بخارپز کردن
بخارپز کردن in 30 Seconds
- A compound verb meaning 'to steam cook' (Bokhar + Paz + Kardan).
- Primarily used for healthy cooking of vegetables, fish, and chicken.
- A key word in modern Persian nutrition and lifestyle contexts.
- Contrasts with boiling (Ab-paz) and frying (Sorkh kardan).
The Persian verb بخارپز کردن (bokhār-paz kardan) is a compound verb that literally translates to 'steam-cook doing.' In the culinary world of Iran, while traditional dishes often involve slow-simmering (stews) or frying, the concept of steaming has gained significant traction, especially among the health-conscious urban population. It is the primary way to describe the process of cooking food—most commonly vegetables, fish, and chicken—using the heat of water vapor rather than direct immersion in water or fat. This word is essential for anyone navigating a Persian menu, following a recipe, or discussing healthy lifestyle choices in a Persian-speaking environment.
- Etymology
- The word is composed of 'بخار' (bokhār) meaning 'steam' or 'vapor,' and 'پز' (paz), which is the present stem of the verb 'پختن' (pokhtan) meaning 'to cook.' The auxiliary verb 'کردن' (kardan) turns it into an active action.
من ترجیح میدهم سبزیجات را بخارپز کنم تا ویتامینهای آنها حفظ شود. (I prefer to steam the vegetables so that their vitamins are preserved.)
In a domestic setting, you might hear a mother telling her children that the dinner is healthy because it was steamed. In modern Iranian apartments, the use of specialized 'steamers' (دستگاه بخارپز) has become common, and thus the verb is frequently used when discussing kitchen appliances. Unlike 'آبپز کردن' (boiling), which can sometimes imply a loss of flavor or texture, 'بخارپز کردن' carries a connotation of freshness and nutritional mindfulness. It is a 'clean' way of cooking that sits in contrast to the rich, oil-heavy traditional dishes like 'Ghormeh Sabzi' or 'Fesenjān.'
- Usage Context
- Used in recipes, nutrition blogs, medical advice for low-fat diets, and in casual conversation about dinner preparation.
آیا میتوانید این ماهی را برای من بخارپز کنید؟ (Can you steam this fish for me?)
Culturally, the shift toward steaming reflects a broader global trend towards wellness that has deeply influenced Iranian urban middle-class culture. While older generations might find steamed food 'uninspiring' compared to the complex flavors of fried onions and slow-cooked meats, the younger generation views it as a symbol of self-care and modern living. Therefore, using this word correctly marks you as someone who is not only proficient in the language but also aware of contemporary lifestyle shifts in Iran.
- Synonym Comparison
- Compared to 'آبپز کردن' (boiling), بخارپز کردن is considered more sophisticated and healthier. Boil is for eggs or potatoes; steam is for delicate broccoli or salmon.
پزشک به او توصیه کرد که تمام غذاهایش را بخارپز کند. (The doctor advised him to steam all his meals.)
Using بخارپز کردن effectively requires an understanding of Persian sentence structure, which is Subject-Object-Verb (SOV). Because it is a compound verb, it allows for a lot of flexibility with prefixes like 'می' (present continuous) and 'ب' (subjunctive/imperative). In this section, we will explore how to integrate this verb into various grammatical frames, from simple commands to complex conditional sentences.
- The Imperative Form
- To give an instruction, use 'بخارپز کن' (singular) or 'بخارپز کنید' (plural/formal). This is common in recipes. 'لطفاً هویجها را بخارپز کنید' (Please steam the carrots).
اول آب را بجوشانید، سپس کدوها را بخارپز کنید. (First boil the water, then steam the zucchinis.)
When discussing habits, the present continuous is used. You add 'می' before 'کنم'. For example: 'من همیشه مرغ را بخارپز میکنم' (I always steam the chicken). Notice how the object (مرغ) is followed by the postposition 'را' because it is a specific object. If you are speaking generally about steaming as a concept, you might omit 'را'.
- Past Tense
- In the past tense, 'کردن' becomes 'کرد'. 'دیروز ماهی را بخارپز کردم' (Yesterday I steamed the fish). This indicates a completed action in the past.
مادرم سبزیجات را برای ناهار بخارپز کرد. (My mother steamed the vegetables for lunch.)
For more advanced usage, you might use the subjunctive mood after verbs like 'want' (خواستن) or 'must' (باید). 'باید سبزیجات را بخارپز کنی' (You must steam the vegetables). Here, the 'ب' prefix is added to 'کنی' to form 'بکنی', but in modern Persian, 'بخارپز کنی' is often used without the 'ب' because the compound itself carries the weight.
- Future Tense
- Formal future: 'بخارپز خواهم کرد'. Informal future: 'میخوام بخارپز کنم'.
فردا برای مهمانها میگو بخارپز خواهیم کرد. (Tomorrow we will steam shrimp for the guests.)
Finally, consider the negative form. The 'ن' (na) prefix attaches to the auxiliary: 'بخارپز نمیکنم' (I don't steam). This is vital for expressing preferences or dietary restrictions. 'من میگو را بخارپز نمیکنم، معمولاً آن را سرخ میکنم' (I don't steam shrimp; I usually fry it).
The word بخارپز کردن echoes through various sectors of Iranian life, from the clinical halls of hospitals to the vibrant kitchens of lifestyle influencers on Instagram. Understanding the environment in which this word appears helps in grasping its social connotations. In Iran, food is a primary language of hospitality and health, and this specific verb is at the center of the 'healthy eating' dialogue.
- In the Kitchen & Cooking Shows
- On TV programs like 'Dastpokht,' chefs frequently use this verb when demonstrating how to maintain the color and texture of ingredients. You'll hear: 'حالا نوبت بخارپز کردن کلم بروکلی است' (Now it's time for steaming the broccoli).
سرآشپز گفت: «برای این غذا باید فیله مرغ را بخارپز کنید.» (The chef said: 'For this dish, you must steam the chicken fillet.')
In a medical or fitness context, 'بخارپز کردن' is the gold standard. When a nutritionist (متخصص تغذیه) creates a meal plan for a patient with high cholesterol or someone looking to lose weight, this verb appears in almost every line of the instruction. It represents a departure from the 'Tehrani' style of heavy oil usage. You will hear it in gym locker rooms where athletes discuss their 'meal prep' (آمادهسازی غذا).
- In Restaurants
- While traditional 'Chelo Kababi' places might not use it, modern cafes and 'diet restaurants' (رستورانهای رژیمی) in North Tehran prominently feature 'steamed' options. A waiter might ask: 'میخواهید سبزیجات دورچین را برایتان بخارپز کنیم یا تفت دهیم؟' (Do you want us to steam the side vegetables or sauté them?)
در منوی رستوران نوشته بود: «ماهی قزلآلای بخارپز با سس لیمو». (The restaurant menu read: 'Steamed trout with lemon sauce.')
Home life is another major arena. With the rise of the 'Bokhar-paz' appliance (the steamer), parents often use the word when explaining the menu to children. It has a 'nurturing' feel to it. It’s not just about cooking; it’s about 'cooking correctly.' If someone is sick with a cold or flu, the household will immediately switch to 'بخارپز کردن' for all meals, as it is considered 'sabok' (light) and easy on the stomach.
- In Appliance Stores
- Shopping for kitchenware in places like 'Shush' or 'Amin-Hozur' in Tehran involves this word. Salespeople will explain the 'قابلیت بخارپز کردن' (the capability of steaming) of various multi-cookers.
این پلوپز امکان بخارپز کردن هم دارد. (This rice cooker also has a steaming function.)
For English speakers learning Persian, the most common pitfalls with بخارپز کردن involve confusing it with other cooking methods or misapplying the compound verb structure. Persian has a rich vocabulary for 'cooking,' and using the wrong specific verb can change the meaning of your sentence or make it sound unnatural to a native speaker.
- Confusion with 'Ab-paz' (Boiling)
- Many learners say 'آبپز کردن' (boiling) when they mean steaming. Remember: 'آب' means water (submerged), while 'بخار' means steam (vapor). Steaming is a specific technique. Don't tell a chef to 'boil' your expensive salmon if you want it steamed!
اشتباه: من سبزیجات را در آب بخارپز کردم. (Wrong: I steamed the vegetables *in* the water.) Correct: I steamed them *with* steam.
Another mistake involves the 'light verb' (کردن). Some learners might try to conjugate the 'بخارپز' part. Remember, 'بخارپز' is a noun/adjective hybrid in this compound. You cannot say 'میبخارپزم'. You must say 'بخارپز میکنم'. The action is always carried by the 'kardan'. This is a fundamental rule of Persian compound verbs that often trips up beginners.
- Transitive vs. Intransitive
- Confusion between 'بخارپز کردن' (to steam something - active) and 'بخارپز شدن' (to be steamed - passive). If you say 'سیبزمینی بخارپز کرد', it sounds like the potato did the steaming. You must say 'سیبزمینی بخارپز شد'.
درست: شام در حال بخارپز شدن است. (Correct: Dinner is being steamed.)
Misplacement of 'ra' (را) is also common. In the sentence 'من سبزی بخارپز میکنم' (I am steaming vegetables - general), 'ra' is not needed. But in 'من این سبزی را بخارپز میکنم' (I am steaming *this* vegetable - specific), 'ra' is mandatory. Learners often forget this distinction when using specific cooking verbs.
- Overusing the Verb
- In Persian, for rice, we don't usually use 'بخارپز کردن' even though rice is technically steamed. We use 'دم کردن' (dam kardan). Using 'بخارپز' for rice sounds like a translation error.
اشتباه: برنج را بخارپز کن. (Wrong for rice). درست: برنج را دم کن. (Correct: Steam/brew the rice.)
To truly master Persian, you need to know the nuances between بخارپز کردن and its culinary cousins. While they all fall under the umbrella of 'cooking,' each carries a specific technique and cultural weight. Choosing the right one shows you have a 'taste' for the language.
- آبپز کردن (Ab-paz kardan)
- Meaning: To boil. This involves submerging food in boiling water. It's used for eggs, potatoes for salad, or pasta. It is seen as more 'utilitarian' and less 'delicate' than steaming.
- دم کردن (Dam kardan)
- Meaning: To brew or steam (specifically for rice or tea). This is a sacred word in Persian cuisine. You 'dam' the rice to get the perfect fluffy texture. Never use 'bokhar-paz' for tea or rice!
تفاوت: من برنج را دم میکنم اما کدو را بخارپز میکنم. (Difference: I steam/brew the rice, but I steam the zucchini.)
Other alternatives include 'کباب کردن' (grilling/roasting) and 'سرخ کردن' (frying). 'کباب کردن' is the king of Persian cooking, often associated with outdoor gatherings and luxury. 'سرخ کردن' is common for the 'base' of most stews (the onions and meat). 'بخارپز کردن' stands as the healthy, modern alternative to these traditional, often heavier methods.
- تفت دادن (Taft dādan)
- Meaning: To sauté or lightly fry. This is often the step right before steaming or boiling in some recipes. 'ابتدا پیاز را تفت دهید' (First sauté the onion).
پزشک گفت: «به جای سرخ کردن، غذاها را بخارپز یا تفتِ ملایم بدهید.» (The doctor said: 'Instead of frying, steam your foods or give them a light sauté.')
In a formal or academic culinary context, you might see 'طبخ با بخار' (tabkh bā bokhār), which is a very formal way of saying 'cooking with steam.' However, in 99% of daily life, 'بخارپز کردن' is the standard and most natural choice for any speaker.
- گریل کردن (Grill kardan)
- A loanword from English used in modern cafes. It implies dry heat, the opposite of the moist heat of 'بخارپز کردن'.
How Formal Is It?
Fun Fact
While 'steam' (bokhar) is an Arabic loanword, the act of cooking with steam in the form of 'Dam kardan' (for rice) is one of the most ancient and celebrated techniques in Persian history.
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing 'kh' as 'k'. It must be a fricative sound.
- Stress on the first syllable 'BO-khar'.
- Merging 'bokhar' and 'paz' without a clear 'r' sound.
- Confusing the 'a' in 'paz' with 'o'.
- Forgetting to conjugate 'kardan' and trying to conjugate 'paz'.
Difficulty Rating
Easy to recognize once you know 'bokhar' and 'paz'.
Requires remembering the 'kardan' auxiliary and correct spelling.
The 'kh' sound and the compound structure need practice.
Clear pronunciation usually makes it easy to catch.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Compound Verb Conjugation
In 'بخارپز کردن', only 'کردن' changes: بخارپز میکنم، بخارپز کردی، بخارپز کرد.
Direct Object Marker 'Ra'
Use 'ra' when the steamed item is specific: 'ماهی را بخارپز کردم'.
Subjunctive Mood
Use after 'bayad' (must): 'باید سبزی را بخارپز کنی'.
Passive Voice with 'Shodan'
To say 'is steamed': 'غذا بخارپز میشود'.
Negative Formation
Add 'ne' to the auxiliary: 'بخارپز نمیکنم'.
Examples by Level
من هویج را بخارپز میکنم.
I steam the carrot.
Simple present tense with 'mikonam'.
آیا ماهی بخارپز دوست داری؟
Do you like steamed fish?
Using 'bokhar-paz' as an adjective here.
مادرم سبزی را بخارپز میکند.
My mother steams the vegetables.
Third person singular 'mikonad'.
لطفاً بروکلی را بخارپز کن.
Please steam the broccoli.
Imperative form 'kon'.
غذا را بخارپز نکن.
Don't steam the food.
Negative imperative 'nakon'.
ما همیشه مرغ را بخارپز میکنیم.
We always steam the chicken.
First person plural 'mikonim'.
این بخارپز است.
This is steamed.
Using the adjective form.
من میخواهم بخارپز کنم.
I want to steam.
Subjunctive after 'mikham'.
او دیروز سبزیجات را بخارپز کرد.
He/she steamed the vegetables yesterday.
Simple past tense 'kard'.
باید ماهی را ده دقیقه بخارپز کنید.
You must steam the fish for ten minutes.
Modal verb 'bayad' + subjunctive.
ما داریم مرغ را بخارپز میکنیم.
We are steaming the chicken.
Present continuous tense.
چرا گوشت را بخارپز نکردی؟
Why didn't you steam the meat?
Negative past tense 'nakardi'.
او بلد نیست سبزیجات را بخارپز کند.
He doesn't know how to steam vegetables.
Using 'balad nist' + subjunctive.
این دستگاه برای بخارپز کردن عالی است.
This device is great for steaming.
Using the infinitive as a gerund.
آیا میتوانید این را برای من بخارپز کنید؟
Can you steam this for me?
Polite request using 'tavanestan'.
من ترجیح میدهم مرغ را بخارپز کنم.
I prefer to steam the chicken.
Verb 'tarjih dadan' + subjunctive.
اگر سبزیجات را بخارپز کنید، ویتامینهایشان نمیسوزد.
If you steam the vegetables, their vitamins won't burn (be destroyed).
Conditional sentence type 1.
او همیشه قبل از خوردن، غذا را بخارپز میکند.
He always steams the food before eating.
Frequency adverb 'hamishe'.
بخارپز کردن ماهی باعث میشود بافت آن نرم بماند.
Steaming the fish causes its texture to remain soft.
Infinitive as subject.
من داشتم سیبزمینیها را بخارپز میکردم که تلفن زنگ خورد.
I was steaming the potatoes when the phone rang.
Past continuous tense.
میتوانید به جای سرخ کردن، آنها را بخارپز کنید.
You can steam them instead of frying them.
Prepositional phrase 'be jaye'.
او قصد دارد تمام وعدههایش را بخارپز کند.
He intends to steam all his meals.
Verb 'ghasd dashtan' + subjunctive.
این روشِ بخارپز کردن بسیار سریع است.
This method of steaming is very fast.
Ezafe construction with infinitive.
بچهها معمولاً سبزیجات بخارپز شده را دوست ندارند.
Children usually don't like steamed vegetables.
Past participle used as an adjective.
متخصص تغذیه توصیه کرد که برای حفظ مواد مغذی، مواد را بخارپز کنیم.
The nutritionist recommended that we steam the ingredients to preserve nutrients.
Complex sentence with recommendation.
هرچند بخارپز کردن زمانبر است، اما ارزشش را دارد.
Although steaming is time-consuming, it's worth it.
Conjunction 'harchand' (although).
ماهی قزلآلا اگر به درستی بخارپز نشود، طعم خوبی نخواهد داشت.
If trout is not steamed correctly, it won't taste good.
Passive voice in a conditional sentence.
او با مهارت خاصی میگوها را بخارپز کرد تا سفت نشوند.
He steamed the shrimp with special skill so they wouldn't become tough.
Purpose clause with 'ta'.
بخارپز کردن یکی از سالمترین روشهای طبخ در دنیای مدرن است.
Steaming is one of the healthiest cooking methods in the modern world.
Superlative construction.
آیا تا به حال سعی کردهاید مرغ را با ادویههای تایلندی بخارپز کنید؟
Have you ever tried steaming chicken with Thai spices?
Present perfect tense with 'sa'y kardan'.
بسیاری از رستورانها به بخارپز کردن روی آوردهاند.
Many restaurants have turned to steaming.
Idiomatic use of 'ru avardan'.
او ترجیح میدهد به جای استفاده از روغن، مواد را بخارپز کند.
He prefers to steam the ingredients instead of using oil.
Contrastive sentence structure.
فرایند بخارپز کردن در فشارهای مختلف میتواند نتایج متفاوتی داشته باشد.
The process of steaming at different pressures can yield different results.
Academic tone and technical vocabulary.
او معتقد است که بخارپز کردن روحِ مواد اولیه را حفظ میکند.
He believes that steaming preserves the essence (soul) of the raw ingredients.
Metaphorical language in a formal context.
در این مقاله، به بررسی مزایای بخارپز کردن نسبت به سرخ کردن عمیق پرداخته شده است.
In this article, the advantages of steaming compared to deep frying are examined.
Passive formal reporting style.
با وجود پیشرفت تکنولوژی، هنوز هم بخارپز کردن سنتی طرفداران خود را دارد.
Despite technological advances, traditional steaming still has its fans.
Complex conjunction 'ba vojud-e'.
او با دقت تمام، زمان بخارپز کردن هر سبزی را محاسبه کرد.
With total precision, he calculated the steaming time for each vegetable.
Adverbial phrase 'ba deghat-e tamam'.
بخارپز کردن نباید با پختن در آب جوش اشتباه گرفته شود.
Steaming should not be mistaken for cooking in boiling water.
Formal modal passive.
این سرآشپز تکنیک جدیدی برای بخارپز کردن همزمان چندین لایه غذا ابداع کرده است.
This chef has invented a new technique for steaming multiple layers of food simultaneously.
Present perfect with 'ebda kardan'.
ظرافتِ طعم در بخارپز کردن، نیازمند استفاده از مواد اولیه بسیار باکیفیت است.
The subtlety of flavor in steaming requires the use of very high-quality raw ingredients.
Abstract noun 'zerafat' (subtlety).
در متون کهن طب سنتی، به نوعی از بخارپز کردن برای استخراج عصاره گیاهان اشاره شده است.
In ancient traditional medicine texts, a type of steaming is mentioned for extracting plant essences.
Highly formal, historical register.
پدیده بخارپز کردن در مقیاس صنعتی، نیازمند کنترل دقیق پارامترهای ترمودینامیکی است.
The phenomenon of steaming on an industrial scale requires precise control of thermodynamic parameters.
Technical, scientific register.
او در کتاب خود، بخارپز کردن را استعارهای از رشد ملایم و تدریجی انسان میداند.
In his book, he considers steaming a metaphor for the gentle and gradual growth of a human being.
Literary and philosophical use.
تبحر در بخارپز کردنِ نانهای محلی، مهارتی است که رو به فراموشی میرود.
Mastery in steaming local breads is a skill that is gradually being forgotten.
Complex subject with 'tabahhor' (mastery).
این دستگاه با بهرهگیری از تکنولوژی نانو، فرایند بخارپز کردن را بهینهسازی کرده است.
Utilizing nano-technology, this device has optimized the steaming process.
Advanced vocabulary like 'bahre-giri' and 'behine-sazi'.
تحلیل شیمیایی نشان میدهد که بخارپز کردن، پیوندهای مولکولی را به گونهای متفاوت از سرخ کردن میشکند.
Chemical analysis shows that steaming breaks molecular bonds differently than frying.
Scientific analysis register.
در فلسفه آشپزی او، بخارپز کردن نهایتِ احترام به طبیعتِ ماده است.
In his culinary philosophy, steaming is the ultimate respect for the nature of the matter.
Philosophical register.
چالش اصلی در بخارپز کردنِ انبوه، حفظ یکنواختی دما در تمام سطوح است.
The main challenge in mass steaming is maintaining temperature uniformity across all levels.
Engineering and logistics register.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— A common advice for healthy eating. Just steam it and eat it.
اگر وقت نداری، سبزی را بخارپز کن و بخور.
— Used to describe someone who is extremely health-conscious. He steams everything.
او از وقتی مریض شده، همه چیز را بخارپز میکند.
— An exclamation showing preference for healthy food. Only steamed!
برای من روغن نریز، فقط بخارپز!
— A common dietary restriction phrase. Steaming without salt.
بخارپز کردن بدون نمک برای فشار خون خوب است.
Often Confused With
Boiling in water. 'Bokhar-paz' is steaming over water. Don't mix them up!
Specifically for rice or tea. 'Bokhar-paz' is for vegetables/meat.
General 'to cook'. 'Bokhar-paz' is the specific method.
Idioms & Expressions
— Literally 'to be steamed from heat'. Used when the weather is very humid and hot.
توی این هوای شرجی داریم بخارپز میشیم!
Informal/Slang— To describe someone who has thought too much or is overwhelmed by heat/stress.
از بس درس خواندم مغزم بخارپز شد.
Informal— Used to describe someone who looks pale or lacks energy (rare).
چرا مثل ماهی بخارپز شدی؟
Informal— A rare metaphorical use for wasting time in a 'stewing' or slow manner.
وقتت را با این کارها بخارپز نکن.
Very Informal— A humorous variation of the 'too many cooks' proverb. (Not standard, but used playfully).
مراقب باش، آش یا شور میشه یا بخارپز!
Humorous— A poetic/slang way to describe being 'cooked' or 'consumed' by love's warmth.
در بخارپز عشقش سوختم.
Poetic Slang— Used to describe a high-pressure situation or a person about to explode with anger.
او مثل یک دیگ بخارپز است، نزدیکش نرو.
Informal— To let an idea 'stew' or develop slowly (modern slang).
بگذار این ایده کمی بخارپز شود.
Modern Slang— My face felt very hot (usually from embarrassment or steam).
وقتی این را گفت، صورتم بخارپز شد.
Informal— A life that is healthy but perhaps boring or lacking 'spice/fry'.
من از این زندگی بخارپز خسته شدهام!
InformalEasily Confused
Sounds similar.
Means 'to emit steam' or 'to fog up'. It is not a cooking verb.
شیشه بخار کرده است.
Contains the root 'paz'.
Means 'to show off'. Nothing to do with cooking.
او با ماشین جدیدش پز میدهد.
Contains 'paz'.
A pressure cooker. It can steam, but the word itself is a noun for the pot.
گوشت را در زودپز بپز.
Contains 'paz'.
Means 'a cook' or 'chef'. A noun, not a verb.
او آشپز خوبی است.
Similar compound structure.
An air fryer or halogen oven. Uses hot air, not steam.
مرغ را در هواپز گذاشتم.
Sentence Patterns
من [Food] بخارپز میکنم.
من سیبزمینی بخارپز میکنم.
لطفاً [Food] را بخارپز کن.
لطفاً مرغ را بخارپز کن.
من میخواهم [Food] را بخارپز کنم.
من میخواهم ماهی را بخارپز کنم.
نباید [Food] را زیاد بخارپز کرد.
نباید بروکلی را زیاد بخارپز کرد.
به جای سرخ کردن، [Food] را بخارپز کنید.
به جای سرخ کردن، کدو را بخارپز کنید.
بخارپز کردنِ [Food] باعث [Result] میشود.
بخارپز کردنِ سبزیجات باعث حفظ ویتامین میشود.
با استفاده از روش بخارپز کردن، میتوان [Goal]...
با استفاده از روش بخارپز کردن، میتوان طعم واقعی غذا را چشید.
مداقه در فرایند بخارپز کردن نشان میدهد که...
مداقه در فرایند بخارپز کردن نشان میدهد که حرارت مرطوب کارآمدتر است.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
Common in urban settings, health contexts, and modern culinary discussions.
-
Using 'بخارپز کردن' for rice.
→
برنج را دم کردن.
Rice has its own special verb 'dam kardan' which implies steaming but is culturally specific to rice and tea.
-
Saying 'میبخارپزم'.
→
بخارپز میکنم.
You cannot conjugate the noun/adjective part of a compound verb. Only the auxiliary 'کردن' changes.
-
Confusing 'بخارپز' with 'آبپز'.
→
Depends on the method (steam vs. boil).
Learners often use 'boil' for everything cooked in or over water. Steaming is 'bokhar-paz'.
-
Forgetting 'ra' with specific objects.
→
ماهی را بخارپز کردم.
If you are steaming a specific fish, you must use the object marker 'ra'.
-
Pronouncing 'bokhar' as 'boker'.
→
Bokhār (with a 'kh' sound).
The 'kh' sound is essential. 'Boker' is not a Persian word.
Tips
Conjugate the 'Kardan'
Always remember that in compound verbs like this, the first part is static. Focus all your conjugation efforts on 'کردن'. If you can conjugate 'to do', you can use this verb.
Pair with 'Sabzijat'
The most common partner for this verb is 'سبزیجات' (vegetables). Practice saying 'sabzijat-e bokhar-paz' to sound like a natural health-conscious speaker.
The 'Kh' Sound
Don't be afraid of the 'kh' in 'bokhar'. It's like clearing your throat gently. If you say 'bokar' with a 'k', people might not understand you immediately.
Hospitality
If you are a guest in Iran and want to be polite about a simple meal, praising the 'bokhar-paz' method as 'healthy' (salem) is a great way to show appreciation for the host's care.
Time Matters
In recipes, 'bokhar-paz kardan' is almost always followed by a time duration. Learn your numbers in Persian to understand how long to steam your food!
Spelling
In digital Persian, use the 'ZWNJ' (shift+space) between 'بخارپز' and 'کردن' to keep them properly spaced but logically connected.
Menu Reading
Look for this word in the 'Side Dishes' (دورچین) or 'Dietary' (رژیمی) sections of a Persian menu.
Polite Requests
Use 'mishavad... bokhar-paz konid?' to ask for your food to be steamed in a restaurant. It's a very polite and clear way to order.
The Root 'Paz'
Learn other 'paz' words (ashpaz, zudpaz) at the same time. It will help you see the logic in Persian word formation.
The 'Salem' Connection
Associate 'bokhar-paz' with the word 'salem' (healthy). They are best friends in Persian conversation.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of a 'Box' (Bo) of 'Car' (Khar) parts being 'Passed' (Paz) through steam. 'Bo-khar-paz'.
Visual Association
Imagine a cloud of white steam (Bokhar) rising from a pot, and inside, a chef is 'passing' (paz) a magic wand to cook the food.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to list five things in your kitchen you can 'bokhar-paz' and say them out loud in a full Persian sentence.
Word Origin
A modern Persian compound. 'Bokhar' is from Arabic 'bukhar' (vapor). 'Paz' is the present stem of the Middle Persian 'pukhtan' (to cook), which comes from Old Persian roots.
Original meaning: The combination literally means 'to perform steam-cooking.'
Indo-European (Persian) with an Arabic loanword (Bokhar).Cultural Context
No specific sensitivities, but be aware that older Iranians might find a meal of only steamed food a bit 'empty' (khali) if there is no rice or stew.
In English, 'steaming' is often associated with blandness. In Persian, 'bokhar-paz' is increasingly associated with 'freshness' and 'premium quality'.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
At a Restaurant
- آیا غذای بخارپز دارید؟
- میشود این را بخارپز کنید؟
- سبزیجات بخارپز کنار ماهی بگذارید.
- بدون روغن بخارپز کنید.
Following a Recipe
- به مدت ۱۵ دقیقه بخارپز کنید.
- بعد از بخارپز کردن، نمک بزنید.
- در ظرف را ببندید تا بخارپز شود.
- تا زمانی که نرم شود بخارپز کنید.
At the Doctor
- باید غذاهای بخارپز بخورید.
- بخارپز کردن بهتر از سرخ کردن است.
- آیا میتوانم مرغ را بخارپز کنم؟
- رژیم غذایی من شامل مواد بخارپز است.
Buying Kitchenware
- این دستگاه بخارپز چند طبقه است؟
- آیا این قابلمه برای بخارپز کردن است؟
- بهترین مارک بخارپز چیست؟
- سبد بخارپز جداگانه دارید؟
Talking about Health
- من برای سلامتی، بخارپز میکنم.
- بخارپز کردن ویتامینها را حفظ میکند.
- بافتِ غذای بخارپز را دوست دارم.
- فرزندم فقط سبزیجات بخارپز میخورد.
Conversation Starters
"شما ترجیح میدهید سبزیجات را بخارپز کنید یا تفت دهید؟ (Do you prefer to steam or sauté vegetables?)"
"آیا تا به حال ماهی را به روش بخارپز امتحان کردهاید؟ (Have you ever tried fish using the steaming method?)"
"به نظر شما بخارپز کردن واقعاً در طعم غذا تاثیر دارد؟ (Do you think steaming really affects the taste of the food?)"
"بهترین سبزی برای بخارپز کردن از نظر شما چیست؟ (What is the best vegetable for steaming in your opinion?)"
"آیا شما در خانه دستگاه بخارپز دارید یا از قابلمه استفاده میکنید؟ (Do you have a steamer at home or do you use a pot?)"
Journal Prompts
امروز چه غذایی را بخارپز کردید؟ در مورد طعم و بافت آن بنویسید. (What food did you steam today? Write about its taste and texture.)
چرا بخارپز کردن در دنیای امروز محبوب شده است؟ نظرات خود را بنویسید. (Why has steaming become popular in today's world? Write your opinions.)
یک دستور غذای ساده که در آن از بخارپز کردن استفاده میشود را توضیح دهید. (Explain a simple recipe that uses steaming.)
تفاوت حس خود را بعد از خوردن غذای سرخشده در مقابل غذای بخارپز بنویسید. (Write about the difference in how you feel after eating fried vs. steamed food.)
اگر بخواهید کسی را تشویق به بخارپز کردن کنید، چه دلایلی میآورید؟ (If you wanted to encourage someone to steam, what reasons would you give?)
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsTechnically, rice is steamed, but in Persian, we exclusively use 'دم کردن' (dam kardan) for rice. Using 'bokhar-paz' for rice sounds very foreign and unnatural.
By itself, 'بخارپز' can be an adjective (steamed) or a noun (a steamer appliance). To make it a verb, you must add 'کردن'.
Ab-paz is boiling (in water). Bokhar-paz is steaming (over water). Steaming is generally considered healthier and better for delicate items.
You say 'دستگاه بخارپز' (dastgah-e bokhar-paz) or simply 'بخارپز'.
'Bokhar-paz' is the adjective/noun; 'bokhar-paz kardan' is the action (to steam).
Usually, eggs are 'آبپز' (boiled), but if you are using a special steam-cooker for eggs, you could technically use 'بخارپز کردن'.
No, 'paz' is a bound root (present stem of pokhtan). It only appears in compounds like 'bokhar-paz', 'zud-paz', or 'ash-paz'.
It is neutral. It's used in everyday conversation, on TV, and in formal health documents.
You say: 'من سبزیجات بخارپز دوست دارم'.
The culinary opposite is 'سرخ کردن' (to fry).
Test Yourself 180 questions
Write a sentence in Persian saying: 'I steam the vegetables for lunch.'
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Ask a waiter in Persian if they have steamed fish.
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Write a command: 'Steam the carrots for 10 minutes.'
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Describe why steaming is good for health in one Persian sentence.
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Write: 'I prefer to steam the chicken instead of frying it.'
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Write a short recipe instruction: 'First wash the broccoli, then steam it.'
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Use the passive form: 'The fish is being steamed.'
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Explain to a friend that your new rice cooker can also steam.
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Write about your dinner yesterday using the past tense of 'steam'.
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Translate: 'Steaming is a modern way of cooking.'
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Write: 'Don't steam the meat too much.'
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Translate: 'The doctor advised me to eat steamed food.'
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Write a sentence using 'بخارپز کردن' and 'ویتامین'.
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Ask: 'Can you steam these for me?' (Formal)
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Write: 'Steamed vegetables have a better color.'
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Use the future tense: 'I will steam the shrimp tonight.'
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Translate: 'Steaming is better than boiling.'
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Write: 'I am learning how to steam fish.'
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Translate: 'Why are you steaming the bread?'
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Write: 'Steaming preserves the texture of food.'
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Say 'I steam the fish' in Persian.
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Tell your friend to steam the vegetables.
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Ask: 'Do you like steamed chicken?'
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Say: 'I don't like fried food, I prefer steamed.'
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Explain that you are steaming carrots right now.
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Say: 'We steamed the vegetables yesterday.'
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Ask: 'How long should I steam the broccoli?'
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Say: 'I think steaming is the best method.'
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Tell someone: 'You must steam the fish for health.'
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Say: 'My steamer is broken.'
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Say: 'I am steaming some corn.'
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Ask: 'Is this steamed or boiled?'
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Say: 'Don't fry it, steam it!'
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Say: 'I want to learn how to steam dim sum.'
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Say: 'Steamed food is light.'
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Ask: 'Do you have a steamer basket?'
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Say: 'Wait, the vegetables are being steamed.'
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Say: 'I always steam my meals.'
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Say: 'Steaming is very easy.'
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Say: 'The steam is very hot.'
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Listen and identify the verb: 'Man mahi ra bokhar-paz kardam.'
What food was mentioned? 'Sabzijat-e bokhar-paz salem hastand.'
Who is cooking? 'Madaram dar hal-e bokhar-paz kardan-e morgh ast.'
Is it a question or statement? 'Bokhar-pazesh konam?'
How long? 'Dah daghigheh bokhar-paz konid.'
What is the advice? 'Be jaye sorkh kardan, bokhar-paz konid.'
Identify the appliance: 'Dastgah-e bokhar-paz kharidam.'
What is being steamed? 'Havij va kadu ra bokhar-paz kard.'
Is it positive or negative? 'Bokhar-paz nakon!'
What is the result? 'Sabzi bokhar-paz shod.'
Complete the sentence: 'Man hamishe...' (I always steam)
Listen for 'vitamin': 'Bokhar-paz kardan vitamin ra hefz mikonad.'
Is it about rice? 'Berenj ra dam kon, na bokhar-paz.'
Where are they? 'Dar in resturan mahi bokhar-paz darim.'
Identify the tense: 'Bokhar-paz khaham kard.'
/ 180 correct
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Summary
بخارپز کردن (bokhār-paz kardan) is the essential Persian verb for steaming food. It is a compound verb where only 'kardan' conjugates. Example: 'من سبزیجات را بخارپز میکنم' (I steam the vegetables). It signifies health and modernity in Iranian culinary culture.
- A compound verb meaning 'to steam cook' (Bokhar + Paz + Kardan).
- Primarily used for healthy cooking of vegetables, fish, and chicken.
- A key word in modern Persian nutrition and lifestyle contexts.
- Contrasts with boiling (Ab-paz) and frying (Sorkh kardan).
Conjugate the 'Kardan'
Always remember that in compound verbs like this, the first part is static. Focus all your conjugation efforts on 'کردن'. If you can conjugate 'to do', you can use this verb.
Pair with 'Sabzijat'
The most common partner for this verb is 'سبزیجات' (vegetables). Practice saying 'sabzijat-e bokhar-paz' to sound like a natural health-conscious speaker.
The 'Kh' Sound
Don't be afraid of the 'kh' in 'bokhar'. It's like clearing your throat gently. If you say 'bokar' with a 'k', people might not understand you immediately.
Hospitality
If you are a guest in Iran and want to be polite about a simple meal, praising the 'bokhar-paz' method as 'healthy' (salem) is a great way to show appreciation for the host's care.
Example
سبزیجات بخارپز شده سالمتر هستند.
Related Content
More cooking words
عطشان
B2Thirsty, needing to drink.
آب دادن
B1To water or add water.
آب گرفتن
B1To extract juice or liquid from fruits or vegetables.
آب کردن
B1To melt, to turn from solid to liquid by heat.
آبدار
B1Juicy, full of juice.
آبگون
B2Watery or fluid, resembling water.
آبکش کردن
B1To drain with a colander, to remove liquid from food.
آبکشیدن
B1To rinse food under running water or drain it.
آبکی
B1Watery or diluted, lacking substance.
آبکی کردن
B1To make watery or dilute.