Meaning
To peruse written material in a book.
Cultural Background
Reading poetry is often considered more essential than reading prose. 'Ketāb' can often imply a book of poetry like Hafez or Rumi. The phrase is identical in Dari, but the pronunciation of 'bekhvānid' might have a more distinct 'v' sound compared to the silent 'v' in Tehran. In Tajik (written in Cyrillic), it is 'Китоб хонед' (Kitob khoned). The meaning remains the same. Second-generation Iranians are often encouraged with this phrase to maintain their heritage language.
The Silent V
Don't pronounce the 'v' in 'khvān'. It's a historical spelling. Say 'khān'.
Politeness Matters
Always use the '-id' ending with people you don't know well, even if they are younger than you.
Meaning
To peruse written material in a book.
The Silent V
Don't pronounce the 'v' in 'khvān'. It's a historical spelling. Say 'khān'.
Politeness Matters
Always use the '-id' ending with people you don't know well, even if they are younger than you.
Singing vs Reading
Context is key. 'Khāndan' without an object often defaults to 'reading' in a library but 'singing' at a party.
Test Yourself
Which form is the most appropriate for a teacher addressing a class?
بچهها، امروز ...
The '-id' ending is used for plural subjects like 'children'.
Fill in the missing imperative prefix.
لطفاً کتاب ...خوانید.
The prefix 'be-' is used to form the imperative in Persian.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
کتاب بخون (Ketāb bekhun)
'Bekhun' is the informal, spoken version of the imperative.
Complete the dialogue.
استاد: برای امتحان فردا، ... . دانشجو: چشم، حتماً میخوانیم.
The student's response 'bekhvānim' (we will read) indicates the teacher asked them to read.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Things you can 'Khāndan'
Reading
- • کتاب (Book)
- • مجله (Magazine)
- • نامه (Letter)
Reciting
- • آواز (Song)
- • شعر (Poem)
- • دعا (Prayer)
Practice Bank
4 exercisesبچهها، امروز ...
The '-id' ending is used for plural subjects like 'children'.
لطفاً کتاب ...خوانید.
The prefix 'be-' is used to form the imperative in Persian.
کتاب بخون (Ketāb bekhun)
'Bekhun' is the informal, spoken version of the imperative.
استاد: برای امتحان فردا، ... . دانشجو: چشم، حتماً میخوانیم.
The student's response 'bekhvānim' (we will read) indicates the teacher asked them to read.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsYes, but you would replace 'Ketāb' with 'Majalle'. 'Majalle bekhvānid'.
No, it can be used for any written material like newspapers (rūznāme) or letters (nāme).
'Khāndan' is general reading; 'motāle'e' is more like 'studying' or 'focused reading'.
Say 'Nakhvānid' or 'Makhvānid' (more formal).
It's a remnant of Middle Persian pronunciation that is no longer spoken in most dialects.
Related Phrases
مطالعه کردن
synonymTo study/peruse
درس خواندن
similarTo study (lessons)
کتابخانه
builds onLibrary
کتابخوان
specialized formBookworm / E-reader
