Meaning
To shed tears as an expression of emotion.
Cultural Background
In Iranian culture, crying during religious ceremonies (like Ashura) is considered a virtuous act of empathy with the suffering of holy figures. Iranian films are world-renowned for their emotional depth. Crying is often used by directors to show the inner struggle of characters against social injustice. Classical poets like Rumi and Hafez often speak of 'gerye' as a way to wash the soul and reach a higher spiritual state. Young Iranians use 'gerye kardan' or 'ashkam dar āmad' (my tears came out) to react to cute or touching videos, similar to 'I'm crying' in English web slang.
The 'Kardan' Rule
Mastering 'kardan' is the key to 50% of Persian verbs. Once you can conjugate 'gerye kardan,' you can also do 'kar kardan' (to work), 'sohbat kardan' (to talk), and many more.
Tears of Joy
Always specify 'gerye-ye shogh' (crying of joy) if you aren't sad, otherwise people will immediately try to comfort you!
Meaning
To shed tears as an expression of emotion.
The 'Kardan' Rule
Mastering 'kardan' is the key to 50% of Persian verbs. Once you can conjugate 'gerye kardan,' you can also do 'kar kardan' (to work), 'sohbat kardan' (to talk), and many more.
Tears of Joy
Always specify 'gerye-ye shogh' (crying of joy) if you aren't sad, otherwise people will immediately try to comfort you!
Don't say 'Man gerye hastam'
This is the most common beginner mistake. Always use 'mikonam' (I do), never 'hastam' (I am).
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'kardan' in the present continuous (I am crying).
من دارم _________ _________.
The present continuous for 'I' requires 'dāram' + 'mi-' + present stem 'kon' + ending 'am'.
Which sentence means 'Don't cry'?
کدام جمله درست است؟
Both 'gerye nakon' (singular) and 'gerye nakonid' (plural/formal) mean 'Don't cry.'
Match the Persian phrase to its English meaning.
وصل کنید:
These are common collocations and phrases related to crying.
Complete the dialogue.
سارا: چرا چشمهایت قرمز است؟ علی: چون نیم ساعت _________ _________.
Red eyes are a common result of crying (gerye kardam).
Match the situation to the most likely phrase.
موقعیت را انتخاب کنید:
Crying can be emotional (ehsāsāt) or from physical pain (dard).
🎉 Score: /5
Visual Learning Aids
Formal vs Informal Crying
Practice Bank
5 exercisesمن دارم _________ _________.
The present continuous for 'I' requires 'dāram' + 'mi-' + present stem 'kon' + ending 'am'.
کدام جمله درست است؟
Both 'gerye nakon' (singular) and 'gerye nakonid' (plural/formal) mean 'Don't cry.'
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are common collocations and phrases related to crying.
سارا: چرا چشمهایت قرمز است؟ علی: چون نیم ساعت _________ _________.
Red eyes are a common result of crying (gerye kardam).
موقعیت را انتخاب کنید:
Crying can be emotional (ehsāsāt) or from physical pain (dard).
🎉 Score: /5
Frequently Asked Questions
14 questionsIt is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal settings.
You say 'Gerye-am mi-āyad' (My cry is coming) or 'Gerye-am gerefte' (My cry has caught).
No, for a 'cry for help,' use 'faryād-e komak' (shout for help).
It is 'gerye kard' (او گریه کرد).
'Gerye' is the act of crying, 'ashk' is the physical tear drop.
The phrase is 'zadan zir-e gerye'.
Iranian culture values deep emotional expression and empathy, which is reflected in its cinema.
Yes, you can say 'sag gerye mikonad' (the dog is crying/whining).
The opposite is 'khandidan' (to laugh).
You say 'gerye nakon' (don't cry) or 'bas kon' (stop it).
Only in very formal literature, poetry, or news broadcasts.
Usually, but it can be 'gerye-ye shogh' (joy) or from physical pain.
We cry = mā gerye mikonim.
Sobbing is 'hegh hegh kardan' or 'zar zar gerye kardan'.
Related Phrases
اشک ریختن
synonymTo shed tears
زار زدن
specialized formTo sob loudly
بغض کردن
builds onTo have a lump in one's throat
خندیدن
contrastTo laugh
نالیدن
similarTo moan or wail
