Meaning
To form a pleased, kind, or amused expression.
Cultural Background
Smiling is a core component of 'Goshadeh-ruyi' (having an open face). It is considered a virtue to greet even strangers with a mild smile to show you are a person of good nature. Classical poets often compare a smile to a 'ghoncheh' (flower bud) opening. A smile is seen as the blossoming of the soul. While 'cheese' is used, Iranians also say 'Seeb' (Apple) to get people to smile for photos because the 'ee' sound mimics a smile.
The 'Zadan' Secret
If you learn how to conjugate 'zadan', you unlock dozens of other Persian verbs like 'harf zadan' (to talk).
Laugh vs Smile
Be careful! Using 'khandidan' when someone is just being polite might make it seem like you think they are laughing at you.
Meaning
To form a pleased, kind, or amused expression.
The 'Zadan' Secret
If you learn how to conjugate 'zadan', you unlock dozens of other Persian verbs like 'harf zadan' (to talk).
Laugh vs Smile
Be careful! Using 'khandidan' when someone is just being polite might make it seem like you think they are laughing at you.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'zadan'.
دیروز برادرم به من لبخند ______.
'Dirooz' (yesterday) requires the past tense 'zad'.
Which sentence means 'Smile at the camera'?
کدام جمله درست است؟
The preposition 'be' is used for the object of the smile.
Match the Persian to the English.
Match the following:
Matches the specific types of expressions.
Complete the dialogue.
A: چرا ناراحتی؟ B: ناراحت نیستم، ببین دارم ______ میزنم!
The context of 'not being sad' and 'mizanam' points to smiling.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesدیروز برادرم به من لبخند ______.
'Dirooz' (yesterday) requires the past tense 'zad'.
کدام جمله درست است؟
The preposition 'be' is used for the object of the smile.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Matches the specific types of expressions.
A: چرا ناراحتی؟ B: ناراحت نیستم، ببین دارم ______ میزنم!
The context of 'not being sad' and 'mizanam' points to smiling.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
2 questionsIt is neutral and used in both formal and informal speech. For very formal writing, use 'tabassom kardan'.
You say 'Ou ba'ese labkhand-e man shod' or 'Ou mara be labkhand vadasht'.
Related Phrases
خندیدن
similarTo laugh
پوزخند زدن
specialized formTo smirk or sneer
قهقهه زدن
contrastTo guffaw / laugh loudly
