Meaning
To exist or reside in a place.
Cultural Background
The concept of 'Zendegi' is often linked to 'Bagh' (garden). To live well is to have a green space, reflecting the arid climate's appreciation for water and life. In the capital, 'Zendegi' is often described as 'sholugh' (busy/crowded). People often complain about the 'zendegi-ye mashini' (mechanical/urban life). For Iranians living abroad, 'zendegi kardan' in 'ghorbat' (exile/foreign land) is a major theme in music and literature, often tinged with nostalgia. For nomadic tribes, 'zendegi' is defined by movement (kooch) rather than a fixed address.
The 'Dar' Rule
In spoken Persian, you can skip 'dar' (in). Just say 'Tehran zendegi mikonam'.
Don't say 'Zendegi hastam'
English speakers often try to say 'I am living' literally. In Persian, you must use 'do' (mikonam).
Meaning
To exist or reside in a place.
The 'Dar' Rule
In spoken Persian, you can skip 'dar' (in). Just say 'Tehran zendegi mikonam'.
Don't say 'Zendegi hastam'
English speakers often try to say 'I am living' literally. In Persian, you must use 'do' (mikonam).
Compound Verb Logic
Mastering 'zendegi kardan' helps you learn hundreds of other Persian verbs that use 'kardan'.
Ta'arof and Living
When someone asks where you live, they might follow up with 'Khoune-ye khodetune' (It's your own home), a polite way of saying you are welcome there.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of 'zendegi kardan' in the present tense.
من در شیراز _______ .
The subject is 'Man' (I), so the verb must end in '-am'.
Which sentence is correct for 'Where do you live?'
Select the correct question:
'Zendegi' always pairs with 'kardan' (mikon-i).
Complete the dialogue.
A: آیا شما در تهران زندگی میکنید؟ B: نه، من در اصفهان _______ .
The speaker is answering for themselves in the present tense.
Match the sentence to the context.
Sentence: 'او صد سال زندگی کرد.'
The past tense 'kard' indicates a completed life span.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Zendegi vs Mandan
Conjugation of Kardan
Present
- • mikonam
- • mikoni
- • mikonad
Practice Bank
4 exercisesمن در شیراز _______ .
The subject is 'Man' (I), so the verb must end in '-am'.
Select the correct question:
'Zendegi' always pairs with 'kardan' (mikon-i).
A: آیا شما در تهران زندگی میکنید؟ B: نه، من در اصفهان _______ .
The speaker is answering for themselves in the present tense.
Sentence: 'او صد سال زندگی کرد.'
The past tense 'kard' indicates a completed life span.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsYes, it is perfectly natural to say 'Sher-ha dar jangal zendegi mikonand' (Lions live in the jungle).
Yes, but 'zistan' is very formal and poetic. You won't hear it in a cafe.
Use the imperfect: 'Zendegi mikardam'.
'Zendegi' is the common word. 'Hayat' is more biological or formal/Arabic-rooted.
In writing, yes. In speaking, it's optional.
Use 'ba ham zendegi kardan'.
No, for that use 'kasb-e daramad kardan'.
Always 'zendegi mikonam'. The noun comes first.
It means 'your life', often used in blessings like 'Zendegitun por az shad' (May your life be full of joy).
Usually, we use 'roshd kardan' (to grow) for plants, but 'zendegi' can be used metaphorically.
Say 'Tanha zendegi mikonam'.
Not really a slang word, but the pronunciation 'zendegi mikonim' becomes 'zendegi mikonim' (dropping the 'd').
Related Phrases
زنده ماندن
similarTo survive
وقت گذراندن
relatedTo spend time
خانه داشتن
builds onTo own a home
نفس کشیدن
specialized formTo breathe
