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B2 verb 8 min read

دریافتن

daryaftean
Examples Notes & Tips دریافتن in 30 Seconds
Explanation دریافتن in your Level:
At the A1 level, you don't need to use 'daryāftan' yourself. It is a bit too advanced for beginners. However, you might see it in very simple stories. Just remember that it means 'to find out' or 'to understand'. For now, focus on simpler words like 'fahmidan' (to understand). If you see 'daryāft', think of it as a fancy way of saying someone realized something. Most beginners will use 'fahmidam' (I understood) instead. Learning this word early helps you recognize it later in books. It is made of 'dar' and 'yāftan'. 'Yāftan' means to find. So, it's like 'finding' an idea in your head. Don't worry about the complex grammar yet. Just know that if someone 'daryāft', they now know something they didn't know before.
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At the A2 level, you should start recognizing 'daryāftan' in written texts. You might see it in simple news headlines or children's stories when a character discovers a secret. It is important to know that it is different from 'daryāft kardan' (to receive). If you receive a gift, you use 'daryāft kardan'. If you 'receive' an idea or realize a fact, that is 'daryāftan'. You can try using it in simple sentences like 'Man daryāftam ke oo khub ast' (I realized that he is good). This makes your Persian sound more formal. Remember the past tense: 'daryāftam', 'daryāfti', 'daryāft'. It follows the regular past tense pattern. It's a great word to use when you want to show you've learned something new or noticed something interesting about a person or a situation.
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As a B1 learner, you should be comfortable seeing 'daryāftan' in intermediate reading materials. You should understand that it conveys a sense of perception. It’s not just knowing a fact; it’s perceiving it through your senses or your mind. You should also be aware of its present stem 'daryāb'. This is used in words like 'daryābandeh' (perceptive). You might start using it in your writing to vary your vocabulary. Instead of always using 'motavajjeh shodam' (I noticed), you can use 'daryāftam' to sound more academic or literary. For example, 'Pazhuheshgarān daryāftand ke...' (Researchers found that...). This is a very common phrase in science and news. You should also practice the 'ke' (that) construction: 'Daryāftam ke dars khāndan mohem ast' (I realized that studying is important).
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At the B2 level, you are expected to use 'daryāftan' correctly in both speech and writing. You must master the conjugation, especially the placement of the 'mi-' prefix in the present tense: 'dar-mi-yābam'. You should also understand the nuance between this and 'dark kardan' or 'pey bordan'. 'Daryāftan' is your go-to verb for reporting findings or describing a moment of sudden realization in a narrative. You should be able to use it in the present perfect ('daryāfteh-am') and future tense ('khāham daryāft'). At this level, you should also be aware of its slightly more formal tone and use it appropriately in essays, formal letters, or professional discussions. It is also the time to start recognizing it in classical Persian poetry, where its meaning can be more metaphorical and deep.
For C1 learners, 'daryāftan' should be a natural part of your high-level vocabulary. You should appreciate its historical roots and how it appears in the works of classical masters like Ferdowsi or Saadi. At this level, you use it to express subtle distinctions in perception. You might use it to describe the process of 'intuitive perception' in a philosophical essay. You should also be familiar with related nouns like 'daryāft' (perception/understanding). In a professional or academic debate, using 'daryāftan' instead of 'fahmidan' demonstrates a high command of register. You should also be able to handle its use in complex sentence structures, including passive forms or within intricate 'ke' clauses that involve multiple levels of realization. You understand that in some contexts, it can also mean to 'reach' or 'overtake', though this is archaic.
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At the C2 level, you have a masterly grasp of 'daryāftan' and all its nuances. You can use it to discuss epistemology, aesthetics, or complex legal findings. You understand the subtle shift in meaning over centuries—from 'reaching/catching' in Old/Middle Persian to 'perceiving/understanding' in Modern Persian. You can distinguish between the 'daryāft' of a sensory organ and the 'daryāft' of the intellect. You use the verb and its derivatives (like 'daryāft-ghābi' - perceptibility) with precision. In literary analysis, you can discuss how an author uses 'daryāftan' to signal a character's epiphany. Your usage is indistinguishable from an educated native speaker, and you can even play with the word's poetic potential in your own creative writing or advanced rhetorical speeches.
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Examples Notes & Tips

دریافتن in 30 Seconds

  • A formal verb meaning to perceive, realize, or find out.
  • Used for intellectual discoveries and sudden moments of clarity.
  • Present stem is 'daryāb'; past stem is 'daryāft'.
  • Must be distinguished from 'daryāft kardan' (to receive).

The Persian verb دریافتن (daryāftan) is a multifaceted gem in the Persian linguistic landscape. At its core, it signifies the act of perceiving, realizing, or coming to understand something that was previously obscure or unknown. Unlike the simple verb 'to know' (دانستن), daryāftan implies a process of discovery or a sudden moment of clarity. It is often used when a person suddenly grasps a complex concept, recognizes a hidden truth, or perceives a subtle change in their environment. In formal and literary contexts, it transcends mere understanding and enters the realm of profound insight.

Semantic Nuance
It functions as 'to perceive' or 'to realize'. It carries a weight of intellectual or sensory discovery that 'fahmidan' (to understand) lacks. When you use دریافتن, you are suggesting that you have 'found' (yāftan) something 'within' (dar) a situation.
Register and Usage
While highly common in classical literature and modern formal writing, in everyday spoken Persian, people might opt for 'motavajjeh shodan' (to notice/realize). However, دریافتن remains essential for news, academic writing, and sophisticated conversation.
The 'Discovery' Aspect
The verb is composed of the prefix 'dar-' (in/at) and 'yāftan' (to find). Literally, it suggests finding something inside a context. This makes it perfect for scientific discoveries or realizing a friend's true intentions.

دانشمندان پس از سال‌ها تحقیق، حقیقت ماجرا را دریافتند.

Translation: After years of research, the scientists realized (perceived) the truth of the matter.

In the context of CEFR B2, learners should distinguish between the simple past 'دریافت' (he/she realized) and the compound verb 'دریافت کرد' (he/she received). This is the most common point of confusion. While they share the same root, دریافتن is an independent simple verb meaning to perceive, whereas دریافت کردن is a compound verb meaning to receive a physical object or a signal.

او از لحن صدای مادرش دریافت که اتفاقی افتاده است.

Translation: He perceived from the tone of his mother's voice that something had happened.

Furthermore, the present stem دریاب (daryāb) is widely used in the imperative form to mean 'understand!' or 'realize!', but more commonly in modern contexts, it appears in the word 'daryābandeh' (one who perceives). In philosophical texts, the ability to 'daryāftan' is considered a higher faculty of the human mind, bridging the gap between raw sensory data and pure logic.

باید دریابیم که زمان محدود است.

Translation: We must realize that time is limited.

To master this word, one must use it when a simple 'I know' or 'I found out' isn't enough to convey the depth of the realization. It is the 'Aha!' moment of Persian verbs. Whether you are discovering a secret, understanding a complex theorem, or sensing a change in the mood of a room, دریافتن is your primary tool for expression.

Using دریافتن (daryāftan) correctly requires an understanding of its conjugation and its relationship with its object. As a simple verb, it follows the standard patterns of Persian grammar, but its meaning shifts slightly depending on whether the object is a person, a fact, or a subtle feeling. It is a transitive verb, meaning it usually takes a direct object, often introduced by the particle 'rā' (را) or a 'ke' (که) clause.

Pattern 1: Realizing a Fact (with 'ke')
This is the most common usage. [Subject] + [daryāft] + [ke] + [clause]. Example: 'I realized that he was right.' (دریافتم که او راست می‌گفت).
Pattern 2: Perceiving a Quality (Direct Object)
[Subject] + [Object] + [rā] + [daryāftan]. Example: 'He perceived the beauty of the poem.' (او زیبایی شعر را دریافت).
Pattern 3: Reaching or Catching (Archaic/Literary)
In older texts, it can mean to reach someone or to catch up. Example: 'The rider reached the caravan.' (سوار به کاروان دریافت). This is rare in modern speech but vital for reading the classics.

تازه دریافته‌ام که چقدر اشتباه می‌کردم.

Translation: I have only just realized how wrong I was. (Present Perfect usage)

In the present tense, the stem is دریاب. For example, 'I realize' is درمی‌یابم (dar-mi-yābam). Note the placement of the 'mi-' prefix between the 'dar-' prefix and the stem. This is a crucial grammatical detail for B2 learners. Many learners mistakenly say 'mi-daryābam', which is incorrect in standard Persian.

او به زودی حقیقت را خواهد دریافت.

Translation: He will soon perceive/find out the truth. (Future tense)

In academic writing, دریافتن is used to describe the findings of a study. For instance, 'The researchers found that...' would be 'پژوهشگران دریافتند که...'. This provides a more professional tone than using 'fahmidand'. It implies a systematic discovery rather than a casual understanding.

آیا درمی‌یابی چه می‌گویم؟

Translation: Do you perceive/grasp what I am saying? (Present tense)

While دریافتن (daryāftan) might sound slightly formal, it is omnipresent in various spheres of Iranian life. You won't hear it much in a loud bazaar while haggling over tomatoes, but you will certainly encounter it in the following settings:

News and Media
News anchors use this word constantly when reporting on investigations. 'The police found out (daryāftand) that the suspect had fled.' It adds a layer of official discovery to the report.
Documentaries and Educational Content
When a narrator explains a scientific breakthrough or a historical revelation, دریافتن is the verb of choice. It frames the information as a 'perception' of reality.
Literature and Poetry Recitations
In Iran, poetry is part of daily life. During 'Shab-e Yalda' or family gatherings, when poems are read, the verb دریافتن often appears in the context of the soul 'perceiving' the divine or the beloved.

در اخبار دریافتیم که وضعیت اقتصادی در حال بهبود است.

Translation: We learned (perceived/found out) from the news that the economic situation is improving.

In modern Iranian cinema, particularly in psychological dramas or mystery films, characters often use this verb during a climax when they finally 'realize' the truth about a situation. It signifies a internal shift. For example, a character might say, 'Suddenly, I realized (daryāftam) that all my life was a lie.'

من از نگاه تو دریافتم که ناراحتی.

Translation: I perceived from your look that you are upset.

In a classroom setting, a teacher might ask, 'Did you perceive the main point of the lesson?' (آیا نکته اصلی درس را دریافتید؟). This is more formal than asking if they 'understood' (fahmidid) and implies a deeper grasp of the subject matter.

The most frequent pitfall for learners of Persian when dealing with دریافتن (daryāftan) is confusing it with its cousin, the compound verb دریافت کردن (daryāft kardan). While they look similar, their meanings are worlds apart in modern usage.

Mistake 1: Daryāftan vs. Daryāft Kardan
This is the 'Big One'. دریافتن means 'to perceive/realize'. دریافت کردن means 'to receive' (a letter, an email, money, or a radio signal). If you say 'I perceived the email', you are using the wrong verb.
Mistake 2: Conjugation of 'mi-'
Because 'dar-' is a prefix, the 'mi-' marker for present and imperfect tenses must come between the prefix and the stem. Many students say 'می‌دریافتم' (mi-daryāftam), but the correct form is 'درمی‌یافتم' (dar-mi-yāftam).
Mistake 3: Over-reliance in Slang
Using دریافتن in a very casual setting, like hanging out with friends at a cafe, can sound a bit overly dramatic or 'bookish'. In those cases, 'shast-am khabar dār shod' (my thumb got news - an idiom for realizing) or 'motavajjeh shodam' is better.

❌ من ایمیل شما را دریافتم.
✅ من ایمیل شما را دریافت کردم.

Note: The first sentence says 'I perceived your email' which is odd. The second says 'I received your email'.

Another mistake involves the past participle. Some learners use 'daryāfteh' as 'received', but 'daryāfteh' actually refers to something that has been perceived or understood. For 'received', the word is usually 'daryāft-shodeh'.

Lastly, don't confuse دریافتن with پذیرفتن (paziraf-tan), which means 'to accept'. While perception can lead to acceptance, they are distinct cognitive processes. Learners often mix these up because they both end in '-tan' and are used in formal contexts.

Persian is a language rich in synonyms for mental processes. To use دریافتن (daryāftan) effectively, you must know how it compares to its peers.

دریافتن vs. فهمیدن (fahmidan)
Fahmidan is the general word for 'to understand'. It's used for everything from understanding a sentence to understanding a math problem. Daryāftan is more about the moment of perception or a deeper realization.
دریافتن vs. متوجه شدن (motavajjeh shodan)
Motavajjeh shodan is the common, everyday way to say 'to notice' or 'to realize'. If you notice someone has a new haircut, you use this. Daryāftan would be too heavy for a haircut; save it for realizing the meaning of life.
دریافتن vs. درک کردن (dark kardan)
Dark kardan means 'to comprehend' or 'to empathize'. It often implies a deep, emotional, or intellectual grasp. Daryāftan is slightly more focused on the act of 'finding out' or 'perceiving' the information.
دریافتن vs. پی بردن (pey bordan)
Pey bordan is 'to track down' or 'to discover' through clues. It's very close to دریافتن but emphasizes the investigative process (following the 'pey' or track).

او به اشتباه خود پی برد.
او حقیقت را دریافت.

The first implies he followed clues to find his mistake. The second implies a direct perception of the truth.

In summary, use دریافتن when you want to sound sophisticated and when the 'realization' is significant. It is the verb of philosophers, scientists, and poets.

Fun Fact

The root 'yāf' is related to the English word 'obtain' via deep Indo-European roots. It literally means 'to find within'.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /dæɾjɒːfˈtæn/
US /dæɾjɑːfˈtæn/
The stress is on the final syllable 'tän'.
Rhymes With
یافتن (yāftan) بافتن (bāftan) شکافتن (shekāftan) شتافتن (shatāftan) تافتن (tāftan) پذیرفتن (paziraf-tan - partial) آشفتن (āshoftan - partial) خفتن (khoftan - partial)
Common Errors
  • Pronouncing 'dar' as 'der'.
  • Shortening the 'ā' in 'yāf'.
  • Confusing the pronunciation with 'daryāft kardan'.
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Examples by Level

1

من دریافتم که او اینجاست.

I found out that he is here.

Simple past tense: daryāftam.

2

او حقیقت را دریافت.

He found out the truth.

Simple past tense: daryāft.

3

ما دریافتیم که هوا سرد است.

We realized that the weather is cold.

Simple past tense: daryāftim.

4

آیا شما دریافتید؟

Did you (plural) understand/realize?

Question form.

5

آن‌ها دریافتند که راه دور است.

They realized that the way is far.

Third person plural.

6

من در کتاب دریافتم.

I found out in the book.

Prepositional phrase 'dar ketāb'.

7

او دریافت که من خسته‌ام.

He realized that I am tired.

Use of 'ke' (that).

8

باید دریافت که زندگی زیباست.

One must realize that life is beautiful.

Infinitive use with 'bāyad'.

1

او از نامه‌ات دریافت که خوشحالی.

He realized from your letter that you are happy.

Source of information 'az nāme-at'.

2

دریافتم که فردا تعطیل است.

I found out that tomorrow is a holiday.

Common daily usage.

3

او زود دریافت که اشتباه کرده است.

He soon realized that he had made a mistake.

Use of adverb 'zud' (soon/quickly).

4

ما دریافتیم که علی نیامد.

We realized that Ali didn't come.

Negative clause after 'ke'.

5

آن‌ها دریافتند که خانه خالی است.

They realized that the house is empty.

Adjective 'khāli' (empty).

6

آیا تو دریافتنی که او چه گفت؟

Did you realize/understand what he said?

Direct object clause 'che goft'.

7

من از حرف‌هایش دریافتم که او غمگین است.

I perceived from his words that he is sad.

Perception from speech.

8

او بالاخره حقیقت را دریافت.

He finally found out the truth.

Use of 'belakhare' (finally).

1

پژوهشگران دریافتند که این دارو موثر است.

Researchers found that this medicine is effective.

Formal/Academic register.

2

او به سرعت دریافت که در خطر است.

He quickly realized that he was in danger.

Prepositional phrase 'be sor'at'.

3

دریافتنِ این موضوع زمان می‌برد.

Realizing/Understanding this subject takes time.

Gerund/Infinitive as a subject.

4

من درمی‌یابم که تو چقدر تلاش می‌کنی.

I perceive how much effort you are making.

Present tense: dar-mi-yābam.

5

آن‌ها دریافتند که باید با هم همکاری کنند.

They realized that they must cooperate with each other.

Modal 'bāyad' in the sub-clause.

6

او از رفتار آن‌ها دریافت که مهمانان ناراضی هستند.

He perceived from their behavior that the guests were unhappy.

Deduction from behavior.

7

آیا درمی‌یابی که این کار چقدر سخت است؟

Do you perceive how hard this work is?

Present tense question.

8

ما پس از مدتی دریافتیم که او راست نمی‌گوید.

After a while, we realized that he wasn't telling the truth.

Time phrase 'pas az moddati'.

1

نویسنده در این فصل دریافت‌های خود را بیان می‌کند.

The author expresses his perceptions in this chapter.

Noun form 'daryāft-hā' (perceptions).

2

او با نگاهی دقیق، تفاوت‌ها را دریافت.

With a careful look, he perceived the differences.

Adverbial phrase 'bā negāhi daghigh'.

3

باید درمی‌یافتیم که این نقشه عملی نیست.

We should have realized that this plan is not practical.

Imperfect tense: dar-mi-yāftim.

4

او به عمق فاجعه دریافت.

He perceived the depth of the tragedy.

Abstract object 'omgh-e fāje'e'.

5

تازه دریافتم که چرا او آن حرف را زد.

I only just realized why he said that.

Adverb 'tāze' (just/recently).

6

اگر زودتر می‌دریافتم، این اتفاق نمی‌افتاد.

If I had realized sooner, this wouldn't have happened.

Conditional sentence (Type 3 style).

7

او از سکوتِ اتاق دریافت که کسی آنجا نیست.

He perceived from the silence of the room that no one was there.

Deduction from absence/silence.

8

دانشمندان در حالِ دریافتنِ رازهای کهکشان هستند.

Scientists are in the process of perceiving the secrets of the galaxy.

Progressive aspect with 'dar hāl-e'.

1

فیلسوفان در پیِ دریافتنِ ماهیتِ هستی بوده‌اند.

Philosophers have been seeking to perceive the nature of existence.

Philosophical register.

2

او به فراست دریافت که توطئه‌ای در کار است.

He perceived with sagacity that a conspiracy was afoot.

Advanced noun 'ferāsat' (sagacity).

3

این اثر هنری نیازمندِ دریافتنی عمیق است.

This artwork requires a deep perception.

Gerund used as a noun.

4

او در میانِ کلماتِ شاعر، معنایِ نهفته را دریافت.

Amidst the poet's words, he perceived the hidden meaning.

Literary context.

5

دریافتنِ حقیقت گاهی دردناک است.

Perceiving the truth is sometimes painful.

Abstract subject.

6

او با هوشیاریِ تمام، نیتِ واقعیِ او را دریافت.

With full alertness, he perceived his true intention.

Complex adverbial phrase.

7

ما از شواهدِ موجود دریافتیم که فرضیه درست است.

We perceived from the existing evidence that the hypothesis is correct.

Scientific deduction.

8

او چنان در خود فرو رفته بود که چیزی نمی‌دریافت.

He was so absorbed in himself that he perceived nothing.

Negative present tense 'nemidaryāft' (imperfect).

1

دریافتِ شهودیِ او از عالم، بی‌نظیر بود.

His intuitive perception of the universe was unique.

Noun 'daryāft' with adjective 'shohudi'.

2

عارفان بر این باورند که حق را باید با دل دریافت.

Mystics believe that the Truth must be perceived with the heart.

Mystical/Spiritual context.

3

او در یک آن، تمامِ ابعادِ مسئله را دریافت.

In an instant, he perceived all dimensions of the problem.

Temporal phrase 'dar yek ān'.

4

قدرتِ دریافتنِ زیبایی در هر چیزی، هنری بزرگ است.

The power to perceive beauty in everything is a great art.

Complex noun phrase as subject.

5

او از ورایِ پرده‌هایِ تزویر، حقیقت را دریافت.

From behind the veils of hypocrisy, he perceived the truth.

Metaphorical language.

6

دریافتنی که از تجربه حاصل شود، پایدارتر است.

A perception that is obtained from experience is more lasting.

Relative clause 'ke az tajrobe hāsel shavad'.

7

او در سکوتِ کوهستان، نجوایِ طبیعت را دریافت.

In the silence of the mountains, he perceived the whisper of nature.

Poetic imagery.

8

او با دقتی موشکافانه، تناقضاتِ متن را دریافت.

With meticulous precision, he perceived the contradictions in the text.

Advanced adverbial 'mooshkāfāne'.

Common Collocations

حقیقت را دریافتن
به اشتباه خود دریافتن
معنای سخن را دریافتن
نکته را دریافتن
به فراست دریافتن
از ظاهر دریافتن
به زودی دریافتن
دریافتن که...
عمق مطلب را دریافتن
به راز دریافتن

Common Phrases

چنان که دریافتیم

— As we found out/perceived. Used in reports.

چنان که دریافتیم، پروژه با موفقیت پیش می‌رود.

باید دریافت که

— One must realize that. Used for emphasis.

باید دریافت که فرصت‌ها محدودند.

تازه دریافتم

— I just realized. Used for new insights.

تازه دریافتم که چقدر زمان را از دست داده‌ام.

دریافتنِ تفاوت

— To perceive the difference.

دریافتن تفاوت این دو رنگ سخت است.

دریافتنِ خطر

— To perceive danger.

او خیلی دیر خطر را دریافت.

دریافتنِ مقصود

— To understand the intention/purpose.

او مقصود مرا به درستی دریافت.

دریافتنِ علت

— To find out the cause.

پلیس در حال دریافتن علت حادثه است.

دریافتنِ موقعیت

— To perceive/grasp the situation.

او سریعاً موقعیت را دریافت و فرار کرد.

دریافتنِ نیاز

— To perceive a need.

او نیاز جامعه را به خوبی دریافت.

دریافتنِ زیبایی

— To perceive beauty.

هر کسی نمی‌تواند زیبایی این هنر را دریابد.

Idioms & Expressions

"دریاب که..."

— Understand/Realize that... (often used in poetry to urge insight).

دریاب که عمر چون باد می‌گذرد.

Literary
"خود را دریافتن"

— To come to one's senses or to look after oneself.

باید خودت را دریابی و به فکر آینده باشی.

Neutral
"وقت را دریافتن"

— To seize the moment or realize the value of time.

عاقل کسی است که وقت را دریابد.

Formal
"دم را دریافتن"

— To seize the day (Carpe Diem).

خیام می‌گوید باید دم را دریافت.

Literary
"سخن را دریافتن"

— To catch the drift or get the point.

او قبل از پایان جمله، سخن را دریافت.

Neutral
"حال را دریافتن"

— To understand the current state or mood.

او حالِ پریشانِ مرا دریافت.

Formal
"فرصت را دریافتن"

— To recognize and take an opportunity.

او فرصتِ طلایی را دریافت.

Formal
"اشارت را دریافتن"

— To take a hint.

او اشارتِ چشمِ مرا دریافت.

Literary
"سرّ را دریافتن"

— To perceive a secret/mystery.

او سرّ عشق را دریافت.

Poetic
"دریافتنِ جان"

— To perceive the soul or essence.

او با یک نگاه، جانِ مطلب را دریافت.

Poetic

Word Family

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Verbs

Adjectives

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Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Dar' (Door) and 'Yāftan' (Find). You 'find' the truth behind the 'door' of your mind.

Visual Association

Imagine a detective holding a magnifying glass inside a dark room, suddenly seeing a clue. That 'Aha!' is 'daryāftan'.

Word Web

Mind Truth Perception Discovery Insight Clarity Realization Observation

Word Origin

From Middle Persian 'daryāftan'. It is a compound of 'dar' (in/to) and 'yāftan' (to find).

Original meaning: In Middle Persian, it meant to catch, reach, or overtake.

Indo-European -> Indo-Iranian -> Iranian -> Persian.
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