بزرگداشت گرفتن in 30 Seconds
- A formal Persian compound verb meaning 'to commemorate'.
- Used for honoring historical figures, artists, and national events.
- Distinguished from casual celebrations by its tone of respect.
- Commonly seen in news, academic, and cultural contexts in Iran.
The Persian phrase بزرگداشت گرفتن (bozorgdāsht gereftan) is a sophisticated compound verb that translates most accurately to "to commemorate," "to honor the memory of," or "to hold a memorial or tribute ceremony." It is a cornerstone of Persian formal and semi-formal communication, used extensively when discussing historical figures, late artists, national heroes, or significant cultural events. The word bozorgdāsht itself is a compound of bozorg (great/big) and the suffix -dāsht (from dāshtan, meaning keeping or holding), essentially signifying the act of 'keeping someone or something great' in the collective consciousness.
- Formal Commemoration
- This verb is primarily used in academic and governmental contexts. For instance, when a university organizes a seminar to celebrate the life of a famous poet like Hafez or Ferdowsi, the term بزرگداشت گرفتن is employed to describe the official act of organizing and executing that event. It implies a level of respect and institutional recognition that goes beyond a simple party or celebration.
- Societal Memory
- Beyond organized events, the term can be used metaphorically to describe a society's effort to keep a legacy alive. If a city names a street after a martyr or a scientist, people might say they are بزرگداشت میگیرند for that person's contributions. It is about the preservation of dignity and the acknowledgment of merit over time.
دانشگاه تهران برای استادان برجسته خود هر سال مراسم بزرگداشت میگیرد تا یاد آنها را زنده نگه دارد.
In everyday Persian, you might not use this verb for a friend's birthday party (where jashn gereftan is preferred), but you would certainly use it if you were organizing a formal gathering to remember a late grandfather who was a pillar of the community. The nuance lies in the weight of the legacy being recognized. It is a verb of gravitas. When you use بزرگداشت گرفتن, you are signaling that the subject is worthy of high esteem and that the community has a duty to remember their impact.
ما باید برای کسانی که در راه وطن فداکاری کردهاند، بزرگداشت بگیریم.
Furthermore, the verb is versatile in its grammatical structure. While gereftan (to take/get) acts as the light verb, the noun bozorgdāsht can stand alone in many contexts. However, the compound form is the active way to describe the process of conducting the ceremony. It bridges the gap between the abstract concept of honor and the concrete action of gathering people together. In modern media, you will frequently hear this phrase during national holidays or anniversaries of the passing of literary giants like Rumi or Khayyam.
- Public vs. Private
- While often public, it can be private. A family might decide to بزرگداشت بگیرد for the tenth anniversary of a matriarch's passing by inviting relatives and sharing stories. The scale doesn't change the verb; the intent of 'honoring memory' remains the core focus.
Mastering بزرگداشت گرفتن requires understanding its syntactical flexibility. As a compound verb, it follows the standard Persian conjugation of gereftan while the noun bozorgdāsht remains static. The most common way to structure a sentence is: [Subject] + [Prepositional Phrase with 'barāye'] + [Noun] + [Verb]. For example, "The city held a ceremony for the hero" becomes "Shahr barāye qahramān bozorgdāsht gereft."
- Tense Variations
- In the present continuous, it becomes دارند بزرگداشت میگیرند (They are holding a commemoration). In the future tense, it is بزرگداشت خواهند گرفت (They will hold a commemoration). Because this verb describes a planned event, the future and past tenses are much more common than the simple present in daily conversation.
فردا در تالار وحدت برای این هنرمند بزرگ بزرگداشت میگیرند.
Another important aspect is the object marker rā. While barāye is more frequent, you might encounter Yād-e u rā bozorg dāshtand, which is a slightly more literary and archaic way of saying the same thing (using the verb bozorg dāshtan directly). However, for B1 learners, sticking to bozorgdāsht gereftan is the most natural and safe choice for modern spoken and written Persian.
آیا میدانید چرا مردم هر سال برای این واقعه تاریخی بزرگداشت میگیرند؟
When using this verb in a negative sense, the 'na-' prefix attaches to the light verb: bozorgdāsht nagereftand. This is often used when discussing a perceived lack of respect or a forgotten anniversary. For instance, "They didn't commemorate the anniversary of his death" would be "Sālgard-e fowt-e u rā bozorgdāsht nagereftand." This highlights the social expectation that such events *should* occur.
- Passive Voice Usage
- In formal reports, you might see the passive form: بزرگداشت گرفته شد (A commemoration was held). This is very common in news headlines. For example: "Bozorgdāsht-e Sa'di dar Shirāz gerefte shod" (Sa'di's commemoration was held in Shiraz).
Finally, consider the register. While gereftan is neutral, in extremely formal or poetic contexts, you might see bargozār kardan (to hold/execute) used with bozorgdāsht. However, bozorgdāsht gereftan remains the most idiomatic expression for 'commemorating' in standard Persian. It effectively communicates both the event and the emotional intent of the participants.
You will encounter بزرگداشت گرفتن in several distinct environments in Iran and the wider Persian-speaking world. Understanding these contexts will help you recognize the cultural weight the phrase carries.
- News and Media
- The most frequent place to hear this verb is on the evening news or in newspapers (like Ettela'at or Shargh). When the government or a cultural foundation organizes an event for a national day—such as the National Day of Persian Poetry and Literature—the news anchor will report that ceremonies are being gerefte shod (held) across the country.
- Academic and Cultural Institutions
- Universities and the 'Farhangestān' (Academy of Language and Literature) are hubs for commemorations. If you visit a Persian university, you will see posters for 'Bozorgdāsht' events for retired professors or historical thinkers. Students and faculty use this term to describe these intellectual tributes.
صدا و سیما برای هنرمندان پیشکسوت برنامه بزرگداشت میگیرد.
In the arts, especially cinema and music, bozorgdāsht gereftan is used during festivals. For instance, at the Fajr International Film Festival, they often hold a 'bozorgdāsht' for a lifetime of achievement by a director or actor. You will hear the host say, "Emshab barāye ostād... bozorgdāsht migirim" (Tonight, we are honoring Master...).
انجمن آثار و مفاخر فرهنگی همواره برای بزرگان ادب بزرگداشت میگیرد.
Social media has also become a place for this verb. On the anniversary of a beloved singer's death (like Shajarian), fans will post videos and use the hashtag #بزرگداشت to virtually 'gereftan' (hold) a tribute. Even if there is no physical hall, the digital act of sharing memories is described using this terminology in a modern, expanded sense.
- Religious and Traditional Contexts
- While religious events often have specific names (like Rowzeh or Heyat), the general act of honoring a saint or a religious figure can still be described as bozorgdāsht gereftan in a formal historical discussion. It frames the religious event as a cultural commemoration.
When learning بزرگداشت گرفتن, English speakers often fall into traps caused by direct translation or confusing similar-sounding Persian verbs. Avoiding these errors will make your Persian sound much more natural and educated.
- Confusing with 'Jashn Gereftan'
- The biggest mistake is using bozorgdāsht gereftan for a 'celebration' that is purely joyful or casual. You wouldn't bozorgdāsht gereftan for a 5-year-old's birthday or a football win. That is jashn gereftan. Bozorgdāsht implies honoring a legacy, often posthumously or for a lifetime of work. Using it for a party sounds unintentionally funny or overly dramatic.
- Incorrect Prepositional Use
- Learners often forget the 'barāye' (for). In English, we say "to commemorate someone." In Persian, you must say "to hold a commemoration for someone." Saying "U rā bozorgdāsht gereftand" is grammatically clunky compared to "Barāye u bozorgdāsht gereftand."
Mistake: ما برای تولد دوستم بزرگداشت گرفتیم.
Correct: ما برای تولد دوستم جشن گرفتیم.
Another common error is confusing bozorgdāsht (commemoration) with bozorg-maneshi (magnanimity) or bozorgi (greatness). While they share the root bozorg, they are used in entirely different contexts. Bozorgdāsht is specifically about the act of honoring memory.
بسیاری از دانشجویان به اشتباه فکر میکنند بزرگداشت گرفتن فقط برای مردگان است، اما برای زندگان هم میتوان این مراسم را برگزار کرد.
Lastly, pay attention to the plural. While you can hold multiple commemorations (bozorgdāsht-hā), the verb gereftan usually stays singular unless you are referring to multiple distinct acts of 'taking'. For example, "They held various commemorations" would be "Bozorgdāsht-hā-ye mokhtalefi gereftand."
- Spelling Note
- In Persian script, bozorgdāsht is written as one word or with a 'half-space' (z-fāseleh). Writing it as two separate words bozorg dāsht changes the meaning to 'he/she had big...' which is a common typo for beginners.
Persian is rich with synonyms for 'honoring' and 'remembering'. Depending on the specific nuance you want to convey, you might choose one of these alternatives instead of بزرگداشت گرفتن.
- تجلیل کردن (Tajlil Kardan)
- This is perhaps the closest synonym. Tajlil means to glorify or pay tribute to. While bozorgdāsht often refers to the event itself, tajlil focuses more on the act of praising the person's virtues. You 'tajlil' someone's services to the country.
- یادواره گرفتن (Yādvareh Gereftan)
- This is specifically used for 'memorials', particularly for groups like martyrs (shohadā) or victims of a disaster. Yādvareh has a more collective and often more somber tone than the broader bozorgdāsht.
مراسم تجلیل از قهرمانان المپیک هفته آینده برگزار میشود.
Another alternative is تکریم کردن (Takrim Kardan), which means to treat with dignity or to venerate. This is often used for the elderly or religious scholars. While you bozorgdāsht gereftan for a poet, you might takrim kardan a retired teacher to show personal respect.
ما باید از مقام معلم تکریم کنیم.
For a more literary or poetic vibe, you might see Yād-e kasi rā gerāmi dāshtan (to hold someone's memory dear). This is very common in speeches and formal writing. It is less about the physical ceremony and more about the internal feeling of remembrance.
- Comparison Table
- بزرگداشت گرفتن: Focus on the formal ceremony/tribute.
- جشن گرفتن: Focus on joy/celebration (birthdays, weddings).
- یادبود گرفتن: Focus on memorializing someone who passed away.
- ستایش کردن: To praise or worship (more abstract).
How Formal Is It?
Fun Fact
The root of 'bozorg' (vazarka) is a cognate of the Latin 'vigeo' (to be lively/strong) and the English 'vigor'. So when you 'bozorgdāsht gereftan', you are literally invigorating someone's memory!
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing 'bozorg' with a hard 'z' instead of 'zh' (if misread as buzurg).
- Not giving enough length to the 'ā' in 'dāsht'.
- Putting the stress on the first syllable of 'gereftan'.
- Failing to pronounce the 'h' in 'dāsht' clearly.
- Merging the two words without a slight pause in formal speech.
Difficulty Rating
The word is long but the components are common. Easy to spot in texts.
Requires correct spelling of 'bozorgdāsht' and proper conjugation of 'gereftan'.
The 'zh' and 'sh' sounds together can be a tongue-twister for beginners.
Clear pronunciation in formal media makes it easy to hear.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Compound Verb Conjugation
In 'bozorgdāsht gereftan', only 'gereftan' changes (e.g., gereftam, migiram).
Preposition 'Barāye'
Always use 'barāye' before the person being honored: 'Barāye u...'
Subjunctive with 'Tasmim'
Tasmim gereftam بزرگداشت بگیرم (I decided to hold a commemoration).
Passive with 'Shodan'
بزرگداشت گرفته شد (A commemoration was held).
Ezafe Construction in Nouns
مراسمِ بزرگداشتِ استاد (The ceremony of the commemoration of the master).
Examples by Level
ما برای او بزرگداشت میگیریم.
We hold a commemoration for him.
Simple present tense with 'barāye' (for).
آنها بزرگداشت گرفتند.
They held a commemoration.
Simple past tense.
این یک بزرگداشت بزرگ است.
This is a big commemoration.
Using 'bozorgdāsht' as a noun.
برای معلم بزرگداشت بگیرید.
Hold a commemoration for the teacher.
Imperative mood.
من بزرگداشت را دوست دارم.
I like the commemoration.
Direct object with 'rā'.
آیا شما بزرگداشت میگیرید؟
Are you holding a commemoration?
Interrogative sentence.
ما فردا بزرگداشت میگیریم.
We are holding a commemoration tomorrow.
Future intent using present tense.
او برای پدرش بزرگداشت گرفت.
He held a tribute for his father.
Past tense with possessive suffix.
مردم شهر برای این قهرمان بزرگداشت گرفتند.
The people of the city held a commemoration for this hero.
Subject-Object-Verb order.
ما میخواهیم برای شاعر محبوبمان بزرگداشت بگیریم.
We want to hold a commemoration for our favorite poet.
Use of 'mikhāhim' (we want) with subjunctive 'begirim'.
چرا دولت برای او بزرگداشت نمیگیرد؟
Why doesn't the government hold a commemoration for him?
Negative interrogative.
هر سال در این مدرسه بزرگداشت میگیرند.
Every year they hold a commemoration in this school.
Indefinite 'they' used for general practice.
بزرگداشت گرفتن کار خوبی است.
Holding a commemoration is a good thing.
Using the infinitive as a subject.
آنها برای سالگرد پیروزی بزرگداشت گرفتند.
They held a commemoration for the victory anniversary.
Compound noun 'sālgard-e piruzi'.
شما باید برای این هنرمند بزرگداشت بگیرید.
You must hold a commemoration for this artist.
Modal verb 'bāyad' (must).
ما در حال بزرگداشت گرفتن هستیم.
We are in the process of holding a commemoration.
Present continuous construction.
دانشگاه تصمیم دارد برای استادان بازنشسته بزرگداشت بگیرد.
The university intends to hold a commemoration for retired professors.
Verb 'tasmim dāshtan' (to intend) with subjunctive.
اگر او زنده بود، برایش بزرگداشت میگرفتند.
If he were alive, they would hold a commemoration for him.
Conditional sentence (Type 2).
مراسمی که برای بزرگداشت او گرفتند، بسیار باشکوه بود.
The ceremony they held to commemorate him was very magnificent.
Relative clause starting with 'ke'.
بسیاری از انجمنهای ادبی برای حافظ بزرگداشت میگیرند.
Many literary associations hold commemorations for Hafez.
Plural subject with specific noun.
ما نباید فراموش کنیم که برای بزرگانمان بزرگداشت بگیریم.
We should not forget to hold commemorations for our elders.
Negative modal 'nabāyad' with 'farāmush kardan'.
او به خاطر خدماتی که انجام داده بود، بزرگداشت گرفته شد.
He was commemorated because of the services he had performed.
Passive voice (gerefte shod).
آیا تا به حال برای کسی بزرگداشت گرفتهاید؟
Have you ever held a commemoration for someone?
Present perfect tense.
برنامهریزی برای بزرگداشت گرفتن زمان زیادی میبرد.
Planning for holding a commemoration takes a lot of time.
Gerund phrase as a subject.
وزارت فرهنگ برای پاسداشت زبان فارسی، بزرگداشتهای متعددی میگیرد.
The Ministry of Culture holds numerous commemorations to preserve the Persian language.
Use of 'pāsdāsht' (preservation) as a purpose.
این مراسم به منظور بزرگداشت گرفتن از مقام علمی ایشان برگزار شد.
This ceremony was held for the purpose of honoring his scientific status.
Formal phrase 'be manzur-e' (for the purpose of).
هر ملتی که برای مفاخر خود بزرگداشت نگیرد، هویتش را از دست میدهد.
Any nation that does not commemorate its luminaries loses its identity.
Conditional relative clause.
آنها قصد دارند برای صدمین سالگرد تولد نویسنده بزرگداشت بگیرند.
They intend to hold a commemoration for the 100th anniversary of the writer's birth.
Ordinal number 'sadomin'.
بزرگداشت گرفتن برای شهدا یک وظیفه ملی محسوب میشود.
Commemorating martyrs is considered a national duty.
Passive verb 'mahsūb shodan' (to be considered).
او پیشنهاد کرد که برای هنرمندان گمنام نیز بزرگداشت بگیریم.
He suggested that we also hold commemorations for anonymous artists.
Verb 'pishnahād kardan' with subjunctive.
با بزرگداشت گرفتن از بزرگان، راه آنها را ادامه میدهیم.
By commemorating the greats, we continue their path.
Prepositional phrase 'bā' (by/with) + gerund.
مردم با شور و شوق فراوان برای قهرمان ملی خود بزرگداشت گرفتند.
The people held a commemoration for their national hero with great enthusiasm.
Adverbial phrase 'bā shur o shogh-e farāvān'.
برگزاری چنین مراسمی فراتر از صرفاً بزرگداشت گرفتن، یک بیانیه سیاسی بود.
Holding such a ceremony was more than just a commemoration; it was a political statement.
Comparative 'farātar az' (beyond).
نقد و بررسی آثار در کنار بزرگداشت گرفتن، به غنای فرهنگی جامعه کمک میکند.
Critiquing works alongside commemoration contributes to the cultural richness of society.
Complex subject with 'dar kenār-e'.
تاریخنگاران بر این باورند که بزرگداشت گرفتن از شاهان قدیمی، ابزاری برای مشروعیتبخشی بود.
Historians believe that commemorating ancient kings was a tool for legitimation.
Formal reporting verb 'bar in bāvarand'.
او همواره از اینکه برایش بزرگداشت بگیرند، ابا داشت و تواضع میکرد.
He was always reluctant to have a commemoration held for him and showed humility.
Verb 'abā dāshtan' (to be reluctant/refuse).
بزرگداشت گرفتن نباید به یک عمل تشریفاتی و توخالی تبدیل شود.
Commemoration should not turn into a ceremonial and hollow act.
Negative modal with complex adjectives.
در این مقاله، نویسنده به تحلیل چرایی بزرگداشت گرفتن برای شخصیتهای جنجالی میپردازد.
In this article, the author analyzes why commemorations are held for controversial figures.
Verb 'be ... pardākhtan' (to deal with/address).
هرچند برای او بزرگداشت گرفتند، اما یادش در میان نسل جوان کمرنگ شده است.
Although they held a commemoration for him, his memory has faded among the younger generation.
Concessive clause with 'harchand' (although).
بزرگداشت گرفتن از مفاخر ملی، حلقهی وصلی میان گذشته و آینده است.
Commemorating national luminaries is a connecting link between the past and the future.
Metaphorical noun phrase 'halghe-ye vasl'.
تقارن این دو واقعه باعث شد که دولت در بزرگداشت گرفتن برای آنها دچار تردید شود.
The coincidence of these two events caused the government to hesitate in commemorating them.
Causal structure 'bā'es shod ke'.
بزرگداشت گرفتن در ساحتِ اندیشه، مستلزم بازخوانیِ نقادانهی میراثِ گذشتگان است.
Commemoration within the realm of thought necessitates a critical re-reading of the ancestors' legacy.
Highly formal vocabulary ('sāhat', 'mustalzam').
فقدانِ نهادهای مدنیِ مستقل، بزرگداشت گرفتن را به انحصارِ قرائتهای رسمی درآورده است.
The lack of independent civic institutions has brought commemoration under the monopoly of official readings.
Abstract subject with 'be enhosār dar-āvardan'.
او با رویکردی پدیدارشناسانه به بررسیِ عملِ بزرگداشت گرفتن در جوامعِ سنتی پرداخت.
He examined the act of commemoration in traditional societies with a phenomenological approach.
Academic register with 'ruykardi' (approach).
بیم آن میرود که بزرگداشت گرفتن برای این فیلسوف، به تقدیسِ کورکورانهی او بینجامد.
There is a fear that commemorating this philosopher might lead to his blind sanctification.
Passive construction 'bim ān miravad ke'.
تجلیِ ارادتِ تودهها در بزرگداشت گرفتن برای رهبرانشان، موضوعِ این پژوهشِ جامعهشناختی است.
The manifestation of the masses' devotion in commemorating their leaders is the subject of this sociological research.
Complex genitive chain (Ezafe).
بزرگداشت گرفتن، اگر با تبیینِ صحیحِ آرمانها همراه نباشد، به ضدِ خود تبدیل خواهد شد.
Commemoration, if not accompanied by a correct explanation of ideals, will turn into its own opposite.
Conditional with 'agar' and future 'tabdil khāhad shod'.
در پسِ پشتِ این بزرگداشت گرفتنها، نوعی میل به بازگشت به دورانِ طلایی نهفته است.
Behind these commemorations lies a sort of desire for a return to a golden age.
Idiomatic 'dar pas-e posht-e' (behind/underlying).
Synonyms
Antonyms
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— They honored his memory (literary version).
در تمام کشور یاد او را بزرگ داشتند.
— To perform/execute a commemoration (very formal).
از مقام علمی ایشان بزرگداشت به عمل آمد.
— A tribute held while the person is still alive.
بزرگداشتهای زنده بسیار ارزشمندتر هستند.
— The end of the commemoration ceremony.
در پایان مراسم بزرگداشت، از تندیس رونمایی شد.
Often Confused With
Used for happy, casual parties like birthdays, not formal tributes.
Means 'to enlarge' or 'to raise a child', not related to honoring memory.
A more literary/archaic version meaning 'to revere' as a state of mind.
Idioms & Expressions
— To remember someone's name with goodness (related to honoring).
همه جا نام او را به نیکی یاد میکنند.
General— To do justice to a subject (often used when a commemoration is done well).
در این بزرگداشت، واقعاً حق مطلب را ادا کردند.
Formal— May his/her memory be good (used when reminiscing).
فلانی آدم بزرگی بود، یادش بخیر.
Informal— Someone's place is empty (used during commemorations for the deceased).
در این بزرگداشت، جای استاد واقعاً خالی است.
Neutral— To take one's hat off to someone (to show great respect).
باید برای چنین قهرمانی کلاه از سر برداشت.
Neutral— To shine on the forehead of history (used to describe those being commemorated).
نام او بر تارک تاریخ میدرخشد.
Literary— To keep the memory alive.
ما با بزرگداشت گرفتن، یاد او را زنده نگه میداریم.
General— To perform a prostration of thanks (sometimes used in religious commemorations).
مردم برای این پیروزی بزرگداشت گرفتند و سجدهی شکر به جای آوردند.
Religious/Formal— To stand tall (often said of the figures being honored).
او در برابر سختیها قد علم کرد و لایق بزرگداشت است.
LiteraryEasily Confused
Contains the root 'bozorg'.
It means 'magnanimity' or 'generosity of spirit', which is a personality trait.
بزرگمنشی او زبانزد خاص و عام است.
Contains the root 'bozorg'.
It simply means 'adult' or 'grown-up'.
این فیلم برای بزرگسالان است.
Contains the root 'bozorg'.
It means 'highway' or 'expressway'.
ترافیک در بزرگراه سنگین است.
Contains the root 'bozorg'.
It means 'exaggeration' or 'magnification'.
او در بیان مشکلات بزرگنمایی میکند.
Contains the root 'bozorg'.
It means 'high-born' or 'noble-born'.
او از خانوادهای بزرگزاده است.
Sentence Patterns
ما برای [نام] بزرگداشت میگیریم.
ما برای حافظ بزرگداشت میگیریم.
[زمان] برای [شخص] بزرگداشت گرفتند.
دیروز برای معلم بزرگداشت گرفتند.
آنها تصمیم دارند برای [موضوع] بزرگداشت بگیرند.
آنها تصمیم دارند برای پیروزی بزرگداشت بگیرند.
این مراسم به منظور بزرگداشت گرفتن از [مقام] است.
این مراسم به منظور بزرگداشت گرفتن از مقام مادر است.
بزرگداشت گرفتن برای [شخص]، نمادی از [مفهوم] است.
بزرگداشت گرفتن برای شهدا، نمادی از مقاومت است.
در پرتوِ بزرگداشت گرفتن برای [X]، میتوان به [Y] دست یافت.
در پرتو بزرگداشت گرفتن برای فردوسی، میتوان به شکوهِ زبان فارسی دست یافت.
آیا برای [شخص] بزرگداشت گرفته شده است؟
آیا برای این نویسنده بزرگداشت گرفته شده است؟
هرگز نباید از بزرگداشت گرفتن برای [X] غافل شد.
هرگز نباید از بزرگداشت گرفتن برای مفاخر غافل شد.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
Common in media, education, and cultural discourse.
-
Using 'bozorgdāsht gereftan' for a party.
→
jashn gereftan
Bozorgdāsht is for honoring legacy; jashn is for fun and celebration. Don't use it for your birthday!
-
Saying 'U rā bozorgdāsht gereftam'.
→
Barāye u bozorgdāsht gereftam.
In Persian, you hold the ceremony 'for' someone, so 'barāye' is the necessary preposition.
-
Spelling it as 'bozorg dāsht' (two words).
→
bozorgdāsht
Separating them changes the meaning to 'he/she had big...', which is grammatically different.
-
Using 'bozorgdāsht kardan' in a formal speech.
→
bozorgdāsht gereftan / bargozār kardan
While understandable, 'gereftan' or 'bargozār kardan' are the idiomatic choices for 'holding' an event.
-
Confusing 'bozorgdāsht' with 'bozorgi'.
→
bozorgdāsht
Bozorgi means 'greatness' (the quality). Bozorgdāsht is the 'commemoration' (the event).
Tips
Light Verb Logic
Remember that in Persian compound verbs like 'bozorgdāsht gereftan', the noun 'bozorgdāsht' never changes. Only conjugate 'gereftan' based on the subject and tense.
Spot the Root
Whenever you see 'bozorg', think 'great'. This helps you remember that 'bozorgdāsht' is about recognizing someone's greatness.
Tone of Voice
When using this verb, maintain a respectful and steady tone. It’s not a word for shouting or joking.
Half-Space
If your keyboard allows, use a half-space (z-fāseleh) between 'bozorg' and 'dāsht' if you write it as two parts, but one word is also standard.
News Cues
News anchors often use the passive 'gerefte shod'. If you hear this after a famous name, you know a tribute just happened.
Showing Respect
If a Persian friend mentions a 'bozorgdāsht' for a relative, say 'Yādashun gerāmi' (May their memory be dear).
Festschrift
A 'Bozorgdāsht-nāmeh' is a book of articles written to honor a scholar. It’s the highest academic honor in Iran.
Scanning
When reading Persian newspapers, scan for the word 'بزرگداشت' to find the cultural section.
The 'Great-Hold'
Think: 'Bozorg' (Great) + 'Dasht' (Hold). You are holding someone in great regard.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'Bozorg' as 'Big' and 'Dasht' as 'Dashed' (stored). You are 'Taking' (Gereftan) a 'Big Stored' memory out to show everyone.
Visual Association
Imagine a giant (Bozorg) holding (Dasht) a golden trophy (Gereftan) for a poet's statue. This visualizes the act of honoring greatness.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to find three Persian news headlines online containing the word 'بزرگداشت'. Note if they use 'gereftan' or 'bargozār kardan'.
Word Origin
The term 'bozorgdāsht' is a Persian compound. 'Bozorg' comes from Middle Persian 'wuzurg', which traces back to Old Persian 'vazarka' (great). '-dāsht' is the past stem of 'dāshtan' (to have/hold), from Old Persian 'dar-'.
Original meaning: The original sense was 'to hold in high esteem' or 'to maintain the greatness' of something.
Indo-European -> Indo-Iranian -> Iranian -> Persian.Cultural Context
When attending a 'Bozorgdāsht', avoid loud laughter or casual attire. It is a 'Sangin' (heavy/serious) atmosphere where respect is the currency.
The equivalent in English is 'to hold a tribute' or 'to commemorate'. However, 'bozorgdāsht' feels more formal and frequent in public life than 'commemoration' does in the US or UK.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Cultural Festivals
- بزرگداشت سینماگران
- آیین بزرگداشت برگزیدگان
- بزرگداشت یک عمر فعالیت هنری
- در حاشیه جشنواره بزرگداشت گرفتند
Death Anniversaries
- بزرگداشت سالگرد درگذشت
- برای چهلم او بزرگداشت گرفتند
- بزرگداشت بر سر مزار
- یادواره و بزرگداشت
Academic Awards
- بزرگداشت چهرههای ماندگار
- بزرگداشت مقام علمی
- برای استاد بازنشسته بزرگداشت گرفتند
- کتاب بزرگداشت
National Holidays
- بزرگداشت روز آزادی
- بزرگداشت شهدای گمنام
- در سراسر کشور بزرگداشت گرفتند
- تقویم بزرگداشتها
Religious Events
- بزرگداشت مقام ولایت
- بزرگداشت بزرگان دین
- مراسم معنوی بزرگداشت
- بزرگداشت در مساجد
Conversation Starters
"آیا میدانستید امروز برای کدام شاعر بزرگداشت میگیرند؟"
"به نظر شما بهترین راه برای بزرگداشت گرفتن از یک قهرمان چیست؟"
"آیا تا به حال در یک مراسم بزرگداشت شرکت کردهاید؟"
"چرا در ایران برای نویسندگان بزرگداشتهای زیادی میگیرند؟"
"اگر بخواهید برای کسی بزرگداشت بگیرید، چه برنامهای اجرا میکنید؟"
Journal Prompts
درباره شخصیتی که فکر میکنید جامعه باید برای او بزرگداشت بگیرد، بنویسید.
تفاوت بین یک جشن ساده و یک مراسم بزرگداشت را از دیدگاه خود توضیح دهید.
احساس خود را پس از شرکت در یک مراسم بزرگداشت توصیف کنید.
چرا بزرگداشت گرفتن برای حفظ فرهنگ یک کشور حیاتی است؟
یک برنامه پیشنهادی برای بزرگداشت گرفتن از یکی از اعضای خانوادهتان بنویسید.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, that would be incorrect. A wedding is a 'jashn' (celebration). 'Bozorgdāsht' is for honoring a legacy or historical significance. Using it for a wedding would sound like the wedding is a solemn historical tribute.
Not necessarily, but it is more common for the deceased. You can hold a 'bozorgdāsht' for a living person to honor their lifetime of work, often called a 'bozorgdāsht-e zendeh' (living tribute).
'Bozorgdāsht' is a general term for honoring greatness. 'Yādvāreh' is specifically a memorial, often used for groups like soldiers or victims of a tragedy. 'Yādvāreh' is usually more somber.
Iranians don't usually say 'Happy' for a commemoration. Instead, they might say 'Yādash gerāmi bād' (May his memory be dear) or 'Mobārak bād' if it's the national day of a poet, but generally, the focus is on 'Gerāmidāsht' (honoring).
Yes, it is considered a formal or semi-formal word. In very casual settings, people might just say 'marāsem' (ceremony) or 'yādbud' (memorial).
While 'bozorgdāsht kardan' is occasionally seen in writing, 'gereftan' is the standard light verb for the act of holding the event. 'Bargozār kardan' is the most formal alternative.
You should wear formal or business-casual clothing. These events are respectful and often attended by scholars, officials, or family members of the honored person.
There are many! The Iranian calendar has specific days for Sa'di, Hafez, Ferdowsi, and Khayyam, where 'bozorgdāsht' ceremonies are held nationwide.
Usually, it is for people or events. For a building, you might use 'jashn-e sālgerd' (anniversary celebration) or 'pāsdāsht' if it's a historical site.
You use the future form of 'gereftan': 'bozorgdāsht khāhand gereft' (they will hold a commemoration).
Test Yourself 200 questions
Write a sentence in Persian about holding a commemoration for a famous poet.
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Explain in Persian why it is important to hold commemorations for national heroes.
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Describe a ceremony you attended using the word 'بزرگداشت'.
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Write a formal invitation header for a commemoration event.
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Create a short dialogue between two friends planning a tribute for their teacher.
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Write a news headline about a national commemoration event.
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Use 'بزرگداشت گرفتن' in a conditional sentence (Type 2).
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Explain the difference between 'jashn' and 'bozorgdāsht' in Persian.
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Write a paragraph about your favorite historical figure and why they deserve a 'bozorgdāsht'.
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Compose a short poem or formal phrase honoring a late artist.
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Write a sentence using 'بزرگداشت گرفتن' in the future tense.
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Translate: 'They did not hold a commemoration for the anniversary.'
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Use 'بزرگداشت گرفتن' in a sentence with 'tasmim dāshtan'.
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Write a formal sentence about 'living tributes'.
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Describe the atmosphere of a 'bozorgdāsht' in three adjectives.
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Write a sentence about a 'bozorgdāsht' held in a specific location.
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Translate: 'The commemoration was held at a national level.'
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Write a sentence using 'bozorgdāsht' as a direct object with 'rā'.
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Write a question asking why someone is being commemorated.
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Compose a sentence about a 'bozorgdāsht' for a victim of a tragedy.
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Pronounce correctly: بزرگداشت گرفتن
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Tell a short story about a commemoration you saw on TV.
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Explain the importance of 'bozorgdāsht' in Iranian culture.
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How would you invite someone to a tribute ceremony in Persian?
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Discuss if you think living tributes are better than posthumous ones.
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Describe the difference between 'bozorgdāsht' and 'jashn' orally.
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Roleplay: You are a news anchor reporting on a national commemoration.
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Talk about a person in your life who deserves a 'bozorgdāsht'.
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Explain the meaning of 'Yādash gerāmi bād'.
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Discuss how social media has changed the way people 'bozorgdāsht gereftan'.
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Practice saying: 'Barāye mofākher-e melli bozorgdāsht migirim'.
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Summarize a famous 'bozorgdāsht' event you know.
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How do you feel during a commemoration ceremony?
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Explain the grammatical structure of 'bozorgdāsht gereftan'.
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Give three synonyms for 'bozorgdāsht'.
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Talk about the role of music in these ceremonies.
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What happens if a society stops 'bozorgdāsht gereftan' for its heroes?
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Practice the sentence: 'Emshab dar tālār-e vahdat barāye ostād bozorgdāsht migirand'.
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Describe the clothing people wear to a 'bozorgdāsht'.
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Express your opinion on government-funded commemorations.
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Listen and identify the verb: 'Ma baraye u bozorgdasht gereftim'.
Who is being honored? 'Baraye Sa'di dar Shiraz bozorgdasht migirand'.
What is the location? 'Dar talar-e dāneshgāh bozorgdasht gereftand'.
Is the event in the past or future? 'Hafteye āyandeh bozorgdasht khāhand gereft'.
Listen for the reason: 'Be manzur-e bozorgdasht-e maqām-e mo'allem...' What is the reason?
Identify the tone: A formal news report about a 'bozorgdāsht'.
How many people were honored? 'Baraye do tan az asatid bozorgdasht gereftand'.
What did they do at the end? 'Dar pāyān az ketāb-e bozorgdasht-nāmeh runamāyi shod'.
Was the person happy about it? 'U ba tavazo' bozorgdasht rā paziroft'.
Is it a national or local event? 'In yek bozorgdasht-e melli ast'.
What was showered on the statue? 'Tandis rā gol-bārān kardand'.
Who organized it? 'Vezārat-e Farhang bozorgdasht gereft'.
What was the atmosphere like? 'Marāsem besyār sangin va mohtaramanah bud'.
Was it crowded? 'Tālār مملو از جمعیت بود'.
What did the speaker say? 'Yād-e u hamvāreh dar ghalb-e māst'.
/ 200 correct
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Summary
The verb 'بزرگداشت گرفتن' (bozorgdāsht gereftan) is essential for participating in or describing Persian cultural life. It signifies a formal act of honoring a legacy, such as holding a tribute for the poet Hafez (Barāye Hafez bozorgdāsht migirand).
- A formal Persian compound verb meaning 'to commemorate'.
- Used for honoring historical figures, artists, and national events.
- Distinguished from casual celebrations by its tone of respect.
- Commonly seen in news, academic, and cultural contexts in Iran.
Light Verb Logic
Remember that in Persian compound verbs like 'bozorgdāsht gereftan', the noun 'bozorgdāsht' never changes. Only conjugate 'gereftan' based on the subject and tense.
Context is Key
Use this word when talking about poets like Rumi or scientists like Avicenna. It shows you appreciate the depth of Persian heritage.
Spot the Root
Whenever you see 'bozorg', think 'great'. This helps you remember that 'bozorgdāsht' is about recognizing someone's greatness.
Tone of Voice
When using this verb, maintain a respectful and steady tone. It’s not a word for shouting or joking.
Related Content
More family words
عاقد
B1Marriage officiant.
عضو بودن
B1To be a member (of a family).
عقد
B1Marriage contract; formal engagement ceremony.
عقد کردن
B1To get married; to formalize a marriage contract.
عمه
A1Paternal aunt; the sister of one's father.
عمه زاده
B1Paternal cousin (child of paternal aunt).
عمهزاده
B1Paternal aunt's child (cousin).
عمو
A1Paternal uncle; the brother of one's father.
عموزاده
A2A cousin (child of one's paternal uncle).
عنایت
B1Care; attention; favor; consideration.
