Meaning
The common action of commuting to one's workplace.
Cultural Background
In Tehran, 'going to work' often involves a 'service' (a shared company minibus) or using the Metro. People often discuss their commute as part of the 'sar-e kār raftan' experience. There is a traditional respect for 'rizq-e halal' (rightfully earned bread). Going to work is seen as a noble act of providing for the family. When leaving for work, family members might say 'Xaste nabāši' (don't be tired) even before you start, as a way of acknowledging the effort you are about to put in.
Drop the 'Be'
To sound like a native, drop the 'be' in casual conversation. Just say 'Miram sar-e kār'.
The Prank Trap
Be careful with 'sar-e kār gozāshtan'. If you say 'Man tora sar-e kār gozāštam', you are saying 'I pranked you', not 'I took you to work'.
Meaning
The common action of commuting to one's workplace.
Drop the 'Be'
To sound like a native, drop the 'be' in casual conversation. Just say 'Miram sar-e kār'.
The Prank Trap
Be careful with 'sar-e kār gozāshtan'. If you say 'Man tora sar-e kār gozāštam', you are saying 'I pranked you', not 'I took you to work'.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing word to say 'I go to work'.
من هر روز به ___ کار میروم.
The correct collocation is 'sar-e kār'.
Which sentence is the most natural for 'I am going to work' in casual speech?
Which one?
In casual speech, 'be' is dropped and the present continuous 'dāram miram' is used.
Match the response to the question: 'کجا میری؟' (Where are you going?)
کجا میری؟
The phrase 'miram sar-e kār' correctly answers a destination question.
Complete the dialogue.
علی: چرا دیر کردی؟ سارا: ببخشید، ترافیک بود، دیر به ___ رسیدم.
Given the context of being late due to traffic in a work-related setting.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesمن هر روز به ___ کار میروم.
The correct collocation is 'sar-e kār'.
Which one?
In casual speech, 'be' is dropped and the present continuous 'dāram miram' is used.
کجا میری؟
The phrase 'miram sar-e kār' correctly answers a destination question.
علی: چرا دیر کردی؟ سارا: ببخشید، ترافیک بود، دیر به ___ رسیدم.
Given the context of being late due to traffic in a work-related setting.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsYes! Even if you just walk to the next room, you can say 'miram sar-e kār' to signal you are starting your workday.
The full version with 'be' is neutral/formal. Dropping the 'be' makes it informal.
'Kār kardan' is the act of working. 'Sar-e kār raftan' is the act of going to the place of work.
Related Phrases
سر کار گذاشتن
contrastTo prank or trick someone.
دست از کار کشیدن
contrastTo stop working / to go on strike.
سر کار بودن
similarTo be at work.
