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امتحان کردن

A2 verb #1,500 most common 11 min read

امتحان کردن

emtehan kardan Top 1,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips امتحان کردن in 30 Seconds

Explanation امتحان کردن in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'امتحان کردن' (emtehān kardan) is introduced as a simple way to say 'to try' or 'to test' in everyday situations. Learners at this stage use it primarily for concrete objects. For example, when you are eating and someone offers you a new dish, you might say 'In rā emtehān mikonam' (I will try this). It is one of the first compound verbs students learn because 'kardan' (to do) is so common. At this level, the focus is on the present tense ('mikonam', 'mikoni') and the imperative ('emtehān kon' - try it!). You might use it in a shop to ask if you can try a piece of fruit or a candy. The grammar is kept simple: Object + rā + emtehān + kardan. It helps A1 learners navigate basic social interactions involving choices and preferences. You don't need to worry about complex nuances yet; just think of it as the Persian equivalent of 'trying something out' for the first time. It's a very 'hands-on' verb at this stage, used for things you can touch, taste, or wear.

At the A2 level, you begin to use 'امتحان کردن' in a wider variety of tenses and contexts. You move beyond just food and clothes to testing simple machines or ideas. For instance, 'I tested the computer' (Man kāmpyuter rā emtehān kardam). You also start to distinguish it from 'emtehān dādan' (taking an exam), which is a common point of confusion. A2 learners should be able to use the past tense ('kardam', 'kardi') and the future tense ('khāham kard') comfortably. You might also use it in the subjunctive mood after verbs like 'want' (khāstan). For example, 'I want to try this game' (Mikhāham in bāzi rā emtehān konam). This level also introduces the idea of 'trying your luck' (shāns-at rā emtehān kon). You are becoming more aware of the direct object marker 'rā' and how it must follow the object you are testing. The verb becomes a tool for expressing curiosity and the act of checking if something works correctly in your daily environment.

By the B1 level, 'امتحان کردن' is used for more abstract concepts and systematic testing. You might talk about testing a theory, a method of study, or a new route to work. B1 learners use the verb in more complex sentence structures, such as conditional sentences: 'If I test this and it works, I will buy it' (Agar in rā emtehān konam va kār konad, ānrā mikharam). You also begin to understand the difference between 'emtehān kardan' and its more formal cousin 'āzmāyesh kardan' (to experiment/test scientifically). You might use 'emtehān' when talking about social situations, like 'testing a friend's loyalty.' Your vocabulary is expanding to include collocations like 'emtehān-e nehāyi' (final test) or 'emtehān-e vorudi' (entrance exam), even though the verb itself remains 'kardan.' At this stage, you are expected to use the verb naturally in conversations about your hobbies, work, and plans, showing that you understand its role as a 'check' or 'trial' before making a decision.

At the B2 level, you use 'امتحان کردن' with a high degree of precision and can discuss its nuances in different registers. You might use it in a professional context to describe quality control processes or software testing (though 'test kardan' is also common there). You are comfortable with the passive voice ('emtehān shodan' - to be tested) and can use the verb to describe complex social dynamics. For example, 'The new law was tested in three cities' (Ghānun-e jadid dar se shahr emtehān shod). You also start to appreciate the metaphorical uses of the word in literature or media, where 'emtehān' refers to life's trials and tribulations. B2 learners can explain the difference between 'emtehān kardan' and 'sa'y kardan' (effort) to lower-level students. You use the verb to express hypotheses and results: 'We tested several variables to find the cause' (Mā barāye yāftan-e ellat, chandin moteghayyer rā emtehān kardim). Your usage is fluid, and you rarely make mistakes with the 'rā' marker or the light verb conjugation.

At the C1 level, 'امتحان کردن' is part of a sophisticated repertoire of verbs. You use it in academic writing, formal speeches, and deep literary analysis. You might compare 'emtehān kardan' with 'sehak-zadan' (to touchstone/verify) or 'gharbāl kardan' (to sieve/screen). You understand the etymological roots of the word and how it has evolved in the Persian language. In a C1 discussion, you might analyze how a character in a novel is 'emtehān'ed by their circumstances, using the verb to discuss themes of morality and resilience. You are also aware of the legal and technical implications of 'testing' in various industries. Your sentences are long and complex, incorporating relative clauses and advanced conjunctions. For example, 'The validity of the data, which had been tested multiple times by independent researchers, was finally confirmed.' You use the verb not just to describe an action, but to build a logical argument or a detailed narrative. You can also use the noun form 'emtehān' in various idiomatic expressions with ease.

At the C2 level, your mastery of 'امتحان کردن' is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. You use it with subtle irony, poetic flair, or absolute technical accuracy depending on the situation. You can discuss the philosophical implications of 'testing' as a concept in Persian thought, perhaps referencing Sufi traditions where the soul is 'emtehān'ed by the Divine. You are comfortable using the most formal variants like 'emtehān namudan' or 'be emtehān gozāshtan' (to put to the test). You can navigate the most dense technical manuals or classical texts where the word appears. At this level, you don't just 'use' the word; you play with it. You might use it in a pun or a complex metaphor in a poem. You understand the subtle difference in connotation between 'emtehān' and its Arabic roots versus the purely Persian 'āzmudan.' Your command of the verb is total, allowing you to express the finest shades of meaning in any context, from a high-stakes political negotiation to a delicate interpersonal conflict.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

امتحان کردن in 30 Seconds

A versatile Persian compound verb meaning 'to test' or 'to try' something, used in contexts ranging from tasting food to scientific experiments.
Consists of 'emtehān' (noun) and 'kardan' (light verb). The light verb 'kardan' conjugates while 'emtehān' remains unchanged in the sentence.
Crucially distinguished from 'emtehān dādan' (to take an exam) and 'sa'y kardan' (to make an effort to do something).
Essential for daily life in Iran, especially when shopping (trying on clothes) or eating (tasting new dishes).

The Persian verb امتحان کردن (Emtehān kardan) is a fundamental compound verb that every learner must master early in their journey. At its core, it translates to 'to test,' 'to try,' or 'to examine.' However, its application spans a wide range of contexts, from the academic world of examinations to the sensory experience of tasting new food or the practical act of trying on a new pair of shoes in a bustling Tehran bazaar. Understanding this word requires looking at its two components: 'Emtehān,' a noun borrowed from Arabic meaning 'test' or 'trial,' and 'kardan,' the ubiquitous Persian light verb meaning 'to do' or 'to make.'

Primary Definition: The act of putting something to a trial to determine its quality, performance, or reliability. This can apply to objects, theories, or even people's patience.

In a linguistic sense, 'امتحان کردن' is transitive, meaning it usually takes a direct object. When you use it, you are actively engaging with an object or a concept to see how it fares. For instance, a scientist might 'test' a hypothesis, while a child might 'test' the temperature of the pool water with their toe. The beauty of this verb lies in its versatility; it bridges the gap between formal scientific testing and the casual 'trying out' of daily life.

من می‌خواهم این دستور پخت جدید را امتحان کنم تا ببینم خوشمزه است یا نه. (I want to try this new recipe to see if it's delicious or not.)

Furthermore, the word carries a weight of discovery. When you 'emtehān' something, there is an inherent uncertainty about the outcome. You are looking for an answer. Is the car working? Is the soup too salty? Is the candidate fit for the job? In all these scenarios, 'امتحان کردن' is the vehicle for that discovery. It is more than just an action; it is an inquiry into the nature of the thing being tested.

Synonym Note: In more formal or scientific contexts, you might encounter 'آزمایش کردن' (āzmāyesh kardan), which specifically refers to laboratory experiments or technical trials.

او قبل از خرید ماشین، آن را امتحان کرد. (He tested the car before buying it.)

In modern colloquial Persian, you might also hear the English loanword 'تست کردن' (test kardan), especially among the younger generation or in technical fields like software development. However, 'امتحان کردن' remains the standard, most widely understood, and most elegant choice for general usage. It fits perfectly in both a formal essay and a casual conversation over tea.

بیا این عطر را امتحان کنیم؛ بوی خیلی خوبی دارد. (Let's try this perfume; it has a very good scent.)

Connotations: It implies a sense of caution or curiosity. You aren't fully committing yet; you are just 'testing the waters.'

معلم صبر دانش‌آموزان را امتحان کرد. (The teacher tested the students' patience.)

این زندگی فقط یک امتحان است. (This life is just a test.)

Using امتحان کردن correctly requires an understanding of how compound verbs function in Persian. The noun 'امتحان' remains static, while the light verb 'کردن' undergoes all the necessary conjugations for tense, person, and mood. This is a characteristic feature of the Persian language, where a limited number of 'light' verbs combine with nouns or adjectives to create thousands of specific actions.

Present Tense Conjugation: To say 'I am testing' or 'I test,' you use the present stem of 'kardan' which is 'kon.' Example: من امتحان می‌کنم (Man emtehān mi-kon-am).

When you want to express the idea of 'trying something out,' the direct object usually precedes the verb. If the object is definite, you must use the postposition 'rā' (را). For example, 'I tried the food' becomes 'Man ghazā rā emtehān kardam.' Without the 'rā,' it sounds like you are testing 'food' in general, which is less common in everyday speech.

آیا می‌خواهی این بازی جدید را امتحان کنی؟ (Do you want to try this new game?)

The verb is also frequently used in the subjunctive mood, especially after verbs like 'want' (khāstan) or 'must' (bāyad). For instance, 'I must test this' is 'Bāyad in rā emtehān konam.' Notice how the 'mi-' prefix of the present indicative is replaced by the 'be-' prefix of the subjunctive (though in 'kardan,' the 'be-' is often omitted in modern speech, leaving just 'konam').

Past Tense Usage: The past stem is 'kard.' Example: ما دیروز آن روش را امتحان کردیم (We tested that method yesterday).

آن‌ها همه چیز را امتحان کردند اما نتیجه‌ای نگرفتند. (They tried everything but got no result.)

One nuance to keep in mind is the difference between 'trying to do something' (effort) and 'trying something' (testing). If you are trying to open a door, you use 'sa'y kardan' (سعی کردن). If you are 'trying' a new key to see if it works, you use 'emtehān kardan.' This distinction is crucial for sounding natural in Persian.

لطفاً این کلید را هم امتحان کن. (Please try this key as well.)

Negative Form: The negative prefix 'na-' attaches to the light verb. Example: امتحان نمی‌کنم (I am not testing/trying).

من هیچ‌وقت غذاهای تند را امتحان نمی‌کنم. (I never try spicy foods.)

دانشمندان باید این فرضیه را امتحان کنند. (Scientists must test this hypothesis.)

The context in which you encounter امتحان کردن determines its specific flavor. In the daily life of an Iranian city, you will hear it most frequently in commercial and social settings. Imagine walking through a clothing store in a mall like 'Iran Mall' or 'Palladium.' The salesperson will inevitably ask if you want to 'emtehān' the garment. Here, it means 'to try on.'

Shopping Context: Used when trying on clothes, testing electronics, or sampling products. 'Mikhāhid emtehān konid?' (Do you want to try it?)

In the kitchen or at a dinner party, the host might offer you a piece of fruit or a new dish and say, 'In rā emtehān kon' (Try this). It’s a gesture of hospitality and pride in their cooking. If you are at a 'shirini-forushi' (sweet shop), the shopkeeper might give you a small piece of 'sohan' or 'gaz' to 'emtehān' before you commit to buying a whole box.

این شیرینی خیلی تازه است، حتماً امتحانش کن. (This sweet is very fresh, definitely try it.)

In academic and professional environments, the word takes on a more serious tone. A teacher might talk about 'emtehān kardan-e dānesh-āmuzān' (testing the students), referring to the process of evaluation. In a technical lab, an engineer might 'emtehān' the strength of a material. In these cases, it is synonymous with 'assessment' or 'validation.'

Technical Context: Refers to quality control, software testing, or scientific experimentation. 'Mā bāyad narm-afzār rā emtehān konim.' (We must test the software.)

مهندس سیستم امنیتی را امتحان کرد. (The engineer tested the security system.)

You will also hear it in psychological or social discussions. People might talk about 'emtehān kardan-e dusti' (testing a friendship) or 'emtehān kardan-e shāns' (trying one's luck). This metaphorical use is very common in Persian literature and cinema, where characters are often put through 'trials' to prove their loyalty or courage.

او می‌خواست وفاداری همسرش را امتحان کند. (He wanted to test his wife's loyalty.)

Idiomatic Context: 'Shāns-at rā emtehān kon!' means 'Try your luck!' It's used in games, competitions, or when taking a risk.

بیا شانسمان را در این مسابقه امتحان کنیم. (Let's try our luck in this competition.)

دولت واکنش مردم را امتحان کرد. (The government tested the people's reaction.)

One of the most frequent pitfalls for English speakers learning Persian is the confusion between امتحان کردن (to test/try something) and سعی کردن (to try/attempt to do something). In English, the word 'try' covers both meanings, but in Persian, they are distinct. If you say 'Man emtehān kardam dar rā bāz konam,' it sounds like you were performing a scientific test on the act of opening the door, rather than making an effort to open it.

Mistake 1: Try (Effort) vs. Try (Test): Use 'Sa'y kardan' for effort (e.g., trying to run fast). Use 'Emtehān kardan' for testing (e.g., trying a new pair of running shoes).

Another common error involves the academic context. Students often say 'Man emtehān kardam' when they mean 'I took an exam.' This is incorrect. The correct phrase for taking an exam is 'Emtehān dādan' (literally: to give a test). If you say 'emtehān kardam,' it implies you were the teacher who was testing the students, or you were testing the exam paper itself for errors.

غلط: من دیروز ریاضی را امتحان کردم. (Incorrect for 'I took the math exam.')
درست: من دیروز امتحان ریاضی دادم. (Correct: I gave/took a math exam.)

A third mistake is forgetting the direct object marker 'rā' (را) when testing a specific thing. Because 'emtehān kardan' is transitive, failing to use 'rā' can make the sentence feel incomplete or grammatically 'naked' to a native speaker. For example, 'In ghazā emtehān kon' is technically understandable but sounds like 'Try food this,' whereas 'In ghazā rā emtehān kon' is the correct 'Try this food.'

Mistake 2: Missing 'Rā': Always use 'rā' after the specific object you are testing. 'Mashin rā emtehān kardam' (I tested the car).

او باید این دارو را امتحان کند. (He must test this medicine.)

Learners also sometimes confuse 'emtehān kardan' with 'āzmāyesh kardan.' While they are similar, 'āzmāyesh' is more clinical or scientific. You wouldn't 'āzmāyesh' a piece of cake at a party; that would sound like you're taking it to a lab for chemical analysis. Stick to 'emtehān' for everyday 'trying' and 'testing.'

بیا این صندلی را امتحان کنیم ببینیم راحت است یا نه. (Let's try this chair to see if it's comfortable or not.)

Mistake 3: Overusing 'Test Kardan': While 'تست کردن' is used, overusing it can make your Persian sound 'lazy' or overly westernized. Use 'emtehān kardan' for a more authentic feel.

من ترجیح می‌دهم اول لباس را امتحان کنم. (I prefer to try the clothes on first.)

آیا می‌خواهی قدرتت را امتحان کنی؟ (Do you want to test your strength?)

Persian is rich with verbs that describe various forms of 'trying' or 'testing.' While امتحان کردن is the most versatile, knowing its cousins will help you express yourself with more precision. The most common alternative is آزمایش کردن (āzmāyesh kardan), which is derived from the Persian root 'āzmudan' (to test/experience).

امتحان کردن vs. آزمایش کردن: 'Emtehān' is general and everyday. 'Āzmāyesh' is scientific, medical, or technical. You 'emtehān' a cake; you 'āzmāyesh' a blood sample.

Another important word is سعی کردن (sa'y kardan), which we discussed earlier. It focuses on the 'effort' or 'attempt' to achieve a goal. If you are 'trying' to learn Persian, you are 'sa'y'ing. If you are 'trying' a new learning method to see if it works, you are 'emtehān'ing.

من سعی می‌کنم فارسی یاد بگیرم و روش‌های مختلف را امتحان می‌کنم. (I try to learn Persian and I test different methods.)

For more literary or archaic contexts, you might see آزمودن (āzmudan). This is the simple verb form from which 'āzmāyesh' is derived. It often carries a sense of 'testing through experience' or 'proving one's worth.' In classical poetry, lovers are often 'āzmudan'-ed by fate or by their beloved.

امتحان کردن vs. تست کردن: 'Test kardan' is an informal loanword used mostly for technology or quick checks. 'Emtehān kardan' is the proper, standard term.

بیا این میکروفون را تست کنیم. (Let's test this microphone.)

There is also وارسی کردن (vārassi kardan), which means 'to inspect' or 'to check thoroughly.' This is used when you are looking for faults or verifying details, rather than just 'trying' something out. If a mechanic is 'testing' your car's engine, they might 'vārassi' the parts.

پلیس مدارک را وارسی کرد. (The police inspected the documents.)

امتحان کردن vs. تجربه کردن: 'Tajrobeh kardan' means 'to experience.' You 'emtehān' a new food to see if you like it; you 'tajrobeh' a new culture by living in it.

من می‌خواهم زندگی در روستا را تجربه کنم. (I want to experience living in a village.)

کجا می‌توانم این پیراهن را پرو کنم؟ (Where can I try on this shirt?)

How Formal Is It?

Difficulty Rating

Grammar to Know

Compound verb structure (Noun + Light Verb)

Direct object marker 'rā' (را)

Subjunctive mood after 'khāstan' and 'bāyad'

Imperative mood formation

Present continuous with 'mi-'

Examples by Level

این سیب را امتحان کن.

Try this apple.

Imperative form of 'emtehān kardan'.

من این لباس را امتحان می‌کنم.

I am trying on this dress.

Present continuous sense.

آیا این غذا را امتحان کردی؟

Did you try this food?

Simple past tense.

او می‌خواهد بازی را امتحان کند.

He wants to try the game.

Subjunctive mood after 'mikhāhad'.

بیا این کلاه را امتحان کنیم.

Let's try this hat.

First person plural imperative/suggestion.

من هیچ‌وقت قهوه را امتحان نمی‌کنم.

I never try coffee.

Negative present tense.

این خودکار را امتحان کن؛ خوب می‌نویسد.

Try this pen; it writes well.

Simple imperative.

آن‌ها ماشین جدید را امتحان کردند.

They tested the new car.

Third person plural past tense.

باید قبل از خرید، آن را امتحان کنی.

You must try it before buying.

Subjunctive mood after 'bāyad'.

او شانسش را امتحان کرد اما نبرد.

He tried his luck but didn't win.

Idiomatic use: 'shāns-ash rā emtehān kard'.

ما دیروز روش جدیدی را امتحان کردیم.

We tried a new method yesterday.

Simple past with an indefinite object.

آیا می‌توانی این کلید را امتحان کنی؟

Can you try this key?

Interrogative with 'mitavāni'.

من می‌خواهم این عطر را امتحان کنم.

I want to try this perfume.

Subjunctive mood.

آن‌ها سیستم را امتحان نمی‌کنند.

They are not testing the system.

Negative present tense.

لطفاً این صندلی را امتحان کنید.

Please try (sit on) this chair.

Polite imperative.

او همیشه چیزهای جدید را امتحان می‌کند.

He always tries new things.

Present habitual sense.

دانشمندان باید این فرضیه را امتحان کنند.

Scientists must test this hypothesis.

Formal usage of 'emtehān kardan'.

اگر این راه را امتحان کنیم، شاید زودتر برسیم.

If we try this way, maybe we'll arrive sooner.

Conditional sentence.

او می‌خواست وفاداری دوستش را امتحان کند.

He wanted to test his friend's loyalty.

Abstract object 'vafādāri'.

این نرم‌افزار هنوز امتحان نشده است.

This software has not been tested yet.

Passive voice: 'emtehān nashodeh ast'.

ما باید تمام گزینه‌ها را امتحان کنیم.

We must try all the options.

Subjunctive with 'bāyad'.

او با امتحان کردن روش‌های مختلف، موفق شد.

He succeeded by trying different methods.

Gerund-like use of 'emtehān kardan'.

آیا تا به حال این ورزش را امتحان کرده‌ای؟

Have you ever tried this sport?

Present perfect tense.

معلم صبر دانش‌آموزان را امتحان کرد.

The teacher tested the students' patience.

Metaphorical use.

دولت واکنش مردم را نسبت به قانون جدید امتحان کرد.

The government tested the people's reaction to the new law.

Complex transitive structure.

قبل از تولید انبوه، محصول باید به دقت امتحان شود.

Before mass production, the product must be carefully tested.

Passive subjunctive.

او شجاعت خود را در آن شرایط سخت امتحان کرد.

He tested his courage in those difficult conditions.

Abstract reflexive usage.

این نظریه در آزمایشگاه‌های متعددی امتحان شده است.

This theory has been tested in numerous laboratories.

Passive present perfect.

ما نمی‌توانیم بدون امتحان کردن، قضاوت کنیم.

We cannot judge without testing.

Prepositional phrase with infinitive.

او با امتحان کردن شانس خود در تجارت، ثروتمند شد.

By trying his luck in business, he became wealthy.

Participial phrase.

آیا این دارو روی انسان امتحان شده است؟

Has this medicine been tested on humans?

Passive interrogative.

باید کارایی این موتور را در دمای بالا امتحان کنیم.

We must test the efficiency of this engine at high temperatures.

Technical context.

نویسنده در این کتاب، مرزهای واقعیت را امتحان می‌کند.

The author tests the boundaries of reality in this book.

Literary analysis usage.

اعتبار این داده‌ها باید توسط کارشناسان امتحان شود.

The validity of these data must be tested by experts.

Formal passive voice.

او همواره باورهای خود را در بوته امتحان قرار می‌دهد.

He always puts his beliefs to the test (in the crucible of testing).

Idiomatic expression: 'dar buteh-ye emtehān gharār dādan'.

این سیاست جدید، پایداری اقتصادی کشور را امتحان خواهد کرد.

This new policy will test the country's economic stability.

Future tense in a formal context.

فیلسوفان قرن‌هاست که این ایده را امتحان کرده‌اند.

Philosophers have been testing this idea for centuries.

Present perfect for long-term action.

بدون امتحان کردن فرضیات، علم پیشرفتی نخواهد داشت.

Without testing hypotheses, science will not progress.

Formal conditional sense.

او با امتحان کردن صبر مدیر، موقعیت خود را به خطر انداخت.

By testing the manager's patience, he endangered his position.

Gerund phrase as a cause.

آیا می‌توان عدالت را در این سیستم امتحان کرد؟

Can justice be tested in this system?

Philosophical interrogative.

عشق حقیقی در تلاطم سختی‌ها امتحان می‌شود.

True love is tested in the turbulence of hardships.

Poetic/Philosophical passive.

او با ظرافتی خاص، صداقت مخاطبش را امتحان می‌کرد.

With a specific subtlety, he would test his interlocutor's honesty.

Past continuous for habitual nuanced action.

این اثر هنری، ادراک بیننده از فضا را امتحان می‌کند.

This artwork tests the viewer's perception of space.

Abstract aesthetic usage.

تاریخ، بارها حقانیت این کلام را امتحان کرده است.

History has repeatedly tested the truth of these words.

Personification of 'History'.

او هرگز از امتحان کردن ناشناخته‌ها هراسی نداشت.

He was never afraid of testing the unknowns.

Substantive use of the verb.

صحت این ادعا باید در مراجع قانونی امتحان گردد.

The accuracy of this claim must be tested in legal authorities.

Highly formal 'gardad' instead of 'shavad'.

او در هر گام، ایمان خود را به بوته امتحان می‌کشید.

At every step, he would drag his faith to the crucible of testing.

Literary idiom.

آیا بشریت می‌تواند صلح پایدار را امتحان کند؟

Can humanity try/test lasting peace?

Universal/Philosophical question.

Common Collocations

شانس را امتحان کردن (to try one's luck)

غذا را امتحان کردن (to try food)

لباس را امتحان کردن (to try on clothes)

سیستم را امتحان کردن (to test a system)

روش را امتحان کردن (to try a method)

صبر کسی را امتحان کردن (to test someone's patience)

وفاداری را امتحان کردن (to test loyalty)

ایده را امتحان کردن (to test an idea)

دارو را امتحان کردن (to test a medicine)

فرضیه را امتحان کردن (to test a hypothesis)

Common Phrases

بیا امتحانش کنیم (Let's try it)

ارزش امتحان کردن دارد (It's worth trying)

یک بار امتحان کن (Try it once)

باید امتحانش کنم (I must try it)

هنوز امتحان نکردم (I haven't tried it yet)

می‌خواهی امتحان کنی؟ (Do you want to try?)

امتحان کردنش ضرری ندارد (There's no harm in trying it)

اول امتحان کن، بعد بخر (Try first, then buy)

همه چیز را امتحان کردم (I tried everything)

دوباره امتحان کن (Try again)

Often Confused With

امتحان کردن vs امتحان دادن (emtehān dādan - to take an exam)

امتحان کردن vs سعی کردن (sa'y kardan - to make an effort)

امتحان کردن vs آزمایش کردن (āzmāyesh kardan - to test scientifically)

Idioms & Expressions

"شانست را امتحان کن (Try your luck)"

"در بوته امتحان (In the crucible of testing/Under trial)"

"امتحان خود را پس دادن (To have proven oneself/To have passed the test of time)"

"سر کسی را امتحان کردن (To test someone - rare/informal)"

"خود را امتحان کردن (To test oneself)"

"ایمان کسی را امتحان کردن (To test someone's faith)"

"تیغ خود را امتحان کردن (To test one's blade/power - literary)"

"بخت خود را امتحان کردن (To try one's fortune)"

"امتحان الهی (A divine trial/test from God)"

"پس از امتحان‌های فراوان (After many trials)"

Easily Confused

امتحان کردن vs سعی کردن

Effort to do something vs. testing something.

امتحان کردن vs امتحان دادن

Student taking a test vs. someone testing an object.

امتحان کردن vs آزمایش کردن

Formal/Scientific test vs. general try/test.

امتحان کردن vs پرو کردن

Specifically for clothes vs. general testing.

امتحان کردن vs چشیدن

Specifically for tasting food vs. general testing.

Sentence Patterns

How to Use It

light verb

The verb 'kardan' is the part that changes for tense and person.

transitivity

It is a transitive verb and requires an object.

loanword status

Emtehān is an Arabic loanword, but the verb construction is purely Persian.

Common Mistakes

Using 'emtehān kardan' for 'taking an exam'.
Using 'emtehān kardan' for 'trying to do something' (effort).
Forgetting 'rā' with definite objects.
Spelling 'Emtehān' with 'he' (ه) instead of 'he' (ح).
Using 'āzmāyesh kardan' for tasting food.

Tips

Light Verb Mastery

Focus on conjugating 'kardan' perfectly; it's the key to using hundreds of Persian verbs.

The 'Rā' Rule

Always check if your object is definite. If it is, 'rā' is mandatory.

Casual Contractions

In Tehran, 'emtehān mikonam' might sound like 'emtehān mikon-am' with a very short 'o'.

Hospitality

If an Iranian host says 'emtehān kon,' they are being polite. It's good to try a little bit.

Exam Distinction

Never say 'emtehān kardam' for taking a test. Use 'emtehān dādam' to avoid confusion.

Scientific vs. General

Use 'āzmāyesh' for labs and 'emtehān' for the kitchen or the mall.

Formal Variant

Use 'emtehān namudan' in essays to sound more professional.

Identify the Noun

Even if the verb is conjugated, the noun 'emtehān' stays the same. Listen for it!

Luck

Memorize 'shāns-at rā emtehān kon' as a set phrase for games.

Visual Association

Picture yourself 'examining' a new gadget to remember the meaning.

Memorize It

Word Origin

Arabic + Persian

Cultural Context

Always 'emtehān' at least a small piece of food when offered by a host to show respect.

It is normal to ask to 'emtehān' a product before buying, but don't overdo it if you don't intend to buy.

The word 'emtehān' (exam) carries a lot of weight and stress for Iranian students due to the competitive nature of the education system.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Conversation Starters

"آیا تا به حال غذای ایرانی را امتحان کرده‌ای؟ (Have you ever tried Persian food?)"

"می‌خواهی این بازی جدید را امتحان کنیم؟ (Do you want to try this new game?)"

"کدام روش برای یادگیری زبان را امتحان کرده‌ای؟ (Which method for language learning have you tried?)"

"آیا این عطر را امتحان کردی؟ (Did you try this perfume?)"

"می‌توانم این پیراهن را امتحان کنم؟ (Can I try on this shirt?)"

Journal Prompts

امروز چه چیز جدیدی را امتحان کردی؟ (What new thing did you try today?)

یک بار که شانس خود را امتحان کردی و موفق شدی را توصیف کن. (Describe a time you tried your luck and succeeded.)

چرا امتحان کردن چیزهای جدید مهم است؟ (Why is trying new things important?)

آیا ترجیح می‌دهی اول چیزی را امتحان کنی یا به توصیه دیگران اعتماد کنی؟ (Do you prefer to try something first or trust others' recommendations?)

یک تجربه سخت که صبر تو را امتحان کرد بنویس. (Write about a difficult experience that tested your patience.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, it is very common in shops. You can also use 'pro kardan' which is more specific to clothes.

'Emtehān kardan' is to test something (like a car or food). 'Sa'y kardan' is to make an effort to do a task (like trying to finish homework).

You must say 'Man emtehān dādam' (literally: I gave an exam). 'Emtehān kardam' would mean you were the one testing others.

Yes, it is common in informal speech and technical contexts, but 'emtehān kardan' is the standard and more formal term.

If the object is specific (e.g., 'this' car, 'the' food), you need 'rā'. If it's general, you don't.

Yes, it is often used for testing loyalty, patience, or courage.

For 'you' (singular), it is 'emtehān kon'. For 'you' (plural/polite), it is 'emtehān konid'.

In very formal science, 'āzmāyesh kardan' is preferred, but 'emtehān kardan' is still acceptable in many contexts.

It means 'Try your luck!' and is used in games or when taking a risk.

Use the past stem 'kard': emtehān kardam, emtehān kardi, emtehān kard, etc.