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بی تحرک

B2 adjective 8 min read

بی تحرک

bi-taharrok

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips بی تحرک in 30 Seconds

Explanation بی تحرک in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should think of 'bi taharrok' as simply 'not moving.' Imagine a toy car that has run out of batteries; it is now 'bi taharrok.' In Persian, 'bi' means 'without' and 'taharrok' is 'movement.' So, it is 'without movement.' You can use it to describe a cat sleeping or a person sitting very still. Don't worry about the complex health or economic meanings yet. Just focus on the physical idea of something that is staying in one place and not shaking, walking, or running. For example, if you are playing a game and someone tells you 'Stay bi taharrok!', they mean don't move a muscle. It's a very useful word for basic descriptions of animals and people.

At the A2 level, you can start using 'bi taharrok' to describe daily habits. You might learn that sitting too much at a computer makes you 'bi taharrok.' You can use it in sentences with simple verbs like 'budan' (to be) or 'māndan' (to stay). For example: 'Man dar daftar bi taharrok hastam' (I am inactive in the office). You are expanding your vocabulary from just 'sitting' to a more descriptive word. You might also see this word in simple health tips, like 'Don't be bi taharrok, go for a walk!' It helps you describe physical states more accurately than just saying 'quiet' or 'slow.'

At the B1 level, 'bi taharrok' becomes a key word for discussing health and lifestyle. You will encounter it in texts about the 'sedentary lifestyle' (sabk-e zendegi-ye bi taharrok). You should be able to explain why being 'bi taharrok' is bad for your health using 'because' (chon-ke) or 'so' (pas). You also start to see it used for objects in motion or at rest in basic science or news contexts. You can distinguish it from 'tanbal' (lazy), realizing that 'bi taharrok' is about the body's lack of movement, not necessarily a lack of desire to work. You'll use it to talk about your job, your hobbies, and your physical condition.

At the B2 level, which is the target for this word, you use 'bi taharrok' with professional precision. You understand its medical implications and its use in economics (stagnant markets) and physics (stationary objects). you can use it to describe abstract concepts, like a 'bi taharrok' political situation where no progress is being made. You are comfortable using the noun form 'bi taharroki' and can use it as a subject in complex sentences. You also know the synonyms like 'gheyr-e fa'al' or 'rāked' and can choose the right one based on the context. Your usage is no longer just about 'not moving,' but about 'inactivity' as a systemic or physiological state.

At the C1 level, you use 'bi taharrok' to add nuance to your descriptions in literature, formal reports, and philosophical discussions. You might use it to describe the 'stillness' of a scene in a poem or the 'stagnation' of a culture. You understand the subtle difference between 'bi taharrok' and 'sāken' (stationary) or 'istā' (static). You can engage in high-level debates about the 'bi taharrok' nature of modern urban life and its psychological effects. Your vocabulary is rich enough to use this word metaphorically to describe a lack of intellectual or spiritual growth. You recognize it in classical-style modern prose and news editorials.

At the C2 level, 'bi taharrok' is a tool for precise expression in any domain. You might use it in a specialized medical paper, a complex economic analysis, or a deep literary critique. You understand its etymological roots perfectly and can play with the word in creative writing. You can distinguish between 'bi taharrok' (physically inactive), 'bi jān' (lifeless), and 'khonshā' (neutral/inert) in highly specific contexts. Whether you are discussing the kinetic energy of particles or the lack of social mobility in a historical era, you use 'bi taharrok' and its variants with the native-like fluency that accounts for register, tone, and historical connotation.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

بی تحرک in 30 Seconds

Bi taharrok means inactive or motionless, often used for sedentary lifestyles.
It is a compound of 'bi' (without) and 'taharrok' (movement).
Commonly found in medical, scientific, and economic Persian contexts.
It is more formal and descriptive than the word 'tanbal' (lazy).

The Persian adjective بی تحرک (bi taharrok) is a compound word formed from the prefix بی (bi), meaning 'without' or 'less,' and the noun تحرک (taharrok), which translates to 'movement,' 'motion,' or 'activity.' When combined, they describe a state of being inactive, stationary, or sedentary. This word is essential for learners because it bridges the gap between everyday physical descriptions and more formal medical or scientific discussions. In modern Iran, as in much of the world, health professionals frequently use this term to describe the 'sedentary lifestyle' (سبک زندگی بی تحرک) that results from office work and technology use. However, its utility extends far beyond health; it can describe a stagnant economy, a still object in a physics experiment, or even a person who lacks the drive to change their circumstances.

Etymological Breakdown: The root 'taharrok' comes from the Arabic H-R-K, relating to motion. The Persian prefix 'bi' is Indo-European in origin, cognate with 'without'.
Register and Nuance: While 'tanbal' (lazy) is a judgment of character, 'bi taharrok' is a descriptive state. It is more objective and often used in professional contexts.

نشستن طولانی مدت پشت میز باعث می‌شود بدن شما بی تحرک بماند و این برای سلامتی مضر است.

Translation: Sitting behind a desk for a long time causes your body to remain inactive, and this is harmful to health.

In a broader sense, بی تحرک is used to describe objects that are physically incapable of movement or are currently at rest. For instance, in a game of 'Statues,' players must remain بی تحرک. In a scientific context, an electron might be described in terms of its movement, and a lack thereof would be its 'bi taharrok' state. The word carries a neutral to slightly negative connotation depending on the context. In health, it is almost always negative, implying a risk of disease. In photography, a 'bi taharrok' subject is ideal for long-exposure shots. Understanding this word requires recognizing that it describes the *absence* of the dynamic energy that 'taharrok' represents.

Synonym Comparison: 'Sāken' (stationary) is often used for geographic locations or fixed objects, while 'bi taharrok' is more common for living beings or things that *should* be moving but aren't.

او ساعت‌ها بی تحرک به افق خیره شده بود.

Translation: He stared at the horizon for hours, motionless.

Finally, the term is frequently paired with 'lifestyle' (sabk-e zendegi). If you read Iranian health blogs or watch news segments on obesity, you will inevitably hear about the dangers of a 'bi taharrok' lifestyle. It suggests a lack of exercise, a lack of walking, and a general state of physical stagnation. By mastering this word, you can engage in conversations about health, physics, behavior, and even sociology with precision and sophistication.

Using بی تحرک correctly involves understanding its role as an adjective. It usually follows the noun it modifies using the Ezafe construction (e.g., shakhs-e bi taharrok - an inactive person) or functions as a predicate after the verb 'to be' (budan) or 'to remain' (māndan). Because it is a compound adjective, it does not change based on gender (which Persian doesn't have anyway) but can be modified by adverbs of degree like بسیار (very) or کاملاً (completely).

Grammar Pattern: Predicative Use: [Subject] + [Adverb] + بی تحرک + [Verb]. Example: بیمار کاملاً بی تحرک است (The patient is completely immobile).

در طول مدیتیشن، باید بدن خود را بی تحرک نگه دارید.

Translation: During meditation, you must keep your body motionless.

When describing a lifestyle, 'bi taharrok' acts as a qualifying adjective for 'sabk-e zendegi'. This is perhaps the most common usage in modern Persian. You might say, 'Due to my job, my lifestyle is بی تحرک.' This implies a lack of physical exertion rather than a lack of mental activity. In fact, many high-intensity mental jobs are physically 'bi taharrok'.

ماهی‌های اعماق دریا گاهی برای ساعت‌ها بی تحرک می‌مانند.

Translation: Deep-sea fish sometimes remain motionless for hours.

Common Verb Pairings: Māndan (to remain), Shodan (to become), Negah dāshtan (to keep), Budan (to be).

In literary contexts, you might find 'bi taharrok' used metaphorically. A 'bi taharrok' society is one that is not progressing or changing. A 'bi taharrok' mind is one that is not thinking or evolving. However, for B2 learners, focusing on the physical and lifestyle-related meanings is the most practical approach. Remember that the stress in 'bi taharrok' falls on the final syllable of 'taharrok' (the 'rok' part).

اقتصاد کشور در چند سال اخیر بی تحرک بوده است.

Translation: The country's economy has been stagnant (inactive) in recent years.

If you are in Iran or listening to Persian media, you will encounter بی تحرک in several specific environments. The most prominent is the medical field. Iranian public health campaigns often target 'bi taharrok' as a primary cause of the rising rates of diabetes and heart disease in urban centers like Tehran or Isfahan. You will see posters in metro stations or health clinics warning against a سبک زندگی بی تحرک.

In the Doctor's Office: A doctor might ask: 'آیا شغل شما بی تحرک است؟' (Is your job sedentary/inactive?)

بسیاری از کارمندان به دلیل ماهیت بی تحرک شغلشان دچار کمردرد می‌شوند.

Translation: Many employees suffer from back pain due to the sedentary nature of their jobs.

Another common place is in news reports regarding the economy or the stock market. If trading volume is low and prices aren't moving, an analyst might describe the market as بی تحرک. Similarly, in political commentary, if a diplomatic process has stalled, it is often called 'bi taharrok'. It implies a lack of momentum or progress that should otherwise be present.

بازار بورس امروز بسیار بی تحرک بود و معامله‌ای انجام نشد.

Translation: The stock market was very inactive today, and no trades were made.

Lastly, you will hear it in nature documentaries or educational videos. When describing an animal that uses camouflage to stay hidden, the narrator will emphasize how it stays بی تحرک to avoid detection. In sports commentary, a team that isn't running enough or lacks 'dynamic' play might be criticized for being too 'bi taharrok'. In all these cases, the word highlights a lack of the expected or necessary movement.

News Keywords: Rukud (recession), Sokun (stillness), and Bi-taharroki (inactivity - the noun form).

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make is confusing بی تحرک (bi taharrok) with تنبل (tanbal). While both can describe someone who isn't moving much, 'tanbal' means 'lazy' and is a personality flaw. 'Bi taharrok' is a physical description. You can be a very hard-working person (not tanbal) but have a 'bi taharrok' job because you sit at a computer all day. Using 'tanbal' when you mean 'inactive' can sound insulting or inaccurate.

Mistake 1: Confusing with 'Sāken': 'Sāken' means stationary or resident. You say 'I am sāken of Tehran' (I live in Tehran). You cannot say 'I am bi taharrok of Tehran'. Also, 'sāken' is used for things that are fixed by nature, like a building.

Wrong: او خیلی تنبل است چون ورزش نمی‌کند. (He is very lazy because he doesn't exercise.)
Better: او سبک زندگی بی تحرکی دارد. (He has an inactive lifestyle.)

Another error is the misplacement of the 'bi' prefix. In Persian, 'bi' is always a prefix. Some learners try to use 'bedun-e taharrok' (without movement). While grammatically possible, it sounds clunky and less natural than the compound adjective 'bi taharrok'. Additionally, ensure you don't confuse تحرک (taharrok - motion) with تحریک (tahrik - provocation/stimulation). Saying 'bi tahrik' would mean 'without stimulation', which is a completely different medical or psychological term.

Mistake 2: Using it for 'Silence': If a room is quiet, use 'sāket'. 'Bi taharrok' only refers to physical movement. A quiet room can still have people moving in it.

Incorrect: کلاس بی تحرک بود. (The class was inactive - implies no one was moving).
Correct: کلاس ساکت بود. (The class was quiet).

Finally, remember that 'bi taharrok' is an adjective. If you want to use the noun 'inactivity,' you must add the 'i' suffix to get بی تحرکی (bi taharroki). For example: 'Inactivity is dangerous' is Bi taharroki khatarnāk ast. Many learners forget this 'i' and use the adjective where a noun is needed.

To truly master Persian, you need to know the alternatives to بی تحرک and when to use them. The most common synonym is غیرفعال (gheyr-e fa'āl), which literally means 'inactive' or 'non-active'. While they overlap, 'gheyr-e fa'āl' is often used for accounts, machines, or volcanoes, whereas 'bi taharrok' is more about physical motion of bodies or objects.

Gheyr-e Fa'āl vs. Bi Taharrok: Use 'Gheyr-e Fa'āl' for a disabled bank card or a dormant volcano. Use 'Bi Taharrok' for a person sitting still or a stagnant market.
Sāken (Stationary): Used for things that are fixed in place, like a building or a permanent resident of a city.

کوه آتشفشان سال‌هاست که غیرفعال است، اما سنگ‌های اطراف آن بی تحرک هستند.

Translation: The volcano has been inactive (gheyr-e fa'al) for years, but the rocks around it are motionless (bi taharrok).

Another alternative is ایستا (istā), which means 'static' or 'standing'. This is often used in technical fields like engineering or aesthetics (static vs. dynamic). Then there is راکد (rāked), which specifically describes stagnant water or a stagnant economy. If you are talking about a pool of water that isn't flowing, 'rāked' is much better than 'bi taharrok'.

آب راکد در برکه بوی بدی می‌داد.

Translation: The stagnant (rāked) water in the pond smelled bad.

In summary, choose 'bi taharrok' when focusing on the lack of physical motion or activity in a living being or a dynamic system. Choose 'gheyr-e fa'al' for systems and machines, 'sāken' for things that are fixed, and 'rāked' for liquids and finances. Understanding these nuances will make your Persian sound much more natural and precise.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"علت اصلی بسیاری از بیماری‌های قلبی، سبک زندگی بی تحرک است."

Neutral

"او برای مدتی بی تحرک به دریا نگاه کرد."

Informal

"چرا اینقدر بی تحرک نشستی؟ پاشو یه کاری بکن!"

Child friendly

"مثل یک سنگ بی تحرک باش تا من پیدایت نکنم!"

Slang

"طرف کلاً بی تحرکه، اصلاً تکون نمی‌خوره."

Fun Fact

The root H-R-K in Arabic is also the source of the word 'Harakat' which refers to the vowel marks in the Arabic/Persian script, as they 'move' the consonants.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /biː tæhærˈrok/

US /biː tæhərˈroʊk/

The primary stress is on the last syllable: bi-tahar-ROK.

Rhymes With

Matarrok (moving - rare) Tadarok (preparation) Mashrok (conditional) Matrok (abandoned) Moshtarak (common) Mobarak (blessed) Kouchak (small) Bozorg (large - partial rhyme)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'bi' like 'bye' instead of 'bee'.
Ignoring the 'h' in taharrok.
Putting the stress on 'bi' instead of the end of the word.
Mixing up 'taharrok' with 'tahrik'.
Pronouncing the 'r' as a flap instead of a slight trill.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to recognize once you know the prefix 'bi'.

Writing 4/5

Requires remembering the spelling of 'taharrok' with 'h' and double 'r'.

Speaking 4/5

The pronunciation of 'taharrok' can be tricky for English speakers.

Listening 3/5

Clear pronunciation usually makes it easy to hear.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

حرکت بی بدن زندگی ورزش

Learn Next

فعالیت سلامتی راکد ایستا پویا

Advanced

رکود اقتصادی استاتیک جمود سکون تحرک اجتماعی

Grammar to Know

Prefix 'Bi-' usage

بی + تحرک = بی تحرک (without movement)

Ezafe Construction

زندگیِ بی تحرک (Inactive life)

Noun formation from Adjective

بی تحرک + ی = بی تحرکی (Inactivity)

Adverbial use of Adjectives

او بی تحرک نشست (He sat motionlessly)

Comparative Adjectives

بی تحرک‌تر (More inactive)

Examples by Level

گربه بی تحرک است.

The cat is inactive/motionless.

Simple Subject + Adjective + Verb.

او بی تحرک نشست.

He sat motionless.

Adverbial use of the adjective.

ماشین بی تحرک ماند.

The car remained motionless.

Using 'māndan' (to remain).

چرا بی تحرک هستی؟

Why are you inactive?

Question form.

سگ بی تحرک به من نگاه کرد.

The dog looked at me motionlessly.

Adjective modifying the manner of looking.

او یک ساعت بی تحرک بود.

He was inactive for one hour.

Time duration + Adjective.

تو نباید بی تحرک باشی.

You should not be inactive.

Modal verb 'nabāyad' (should not).

این اسباب‌بازی بی تحرک است.

This toy is motionless.

Demonstrative 'in' (this).

زندگی بی تحرک برای سلامتی بد است.

An inactive life is bad for health.

Adjective modifying 'zendegi'.

من در کلاس بی تحرک می‌نشینم.

I sit inactive in class.

Present continuous sense.

بیمار روی تخت بی تحرک افتاده بود.

The patient was lying motionless on the bed.

Past perfect/continuous context.

پرنده روی شاخه بی تحرک ماند.

The bird remained motionless on the branch.

Prepositional phrase 'ru-ye shākhe'.

آیا شغل شما بی تحرک است؟

Is your job sedentary?

Formal inquiry.

بچه‌ها نباید زیاد بی تحرک بمانند.

Children shouldn't stay inactive for long.

Plural subject + modal.

او به مدت طولانی بی تحرک ماند.

He remained motionless for a long time.

Adverbial phrase of time.

بدن او در خواب بی تحرک است.

His body is motionless in sleep.

Possessive 'badan-e u'.

سبک زندگی بی تحرک باعث چاقی می‌شود.

A sedentary lifestyle causes obesity.

Cause and effect sentence.

پزشک به او گفت که نباید بی تحرک بماند.

The doctor told him that he shouldn't stay inactive.

Indirect speech.

بسیاری از حیوانات در زمستان بی تحرک می‌شوند.

Many animals become inactive in winter.

General fact/habitual.

او ساعت‌ها بی تحرک جلوی تلویزیون می‌نشیند.

He sits motionless in front of the TV for hours.

Frequency/duration.

اشیاء بی تحرک در این عکس زیباتر هستند.

Still objects are more beautiful in this photo.

Comparative 'zi bātar'.

ورزش کردن بهترین راه برای فرار از زندگی بی تحرک است.

Exercising is the best way to escape an inactive life.

Gerund 'varzesh kardan' as subject.

ماهی در آب بی تحرک به نظر می‌رسید.

The fish seemed motionless in the water.

Linking verb 'be nazar residan'.

او با نگاهی بی تحرک به دیوار خیره شد.

He stared at the wall with a motionless gaze.

Adjective modifying 'negāh' (gaze).

فقر حرکتی ناشی از مشاغل بی تحرک یک بحران جدی است.

Lack of mobility caused by sedentary jobs is a serious crisis.

Complex noun phrase as subject.

در فیزیک، به جسمی که بی تحرک است، نیروی خالص صفر وارد می‌شود.

In physics, a net force of zero is applied to a motionless object.

Technical scientific context.

بازار مسکن در ماه‌های اخیر کاملاً بی تحرک بوده است.

The housing market has been completely stagnant in recent months.

Economic metaphor.

او توانست برای دقایق طولانی بدن خود را کاملاً بی تحرک نگه دارد.

He was able to keep his body completely motionless for long minutes.

Verb 'negah dāshtan' (to keep).

تکنولوژی باعث شده است که نسل جدید بی تحرک‌تر از قبل باشد.

Technology has caused the new generation to be more inactive than before.

Comparative 'bi taharrok-tar'.

بیمارانی که برای مدت طولانی بی تحرک می‌مانند، دچار زخم بستر می‌شوند.

Patients who remain immobile for a long time develop bedsores.

Relative clause 'ke...'.

این خزنده برای فریب دادن شکار خود، بی تحرک می‌ماند.

This reptile remains motionless to deceive its prey.

Infinitive of purpose 'barāye farib dādan'.

سرمایه‌گذاران به دلیل شرایط بی تحرک بازار، تمایلی به خرید ندارند.

Investors are not inclined to buy due to the inactive market conditions.

Causal phrase 'be dalil-e'.

سکوت و فضای بی تحرک اتاق، اضطراب او را بیشتر می‌کرد.

The silence and the motionless atmosphere of the room increased his anxiety.

Atmospheric description.

او در میان جمعیتی پرجنب‌وجوش، تنها و بی تحرک ایستاده بود.

Amidst a vibrant crowd, he stood alone and motionless.

Contrastive adjectives.

ساختار سیاسی بی تحرک مانع از هرگونه اصلاحات اساسی می‌شود.

A stagnant political structure prevents any fundamental reforms.

Political metaphor.

نویسنده با توصیف اشیاء بی تحرک، فضای مرده داستان را ترسیم کرد.

By describing motionless objects, the author depicted the dead atmosphere of the story.

Literary analysis.

ذهن بی تحرک قادر به درک پیچیدگی‌های جهان مدرن نیست.

An inactive mind is unable to grasp the complexities of the modern world.

Philosophical subject.

او چنان بی تحرک بود که گویی بخشی از مبلمان اتاق است.

He was so motionless that it was as if he were part of the room's furniture.

Simile with 'gu-yi' (as if).

تداوم وضعیت بی تحرک در جبهه‌ها، نشان‌دهنده بن‌بست نظامی بود.

The continuation of the inactive state on the fronts indicated a military stalemate.

Military context.

هنرمند با استفاده از تضاد بین عناصر متحرک و بی تحرک، معنا خلق می‌کند.

The artist creates meaning by using the contrast between moving and motionless elements.

Artistic critique.

انجماد فکری و بی تحرکی نهادی، ریشه‌های زوال این تمدن بودند.

Intellectual freezing and institutional inactivity were the roots of this civilization's decline.

Abstract historical analysis.

در غیاب محرک‌های خارجی، سیستم به حالتی بی تحرک و پایدار می‌رسد.

In the absence of external stimuli, the system reaches a motionless and stable state.

Systems theory/Physics.

او در خلسه‌ای عمیق، بی تحرک و فارغ از زمان و مکان غوطه بود.

In a deep trance, he was immersed, motionless and free from time and space.

Mystical/Poetic register.

رویکرد بی تحرک دولت در قبال تغییرات اقلیمی فاجعه‌بار خواهد بود.

The government's inactive approach toward climate change will be catastrophic.

Policy critique.

ذرات در دمای صفر مطلق تقریباً بی تحرک می‌شوند.

Particles become almost motionless at absolute zero temperature.

Advanced thermodynamics.

سکون بی تحرک مجسمه، تضادی آشکار با شور و شوق سوژه داشت.

The motionless stillness of the statue stood in stark contrast to the subject's passion.

Aesthetic paradox.

او با مهارتی عجیب، خود را در محیطی بی تحرک استتار کرده بود.

With strange skill, he had camouflaged himself in a motionless environment.

Tactical description.

این نظریه به دلیل ماهیت بی تحرک و انعطاف‌ناپذیرش، متروک گشت.

This theory became obsolete due to its inactive and inflexible nature.

Epistemological context.

Common Collocations

سبک زندگی بی تحرک

شغل بی تحرک

اشیاء بی تحرک

بازار بی تحرک

بدن بی تحرک

ساعات بی تحرک

ماهیت بی تحرک

وضعیت بی تحرک

نگاه بی تحرک

جامعه بی تحرک

Common Phrases

کاملاً بی تحرک

— Completely motionless. Used for total lack of movement.

او برای دو ساعت کاملاً بی تحرک ماند.

بسیار بی تحرک

— Very inactive. Often used for lifestyles.

نسل جدید بسیار بی تحرک شده است.

نسبتاً بی تحرک

— Relatively inactive.

او زندگی نسبتاً بی تحرکی دارد.

بی تحرک نشستن

— To sit motionless.

ساعت‌ها بی تحرک نشستن مضر است.

بی تحرک ماندن

— To remain motionless.

سعی کن در طول عکس گرفتن بی تحرک بمانی.

بیماری‌های ناشی از بی تحرکی

— Diseases caused by inactivity.

بیماری‌های ناشی از بی تحرکی در حال افزایش است.

فرد بی تحرک

— An inactive person.

یک فرد بی تحرک باید پیاده‌روی را شروع کند.

دنیای بی تحرک

— A motionless world (poetic).

در دنیای بی تحرک خواب، همه چیز زیباست.

عضلات بی تحرک

— Inactive muscles.

عضلات بی تحرک ضعیف می‌شوند.

ذهن بی تحرک

— An inactive mind.

او ذهنی بی تحرک و تنبل داشت.

Often Confused With

بی تحرک vs تنبل

Tanbal means lazy (character trait), while bi taharrok means inactive (physical state).

بی تحرک vs ساکن

Sāken means stationary or resident, often for buildings or fixed locations.

بی تحرک vs بی‌حرکت

Bi-harakat is very similar but often used for things that have simply stopped moving, like a car.

Idioms & Expressions

"مثل مجسمه بی تحرک ماندن"

— To stay as still as a statue. Used when someone doesn't react or move at all.

وقتی خبر را شنید، مثل مجسمه بی تحرک ماند.

Informal

"بی تحرکی مرگبار"

— Deadly inactivity. Used in health contexts to emphasize danger.

پزشکان از بی تحرکی مرگبار کارمندان هشدار می‌دهند.

Journalistic

"آب بی تحرک گنداب می‌شود"

— Still water turns into a swamp. A proverb meaning that lack of progress leads to corruption or decay.

باید حرکت کنی، چون آب بی تحرک گنداب می‌شود.

Literary/Proverb

"در جای خود بی تحرک خشک شدن"

— To freeze in one's place. Used for extreme fear or shock.

از ترس در جای خود بی تحرک خشک شد.

Informal

"بی تحرک مثل کوه"

— Motionless like a mountain. Used for stability or stubbornness.

او در برابر انتقادها بی تحرک مثل کوه ایستاد.

Poetic

"سایه بی تحرک"

— A motionless shadow. Used to describe someone who is present but has no impact.

او فقط یک سایه بی تحرک در این شرکت است.

Metaphorical

"بی تحرکی مطلق"

— Absolute inactivity.

در آن روستای دورافتاده، بی تحرکی مطلق حاکم بود.

Formal

"بی تحرک و بی صدا"

— Motionless and silent. Often used for stealth or peace.

شکارچی بی تحرک و بی صدا منتظر ماند.

Neutral

"طلسم بی تحرکی"

— The spell of inactivity. Used for a situation that seems impossible to change.

او بالاخره طلسم بی تحرکی خود را شکست و شروع به کار کرد.

Literary

"بی تحرک در برابر زمان"

— Motionless against time. Used for things that don't age or change.

آن بنای تاریخی بی تحرک در برابر زمان ایستاده است.

Poetic

Easily Confused

بی تحرک vs تحریک

Sounds very similar to 'taharrok'.

Tahrik means provocation or stimulation, while taharrok means movement.

این فیلم تحریک‌کننده بود (This movie was provocative).

بی تحرک vs ساکت

Both imply a lack of something.

Sāket is for lack of sound (quiet), bi taharrok is for lack of movement.

کتابخانه ساکت است (The library is quiet).

بی تحرک vs راکد

Both mean inactive.

Rāked is specifically for water or business/money.

آب راکد است (The water is stagnant).

بی تحرک vs ایستا

Scientific synonyms.

Istā is usually 'static' in a technical or structural sense.

تعادل ایستا (Static equilibrium).

بی تحرک vs منجمد

Implies no movement.

Monjamed means frozen (literally or metaphorically).

گوشت منجمد (Frozen meat).

Sentence Patterns

[Subject] بی تحرک است.

گربه بی تحرک است.

[Subject] بی تحرک [Verb].

او بی تحرک نشست.

[Noun]ِ بی تحرک [Verb].

زندگیِ بی تحرک بد است.

به دلیل [Noun]، [Subject] بی تحرک است.

به دلیل شغلش، او بی تحرک است.

با اینکه [Clause]، اما [Subject] بی تحرک ماند.

با اینکه همه می‌دویدند، اما او بی تحرک ماند.

[Noun]ِ بی تحرک، نمادی از [Abstract Noun] است.

جامعه‌ی بی تحرک، نمادی از زوال است.

[Subject] نباید بی تحرک بماند.

بیمار نباید بی تحرک بماند.

آیا [Noun]ِ شما بی تحرک است؟

آیا سبک زندگی شما بی تحرک است؟

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

High in health, science, and economic news.

Common Mistakes

Using 'bi taharrok' for a quiet person. → Using 'kam-harf' (talks little) or 'ārām' (quiet).
'Bi taharrok' is only about physical movement, not speech or personality.
Saying 'Man bi taharrok hastam' to mean 'I am bored'. → Man hoseleh-am sar rafteh.
'Bi taharrok' means you aren't moving, not that you are bored.
Spelling it as 'bi tahrik'. → bi taharrok.
'Tahrik' means stimulation, which changes the meaning entirely.
Forgetting the 'i' for the noun form. → Bi taharroki (Inactivity).
You cannot use the adjective as a noun subject without the 'i'.
Using 'bi taharrok' for a broken machine. → Kharāb.
'Bi taharrok' implies a state, while 'kharāb' implies it's broken.

Tips

Medical Usage

If a doctor asks about your 'taharrok', they are asking how much you move or exercise. 'Bi taharrok' is a red flag for health issues.

Ezafe Rule

Always remember the Ezafe (the 'e' sound) when connecting a noun to 'bi taharrok'. It's 'zendegi-ye bi taharrok'.

Prefix Power

Learn the 'bi-' prefix. Once you know 'taharrok' is movement, 'bi-taharrok' is easy to remember as 'without movement'.

Don't be Rude

Avoid calling a person 'bi taharrok' to their face unless you are their doctor; it can sound like you're calling them boring or lazy.

Business Persian

Use this word in business meetings to describe a slow market or a project that isn't moving forward.

Stress the End

Persian words usually have the stress on the last syllable. Say 'bi-tahar-ROK'.

Spelling Tip

The word 'taharrok' has a 't' (ت) and an 'h' (ح). Be careful not to use the other 't' (ط) or 'h' (ه).

Context is King

Pay attention to whether the word describes a person (sedentary) or an object (motionless).

Bi vs. Gheyr-e

'Bi' is Persian, 'Gheyr-e' is Arabic. 'Bi taharrok' is more common for physical things, 'Gheyr-e fa'al' for abstract systems.

Modern Iran

This word is very 'modern' in its frequent usage due to the rise of technology and office culture in Iran.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'Bee' (bi) that is 'Tired' (taharrok sounds a bit like 'tired' if you stretch it) and therefore stays 'motionless'.

Visual Association

Imagine a person sitting on a sofa with cobwebs growing on them. The word 'BI TAHARROK' is written in the dust on their TV.

Word Web

Sedentary Still Motionless Inactive Static Stagnant Idle Fixed

Challenge

Try to spend 5 minutes being completely 'bi taharrok' and then describe how your 'taharrok' feels when you finally move.

Word Origin

The word is a compound of the Persian prefix 'bi-' and the Arabic-derived noun 'taharrok'.

Original meaning: Without movement or without being moved.

Indo-European (Persian prefix) + Afro-Asiatic (Arabic root).

Cultural Context

None. It is a neutral descriptive term.

In English, we often use 'sedentary' for lifestyles and 'motionless' for objects. Persian uses 'bi taharrok' for both.

Medical warnings from the Iranian Ministry of Health regarding 'bi taharroki'. Physics textbooks in Iranian schools describing 'ajsām-e bi taharrok' (motionless bodies). Poetry by Sohrab Sepehri often touches on stillness, though he might use 'sokun' more often.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Health and Fitness

ورزش علیه بی تحرکی
عوارض بی تحرکی
تحرک بدنی کافی
جلوگیری از بی تحرکی

Physics/Science

جسم بی تحرک
حالت بی تحرک
نیروی وارد بر جسم بی تحرک
ذرات بی تحرک

Economy

بازار بی تحرک
اقتصاد بی تحرک
دوره بی تحرکی
معاملات بی تحرک

Photography/Art

سوژه بی تحرک
مدل بی تحرک
طبیعت بی تحرک
اشیاء بی تحرک

Psychology

ذهن بی تحرک
رفتار بی تحرک
دوره بی تحرکی فکری
شخصیت بی تحرک

Conversation Starters

"آیا فکر می‌کنید تکنولوژی ما را بی تحرک کرده است؟"

"شغل شما چقدر بی تحرک است؟"

"برای فرار از یک زندگی بی تحرک چه پیشنهادی دارید؟"

"آیا می‌توانید برای ده دقیقه کاملاً بی تحرک بمانید؟"

"به نظر شما بازار بورس چرا اینقدر بی تحرک شده است؟"

Journal Prompts

درباره یک روز که در آن کاملاً بی تحرک بودید بنویسید.

چگونه می‌توان در یک شغل بی تحرک، فعال باقی ماند؟

تفاوت بین آرامش و بی تحرکی از نظر شما چیست؟

آیا جامعه ما به سمت بی تحرکی پیش می‌رود؟

توصیف کنید که دیدن یک شیء بی تحرک در طبیعت چه حسی دارد.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Not exactly. While a lazy person might be 'bi taharrok,' the word itself just describes the lack of movement. A hard-working office employee has a 'bi taharrok' job but isn't lazy.

It's better to use 'kharāb' (broken) or 'bi harakat' (without motion). 'Bi taharrok' is usually for living things or systems.

It is neutral to formal. You will hear it in news and from doctors, but it's common enough for daily conversation too.

'Harakat' is a single move; 'taharrok' is the general state of being active. 'Bi taharrok' is often used for 'sedentary' lifestyles.

Add an 'i' at the end: 'bi taharroki'.

No, use 'sāket' for quiet. 'Bi taharrok' is only for physical movement.

Yes, to criticize a player or team for not running enough or lacking energy.

Yes, it is very common in economic news to describe a market with no trades.

Yes, in Persian 'bi' is a prefix meaning 'without' and is attached to many nouns to make adjectives.

Yes, it is a soft 'h' sound, similar to 'house' in English.