Meaning
The action of operating a vehicle.
Cultural Background
In Tehran, driving is often a test of patience. The phrase 'ranandegi kardan' is frequently paired with 'tarafik' (traffic). Drivers often use their horns to communicate everything from 'hello' to 'get out of the way'. In rural areas, 'ranandegi kardan' might involve navigating unpaved roads or sharing the road with livestock. Here, the phrase takes on a more adventurous tone. For Iranians living abroad, 'ranandegi kardan' is often one of the first things they have to relearn to get a local license, leading to many stories about the differences in road rules. On Instagram, you'll see many 'vlogs' of people 'ranandegi kardan' while singing along to Persian pop songs, a popular trend called 'dāsh-boardi'.
The 'Light Verb' Rule
Remember that 'kardan' is a light verb. It loses its individual meaning of 'to do' and just serves to make 'driving' a verb.
Don't forget the 'mi-'
In the present tense, always include the 'mi-' prefix (mi-konam), otherwise it sounds like a command or a different mood.
Meaning
The action of operating a vehicle.
The 'Light Verb' Rule
Remember that 'kardan' is a light verb. It loses its individual meaning of 'to do' and just serves to make 'driving' a verb.
Don't forget the 'mi-'
In the present tense, always include the 'mi-' prefix (mi-konam), otherwise it sounds like a command or a different mood.
Sound like a local
When talking about driving a car specifically, you can just say 'māshin mirānam' to sound more advanced.
Traffic Talk
If you want to bond with an Iranian, complain about 'ranandegi kardan dar terafik'. It's a universal conversation starter.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of 'kardan' for the present tense (I).
من هر روز .................... (ranandegi)
For 'I' (man) in the present tense, we use 'mi-' + stem 'kon' + ending '-am'.
Which sentence is correct for 'I cannot drive'?
Choose the correct sentence:
The modal 'tavānestan' (can) is conjugated, followed by the subjunctive form of the main verb.
Match the Persian phrase with its English meaning.
Match the following:
These are essential vocabulary items related to driving.
Complete the dialogue.
سارا: علی، چرا خستهای؟ علی: چون تمام روز .................... .
Ali is explaining why he is tired (past action).
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesمن هر روز .................... (ranandegi)
For 'I' (man) in the present tense, we use 'mi-' + stem 'kon' + ending '-am'.
Choose the correct sentence:
The modal 'tavānestan' (can) is conjugated, followed by the subjunctive form of the main verb.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are essential vocabulary items related to driving.
سارا: علی، چرا خستهای؟ علی: چون تمام روز .................... .
Ali is explaining why he is tired (past action).
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsYes, it applies to any motor vehicle including trucks (kāmiyon) and buses (otobus).
'Ranandegi' is the noun (driving). To use it as a verb (to drive), you must add 'kardan'.
You say 'Man dāram ranandegi yād migiram'.
The past tense is 'ranandegi kardam' (I drove).
No, for a plane use 'khalabāni kardan'.
It is neutral and can be used in any context.
Man ranandegi kardan rā doust nadāram.
No, 'ranandegi kardan' implies a vehicle already.
The word is 'ranande'.
Bā deghat ranandegi kon.
Yes, though they might have local variations, 'ranandegi kardan' is widely understood.
No, that would be 'zarbe zadan'.
Related Phrases
گواهینامه گرفتن
builds onTo get a driver's license
ترافیک سنگین
similarHeavy traffic
تصادف کردن
contrastTo have an accident
پارک کردن
specialized formTo park
سرعت گرفتن
specialized formTo speed up
