Meaning
To become extremely tired or worn out from excessive work.
Cultural Background
In Iran, admitting to being 'exhausted' is often seen as a badge of honor, showing you are a provider and a hard worker. During 'Khouse-takani' (Spring cleaning), this is the most common phrase heard in every Iranian household. Sometimes used in Ta'arof to decline more work politely by implying you are already at your breaking point.
Use it to show effort
If you want someone to appreciate your work, use this phrase. It sounds more hardworking than just saying 'I'm tired'.
Don't be too literal
If you say this with a very serious face to a stranger, they might call an ambulance!
Meaning
To become extremely tired or worn out from excessive work.
Use it to show effort
If you want someone to appreciate your work, use this phrase. It sounds more hardworking than just saying 'I'm tired'.
Don't be too literal
If you say this with a very serious face to a stranger, they might call an ambulance!
The 'Baba' addition
Adding 'Baba' at the end (Kamaram shekast baba!) makes it sound much more native and expressive.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct possessive form.
بعد از ورزش، کمر... شکست. (My back)
The suffix '-am' (written as 'م') means 'my'.
Which situation best fits 'کمر شکستن'?
When would you say this?
The idiom refers to physical exhaustion from labor.
Complete the dialogue.
A: خسته نباشی! B: سلامت باشی، واقعاً امروز ________.
It's a natural response to 'Khasteh nabashi' (Don't be tired) to confirm how tired you actually are.
Match the phrase to the context.
Match 'گرانی کمر مردم را شکسته' to its meaning.
In this context, it refers to economic pressure.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesبعد از ورزش، کمر... شکست. (My back)
The suffix '-am' (written as 'م') means 'my'.
When would you say this?
The idiom refers to physical exhaustion from labor.
A: خسته نباشی! B: سلامت باشی، واقعاً امروز ________.
It's a natural response to 'Khasteh nabashi' (Don't be tired) to confirm how tired you actually are.
Match 'گرانی کمر مردم را شکسته' to its meaning.
In this context, it refers to economic pressure.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
6 questionsYes, but it's more common for physical or financial exhaustion. For mental tiredness, 'Maghzam hang kard' (My brain hung) is more modern.
No, it's not rude, but it is very informal. Don't use it in a formal speech.
There isn't a direct opposite idiom, but 'Sareh hal' (Fresh/Ready) is the opposite state.
Yes, 'Kamaresh shekast' (His/Her back broke).
Yes, often to describe the 'back' of a lover breaking under the weight of grief or separation.
In this idiom, it refers to the lower back/waist area where strength is centered.
Related Phrases
از پا افتادن
synonymTo fall off one's feet
کمر همت بستن
contrastTo gird one's loins for a task
جون کندن
similarTo dig out one's soul (to work like a slave)
