Meaning
To make something inaccessible or shut.
Cultural Background
Closing the door (dar bastan) can be a sensitive topic. In traditional homes, an open door signifies welcome. Closing it might imply privacy or that the host is not 'at home' to guests. The practice of 'Dakhil bastan' involves tying a piece of cloth to a holy site. It represents a spiritual bond and a request for a miracle. When a stew or a dessert like 'Sholeh Zard' reaches the right consistency and sets, Iranians say it has 'bound' (basteh). The phrase 'Bakht-ash ra bastan' (to tie someone's luck) is used when someone, particularly a young woman, is unable to find a spouse, implying a curse has 'closed' her fortune.
The 'Mi' Rule
Always remember the 'mi-' prefix for present tense. 'Man bandam' is a common mistake; it must be 'Man mibandam'.
Electronics
Never say 'close the light'. Iranians will understand you, but it sounds very foreign.
Meaning
To make something inaccessible or shut.
The 'Mi' Rule
Always remember the 'mi-' prefix for present tense. 'Man bandam' is a common mistake; it must be 'Man mibandam'.
Electronics
Never say 'close the light'. Iranians will understand you, but it sounds very foreign.
Politeness
When asking someone to close a door, adding 'lotfan' (please) and using the plural 'bebandid' is much more polite.
Compound Verbs
Learning 'bastan' unlocks dozens of compound verbs like 'del bastan' and 'yakh bastan'.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'bastan'.
من دیروز در را ______.
The sentence uses 'دیروز' (yesterday), so the past tense 'بستم' is required.
Which sentence is correct for 'Turn off the light'?
کدام جمله درست است؟
You use 'khamush kardan' for lights, not 'bastan'.
Match the noun with the correct usage of 'bastan'.
Match the following:
Bastan is a versatile verb used with all these nouns.
Complete the dialogue.
سارا: چرا ایستادی؟ علی: دارم ______ کفشم را میبندم.
You tie the 'band' (lace) of the shoe.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Bastan vs. Khamush Kardan
Practice Bank
4 exercisesمن دیروز در را ______.
The sentence uses 'دیروز' (yesterday), so the past tense 'بستم' is required.
کدام جمله درست است؟
You use 'khamush kardan' for lights, not 'bastan'.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Bastan is a versatile verb used with all these nouns.
سارا: چرا ایستادی؟ علی: دارم ______ کفشم را میبندم.
You tie the 'band' (lace) of the shoe.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, 'bastan' is used for closing windows, tabs, and programs on a computer.
The present stem is 'band' (بند).
It is neutral and used in all contexts, from casual talk to legal documents.
There is no very polite way to say 'shut up' using 'bastan', but 'Sakat bashid' (Be silent) is better than 'Dahanet ro beband'.
Only when paired with 'yakh' (ice). 'Yakh bastan' means to freeze.
Yes, 'jalaseh ra bastan' is common in formal contexts.
'Bastan' is general; 'masdud kardan' is more formal and specifically means 'to block'.
You say 'muhayat ra beband'.
Yes, both come from the same root meaning 'to bind' or 'group together'.
Yes, 'ketab ra bastan' is the standard way to say it.
Related Phrases
دل بستن
figurativeTo fall in love or become attached.
راه بستن
specialized formTo block a path or road.
پیمان بستن
formalTo make a pact or alliance.
یخ بستن
specialized formTo freeze.
کمر بستن
idiomTo prepare oneself for a big task.
