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عرعر کردن

B1 verb #8,000 most common 9 min read

عرعر کردن

ar'ar kardan Top 8,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips عرعر کردن in 30 Seconds

Explanation عرعر کردن in your Level:

At the A1 level, you only need to know that 'عرعر کردن' (ar'ar kardan) is the sound a donkey makes. Just like 'meow' is for a cat, 'ar'ar' is for a donkey. In Persian, we say 'Khar ar'ar mikonad' (The donkey brays). You might see this in picture books about animals. The word is easy to remember because it sounds like the noise: 'Ar-ar!'. It is a compound verb, which means it has two parts. The second part, 'kardan,' means 'to do.' So, you are literally saying 'to do the ar-ar sound.' Don't use this word for people yet, as it can be very rude. Just use it for animals on a farm or in stories. You can practice by saying 'Aya khar ar'ar mikonad?' (Does the donkey bray?). This helps you learn how to ask simple questions about animal sounds in Persian.

At the A2 level, you can start to use 'عرعر کردن' in simple past and present sentences. For example, 'Man dar mazra'eh sedaye ar'ar-e khar ra shenidam' (I heard the sound of the donkey braying on the farm). You should learn that 'ar'ar' is the noun and 'kardan' is the verb part. Remember that in Persian, we don't say 'the donkey shouts,' we specifically use this word. You might also notice that this word is onomatopoeic, meaning it sounds like the noise it describes. This makes it easier to memorize. You should also be aware that calling a person's voice 'ar'ar' is not nice, so stick to using it for donkeys in your own speaking. If you see it in a cartoon, it's usually meant to be funny. Practice conjugating it: 'mikonam, mikoni, mikonad...'

As a B1 learner, you should understand both the literal and the common figurative meanings of 'عرعر کردن.' Literally, it is the braying of a donkey. Figuratively, it is a derogatory term used to describe someone who is shouting or talking in a loud, foolish, or annoying way. You will encounter this word in more complex stories, movies, and perhaps in informal arguments. It is important to distinguish this from 'faryad zadan' (to shout) and 'jiqh zadan' (to scream). 'Ar'ar kardan' carries a specific nuance of stupidity or lack of refinement. For example, 'Inghadr ar'ar nakon!' (Stop braying!) is a very harsh way to tell someone to be quiet. You should also be able to use it in different tenses, like the past continuous: 'Khar dasht ar'ar mikard ke man amadam' (The donkey was braying when I arrived).

At the B2 level, you should be comfortable with the social implications of 'عرعر کردن.' You should recognize it in satirical writing or political commentary where it is used to mock people. You should also understand its use in idiomatic expressions. For instance, sometimes people use it to describe a very bad singer. You should be able to explain the difference between 'ar'ar kardan' and other animal verbs like 'shiyeh keshidan' (neighing) or 'na're zadan' (roaring). You should also know the noun form 'ar'ar' and how it can be used in phrases like 'sedaye nahanjar-e ar'ar' (the discordant sound of braying). At this level, you can use the word to add color to your descriptions of rural life or to understand the intensity of an insult in a Persian film.

At the C1 level, you should explore the literary and historical contexts of 'عرعر کردن.' In classical Persian poetry, the donkey's bray is often a symbol of the 'nafs-e ammara' (the soul that commands evil) or the loud, senseless distractions of the material world. You should be able to analyze how poets like Rumi use the sound of the donkey to contrast with the spiritual melody of the 'ney' (flute). You should also be aware of the linguistic roots and how onomatopoeia functions in Persian compound verbs. In modern sociolinguistics, you can observe how this word is used in 'koocheh-bazari' (street) speech to reinforce social hierarchies or to express extreme frustration. You should be able to use the word accurately in a literary analysis or a discussion about Persian idioms and insults.

At the C2 level, you possess a native-like grasp of 'عرعر کردن.' You understand every subtle nuance, from its use in ancient fables (like those in Kalila and Dimna) to its most modern, aggressive slang variants. You can distinguish between the literal 'ar'ar' of an animal and the 'ar'ar' of a person who is 'mast' (drunk) or 'divaneh' (crazy). You can use the word in creative writing to evoke a specific atmosphere of a dusty, loud marketplace or a chaotic argument. You are also aware of the word's homonyms, such as the 'ar'ar' tree, and can use context to avoid any ambiguity. Your understanding includes the rhythmic and phonetic role the word plays in Persian prose, where the repetition of sounds is used for rhetorical effect.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

عرعر کردن in 30 Seconds

Literally means 'to bray' like a donkey.
Commonly used as a harsh insult for humans.
Onomatopoeic: the word sounds like the noise.
Compound verb: 'ar'ar' + 'kardan' (to do).

The Persian verb عرعر کردن (ar’ar kardan) is a compound verb that primarily describes the vocalization of a donkey, known in English as 'braying.' Linguistically, it is an onomatopoeic construction, where the sound 'ar-ar' mimics the harsh, rhythmic, and loud cry of the animal. In a literal sense, you will find this word in biological descriptions, agricultural contexts, or children's stories where animals are the protagonists. However, the true depth of this word in the Persian language lies in its metaphorical and often pejorative application to human behavior. When used regarding a person, it suggests that their speech is not only loud and unpleasant but also devoid of intelligence or reason. It is a powerful tool in Persian rhetoric to dismiss someone's arguments as mere noise. Understanding the transition from a simple animal sound to a sharp social critique is essential for any B1-level learner. The word carries a heavy weight of derision; using it to describe a person's voice is a direct insult, implying they are acting like a 'khar' (donkey), which in Iranian culture is a symbol of both hard work and, more commonly in insults, stubbornness or lack of wit.

Literal Usage: Used to describe the actual sound a donkey makes in a barn or field.
Figurative Usage: Used to insult someone who is shouting nonsense or speaking in a grating, loud manner.

خر بیچاره از گرسنگی داشت عرعر می‌کرد.

Literal: The poor donkey was braying from hunger.

In classical Persian literature, authors like Rumi or Saadi often used animal sounds to symbolize lower human instincts. 'Ar'ar kardan' represents the 'nafs' (ego) or the unrefined voice of someone who has not yet achieved spiritual or intellectual maturity. When you encounter this word in a modern Iranian film or a heated debate, it is usually a sign that the speaker has lost respect for the person they are describing. It is not a word used in polite company unless referring specifically to the animal. For a learner, it is important to recognize the 'sound' of the word itself—the repetition of the 'ayn' and 're' sounds creates a guttural effect that mirrors the sound it describes. This linguistic mimicry is a common feature in Persian verbs related to animal sounds, such as 'miv-miv kardan' (to meow) or 'vagh-vagh kardan' (to bark).

Furthermore, the grammatical structure is a standard 'Noun + Kardan' compound. This means the conjugation follows the auxiliary verb 'kardan' (to do/make). In the present continuous, it becomes 'darad ar'ar mikonad,' and in the past, 'ar'ar kard.' Despite its simplicity in form, the social stakes of using it are high. In urban slang, you might hear 'ar-ar-esho nandaaz roo maa' (don't throw your braying at us), which is a very aggressive way to tell someone to stop shouting or complaining. It is also worth noting that in Persian, unlike English where 'bray' can sometimes be used poetically for a trumpet, 'ar'ar' is almost exclusively negative or literal.

Mastering the use of عرعر کردن requires understanding both its conjugation and its social register. As a compound verb, the 'ar'ar' part remains static while 'kardan' changes to reflect tense, person, and mood. For example, if you are describing a scene in a rural village, you might say: 'Seda-ye ar'ar-e khar-ha az door be goosh mi-rasid' (The sound of donkeys braying was heard from afar). Here, 'ar'ar' is used as a noun in an Ezafe construction, but the verbal form is equally common.

وقتی دعوا بالا گرفت، همسایه شروع کرد به عرعر کردن.

Metaphorical: When the fight escalated, the neighbor started braying (shouting nonsensically).

Present Tense: آن الاغ هر صبح عرعر می‌کند. (That donkey brays every morning.)
Past Tense: دیشب یک نفر توی کوچه داشت عرعر می‌کرد. (Last night someone was braying in the alley.)

One must be cautious: using this verb in the second person ('Dari ar'ar mikoni?') is a major provocation. It is equivalent to saying 'You are making donkey noises' or 'Shut up, you jackass.' In contrast, in a literary or descriptive context, it can be used to set a mood. For instance, in a story about a drought, the braying of donkeys might symbolize the thirst and suffering of the village. The verb can also be modified with adverbs to increase its intensity, such as 'boland boland ar'ar kardan' (to bray very loudly) or 'bi-vaght ar'ar kardan' (to bray at an inappropriate time).

اینقدر عرعر نکن، سرم رفت!

Imperative: Stop braying so much, my head is spinning (I have a headache)!

In formal writing, you might find the noun form 'ar'ar' used more than the verb to describe the sound itself. However, in colloquial Persian (Tehrani dialect), the verb is a staple of 'koocheh-bazari' (street) language. It is often used in the progressive form 'dasht ar'ar mikard' to emphasize the ongoing nature of the annoying sound. When translating, remember that 'braying' is the closest English equivalent, but 'shouting like a fool' often captures the emotional intent better in informal settings.

The context in which you hear عرعر کردن dictates its meaning entirely. In rural Iran, specifically in provinces like Fars or Yazd where donkeys are still used in agriculture, the word is part of the daily vocabulary of farmers. You will hear it in the early morning as the village wakes up. In this context, it is a neutral, descriptive term. However, the word undergoes a massive shift when it enters the urban landscape of Tehran or Isfahan. In cities, donkeys are rare, so the word is almost exclusively used as a metaphor for human behavior.

توی اون فیلم کمدی، بازیگر ادای عرعر کردن درآورد.

Entertainment: In that comedy movie, the actor mimicked braying.

You will also encounter this word in Persian satire and political cartoons. Satirists often depict foolish or loud-mouthed figures as donkeys, and the caption might use the verb 'ar'ar kardan' to mock their speeches. In classical poetry, it is a symbol of the material world's cacophony. For instance, if a poet wants to contrast the beautiful song of a nightingale (bolbol) with something ugly, they will use the braying of a donkey. This duality—rural reality vs. urban insult—is a key feature of Persian animal-related verbs.

In Movies: Used during arguments or to depict a rustic, village scene.
In Literature: Used as a metaphor for spiritual ignorance or the 'voice of the ego'.

In modern digital spaces, such as Persian Twitter or Instagram comments, you might see the word used to dismiss a viral video of someone shouting or making a scene. It has become a shorthand for 'annoying noise.' Interestingly, children's cartoons in Persian (like 'Kolah Ghermezi') might use the word more playfully, but even there, it retains its link to the donkey character's specific traits. As a learner, listening for the 'ar-ar' sound in audio media will help you identify the word even if you don't catch the full sentence.

One of the most common mistakes for English speakers learning Persian is using عرعر کردن as a general synonym for 'shouting' or 'screaming.' While both involve loud noises, 'ar'ar kardan' is specifically tied to the sound of a donkey. If you mean 'to scream' because of fear, the correct word is 'jiqh zadan.' If you mean 'to shout' to get someone's attention, use 'faryad zadan.' Using 'ar'ar kardan' in these cases would change your meaning from a neutral action to a harsh insult.

اشتباه: وقتی ترسیدم عرعر کردم. (غلط)

Mistake: I 'brayed' when I was scared. (Incorrect usage of the verb for fear).

Another mistake is confusing it with other animal sounds. For example, horses 'shiyeh mikoshand' (neigh), and dogs 'vagh-vagh mikonand' (bark). Using 'ar'ar' for a horse would be a factual error in Persian. Additionally, learners often forget that this is a compound verb. They might try to pluralize 'ar'ar' or use it without 'kardan,' which results in ungrammatical sentences. The noun 'ar'ar' can stand alone, but the action must include the auxiliary verb.

Confusing with 'Faryad': Faryad is a neutral shout; Ar'ar is a donkey-like, annoying noise.
Incorrect Conjugation: Saying 'ar'aram' instead of 'ar'ar kardam'. Compound verbs need the auxiliary verb.

Finally, avoid using this word in formal emails or professional settings. Even if a colleague is being loud or irrational, using 'ar'ar kardan' to describe them would be considered a serious breach of etiquette. It is a word that belongs to the farm, the street, or the world of biting satire. Stick to 'boland harf zadan' (speaking loudly) or 'faryad kashidan' (shouting) in formal contexts to describe loud speech without the derogatory animal comparison.

If you want to describe loud or unpleasant sounds without the specific 'donkey' connotation of عرعر کردن, Persian offers several alternatives. Each has a slightly different nuance. 'Faryad zadan' is the most common and neutral way to say 'to shout.' 'Jiqh zadan' implies a high-pitched scream, usually out of fear or excitement. 'Dâd zadan' is a very common colloquial way to say 'to yell' or 'to shout' in anger.

داد زدن (Dâd Zadan): To yell or shout. Less offensive than 'ar'ar kardan' but still implies anger.
نعره زدن (Na're Zadan): To roar or bellow. Often used for lions or for a very powerful, deep human shout.
بانگ برآوردن (Bâng Bar-âvardan): A literary way to say 'to raise a cry' or 'to call out'.

شیر در جنگل نعره می‌زد، نه عرعر.

Comparison: The lion was roaring in the forest, not braying.

When comparing 'ar'ar kardan' to 'vagh-vagh kardan' (barking), both are used as insults for humans, but they imply different things. 'Vagh-vagh' suggests someone is making empty threats or speaking aggressively without power, like a small dog. 'Ar'ar' suggests someone is stupid, stubborn, or just making a senseless, grating noise. If you want to describe a horse, you must use 'shiyeh keshidan' (neighing), which is actually considered a more 'noble' sound in Persian literature compared to the donkey's bray.

In summary, while 'ar'ar kardan' is perfect for literal donkeys or sharp insults, 'dâd zadan' is your go-to for daily life, and 'na're zadan' is best for powerful, epic shouts. Choosing the right word depends on the 'animal' you want to evoke and the level of respect you wish to maintain for the subject of your sentence.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"صدای عرعر حیوانات از فواصل دور به گوش می‌رسید."

Neutral

"خر در مزرعه عرعر می‌کرد."

Informal

"چرا داری عرعر می‌کنی؟ ساکت باش!"

Child friendly

"خره گفت: عرعر! من علف می‌خوام."

Slang

"طرف داشت واسه خودش عرعر می‌کرد، کسی تحویلش نگرفت."

Fun Fact

In Persian, 'Ar'ar' is also the name of the 'Ailanthus altissima' tree (Tree of Heaven). It is quite ironic that a word meaning 'donkey bray' is shared with a tree often called the 'Tree of Heaven.' Context prevents any confusion!

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ar.ar kær.dæn/

US /ɑːr.ɑːr kær.dæn/

The primary stress in the compound verb falls on the last syllable of the noun 'ar-AR' and the last syllable of the inflected verb 'kar-DAN'.

Rhymes With

sar-sar (slippery/cold wind) par-par (fluttering) ghar-ghar (gargling) dar-dar (knocking/chattering) shar-shar (sound of flowing water) kar-kar (sound of laughter/friction) zar-zar (crying bitterly) var-var (chattering annoyingly)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'ar' like the English word 'air'. It should be a deep 'a' as in 'father'.
Failing to tap the 'r' sound.
Putting the stress on the 'mi-' prefix in the present tense.
Confusing 'ar'ar' with 'âr-âr' (which is not a word).
Merging the two 'ar' sounds into one long 'aaaaar'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize due to repetitive letters.

Writing 3/5

Needs correct spelling of 'ayn' and compound verb structure.

Speaking 4/5

Requires correct guttural 'a' and tapped 'r'.

Listening 2/5

The onomatopoeia makes it very easy to hear.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

خر کردن صدا حیوان بلند

Learn Next

شیهه کشیدن واق‌واق کردن میومیو کردن جفتک زدن طویله

Advanced

نفس اماره ناهنجار طنّاز هجو استعاره

Grammar to Know

Compound Verbs with 'Kardan'

عرعر + کردن = عرعر کردن

Present Continuous with 'Dâshtan'

دارم عرعر می‌کنم

Negative Imperative with 'Na-'

عرعر نکن

Ezafe Construction for Nouns

صدایِ عرعر

Adverbial Participle '-konân'

عرعرکنان وارد شد

Examples by Level

خر عرعر می‌کند.

The donkey brays.

Simple present tense using 'mikonad'.

صدای عرعر می‌آید.

The sound of braying is coming.

Noun 'ar'ar' used as a subject.

آیا الاغ عرعر کرد؟

Did the donkey bray?

Simple past question.

من عرعر خر را دوست ندارم.

I don't like the donkey's braying.

Negative preference.

خر کوچک عرعر می‌کند.

The little donkey brays.

Adjective 'koochak' modifying the noun.

آن حیوان عرعر کرد.

That animal brayed.

Demonstrative 'ân'.

عرعر نکن!

Don't bray!

Imperative negative.

خر هر روز عرعر می‌کند.

The donkey brays every day.

Adverb of frequency 'har rooz'.

خر در طویله داشت عرعر می‌کرد.

The donkey was braying in the stable.

Past continuous tense.

صدای عرعر خر خیلی بلند است.

The sound of the donkey's braying is very loud.

Ezafe construction with 'sedaye'.

چرا این خر مدام عرعر می‌کند؟

Why does this donkey bray constantly?

Question with 'cherâ' and 'modâm'.

ما صدای عرعر شنیدیم.

We heard the sound of braying.

Direct object with 'shenidim'.

وقتی گرسنه است، عرعر می‌کند.

When it is hungry, it brays.

Conditional 'vaghti'.

الاغ پیر دیگر عرعر نمی‌کند.

The old donkey doesn't bray anymore.

Negative present with 'digar'.

بچه‌ها از صدای عرعر ترسیدند.

The children were scared of the braying sound.

Preposition 'az' (from/of).

او ادای عرعر کردن را درآورد.

He mimicked braying.

Compound verb 'ada dar-avardan'.

همسایه با صدای بلند شروع کرد به عرعر کردن.

The neighbor started braying loudly.

Figurative use, infinitival phrase.

اینقدر عرعر نکن، حرفت را درست بزن!

Stop braying, speak properly!

Imperative negative, figurative.

خر بیچاره تمام شب عرعر می‌کرد.

The poor donkey was braying all night.

Duration with 'tamâm-e shab'.

صدای عرعرش کل محله را برداشته بود.

The sound of his braying had filled the whole neighborhood.

Idiomatic expression 'donya ra bardashtan'.

فکر کردی با عرعر کردن به جایی می‌رسی؟

Do you think you'll get anywhere by braying?

Gerund as an instrument.

او مثل خر عرعر می‌کرد و می‌خندید.

He was braying like a donkey and laughing.

Simile with 'mesl-e khar'.

هیچ‌کس به عرعر کردن‌های او توجه نکرد.

No one paid attention to his braying.

Pluralized noun 'ar'ar kardan-hâ'.

اگر باز هم عرعر کنی، از اینجا می‌روم.

If you bray again, I'm leaving here.

First conditional.

در آن سکوت مطلق، فقط صدای عرعر یک خر دوردست شنیده می‌شد.

In that absolute silence, only the braying of a distant donkey could be heard.

Passive voice 'shenideh mishod'.

نویسنده صدای مخالفان را به عرعر کردن تشبیه کرده است.

The author has likened the opponents' voices to braying.

Present perfect tense.

او به جای استدلال، فقط بلد است عرعر کند.

Instead of reasoning, he only knows how to bray.

Contrast with 'be jâ-ye'.

عرعر کردن‌های مستانه آن‌ها خواب را از چشمان ما ربود.

Their drunken braying stole the sleep from our eyes.

Poetic idiom for 'we couldn't sleep'.

خر که عرعر می‌کند، یعنی خبری در راه است؟

When a donkey brays, does it mean news is on the way?

Folk belief context.

بی‌دلیل عرعر کردن نشانه نادانی است.

Braying without reason is a sign of ignorance.

Infinitive as a subject.

او چنان عرعری راه انداخته بود که همه فرار کردند.

He had started such a braying that everyone fled.

Result clause with 'chonân... ke'.

صدای عرعر خر در کوهستان می‌پیچید.

The donkey's braying echoed in the mountains.

Verb 'pichidan' (to echo/wrap).

عطار در منطق‌الطیر، عرعر خر را نماد دلبستگی به دنیا می‌داند.

Attar, in the Conference of the Birds, considers the donkey's braying a symbol of worldly attachment.

Literary analysis context.

فریادهای او بیشتر به عرعر می‌مانست تا به اعتراض مدنی.

His shouts resembled braying more than civil protest.

Verb 'mânestan' (to resemble).

نباید اجازه دهیم عرعر جاهلان صدای خرد را خاموش کند.

We must not let the braying of the ignorant silence the voice of wisdom.

Subjunctive mood after 'nabâyad'.

طنزی که در عرعر کردن این شخصیت نهفته است، بسیار عمیق است.

The irony hidden in this character's braying is very deep.

Relative clause with 'nahofteh'.

او با وقاحت تمام، در میان جمع شروع به عرعر کرد.

With total impudence, he began to bray in the middle of the crowd.

Adverbial phrase 'bâ veghâhat-e tamâm'.

صدای ناهنجار عرعر، آرامش باغ را بر هم زد.

The discordant sound of braying disrupted the garden's peace.

Compound verb 'bar ham zadan'.

آیا این سخنان چیزی جز عرعر کردن یک ذهن پریشان است؟

Are these words anything other than the braying of a troubled mind?

Rhetorical question.

او تمام تلاشش را کرد تا صدای عرعرش را پنهان کند.

He did his best to hide his braying (metaphorical for his faults).

Infinitive as a direct object.

در پسِ آن عرعرِ کرکننده، حقیقتی تلخ نهفته بود که کسی برنمی‌تابید.

Behind that deafening braying lay a bitter truth that no one could tolerate.

Advanced literary structure.

گویی طبیعت با عرعرِ این جانور، بیهودگیِ کلام را به رخ می‌کشید.

It was as if nature, through this animal's braying, was flaunting the futility of speech.

Subjunctive with 'gooyi' (as if).

عرعرِ ممتدِ خر، چون ناقوسی شوم در گوشِ دهکده طنین‌انداز شد.

The donkey's continuous braying echoed in the village's ear like an ominous bell.

Simile and advanced vocabulary 'tanin-andâz'.

او در اوجِ استیصال، به عرعر کردنی جنون‌آمیز روی آورده بود.

In the height of desperation, he had turned to a frenzied braying.

Prepositional phrase 'be... rooy âvardan'.

این نه یک گفتگو، که عرعرِ دوجانبه‌ی دو منیتِ متورم بود.

This was not a dialogue, but the mutual braying of two inflated egos.

Philosophical/Psychological context.

صدای عرعر، در تلاقیِ باد و خاک، به مویه‌ای غریب بدل گشت.

The sound of braying, in the intersection of wind and dust, turned into a strange lament.

Archaic verb 'gashtan' for 'shodan'.

حتی عرعرِ این الاغ هم از منطقِ تو بیشتر است!

Even this donkey's braying has more logic than yours!

Extreme sarcasm/superlative comparison.

او با هر عرعر، پاره‌ای از آبروی خویش را به حراج می‌گذاشت.

With every bray, he was auctioning off a piece of his own reputation.

Metaphorical 'be harâj gozâshtan'.

Common Collocations

صدای عرعر

عرعر مستانه

شروع به عرعر کردن

عرعر بلند

مثل خر عرعر کردن

عرعر ناهنجار

عرعر بی‌موقع

ادای عرعر

صدای گوش‌خراش عرعر

عرعر و فغان

Common Phrases

عرعرش به هواست

— He is shouting very loudly/making a huge scene.

دوباره دعوا شده و عرعرش به هواست.

عرعر نکن

— Shut up / Stop talking nonsense (very rude).

اینقدر عرعر نکن، بذار فکر کنم.

صدای عرعر می‌آید

— Something annoying is being heard.

باز صدای عرعر آن رادیو می‌آید.

عرعرِ خر

— The literal bray of a donkey.

عرعر خر در روستا طبیعی است.

عرعر کردن از گرسنگی

— Braying due to hunger (literal).

خر بیچاره از گرسنگی عرعر می‌کرد.

عرعر کردن در میان جمع

— To act foolishly and loudly in public.

او با عرعر کردن در میان جمع آبروی خودش را برد.

عرعر کردن بیهوده

— To make useless noise.

این همه عرعر کردن بیهوده برای چیست؟

عرعر کردن و جفتک انداختن

— To bray and kick (acting wild/rebellious).

او فقط بلد است عرعر کند و جفتک بیندازد.

صدای عرعر دوردست

— Distant braying sound.

صدای عرعر دوردست آرامش‌بخش بود.

عرعرِ ممتد

— Continuous braying.

عرعر ممتد خر مانع خواب شد.

Often Confused With

عرعر کردن vs عرعر (tree)

The same word refers to the Ailanthus tree. Context distinguishes them.

عرعر کردن vs غرغر

Ghur-ghur means grumbling/complaining, while ar'ar is braying/shouting.

عرعر کردن vs واق‌واق

Barking of a dog. Both are insults, but 'ar'ar' is for 'donkeys'.

Idioms & Expressions

"مثل خر عرعر کردن"

— To speak or laugh in a very loud, annoying, and foolish way.

وقتی جوک گفتم، مثل خر شروع کرد به عرعر کردن.

Informal/Insulting

"عرعر کردن و دم تکان دادن"

— To act foolishly while trying to please someone (rare).

او برای رئیسش عرعر می‌کند و دم تکان می‌دهد.

Sarcastic

"عرعرش گوش فلک را کر کرده"

— His shouting is so loud it has deafened the sky (extremely loud).

عرعرش گوش فلک را کر کرده بود.

Exaggerated

"صدای عرعر از قبرستان آمدن"

— Something unexpected and annoying happening in a quiet place.

توی اون سکوت، صدای عرعرش بلند شد.

Metaphorical

"عرعر کردن مستانه"

— The loud, incoherent noise made by a drunk person.

شب‌ها صدای عرعر مستانه‌اش می‌آید.

Derogatory

"خر چه داند قیمت نقل و نبات / او نداند جز که عرعر در حیات"

— A donkey doesn't know the value of sweets; it only knows how to bray (Used for people who don't appreciate beauty or wisdom).

او هنر را نمی‌فهمد، چون خر چه داند... فقط بلد است عرعر کند.

Literary/Proverbial

"عرعر کردن برای کاه"

— To complain or shout only for material gain.

او فقط وقتی کاه می‌خواهد عرعر می‌کند.

Cynical

"عرعرِ بی‌پایان"

— Never-ending, annoying talk.

از این عرعر بی‌پایان خسته شدم.

Informal

"عرعر کردن در جواب نصیحت"

— To respond to good advice with foolish shouting.

به جای تشکر، فقط عرعر کرد.

Critical

"صدای عرعر خر در چمن"

— Something out of place or annoying in a beautiful setting.

حرف‌های او مثل عرعر خر در چمن بود.

Literary

Easily Confused

عرعر کردن vs جیغ

Both are loud sounds.

Jiqh is high-pitched and usually from fear; Ar'ar is low-harsh and from a donkey.

بچه جیغ زد ولی خر عرعر کرد.

عرعر کردن vs فریاد

Both involve shouting.

Faryad is neutral/human; Ar'ar is animalistic/derogatory.

قهرمان فریاد زد، اما نادان عرعر کرد.

عرعر کردن vs نعره

Both are powerful animal sounds.

Na're is noble (lion/hero); Ar'ar is lowly (donkey).

شیر نعره می‌کشد و خر عرعر می‌کند.

عرعر کردن vs شیهه

Both are equine sounds.

Shiye is for horses; Ar'ar is for donkeys.

اسب شیهه کشید و الاغ عرعر کرد.

عرعر کردن vs بانگ

Both mean a cry or sound.

Bang is general and often formal; Ar'ar is specific and informal.

بانگ مؤذن آمد، نه صدای عرعر.

Sentence Patterns

[Animal] [Verb].

خر عرعر می‌کند.

صدای [Noun] می‌آید.

صدای عرعر می‌آید.

مثل [Noun] عرعر کردن.

مثل خر عرعر نکن.

شروع کردن به [Infinitive].

شروع کرد به عرعر کردن.

با [Adverb] عرعر کردن.

با صدای بلند عرعر می‌کرد.

آنچه تو می‌گویی چیزی جز [Noun] نیست.

آنچه تو می‌گویی چیزی جز عرعر کردن نیست.

[Noun] نمادِ [Abstract Concept] است.

عرعر خر نماد نادانی است.

[Noun] در [Place] طنین‌انداز شد.

عرعر خر در کوهستان طنین‌انداز شد.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Common in rural contexts and informal insults.

Common Mistakes

Using 'ar'ar' for a loud baby crying. → Geryeh kardan (crying) or Jiqh zadan (screaming).
'Ar'ar' is too harsh and insulting for a baby.
Spelling it 'ارار'. → عرعر
The word must start with the letter 'Ayn'.
Saying 'Man ar'ar shodam'. → Man ar'ar kardam.
The auxiliary verb must be 'kardan', not 'shodan'.
Using it to describe a beautiful song. → Avâz khândan.
'Ar'ar' is specifically for ugly, harsh noises.
Using it for a dog barking. → Vagh-vagh kardan.
Each animal has its own specific verb in Persian.

Tips

Check Your Audience

Never use this word with elders or in professional settings unless referring to a literal donkey.

The Guttural 'Ayn'

Try to make the first 'a' sound slightly deeper in your throat to sound more native.

Compound Verb Rule

Remember that 'ar'ar' is the noun part; all the action happens in 'kardan'.

Animal Sounds

Learning animal sounds is a great way to understand Persian onomatopoeia.

The Donkey Metaphor

Understand that the donkey is the 'fool' of Persian folklore before using this verb.

Listen for the 'R'

The tapped 'r' is key to making the word sound like a real bray.

Spelling Matters

Using 'Ayn' (ع) is crucial for the correct meaning of this word.

Literal vs. Figurative

Always ask yourself: Am I on a farm or in an argument?

AR-AR

Repeat it twice. A donkey never brays just once!

Poetic Links

Look for the word in Rumi's poetry to see its deeper spiritual meaning.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a donkey saying 'AR! AR!' twice because it's so loud. 'Ar'ar' sounds like the 'R-R-R' sound a donkey makes when it starts its bray.

Visual Association

Imagine a donkey (Khar) with its mouth wide open, and the letters 'AR' coming out like a comic book sound effect.

Word Web

Khar (Donkey) Seda (Sound) Boland (Loud) Ar'ar (Bray) Kardan (To do) Dâd (Yell) Nâ-hanjâr (Discordant) Ghoosh-kharâsh (Ear-splitting)

Challenge

Try to use 'ar'ar kardan' in a sentence about a cartoon character and then in a sentence about a farm you visited. This helps you bridge the literal and figurative gap.

Word Origin

The word 'عرعر' (ar'ar) is of Arabic origin, specifically the root 'ع-ر-ع-ر' (a-r-a-r). In Arabic, it is used for the sound of a donkey or a specific type of tree.

Original meaning: The onomatopoeic representation of the donkey's cry.

Semitic root adopted into the Indo-European Persian language as a loanword.

Cultural Context

Highly sensitive. Never use this to describe a person's voice unless you intend to be deeply offensive.

In English, 'braying' can sometimes be used for a loud laugh (a 'braying laugh'). In Persian, 'ar'ar' is almost always more insulting.

Mowlana (Rumi) uses animal sounds to describe different human states. The 'Khar' character in 'Kolah Ghermezi' (popular puppet show). Sadegh Hedayat uses animal metaphors in his dark satires.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

On a farm

خر عرعر می‌کند
صدای عرعر خر
کاه بده به خر که عرعر نکنه
عرعر در صبح زود

In an argument

عرعر نکن
صدای عرعرت رو ببر
مثل خر عرعر می‌کنه
بسه این همه عرعر

Literature/Fables

حکایت خر و عرعر
نماد عرعر
عرعر نادانی
صدای ناهنجار

Movies/Comedy

ادای عرعر
خندیدن مثل عرعر
عرعر مستانه
صدای حیوان درآوردن

Describing Noise

عرعر گوش‌خراش
صدای عرعر از کوچه
عرعرِ بی‌پایان
عرعرِ بلند

Conversation Starters

"آیا تا به حال صدای عرعر خر را از نزدیک شنیده‌ای؟"

"چرا در زبان فارسی به آدم‌های پر سر و صدا می‌گویند عرعر نکن؟"

"تفاوت عرعر کردن و شیهه کشیدن در چیست؟"

"در کارتون‌های ایرانی، کدام شخصیت همیشه عرعر می‌کند؟"

"به نظر تو صدای عرعر خر آزاردهنده است یا جالب؟"

Journal Prompts

یک داستان کوتاه درباره خری بنویسید که فراموش کرده بود چگونه عرعر کند.

توصیف کنید که وقتی کسی در یک جای عمومی شروع به 'عرعر کردن' (فریاد زدن بیهوده) می‌کند، چه حسی دارید.

درباره تفاوت حیوانات در روستا و صداهایشان (مثل عرعر) در مقایسه با صداهای شهر بنویسید.

اگر می‌توانستید زبانی برای عرعر کردن خرها اختراع کنید، آن‌ها چه می‌گفتند؟

یک خاطره بنویسید که در آن صدای عرعر یک حیوان باعث خنده یا ترس شما شده است.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, it is not always an insult. If you are literally talking about a donkey on a farm, it is a neutral descriptive verb. However, if you use it to describe a human, it is always an insult.

No, that would be incorrect. Horses 'shiyeh mikoshand' (neigh). 'Ar'ar' is strictly for donkeys and mules.

It is the Ailanthus altissima, known as the 'Tree of Heaven'. Despite the name, it is often considered a weed, much like the sound 'ar'ar' is considered annoying.

It is spelled with the letter 'Ayn' (ع) at the beginning: عرعر. It is important not to use 'Alef'.

No, the concept itself is impolite when applied to humans. To be polite, say 'He is speaking very loudly' (boland harf mizanad).

Yes, many languages use similar sounds for donkeys, like 'Hee-haw' in English or 'I-ah' in German.

Only if you are analyzing literature or writing about biology/agriculture. In a general essay, it is too informal or aggressive.

'Dâd' is a human yell, often in anger. 'Ar'ar' is a donkey's cry, used to mock humans.

In very specific poetic contexts, it might represent the 'raw truth' of nature, but 99% of the time, it is neutral (animal) or negative (human).

It follows the standard future tense: 'ar'ar khâhad kard' (He/She/It will bray).