Meaning
A question asking about the duration of a process.
Cultural Background
Iranians often use 'yek lahze' (one moment) as an answer to 'how long', which rarely means literally one second. In Tehran, 'traffic' is the standard excuse for why something 'tul keshid' (took a long time). In formal business, being precise about 'tul keshidan' is valued, despite the social tendency toward Ta'arof.
Use the Short Form
Always use 'mikeshe' in conversation to sound like a native.
Don't say 'takes'
Avoid using the verb 'gereftan' (to take) for time; it sounds like you're translating from English.
Meaning
A question asking about the duration of a process.
Use the Short Form
Always use 'mikeshe' in conversation to sound like a native.
Don't say 'takes'
Avoid using the verb 'gereftan' (to take) for time; it sounds like you're translating from English.
Expect 'Insh'Allah'
When asking about time, people often add 'Insh'Allah' (God willing), meaning the duration is not entirely in their hands.
Test Yourself
Complete the question about duration.
این فیلم چقدر ______ میکشد؟
'Tul' is the standard word used with 'mikeshad' for duration.
Which one is the informal spoken version?
How long does it take? (Spoken)
In spoken Persian, 'ad' at the end of verbs often changes to 'e'.
Match the question to the situation.
You are at a bus stop and want to know the travel time.
This asks for the duration of the trip.
Complete the dialogue.
A: ناهار کی آماده میشود؟ B: ده دقیقه ______ میکشد.
The verb 'mikeshad' is implied or follows 'tul'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Tense Variations
Past
- • طول کشید
Present
- • طول میکشد
Future
- • طول خواهد کشید
Practice Bank
4 exercisesاین فیلم چقدر ______ میکشد؟
'Tul' is the standard word used with 'mikeshad' for duration.
How long does it take? (Spoken)
In spoken Persian, 'ad' at the end of verbs often changes to 'e'.
You are at a bus stop and want to know the travel time.
This asks for the duration of the trip.
A: ناهار کی آماده میشود؟ B: ده دقیقه ______ میکشد.
The verb 'mikeshad' is implied or follows 'tul'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
6 questionsNo, 'tul' is for objects or time. For people, use 'ghad'.
It is neutral. It works in both formal and informal settings.
'Tul' means length, 'Zaman' means time. In this idiom, they are both used but 'tul' is more common with 'keshidan'.
Say 'Kheyli tul keshid'.
No, for distance use 'Cheghadr rah ast?' (How much road is it?).
It's a metaphor for time stretching out like a line.
Related Phrases
زمان بردن
synonymTo take time
وقت گرفتن
similarTo take up time
طولانی شدن
builds onTo become long/prolonged
