Meaning
An imperative to show happiness by smiling.
Cultural Background
In Iran, smiling is a key part of 'Kosh-ru' (being pleasant-faced). It is expected in social gatherings to show you are enjoying the company. In Dari-speaking regions, 'Labkhand' is also the standard term. Hospitality is paramount, and a smile is the first gift offered to a guest. Tajik Persian (Tajiki) uses 'Tabassum' slightly more frequently in formal speech, but 'Labkhand' is universally understood. Classical poets often describe the 'Labkhand' as a 'shakkar-khand' (sugar-smile), emphasizing its sweetness and charm.
The 'Be' Rule
Always put 'be' before 'zanid'. If you forget it, it sounds like a statement, not a command.
Smile with Eyes
In Iran, a sincere smile involves the eyes. A 'fake' smile is easily spotted and might seem untrustworthy.
Meaning
An imperative to show happiness by smiling.
The 'Be' Rule
Always put 'be' before 'zanid'. If you forget it, it sounds like a statement, not a command.
Smile with Eyes
In Iran, a sincere smile involves the eyes. A 'fake' smile is easily spotted and might seem untrustworthy.
Don't 'Hit' People
While 'zadan' means hit, never use it alone to mean smile. You must include the word 'Labkhand'.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence for a formal photo request.
لطفاً برای دوربین ________ بزنید.
The phrase 'labkhand bezanid' is the standard for photos.
Which one is the correct formal imperative?
How do you tell a group of people to smile?
The '-id' ending is for plural or formal singular commands.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: You are talking to your little brother.
Use the informal singular for siblings.
Fill in the photographer's line.
عکاس: همه آماده؟ یک، دو، سه... ________!
Photographers ask people to smile before taking the shot.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Smile vs. Laugh
Practice Bank
4 exercisesلطفاً برای دوربین ________ بزنید.
The phrase 'labkhand bezanid' is the standard for photos.
How do you tell a group of people to smile?
The '-id' ending is for plural or formal singular commands.
Situation: You are talking to your little brother.
Use the informal singular for siblings.
عکاس: همه آماده؟ یک، دو، سه... ________!
Photographers ask people to smile before taking the shot.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it's also used to encourage someone to be happy or to be polite in social settings.
'Labkhand' is the common word used by everyone. 'Tabassom' is more poetic and formal.
Yes, 'bezanid' is the polite form and is appropriate for a teacher.
It's a linguistic feature of Persian where 'zadan' acts as a light verb for many actions involving suddenness or expression.
You say 'Labkhand nazanid'.
Yes, 'Nishet-o baz kon' is very casual slang.
Generally, no. Smiling at strangers can sometimes be misunderstood, especially between different genders.
It means a 'fake' or 'artificial' smile.
The noun 'Labkhand' almost always comes first.
Yes, in a friendly or motivational email, you can write it.
Related Phrases
خندیدن
similarTo laugh
تبسم کردن
synonymTo smile (formal)
قهقهه زدن
contrastTo guffaw / laugh loudly
نیشخند زدن
specialized formTo smirk / sneer
