درخواست کردن

The Persian compound verb درخواست کردن (pronounced darkhāst kardan) is a fundamental vocabulary item for anyone learning the language, translating directly to 'to request', 'to ask for', or 'to apply for' in English. Understanding this verb is crucial because it bridges the gap between basic, informal communication and more structured, polite, or formal interactions. In Persian, verbs are often formed by combining a noun or adjective with a 'light verb' like کردن (to do/make). Here, the noun is درخواست (request/application), which itself is derived from the prefix در- and خواست (the past stem of خواستن, meaning to want or desire). Therefore, the literal translation is 'to make a request'. This verb is predominantly used when you are asking for something in a formal, official, or highly polite context. Unlike the simple verb خواستن (to want/to ask), which can be used in almost any casual situation, درخواست کردن carries a weight of formality and procedure. You would use it when asking for a day off from your boss, applying for a visa at an embassy, requesting a specific song on a radio show, or formally asking for someone's assistance in a professional setting.

Formal Contexts

Used extensively in written correspondence, official emails, government forms, and professional environments to maintain a respectful distance and professional tone.

Polite Requests

Employed when speaking to elders, strangers, or superiors to show deference, replacing the more direct and casual verbs.

Service Industry

Commonly heard in restaurants, hotels, and customer service scenarios where a client is making a formal request for a service or item.

When you use this verb, you are signaling to the listener that you respect their authority or the formal nature of the situation. It is not typically used among close friends or family members for everyday things. For instance, you would not use درخواست کردن to ask your sibling to pass the salt at the dinner table; that would sound absurdly formal and robotic. Instead, you would use a simpler phrase or the verb دادن (to give). However, if you are at a formal banquet and need to ask the catering staff for a special dietary accommodation, درخواست کردن becomes entirely appropriate. The distinction between casual and formal language in Persian is known as 'Ta'arof', a complex system of politeness and social etiquette. While using this verb isn't strictly Ta'arof, it falls under the umbrella of using elevated language to show respect. Let us look at some practical examples of how this verb manifests in everyday formal situations.

Another critical aspect of this verb is its usage in technology and the internet. In the modern digital age, the Persian language has adapted to include digital terminology. When you send a friend request on social media, it is called 'درخواست دوستی' (friend request), and the action of sending it is 'درخواست دوستی دادن' or 'درخواست فرستادن'. When an application asks for permission to access your camera, it is making a 'درخواست'. This shows the versatility of the root noun and its associated verbs. Furthermore, in legal and administrative contexts, the word is indispensable. A formal petition or application submitted to a court or government body is often titled 'فرم درخواست' (application form). The act of submitting this form is 'درخواست دادن' or 'درخواست کردن'. The subtle difference between دادن (to give) and کردن (to do) when paired with درخواست is that دادن emphasizes the submission of the request (like handing in a paper), while کردن emphasizes the act of asking itself.

To master this verb, one must also become comfortable with its conjugation. Since it is a compound verb, only the 'کردن' part changes according to tense and subject, while 'درخواست' remains constant. For example, in the present simple/subjunctive (which is highly common after verbs of wanting or necessity), it becomes 'درخواست کنم' (I request). In the past simple, it is 'درخواست کردم' (I requested). In the future tense, which is less commonly used in spoken Persian but frequent in written texts, it becomes 'درخواست خواهم کرد' (I will request). The negative is formed by adding the prefix 'نـ' to the auxiliary verb: 'درخواست نکردم' (I did not request). Understanding this structure is key to unlocking hundreds of other compound verbs in Persian. The beauty of the Persian language lies in this modularity. Once you know how to conjugate کردن, you essentially know how to conjugate a vast portion of the Persian vocabulary. This makes learning new verbs like درخواست کردن much less intimidating for beginners and intermediate learners alike.

Present Stem

The present stem of کردن is کن (kon). Thus, می کنم (I do), می کنی (you do), etc.

Past Stem

The past stem is کرد (kard). Thus, کردم (I did), کردی (you did), etc.

In summary, 'درخواست کردن' is a highly versatile, formal verb that elevates your Persian from basic survival phrases to professional, polite discourse. Whether you are navigating a government office in Tehran, writing a formal email to a Persian-speaking colleague, or simply trying to show respect to an elder, mastering this verb and its nuances will significantly enhance your communicative competence and cultural fluency in the Persian-speaking world.

Constructing sentences with درخواست کردن requires a solid understanding of Persian sentence structure, particularly how compound verbs interact with objects and prepositions. The most common preposition used with this verb is 'از' (az), which translates to 'from'. When you request something from someone, the structure is generally: Subject + از (az) + Person + Object + را (rā) + درخواست کردن. For example, 'من از او کمک را درخواست کردم' (I requested help from him). However, Persian is flexible, and often the object is placed before the person, or the 'را' is omitted if the object is indefinite. Another extremely common structure involves using a subordinate clause introduced by 'که' (ke), meaning 'that'. This is used when you are requesting someone to perform an action. The structure is: Subject + از (az) + Person + درخواست کردن + که (ke) + Subjunctive Verb. For instance, 'من از او درخواست کردم که بیاید' (I requested from him that he come / I requested him to come). This subjunctive structure is vital for intermediate learners to master, as it is ubiquitous in Persian communication.

Direct Object with 'Rā'

When the thing being requested is specific and definite, the object marker 'را' (rā) must follow it. Example: اطلاعات را درخواست کردم (I requested the information).

Using 'Az' (From)

To specify who you are asking, use 'از' before the person's name or pronoun. Example: از معلم درخواست کردم (I requested from the teacher).

Subordinate Clauses

Use 'که' (that) followed by a verb in the subjunctive mood to express requesting an action. Example: درخواست کردم که برود (I requested that he leave).

Let us delve deeper into the use of the subjunctive mood with this verb. In English, we often use the infinitive (to do, to go) after verbs of requesting: 'I requested him to leave'. In Persian, this is almost always expressed with a 'that' clause and a subjunctive verb: 'I requested that he leave' (درخواست کردم که برود). The subjunctive in Persian is typically formed by adding the prefix 'بـ' (be-) to the present stem of the verb, followed by the personal endings. So, 'رفتن' (to go) has the present stem 'رو' (rav), making the subjunctive 'برود' (beravad - that he/she goes). This grammatical pattern is not unique to درخواست کردن; it applies to all verbs expressing desire, necessity, permission, or request, such as خواستن (to want), باید (must), and اجازه دادن (to allow). Therefore, practicing this sentence pattern with درخواست کردن will reinforce a foundational rule of Persian grammar that you will use constantly.

Another interesting syntactic feature is the separation of the compound verb. In Persian, it is possible, though less common in this specific verb, to insert words between the noun (درخواست) and the auxiliary verb (کردن). For example, you might hear 'درخواستی کردم' (I made a request), where the indefinite suffix 'ی' (i) is attached to the noun. You can also add adjectives to the noun before the verb: 'درخواستِ رسمی کردم' (I made a formal request). Notice the use of the Ezafe (the 'e' sound linking the noun and adjective). This flexibility allows speakers to add nuance and detail directly into the core action of the sentence. Furthermore, when creating passive sentences, the auxiliary verb changes from کردن (to do) to شدن (to become). So, 'درخواست شد' means 'it was requested'. Passive voice is heavily used in news reporting and official announcements in Persian.

Finally, let's look at negative commands (prohibitions). If you want to tell someone not to request something, you use the negative imperative form of the auxiliary verb. The imperative of کردن is کن (kon), and the negative prefix is نـ (na-). Therefore, 'درخواست نکن' (darkhāst nakon) means 'do not request'. In a formal setting, you would use the plural/formal ending: 'درخواست نکنید' (darkhāst nakonid). This is often seen in instructions or guidelines, such as 'لطفاً خارج از ساعات کاری درخواست نکنید' (Please do not make requests outside of working hours). Mastering these various sentence structures—affirmative, negative, subjunctive, passive, and imperative—will give you complete control over the verb درخواست کردن and allow you to express complex needs and instructions with clarity and politeness.

The verb درخواست کردن is not a word you will typically hear in the bustling, informal atmosphere of a traditional Iranian bazaar or during a casual family gathering. Instead, its natural habitat is the formal, administrative, and professional spheres of Iranian society. One of the most common places you will encounter this word is in any government office or administrative building, known in Persian as 'اداره' (edāreh). Whether you are at the passport office, the municipality, or a university registrar, the language used is highly formalized. Clerks and officials will frequently use this verb when instructing you on how to proceed with your paperwork. For instance, they might say, 'شما باید کتباً درخواست کنید' (You must request in writing). The entire bureaucratic system in Iran runs on formal requests, making this verb an absolute necessity for anyone living or working in the country.

Banks and Financial Institutions

When applying for a loan, opening an account, or asking for a statement, the terminology used will almost always involve درخواست کردن or its noun form.

Embassies and Immigration

Visa applications, passport renewals, and asylum claims are all contexts where 'requesting' is the primary action, heavily utilizing this formal vocabulary.

Corporate Environments

In offices, employees use this verb to ask for leave, request new equipment, or formally ask colleagues for reports and data.

Beyond the physical offices, the digital world is saturated with this word. If you use any Persian-language software, website, or mobile application, you will see 'درخواست' constantly. E-commerce platforms use it for 'requesting a return' (درخواست مرجوعی). Ride-sharing apps like Snapp (the Iranian equivalent of Uber) use it when you 'request a ride' (درخواست خودرو). Social media platforms use it for friend requests or follow requests. In these digital contexts, the verb is often shortened to just the noun on buttons, but the underlying action is understood as درخواست کردن or درخواست دادن. This digital ubiquity means that even if you never set foot in an Iranian government office, you will still need to recognize and understand this word to navigate the modern Iranian internet.

Another prominent arena for this verb is the news and media. Journalists and news anchors use highly formal Persian (often referred to as 'Tehrani standard formal' or 'news Persian'). When reporting on international relations, politics, or domestic affairs, they frequently use درخواست کردن to describe the actions of politicians, organizations, or foreign governments. For example, 'سازمان ملل درخواست کرد...' (The UN requested...). Listening to Persian news broadcasts is an excellent way to familiarize yourself with the rhythm and context of this verb. You will hear it used in passive constructions, complex sentences, and formal demands. It is a cornerstone of journalistic vocabulary, helping to convey a tone of objectivity and seriousness.

Finally, you will hear this word in formal public announcements. Whether you are on an airplane, a train, or in a large shopping mall, public address systems use formal Persian to communicate with the masses. Announcements often begin with phrases like 'از مسافران محترم درخواست می‌شود...' (Respected passengers are requested to...). This passive, polite construction is the standard way to issue instructions or rules to a large group of strangers without sounding aggressive or demanding. Understanding these announcements is crucial for travel and safety in Persian-speaking regions. The consistent use of درخواست کردن in these scenarios reinforces its status as the go-to verb for formal, respectful, and official communication.

When learning درخواست کردن, English speakers often stumble over several common pitfalls, primarily due to direct translation from English and a misunderstanding of Persian's nuanced vocabulary for 'asking'. The most frequent mistake is confusing 'درخواست کردن' (to request/ask for something) with 'پرسیدن' (to ask a question). In English, we use the word 'ask' for both actions: 'I asked him a question' and 'I asked him for money'. In Persian, these are two entirely different verbs. If you want information, you use پرسیدن (porsidan). If you want an object, an action, or a favor, you use درخواست کردن (or simpler verbs like خواستن). Saying 'من از او یک سوال درخواست کردم' (I requested a question from him) sounds nonsensical to a native speaker. You must strictly separate the concept of 'asking for information' from 'asking for a thing/action'.

Mistake: Using it for Questions

Incorrect: من ساعت را درخواست کردم (meaning 'I asked for the time'). Correct: من ساعت را پرسیدم (I asked the time).

Mistake: Overusing in Casual Speech

Using this highly formal verb with close friends or family sounds unnatural and robotic. Use 'خواستن' (to want/ask) or 'گفتن' (to tell/say) instead.

Mistake: Incorrect Preposition

English speakers often try to use 'برای' (for) to translate 'ask for'. Incorrect: من برای پول درخواست کردم. Correct: من پول درخواست کردم (I requested money).

Another significant area of confusion lies in the grammar of the subordinate clause. As mentioned earlier, when you request someone to do something, Persian requires the subjunctive mood introduced by 'که' (that). English speakers often try to use an infinitive, mirroring English grammar. For example, translating 'I requested him to go' literally as 'من از او درخواست کردم رفتن' is grammatically incorrect in Persian. The correct form must be 'من از او درخواست کردم که برود' (I requested from him that he go). Failing to use the subjunctive mood is a dead giveaway of a non-native speaker and can sometimes obscure the meaning of the sentence. The subjunctive is non-negotiable in these constructions.

Furthermore, learners sometimes confuse 'درخواست کردن' with 'خواهش کردن' (khāhesh kardan). While both can be translated as 'to request', their tones are vastly different. 'خواهش کردن' is much more personal, emotional, and pleading. It is closer to 'to beg' or 'to earnestly request as a personal favor'. If you are at a bank asking for a loan application, you use درخواست کردن. If you are asking a friend to forgive a terrible mistake, you use خواهش کردن. Using خواهش کردن in a formal, administrative setting can make you sound overly emotional or desperate, while using درخواست کردن in an intimate setting makes you sound cold and distant. Understanding the emotional register of these verbs is crucial for cultural fluency.

Lastly, be careful with the pronunciation and spelling. The word is written as درخواست but pronounced 'darkhāst'. The 'و' (vav) is silent. This is a common feature in Persian words containing the cluster 'خوا' (khā), such as خواب (khāb - sleep) and خواندن (khāndan - to read). Pronouncing the 'v' sound (darkhavast) is a clear pronunciation error that marks you as a beginner. Always remember that the 'w' or 'v' sound is dropped entirely, and the vowel is a long 'ā' (like in 'father'). Paying attention to this silent letter will instantly make your spoken Persian sound much more natural and authentic.

The Persian language is rich in vocabulary related to asking, wanting, and requesting, reflecting a culture that places a high value on nuance, politeness, and social hierarchy. While درخواست کردن is the standard formal verb for 'to request', several other verbs occupy similar semantic territory but carry different shades of meaning, formality, and emotional weight. Understanding these alternatives is essential for choosing the right word for the right situation. The most direct alternative is 'تقاضا کردن' (taqāzā kardan). This word is derived from Arabic and is highly formal. It is often used interchangeably with درخواست کردن in official contexts, but it can carry a slightly stronger connotation, leaning closer to 'to demand' or 'to formally petition'. If a labor union is asking for better wages, they might use تقاضا کردن to show the seriousness and collective weight of their request.

تقاضا کردن (Taqāzā kardan)

Highly formal, often used in legal or official documents. Can imply a stronger request or a demand based on rights.

خواستن (Khāstan)

The most basic verb for 'to want' or 'to ask for'. Used in everyday, casual conversation. It lacks the formality of درخواست کردن.

خواهش کردن (Khāhesh kardan)

To request politely, to beg, or to ask as a personal favor. Highly emotional and interpersonal, not used for administrative tasks.

Let us compare درخواست کردن with the simple verb خواستن (khāstan). خواستن is the root from which درخواست is derived. It simply means 'to want'. In casual speech, if you want a glass of water, you say 'آب می‌خوام' (I want water). If you are telling a story about asking someone for a favor, you might say 'ازش خواستم کمکم کنه' (I asked him to help me). This is perfectly natural and correct for daily life. However, if you use خواستن in a formal email to a government official, it sounds blunt, demanding, and impolite. It lacks the necessary 'Ta'arof' (politeness). Conversely, using درخواست کردن with your mother to ask for dinner sounds absurdly stiff. The choice between these two verbs is a primary indicator of your understanding of Persian social registers.

Another related word is 'طلبیدن' (talabidan) or its compound form 'طلب کردن' (talab kardan). This word has Arabic roots and means 'to seek', 'to demand', or 'to call for'. It is often used in literary, poetic, or highly dramatic contexts. For example, a warrior might 'seek' a challenger, or a difficult situation might 'demand' patience. It is rarely used for mundane administrative requests. Similarly, 'مطالبه کردن' (motālebeh kardan) is a legalistic term meaning 'to claim' or 'to demand one's rights'. If someone owes you money and you formally demand it back, you are making a مطالبه. While these words share the core concept of asking for something, their specific domains of use are quite distinct from the broad, administrative utility of درخواست کردن.

To truly master Persian, you must build a mental map of these synonyms and their appropriate contexts. 'درخواست کردن' sits comfortably in the middle of the formality spectrum for official matters—it is polite, standard, and universally understood without being overly aggressive like 'مطالبه کردن' or overly intimate like 'خواهش کردن'. It is the workhorse verb of the Iranian bureaucracy and professional world. By understanding what it is *not*, you gain a clearer picture of exactly what it *is*, allowing you to navigate Persian social and professional interactions with confidence and cultural sensitivity.