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ضرب کردن

B1 verb #3,500 most common 9 min read

ضرب کردن

zarb kardan Top 3,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips ضرب کردن in 30 Seconds

Explanation ضرب کردن in your Level:

At the A1 level, you learn 'ضرب کردن' simply as the word for 'times' in math. You will use it in very short sentences like 'Two times two' (Do dar do). You don't need to worry about complex grammar yet. Just remember that it is the action you do with numbers in school. You might hear it when someone is helping you with a basic calculation at a shop or when learning numbers. It is one of the four basic math operations along with addition (Jam), subtraction (Tafrigh), and division (Taghsim). At this stage, focus on the present tense 'zarb mikonam' and the basic structure 'A dar B'.

At the A2 level, you begin to use 'ضرب کردن' in more practical, everyday situations. You can use it to talk about shopping, like calculating the total price of five apples if you know the price of one. You should be comfortable with the sentence structure: '[Number 1] ra dar [Number 2] zarb kon.' You also start to see the word in simple instructions, like 'Multiply the length by the width to find the area.' You are learning the difference between the noun 'Zarb' (multiplication) and the verb 'Zarb kardan' (to multiply). You might also encounter 'Jadval-e Zarb' (multiplication table) as a common noun phrase.

At the B1 level, you are expected to use 'ضرب کردن' fluently in a variety of contexts beyond simple arithmetic. You can use it in the past, present, and future tenses. You understand that the preposition 'dar' is mandatory. You can describe more complex processes, like scientific experiments or financial projections. You are also starting to see its metaphorical use, such as 'multiplying your chances of success.' You can distinguish it from synonyms like 'taksir kardan' (reproduction) and know when 'zarb kardan' is the most appropriate choice. You can also handle the passive voice 'zarb shodan' in simple technical texts.

At the B2 level, you use 'ضرب کردن' with precision in professional and academic settings. You are comfortable using it in the subjunctive mood (e.g., 'If we were to multiply...') and in complex conditional sentences. You understand its role in compound adjectives and nouns. You can read technical manuals or academic papers where 'zarb' is used to describe scaling, ratios, and proportions. You also recognize the word's etymological roots and how they relate to other words like 'Zarbat' (a blow/impact). Your usage is nuanced, and you rarely make the mistake of using the wrong preposition.

At the C1 level, 'ضرب کردن' is a tool for abstract reasoning. You use it to discuss complex economic theories, mathematical proofs, and philosophical concepts of growth and expansion. You can use literary alternatives and understand the subtle difference in register between 'zarb kardan', 'moza'af kardan', and 'taksir kardan'. You are familiar with idioms and proverbs that might use the root 'Zarb'. Your speech is natural, and you can explain the concept of multiplication to others in Persian, using appropriate pedagogical and technical terminology. You also understand its application in fields like computer science (algorithms) and physics (vector multiplication).

At the C2 level, you have a near-native grasp of 'ضرب کردن' and all its linguistic nuances. You can appreciate the word's use in classical and modern Persian literature, where 'Zarb' might be used metaphorically to describe the 'striking' of a thought or the 'multiplication' of sorrows or joys. You can engage in high-level academic debates involving advanced mathematics (like matrix multiplication or cross products) without hesitation. You understand the historical evolution of the word from its Arabic roots and how its meaning has specialized over centuries. You can switch between formal, technical, and colloquial registers of the word with ease and absolute accuracy.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

ضرب کردن in 30 Seconds

The Persian verb 'Zarb kardan' means 'to multiply' and is a compound verb used primarily in mathematics and science with the preposition 'dar'.
It is essential for B1 learners to master this word for everyday calculations, shopping, and understanding technical or academic Persian texts.
Unlike English, Persian uses 'dar' (in) instead of 'by' when multiplying numbers, making 'A dar B zarb kardan' the standard phrasing.
The root 'Zarb' also relates to 'striking' or 'beating', linking it to music (the Zarb drum) and physical impacts, though the verb 'kardan' specifies math.

The Persian verb ضرب کردن (Zarb kardan) is a foundational linguistic tool primarily used in the realm of mathematics, commerce, and abstract growth. At its core, it translates to "to multiply" in English. This compound verb consists of the noun 'Zarb' (meaning strike, blow, or multiplication) and the light verb 'kardan' (to do/make). While in modern Persian, its most frequent application is mathematical—calculating the product of two numbers—it carries a historical weight that links the act of striking a coin (minting) to the repetitive nature of mathematical multiplication. When you are sitting in a Persian classroom, you will hear the teacher say, "Two multiplied by three equals six," using this specific verb structure. Beyond the classroom, it is essential for anyone dealing with dimensions, area calculations, or scaling up quantities in a recipe. Understanding this word is not just about numbers; it is about understanding the logic of expansion and repetition in the Persian mindset.

Mathematical Context: In formal arithmetic, this verb is the standard term. It is used with the preposition 'dar' (in/by) to indicate the multiplier. For example, 'A multiplied by B' is expressed as 'A dar B zarb mishavad'.

برای محاسبه مساحت مستطیل، باید طول را در عرض ضرب کردن (ضرب کنید). (To calculate the area of a rectangle, you must multiply the length by the width.)

Commercial Usage: When calculating bulk prices or taxes, merchants use this verb to describe the scaling of unit prices. It implies a systematic increase based on a fixed ratio.

The term also finds its way into metaphorical contexts. In literature or higher-level discourse, one might speak of "multiplying the impact" of an action or "multiplying the efforts" of a group. This usage mirrors the English "to multiply" in its sense of rapid increase or reproduction. For a B1 learner, mastering this verb allows for participation in technical discussions, financial transactions, and educational settings. It is a bridge between basic counting and complex reasoning. Furthermore, the root 'Zarb' is found in 'Zarbolmasal' (proverb), which literally means 'a struck example,' showing how the concept of 'striking' or 'applying' a pattern is deeply embedded in the Persian language. When you multiply, you are essentially 'striking' one number against another to produce a result.

دانش‌آموزان در حال یادگیری نحوه ضرب کردن اعداد بزرگ هستند. (The students are learning how to multiply large numbers.)

Grammatical Structure: As a compound verb, only the 'kardan' part conjugates. The word 'Zarb' remains static. This makes it relatively easy for learners to use once they know the present and past stems of 'kardan' (kon- and kard-).

Using ضرب کردن correctly requires understanding its relationship with the preposition در (dar). Unlike English, where we say "multiply A by B," Persian says "multiply A in B." This subtle difference is the hallmark of a fluent speaker. For instance, if you want to say "Multiply five by ten," you would say Panj ra dar dah zarb kon. The object being multiplied is followed by the post-position 'ra', then the multiplier is introduced by 'dar', and finally, the verb is conjugated at the end of the sentence. This structure is consistent across all tenses, whether you are speaking about a future calculation or a past mistake in a math test.

اگر این عدد را در صد ضرب کنیم، درصد به دست می‌آید. (If we multiply this number by one hundred, the percentage is obtained.)

In more advanced contexts, you might see the passive form: ضرب شدن (to be multiplied). This is used in scientific writing to describe processes where human agency is not the focus. For example, "The force is multiplied by the distance." In such cases, the subject of the sentence is the quantity being increased. Another important aspect is the use of the word in computing and programming. If you are translating a software interface into Persian, 'multiply' as a command is almost always 'Zarb kardan' or simply 'Zarb'. It is the standard technical term used in calculators, Excel spreadsheets, and coding tutorials.

Present Tense: من ضرب می‌کنم (I multiply), تو ضرب می‌کنی (You multiply), او ضرب می‌کند (He/She multiplies).

او همیشه اعداد را اشتباه ضرب می‌کند. (He always multiplies the numbers incorrectly.)

Furthermore, when discussing geometric areas, the verb is indispensable. You don't just 'calculate' the area; you specifically 'multiply' the dimensions. This precision is expected in professional and academic settings. If you are an architect or an engineer working in Iran or with Persian-speaking colleagues, you will find yourself using this verb daily to describe structural loads, dimensions, and scaling factors. It is a high-frequency verb in any STEM field (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics).

Imperative Form: ضرب کن! (Multiply! - singular/informal), ضرب کنید! (Multiply! - plural/formal).

You will encounter ضرب کردن in several distinct environments. The most obvious is the school system. Iranian students spend years mastering the Jadval-e Zarb (Multiplication Table). If you pass by a primary school, you might hear children chanting their times tables, using the rhythmic structure of the verb. In this context, it is a word associated with discipline and foundational knowledge. Beyond the schoolyard, the word is ubiquitous in the financial district of Tehran or any local 'Bazaar'. When a merchant is calculating the price of several kilograms of saffron or meters of fabric, they will use a calculator or mental math, often muttering the steps: "This amount multiplied by that rate..."

در بازار، فروشنده قیمت واحد را در تعداد کالا ضرب کرد. (In the bazaar, the seller multiplied the unit price by the number of goods.)

Another place you will hear this word is in news reports concerning the economy or population growth. Economists talk about 'multiplying factors' that lead to inflation or the 'multiplication of wealth'. In these more sophisticated contexts, the verb takes on a more abstract meaning, referring to the rapid expansion of a phenomenon. You might also hear it in the context of music or traditional arts. While 'Zarb' is also the name of a famous Persian drum (the Tombak), the verb 'Zarb kardan' in a musical context can sometimes refer to keeping the beat or rhythm, though 'Zarb zadan' is more common for the physical act of drumming.

In digital spaces, Persian-speaking YouTubers and educators teaching coding, data science, or engineering use this verb constantly. If you watch a tutorial on how to use Python or Excel in Persian, 'Zarb kardan' will be one of the most repeated technical terms. It is the standard translation for the '*' operator in programming. This makes it a vital word for the modern, tech-savvy Persian speaker. Whether it is a child learning 2x2 or a data scientist scaling a neural network, this verb is the common thread.

Educational Media: Educational TV programs in Iran frequently use this word to explain scientific concepts, from physics formulas to chemistry ratios.

استاد توضیح داد که چگونه نیرو را در زمان ضرب کنیم. (The professor explained how we multiply force by time.)

For English speakers, the most frequent mistake when using ضرب کردن is choosing the wrong preposition. In English, we use "by" or "with" (multiply A by B), but in Persian, the only correct preposition is در (dar), which literally means "in". Saying ضرب کردن با (multiply with) or ضرب کردن به (multiply to) is a common error that sounds unnatural to native ears. Always remember: you are multiplying one number into another in the Persian logic.

Another mistake involves confusing ضرب کردن (to multiply) with ضرب زدن (to hit/strike or to drum). While they share the same root 'Zarb', the light verb changes the meaning entirely. If you say you want to 'Zarb kardan' a drum, people will understand you are confused; you should 'Zarb zadan' a drum. Similarly, in a fight or accident, if someone was hit, the verb 'Zarbe zadan' or 'Zadan' is used, never 'Zarb kardan'. 'Zarb kardan' is strictly reserved for the mathematical or metaphorical multiplication process in modern usage.

اشتباه متداول: استفاده از «با» به جای «در». ضرب کردن همیشه با حرف اضافه «در» می‌آید. (Common mistake: using 'ba' instead of 'dar'. Multiplication always comes with the preposition 'dar'.)

A third area of confusion is the conjugation of the light verb 'kardan'. Some learners forget that in the present tense, the stem changes to 'kon'. They might mistakenly say ضرب می‌کردم when they mean "I am multiplying" (instead of ضرب می‌کنم). The former is the past continuous "I was multiplying." Paying close attention to the tense and the stem change is crucial for clarity. Lastly, avoid overusing the full verb in very casual speech where just saying "A dar B" is sufficient. Over-formalizing simple math in a casual setting can make you sound like a textbook rather than a person.

Confusion with Addition: Beginners sometimes confuse 'Zarb' (multiplication) with 'Jam' (addition). Ensure you distinguish between 'Zarb kardan' and 'Jam kardan'.

While ضرب کردن is the most common way to say "to multiply," there are several alternatives depending on the register and context. For instance, in formal or literary Persian, you might encounter تکثیر کردن (Taksir kardan). This verb also means to multiply, but it is more often used in biological or social contexts, such as "cells multiplying" or "multiplying copies of a book." It carries a sense of reproduction and increasing the number of physical items rather than mathematical calculation.

Comparison: Zarb vs. Taksir: 'Zarb kardan' is for math (2x3). 'Taksir kardan' is for reproduction (cells, documents, plants).

Another related verb is دوچندان کردن (Dochandan kardan), which specifically means "to double." If you are specifically multiplying by two, this verb sounds more elegant and precise. Similarly, چند برابر کردن (Chand barabar kardan) means "to increase several-fold." This is a very common phrase in economic news, such as "The prices have increased several-fold" (Gheymat-ha chand barabar shode-and). This construction is often preferred over 'Zarb kardan' when the exact multiplier isn't as important as the general sense of massive increase.

شرکت قصد دارد تولید خود را چند برابر کند. (The company intends to multiply its production several times over.)

In a technical or scientific register, you might also see مضاعف کردن (Moza'af kardan), which means to redouble or reinforce. It is often used in terms of effort or strength. For example, "We must redouble our efforts." Understanding these nuances helps a B1 learner transition to B2 and C1 levels, where choosing the right synonym changes the tone of the entire conversation. While 'Zarb kardan' will always get the point across for math, using 'Taksir' for biology or 'Chand barabar' for economics shows a deeper mastery of Persian vocabulary.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"لطفاً مقادیر را در ضریب مربوطه ضرب نمایید."

Neutral

"او اعداد را در هم ضرب کرد."

Informal

"بیا این دو تا رو در هم ضرب کنیم ببینیم چند میشه."

Child friendly

"عزیزم، دو تا سیب رو در سه ضرب کن."

Slang

"مخمو با این ضرب و تقسیم‌ها کار نگیر!"

Fun Fact

The reason 'multiply' and 'hit' share the same root in Persian is because of the ancient process of minting coins, where a stamp was 'struck' repeatedly to create value, similar to how numbers are 'struck' together in multiplication.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /zæɾb kæɾdæn/

US /zærb kɑːrdæn/

Stress is on the second syllable of the noun 'Zarb' and the last syllable of 'kardan' when conjugated.

Rhymes With

سرد کردن (Sard kardan) طرد کردن (Tard kardan) نبرد کردن (Nabard kardan) درد کردن (Dard kardan) گرد کردن (Gerd kardan) نرم کردن (Narm kardan) گرم کردن (Garm kardan) شرم کردن (Sharm kardan)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'Zarb' like 'Zorb' (rhyming with orb).
Over-rolling the 'r' too hard.
Misplacing the stress on the first syllable of 'kardan'.
Failing to flap the 'r' between vowels.
Pronouncing the 'z' as a 'zh' sound.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to recognize in text due to the distinct 'Zarb' noun.

Writing 4/5

Requires remembering the 'dar' preposition and 'kardan' conjugation.

Speaking 4/5

Naturalizing the 'A ra dar B' structure takes practice.

Listening 3/5

Clear pronunciation makes it easy to hear in context.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

کردن عدد در یک دو

Learn Next

تقسیم کردن جمع کردن کم کردن مساوی باقی‌مانده

Advanced

جذر گرفتن توان انتگرال دیفرانسیل ماتریس

Grammar to Know

Compound Verbs

In 'Zarb kardan', only 'kardan' changes (mikony, kardi, etc.).

Preposition 'Dar'

Always use 'dar' for the multiplier: 5 dar 4.

Object Marker 'Ra'

The first number (object) often takes 'ra': 10 ra dar 2 zarb kon.

Passive Voice

Use 'shodan' instead of 'kardan' for passive: zarb mishavad.

Subjunctive with 'Bayad'

Bayad zarb konid (You must multiply).

Examples by Level

دو را در سه ضرب کن.

Multiply two by three.

Imperative form of zarb kardan.

من می‌توانم اعداد را ضرب کنم.

I can multiply numbers.

Modal verb 'tavanestan' + short infinitive.

چهار در چهار چند می‌شود؟

What is four multiplied by four?

Informal math question structure.

این عدد را ضرب نکن.

Do not multiply this number.

Negative imperative.

او ضرب کردن را دوست دارد.

He likes multiplying.

Infinitive used as a noun.

پنج در دو ضرب می‌شود.

Five is multiplied by two.

Simple present passive.

بیا این‌ها را ضرب کنیم.

Let's multiply these.

Hortative 'biya' + subjunctive.

ضرب کردن آسان است.

Multiplying is easy.

Simple predicate sentence.

باید قیمت را در تعداد ضرب کنی.

You must multiply the price by the quantity.

Necessity 'bayad' + subjunctive.

او دیروز ضرب کردن را یاد گرفت.

He learned multiplication yesterday.

Simple past tense.

ما در کلاس ریاضی ضرب می‌کنیم.

We multiply in math class.

Present continuous/habitual.

آیا می‌توانی این دو عدد بزرگ را ضرب کنی؟

Can you multiply these two large numbers?

Question with 'tavanestan'.

من همیشه با ماشین‌حساب ضرب می‌کنم.

I always multiply with a calculator.

Use of 'ba' for the tool/instrument.

معلم گفت: «اعداد را در هم ضرب کنید.»

The teacher said: 'Multiply the numbers together.'

Direct quotation with imperative.

او نمی‌تواند به راحتی ضرب کند.

He cannot multiply easily.

Negative modal 'nemityavanad'.

ضرب کردن بخش مهمی از زندگی است.

Multiplying is an important part of life.

Gerundial use.

اگر طول را در عرض ضرب کنیم، مساحت به دست می‌آید.

If we multiply the length by the width, the area is obtained.

Conditional type 1.

او قبل از خرید، تمام هزینه‌ها را ضرب کرد.

Before buying, he multiplied (calculated) all the costs.

Past tense in a complex sentence.

ما باید تلاشمان را در ده ضرب کنیم تا موفق شویم.

We must multiply our efforts by ten to succeed.

Metaphorical usage.

در این فرمول، جرم در شتاب ضرب می‌شود.

In this formula, mass is multiplied by acceleration.

Passive voice in scientific context.

او با دقت اعداد اعشاری را ضرب می‌کرد.

He was carefully multiplying the decimal numbers.

Past continuous tense.

آیا راهی برای ضرب کردن سریع‌تر وجود دارد؟

Is there a way to multiply faster?

Infinitive as subject.

شما باید این ضریب را در کل بودجه ضرب کنید.

You must multiply this coefficient by the total budget.

Formal instruction.

او از اشتباه در ضرب کردن می‌ترسد.

He is afraid of making a mistake in multiplying.

Preposition 'az' followed by infinitive.

قدرت خرید مردم با ضرب کردن درآمد در نرخ تورم سنجیده می‌شود.

People's purchasing power is measured by multiplying income by the inflation rate.

Complex passive structure.

برنامه‌نویسان از عملگر ستاره برای ضرب کردن استفاده می‌کنند.

Programmers use the asterisk operator for multiplying.

Technical terminology.

اگر بخواهیم سود را محاسبه کنیم، باید حاشیه سود را در فروش ضرب کنیم.

If we want to calculate profit, we must multiply the profit margin by sales.

Subjunctive mood in complex condition.

این دستگاه به طور خودکار اعداد را در هم ضرب می‌کند.

This device automatically multiplies the numbers together.

Adverbial phrase 'be tor-e khodkar'.

او با ضرب کردن تجربیاتش، به موفقیت‌های بزرگی رسید.

By multiplying (leveraging) his experiences, he achieved great success.

Gerund used as a means/instrument.

در این مقاله، نویسنده بر اهمیت ضرب کردن منابع تأکید دارد.

In this article, the author emphasizes the importance of multiplying resources.

Formal academic register.

نباید قدرت دشمن را در ذهن خود ضرب کنیم.

We shouldn't multiply (exaggerate) the enemy's power in our minds.

Metaphorical/Psychological usage.

او توانست با ضرب کردن دو ماتریس پیچیده، مسئله را حل کند.

He was able to solve the problem by multiplying two complex matrices.

Compound object (complex matrices).

تأثیرات زیست‌محیطی با ضرب کردن جمعیت در میزان مصرف تعیین می‌شود.

Environmental impacts are determined by multiplying population by consumption rates.

Passive voice in sociological context.

او مفاهیم فلسفی را در هم ضرب کرد تا نظریه‌ای جدید خلق کند.

He 'multiplied' (intertwined/synthesized) philosophical concepts to create a new theory.

Highly abstract/metaphorical usage.

در محاسبات کوانتومی، ضرب کردن حالت‌ها پیچیدگی‌های خاص خود را دارد.

In quantum calculations, multiplying states has its own complexities.

Technical scientific register.

سرمایه‌گذار با ضرب کردن ریسک در بازده، تصمیم نهایی را گرفت.

The investor made the final decision by multiplying risk by return.

Decision-making context.

هنرمند با ضرب کردن فرم و محتوا، اثری بدیع پدید آورد.

The artist created an original work by 'multiplying' (combining) form and content.

Aesthetic/Critical register.

اگر بتوانیم بهره‌وری را در زمان ضرب کنیم، به نتایج خیره‌کننده‌ای می‌رسیم.

If we can multiply productivity by time, we will reach stunning results.

Conditional with 'betavanim'.

او در سخنرانی‌اش از استعاره ضرب کردن برای توضیح رشد استفاده کرد.

In his speech, he used the metaphor of multiplication to explain growth.

Meta-linguistic usage.

تحلیل‌گر داده‌ها با ضرب کردن متغیرهای مختلف، مدل را بهینه کرد.

The data analyst optimized the model by multiplying various variables.

Data science context.

در ساحت اندیشه، ضرب کردن آرا می‌تواند به سنتزی نوین منجر شود.

In the realm of thought, multiplying (synthesizing) opinions can lead to a new synthesis.

High literary/philosophical register.

او با ضرب کردن سکوت در کلام، شعر خود را ژرفا بخشید.

He gave depth to his poetry by 'multiplying' (combining) silence with words.

Poetic/Metaphorical usage.

پیچیدگی الگوریتم با ضرب کردن تعداد گره‌ها در یال‌ها افزایش می‌یابد.

Algorithm complexity increases by multiplying the number of nodes by edges.

Advanced computer science terminology.

او بر این باور بود که ضرب کردن رنج در آگاهی، راهی به سوی رهایی است.

He believed that multiplying suffering by awareness is a way toward liberation.

Philosophical/Spiritual context.

معمار با ضرب کردن نور در فضا، اتمسفری معنوی خلق کرد.

The architect created a spiritual atmosphere by 'multiplying' (manipulating) light within space.

Artistic/Architectural register.

در فیزیک نظری، ضرب کردن تانسورها نیازمند دقت ریاضی بالایی است.

In theoretical physics, multiplying tensors requires high mathematical precision.

Highly technical academic register.

او با ضرب کردن اراده در تخصص، ناممکن‌ها را ممکن ساخت.

By multiplying (combining) will with expertise, he made the impossible possible.

Rhetorical/Inspirational usage.

نویسنده با ضرب کردن لایه‌های مختلف معنایی، متنی چندبعدی آفرید.

The author created a multi-dimensional text by 'multiplying' (layering) different semantic layers.

Literary criticism register.

Common Collocations

جدول ضرب

ضرب در

حاصل ضرب

ضرب داخلی

ضرب خارجی

ماشین ضرب

عمل ضرب

ضرب ذهنی

ضرب زنجیره‌ای

ضرب ماتریس‌ها

Common Phrases

ضرب و تقسیم کردن

— To calculate carefully, weighing pros and cons.

او تمام جوانب را ضرب و تقسیم کرد.

ضرب شست نشان دادن

— To show one's power or skill (idiomatic).

او به رقیبش ضرب شست نشان داد.

در هم ضرب کردن

— To multiply numbers together.

این دو عدد را در هم ضرب کن.

ضرب‌الاجل

— A deadline (literally 'the striking of the time').

ضرب‌الاجل تمام شده است.

ضرب‌المثل

— A proverb or common saying.

این یک ضرب‌المثل قدیمی است.

ضرب‌آهنگ

— Rhythm or tempo.

ضرب‌آهنگ موسیقی تند بود.

ضرب فنی

— A technical knockout in wrestling.

او حریف را ضرب فنی کرد.

ضرب گرفتن

— To keep the beat with hands or feet.

او با انگشتانش روی میز ضرب گرفت.

ضرب مستقیم

— A direct hit or blow.

او یک ضرب مستقیم به توپ زد.

ضرب سکه

— Minting coins.

این سکه در زمان ساسانیان ضرب شده است.

Often Confused With

ضرب کردن vs جمع کردن

Means 'to add'. Don't confuse the cross (x) with the plus (+).

ضرب کردن vs ضرب زدن

Means 'to hit' or 'to drum'. Math uses 'kardan'.

ضرب کردن vs تقسیم کردن

Means 'to divide', the opposite of multiplication.

Idioms & Expressions

"ضرب و تقسیم زندگی"

— The ups and downs or the calculations of life.

او در ضرب و تقسیم زندگی تجربه زیادی دارد.

Literary

"حرفش را ضرب کردن"

— To repeat or emphasize one's words (rare/poetic).

او هر کلامش را در گوش من ضرب می‌کرد.

Poetic

"ضرب شست"

— Showing off strength or a warning blow.

پهلوان ضرب شستی به حریف نشان داد.

Informal/Sport

"چهار ضرب"

— A specific fast rhythm in Persian music.

نوازنده چهار ضرب زیبایی نواخت.

Artistic

"ضرب در صفر"

— To nullify or waste all efforts.

تمام زحمات ما ضرب در صفر شد.

Colloquial

"ضرب‌الاجل تعیین کردن"

— To set a strict deadline.

مدیر برای پروژه ضرب‌الاجل تعیین کرد.

Formal

"ضرب دست"

— The strength of one's hand/punch.

ضرب دست نانوا عالی است.

Informal

"زیر ضرب بودن"

— To be under pressure or attack.

تیم حریف کاملاً زیر ضرب بود.

Journalistic

"ضرب زدن به هدف"

— To hit the mark (metaphorical).

او با این ایده به هدف ضرب زد.

Neutral

"ضرب کاری"

— A fatal or very effective blow.

این یک ضرب کاری به اقتصاد بود.

Formal

Easily Confused

ضرب کردن vs ضربت

Looks similar to Zarb.

Zarbat means a single physical blow or shock, whereas Zarb is the general noun for multiplication or hitting.

ضربت سنگینی به سرش وارد شد.

ضرب کردن vs ضریب

Shares the same root.

Zarib is the 'coefficient' or 'factor', while Zarb kardan is the action of multiplying.

ضریب هوشی او بالاست.

ضرب کردن vs مضروب

Mathematical term.

Mazroub is the number being multiplied (the multiplicand).

در این معادله، عدد پنج مضروب است.

ضرب کردن vs ضرب‌دری

Related to the multiplication sign.

Zarbdari is an adjective meaning 'criss-cross' or 'diagonal'.

پنجره‌ها را با چسب ضرب‌دری بستیم.

ضرب کردن vs تکثیر

Synonym for multiply.

Taksir is for physical copies or biological growth, not usually for 2x2 math.

تکثیر این فایل غیرقانونی است.

Sentence Patterns

[Number] dar [Number] zarb kon.

2 dar 5 zarb kon.

Man [Number] ra dar [Number] zarb mikonam.

Man 3 ra dar 4 zarb mikonam.

Agar A ra dar B zarb konim, C be dast mi-ayad.

Agar 10 ra dar 2 zarb konim, 20 be dast mi-ayad.

Baraye mohasebe-ye [Noun], bayad [A] ra dar [B] zarb kard.

Baraye mohasebe-ye masahat, bayad toul ra dar arz zarb kard.

Tars az zarb kardan-e khataha dar yekdigar...

Tars az zarb kardan-e khataha dar yekdigar ba’es shod u deghat-e bishtari konad.

Zarb-e logic-e in do mafhum...

Zarb-e logic-e in do mafhum dar yekdigar paradigm-e jadidi ra sakht.

In adad dar aan adad zarb shode ast.

Lotfan inha ra zarb konid.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Very common in educational and financial contexts.

Common Mistakes

Panj ra ba do zarb kon. → Panj ra dar do zarb kon.
Using 'ba' (with) instead of 'dar' (in/by) is a literal translation from English and is incorrect.
Zarb zadan numbers. → Zarb kardan numbers.
'Zarb zadan' implies physical hitting; 'Zarb kardan' is for mathematical calculation.
Man zarb kardam (meaning I am multiplying). → Man zarb mikonam.
Confusing simple past with simple present. 'Kardam' is past tense.
Zarb nemoodan in casual talk. → Zarb kardan.
'Nemoodan' is extremely formal and sounds weird when buying groceries.
Omitting 'ra'. → Adad ra dar do zarb kon.
The number being multiplied is a definite object and usually needs 'ra'.

Tips

Preposition Power

Always pair 'Zarb kardan' with 'dar'. Think of putting one number 'inside' another to grow it.

Root Recognition

Recognizing the 'Z-R-B' root will help you understand words like 'Zarib' (coefficient) and 'Zarbat' (blow).

Casual Math

In shops, you can just say 'In dar oon mishe...' (This in that becomes...) for quick multiplication.

Chant It

Try memorizing the Persian multiplication table (1x1 to 10x10) to internalize the rhythm.

Compound Verb Rule

Never separate 'Zarb' and 'kardan' with other words except for the 'mi-' prefix and personal endings.

Bazaar Math

Watch how bazaar merchants use calculators; they often say the numbers aloud using 'dar'.

Expansion

Use 'Zarb kardan' metaphorically when you want to describe something growing very fast.

The 'R' Flap

Ensure the 'r' in 'Zarb' is a quick tap of the tongue, not a long trill.

The 'X' Factor

Visualize the 'X' sign as two sticks 'striking' (Zarb) each other.

Technical Accuracy

In engineering, use 'Zarb-e dakheli' for dot product and 'Zarb-e khareji' for cross product.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Zarb' as the sound a drum makes when you 'STRIKE' it. When you multiply numbers, you 'STRIKE' them together to get a bigger result.

Visual Association

Imagine a giant 'X' (the multiplication sign) being 'struck' onto a piece of paper with a loud 'ZARB!' sound.

Word Web

Math Numbers Calculator School Area Coefficient Table Growth

Challenge

Try to find 5 items in your room, multiply their count by 3, and say the full sentence in Persian: '[Number] ra dar se zarb mikonam'.

Word Origin

The word 'Zarb' is borrowed from Arabic (ضَرَبَ - daraba), which primarily means 'to hit' or 'to strike'. In Persian, it was adopted and combined with the native light verb 'kardan'.

Original meaning: The original Arabic meaning is 'to strike'. This evolved into 'striking a coin' (minting) and eventually 'striking a number against another' (multiplying).

Semitic root (Arabic) integrated into Indo-European (Persian) grammar.

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities, but avoid confusing 'Zarb kardan' (math) with 'Zadan' (hitting people) in sensitive social contexts.

English speakers use 'times' or 'by', while Iranians use 'in' (dar). This is the biggest cultural/linguistic shift.

Khwarizmi's 'Al-Jabr' (Algebra) The Tombak (Zarb) drum in Persian music Saadi's use of 'Zarb' in poetry to mean impact.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

School/Education

جدول ضرب را حفظ کن
امتحان ضرب
ضرب ذهنی
خطای محاسباتی

Shopping/Market

قیمت را در تعداد ضرب کن
تخفیف را حساب کن
جمع کل چقدر شد؟
فاکتور خرید

Science/Engineering

ضریب اطمینان
ضرب برداری
فرمول را چک کن
مقیاس نقشه

Cooking/Recipes

مواد را دو برابر کن
ضرب کردن پیمانه‌ها
نسبت آب به برنج
تغییر اندازه دستور

Business/Finance

حاشیه سود
ضرب کردن نرخ ارز
رشد سرمایه
پیش‌بینی فروش

Conversation Starters

"چطور می‌توانم این اعداد بزرگ را بدون ماشین‌حساب ضرب کنم؟"

"آیا شما جدول ضرب را در مدرسه به راحتی حفظ کردید؟"

"در شغل شما، چقدر از ضرب کردن و ریاضیات استفاده می‌شود؟"

"به نظر شما ضرب ذهنی برای بچه‌ها هنوز هم لازم است؟"

"سریع‌ترین روشی که برای ضرب کردن بلدید چیست؟"

Journal Prompts

امروز چند بار مجبور شدم اعداد را در هم ضرب کنم؟ (در خرید، کار یا آشپزی)

اگر می‌توانستم موفقیت‌هایم را در ده ضرب کنم، زندگی‌ام چه تغییری می‌کرد؟

خاطره‌ای از یادگیری جدول ضرب در دوران کودکی بنویسید.

چرا یادگیری ضرب کردن برای دانش‌آموزان چالش‌برانگیز است؟

چگونه تکنولوژی نیاز ما به ضرب کردن ذهنی را تغییر داده است؟

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

The preposition is 'dar' (در). For example, to say 'multiply 2 by 3', you say '2 dar 3 zarb kon'.

No, using 'ba' (with) is considered a common mistake and sounds unnatural in a mathematical context.

'Zarb kardan' is for mathematical multiplication. 'Zarb zadan' is for hitting a drum or striking something physically.

It is called 'Jadval-e Zarb' (جدول ضرب).

Yes, 'Zarb' is the name of a traditional Persian drum, also known as the Tombak.

It follows the conjugation of 'kardan': zarb mikonam, mikoni, mikonad, mikonim, mikonid, mikonand.

The opposite is 'Taghsim kardan' (تقسیم کردن), which means to divide.

Yes, 'Zarb-e sekke' means minting or striking coins.

It is a neutral word used in all registers, from children's talk to academic papers.

Yes, 'Zarb shodan' means 'to be multiplied'.