Meaning
To prepare a meal by cooking.
Cultural Background
Cooking is rarely a solo activity in traditional homes. 'Ghaza dorost kardan' often involves family members sitting together to peel vegetables or clean herbs (sabzi). The 'Sofreh' (the cloth spread on the floor or table) is where the 'ghaza' is placed. Making food is seen as preparing the center of the family's social life. For Iranians living abroad, 'ghaza dorost kardan' is a vital way to maintain a connection to their roots, often spending all day making complex stews like Ghormeh Sabzi.
The 'Light Verb' Secret
Mastering 'kardan' is the key to 50% of Persian verbs. Once you learn 'ghaza dorost kardan', you can learn 'kar kardan' (to work) and 'tamiz kardan' (to clean).
Don't say 'Sakhtan'
Even though English says 'make food', Persian never uses the verb for building/construction for meals.
Meaning
To prepare a meal by cooking.
The 'Light Verb' Secret
Mastering 'kardan' is the key to 50% of Persian verbs. Once you learn 'ghaza dorost kardan', you can learn 'kar kardan' (to work) and 'tamiz kardan' (to clean).
Don't say 'Sakhtan'
Even though English says 'make food', Persian never uses the verb for building/construction for meals.
Complimenting the Cook
After someone makes food for you, always say 'Dastet dard nakone' (May your hand not ache) as a thank you.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'kardan'.
من دیروز برای ناهار پاستا درست ____.
The sentence uses 'diruz' (yesterday), so the past tense 'kardam' is required.
Which sentence is the most natural way to say 'I am cooking'?
Choose the correct option:
'Ghaza dorost kardan' is the standard collocation.
Fill in the friend's response.
سارا: گرسنهای؟ علی: بله، بیا با هم ____.
In the context of being hungry and suggesting an action together, 'let's make food' fits best.
Match the Persian to the English.
Match the following:
Basic vocabulary matching.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Meals You Can 'Dorost' Kardan
Meals
- • صبحانه (Breakfast)
- • ناهار (Lunch)
- • شام (Dinner)
Practice Bank
4 exercisesمن دیروز برای ناهار پاستا درست ____.
The sentence uses 'diruz' (yesterday), so the past tense 'kardam' is required.
Choose the correct option:
'Ghaza dorost kardan' is the standard collocation.
سارا: گرسنهای؟ علی: بله، بیا با هم ____.
In the context of being hungry and suggesting an action together, 'let's make food' fits best.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Basic vocabulary matching.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
6 questionsYes, but 'ashpazi mikonam' sounds like 'I am doing the act of cooking' while 'ghaza dorost mikonam' sounds like 'I am making a meal'.
It is singular but used collectively. You don't need to pluralize it when saying 'I'm making food'.
Just replace 'ghaza' with 'sham'. 'Sham dorost mikonam'.
'Pokhtan' is specifically 'to cook' with heat. 'Dorost kardan' is the whole process of preparation.
It is neutral. You can use it with friends, family, and even in most professional culinary settings.
Say 'Man balad nistam ghaza dorost konam'.
Related Phrases
آشپزی کردن
synonymTo cook (as an activity)
پخت و پز
similarCooking and baking
سفره چیدن
builds onTo set the table/sofreh
دستپخت
specialized formOne's cooking style/talent
