Meaning
An imperative to look at and comprehend written material.
Cultural Background
In Iran, reading poetry is a communal act. At gatherings, someone is often asked to 'بخوان' (read) from the works of Hafez or Saadi to set the mood. The act of reading the Quran is called 'Qerâ'at'. While 'بخوان' is used, it often implies a rhythmic, melodic recitation rather than silent reading. Iranian schools emphasize reading aloud. Students are frequently called to the front of the class with the command 'بخوان' to practice their 'Bayan' (eloquence). The word 'بخوان' is a popular subject for calligraphers, often written in the 'Nasta'liq' script to emphasize the beauty of seeking knowledge.
The 'u' trick
If you want to sound like a local in Tehran, always say 'Bekhun' instead of 'Bekhân'.
Don't forget 'râ'
If you are reading a specific thing (THE book), you must add 'râ' after the object: 'Ketâb râ bekhân'.
Meaning
An imperative to look at and comprehend written material.
The 'u' trick
If you want to sound like a local in Tehran, always say 'Bekhun' instead of 'Bekhân'.
Don't forget 'râ'
If you are reading a specific thing (THE book), you must add 'râ' after the object: 'Ketâb râ bekhân'.
Singing is Reading
If someone asks you to 'read' at a party, they might be asking you to sing! Don't be surprised.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct imperative form of 'to read' (informal).
علی، این کتاب را ______.
The sentence is a direct command to Ali, so the imperative 'بخوان' is required.
Which word means both 'to read' and 'to sing' in Persian?
کدام کلمه به معنای خواندن و آواز خواندن است؟
'Khândan' is unique in Persian for covering both textual reading and vocal performance.
Match the Persian phrase with its English translation.
Match the following:
These are the various forms of the imperative you have learned.
Complete the dialogue with the most appropriate word.
استاد: سارا، لطفاً متن را ______. سارا: چشم، الان شروع میکنم.
The teacher is asking the student to read the text. Since it's a direct command to one person, 'بخوان' is appropriate (though 'بخوانید' could be used for extra politeness, 'بخوان' is standard for a student).
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesعلی، این کتاب را ______.
The sentence is a direct command to Ali, so the imperative 'بخوان' is required.
کدام کلمه به معنای خواندن و آواز خواندن است؟
'Khândan' is unique in Persian for covering both textual reading and vocal performance.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are the various forms of the imperative you have learned.
استاد: سارا، لطفاً متن را ______. سارا: چشم، الان شروع میکنم.
The teacher is asking the student to read the text. Since it's a direct command to one person, 'بخوان' is appropriate (though 'بخوانید' could be used for extra politeness, 'بخوان' is standard for a student).
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsYes, it is the imperative form. If you want to say 'he reads', you would use 'میخواند'.
Yes, 'نقشه را بخوان' is perfectly natural.
No, use 'بخوانید' or 'لطفاً مطالعه بفرمایید' for a boss.
It's the informal, spoken dialect version used in daily life.
Related Phrases
مطالعه کردن
specialized formTo study/read seriously
آواز خواندن
builds onTo sing
درس خواندن
builds onTo study (lessons)
بلند خواندن
specialized formTo read aloud
