Meaning
To engage in learning or academic pursuit.
Cultural Background
The 'Konkur' exam is a national obsession. Students often spend 12-14 hours a day 'dars khāndan' for a full year to get into top universities. In Dari Persian, 'dars khāndan' is also the standard term. Education is seen as a vital tool for rebuilding the nation. Tajik Persian uses the same phrase, though the script is Cyrillic (дарс хондан). The cultural respect for teachers (Ustod) is very high. Second-generation Iranians are often pushed by 'Tiger Parents' to 'dars khāndan' in fields like medicine or engineering.
The 'O' Sound
If you want to sound like a local in Tehran, always change the 'ā' to 'o' in 'mikhānam'. Say 'mikhonam'.
Don't say 'Dars Kardan'
This is the most common beginner mistake. Persian verbs are picky about their light verbs!
Meaning
To engage in learning or academic pursuit.
The 'O' Sound
If you want to sound like a local in Tehran, always change the 'ā' to 'o' in 'mikhānam'. Say 'mikhonam'.
Don't say 'Dars Kardan'
This is the most common beginner mistake. Persian verbs are picky about their light verbs!
The Konkur Effect
Mentioning you are 'dars khāndan' for an exam will get you instant sympathy from any Iranian.
Subject Placement
You can put the subject you are studying before 'dars'. E.g., 'Fārsi dars mikhānam'.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'dars khāndan' in the present continuous.
من الان ________. (I am studying right now.)
The word 'الان' (now) requires the present continuous 'dāram ... mikhānam'.
Which sentence is correct for 'I studied for the exam yesterday'?
دیروز برای امتحان...
'دیروز' (yesterday) indicates the simple past tense.
Match the Persian phrase with its English meaning.
Match the following:
These are all related terms in the education semantic field.
Complete the dialogue.
A: چرا به مهمانی نمیآیی؟ B: چون باید برای امتحان فردا ________.
The speaker (B) is giving a reason for themselves, so first-person singular is needed.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Study vs. Learn
Practice Bank
4 exercisesمن الان ________. (I am studying right now.)
The word 'الان' (now) requires the present continuous 'dāram ... mikhānam'.
دیروز برای امتحان...
'دیروز' (yesterday) indicates the simple past tense.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are all related terms in the education semantic field.
A: چرا به مهمانی نمیآیی؟ B: چون باید برای امتحان فردا ________.
The speaker (B) is giving a reason for themselves, so first-person singular is needed.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, 'dars khāndan' is perfect for language learning if you are using books or taking a class.
'Dars' is specifically for school/lessons. 'Motāle'e' is broader and more formal, like 'studying a document'.
You say 'Dars khāndam'.
The noun 'dars' almost always comes before the verb.
Yes, but 'tahsil kardan' is more common for high-level degrees.
It's an adjective meaning 'studious' or 'a good student'.
Yes, it means 'to read' (a book) or 'to sing' (a song).
Bāyad dars bekhānam.
The weekend in Iran is Thursday and Friday. Students often study on Thursdays.
Yes, 'dars zadan' is a common slang among students.
Related Phrases
مطالعه کردن
synonymTo study/read
تحصیل کردن
specialized formTo be educated
یاد گرفتن
similarTo learn
درس دادن
contrastTo teach
شاگردی کردن
builds onTo apprentice
