Meaning
To be in a state of rest, typically at night.
Cultural Background
The 'Toshak' is a traditional mattress used on the floor. Many Iranians find it more comfortable than a bed, and it's a sign of a welcoming home to have extra toshaks for guests. Afternoon naps (Khâb-e Zohr) are a cultural staple, especially in summer. It's common for businesses to close for a few hours in the afternoon. Sleep is often used as a metaphor for being unaware or 'spiritually asleep' in Sufi poetry by Rumi or Hafez. When visiting someone, they might say 'Befarmâyid esterâhat konid' (Please rest), which is a polite way to offer you a place to lie down or sleep.
The 'Sleepy' Shortcut
Instead of saying 'I am tired' (Khaste-am), use 'Khâbam miyâd' if you want to signal you're ready for bed.
Don't 'See' Sleep
Avoid saying 'Khâb didam' unless you are actually describing a dream you had.
Meaning
To be in a state of rest, typically at night.
The 'Sleepy' Shortcut
Instead of saying 'I am tired' (Khaste-am), use 'Khâbam miyâd' if you want to signal you're ready for bed.
Don't 'See' Sleep
Avoid saying 'Khâb didam' unless you are actually describing a dream you had.
Floor Sleeping
If you're invited to an Iranian home, don't be surprised if you're offered a spot on the floor; it's a very normal and cozy tradition!
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of 'khâbidan' for the present tense.
من هر شب ساعت یازده ________. (I sleep every night at eleven.)
For a daily routine in the present, we use 'mi-' + present stem 'khâb' + 'am'.
Which phrase means 'I am sleepy'?
How do you say 'I am sleepy' in Persian?
The idiomatic way to say 'I'm sleepy' is 'khâbam miyâd' (my sleep comes).
Complete the dialogue.
A: دیشب خوب ________؟ B: بله، خیلی خوب بود.
The question is about 'last night' (dishab), so we need the past tense second person singular.
Match the sentence to the situation.
Sentence: 'طوفان خوابید.'
'Tufân khâbid' means the storm subsided.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Sleep vs. Dream
Practice Bank
4 exercisesمن هر شب ساعت یازده ________. (I sleep every night at eleven.)
For a daily routine in the present, we use 'mi-' + present stem 'khâb' + 'am'.
How do you say 'I am sleepy' in Persian?
The idiomatic way to say 'I'm sleepy' is 'khâbam miyâd' (my sleep comes).
A: دیشب خوب ________؟ B: بله، خیلی خوب بود.
The question is about 'last night' (dishab), so we need the past tense second person singular.
Sentence: 'طوفان خوابید.'
'Tufân khâbid' means the storm subsided.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
14 questionsYou can say 'Khâbam bord' (literally: sleep took me) or 'Be khâb raftam'.
Yes, it's perfectly fine for pets. 'Sag mikhâbad' (The dog sleeps).
The present stem is 'khâb' (خواب).
Use 'Dâram mikhâbam' (I am in the middle of sleeping/going to sleep).
Only in the sense of where you physically sleep, not as a general 'stay' like 'mândan'.
No, it's a neutral description of their state.
It means 'sleepy' or 'groggy' as an adjective.
While not using the verb directly, 'Shab bekheyr' is the phrase, often followed by 'khub bekhâbi' (sleep well).
Yes! 'Bâtri khâbide' is a very common way to say a car battery is dead.
'Khâbidan' is specifically sleeping/lying down, 'esterâhat kardan' is general resting (can be sitting).
'Lâlâ' is for kids, and 'ghash kardan' is slang for sleeping very deeply.
We sleep = 'Mâ mikhâbim'.
No, it's an intransitive verb and doesn't typically have a passive form.
It's a response to the midday heat and a long-standing cultural tradition for health and productivity.
Related Phrases
خواب دیدن
similarTo dream
بیدار شدن
contrastTo wake up
استراحت کردن
similarTo rest
چرت زدن
specialized formTo doze off / To nap
خواب رفتن
builds onTo fall asleep / For a limb to go numb
