Meaning
To pay attention to sounds.
Cultural Background
Listening is a key part of 'Ta'arof'. Even if you don't want to listen, you might say 'Gush mikonam' (I'm listening) to show respect to the speaker. In Dari, 'Gush kardan' is also standard, but 'Gush giriftan' (to take ear) is sometimes used to mean 'to listen in' or 'to eavesdrop'. Tajik Persian uses the same root, but in Cyrillic script: 'Гӯш карدن'. The cultural emphasis on listening to elders is equally strong. Classical poets like Rumi often use 'Gush' as a metaphor for spiritual receptivity. To 'listen' is to be open to divine truth.
The 'Be' Rule
Always put 'be' before the person or thing you are listening to. It's the most common mistake for beginners!
Formal vs Informal
Don't use 'Gush kon' with your Persian teacher. It sounds like you are ordering them around. Use 'Gush konid'.
Meaning
To pay attention to sounds.
The 'Be' Rule
Always put 'be' before the person or thing you are listening to. It's the most common mistake for beginners!
Formal vs Informal
Don't use 'Gush kon' with your Persian teacher. It sounds like you are ordering them around. Use 'Gush konid'.
Spoken Persian
In Tehran, you might hear 'Gush mikoni?' instead of 'Gush midahi?' for 'Are you listening?'
Body Language
Iranians often nod and say 'Bale' (Yes) or 'Ahan' while listening to show they are actively 'Gush kardan'.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'Gush kardan' (Imperative/Formal).
لطفاً به حرفهای من ______.
The word 'Lotfan' (Please) usually signals a formal or polite request, requiring the 'id' ending.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Which one uses the correct preposition?
In Persian, the verb 'Gush kardan' requires the preposition 'be' (to).
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: A mother talking to her young son.
A mother would use the informal singular 'kon' with her child.
Complete the dialogue.
A: این آهنگ خیلی خوبه. B: آره، دارم بهش ______.
The context 'I am [doing it right now]' requires the present continuous 'mikonam'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Listen vs Hear
Practice Bank
4 exercisesلطفاً به حرفهای من ______.
The word 'Lotfan' (Please) usually signals a formal or polite request, requiring the 'id' ending.
Which one uses the correct preposition?
In Persian, the verb 'Gush kardan' requires the preposition 'be' (to).
Situation: A mother talking to her young son.
A mother would use the informal singular 'kon' with her child.
A: این آهنگ خیلی خوبه. B: آره، دارم بهش ______.
The context 'I am [doing it right now]' requires the present continuous 'mikonam'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsYes, it is the direct equivalent of 'to listen' in English.
Yes, 'Be harf-e man gush kon' means 'Listen to me' but also 'Obey me'.
The past tense is 'Gush kardam' (I listened).
Persian verbs often require specific prepositions to link to their objects; 'be' is the partner for 'Gush kardan'.
Only if said to someone older or in a higher position. With friends, it's perfectly fine.
You say 'Daram gush mikonam'.
They are 99% interchangeable. 'Gush dādan' is slightly more common in casual conversation.
No, for smells you use 'Bu kardan' (to smell).
Say 'Ba deghat gush konid'.
Young people might just say 'Gush bede'.
Yes, but always use the formal 'Gush konid'.
Yes, 'Be raz-e man gush kon'.
Related Phrases
گوش دادن
synonymTo give ear / To listen
شنیدن
similarTo hear
گوش ایستادن
specialized formTo eavesdrop
گوشزد کردن
builds onTo remind/warn
سراپا گوش بودن
specialized formTo be all ears
