you have eggs?

Question form with 'dari'.

4

مرغ یک تخم گذاشت.

The hen laid an egg.

Past tense of 'tokhm gozashtan'.

5

تخم‌مرغ ارزان است.

Eggs are cheap.

Simple predicate.

6

من دو تا تخم‌مرغ می‌خواهم.

I want two eggs.

Using 'ta' as a classifier.

7

تخم‌مرغ در یخچال است.

The egg is in the fridge.

Prepositional phrase 'dar'.

8

رنگ این تخم سفید است.

The color of this egg is white.

Ezafe construction 'rang-e in tokhm'.

1

پرنده در لانه تخم می‌گذارد.

The bird lays eggs in the nest.

Present continuous sense.

2

ما در مهمانی تخمه می‌خوریم.

We eat seeds (snacks) at the party.

Tokhme refers to the snack.

3

تخم این گل خیلی کوچک است.

The seed of this flower is very small.

Tokhm used as seed.

4

او تخم هندوانه را کاشت.

He planted the watermelon seed.

Direct object with 'ra'.

5

لاک‌پشت‌ها زیر شن تخم می‌گذارند.

Turtles lay eggs under the sand.

Plural subject.

6

تخم‌مرغ آب‌پز سالم است.

Boiled eggs are healthy.

Compound adjective 'ab-paz'.

7

این مغازه تخمه آفتابگردان دارد.

This shop has sunflower seeds.

Specific type of seed.

8

بچه‌ها به تخم‌های پرنده دست نزنید.

Children, don't touch the bird's eggs.

Imperative negative.

1

او تخم کینه را در خانواده کاشت.

He sowed the seed of hatred in the family.

Metaphorical usage.

2

تخم شربتی برای سلامتی مفید است.

Basil seeds are good for health.

Specific botanical name.

3

مارها معمولاً تخم می‌گذارند.

Snakes usually lay eggs.

Adverb 'mo'moulan'.

4

برای این باغچه، تخم چمن لازم داریم.

We need grass seed for this garden.

Need/necessity construction.

5

او همیشه تخم لق در دهان من می‌شکند.

He always puts bad ideas in my head.

Idiomatic expression.

6

تخم کتان منبع خوب فیبر است.

Flaxseed is a good source of fiber.

Nutritional context.

7

ماهی‌ها هزاران تخم در آب می‌ریزند.

Fish release thousands of eggs in the water.

Large numbers.

8

این تخم‌ها باید در جای گرم بمانند.

These eggs must stay in a warm place.

Modal verb 'bayad'.

1

تخمک پس از لقاح به تخم تبدیل می‌شود.

The ovule turns into a seed after fertilization.

Scientific terminology.

2

او با این کار، تخم نفاق را پاشید.

With this action, he scattered the seeds of discord.

Advanced metaphor.

3

تولید تخم‌مرغ در این مرغداری افزایش یافته است.

Egg production in this poultry farm has increased.

Passive/Formal construction.

4

فکر می‌کنی تخم دو زرده کرده‌ای؟

Do you think you've done something extraordinary?

Sarcastic idiom.

5

تخم‌های این حشره بسیار مقاوم هستند.

The eggs of this insect are very resilient.

Scientific description.

6

بذر و تخم گیاهان باید در زمان مناسب کاشته شوند.

Seeds of plants must be planted at the right time.

Formal agricultural tone.

7

او از تخم و ترکه همان خانواده است.

He is from the same lineage/stock.

Idiom for lineage.

8

خاویار در واقع همان تخم ماهی است.

Caviar is actually fish eggs.

Definition style.

1

در متون کهن، تخم به معنای نژاد و اصل است.

In ancient texts, 'tokhm' means race and origin.

Literary analysis.

2

او تخم تردید را در دل من کاشت.

He planted the seed of doubt in my heart.

Abstract metaphor.

3

ساختار سلولی تخم بسیار پیچیده است.

The cellular structure of the egg is very complex.

Academic register.

4

این گیاه از طریق تخم تکثیر می‌شود.

This plant reproduces via seeds.

Technical biology.

5

سیاستمدار تخم کینه را در جامعه پراکند.

The politician spread the seeds of hatred in society.

Sociopolitical context.

6

تخم پاک هرگز ضایع نمی‌شود.

A pure seed (lineage) is never wasted.

Proverbial/Poetic.

7

او به دنبال تخم چشم‌زده می‌گشت.

He was looking for a specific magical seed (folklore).

Folklore reference.

8

تخم‌گذاری لاک‌پشت‌ها یک پدیده شگفت‌انگیز است.

The egg-laying of turtles is an amazing phenomenon.

Gerund/Noun phrase.

1

او چنان سخن می‌گفت که گویی تخم وحشت می‌پاشد.

He spoke as if he were sowing the seeds of terror.

High literary style.

2

تخم و تبار او به پادشاهان قدیم می‌رسد.

His lineage and ancestry go back to ancient kings.

Archaic/Formal 'tokhm o tabar'.

3

در فلسفه، تخم نماد قوه و پتانسیل است.

In philosophy, the seed is a symbol of potentiality.

Abstract conceptualization.

4

او با این حرف، تخم لق در دهان حریف شکست.

With this remark, he sabotaged his opponent's confidence.

Advanced idiomatic usage.

5

بررسی ژنتیکی تخم نشان‌دهنده جهش بود.

Genetic examination of the zygote showed a mutation.

Scientific research register.

6

تخم سخن در زمین جان باید کاشت.

One must plant the seed of speech in the soil of the soul.

Mystical poetry style.

7

او از آن تخمه‌های بدذات است.

He is of that wicked stock (insult).

Colloquial/Derogatory.

8

تخم‌مرغ دزد، شتر دزد می‌شود.

He who steals an egg will steal a camel (Persian proverb).

Proverbial wisdom.

자주 쓰는 조합

تخم گذاشتن
تخم مرغ
تخم آفتابگردان
تخم شربتی
تخم کتان
تخم کاشتن
تخم ماهی
زرده تخم
سفیده تخم
پوست تخم

자주 혼동되는 단어

تخم vs دانه

تخم vs بذر

تخم vs هسته

혼동하기 쉬운

تخم vs

تخم vs

تخم vs

تخم vs

تخم vs

문장 패턴

사용법

social

'Tokhme' is a vital part of Iranian hospitality.

culinary

Always specify the animal if it's not a chicken egg.

botanical

Use 'Tokhm' for seeds you plant, 'Daneh' for seeds you find in fruit.

자주 하는 실수
  • Saying 'Tokhm' when you mean 'Hasteh' (fruit pit).
  • Using 'Tokhm' alone for breakfast instead of 'Tokhm-e Morgh'.
  • Mispronouncing 'Tokhm' as 'Tom'.
  • Confusing 'Tokhme' (snack) with 'Tokhm' (raw seed).
  • Using 'Tokhm' in a vulgar way by accident.

Ezafe Usage

Always use Ezafe (the -e sound) when specifying the type of egg or seed.

Seed Types

Learn the difference between Tokhm, Daneh, and Hasteh early on.

Social Snack

If offered 'Tokhme' at an Iranian house, it's polite to take a small handful.

The 'Kh' Sound

The 'kh' in Tokhm is like the 'ch' in Scottish 'loch'. Don't say 'Tok-m'.

Avoid Slang

Avoid using 'Tokhm' in aggressive contexts to prevent being offensive.

Ordering Eggs

In a cafe, ask for 'Nimroo' for fried eggs or 'Omlet' for a Persian tomato omelet.

Planting

Use 'Tokhm kashtan' when talking about starting your vegetable garden.

Technical Terms

Use 'Tokhmak' for scientific discussions about reproduction.

Metaphors

Use 'Tokhm-e kineh' to describe someone starting a conflict.

Buying Seeds

At the 'Attari', ask for seeds by their full name, e.g., 'Tokhm-e Gishniz'.

암기하기

어원

Middle Persian 'tom', from Proto-Indo-European *teuk- (to bring forth, beget).

문화적 맥락

Decorated eggs (Tokhm-e Morgh-e Rang-shodeh) are placed on the Haft-Sin table.

Eating 'Tokhme' is a communal activity, often accompanied by tea and conversation.

Various 'Tokhm' (seeds) are used in traditional Persian medicine (Teb-e Sonnati).

실생활에서 연습하기

실제 사용 상황

대화 시작하기

"آیا تخم‌مرغ دوست داری؟"

"بهترین نوع تخمه برای تماشای فوتبال چیست؟"

"چگونه تخم‌مرغ را می‌پزی؟"

"آیا تا به حال تخم شربتی خورده‌ای؟"

"در باغچه خود چه تخمی کاشته‌ای؟"

일기 주제

Write about your favorite breakfast involving eggs.

Describe the process of planting a seed in Persian.

Talk about a time someone 'planted a seed of doubt' in your mind.

Explain the importance of 'Tokhme' in Iranian culture.

Compare the biological egg to the botanical seed.

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

Tokhm is the general word for egg or seed. Tokhme specifically refers to roasted snack seeds like sunflower seeds.

You say 'Tokhm-e morgh-e nimroo' or just 'Nimroo'.

Mostly for seeds used for planting or small seeds like basil seeds. For fruit pits, use 'Hasteh'.

Yes, in food and biology. However, it can be vulgar slang for testicles, so use it carefully in casual speech.

The verb is 'Tokhm gozashtan'.

It is basil seeds, often used in a popular Iranian summer drink.

No, it's singular. For plural, say 'Tokhm-e morgh-ha' or 'Tokhm-e morgh-ha'.

Literally 'double-yolked egg', it's used sarcastically for someone who thinks they've done something amazing.

It is called 'Tokhm-e Katan'.

It is 'Tokhm-e morgh-e ab-paz'.

셀프 테스트 180 질문

/ 180 correct

Perfect score!

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