اخذ کردن
اخذ کردن in 30 Seconds
- Formal verb for 'obtaining' or 'getting'.
- Used for official documents (visas, degrees).
- Common in news, law, and academic contexts.
- A compound verb: 'Akhz' + 'Kardan'.
The Persian verb اخذ کردن (Akhz kardan) is a formal and sophisticated way to express the act of obtaining, acquiring, or securing something. While the common verb گرفتن (gireftan) covers a broad range of 'taking' or 'getting' in everyday speech, اخذ کردن is specifically reserved for official, administrative, or academic contexts. It implies a process, often involving an application, a legal requirement, or a formal request. When you use this word, you are signaling that the object being obtained is significant—such as a visa, a university degree, a permit, or even a legal judgment. In the linguistic landscape of Persian, choosing this verb over its simpler counterparts elevates the register of your speech or writing, making it suitable for business correspondence, news reporting, and formal documentation.
- Etymological Root
- Derived from the Arabic root 'A-KH-DH' (أخذ), meaning to take or receive.
- Register
- Formal / Administrative / Academic.
- Core Concept
- The official acquisition of a right, document, or status.
او موفق شد پس از دو ماه، ویزای تحصیلی خود را اخذ کند.
— Translation: He succeeded in obtaining his student visa after two months.
In a deeper sense, اخذ کردن carries a weight of legitimacy. You don't just 'take' a permit; you 'obtain' it through the proper channels. This nuance is crucial for B1 learners moving toward B2, as it distinguishes between physical actions and institutional processes. For example, you 'take' (میگیرید) a glass of water, but you 'obtain' (اخذ میکنید) a business license. The verb is a compound verb, consisting of the noun 'اخذ' and the light verb 'کردن'. In modern Persian, especially in Iran, this word is ubiquitous in news headlines regarding international relations, legal reforms, and educational achievements.
دولت برای کنترل تورم، سیاستهای جدیدی اخذ کرده است.
برای اخذ گواهینامه رانندگی، باید در آزمون نهایی قبول شوید.
شرکت ما موفق به اخذ استاندارد ایزو شد.
دانشجویان باید برای اخذ نمره قبولی تلاش کنند.
- Synonym Note
- دریافت کردن (Daryaft kardan) is a close synonym but is slightly more general than اخذ کردن.
- Common Object
- Documents, permissions, results, and taxes.
Using اخذ کردن correctly requires understanding its place in a sentence as a transitive compound verb. This means it almost always takes a direct object, which is usually marked by the postposition را (ra) if it is definite. Because it is a formal word, the sentences it appears in often follow a more structured and literary syntax. You will rarely hear this in a casual conversation between friends at a cafe, but you will see it on every government website and in every formal letter.
Sentence Structure
The basic structure is: [Subject] + [Object] + [اخذ کردن]. For example:
من (Subject) + مجوز (Object) + را (Marker) + اخذ کردم (Verb).
When conjugating, remember that only the 'کردن' part changes.
- Present: اخذ میکنم (I obtain)
- Past: اخذ کردم (I obtained)
- Future: اخذ خواهم کرد (I will obtain)
- Subjunctive: اخذ بکنم / اخذ کنم (That I obtain)
Contextual Nuances
One of the most common uses is in the context of 'اخذ رای' (collecting votes/polling). During elections, you will hear this constantly. Another frequent use is 'اخذ مالیات' (levying/collecting taxes). In these cases, it doesn't just mean 'getting' but 'collecting' or 'extracting' based on authority. This authority-based 'getting' is the hallmark of the word.
- Legal: اخذ تعهد (Obtaining a commitment/guarantee).
- Academic: اخذ مدرک دکترا (Obtaining a PhD).
- Travel: اخذ روادید (Obtaining a visa - 'روادید' is the formal word for visa).
If you are writing an essay for a Persian proficiency exam (like the SAMFA), using اخذ کردن instead of گرفتن when discussing official processes will significantly boost your score for 'vocabulary range' and 'register'.
If you turn on the news in Iran, Tajikistan, or Afghanistan (though usage varies slightly), اخذ کردن is a staple of the vocabulary. It is the language of the state. You will hear it in the following scenarios:
- News Broadcasts: "The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that citizens can now اخذ their passports online."
- University Administrative Offices: When you go to the 'Amoozesh' (Education) department, the clerk might ask if you have اخذ-ed your units for the semester (اخذ واحد).
- Legal Settings: Lawyers use this word when discussing obtaining evidence or securing a release on bail (اخذ وثیقه).
- Business Meetings: "We need to اخذ the necessary permits before starting the construction project."
Interestingly, in the context of university registration, اخذ واحد (taking/selecting units/courses) is a very specific technical term. Even students who speak casually will use this specific formal compound because it is the official name of the process. If you say 'gireftan-e vahed', it sounds slightly less professional, though still understood.
In literature and high-level journalism, you might also see the word used metaphorically, such as اخذ نتیجه (deriving a result or conclusion) from a philosophical argument or a scientific experiment. This shows the word's versatility in moving from the physical world of documents to the abstract world of logic.
The most frequent mistake learners make with اخذ کردن is using it in a register that is too low. Persian is a diglossic language, meaning there is a big difference between spoken (informal) and written (formal) styles. Using اخذ کردن in a casual setting can make you sound robotic or overly stiff.
Incorrect: مامان، من یک سیب از یخچال اخذ کردم.
(Mom, I obtained an apple from the fridge.) - This sounds very strange! Use 'bardashtam' or 'gereftam' instead.
Another mistake is confusing it with انتخاب کردن (to choose). While in the context of university courses you 'select' units, the official term is 'اخذ واحد'. However, for general choosing, اخذ is not a substitute.
Grammatical Error: Forgetting the 'ra' (را). Since 'اخذ کردن' usually involves a specific, definite object (like *the* visa or *the* degree), the 'ra' is almost always necessary.
Wrong: من ویزا اخذ کردم. (I obtained visa.)
Right: من ویزا را اخذ کردم. (I obtained the visa.)
Finally, avoid overusing it. If you use اخذ کردن five times in one paragraph, your writing will feel heavy. Mix it up with synonyms like دریافت کردن (to receive) or کسب کردن (to earn/gain) to maintain a natural flow.
To master اخذ کردن, you must understand its neighbors in the Persian semantic field of 'getting'. Here is a breakdown of similar words and their specific flavors:
- گرفتن (Gireftan): The 'Swiss Army Knife' of verbs. It means to take, to catch, to get, to hold. It is used for everything from catching a cold to taking a photo. It is much less formal than اخذ کردن.
- دریافت کردن (Daryaft kardan): Means 'to receive'. Use this for emails, signals, money, or awards. While اخذ کردن implies you went out and got it, دریافت کردن often implies it was sent or given to you.
- کسب کردن (Kasb kardan): Means 'to earn' or 'to gain'. This is used for things that require effort or time, like knowledge (کسب دانش), experience (کسب تجربه), or profit (کسب سود).
- استخراج کردن (Estekhraj kardan): Means 'to extract'. Used for mining resources or 'extracting' information from a text. It shares the Arabic root with اخذ in some contexts of 'taking out'.
- حاصل کردن (Hasel kardan): Means 'to achieve' or 'to result in'. Often used in the passive sense (حاصل شدن).
Choosing the right one depends on the agency of the subject and the formality of the situation. If you are the active party applying for a document, اخذ کردن is your best bet.
How Formal Is It?
Difficulty Rating
Grammar to Know
Compound verb structure
Direct object marker 'ra'
Subjunctive mood with 'bayad'
Passive voice with 'shodan'
Nominalization of verbs
Examples by Level
من ویزا گرفتم.
I got a visa. (Simple)
Uses 'gereftan' instead of 'akhz kardan' for simplicity.
او کتاب را گرفت.
He took the book.
Basic transitive verb.
آیا پول را گرفتی؟
Did you get the money?
Question form of 'gereftan'.
ما نمره خوب گرفتیم.
We got a good grade.
Common usage for grades.
او از من اجازه گرفت.
He got permission from me.
Permission in a casual sense.
من بلیت گرفتم.
I got a ticket.
Simple acquisition.
آنها جایزه گرفتند.
They got a prize.
Receiving something.
او از بانک وام گرفت.
He got a loan from the bank.
Financial context but simple verb.
او برای اخذ ویزا به سفارت رفت.
He went to the embassy to obtain a visa.
Introduction of 'akhz' in a formal context.
شما باید مجوز اخذ کنید.
You must obtain a permit.
Modal verb 'bayad' + subjunctive 'akhz konid'.
اخذ پاسپورت زمان میبرد.
Obtaining a passport takes time.
Gerund-like use of 'akhz'.
او مدرک خود را اخذ کرد.
He obtained his degree.
Formal past tense.
برای اخذ وام، مدارک لازم است.
To obtain a loan, documents are necessary.
Formal requirement.
دولت مالیات اخذ میکند.
The government collects taxes.
Present tense 'akhz mikonad'.
او موفق به اخذ گواهی شد.
He succeeded in obtaining the certificate.
Formal structure 'movaffagh be... shod'.
اخذ رای در مدرسه انجام شد.
The voting was done in the school.
Specific term for voting.
دانشجویان باید قبل از پایان ترم، واحدهای خود را اخذ کنند.
Students must select/obtain their units before the end of the semester.
Technical academic term 'akhz-e vahed'.
شرکت ما گواهینامه استاندارد بینالمللی را اخذ کرده است.
Our company has obtained the international standard certificate.
Present perfect tense.
او توانست بورسیه تحصیلی از دانشگاه پاریس اخذ کند.
He was able to obtain a scholarship from the University of Paris.
Compound verb in a complex sentence.
برای اخذ پروانه کسب، باید به اتحادیه مراجعه کنید.
To obtain a business license, you must refer to the union.
Professional context.
پلیس از راننده متخلف تعهد کتبی اخذ کرد.
The police obtained a written commitment from the offending driver.
Legal/Law enforcement context.
آیا شما موفق به اخذ وقت مصاحبه شدید؟
Did you succeed in obtaining an interview appointment?
Formal question.
دولت سیاستهای جدیدی برای اخذ مالیات از خانههای خالی وضع کرد.
The government established new policies for collecting taxes from empty houses.
Policy/Economic context.
او پس از سالها تلاش، تابعیت آن کشور را اخذ کرد.
After years of effort, he obtained the citizenship of that country.
Significant life event.
فرآیند اخذ مجوز ساخت و ساز بسیار پیچیده است.
The process of obtaining a construction permit is very complex.
Using 'akhz' as part of a noun phrase.
بانک مرکزی تدابیر ویژهای برای اخذ مطالبات معوقه اندیشیده است.
The Central Bank has devised special measures for collecting overdue claims.
High-level financial Persian.
او از این تجربه، نتایج ارزشمندی اخذ کرد.
He derived valuable results from this experience.
Abstract/Metaphorical use.
اخذ آرا در حوزههای انتخابیه تا ساعت ۱۰ شب تمدید شد.
The collection of votes in the constituencies was extended until 10 PM.
News/Political register.
برای اخذ پذیرش از دانشگاههای ممتاز، رزومه قوی لازم است.
To obtain admission from top universities, a strong resume is necessary.
Academic/Career context.
او وکالتنامه رسمی برای اخذ سهمالارث خود دریافت کرد.
He received a formal power of attorney to obtain his share of the inheritance.
Legal terminology.
پژوهشگران اطلاعات لازم را از طریق پرسشنامه اخذ کردند.
Researchers obtained the necessary information through a questionnaire.
Scientific/Research context.
شرکت در حال مذاکره برای اخذ نمایندگی انحصاری است.
The company is negotiating to obtain an exclusive agency.
Business negotiation.
نویسنده در این کتاب، رویکردی انتقادی نسبت به تاریخ اخذ کرده است.
In this book, the author has adopted a critical approach toward history.
Abstract use: 'akhz kardan' as 'adopting' a stance.
اخذ وجوه غیرقانونی توسط برخی نهادها مورد اعتراض قرار گرفت.
The collection of illegal funds by some institutions was protested.
Passive construction with 'mored-e... gharar gereft'.
او با استناد به قوانین جدید، موفق به اخذ حکم برائت شد.
Citing new laws, he succeeded in obtaining an acquittal verdict.
Legal precision.
فلسفه دکارت از مبانی خاصی اخذ شده است.
Descartes' philosophy is derived from specific foundations.
Philosophical/Passive use.
اخذ مالیات بر ارزش افزوده یکی از منابع اصلی درآمد دولت است.
The collection of Value Added Tax (VAT) is one of the main sources of government income.
Economic terminology.
او در سخنرانی خود، لحنی تند و گزنده اخذ کرد.
In his speech, he adopted a sharp and biting tone.
Metaphorical use for 'tone' or 'attitude'.
فرآیند اخذ تاییدیه نهایی از شورای نگهبان آغاز شده است.
The process of obtaining final approval from the Guardian Council has begun.
Political/Administrative precision.
او توانست با اخذ رضایت شاکی، از زندان آزاد شود.
He was able to be released from prison by obtaining the plaintiff's consent.
Legal/Social context.
این نظریه از بطن تحولات اجتماعی قرن نوزدهم اخذ گردیده است.
This theory has been derived from the heart of 19th-century social developments.
Highly formal passive 'akhz gardideh ast'.
اخذ به وجوه مختلف یک کلام، از ظرایف علم بلاغت است.
Taking different aspects of a word is one of the subtleties of the science of rhetoric.
Literary/Linguistic terminology.
قانونگذار در تدوین این ماده، مصلحت عمومی را اخذ نموده است.
The legislator, in drafting this article, has taken public interest into account (adopted it).
Archaic/Legalistic 'akhz namudeh ast'.
او در مقام قضاوت، بیطرفی کاملی اخذ کرد.
In the position of judgment, he adopted complete impartiality.
Abstract/Ethical context.
اخذ نتایج ناصواب از مقدمات درست، نشاندهنده مغالطه است.
Deriving incorrect results from correct premises indicates a fallacy.
Logic/Philosophy.
این واژه در زبان فارسی از ریشه عربی اخذ شده و تغییر معنا یافته است.
This word was taken from an Arabic root in Persian and has changed meaning.
Linguistic history.
اخذ وثیقه سنگین برای متهم، مورد انتقاد حقوقدانان واقع شد.
The taking of heavy bail for the accused was criticized by jurists.
Legal critique.
او در سلوک عرفانی خود، شیوهای زاهدانه اخذ کرد.
In his mystical path, he adopted an ascetic way.
Spiritual/Mystical context.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
Often Confused With
Idioms & Expressions
Easily Confused
Sentence Patterns
Word Family
Related
How to Use It
In formal reports, 'akhz shodeh ast' (has been obtained) is very common.
Always prefer 'gireftan' for physical objects and 'akhz kardan' for documents.
Always use 'akhz-e rai' for collecting votes, never 'gireftan-e rai'.
- Using it for physical objects (e.g., 'akhz-e sib').
- Using it in casual slang.
- Forgetting the 'ra' marker for definite objects.
- Confusing it with 'akhazi' (extortion).
- Using it for 'taking a break' (should be 'esteraahat kardan').
Tips
Upgrade your 'Gireftan'
Whenever you are writing about your resume or education, replace 'gereftan' with 'akhz kardan' to sound like a pro.
Compound Verb Rule
Remember that in 'اخذ کردن', only 'kardan' changes. 'Akhz' stays the same regardless of the tense.
Formal Letters
In the opening of a formal letter, use 'اخذ' when referring to previous permissions or documents.
News Watching
Watch the 2:00 PM news on IRIB to hear this word used in political contexts.
SAMFA Tip
In the SAMFA writing section, using this word correctly can help you reach the B2/C1 score bracket.
The 'A' Team
A is for Akhz, A is for Administrative. Use it for admin stuff!
Stress
Put the stress on the 'khz' part when saying the noun 'akhz'.
Legal Texts
When you see 'اخذ' in a contract, it usually refers to a duty or a right being secured.
Synonym Variety
Don't repeat 'akhz' too much. Alternate with 'daryaft' or 'kasb'.
Confidence
Using formal words correctly builds confidence in professional Persian circles.
Memorize It
Word Origin
Arabic root أخذ (A-KH-DH)
Cultural Context
During elections, 'اخذ رای' is the term used on TV, emphasizing the legal nature of voting.
The term 'اخذ واحد' is used by millions of students every semester, making it a culturally shared experience.
Iranians value formal education and official titles. 'اخذ مدرک' is a major life milestone.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Conversation Starters
"آیا تا به حال برای اخذ ویزای شینگن اقدام کردهاید؟"
"بهترین راه برای اخذ پذیرش از دانشگاههای خارج چیست؟"
"برای اخذ گواهینامه رانندگی چقدر زمان لازم است؟"
"آیا شرکت شما موفق به اخذ استانداردهای لازم شده است؟"
"چگونه میتوان نمره بالایی در امتحان اخذ کرد؟"
Journal Prompts
درباره تجربهای بنویسید که در آن برای اخذ یک مدرک مهم تلاش کردید.
چرا اخذ مجوزهای قانونی برای شروع یک کسب و کار مهم است؟
تفاوت بین 'گرفتن' و 'اخذ کردن' را با مثال توضیح دهید.
اگر بخواهید یک ویزای توریستی اخذ کنید، چه مراحلی را طی میکنید؟
اهمیت اخذ رای در جوامع دموکراتیک چیست؟
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, that would sound very strange. Use 'gereftan' or 'daryaft kardan' for gifts.
Yes, it is used in formal Dari, though 'be dast awardan' is also very common.
'Akhz' implies you actively sought it out (like a visa), while 'daryaft' can be passive (like receiving an email).
'Akhz namudan' is even more formal and is used in very high-level writing.
No, for photos, always use 'aks gereftan'.
You can say 'اخذ اطلاعات' or 'کسب اطلاعات'.
Yes, it's a specific academic term for registering for courses.
Only in a formal/legal sense, like a bank collecting money. Otherwise, use 'gereftan'.
It's like the 'ch' in 'Bach' or the Spanish 'j'. It's a soft guttural.
Yes, it's a noun that means 'acquisition' or 'taking'.
Test Yourself 180 questions
/ 180 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
Use 'اخذ کردن' instead of 'گرفتن' when you want to sound professional or when describing the process of getting official documents, results, or permissions. It marks you as an advanced speaker who understands Persian social registers.
- Formal verb for 'obtaining' or 'getting'.
- Used for official documents (visas, degrees).
- Common in news, law, and academic contexts.
- A compound verb: 'Akhz' + 'Kardan'.
Upgrade your 'Gireftan'
Whenever you are writing about your resume or education, replace 'gereftan' with 'akhz kardan' to sound like a pro.
Compound Verb Rule
Remember that in 'اخذ کردن', only 'kardan' changes. 'Akhz' stays the same regardless of the tense.
Formal Letters
In the opening of a formal letter, use 'اخذ' when referring to previous permissions or documents.
News Watching
Watch the 2:00 PM news on IRIB to hear this word used in political contexts.
Related Content
More business words
عادتأ
B2As is the custom or habit; customarily.
عامیانه
B2Characteristic of ordinary conversation rather than formal speech or writing; informal.
اعطا کردن
B2To grant or bestow (a right, power, or honor).
اعتبار
A2Credit; the ability of a customer to obtain goods or services before payment.
اعتبار دادن
B1To grant credit or give credibility to someone or something.
اعتبار مالی
B1Financial standing or reputation; available funds.
اعتباراً
B2On credit; by means of credibility.
اعتباردهنده
B2An entity that lends money or provides credit to another party.
اعتبارنامه
B1A qualification, achievement, or personal quality; credential.
اعتباری
B1Relating to credit, especially financial credit; based on trust or reputation.