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عبور کردن

A2 verb #1,200 most common 6 min read

عبور کردن

Q: How do I say 'I am crossing'?

You use the present continuous: 'دارم عبور میکنم' (daram obur mikonam).

oboor kardan Top 1,200

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips عبور کردن in 30 Seconds

Explanation عبور کردن in your Level:

At the A1 level, you only need to know that 'عبور کردن' means 'to cross' or 'to pass'. You will mostly use it for simple things like crossing a street (خیابان) or passing a door. Remember that it is a 'doing' verb (kardan). You always use the word 'az' (from) before the place you are crossing. For example: 'Az khiyaban obur mikonam' (I cross the street). It is a very useful word for basic directions and staying safe while walking in a city. Think of it as 'moving from one side to the other'.

At the A2 level, you should start using 'عبور کردن' in different tenses. You can use it in the past tense (عبور کردم - I crossed) to describe your day. You will also see it on signs in the city. It is important to distinguish it from 'raftan' (to go). While 'raftan' is just going, 'obur kardan' is specifically about passing through a point. You might use it to describe a car passing by your house or walking across a bridge (pol). It's a compound verb, so only the 'kardan' part changes.

At the B1 level, you can use 'عبور کردن' for more complex travel situations. This includes passing through customs at an airport or crossing a national border (marz). You should be comfortable using it in the continuous tense (dar hal-e obur kardan) to describe ongoing actions. You will also encounter it in news reports about traffic flow. At this level, you should also recognize the noun form 'obur' in phrases like 'mamnu-e obur' (no entry/passage prohibited).

At the B2 level, you can apply 'عبور کردن' to more abstract or technical contexts. For instance, describing light passing through a lens or a ship navigating a specific strait. You should be able to use it in formal writing and understand its nuances compared to 'rad shodan'. You will also start to see it in metaphorical contexts, such as 'passing through a crisis' (obur az bohran), although 'gozashtan' is also used there. Your sentences should be more complex, involving adverbs like 'be aram-i' (slowly) or 'be sora't' (quickly).

At the C1 level, you should appreciate the literary and sophisticated uses of 'عبور کردن'. It appears in contemporary Persian literature to describe the journey of characters through life's challenges. You should be able to discuss the 'passage of laws' or 'transit of goods' using this terminology. You will also understand the subtle difference between 'obur' and 'gozar', where 'obur' often implies a more physical or regulated passage. You can use it in academic discussions about urban planning or physics (the passage of particles).

At the C2 level, 'عبور کردن' becomes a tool for philosophical expression. You can use it to describe the transcendence of boundaries—intellectual, spiritual, or artistic. You will recognize it in the works of poets and philosophers who discuss the 'passage' from the material world to the spiritual. You should be able to use it with perfect precision in high-level diplomatic or legal documents, understanding all its connotations regarding sovereignty and transit rights. Your mastery includes knowing all related idioms and historical etymological roots.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

عبور کردن in 30 Seconds

A common Persian verb meaning to cross or pass through.
Always used with the preposition 'az' (from/through).
Suitable for physical movement, traffic, and abstract transitions.
A compound verb where only the 'kardan' part conjugates.

The Persian verb عبور کردن (obur kardan) is a fundamental compound verb used to describe the act of moving past, through, or across a specific point, area, or obstacle. At its core, it combines the Arabic-derived noun 'عبور' (passage/crossing) with the Persian auxiliary verb 'کردن' (to do/make). This verb is essential for navigating physical spaces, such as streets, bridges, and borders, but it also extends into metaphorical realms, such as the passage of time or the overcoming of life's hurdles. In everyday Persian, you will hear it most frequently in the context of traffic, travel, and pedestrian movement. It is a neutral to formal term, making it suitable for both casual conversation and official news reports.

Physical Movement: The primary use is to describe crossing a physical boundary. For example, crossing a street or passing through a tunnel. It implies a transition from one side to another.
Traffic and Transit: In urban planning and daily commuting, this verb describes the flow of vehicles. Signs might say 'محل عبور عابر پیاده' (Pedestrian crossing area).
Abstract Transition: It can also mean moving past a phase in life or a difficult situation, though 'گذشتن' is more common for emotional contexts.

ما باید با دقت از این خیابان شلوغ عبور کنیم تا به ایستگاه مترو برسیم.
— We must carefully cross this busy street to reach the metro station.

Understanding the prepositional usage is crucial. Unlike English where you 'cross the street' (direct object), in Persian, you 'cross FROM the street' (از خیابان عبور کردن). The preposition از (az) is almost always paired with this verb to indicate the space being traversed. This distinction is a common stumbling block for English speakers who might try to use the verb without the preposition.

کشتی‌ها برای رسیدن به اقیانوس باید از این کانال باریک عبور کنند.
— Ships must pass through this narrow canal to reach the ocean.

Official Contexts: You will see this word on passports and visas regarding 'transit' (عبور ترانزیت). It signifies the legal right to pass through a territory.

Mastering عبور کردن requires understanding its syntactic structure. The most important rule is the 'Az-Pattern'. In Persian, you don't just 'cross something'; you 'pass from/through something'. This section explores various sentence structures from simple physical movement to complex transit scenarios.

The Basic Pattern: [Subject] + از + [Place] + عبور کردن. Example: 'کامیون از پل عبور کرد' (The truck crossed the bridge).
Negative Forms: To negate, add 'نـ' to the auxiliary: 'او از مرز عبور نکرد' (He did not cross the border).

اجازه ندارید بدون ویزا از این منطقه مرزی عبور کنید.
— You are not allowed to pass through this border zone without a visa.

In formal writing, 'عبور کردن' is often replaced by 'عبور نمودن' to increase the level of politeness or professional tone. However, in spoken Persian, 'عبور کردن' or its more casual synonym 'رد شدن' (rad shodan) is preferred. When describing a car passing another car on the highway, 'عبور کردن' sounds slightly more technical, while 'سبقت گرفتن' (sebghat gereftan) is used specifically for 'overtaking'.

نور خورشید به راحتی از شیشه‌های تمیز پنجره عبور می‌کند.
— Sunlight easily passes through the clean glass of the window.

Continuous Action: To say 'is crossing', use the present continuous: 'دارد از خیابان عبور می‌کند'.

You will encounter عبور کردن in several distinct environments in Iran and Persian-speaking communities. It is a 'high-frequency' word in logistics, navigation, and safety instructions. Whether you are listening to the radio, reading a sign, or talking to a taxi driver, this verb is ubiquitous.

Radio Traffic Reports: Announcers often say: 'ترافیک در حال عبور از بزرگراه همت است' (Traffic is passing through the Hemmat Highway). It describes the flow and volume of cars.
Public Signage: Signs near construction sites often read: 'خطر! از این مسیر عبور نکنید' (Danger! Do not pass through this path).

صدای قطار که از نزدیکی خانه ما عبور می‌کرد، لرزه بر اندام ساختمان می‌انداخت.
— The sound of the train passing near our house would make the building's structure shake.

In literature and poetry, 'عبور' is a powerful metaphor for the journey of the soul or the fleeting nature of life. Famous poets like Sohrab Sepehri use the concept of 'passing' to describe human existence. In these contexts, the verb takes on a more philosophical weight, moving beyond simple physical movement to represent the transition between states of being.

پرندگان مهاجر هر سال از فراز این کوه‌ها عبور می‌کنند.
— Migratory birds pass over these mountains every year.

Even intermediate learners often make specific errors when using عبور کردن. Most mistakes involve preposition choice or confusing it with similar verbs like 'گذشتن' or 'رد شدن'.

Wrong Preposition: Mistake: 'من خیابان را عبور کردم'. Correct: 'من از خیابان عبور کردم'. In Persian, you pass *from* the street, not the street itself as a direct object.
Confusing with 'گذشتن': 'گذشتن' (gozashtan) is often used for time or forgiveness. While 'عبور کردن' is physical, 'گذشتن' is more versatile. Don't say 'زمان عبور کرد' for 'time passed'; say 'زمان گذشت'.

اشتباه رایج: او به پل عبور کرد. درست: او از پل عبور کرد.
— Common Mistake: He crossed TO the bridge. Correct: He crossed (from/via) the bridge.

Another mistake is using 'عبور کردن' when you mean 'to overtake' in a car. While you are technically passing, the specific term 'سبقت گرفتن' is much more natural in a driving context. 'عبور کردن' sounds like you are just driving past a stationary object, not racing past another moving vehicle.

Persian has several verbs that overlap with عبور کردن. Choosing the right one depends on the register (formal vs. informal) and the specific nature of the movement.

رد شدن (Rad Shodan): The most common informal alternative. It means 'to pass' or 'to go through'. Use this with friends. 'از اینجا رد شو' (Pass through here).
گذشتن (Gozashtan): A more poetic and versatile verb. It covers physical passing, the passage of time, and the act of letting go or forgiving.
طی کردن (Tey Kardan): Means 'to traverse' or 'to cover a distance'. It implies completing a path. 'او تمام مسیر را طی کرد' (He traversed the whole path).

مقایسه:
۱. از خیابان عبور کرد (Neutral/Formal)
۲. از خیابان رد شد (Informal/Common)

When discussing fluids or electricity, you might use 'جریان داشتن' (to flow) instead of 'عبور کردن', although 'عبور جریان برق' (the passage of electrical current) is a standard technical phrase. For crossing water specifically, 'شنا کردن' (to swim) or 'با قایق رفتن' (to go by boat) are more descriptive, but 'عبور از رودخانه' remains the general term for crossing the river.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"وسایل نقلیه سنگین مجاز به عبور از این معبر نیستند."

Neutral

"ما از پل عبور کردیم."

Informal

"بیا از این ور عبور کنیم."

Child friendly

"جوجه‌ها از جاده عبور می‌کنند."

Slang

"بی‌خیال، ازش عبور کن."

Fun Fact

The same Arabic root 'ʿ-b-r' is where the word 'Hebrew' (Ibri) comes from, historically meaning 'those from across the river'.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /o.buːɾ kʲæɾ.d̪æn/

US /oʊ.buːr kɑːr.dæn/

The primary stress is on the second syllable of the noun: o-BUR. In the verb part, the stress is on the first syllable: KAR-dan.

Rhymes With

ظهور (zohur) حضور (hozur) نور (nur) دور (dur) شور (shur) مجبور (majbur) مسرور (masrur) دستور (dastur)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'obur' as 'uber' (like the app).
Failing to tap the 'r' sound.
Putting too much stress on the 'o' at the beginning.
Merging 'obur' and 'kardan' into one word without a slight pause.
Pronouncing the 'u' as a short 'u' instead of a long 'oo'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize in text due to common 'kardan' ending.

Writing 3/5

Requires remembering the 'az' preposition and compound structure.

Speaking 3/5

The 'u' and 'r' sounds require some practice for native English speakers.

Listening 2/5

Clear pronunciation makes it easy to pick out in speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

کردن از خیابان پل رفتن

Learn Next

گذشتن رد شدن ترافیک مسیر مقصد

Advanced

تخطی تجاوز سیر و سلوک ترانزیت

Grammar to Know

Compound Verbs (Kardan)

In 'عبور کردن', only 'کردن' changes for tense (e.g., عبور کردم, عبور می‌کنم).

Preposition 'Az'

Always use 'az' to indicate the source or the space being traversed.

Subjunctive with 'Bayad'

باید عبور کنیم (We must cross).

Future Tense

عبور خواهم کرد (I will cross).

Present Continuous

دارم عبور می‌کنم (I am crossing).

Examples by Level

من از خیابان عبور می‌کنم.

I cross the street.

Present simple of a compound verb.

ماشین از اینجا عبور کرد.

The car passed from here.

Past tense with the preposition 'az'.

آیا می‌توانیم از پل عبور کنیم؟

Can we cross the bridge?

Using 'tavanestan' (can) with the short infinitive.

گربه از حیاط عبور کرد.

The cat passed through the yard.

Simple past tense.

او به آرامی از اتاق عبور کرد.

He passed through the room slowly.

Adverb 'be arami' modifying the verb.

ما نباید از این خط عبور کنیم.

We should not cross this line.

Negative modal 'nabayad'.

بچه‌ها از کوچه عبور می‌کنند.

The children are passing through the alley.

Plural subject with present tense.

لطفاً از سمت راست عبور کنید.

Please pass from the right side.

Imperative form for politeness.

دیروز یک هواپیما از بالای شهر عبور کرد.

Yesterday an airplane passed over the city.

Using 'az balaye' (from above).

وقتی از خیابان عبور می‌کنی، به چپ و راست نگاه کن.

When you cross the street, look left and right.

Temporal clause with 'vaghti'.

اتوبوس هر ساعت از این ایستگاه عبور می‌کند.

The bus passes this station every hour.

Expressing frequency.

آن‌ها از جنگل تاریک عبور کردند.

They passed through the dark forest.

Adjective 'tarik' modifying the noun.

دوچرخه‌سوار از کنار من عبور کرد.

The cyclist passed by me.

Using 'az kenare' (from beside).

ما از تونل طولانی عبور کردیم.

We passed through the long tunnel.

Past tense plural.

او می‌خواست از رودخانه عبور کند اما آب عمیق بود.

He wanted to cross the river but the water was deep.

Using 'khastan' (to want) with subjunctive.

قطار از روی پل بزرگ عبور می‌کند.

The train passes over the big bridge.

Using 'az ruye' (from on top of).

مسافران برای ورود به کشور باید از گمرک عبور کنند.

Passengers must pass through customs to enter the country.

Modal 'bayad' with subjunctive.

جریان الکتریسیته از سیم‌های مسی عبور می‌کند.

Electric current passes through copper wires.

Scientific context.

کامیون‌های سنگین اجازه ندارند از این پل قدیمی عبور کنند.

Heavy trucks are not allowed to cross this old bridge.

Passive-like construction 'ejaze nadaran'.

نور از منشور عبور کرد و به هفت رنگ تجزیه شد.

Light passed through the prism and split into seven colors.

Sequential actions in the past.

ما در حال عبور از یک مرحله سخت در زندگی هستیم.

We are passing through a difficult stage in life.

Present continuous tense.

او بدون اینکه متوجه شود، از کنار دوستش عبور کرد.

He passed by his friend without noticing.

Using 'bedun-e inke' (without that).

کشتی‌ها از تنگه هرمز عبور می‌کنند.

Ships pass through the Strait of Hormuz.

Geographical context.

گله گوسفندان از جاده کوهستانی عبور کرد.

The flock of sheep crossed the mountain road.

Collective noun as subject.

طرح پیشنهادی باید از مراحل قانونی مختلفی عبور کند.

The proposed plan must pass through various legal stages.

Abstract usage in a professional context.

ماهواره‌ها با سرعت زیادی از جو زمین عبور می‌کنند.

Satellites pass through Earth's atmosphere at high speed.

Technical/Scientific context.

او توانست با موفقیت از بحران مالی عبور کند.

He was able to successfully navigate/pass through the financial crisis.

Metaphorical use of 'obur'.

سیگنال‌های رادیویی از موانع فیزیکی عبور می‌کنند.

Radio signals pass through physical obstacles.

Describing physical phenomena.

گردشگران برای دیدن آبشار باید از مسیری صعب‌العبور بگذرند.

Tourists must pass through a difficult-to-traverse path to see the waterfall.

Using the related adjective 'sa'b-ol-obur'.

فضاپیما از نزدیکی سیاره مشتری عبور خواهد کرد.

The spacecraft will pass near the planet Jupiter.

Future tense.

خون در رگ‌های بدن عبور می‌کند تا اکسیژن را برساند.

Blood passes through the body's veins to deliver oxygen.

Biological context.

او از تمام خط قرمزهای اخلاقی عبور کرده است.

He has crossed all ethical red lines.

Present perfect tense.

اندیشه‌های نو از مرزهای جغرافیایی عبور کرده و جهانی می‌شوند.

New ideas cross geographical borders and become global.

Abstract philosophical subject.

برای درک این مطلب، باید از لایه‌های سطحی معنا عبور کرد.

To understand this matter, one must pass through the superficial layers of meaning.

Impersonal 'bayad' with short infinitive.

کالاها پس از عبور از گمرک، در بازار توزیع می‌شوند.

After passing through customs, goods are distributed in the market.

Using the noun 'obur' in a temporal phrase.

او با شجاعت از تاریک‌ترین دوران زندگی‌اش عبور کرد.

He passed through the darkest period of his life with courage.

Emotive and literary tone.

امواج صوتی به راحتی از محیط‌های جامد عبور نمی‌کنند.

Sound waves do not easily pass through solid environments.

Negative scientific statement.

این جاده به دلیل ریزش کوه، برای عبور و مرور مسدود شده است.

This road is blocked for traffic due to a landslide.

Using the compound noun 'obur o morur'.

شاعر در این بیت از مفاهیم مادی عبور کرده و به عرفان می‌رسد.

In this verse, the poet transcends material concepts and reaches mysticism.

Literary analysis context.

تیم مذاکره‌کننده از بن‌بست‌های موجود عبور کرد.

The negotiating team moved past the existing deadlocks.

Political/Diplomatic context.

روح انسانی در سیر و سلوک خود از منازل مختلفی عبور می‌کند.

The human soul passes through various stages in its spiritual journey.

Highly formal/Sufi terminology.

نظریه او از بوته آزمایش‌های دشوار عبور کرده و اثبات شده است.

His theory has passed through the crucible of difficult tests and been proven.

Idiomatic 'bute-ye azmayesh'.

تاریخ‌نگار باید از تعصبات شخصی عبور کند تا به حقیقت دست یابد.

The historian must transcend personal biases to reach the truth.

Academic/Ethical imperative.

هنرمند با عبور از سنت‌های پیشین، سبکی نو ابداع کرد.

By moving past previous traditions, the artist invented a new style.

Gerund-like use of 'ba' + noun.

ذرات زیراتمی از موانع کوانتومی به روش تونل‌زنی عبور می‌کنند.

Subatomic particles pass through quantum barriers via tunneling.

Advanced scientific terminology.

حاکمیت ملی ایجاب می‌کند که هیچ نیروی خارجی از مرزها بدون اجازه عبور نکند.

National sovereignty requires that no foreign force cross the borders without permission.

Legal/Political discourse.

او در اندیشه‌اش از مرزهای زمان و مکان عبور کرده بود.

In his thoughts, he had transcended the boundaries of time and space.

Past perfect tense.

تکامل گونه‌ها از مسیرهای پیچیده ژنتیکی عبور کرده است.

The evolution of species has passed through complex genetic pathways.

Scientific/Biological discourse.

Common Collocations

عبور از خیابان

عبور از مرز

عبور و مرور

حق عبور

محل عبور

کارت عبور

عبور موقت

عبور جریان

عبور از بحران

ممنوعیت عبور

Common Phrases

عبور ممنوع

— No entry or passage prohibited. Used on road signs.

تابلوی عبور ممنوع را ندیدی؟

خط عبور

— Traffic lane or crossing line. Refers to the path for vehicles.

در خط عبور خودتان رانندگی کنید.

پل عابر پیاده

— Pedestrian bridge. A place for people to cross safely.

از پل عابر پیاده عبور کنید.

برگه عبور

— Laissez-passer or transit permit. A temporary travel document.

او با برگه عبور به کشور بازگشت.

عبور آزاد

— Free passage. No restrictions on moving through.

امروز عبور از این بزرگراه آزاد است.

گذرگاه عبور

— Passageway or crossing point. A specific route for transit.

این تنها گذرگاه عبور از کوهستان است.

ساعت عبور

— Passing time. The scheduled time something passes.

ساعت عبور قطار را می‌دانی؟

نقطه عبور

— Crossing point. A specific coordinate for transit.

نقطه عبور ما روی نقشه مشخص شده است.

عبور از خط قرمز

— Crossing the red line. Violating a strict limit.

رفتار او عبور از خط قرمز بود.

مجوز عبور

— Transit permit. Official permission to pass.

بدون مجوز عبور نمی‌توانید وارد شوید.

Often Confused With

عبور کردن vs گذشتن

Gozashtan is more for time and forgiveness; Obur is more for physical crossing.

عبور کردن vs رد شدن

Rad shodan is the informal version and also means 'to fail' an exam.

عبور کردن vs وارد شدن

Vared shodan means 'to enter', while Obur kardan means 'to pass through'.

Idioms & Expressions

"از هفت‌خوان رستم عبور کردن"

— To pass through seven stages of hardship. To overcome great difficulties.

برای گرفتن وام از هفت‌خوان رستم عبور کردم.

Literary/Informal

"از فیلتر عبور کردن"

— To pass through a filter. To be vetted or selected.

نامزدها باید از فیلتر شورای نگهبان عبور کنند.

Political/Formal

"از سر تقصیرات عبور کردن"

— To overlook someone's faults or sins. To forgive.

او از سر تقصیرات برادرش عبور کرد.

Formal

"از مرز گذشتن/عبور کردن"

— To go too far. To exceed limits of behavior.

شوخی‌های او از مرز عبور کرده است.

Neutral

"عبور از خود"

— Self-transcendence. Moving beyond one's ego.

عارفان به دنبال عبور از خود هستند.

Mystical

"به سلامت عبور کردن"

— To pass through safely. To survive a danger.

امیدوارم از این امتحان به سلامت عبور کنی.

Neutral

"چراغ سبز عبور"

— Green light to pass. Getting permission to proceed.

رئیس چراغ سبز عبور را به پروژه داد.

Business

"عبور از سایه‌ها"

— Passing through shadows. Overcoming hidden fears or past issues.

او بالاخره از سایه‌های گذشته عبور کرد.

Literary

"بی‌تفاوت عبور کردن"

— To pass by indifferently. To ignore something.

نباید از کنار فقر بی‌تفاوت عبور کرد.

Social/Moral

"عبور از طوفان"

— Passing through the storm. Surviving a chaotic period.

شرکت ما از طوفان اقتصادی عبور کرد.

Business

Easily Confused

عبور کردن vs گذر کردن

Both mean to pass.

Gozar kardan is more literary and often refers to passing through a neighborhood or a period of time.

او از کوچه ما گذر کرد.

عبور کردن vs سبقت گرفتن

Both involve moving past something in a car.

Sebghat gereftan specifically means 'to overtake' another moving vehicle.

او از ماشین جلویی سبقت گرفت.

عبور کردن vs طی کردن

Both involve movement through space.

Tey kardan emphasizes the completion of a journey or distance.

او راه درازی را طی کرد.

عبور کردن vs منتقل شدن

Both describe movement from A to B.

Montaghel shodan is 'to be transferred' or 'to move' (like heat or a person moving to a new city).

او به شعبه دیگر منتقل شد.

عبور کردن vs تجاوز کردن

Both involve crossing a boundary.

Tajavoz kardan has a negative connotation of violating or trespassing.

دشمن به خاک ما تجاوز کرد.

Sentence Patterns

من از [Place] عبور می‌کنم.

من از خیابان عبور می‌کنم.

[Subject] از [Place] عبور کرد.

ماشین از پل عبور کرد.

باید از [Place] عبور کنیم تا به [Destination] برسیم.

باید از تونل عبور کنیم تا به شمال برسیم.

[Subject] در حال عبور از [Abstract Concept] است.

کشور در حال عبور از بحران است.

با عبور از [Concept], می‌توان به [Result] دست یافت.

با عبور از تعصب، می‌توان به حقیقت دست یافت.

هیچ [Entity] حق عبور از [Boundary] را ندارد.

هیچ هواپیمایی حق عبور از این منطقه را ندارد.

لطفاً از [Direction] عبور کنید.

لطفاً از سمت چپ عبور کنید.

اجازه عبور از [Place] داده شد.

اجازه عبور از مرز داده شد.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Highly frequent in logistics, travel, and urban life.

Common Mistakes

من خیابان را عبور کردم. → من از خیابان عبور کردم.
You must use the preposition 'az' (from/through). Using 'ra' (direct object marker) is incorrect here.
زمان عبور کرد. → زمان گذشت.
'Obur kardan' is for physical objects. For time, use 'gozashtan'.
او به پل عبور کرد. → او از پل عبور کرد.
The preposition 'be' (to) is wrong. You pass *through* or *from* the bridge.
من در امتحان عبور کردم. → من در امتحان قبول شدم.
'Obur kardan' cannot be used for passing exams. Use 'ghabul shodan'.
ماشین از من عبور کرد (meaning overtake). → ماشین از من سبقت گرفت.
While 'obur' is technically okay, 'sebghat gereftan' is the specific and natural term for overtaking.

Tips

The 'Az' Rule

Never forget the 'az'. It's the bridge between the noun and the verb 'obur kardan'. Without it, the sentence feels incomplete to a native speaker.

Traffic Talk

If you are in a taxi in Tehran, you will hear 'obur o morur' on the radio constantly. It's the standard term for traffic flow.

The Tapped R

Make sure to tap the 'r' at the end of 'obur'. It shouldn't be a hard English 'r', but a quick flick of the tongue.

Border Crossings

When traveling, 'obur az marz' is the phrase you'll see on signs and in documents. It's formal and precise.

Formal vs Informal

In your writing, use 'عبور کردن' for a professional tone. Save 'رد شدن' for your text messages and casual chats.

Abstract Use

Don't be afraid to use it for 'moving past' a problem. It sounds very sophisticated in Persian to say 'obur az moshkelat'.

No Entry

If you see 'عبور ممنوع', do not enter! It's one of the most important signs to recognize for safety.

Technical Persian

If you study physics or biology in Persian, 'obur' is the word for particles or fluids passing through membranes or spaces.

Radio Cues

Listen for the rhythm: 'az... obur kardan'. The 'az' usually comes right before the location.

Poetic Passing

In poetry, 'obur' often implies a spiritual transition. Look for it in modern Persian poems to see its deeper meanings.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of an 'O-Boat' (Obur) crossing a river. You need to 'do' (kardan) the crossing in your O-Boat.

Visual Association

Visualize a bright yellow pedestrian crossing sign with a person walking. Associate that image with the sound 'Obur'.

Word Web

Street Bridge Border Transit Pedestrian Car Path Light

Challenge

Try to use 'عبور کردن' three times today: once for a car, once for yourself crossing a room, and once for light through a window.

Word Origin

The word 'عبور' (ubur) is an Arabic loanword from the root 'ع-ب-ر' (ʿ-b-r), which relates to crossing, traversing, or interpreting.

Original meaning: In Arabic, it primarily means the act of crossing a river or a path.

Semitic (root) + Indo-European (auxiliary verb).

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities, but be aware that 'crossing lines' can be a sensitive political metaphor in Iran.

English speakers often forget the 'az' preposition. In English, 'cross' is transitive; in Persian, it's intransitive with a preposition.

Sohrab Sepehri's poems often mention 'passing' through nature. Traffic laws in Iran (Aeen-nameh Rahnamayi va Ranandegi). The 'Transit' visa regulations for travelers to Iran.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Driving/Traffic

ترافیک در حال عبور است
عبور ممنوع
حق عبور با کیست؟
سرعت عبور

Travel/Border

عبور از مرز
ویزای عبور
کنترل عبور و مرور
گذرنامه برای عبور

Science/Physics

عبور نور
عبور جریان
نفوذ و عبور
ضریب عبور

Daily Walking

از خط‌کشی عبور کن
محل عبور عابر
با احتیاط عبور کنید
از پیاده‌رو عبور کن

Abstract/Life

عبور از سختی‌ها
عبور از گذشته
عبور از بحران
مرحله عبور

Conversation Starters

"چطور می‌توانیم از این ترافیک سنگین عبور کنیم؟"

"آیا تا به حال از مرز زمینی عبور کرده‌اید؟"

"بهترین راه برای عبور از این رودخانه چیست؟"

"چرا عبور از این کوچه ممنوع شده است؟"

"چگونه از مراحل سخت زندگی عبور می‌کنی؟"

Journal Prompts

درباره زمانی بنویسید که مجبور شدید از یک مسیر سخت عبور کنید.

اگر می‌توانستید از مرزهای زمان عبور کنید، به کدام سال می‌رفتید؟

اهمیت عبور از پل‌های عابر پیاده در شهرهای بزرگ چیست؟

چگونه یک ملت می‌تواند از بحران‌های اقتصادی عبور کند؟

توصیف کنید که نور چگونه از پنجره اتاق شما عبور می‌کند.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, it specifically means to pass through or cross. To enter, you should use 'وارد شدن' (vared shodan). For example, you 'obur' through a gate to 'vared' a garden.

It is rarely used for time. 'گذشتن' (gozashtan) is the standard verb for the passage of time. You would say 'Zaman gozasht' (Time passed).

It is neutral to formal. In very casual speech, people usually say 'رد شدن' (rad shodan). However, 'عبور کردن' is perfectly fine in most situations.

Always use 'از' (az). For example: 'از پل عبور کردم' (I crossed the bridge). Using 'به' or no preposition is incorrect.

The phrase is 'محل عبور عابر پیاده' (mahall-e obur-e aber-e piyadeh).

Yes, it is very common in scientific contexts to describe light or sound passing through a medium.

'Obur' is passing, and 'Morur' is passing again or reviewing. Together, 'عبور و مرور' refers to the general flow of traffic.

Yes, it is a compound verb consisting of the noun 'عبور' and the auxiliary verb 'کردن'.

You use the present continuous: 'دارم عبور می‌کنم' (daram obur mikonam).

No. To pass an exam, use 'قبول شدن' (ghabul shodan). Interestingly, the synonym 'رد شدن' means to *fail* an exam.