چنگ زدن in 30 Seconds
- Literally means to claw or scratch using nails/talons.
- Commonly used for animal actions like cats scratching furniture.
- Metaphorically means to cling desperately to hope or help.
- Requires the preposition 'be' (to/at) before the object.
The Persian verb چنگ زدن (Chang Zadan) is a fascinating compound verb that captures a range of physical and metaphorical actions involving the hands, claws, or talons. At its most literal level, it describes the act of scratching, clawing, or digging nails into a surface. Think of a cat sharpening its claws on a sofa or an eagle diving from the sky to snatch a fish from the water. The word 'Chang' (چنگ) itself refers to a claw, a talon, or even the palm of the hand with fingers curved like a hook. When combined with 'Zadan' (to strike or hit), it creates a dynamic action of forceful gripping or scratching.
- Literal Usage (Animals)
- Used to describe how animals like cats, lions, or birds of prey use their claws to attack, defend, or hold onto something. For example, 'The cat scratched the door' would use this verb.
- Physical Usage (Humans)
- Describes a person grabbing something desperately or scratching someone in a fight. It implies a lack of gentleness—a raw, instinctive grip.
- Metaphorical Usage (Emotions & Desperation)
- This is where the word becomes poetic. It is often used to describe 'clinging' to a hope, a memory, or a person's garment (daman) in a state of plea or desperation. It suggests a soul 'clawing' for survival or meaning.
گربه با عصبانیت به مبل نو چنگ زد و آن را پاره کرد.
In everyday Persian, you might hear this word when someone describes a struggle. If someone is drowning, they might 'چنگ زدن' at the water or a nearby rope. In literature, a lover might 'چنگ زدن' at the memory of the beloved. It is a high-energy verb that conveys intensity. It is not a gentle touch; it is a grab that leaves a mark. Whether it is a physical mark on skin or a psychological mark on the heart, 'Chang Zadan' implies a deep, forceful engagement with the object.
او در میان امواج دریا، ناامیدانه به تکه چوبی چنگ میزد.
The versatility of this verb lies in its ability to move from the mundane (pet behavior) to the profound (existential struggle). When you use this word, you are signaling a sense of urgency or raw physical action. It is much stronger than 'gereftan' (to take/hold). While 'gereftan' is neutral, 'chang zadan' involves the fingertips, the nails, and the intent to not let go, even if it causes damage.
Using چنگ زدن correctly requires understanding its prepositional requirements. Usually, the object being scratched or grasped is preceded by the preposition به (be - to/at). This distinguishes it from many other transitive verbs that use the 'ra' (را) marker. When you say 'I scratched the wall,' in Persian, you are literally 'striking claws *to* the wall.'
- The Preposition 'Be' (به)
- Standard: [Subject] + [Preposition 'Be'] + [Object] + [Chang Zadan]. Example: 'عقاب به طعمه چنگ زد' (The eagle clawed the prey).
- The Transitive Form with 'Ra' (را)
- In some colloquial or specific contexts, if the action is viewed as scratching the surface of an object directly, 'ra' might be used, but 'be' remains the most grammatically standard for the sense of grasping or clawing at something.
کودک به پیراهن پدرش چنگ زد تا نیفتد.
Conjugation follows the standard pattern for compound verbs with 'Zadan'. The 'Chang' remains static, while 'Zadan' changes for tense and person. Past: 'چنگ زدم' (I scratched). Present: 'چنگ میزنم' (I am scratching). Imperative: 'چنگ بزن!' (Scratch/Grasp!). It is important to remember that 'Zadan' is an irregular verb in the present stem (زن - zan).
When describing an itch, Persians do not usually use 'Chang Zadan' unless the scratching is violent and leaves marks. For a regular itch, 'kharandan' (خاراندن) is the correct verb. Using 'Chang Zadan' for a simple itch would sound like you are attacking your own skin. This distinction is crucial for sounding natural. Use 'Chang Zadan' when there is power, claws, or desperation involved.
You will encounter چنگ زدن in several distinct environments, ranging from the wild to the depths of the human psyche. Understanding these contexts will help you grasp the 'vibe' of the word beyond its dictionary definition.
- 1. Nature and Wildlife Documentaries
- Narrators often use this word to describe the hunting techniques of big cats or raptors. 'The leopard clawed the tree' (پلنگ به درخت چنگ زد). It emphasizes the physical tool of the animal.
- 2. Literary and Poetic Settings
- In classical poetry, 'Chang Zadan' is a metaphor for seeking refuge. A poet might 'چنگ زدن به زلف یار' (grasp at the beloved's tresses), symbolizing a desperate attempt to stay connected to beauty or the divine.
- 3. News and Dramatic Storytelling
- In news reports about accidents or rescue missions, you might hear about survivors 'grasping' at whatever they could find. It adds a layer of struggle and survival to the narrative.
او برای نجات خود به هر ریسمانی چنگ میزد.
In a domestic setting, if a child is being naughty and scratching furniture, a parent might say, 'نکش! به مبل چنگ نزن!' (Don't pull! Don't scratch the sofa!). It is also used in medical contexts to describe a patient 'clawing' at their chest during a heart attack or extreme pain, indicating a visceral, involuntary reaction to suffering.
The most frequent mistake learners make with چنگ زدن is confusing it with other 'scratching' or 'taking' verbs. Because Persian has several words for similar actions, precision is key to avoiding sounding like a non-native speaker.
- Mistake 1: Confusing with 'Kharandan' (خاراندن)
- 'Kharandan' is to scratch an itch. If you have a mosquito bite, you 'میخارانی' (scratch it). If you use 'چنگ میزنی', it sounds like you are trying to rip your skin off with your claws.
- Mistake 2: Confusing with 'Kharashidan' (خراشیدن)
- 'Kharashidan' is to graze or lightly scratch a surface (like a car scratch). 'Chang Zadan' is much more aggressive and usually involves multiple points of contact (fingers/claws) and a gripping motion.
- Mistake 3: Using 'Ra' instead of 'Be'
- As mentioned before, saying 'مبل را چنگ زدم' is less common than 'به مبل چنگ زدم'. The preposition 'be' indicates the direction of the clawing action.
اشتباه: پشهبند را چنگ زدم چون میخارید.
Another mistake is forgetting the compound nature of the verb. Some learners try to use 'Chang' as a standalone verb, but in modern Persian, it must be paired with 'Zadan' to function as 'to scratch/claw'. Also, avoid using it for 'playing the harp' (which is also 'Chang'). While 'Chang Zadan' *can* historically mean playing the harp, modern speakers use 'Navakhtan' (نواختن) for musical instruments to avoid confusion with clawing.
To enrich your vocabulary, it is helpful to see where چنگ زدن sits among its synonyms and related terms. Each has a specific nuance that changes the tone of your sentence.
- خراشیدن (Kharashidan) vs. چنگ زدن
- 'Kharashidan' is for superficial scratches, like a key scratching a car or a light scrape on the knee. 'Chang Zadan' is deep, intentional, and usually involves a 'grip' or 'digging' motion.
- قاپیدن (Ghapidan) vs. چنگ زدن
- 'Ghapidan' means to snatch or grab quickly. It is about speed. 'Chang Zadan' can lead to a 'ghapidan', but it emphasizes the use of the nails/claws to secure the object.
- گرفتن (Gereftan) vs. چنگ زدن
- 'Gereftan' is the generic word for 'to take' or 'to hold'. If you hold a cup, you use 'gereftan'. If you are falling off a cliff and grab a branch with your fingernails digging in, you use 'chang zadan'.
او به جای گرفتنِ دستم، به بازویم چنگ زد.
In a poetic or formal context, you might see تمسک جستن (Tamassok Jostan), which means 'to seek a handle' or 'to cling to' (usually an idea or a religious law). This is the high-register, formal equivalent of the metaphorical 'chang zadan'. If you are writing a formal essay about clinging to traditions, 'Tamassok Jostan' is better. If you are describing a cat or a dramatic scene, 'Chang Zadan' is perfect.
How Formal Is It?
Fun Fact
The word 'Chang' also means 'harp' in Persian because the shape of the ancient harp resembled a curved claw or a bent hand.
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing 'Chang' like 'Chong' (the 'a' is short, not long).
- Stress on 'Chang' instead of 'Zadan'.
- Mixing the 'z' sound with 'j'.
- Treating it as a single word instead of two.
- Vowel lengthening in 'Zadan'.
Difficulty Rating
Easy to recognize in text once you know the components.
Requires remembering the preposition 'be' and the present stem 'zan'.
Common in daily life and stories.
Distinctive sound makes it easy to pick out.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Compound Verbs with 'Zadan'
حرف زدن، زنگ زدن، چنگ زدن
Prepositional Verbs (Be)
او به دیوار چنگ زد.
Present Stem of Zadan (Zan)
من چنگ میزنم.
Past Stem of Zadan (Zad)
او چنگ زد.
Negative Imperative (Na + Stem)
چنگ نزن!
Examples by Level
گربه به در چنگ زد.
The cat scratched the door.
Simple past tense: Subject + Preposition 'be' + Object + Verb.
بچه به اسباببازی چنگ زد.
The baby grabbed/clawed at the toy.
Shows the action of grabbing with fingers.
به مبل چنگ نزن!
Don't scratch the sofa!
Negative imperative form.
خرس به تنه درخت چنگ زد.
The bear clawed the tree trunk.
Standard animal action.
او به توپ چنگ میزند.
He is grabbing/clawing at the ball.
Present continuous sense.
چنگ نزن، درد دارد!
Don't scratch/claw, it hurts!
Informal imperative.
گربه همیشه چنگ میزند.
The cat always scratches.
Habitual present tense.
چرا به من چنگ زدی؟
Why did you scratch me?
Question form in past tense.
او به لبه میز چنگ زد تا نیفتد.
He grabbed the edge of the table so he wouldn't fall.
Using 'ta' (so that) with the verb.
عقاب به ماهی چنگ زد.
The eagle clawed the fish.
Specific use for birds of prey.
ببر به شکار خود چنگ زد.
The tiger clawed its prey.
Focus on the physical tool (claws).
او با ناخنهایش به دیوار چنگ زد.
She scratched the wall with her nails.
Specifying the instrument (nails).
سگ به زمین چنگ میزد تا چاله بکند.
The dog was scratching the ground to dig a hole.
Describing digging action.
به دستم چنگ نزن، ناخنت بلند است.
Don't scratch my hand, your nail is long.
Contextual reason for the action.
او در خواب به پتو چنگ میزد.
He was clawing at the blanket in his sleep.
Involuntary action.
گربه به صورت او چنگ زد.
The cat scratched his face.
Direct object of the scratching.
کوهنورد به صخره چنگ زد تا بالا برود.
The climber clawed/gripped the rock to go up.
Indicates effort and grip.
او برای نجات از غرق شدن به قایق چنگ زد.
He clawed at the boat to save himself from drowning.
Context of survival.
ناامیدانه به آخرین امیدش چنگ میزد.
He was desperately clinging to his last hope.
Metaphorical use (Hope).
بچه از ترس به چادر مادرش چنگ زد.
The child clawed at his mother's chador out of fear.
Emotional cause (fear).
او به هر چیزی چنگ میزد تا تعادلش را حفظ کند.
He was grabbing at anything to keep his balance.
Describing frantic movement.
دزد به کیف زن چنگ زد و آن را کشید.
The thief clawed/grabbed the woman's bag and pulled it.
Aggressive physical action.
شیر به طعمهاش چنگ زد و آن را گرفت.
The lion clawed its prey and caught it.
Sequential actions.
او در میان جمعیت به دست دوستش چنگ زد.
He grabbed his friend's hand in the middle of the crowd.
Grasping for connection.
او به خاطرات گذشته چنگ میزد تا تنهاییاش را فراموش کند.
He was clinging to past memories to forget his loneliness.
Abstract object (Memories).
غرور زخمیاش به هر بهانهای چنگ میزد.
His wounded pride was grasping at any excuse.
Personification of pride.
او به دامن عدالت چنگ زد تا حقش را بگیرد.
He clung to the 'skirt' of justice to get his rights.
Idiomatic use of 'Daman' (skirt/edge).
در آن لحظه بحرانی، او به ایمانش چنگ زد.
In that critical moment, he clung to his faith.
Spiritual metaphor.
او برای فرار از واقعیت به دروغ چنگ میزد.
He was grasping at lies to escape reality.
Metaphorical desperation.
دستانش به لبه پنجره چنگ زدند و او خودش را بالا کشید.
His hands clawed the window ledge and he pulled himself up.
Plural subject for emphasis.
او به هر ریسمانِ پوسیدهای چنگ میزد تا زنده بماند.
He was grasping at every rotten rope to stay alive.
Metaphor for futile effort.
او به قدرت چنگ زده است و نمیخواهد آن را رها کند.
He has clawed onto power and doesn't want to let it go.
Perfect tense (has clawed).
او به ریسمانِ الهی چنگ زد تا از گمراهی نجات یابد.
He clung to the divine rope to be saved from deviation.
Religious/Sufi terminology.
شاعر به استعارههای پیچیده چنگ میزند تا دردش را بیان کند.
The poet grasps at complex metaphors to express his pain.
Literary analysis context.
او در گرداب مشکلات به هر خس و خاشاکی چنگ میزد.
In the whirlpool of problems, he was grasping at every bit of debris/straw.
Idiom: 'Chanting to straws'.
او به سنتهای قدیمی چنگ زده و تغییر را نمیپذیرد.
He is clinging to old traditions and does not accept change.
Sociological context.
پنجههای تردید به قلبش چنگ میزدند.
The claws of doubt were scratching/clawing at his heart.
Metaphorical personification.
او به دامنِ کرمِ او چنگ زد تا بخشیده شود.
He clung to the skirt of His (God's) generosity to be forgiven.
High formal register.
او به هر وسیلهای چنگ میزند تا رقیبش را شکست دهد.
He grasps at every means/method to defeat his rival.
Indicates lack of ethics.
او به خاکِ وطن چنگ زد و بر آن بوسه زد.
He clawed the soil of his homeland and kissed it.
Emotional, patriotic context.
او در احتضار به زندگی چنگ میزد، گویی مرگی در کار نیست.
In his death throes, he was clawing at life, as if death did not exist.
Existential/Philosophical context.
عارف به تجلیاتِ حق چنگ میزند تا از خودی رها شود.
The mystic clings to divine manifestations to be freed from the self.
Advanced Sufi philosophy.
او به ریسمانِ پوسیدهی توهماتش چنگ زده است.
He has clung to the rotten rope of his illusions.
Psychological depth.
پنجهی روزگار به چهرهی زیبایش چنگ زده و آن را پژمرده کرده بود.
The claw of time had scratched his beautiful face and made it withered.
Classical poetic trope (Time as a predator).
او به حبلالمتینِ ولایت چنگ زد تا در طوفانِ حوادث غرق نشود.
He clung to the firm rope of 'Wilayah' to not drown in the storm of events.
Theological/Political register.
او به هر خس و خاشاکی برای اثباتِ ادعایش چنگ میزد.
He was grasping at every bit of straw to prove his claim.
Rhetorical criticism.
او به دامنِ کبریا چنگ زد و از غیر برید.
He clung to the skirt of Grandeur (God) and cut himself off from others.
Sufi 'detachment' context.
او به پارهای از حقیقت چنگ زده و کل را فراموش کرده است.
He has grasped a fragment of truth and forgotten the whole.
Epistemological critique.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— To grasp at straws; to try anything in desperation.
او برای تبرئه شدن به هر خس و خاشاکی چنگ میزند.
— To touch the heart deeply (usually of music or a sad story).
صدای او به دل چنگ میزند.
— To turn to God in total desperation.
وقتی همه درها بسته شد، به دامن خدا چنگ زد.
— To show teeth and claws; to threaten someone.
رقیب برای ما چنگ و دندان نشان داد.
— To try every possible way, even the wrong ones.
او برای پول به ریسمان سیاه و سفید چنگ میزند.
— To grab someone's shirt to stop them or plead.
زن به پیراهن شوهرش چنگ زد تا نرود.
Often Confused With
Used for itching, not clawing.
Used for light scrapes or car scratches.
The modern word for playing a harp (Chang).
Idioms & Expressions
— Literally 'to grasp at every weed'; to use any desperate measure.
غریق به هر حشیشی چنگ میزند.
Literary/Proverbial— To hold fast to the rope of God.
در سختیها به ریسمان الهی چنگ بزنید.
Religious— To cause deep emotional pain or sorrow.
ناله او چنگ در جگر میافکند.
Classical Poetic— To try every possible door/option.
او برای پیدا کردن کار به هر دری چنگ زد.
Common— To scratch one's own face (as a sign of extreme mourning).
او در سوگ برادرش چنگ بر رخسار زد.
Traditional/Poetic— To grasp at the wind (to do something futile).
تلاش تو مثل چنگ زدن به باد است.
Metaphorical— To chase shadows; to grasp at something non-existent.
او به سایهها چنگ میزند.
PhilosophicalEasily Confused
Sounds similar to Chang.
Jang means war; Chang means claw/harp.
جنگ تمام شد (The war ended) vs به مبل چنگ زد.
Rhymes with Chang.
Tang means tight or narrow.
کفش تنگ است (The shoe is tight).
Rhymes with Chang.
Rang means color.
چه رنگی دوست داری؟
Rhymes with Chang.
Sang means stone.
سنگ بزرگ است.
Almost the same meaning.
Panjeh zadan is slightly more formal or used for larger animals like lions.
شیر به زمین پنجه زد.
Sentence Patterns
[Subject] [Object] + be + chang zad.
گربه به مبل چنگ زد.
[Subject] baraye [Reason] be [Object] chang zad.
او برای تعادل به میز چنگ زد.
[Subject] na-omidane be [Object] chang mi-zad.
او ناامیدانه به طناب چنگ میزد.
[Subject] be [Abstract Noun] chang zade ast.
او به قدرت چنگ زده است.
[Metaphorical Subject] be [Object] chang mi-zanad.
پنجه تردید به قلبش چنگ میزند.
[Subject] be hable-matin-e [Noun] chang zad.
او به حبلالمتین ایمان چنگ زد.
[Subject] dar [State] be [Object] chang mi-zad.
او در احتضار به زندگی چنگ میزد.
[Poetic Subject] be [Object] chang dar-afkand.
غصه به جانش چنگ درافکند.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
Common in stories, nature talk, and emotional descriptions.
-
Using 'Ra' for the object.
→
Using 'Be'.
It is 'Be mbl chang zad', not 'Mobl ra chang zad'.
-
Using it for a simple itch.
→
Kharandan.
Chang zadan implies damage or claws.
-
Mispronouncing 'Chang' as 'Chong'.
→
'Chang' (short a).
Long 'o' changes the sound completely.
-
Confusing with 'Jang zadan' (which doesn't exist).
→
Chang zadan.
Jang means war.
-
Separating 'Chang' and 'Zadan' too far in the sentence.
→
Keep them close.
Compound verbs usually stay together in modern speech.
Tips
Preposition Power
Always remember 'be' (به). Without it, the sentence feels incomplete.
Cat Context
Think of cats first. It helps you remember the physical action perfectly.
Drowning Man
Visualize a drowning man grabbing a rope to remember the 'desperate' meaning.
Short A
The 'a' in 'Chang' is short, like 'apple', not long like 'car'.
Poetic Depth
Don't be afraid to use it for 'hope' or 'faith' in advanced writing.
vs Kharandan
Scratch an itch? Kharandan. Scratch a face? Chang Zadan.
Intensity
Use it when you want to show that the action was not gentle.
Fork Connection
Connect it to 'Changal' (fork) to remember that it involves 'tines' or 'points'.
Daman Idiom
Learn 'be daman-e ... chang zadan' as a set phrase for pleading.
Compound Verb
Listen for the 'Zadan' at the end; Persians often speak fast, but 'Zadan' is the engine of the verb.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of a 'CHAMP' (Chang) who 'Zapped' (Zadan) the sofa with his nails. Or imagine a cat playing a 'CH-ANG' (Harp) with its claws.
Visual Association
Visualize an eagle's talons (Chang) hitting (Zadan) the surface of a lake to catch a fish.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to describe three different things an eagle can 'Chang Zadan' in one minute.
Word Origin
Derived from Middle Persian 'čang' meaning claw or palm. The word has ancient Indo-European roots relating to something curved or hooked.
Original meaning: The original meaning referred to the curved shape of a predator's claw or a human hand ready to grasp.
Indo-Iranian -> West Iranian -> New Persian.Cultural Context
Be careful when using it for people; it implies aggression or desperation unless used metaphorically.
English speakers often use 'scratch' for everything. Persian speakers distinguish between 'Chang Zadan' (aggressive/clawing) and 'Kharandan' (relieving an itch).
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Pet Ownership
- گربه چنگ میزند
- به مبل چنگ نزن
- ناخنهایش را بگیر
- جای چنگ
Accidents/Emergencies
- به طناب چنگ زد
- به لبه پنجره چنگ بزن
- کمک بخواه
- دستش را گرفت
Literature/Poetry
- به دامن یار چنگ زدن
- به امید چنگ زدن
- چنگ در جگر
- ریسمان الهی
Nature/Wild
- عقاب به صید چنگ زد
- پنجههای تیز
- شکار کردن
- درخت را خراشید
Arguments/Fights
- به صورتش چنگ زد
- دعوا کردن
- زخمی کردن
- ناخن کشیدن
Conversation Starters
"آیا گربه شما هم به مبلها چنگ میزند؟ (Does your cat scratch the sofas too?)"
"وقتی ترسیدهای، به چه چیزی چنگ میزنی؟ (What do you cling to when you are afraid?)"
"تا به حال عقابی را دیدهای که به ماهی چنگ بزند؟ (Have you ever seen an eagle clawing a fish?)"
"چرا بعضیها در بحث به هر بهانهای چنگ میزنند؟ (Why do some people grasp at any excuse in an argument?)"
"به نظر تو، چنگ زدن به سنتها همیشه خوب است؟ (Do you think clinging to traditions is always good?)"
Journal Prompts
درباره زمانی بنویسید که ناامیدانه به یک امید چنگ زده بودید. (Write about a time you desperately clung to a hope.)
تفاوت بین 'گرفتن' و 'چنگ زدن' را در یک داستان کوتاه توصیف کنید. (Describe the difference between 'taking' and 'clawing' in a short story.)
چرا گربهها به وسایل خانه چنگ میزنند؟ (Why do cats scratch household items?)
یک صحنه دراماتیک را توصیف کنید که در آن کسی به لبه صخره چنگ زده است. (Describe a dramatic scene where someone is clawing the edge of a cliff.)
معنای استعارهای 'چنگ زدن به ریسمان الهی' برای شما چیست؟ (What does the metaphor 'clinging to the divine rope' mean to you?)
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIn classical Persian, yes, because 'Chang' is a harp. However, in modern Persian, it's better to use 'Navakhtan' (نواختن) to avoid sounding like you are scratching the instrument.
They are very similar. 'Chang Andakhtan' (چنگ انداختن) literally means 'to throw a claw' and is often used for a sudden, aggressive scratching motion, whereas 'Chang Zadan' is more general.
In 90% of cases, yes. It indicates the target of the clawing. 'Be divar chang zad' (He clawed at the wall).
You say: 'Gorbe be man chang zad' (گربه به من چنگ زد).
Yes, if a person uses their nails to scratch or grab forcefully, you use 'Chang Zadan'.
It is an idiom meaning 'to grasp at straws'—trying anything, no matter how small or useless, to save oneself.
No, use 'Kharandan' (خاراندن) for an itch. 'Chang Zadan' is too violent for a normal itch.
Yes! 'Changal' (چنگال) means fork in Persian, literally 'a little claw'.
Use the present stem 'zan' with the prefix 'mi-'.
Yes, especially in storytelling and when describing animal behavior or intense emotions.
Test Yourself 184 questions
Translate: 'The cat scratched the sofa.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'Don't scratch my hand!'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence using 'Chang Zadan' and 'Eagle'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'He is desperately clinging to hope.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Use 'Chang Zadan' in a sentence about a climber.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'The child grabbed his mother's shirt.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write the present continuous form for 'We are scratching'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'The thief grabbed the bag.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence about a cat and a door.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'He clung to the divine rope.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Use 'Chang Zadan' for a memory.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'Why did you scratch the wall?'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write the negative past form for 'You (plural) did not scratch'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'The claws of doubt.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence about a drowning person.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'Don't scratch the new furniture.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Use the word 'Naakhon' (nail) in a sentence with 'Chang Zadan'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'He is grasping at straws.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence about a tiger and its prey.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'The sound of the music touches the heart.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Describe what a cat does to a sofa using 'Chang Zadan'.
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Tell a short story about an eagle catching a fish.
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Explain the idiom 'grasping at straws' in Persian.
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Describe a time you saw someone grab something in fear.
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Talk about the difference between 'Chang Zadan' and 'Kharandan'.
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Describe a rock climber's actions.
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
How do you tell a child not to scratch you?
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Give an example of 'clinging to hope'.
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Describe a scene from a horror movie using this verb.
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
What does 'Chang zadan be daman-e khoda' mean to you?
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Describe an angry person's physical reaction.
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Talk about a cat's instinct.
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Use 'Chang Zadan' in a political context.
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Describe the feeling of a sad song.
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
What would you do if you were slipping on ice?
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Describe a tiger hunting.
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Why shouldn't you 'Chang Zadan' a harp like a cat?
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Give a sentence with 'Chang-zade'.
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Explain 'Chang bar rokhsar zadan'.
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Is 'Chang Zadan' always physical?
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Listen: 'گربه به دستم چنگ زد.' What part of the body was affected?
Listen: 'او به امیدهای واهی چنگ میزند.' Are the hopes realistic?
Listen: 'به مبل نو چنگ نزن!' Is the speaker happy?
Listen: 'عقاب به ماهی چنگ زد.' What did the eagle catch?
Listen: 'او به دامن مادرش چنگ زد.' Who did the child grab?
Listen: 'صدای او به دل چنگ میزند.' Is the voice pleasant or emotional?
Listen: 'کوهنورد به صخره چنگ زد.' Where is the person?
Listen: 'به هر خس و خاشاکی چنگ میزند.' Is the person in a good situation?
Listen: 'در خواب به پتو چنگ میزد.' When was the action happening?
Listen: 'او به ریسمان الهی چنگ زد.' What is the register?
Listen: 'چرا به صورتش چنگ زدی؟' What happened to the face?
Listen: 'پنجههای تردید به قلبش چنگ زد.' What is the feeling?
Listen: 'او به سنتها چنگ زده است.' Does he like change?
Listen: 'بچه به اسباببازی چنگ زد.' What did the child do?
Listen: 'دزد به کیف چنگ زد.' What was stolen or grabbed?
گربه مبل را چنگ زد.
Use 'be' for the object of Chang Zadan.
من دارم سرم را چنگ میزنم چون میخارد.
Use 'Kharandan' for itching.
/ 184 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
The verb 'Chang Zadan' is the go-to Persian word for any forceful interaction involving claws or nails. Whether a cat is scratching a rug or a person is 'grasping at straws' (به هر خس و خاشاکی چنگ زدن), it conveys a sense of raw, often desperate, physical or emotional effort.
- Literally means to claw or scratch using nails/talons.
- Commonly used for animal actions like cats scratching furniture.
- Metaphorically means to cling desperately to hope or help.
- Requires the preposition 'be' (to/at) before the object.
Preposition Power
Always remember 'be' (به). Without it, the sentence feels incomplete.
Cat Context
Think of cats first. It helps you remember the physical action perfectly.
Drowning Man
Visualize a drowning man grabbing a rope to remember the 'desperate' meaning.
Short A
The 'a' in 'Chang' is short, like 'apple', not long like 'car'.
Example
گربه مبل را چنگ زد.
Related Content
More animals words
عادت کردن
B1To become accustomed or adapted to a new environment or situation.
عاج
B1A hard, white substance forming the main part of the tusks of an elephant.
علفخوار
B1An animal that feeds on plants.
علنی
B1Publicly or openly; in a way that is not secret.
عرعر کردن
B1To make the loud, harsh cry of a donkey.
عظیم الجثه
B1Extremely large; gigantic.
آبزی
B1Living in or near water.
آبزیان
B1Animals that live in water, such as fish, whales, and crabs.
افسار
B1A strap or rope used for leading or tying an animal, typically a horse or dog.
آغل
B1An enclosure where livestock, especially sheep or cattle, are kept.
