Meaning
To leave something carelessly or abandon a task.
Cultural Background
In many Iranian homes, the 'Mehmankhaneh' (guest room) is kept perfectly tidy, while the 'Neshiman' (living area) is where things might get 'volo'. Younger generations use 'volo' to describe a lack of ambition or a 'chill' lifestyle, often seen as a rebellion against the high-pressure education system. In Iranian offices, 'volo kardan' a task is a serious insult to one's professional reputation, implying they are 'bi-mas'ooliyat' (irresponsible). Bazaar merchants use the term to describe goods that are displayed in a heap rather than neatly stacked, often indicating lower quality or a clearance sale.
Use for Self-Care
You can use 'Volo shodan' to tell friends you are having a 'lazy day' without sounding too negative.
Watch the Tone
If you say this to a stranger about their work, it's a major insult. Only use it with people you know well.
Meaning
To leave something carelessly or abandon a task.
Use for Self-Care
You can use 'Volo shodan' to tell friends you are having a 'lazy day' without sounding too negative.
Watch the Tone
If you say this to a stranger about their work, it's a major insult. Only use it with people you know well.
The 'Shol-o-Vel' Combo
Combine it with 'shol-o-vel' for maximum effect: 'همینطوری شل و ول خودش رو ولو کرد'.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'Volo Kardan' or 'Volo Shodan'.
بعد از پیادهروی طولانی، علی روی چمنها ....... .
Since Ali is the one sprawling out (passive/state), 'Volo shodan' is the correct form.
Which sentence uses 'Volo Kardan' correctly to mean 'abandoning a task'?
کدام جمله درست است؟
This shows abandoning the task of studying for something else.
Match the Persian sentence with its English meaning.
Match the following:
These are the three primary senses of the word.
Complete the dialogue between a mother and her daughter.
مادر: سارا، چرا اتاقت اینقدر نامنظمه؟ سارا: ببخشید، فقط چند تا کتاب روی زمین ....... .
Sara is admitting to scattering the books herself.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Where things get 'Volo'
Physical
- • Clothes
- • Books
- • Toys
Abstract
- • Homework
- • Projects
- • Promises
Practice Bank
4 exercisesبعد از پیادهروی طولانی، علی روی چمنها ....... .
Since Ali is the one sprawling out (passive/state), 'Volo shodan' is the correct form.
کدام جمله درست است؟
This shows abandoning the task of studying for something else.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are the three primary senses of the word.
مادر: سارا، چرا اتاقت اینقدر نامنظمه؟ سارا: ببخشید، فقط چند تا کتاب روی زمین ....... .
Sara is admitting to scattering the books herself.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsIt can be. It's very informal. Using it about someone else's mess or work usually implies they are lazy.
Yes, but usually in the passive form 'Volo shodan' to mean they are lying down lazily.
The opposite would be 'Jam-o-joor kardan' (to tidy up/collect).
Yes, it's a very common slang term understood across all Persian-speaking regions.
Related Phrases
ول کردن
similarTo let go / To release
پخش و پلا کردن
synonymTo scatter around
رها کردن
formal equivalentTo abandon / To leave
شل و ول
builds onLimp / Loose / Lazy
