This page in your language

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

Home
Learn
Persian
Vocabulary
اتو کشیدن

B1 verb 10 min read

اتو کشیدن

atu keshidan

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips اتو کشیدن in 30 Seconds

Explanation اتو کشیدن in your Level:

At the A1 level, you only need to know that 'Otu' means 'iron' and 'Otu keshidan' means 'to iron'. You should learn it as a fixed phrase. Focus on simple sentences like 'I iron my shirt' (Man pirahanam ra otu mikosham). At this stage, don't worry too much about the complex grammar of 'keshidan'; just remember that it is the action you do to make your clothes look nice and flat. It is a useful word for basic daily routines and talking about chores at home. You might see this word in a picture book or on a basic vocabulary list about the house.

At the A2 level, you should start conjugating 'otu keshidan' in the past and present tenses. You should be able to say 'I ironed the clothes yesterday' (Diruz lebas-ha ra otu keshidam) and 'I am ironing now' (Alan daram otu mikosham). You should also recognize the word 'Otu' on its own as a noun. You might use this verb when describing your morning routine or when talking about housework with friends. It's important to start using the 'ra' particle correctly with specific clothes like 'in shalvar ra' (this pair of pants).

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'otu keshidan' in various moods, including the subjunctive (e.g., 'I must iron'). You should understand the difference between 'otu keshidan' and 'otu kardan', and use 'keshidan' to sound more natural. You should also be able to use the verb in a dry-cleaning context, asking for specific services. At this level, you start to see the word in more complex sentences involving time clauses, like 'Before I go to work, I iron my clothes'. You are also introduced to the adjective 'otu-keshide' (well-groomed).

At the B2 level, you should master the nuances of 'otu keshidan'. This includes using it in the passive voice (e.g., 'The clothes need to be ironed') and understanding its metaphorical uses in literature or media to describe a 'stiff' or 'formal' person. You should be able to discuss the cultural importance of appearance in Iran and how 'otu keshidan' plays a role in 'Aaberu' (social reputation). You can also use related technical terms like 'khat-e otu' (the crease) and explain the process of ironing different types of fabrics using more advanced vocabulary.

At the C1 level, you use 'otu keshidan' and its derivatives with native-like precision. You understand its place in the history of the Persian language and its etymological roots. You can use it in idiomatic expressions and understand subtle puns or social critiques involving the word. For example, you can discuss the social class implications of 'otu-keshide' individuals in modern Iranian cinema. Your grammar is flawless, and you can switch between formal and informal registers of the verb depending on whether you are writing a manual or chatting with a friend.

At the C2 level, 'otu keshidan' is just one small part of your vast vocabulary. You can use it in highly specialized contexts, such as discussing the restoration of ancient textiles or the linguistic evolution of compound verbs in Persian. You are aware of regional dialects and how they might use alternative verbs for ironing. You can appreciate the word's use in high literature, poetry, or complex political metaphors where 'smoothing out' wrinkles represents diplomatic efforts. You have a deep, intuitive grasp of the word's phonetic, semantic, and cultural weight.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

اتو کشیدن in 30 Seconds

A common Persian compound verb meaning 'to iron clothes'.
Formed by the noun 'Otu' (iron) and the verb 'Keshidan' (to pull/draw).
Essential for discussing daily chores, laundry, and professional garment care.
Carries a cultural connotation of being neat, organized, and socially respectable.

The Persian verb اتو کشیدن (otu keshidan) is a fundamental compound verb used to describe the act of ironing clothes or textiles. While the alternative اتو کردن (otu kardan) is also common, keshidan (meaning to pull or draw) emphasizes the physical motion of sliding the iron across the fabric. This verb is essential for daily life, chores, and professional settings like dry cleaners. In the Iranian household, presentation is highly valued; wearing wrinkled clothes is often seen as a sign of untidiness or lack of attention to detail. Therefore, mastering this verb is not just about vocabulary, but about understanding a cultural emphasis on grooming and 'Aaberu' (social standing/reputation).

Grammatical Structure: It consists of the noun 'Otu' (iron) and the auxiliary verb 'Keshidan'. The verb 'Keshidan' changes for person, tense, and mood, while 'Otu' remains static as the object-prefix of the compound.

You will encounter this word in various contexts: from a mother telling her child to iron their school uniform, to a tailor finishing a bespoke suit. It implies a level of care and preparation. Interestingly, the word 'Otu' itself is believed to have entered Persian from Turkic or Russian influences, reflecting the history of trade and technology transfer in the region. When you use اتو کشیدن, you are specifically referring to the smoothing of wrinkles, whereas 'pressing' in a more industrial sense might use 'press kardan'.

مادرم همیشه قبل از مهمانی لباس‌ها را اتو می‌کشد.
My mother always irons the clothes before the party.

In modern Persian, the distinction between 'kardan' and 'keshidan' for ironing is subtle. 'Keshidan' sounds slightly more traditional or descriptive of the effort involved. If you are at a dry cleaner (khoshk-shuii), you might ask, 'Can you iron this?' using the verb اتو کشیدن to ensure the garment looks crisp. The verb is also used metaphorically in some contexts to describe 'smoothing things out,' though this is less common than the literal sense. Understanding the rhythmic nature of Persian compound verbs is key here; the stress usually falls on the noun 'Otu' rather than the verbal ending.

Register: This term is neutral and suitable for both formal writing (e.g., garment care labels) and informal conversation.

Furthermore, the act of ironing is often associated with the 'mehman-navazi' (hospitality) culture. If a guest is staying over, the host will almost certainly offer to iron their clothes. Using the verb correctly in this social situation demonstrates a high level of cultural fluency. It shows you understand the domestic rituals that keep an Iranian home running smoothly. Whether it's a silk scarf or a heavy cotton shirt, 'otu keshidan' is the universal solution for a polished appearance.

آیا می‌توانید این کت را سریع اتو بکشید؟
Can you iron this jacket quickly?

Using اتو کشیدن correctly requires an understanding of Persian compound verb conjugation. The noun part 'Otu' stays the same, while 'keshidan' changes. To say 'I iron', you use the present continuous form: man daram otu mikosham. In formal writing, the 'mi-' prefix is attached to the stem 'kesh'. Let's look at the different tenses and how they appear in real-world scenarios.

Past Tense: To describe a completed action: 'Man pirahanam ra otu keshidam' (I ironed my shirt). This is the standard way to report housework completion.

When dealing with multiple items, the object usually takes the 'ra' marker if it is specific. For example, 'lebas-ha ra otu keshidam' (I ironed the clothes). If you are speaking generally about the chore, you might omit the 'ra': 'emruz bayad otu bekesham' (I must iron today). The imperative form is also very common in households: 'lotfan in shalvar ra otu bekesh' (Please iron these pants).

او تمام صبح را مشغول اتو کشیدن پرده‌ها بود.
He was busy ironing the curtains all morning.

In the future tense, which is mostly used in formal contexts, you would say 'khaham keshid'. However, in daily speech, the present tense is used for the future: 'farda otu mikosham' (I will iron tomorrow). Negative forms are created by adding 'na' to the verb: 'man otu ne-mikosh-am' (I don't iron). This is helpful when explaining your household preferences or delegating tasks.

Subjunctive Mood: Used after verbs like 'want' or 'must': 'mikham otu bekesham' (I want to iron). The 'be-' prefix is added to the present stem 'kesh'.

Consider the passive voice: 'lebas-ha otu keshide shodand' (The clothes were ironed). This is useful in professional reports or when the person doing the ironing is not the focus. Mastery of these patterns allows you to navigate laundry-related conversations with ease, whether you are asking for a service or describing your own routine.

باید قبل از رفتن به مصاحبه، پیراهنت را اتو بکشی.
You must iron your shirt before going to the interview.

The word اتو کشیدن is ubiquitous in Iranian daily life. You will hear it most frequently within the home, especially on weekend mornings or before major holidays like Nowruz (the Persian New Year), when everything must be pristine. Mothers and grandmothers are often the primary users of this term in a domestic setting, directing the household's textile maintenance. However, it's not limited to the home.

At the Dry Cleaners (Khoshk-shuii): When you drop off a suit or a delicate dress, the clerk might ask: 'Faghat otu bekesham ya shostosho ham darad?' (Should I just iron it or does it need washing too?). Here, it's a professional service term.

In the fashion and textile industry in Iran, from the bazaars of Tehran to the high-end boutiques in North Tehran, 'otu keshidan' is the final step of production. Designers and tailors use it to refer to the 'finishing touch' that makes a garment ready for sale. You might hear a tailor say, 'In lebas hanooz otu nakhorde' (This dress hasn't been ironed yet), implying it's not quite finished. The term 'otu-khorde' (ironed) acts as an adjective for something that looks crisp and professional.

خشکشویی محله ما در اتو کشیدن کت و شلوار استاد است.
Our neighborhood dry cleaner is a master at ironing suits.

You will also hear it in social commentary. Iranians often value 'zaher' (appearance). Someone might say, 'Always ironed and neat' (Hamishe otu-keshide va moratab) to describe a person who is very disciplined and well-presented. This metaphorical extension shows how deeply the concept of ironing is tied to social respectability. Even in movies or TV dramas, a character's state of 'otu' can signal their emotional state; wrinkled clothes might suggest distress or a fall from grace.

Travel and Hospitality: In hotels, you will see 'Khadamat-e-Otu' (Ironing Services) on the service menu. If you call the front desk, you would ask: 'Momken ast kassi baraye otu keshidan-e lebas-haye man biayad?' (Is it possible for someone to come iron my clothes?).

Finally, in the era of social media, Persian lifestyle influencers often post videos about 'house hacks,' where the verb اتو کشیدن appears in captions alongside tips for different fabrics like linen or silk. It remains a vital, active part of the modern Persian lexicon, bridging the gap between traditional household care and contemporary lifestyle standards.

Learning Persian compound verbs can be tricky, and اتو کشیدن is no exception. The most common mistake for English speakers is confusing the auxiliary verb. While 'kardan' (to do/make) is the 'default' auxiliary for many compound verbs, 'keshidan' is specifically preferred for ironing in many contexts. Using 'otu kardan' isn't technically wrong, but 'otu keshidan' sounds more natural when describing the actual process of smoothing the fabric.

Mistake 1: Wrong Stem: Learners often confuse the present stem 'kesh' with the past stem 'keshid'. Saying 'man mi-keshid-am' for 'I am ironing' is a common error. Correct: 'man mi-kesh-am'.

Another frequent error involves the placement of the 'ra' particle. Some students place it after the noun 'Otu', saying 'Otu ra keshidam'. While grammatically possible if you are literally 'pulling the iron' (like a toy), it is incorrect for the action of ironing clothes. The 'ra' should follow the garment: 'Lebas ra otu keshidam'. Remember, 'Otu keshidan' functions as a single semantic unit.

اشتباه: من اتو را کشیدم لباس.
درست: من لباس را اتو کشیدم.
Incorrect vs Correct placement of the object.

Preposition errors are also common. You don't iron 'on' a shirt in Persian using 'ruye'; the verb is transitive and takes the shirt as a direct object. Also, pay attention to the 'mi-' prefix. In the present tense, omitting 'mi-' (e.g., 'man otu kesh-am') makes the sentence sound like a broken command or a fragmented thought. The 'mi-' is vital for the indicative present.

Mistake 3: Over-formalization: Using the full literary future 'khaham keshid' in a casual conversation about laundry sounds very stiff. Stick to the present tense for future intentions in speech.

Finally, watch out for the pronunciation of 'Otu'. It is 'O-tu' (like 'oh-too'), not 'ah-too'. Getting the vowel right is essential for being understood. Also, ensure the stress is on the first syllable of 'Otu' in the compound verb. If you stress the end of 'keshidan', it sounds like you are emphasizing the action of pulling rather than the concept of ironing.

While اتو کشیدن is the standard term, Persian offers several synonyms and related terms depending on the nuance you want to convey. Understanding these alternatives will make your Persian sound more sophisticated and precise.

اتو کردن (Otu Kardan): This is the most direct synonym. While 'keshidan' implies the stroke of the iron, 'kardan' is the general 'to iron' verb. They are 95% interchangeable in daily life.
صاف کردن (Saaf Kardan): Literally 'to make smooth/straight'. You might use this if you are smoothing a tablecloth with your hands or using a steamer rather than a traditional iron.

If you are talking about professional pressing, especially for heavy fabrics or pleated skirts, you might hear پرس کردن (press kardan). This suggests the use of a heavy steam press rather than a hand iron. For delicate fabrics where you might only use steam without touching the iron to the cloth, you could use بخار دادن (bokhar dadan - to give steam).

من ترجیح می‌دهم لباس‌های حریر را فقط بخار بدهم تا اینکه اتو بکشم.
I prefer to just steam silk clothes rather than iron them.

Another related term is خط اتو انداختن (khat-e otu andakhtan), which means 'to create a crease' (like on formal trousers). This is a specific skill within 'otu keshidan'. If someone is very well-dressed, you might say their clothes have a 'sharp crease'.

آهار زدن (Ahaar Zadan): This means 'to starch'. In traditional Persian garment care, starching and then ironing (otu keshidan) go hand-in-hand for collars and cuffs.

Finally, in a slang or metaphorical sense, اتو کشیده (otu-keshide) is an adjective describing a person who is 'strait-laced,' very formal, or perhaps a bit too stiff in their behavior. This shows how the vocabulary of laundry extends into the vocabulary of personality and social perception.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

Before electric irons, Iranians used 'Otu-ye zoghaali' (charcoal irons), which were heavy metal boxes filled with hot coals. The verb 'keshidan' was particularly apt for these heavy tools as they required significant effort to pull across the fabric.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /o.tuː ke.ʃi.dæn/

US /oʊ.tuː ke.ʃi.dæn/

Primary stress is on the first syllable of the noun 'Otu'. In the verb 'keshidan', the stress falls on the suffix in the past tense (keshi-DAN) or the stem in the present (mi-KE-sham).

Rhymes With

Keshidan (کشیدن) Paridan (پریدن) Davidan (دویدن) Kharidan (خریدن) Shenidan (شنیدن) Residan (رسیدن) Tarsidan (ترسیدن) Porsidan (پرسیدن)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'Otu' as 'Atu' (with an 'a' sound).
Putting stress on the wrong part of the compound verb.
Failing to pronounce the 'sh' clearly.
Mixing up the vowel 'i' in 'keshidan' with 'e'.
Dropping the final 'n' in casual speech too early.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize as it's a common compound verb with a distinct noun 'Otu'.

Writing 3/5

Requires knowledge of the 'keshidan' conjugation stems (kesh/keshid).

Speaking 2/5

Pronunciation is straightforward, but flow in compound verbs takes practice.

Listening 2/5

Easily identifiable in speech due to the unique 'O' sound in 'Otu'.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

لباس (Clothes) کشیدن (To pull) کردن (To do) خانه (House) آب (Water - for steam)

Learn Next

شستن (To wash) خشک کردن (To dry) تا کردن (To fold) آویزان کردن (To hang) خیاطی (Tailoring)

Advanced

آهار زدن (Starching) بخار دادن (Steaming) لکه بری (Stain removal) بافت پارچه (Fabric texture) نساجی (Textile industry)

Grammar to Know

Compound Verb Conjugation

In 'Otu keshidan', only 'keshidan' changes. Present: mi-kesham. Past: keshidam.

Direct Object Marker 'ra'

Lebas-ha RA otu keshidam. (I ironed THE clothes.)

Subjunctive Mood with 'bekesh'

Bayad otu bekesham. (I must iron.)

Present Continuous with 'dashtan'

Daram otu mikosham. (I am ironing right now.)

Passive Construction

Lebas otu keshide shod. (The shirt was ironed.)

Examples by Level

من پیراهنم را اتو می‌کشم.

I iron my shirt.

Simple present tense with 'mi-' prefix.

مامان، لباس من را اتو بکش.

Mom, iron my clothes.

Imperative form 'bekesh'.

او اتو می‌کشد.

He/She irons.

Third person singular present.

آیا تو اتو می‌کشی؟

Do you iron?

Interrogative sentence in present tense.

ما لباس‌ها را اتو کشیدیم.

We ironed the clothes.

Past tense plural 'keshidim'.

اتو داغ است.

The iron is hot.

Noun 'Otu' used as a subject.

من اتو کشیدن را دوست ندارم.

I don't like ironing.

Infinitive as a direct object.

آنها شلوار را اتو می‌کشند.

They iron the pants.

Plural present tense.

دیروز همه لباس‌ها را اتو کشیدم.

Yesterday I ironed all the clothes.

Past tense with the adverb 'diruz'.

او دارد پیراهنش را اتو می‌کشد.

He is ironing his shirt (right now).

Present continuous with 'darad'.

باید این دامن را اتو بکشم.

I must iron this skirt.

Subjunctive after 'bayad'.

می‌توانی به من در اتو کشیدن کمک کنی؟

Can you help me with ironing?

Infinitive used as a noun after a preposition.

او همیشه لباس‌هایش را خیلی خوب اتو می‌کشد.

He always irons his clothes very well.

Use of the adverb 'hamishe' and 'kheyli khub'.

اتو را کجا گذاشتی؟

Where did you put the iron?

Noun usage in a question.

قبل از مهمانی باید اتو بکشیم.

We must iron before the party.

First person plural subjunctive.

من بلد نیستم خوب اتو بکشم.

I don't know how to iron well.

Subjunctive after 'balad nistam'.

اگر وقت داری، لطفاً این پیراهن را برایم اتو بکش.

If you have time, please iron this shirt for me.

Conditional sentence with imperative.

او تمام وقتش را صرف اتو کشیدن لباس‌های بچه‌ها می‌کند.

She spends all her time ironing the children's clothes.

Complex sentence with 'sarf-e ... kardan'.

لباس‌های اتو کشیده را توی کمد بگذار.

Put the ironed clothes in the closet.

Past participle 'otu keshide' used as an adjective.

فکر می‌کنم لازم است این کت را اتو بکشیم.

I think it's necessary for us to iron this jacket.

Subjunctive after 'lazem ast'.

چرا یقه پیراهنت را اتو نکشیدی؟

Why didn't you iron your shirt collar?

Negative past tense.

خشکشویی برای اتو کشیدن هر شلوار چقدر می‌گیرد؟

How much does the dry cleaner charge for ironing each pair of pants?

Infinitive as a gerund.

من معمولاً شب‌ها لباس‌هایم را اتو می‌کشم.

I usually iron my clothes at night.

Habitual present.

مراقب باش موقع اتو کشیدن دستت را نسوزانی.

Be careful not to burn your hand while ironing.

Subjunctive negative 'nasuzani'.

با وجود اینکه لباس‌ها را اتو کشیده بودم، هنوز چروک بودند.

Even though I had ironed the clothes, they were still wrinkled.

Past perfect 'keshide budam' and contrastive conjunction.

او با وسواس عجیبی مشغول اتو کشیدن دستمال‌های جیبی‌اش بود.

He was busy ironing his pocket squares with a strange obsession.

Adverbial phrase 'ba vasvas-e ajibi'.

در این هتل، خدمات اتو کشیدن به صورت شبانه‌روزی ارائه می‌شود.

In this hotel, ironing services are provided 24/7.

Passive voice 'era'e mishavad'.

اتو کشیدن پارچه‌های ابریشمی مهارت خاصی می‌طلبد.

Ironing silk fabrics requires a special skill.

Infinitive as subject.

او همیشه یک ظاهر اتو کشیده و رسمی دارد.

He always has a very neat and formal appearance.

Metaphorical use of 'otu keshide'.

قبل از اینکه لباس را اتو بکشی، برچسب راهنمای آن را بخوان.

Before you iron the garment, read its care label.

Temporal clause 'ghabl az inke'.

به نظر می‌رسد که این پرده‌ها اصلاً اتو کشیده نشده‌اند.

It seems that these curtains haven't been ironed at all.

Passive negative present perfect.

آیا اتو کشیدن می‌تواند به بافت پارچه آسیب بزند؟

Can ironing damage the fabric texture?

Interrogative with modal 'mishavad'.

ظرافت در اتو کشیدن، وجه تمایز یک خیاط ماهر از دیگران است.

Delicacy in ironing is what distinguishes a skilled tailor from others.

Complex noun phrase as subject.

او سعی می‌کرد با اتو کشیدن پی در پی، آشفتگی ذهنی‌اش را آرام کند.

He tried to calm his mental turmoil by ironing continuously.

Gerund used to describe a method/manner.

این دستگاه جدید، فرآیند اتو کشیدن صنعتی را بسیار تسریع کرده است.

This new machine has greatly accelerated the industrial ironing process.

Present perfect 'tasri' karde ast'.

برخی معتقدند اتو کشیدن بیش از حد، عمر مفید لباس را کاهش می‌دهد.

Some believe that excessive ironing reduces the useful life of clothing.

Subordinate clause starting with 'ke'.

او با آن کت و شلوار اتو کشیده، وصله‌ای ناجور در آن جمع صمیمی بود.

With that ironed suit, he was a misfit in that intimate gathering.

Idiomatic expression 'vasle-ye najur'.

اتو کشیدن در دمای بالا ممکن است باعث تغییر رنگ پارچه‌های مصنوعی شود.

Ironing at high temperatures may cause color changes in synthetic fabrics.

Modal 'momken ast' with subjunctive.

هنر اتو کشیدن در ایران باستان نیز به شکلی ابتدایی وجود داشته است.

The art of ironing also existed in an elementary form in ancient Iran.

Historical context with 'vojud dashte ast'.

او با مهارتی مثال‌زدنی، خط اتوی شلوارش را تنظیم کرد.

With exemplary skill, he adjusted the crease of his pants.

Compound noun 'khat-e otu'.

در متون کلاسیک، استعاره‌ی اتو کشیدن برای صیقل دادن روح به کار رفته است.

In classical texts, the metaphor of ironing has been used for polishing the soul.

Highly formal passive voice.

وسواس او در اتو کشیدن، نمودی از میل مهارناپذیرش به کنترل جزئیات زندگی بود.

His obsession with ironing was a manifestation of his uncontrollable desire to control life's details.

Abstract philosophical subject.

تبحر در اتو کشیدن پارچه‌های زربفت، دانشی است که رو به فراموشی می‌رود.

Mastery in ironing brocade fabrics is a knowledge that is being forgotten.

Relative clause with 'ke'.

منتقدان، سبک نگارش او را به لباسی اتو کشیده تشبیه کردند که فاقد هرگونه روح است.

Critics likened his writing style to an ironed garment that lacks any soul.

Literary simile.

فرآیند اتو کشیدن در خلاء، تکنولوژی جدیدی برای پارچه‌های فضانوردی است.

The vacuum ironing process is a new technology for astronaut fabrics.

Technical scientific terminology.

او چنان با دقت اتو می‌کشید که گویی سرنوشت جهان به آن گره خورده است.

He ironed with such care as if the fate of the world were tied to it.

Hypothetical 'gu-yi' with subjunctive.

تحلیل ساختاری فعل 'اتو کشیدن' نشان‌دهنده تحول افعال مرکب در سده اخیر است.

A structural analysis of the verb 'otu keshidan' shows the evolution of compound verbs in the last century.

Academic linguistic register.

بی‌توجهی به اتو کشیدن در پروتکل‌های تشریفاتی، توهینی به میزبان تلقی می‌شود.

Neglecting ironing in ceremonial protocols is considered an insult to the host.

Sociopolitical register.

Common Collocations

میز اتو

خط اتو

اتو بخار

خدمات اتو

اتو کشیدن دستی

دمای اتو

اتو کشیدن پرده

اتو کشیدن یقه

وقت اتو کشیدن

مهارت اتو کشیدن

Common Phrases

اتو کشیده

— Describes a person who is very neat, formal, or perhaps overly stiff.

او همیشه خیلی اتو کشیده به نظر می‌رسد.

لباس اتو نخرده

— Clothes that haven't been ironed yet.

این کوه لباس‌های اتو نخرده است.

یک اتو کشیدن ساده

— A quick/simple iron job.

فقط یک اتو کشیدن ساده لازم دارد.

دستگاه اتو کشیدن

— Ironing machine/device.

دستگاه اتو کشیدن خراب شده است.

آداب اتو کشیدن

— The etiquette or correct way of ironing.

او آداب اتو کشیدن را بلد است.

اتو کشیدن کت و شلوار

— Ironing a suit.

اتو کشیدن کت و شلوار کار من نیست.

موقع اتو کشیدن

— While ironing.

موقع اتو کشیدن پادکست گوش می‌دهم.

بعد از اتو کشیدن

— After ironing.

لباس را بعد از اتو کشیدن آویزان کن.

هزینه اتو کشیدن

— The cost of ironing services.

هزینه اتو کشیدن پیراهن چقدر است؟

اتو کشیدن با بخار

— Steam ironing.

اتو کشیدن با بخار راحت‌تر است.

Often Confused With

اتو کشیدن vs اتو کردن

Almost the same, but 'keshidan' is more descriptive of the action.

اتو کشیدن vs کشیدن (Keshidan)

On its own, it means to pull, draw, or smoke. Without 'Otu', it has nothing to do with laundry.

اتو کشیدن vs صاف کردن

Means to flatten or smooth. You can 'saaf kardan' with your hand, but 'otu keshidan' requires an iron.

Idioms & Expressions

"آدم اتو کشیده"

— A person who is very formal, rigid, or acts according to strict rules.

رئیس جدید ما خیلی آدم اتو کشیده‌ای است.

Informal/Metaphorical

"خط اتوی کسی خربزه قاچ کردن"

— To have a crease so sharp it could cut a melon (exaggeration of neatness).

خط اتوی شلوارش خربزه قاچ می‌کند!

Colloquial/Humorous

"اتو زدن به زندگی"

— To smooth out the problems in one's life.

باید یک اتویی به این زندگی بکشیم.

Slang/Metaphorical

"مثل اتو صاف بودن"

— To be completely flat or smooth.

دریای امروز مثل اتو صاف است.

Descriptive

"اتو کشیده و مرتب"

— Perfectly groomed and orderly.

همیشه اتو کشیده و مرتب به سر کار می‌آید.

Neutral

"اتو نخرده حرف زدن"

— To speak without filter or without 'smoothing' one's words (rare).

حرف‌هایش اتو نخرده و تند بود.

Literary/Rare

"اتو به کمر کسی زدن"

— To make someone stand up straight or behave (very rare/regional).

باید یک اتویی به کمرش بزنند تا آدم شود.

Archaic/Dialect

"اتو کردن مغز کسی"

— To annoy someone with repetitive talk (slang).

با حرف‌هایش مغزم را اتو کرد.

Slang

"اتو کشیدن روی اشتباهات"

— To cover up or smooth over mistakes.

سعی کرد روی اشتباهاتش اتو بکشد.

Metaphorical

"لباس اتو نخرده تن کسی بودن"

— To look unkempt or unprepared.

انگار لباس‌هایش همیشه اتو نخرده است.

Descriptive

Easily Confused

اتو کشیدن vs اتو کشیده

It looks like the past tense but is often used as an adjective.

As a verb: 'He ironed'. As an adjective: 'He is well-groomed'.

او مردی اتو کشیده است.

اتو کشیدن vs اتوکشی

It is the noun form (the act of ironing).

Use this for the concept or service, not the action you are doing now.

اتوکشی این پارچه سخت است.

اتو کشیدن vs اتو زدن

Sounds similar to 'keshidan'.

'Zadan' is much more informal/slangy.

یه اتویی بهش بزن.

اتو کشیدن vs پرس کردن

Both involve heat and smoothing.

'Press' is for heavy machines; 'Otu' is for hand irons.

کت را پرس کردند.

اتو کشیدن vs بخار دادن

Both remove wrinkles.

'Bokhar' is just steam; 'Otu' is physical contact with the iron.

فقط بخار بده.

Sentence Patterns

[Subject] [Object] ra otu mi-kesh-am.

Man pirahan ra otu mikosham.

[Subject] [Time] [Object] ra otu keshid-am.

Man diruz shalvar ra otu keshidam.

[Subject] bayad [Object] ra otu be-kesh-ad.

U bayad lebas-ash ra otu bekeshad.

[Subject] dar-am [Object] ra otu mi-kesh-am.

Daram chadoram ra otu mikosham.

[Object] be taze-gi otu keshide shod-e ast.

Lebas be tazegi otu keshide shode ast.

[Gerund] lebas, kar-e sakhti ast.

Otu keshidan-e lebas, kare sakhti ast.

[Subject] ba deghat-e faravan mashghul-e [Gerund] bud.

Ali ba deghate faravan mashghule otu keshidan bud.

Hich chizi be andaze-ye [Noun Phrase] mohem nist.

Hich chizi be andazeye otu keshidan-e daghigh-e darz-ha mohem nist.

Word Family

Nouns

اتو (Iron)

اتوکشی (The act/process of ironing)

میز اتو (Ironing board)

اتو بخار (Steam iron)

Verbs

اتو کشیدن (To iron)

اتو کردن (To iron)

اتو زدن (To iron - colloquial)

Adjectives

اتو کشیده (Ironed/Well-groomed)

اتو نخرده (Unironed)

قابل اتو (Ironable)

لباس (Clothes)

چروک (Wrinkle)

صاف (Smooth)

خشکشویی (Dry cleaning)

رخت‌شویی (Laundry)

How to Use It

frequency

Very common in daily household life and the service industry.

Common Mistakes

Man otu ra keshidam lebas. → Man lebas ra otu keshidam.
The object marker 'ra' must follow the item being ironed, not the word 'otu'.
Man mi-keshid-am. → Man mi-kesh-am.
Confusing the past stem with the present stem in the habitual present.
Otu keshidan mu. → Otu kardan-e mu.
Using 'keshidan' for hair instead of 'kardan'.
Otu keshidan ruye pirahan. → Pirahan ra otu keshidan.
Persian doesn't use 'on' (ruye) for the object of ironing; it's a direct object.
Man otu kesh-am. → Man otu mi-kesh-am.
Omitting the 'mi-' prefix in the present indicative.

Tips

Stem Mastery

Memorize 'kesh' for present and 'keshid' for past. This is the key to all 100+ 'keshidan' compound verbs.

Social Value

In Iran, having ironed clothes is a sign of 'shakhsiat' (personality/character). Don't skip it before a meeting!

Tool vs. Action

Remember 'Otu' is the tool (the iron) and 'Otu keshidan' is the action. Don't confuse them.

The 'O' Sound

The 'O' in 'Otu' is a pure vowel. Don't let it slide into an 'A' or 'U' sound.

Subjunctive Use

When you want someone to iron for you, always use the 'be-' prefix: 'Bekeshid'.

Dry Cleaning

At the 'Khoshk-shuii', specify if you want 'shostosho' (washing) or just 'otu' (ironing).

Metaphors

Use 'otu-keshide' to describe a very formal person to sound more native.

Hot/Cold

Learn 'dagh' (hot) and 'sard' (cold) to talk about the iron's temperature.

Ironing Board

Always ask for the 'miz-e otu' if you are a guest and need to iron.

Creases

If you want a sharp crease, use the phrase 'khat-e otu bendaz'.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of an 'O-Two' (Oxygen) tank. You need 'O-Tu' to make your clothes breathe and look alive again! And 'Keshidan' sounds like 'cashing' - you're cashing in on a good look.

Visual Association

Imagine a giant iron being pulled (keshidan) by a rope across a wrinkled desert, turning it into a smooth silk road.

Word Web

Otu (The tool) Keshidan (The action) Lebas (The object) Choruk (The enemy) Saaf (The goal) Miz (The surface) Bokhar (The steam) Khat-e Otu (The result)

Challenge

Try to describe your entire morning routine in Persian, ensuring you include the moment you iron your clothes using 'otu keshidan' in the present continuous tense.

Word Origin

The word 'Otu' is not native Persian. It is believed to have been borrowed from Turkic (ütüdü) or potentially Russian (utyug). The verb 'Keshidan' is pure Persian, meaning to pull or draw.

Original meaning: The original meaning of 'Otu' in Turkic refers to the tool used for smoothing. 'Keshidan' reflects the action of drawing the tool across the surface.

Indo-European (Keshidan) + Turkic/Altaic (Otu).

Cultural Context

None. It is a very safe and common domestic term.

While English speakers iron for formal events, Iranians iron much more frequently for daily activities.

The term 'Otu-keshide' is frequently used in Iranian cinema (e.g., Asghar Farhadi films) to denote a character's social class. Persian satire often mocks 'otu-keshide' politicians for being out of touch with the 'wrinkled' reality of the streets. Iranian pop songs sometimes use 'saaf' (smooth) metaphors derived from the results of ironing.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Household Chores

امروز نوبت اتو کشیدن من است.
اتو داغ شده؟
میز اتو کجاست؟
آب توی اتو بریز.

Dry Cleaning

فقط اتو بکشید.
خط اتو بندازید.
کی آماده می‌شود؟
مراقب دکمه‌ها باشید.

Getting Ready

لباسم اتو می‌خواهد.
سریع یک اتو بکش.
چروک‌هایش نرفت.
خیلی مرتب شد.

Fashion/Tailoring

باید درزها را اتو بکشید.
اتو سرد بود.
پارچه سوخت!
اتو بخار لازم است.

Social Description

خیلی اتو کشیده است.
تیپ اتو کشیده.
همیشه تمیز و اتو کشیده.
ظاهر رسمی و اتو کشیده.

Conversation Starters

"آیا تو خودت لباس‌هایت را اتو می‌کشی؟ (Do you iron your own clothes?)"

"به نظر تو اتو کشیدن سخت‌ترین کار خانه است؟ (Do you think ironing is the hardest chore?)"

"کدام مارک اتو برای اتو کشیدن بهتر است؟ (Which brand of iron is better for ironing?)"

"چقدر برای اتو کشیدن در هفته وقت می‌گذاری؟ (How much time do you spend ironing per week?)"

"آیا لباس‌های نخی را راحت‌تر اتو می‌کشی؟ (Do you iron cotton clothes more easily?)"

Journal Prompts

درباره آخرین باری که یک لباس مهم را اتو کشیدی و نگران سوختن آن بودی بنویس. (Write about the last time you ironed an important garment and were worried about burning it.)

آیا فکر می‌کنی در آینده ربات‌ها تمام کارهای اتو کشیدن ما را انجام می‌دهند؟ (Do you think in the future robots will do all our ironing?)

توصیف کن که چطور اتو کشیدن می‌تواند به آدم آرامش بدهد. (Describe how ironing can give someone peace/meditation.)

خاطره‌ای از دوران کودکی که کسی در حال اتو کشیدن بود بنویس. (Write a childhood memory of someone ironing.)

چرا داشتن لباس‌های اتو کشیده در جامعه مهم است؟ (Why is having ironed clothes important in society?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Both are extremely common. 'Otu kardan' is slightly more generic, while 'otu keshidan' is more descriptive of the physical stroke. In Tehrani dialect, you'll hear both equally.

No, for hair, Iranians usually say 'otu mu kardan' or just 'otu kardan'. 'Keshidan' is reserved for fabrics and clothes.

The present stem is 'kesh'. So you say 'man mi-kesh-am'.

It is called 'miz-e otu' (literally: table of iron).

Yes, metaphorically it describes someone who is very orderly, formal, or even 'stiff' in their personality.

You can say: 'Lotfan in shalvar ra otu bekeshid'.

No, it's a loanword from Turkic or Russian, but it has been part of Persian for a long time.

It means the 'ironing line' or the sharp crease you see on formal trousers.

Yes, it is used for any textile including curtains, tablecloths, and sheets.

You say: 'Otu kheyli dagh ast'.