A1 Expression Neutral

کار می‌کنم

kar mikonam

I work

Phrase in 30 Seconds

Use 'کار می‌کنم' to state your current occupation or the fact that you are performing work right now.

  • Means: 'I work' or 'I am working'.
  • Used in: Job interviews, casual introductions, or explaining why you are busy.
  • Don't confuse: Do not confuse with 'کار دارم' which means 'I have work/I am busy'.
Person + Laptop + Clock = Productive work session

Explanation at your level:

This is a basic phrase. You use it to say you have a job or are working right now. It is very easy to learn and use every day.
At this level, you can use 'کار می‌کنم' to describe your routine or your current status. You can combine it with places or times, like 'من صبح‌ها کار می‌کنم' (I work in the mornings).
You can now use this phrase in more complex sentences, such as explaining your career path or your current projects. It becomes a tool for discussing your professional life in detail.
At this stage, you understand the nuances of the compound verb system. You can contrast 'کار می‌کنم' with other verbs to express professional nuances, such as 'مشغول به کار هستم' for a more formal tone.
You can analyze the sociolinguistic implications of the phrase. You understand how the choice between 'کار می‌کنم' and more formal alternatives reflects the speaker's intent and the social context of the workplace.
You master the phrase as a core component of the Persian verbal morphology. You can manipulate it within complex syntactic structures, understanding its historical evolution and its role in the broader Persian lexicon.

Meaning

Stating one's current action of working.

🌍

Cultural Background

Work is a primary topic of conversation to establish social standing.

💡

Compound Verbs

Remember that Persian loves compound verbs. Treat 'کار' and 'می‌کنم' as a single unit.

Meaning

Stating one's current action of working.

💡

Compound Verbs

Remember that Persian loves compound verbs. Treat 'کار' and 'می‌کنم' as a single unit.

Test Yourself

Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'کار کردن'.

من در یک شرکت _____.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: کار می‌کنم

The subject is 'من' (I), so the verb must be 'می‌کنم'.

🎉 Score: /1

Visual Learning Aids

Frequently Asked Questions

1 questions

Yes, it is universal.

Related Phrases

🔗

کار دارم

contrast

I have work

Where to Use It

👔

Job Interview

Interviewer: چه کار می‌کنید؟

Candidate: من به عنوان حسابدار کار می‌کنم.

formal

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Car' (kār) driving you to work.

Visual Association

Imagine yourself sitting at a desk with a 'Car' parked on your laptop.

Rhyme

کار می‌کنم، در شهر می‌دوم (I work, I run in the city).

Story

Ali wakes up. He drinks tea. He says 'کار می‌کنم' and starts his day. He works until sunset.

Word Web

شغلکارمندشرکتادارهتلاشحرفه

Challenge

Say 'کار می‌کنم' every time you start a task for 24 hours.

In Other Languages

Spanish high

Yo trabajo

Spanish uses a single verb (trabajar), while Persian uses a compound verb (کار کردن).

French high

Je travaille

French is a synthetic verb, Persian is analytic/compound.

German high

Ich arbeite

Persian's compound structure is more flexible for adding nouns.

Japanese moderate

働いています (Hataraiteru)

Persian uses the simple present for both habit and current action.

Arabic high

أعمل (A'mal)

Persian compound verbs are unique to its grammar.

Chinese moderate

我在工作 (Wǒ zài gōngzuò)

Persian doesn't need a progressive marker for this phrase.

Korean high

일해요 (Ilhaeyo)

Korean honorifics change the verb ending significantly.

Portuguese high

Eu trabalho

Persian's compound structure is more distinct.

Easily Confused

کار می‌کنم vs کار دارم

Learners think it means 'I am working'.

Use 'کار می‌کنم' for the action, 'کار دارم' for the state of being busy.

FAQ (1)

Yes, it is universal.

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