Meaning
To acquire proficiency in a new linguistic system.
Cultural Background
Iranians are very encouraging toward language learners. If you say even a few words, they will often praise your 'zabān yād gereftan' skills enthusiastically. In Tajikistan, Russian is often the second language learned. The phrase 'zabān yād gereftan' is used similarly, but with a strong emphasis on bilingualism for trade. With many regional languages like Dari and Pashto, 'zabān yād gereftan' is a daily reality for many Afghans who grow up multilingual. For second-generation Iranians in the West, 'zabān yād gereftan' often refers to the struggle and pride of reclaiming their heritage language.
Use with 'Dāram'
To sound like a native, use the present continuous: 'Dāram zabān yād migiram' instead of just 'Zabān yād migiram'.
Don't say 'Yād mikonam'
This is the most common beginner mistake. Always use 'gereftan' for learning.
Meaning
To acquire proficiency in a new linguistic system.
Use with 'Dāram'
To sound like a native, use the present continuous: 'Dāram zabān yād migiram' instead of just 'Zabān yād migiram'.
Don't say 'Yād mikonam'
This is the most common beginner mistake. Always use 'gereftan' for learning.
Complimenting
If someone is learning Persian, say 'Khub pishraft kardi' (You've made good progress) to encourage them.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing part of the compound verb.
من دارم آلمانی یاد ______.
The light verb for 'learning' is 'gereftan' (present: migiram).
Which sentence is the most natural way to say 'I learned Persian'?
کدام جمله درست است؟
'Yād gereftam' is the correct past tense for 'I learned'.
Complete the dialogue.
سارا: چرا کلاس فرانسه میروی؟ علی: چون میخواهم این ______ را یاد بگیرم.
Ali is going to a French class, so he wants to learn the 'language' (zabān).
Match the goal to the phrase.
Goal: Moving to Italy.
Learning Italian is the most relevant action for moving to Italy.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesمن دارم آلمانی یاد ______.
The light verb for 'learning' is 'gereftan' (present: migiram).
کدام جمله درست است؟
'Yād gereftam' is the correct past tense for 'I learned'.
سارا: چرا کلاس فرانسه میروی؟ علی: چون میخواهم این ______ را یاد بگیرم.
Ali is going to a French class, so he wants to learn the 'language' (zabān).
Goal: Moving to Italy.
Learning Italian is the most relevant action for moving to Italy.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsYes! You can say 'Gitār yād gereftan' (learning guitar). It works for any skill.
It is neutral. It's fine for both a chat with friends and a university application.
'Farā gereftan' is much more formal and usually found in books or news.
You can say 'Khod-āmūz yād gereftam' or 'Bedūne mo'allem yād gereftam'.
Related Phrases
زبانآموز
builds onLanguage learner
فراگیری زبان
specialized formLanguage acquisition
زبان یاد دادن
contrastTo teach a language
مسلط شدن
builds onTo become fluent/master
