Meaning
To view programs on a television set.
Cultural Background
TV is often left on as 'background noise' in Iranian homes, even when guests are over. It signifies a lively, 'sholoogh' (busy/vibrant) household. The term 'Sima' (سیما) is the formal name for the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting, often used in news instead of 'Televizyon'. Despite restrictions, many Iranians watch Persian-language channels from abroad (like Manoto or Iran International), making 'televizyon didan' a window to the outside world.
Spoken vs Written
In spoken Persian, 'didan' is almost always used. In books, look for 'tamasha kardan'.
The 'Serial' Obsession
If you want to sound like a native, ask someone: 'Serial-e jadid ro didi?' (Have you seen the new series?)
Meaning
To view programs on a television set.
Spoken vs Written
In spoken Persian, 'didan' is almost always used. In books, look for 'tamasha kardan'.
The 'Serial' Obsession
If you want to sound like a native, ask someone: 'Serial-e jadid ro didi?' (Have you seen the new series?)
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'didan' in the present tense.
من هر شب تلویزیون ________.
The subject is 'Man' (I), so the verb must end in '-am'.
Which sentence means 'We watched TV yesterday'?
Choose the correct past tense sentence.
'Didim' is the past tense for 'We'.
Match the Persian phrase to its English meaning.
Match the following:
Simple vocabulary matching.
Complete the dialogue.
A: دیشب چیکار کردی؟ B: ________ دیدم.
You 'see' (watch) a TV, you don't 'watch' an apple in this context.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Types of TV Content
Entertainment
- • فیلم (Film)
- • سریال (Serial)
- • کارتون (Cartoon)
Information
- • اخبار (News)
- • مستند (Documentary)
Practice Bank
4 exercisesمن هر شب تلویزیون ________.
The subject is 'Man' (I), so the verb must end in '-am'.
Choose the correct past tense sentence.
'Didim' is the past tense for 'We'.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Simple vocabulary matching.
A: دیشب چیکار کردی؟ B: ________ دیدم.
You 'see' (watch) a TV, you don't 'watch' an apple in this context.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
6 questionsYes, it is correct and slightly more formal/deliberate than 'mibinam'.
Yes, though 'Sima' is used in official government contexts.
Use the progressive: 'Daram televizyon mibinam'.
Yes, but in the context of media, it translates to 'to watch'.
Usually just 'Televizyon didan'. If you add '-o', you are talking about a specific program you already mentioned.
The past stem is 'did'. Example: 'Man didam' (I saw/watched).
Related Phrases
فیلم دیدن
similarWatching a movie
کانال عوض کردن
builds onChanging the channel
تماشاچی
relatedSpectator/Viewer
