برگزار کردن in 30 Seconds
- Used for holding/hosting events.
- A compound verb: برگزار + کردن.
- Common in news, school, and business.
- Passive form 'برگزار شدن' is very frequent.
The Persian verb برگزار کردن (bar-gozār kardan) is a fundamental compound verb used to describe the act of holding, organizing, conducting, or hosting an event, meeting, or ceremony. It is derived from the old Persian roots where 'bar' implies 'up' or 'forth' and 'gozār' relates to 'passing' or 'performing'. In modern usage, it is the standard way to express that an organized activity is taking place through human agency. Whether you are talking about a small birthday party among friends or a massive international climate summit, this verb is your primary tool. It implies a level of planning and execution. Unlike simple verbs that might just describe an action, برگزار کردن carries the weight of administrative or social responsibility.
- Core Concept
- The transition of an event from a plan to a reality.
- Transitivity
- It is a transitive verb, meaning it always requires an object (the event being held).
- Formality
- While used in daily speech, it is the preferred term for official news and formal announcements.
ما قصد داریم هفته آینده یک جلسه برگزار کنیم.
— We intend to hold a meeting next week.
To understand this verb deeply, one must look at its components. 'Gozār' (گزار) is the present stem of 'gozārdan' (گزاردن), which means to perform or to put. When combined with 'bar' and 'kardan', it creates a semantic field of 'bringing a performance to light'. This is why it is used for exams (امتحان برگزار کردن) and weddings (عروسی برگزار کردن). It is not just about 'doing' something; it is about 'hosting' it so that others can participate.
المپیک هر چهار سال یک بار برگزار میشود.
— The Olympics are held every four years (Passive form).
نمایشگاه کتاب در مصلی برگزار شد.
— The book fair was held in the Musalla.
- Subjectivity
- The subject is usually the organizer (person, company, or government).
- Object Types
- Events, ceremonies, meetings, classes, matches, and elections.
Using برگزار کردن requires understanding the structure of Persian compound verbs. The non-verbal part 'برگزار' remains static, while the light verb 'کردن' (to do) conjugates for person, tense, and mood. For example, in the present continuous, you would say 'dāram bar-gozār mikonam' (I am holding). In the past, 'bar-gozār kardam' (I held).
Conjugation Patterns
- Present Tense: برگزار میکنم (I hold), برگزار میکنی (You hold)...
- Past Tense: برگزار کردم (I held), برگزار کردی (You held)...
- Future Tense: برگزار خواهم کرد (I will hold)...
- Subjunctive: برگزار بکنم (That I hold)...
When using this verb in a sentence, the object (the event) usually takes the object marker 'rā' (را) if it is specific. For example: 'Man jashn-rā bar-gozār kardam' (I held the party). However, in many contexts, the 'rā' is dropped if the event is indefinite: 'Anhā jashn bar-gozār kardand' (They held a party).
دولت انتخابات را در ماه آینده برگزار خواهد کرد.
— The government will hold the elections next month.
It is also vital to know the passive form: برگزار شدن (to be held). This is perhaps even more common in news reporting. Instead of saying 'The committee held the meeting', Persian speakers often say 'The meeting was held'.
کلاسها به صورت آنلاین برگزار میشوند.
— Classes are being held online.
You will encounter برگزار کردن in several distinct environments. Each environment lends a slightly different flavor to the word, though the core meaning remains 'to host' or 'to conduct'.
1. Academic and Educational Settings
Teachers and university administrators use this verb constantly. You will hear it regarding exams, workshops, seminars, and defense sessions for theses.
امتحان پایانترم در سالن اصلی برگزار میشود.
— The final exam is held in the main hall.
2. News and Media
This is the 'bread and butter' verb for journalists. Whether it's a political summit in Geneva, a local film festival, or a protest rally, the news will report that it was 'held' using this verb.
3. Business and Corporate World
In office culture, meetings (جلسات), webinars (وبینارها), and training sessions (دورههای آموزشی) are always 'bar-gozār'ed. It implies a formal schedule.
4. Social and Cultural Events
Weddings, funerals, and religious ceremonies like 'Rowzeh' or 'Heyat' are described with this verb to emphasize the organized nature of the gathering.
Even advanced learners can stumble when using برگزار کردن. Here are the most frequent pitfalls:
1. Active vs. Passive Confusion
The most common error is using 'kardan' (active) when 'shodan' (passive) is required. If the subject of your sentence is the event, you must use 'shodan'.
❌ Incorrect: جلسه برگزار کرد. (The meeting held.)
✅ Correct: جلسه برگزار شد. (The meeting was held.)
2. Confusing with 'Anjām Dādan'
While 'anjām dādan' means 'to do/perform', it is used for tasks or actions (like homework). 'Bar-gozār kardan' is strictly for events involving multiple people or a formal setting.
3. Spelling Errors
The letter 'z' in 'bar-gozār' is 'ز', not 'ذ' or 'ظ'. Because Persian has multiple letters for the 'z' sound, learners often misspell the present stem.
4. Overusing in Informal Contexts
While not grammatically wrong, saying 'Man yek mehmāni bar-gozār kardam' to a close friend sounds a bit like you are a PR manager. For a casual hangout, 'mehmāni dādand' (they gave a party) or 'mehmāni dāshtand' (they had a party) is more natural.
To truly master برگزار کردن, you should know its synonyms and how they differ in nuance.
- برپا کردن (Bar-pā kardan): Literally 'to set up' or 'to make stand'. This is used when there is a physical setup involved, like setting up a tent, an exhibition, or a revolution. It is more 'physical' than 'bar-gozār kardan'.
- تشکیل دادن (Tashkil dādan): To form or constitute. Used when the focus is on the gathering of people or the creation of a committee/class. 'Tashkil-e jalaseh dādan' means to form a meeting.
- منعقد کردن (Mona'ghed kardan): A very formal, Arabic-rooted term used specifically for contracts, treaties, or formal sessions (like a parliament session).
- اجرا کردن (Ejrā kardan): To execute or perform. Used for plays, concerts, or plans. While a concert is 'bar-gozār'ed (hosted), the music is 'ejrā'ed (performed).
Choosing the right word depends on whether you want to emphasize the hosting (برگزار کردن), the physical setup (برپا کردن), or the performance (اجرا کردن).
How Formal Is It?
Difficulty Rating
Grammar to Know
Compound Verb Conjugation
Passive Voice with Shodan
Object Marker 'rā'
Subjunctive Mood
Gerund formation with -i
Examples by Level
من یک جشن برگزار میکنم.
I am holding a party.
Simple present tense of a compound verb.
کلاس کجا برگزار میشود؟
Where is the class held?
Passive voice with 'shodan'.
ما دیروز جلسه برگزار کردیم.
We held a meeting yesterday.
Simple past tense.
او میخواهد مسابقه برگزار کند.
He wants to hold a competition.
Subjunctive mood after 'mikhāhad'.
آیا شما امتحان برگزار میکنید؟
Do you hold exams?
Question form.
جشن تولد در خانه برگزار شد.
The birthday party was held at home.
Past passive.
آنها برنامه برگزار کردند.
They held a program.
Simple past.
امروز کلاس برگزار نمیشود.
Today, class is not held.
Negative passive present.
نمایشگاه در پارک برگزار میشود.
The exhibition is held in the park.
Present passive.
ما باید یک جلسه فوری برگزار کنیم.
We must hold an urgent meeting.
Modal 'bāyad' + subjunctive.
مسابقات فوتبال هفته آینده برگزار خواهد شد.
The football matches will be held next week.
Future passive.
چه کسی این مراسم را برگزار کرد؟
Who organized/held this ceremony?
Interrogative with 'rā'.
کنسرت در تالار وحدت برگزار شد.
The concert was held in Vahdat Hall.
Past passive.
آنها هر سال جشنواره برگزار میکنند.
They hold a festival every year.
Habitual present.
امتحان آنلاین برگزار میشود.
The exam is held online.
Adverbial 'online'.
میتوانیم جلسه را فردا برگزار کنیم؟
Can we hold the meeting tomorrow?
Modal 'mitavānim' + subjunctive.
این کنفرانس به منظور تبادل نظر برگزار میشود.
This conference is held for the purpose of exchanging views.
Formal purpose clause.
تصمیم گرفتیم کارگاه آموزشی برگزار کنیم.
We decided to hold a training workshop.
Infinitive phrase equivalent.
مراسم یادبود با شکوه برگزار شد.
The memorial ceremony was held magnificently.
Adverbial phrase 'bā shokuh'.
چرا این جلسه را برگزار نکردید؟
Why didn't you hold this meeting?
Negative past.
دوره جدید کلاسها از ماه بعد برگزار میشود.
The new course of classes will be held from next month.
Future-leaning present passive.
آنها قصد دارند نمایشگاهی از آثار هنری برگزار کنند.
They intend to hold an exhibition of artworks.
Noun phrase as object.
جلسه با حضور مدیرعامل برگزار شد.
The meeting was held with the CEO's presence.
Prepositional phrase 'bā hozur-e'.
آیا امکان دارد جلسه را زودتر برگزار کنیم؟
Is it possible to hold the meeting earlier?
Impersonal 'emkān dārad'.
انتخابات ریاست جمهوری در فضای امن برگزار شد.
The presidential election was held in a secure environment.
Political context.
این جشنواره با هدف حمایت از هنرمندان برگزار میگردد.
This festival is held with the aim of supporting artists.
Formal passive with 'migardad'.
نشست خبری پس از پایان بازی برگزار خواهد شد.
The press conference will be held after the end of the game.
Compound future passive.
بسیاری از مراسمهای مذهبی در مساجد برگزار میشوند.
Many religious ceremonies are held in mosques.
Plural subject-verb agreement.
دولت موظف است امتحانات را به صورت عادلانه برگزار کند.
The government is obliged to hold exams fairly.
Adjective 'movazzaf' + subjunctive.
این سمینار به صورت بینالمللی برگزار شد.
This seminar was held internationally.
Compound adverb.
برگزاری این مسابقات باعث رونق گردشگری میشود.
Holding these competitions causes a boom in tourism.
Gerund/Noun form 'Bar-gozāri'.
آنها موفق شدند همایش را در زمان مقرر برگزار کنند.
They succeeded in holding the conference at the appointed time.
Verb 'movaffagh shodan' + subjunctive.
مذاکرات صلح تحت نظارت سازمان ملل برگزار گردید.
Peace negotiations were held under the supervision of the UN.
High formal passive.
شایسته است که این مراسم با رعایت تمام پروتکلها برگزار شود.
It is appropriate that this ceremony be held following all protocols.
Subjunctive passive after 'shāyesteh ast'.
نحوه برگزاری امتحانات همواره مورد بحث بوده است.
The manner of holding exams has always been a subject of debate.
Abstract noun usage.
این مجمع عمومی به طور فوقالعاده برگزار خواهد شد.
This general assembly will be held extraordinarily.
Legal/Administrative terminology.
علیرغم مشکلات مالی، جشنواره با کیفیت بالایی برگزار شد.
Despite financial problems, the festival was held with high quality.
Concessive clause 'alayerghm-e'.
تمهیدات لازم برای برگزاری هرچه بهتر مسابقات اندیشیده شده است.
Necessary arrangements for holding the competitions as well as possible have been considered.
Complex passive structure.
این نشست به میزبانی تهران برگزار میگردد.
This meeting is being held hosted by Tehran.
Formal 'be mizbāni-ye'.
عدم برگزاری جلسه منجر به سوءتفاهمهای بسیاری شد.
The failure to hold the meeting led to many misunderstandings.
Negative gerund 'Adam-e bar-gozāri'.
آیینهای باستانی ایران همچنان در برخی مناطق برگزار میشوند.
Ancient Iranian rituals are still held in some regions.
Anthropological context.
برگزاری این مناظره، نقطه عطفی در تاریخ سیاسی کشور بود.
Holding this debate was a turning point in the country's political history.
Historical/Metaphorical usage.
این کنگره علمی به پاس خدمات ایشان برگزار شد.
This scientific congress was held in honor of his services.
Formal dedication.
ضرورت برگزاری دورههای بازآموزی بر کسی پوشیده نیست.
The necessity of holding retraining courses is hidden from no one.
Rhetorical structure.
مراسم تنفیذ حکم ریاست جمهوری با تشریفات خاصی برگزار میگردد.
The presidential endorsement ceremony is held with specific formalities.
Highly specific political terminology.
چگونگی برگزاری این انتخابات، مشروعیت آن را زیر سوال برد.
The manner in which these elections were held called its legitimacy into question.
Critical political analysis.
این سلسله نشستها به تبیین مفاهیم فلسفی میپردازد که برگزار شدهاند.
This series of meetings deals with explaining philosophical concepts that have been held.
Complex relative clause.
برگزاری شکوهمند این همایش، اقتدار علمی کشور را به رخ کشید.
The magnificent holding of this conference showed off the country's scientific authority.
Idiomatic 'be rokh keshidan'.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
Often Confused With
Idioms & Expressions
Easily Confused
Sentence Patterns
How to Use It
Even if the event is plural (e.g., competitions), the verb follows standard agreement.
Use 'kardan' if you are the boss; use 'shodan' if you are the event.
- Using 'kardan' for the event subject (e.g., 'Jalaseh bar-gozār kard').
- Spelling 'gozār' with 'zāl' (ذ) instead of 'ze' (ز).
- Using it for 'doing homework' (should be 'anjām dādan').
- Confusing 'bar-gozār' with 'bar-gozin' (to choose).
- Forgetting the 'mi-' prefix in the present tense (e.g., 'bar-gozār konam' instead of 'mikonam').
Tips
Light Verb Mastery
Remember that 'kardan' is the engine. Master its 14+ tenses, and you've mastered 'bar-gozār kardan'. Practice shifting from past to future.
Formal vs Informal
Use 'bar-gozār kardan' in emails and 'mehmāni dāshtan' in texts to friends. This distinction shows high linguistic intelligence. It helps you adapt to your audience.
The 'Rā' Rule
If you name the specific meeting (e.g., The Monday Meeting), use 'rā'. If it's just 'a meeting', skip it. This makes your writing flow naturally.
Natural Flow
When speaking, the 'r' in 'bar' is often soft. Focus on the 'gozār' part as it carries the meaning. Don't pause between the two parts.
News Keywords
When you hear 'bar-gozār', get ready to hear 'where' (dar) and 'when' (dar tārikh-e). These three pieces of info usually come together in news.
Religious Events
Note that religious gatherings are almost always 'bar-gozār'ed. It shows the sanctity and organized nature of the ritual. It is a sign of respect.
Konkur Context
If you are taking a Persian exam, you will definitely see this verb. It's often used in questions about schedules and administration. Learn its noun form 'bar-gozāri'.
Meeting Minutes
In professional minutes, always start with 'Jalaseh dar tārikh... bar-gozār shod'. This is the standard opening for corporate records in Iran.
Passive Preference
Persian loves the passive voice for events. Instead of 'They held the festival', try 'The festival was held'. It sounds more sophisticated and objective.
Visual Linking
Visualize a curtain rising on a stage. That 'rising' and 'performing' is the essence of 'bar-gozār'. Link the word to that mental image.
Memorize It
Word Origin
Persian
Cultural Context
Using this verb instead of 'dāshtan' shows you respect the event's importance.
Hosting an event well is a sign of 'Eterām' (respect) in Persian culture.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Conversation Starters
"آخرین باری که یک مهمانی برگزار کردید کی بود؟"
"آیا ترجیح میدهید جلسات آنلاین برگزار شوند یا حضوری؟"
"بهترین جشنوارهای که در شهر شما برگزار میشود چیست؟"
"چگونه یک همایش موفق برگزار کنیم؟"
"آیا امتحانات باید در تابستان برگزار شوند؟"
Journal Prompts
Write about an event you organized recently.
Describe how a traditional wedding is held in your country.
If you could hold a global festival, what would it be about?
Discuss the pros and cons of holding classes online.
Write a formal invitation for a meeting you want to hold.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, but it sounds very formal. For dinner with friends, 'shām dādan' (giving dinner) is better. Use 'bar-gozār kardan' if it's a formal gala dinner. It implies organization and a guest list.
It is written as one word (برگزار) in modern Persian. It is the non-verbal element of the compound verb. You should not separate the 'bar' from 'gozār' with a space.
'Bar-gozār shod' is about the event happening. 'Bar-pā shod' often implies it was 'set up' or 'established'. For example, a tent is 'bar-pā'ed, but a meeting is 'bar-gozār'ed.
Absolutely. Matches (mosābeghāt) and tournaments (toronāman-hā) are always 'bar-gozār'ed. It is the standard term in sports journalism for hosting games.
The word is 'برگزارکننده' (bar-gozār-konandeh). You can say 'برگزارکنندگان مراسم' for 'the organizers of the ceremony'. It is a very common noun.
Yes, it is the most common verb for exams. 'Emtehān bar-gozār shod' means the exam took place. Teachers 'bar-gozār' the exams for students.
Yes, 'Arousi bar-gozār kardand' means they held a wedding. It sounds more formal than 'Arousi gereftand' (they took/had a wedding), which is also common.
No, it is a neutral, functional verb. However, it can be used for negative events like 'protests' (tazāhorāt) or 'trials' (dādgāh).
The present stem is 'برگزار کن'. You use this for the imperative (برگزار کن!) and the present tense (برگزار میکنم).
In very casual slang, people might just say 'برنامه کردن', but there is no direct shorter synonym that carries the same weight.
Test Yourself 180 questions
/ 180 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
Use 'برگزار کردن' whenever you are the one organizing an event, and 'برگزار شدن' when the event itself is the subject. It is the most professional way to say 'to have' an event in Persian.
- Used for holding/hosting events.
- A compound verb: برگزار + کردن.
- Common in news, school, and business.
- Passive form 'برگزار شدن' is very frequent.
Light Verb Mastery
Remember that 'kardan' is the engine. Master its 14+ tenses, and you've mastered 'bar-gozār kardan'. Practice shifting from past to future.
Formal vs Informal
Use 'bar-gozār kardan' in emails and 'mehmāni dāshtan' in texts to friends. This distinction shows high linguistic intelligence. It helps you adapt to your audience.
The 'Rā' Rule
If you name the specific meeting (e.g., The Monday Meeting), use 'rā'. If it's just 'a meeting', skip it. This makes your writing flow naturally.
Natural Flow
When speaking, the 'r' in 'bar' is often soft. Focus on the 'gozār' part as it carries the meaning. Don't pause between the two parts.
Related Content
More society words
جمعی
A2Collective; public.
مسجد
A1A Muslim place of worship; a mosque.
کمیته
A2A group of people appointed for a specific function, a committee.
بشر
A2Human being, mankind, humanity.
امنیت
A1Security, safety.
مسن
A2Old or aging, often used respectfully; elderly.
حمایت کردن
A1To give aid or assistance; to support.
مساوی
B1Equal; having the same quantity, measure, or value as another.
فقر
A2Poverty, the state of being extremely poor.
مصاحبه کردن
B1To interview; to conduct an interview with someone.
