Meaning
To interpret written words or symbols.
Cultural Background
Reading poetry is a national pastime. It is common for people to memorize hundreds of lines of Rumi or Hafez and 'read' them at gatherings. The verb 'Khandan' is used for the five daily prayers (Namaz). It implies a rhythmic, melodic recitation rather than just silent thought. Shahnameh-khani is a UNESCO-recognized heritage where a performer 'reads' the epic of kings with specific vocal inflections. Studying (Dars khandan) is highly pressured in Iran due to the 'Konkur' (university entrance exam). You will often hear students complaining about how much they have to 'read'.
The Silent Vāv
In 'Khandan', the letter 'vāv' (و) after 'khe' is silent. Don't pronounce it as 'khvandan'!
Singing is Reading
If someone asks you to 'read' a song, they are asking you to sing it. Don't just read the lyrics silently!
Meaning
To interpret written words or symbols.
The Silent Vāv
In 'Khandan', the letter 'vāv' (و) after 'khe' is silent. Don't pronounce it as 'khvandan'!
Singing is Reading
If someone asks you to 'read' a song, they are asking you to sing it. Don't just read the lyrics silently!
Laughing vs Reading
Be very careful with the vowel. 'Khandan' (Reading) vs 'Khandidan' (Laughing). You don't want to say you're laughing your homework!
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'Khandan' (present tense).
من هر شب کتاب ______.
'Man' (I) requires the ending '-am'.
Which sentence means 'He is studying'?
Choose the correct option:
'Dars khandan' is the specific collocation for studying.
Match the noun with the correct meaning of 'Khandan'.
Match these:
Khandan changes meaning based on the noun it follows.
Complete the dialogue in informal Persian.
A: داری چیکار میکنی؟ B: دارم برای امتحان ______.
In the context of an exam (emtehan), 'dars mikhonam' is the most natural answer.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Formal vs Spoken
Practice Bank
4 exercisesمن هر شب کتاب ______.
'Man' (I) requires the ending '-am'.
Choose the correct option:
'Dars khandan' is the specific collocation for studying.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Khandan changes meaning based on the noun it follows.
A: داری چیکار میکنی؟ B: دارم برای امتحان ______.
In the context of an exam (emtehan), 'dars mikhonam' is the most natural answer.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it only means 'to sing' when paired with 'avaz' (song) or 'ahang' (tune).
'Khandan' is general (reading a text), while 'Motale'e' is more academic and focused.
This is a historical spelling remnant from Middle Persian that is no longer pronounced in Modern Persian.
Yes, but 'negah kardan' (looking) is more common for visual aids.
Say 'Daram dars mikhonam'.
Yes, in the compound 'zehn-khāni' (mind-reading).
No, 'mikhonam' is informal. In formal writing, always use 'mikhānam'.
It means 'readable' or 'interesting to read'.
Yes, 'akhbar khandan' is very common.
You use 'Khandan', especially for poetry and religious texts.
Related Phrases
درس خواندن
specialized formTo study
آواز خواندن
specialized formTo sing
نماز خواندن
specialized formTo pray
فال خواندن
specialized formTo tell a fortune
روخوانی کردن
similarTo read aloud/proofread
