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Vocabulary
جارو زدن

B1 verb 11 min read

جارو زدن

jaro zadan

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips جارو زدن in 30 Seconds

Explanation جارو زدن in your Level:

At the A1 level, you just need to know that 'jāru zadan' means 'to sweep'. It is a very useful word for describing your daily routine. You can use it in simple sentences like 'I sweep the room' (Man otāgh rā jāru mizanam). Think of it as a basic action word for the home. You use a 'jāru' (broom) to do this. Usually, you sweep the 'farsh' (carpet) or the 'zamin' (floor). It is one of the first chores you might learn to talk about in Persian. Remember that 'zadan' changes based on who is doing the action. If you are doing it, it's 'mizanam'. If your friend is doing it, it's 'mizanad'. Keep it simple and focus on the basic 'Subject + Object + Verb' structure. For example: 'Mother sweeps' (Mādar jāru mizanad). This is enough for a beginner to be understood in a domestic setting.

At the A2 level, you should be able to talk about how often you sweep and use the verb in the past tense. You might say 'I sweep every day' (Har ruz jāru mizanam) or 'I swept the kitchen yesterday' (Diruz āshpazkhāneh rā jāru zadam). You can also start using the imperative to ask someone for help: 'Please sweep here' (Lotfān injā rā jāru bezan). At this stage, you should recognize that 'jāru' is the noun and 'zadan' is the verb part. You can also start to distinguish between a regular broom and a vacuum cleaner ('jāru-barghi'). Even if you just say 'jāru zadan' for both, it's fine at this level. You should also be able to use adverbs like 'khub' (well) or 'sari' (quickly) to describe how you sweep. 'I sweep the house quickly' (Khāneh rā sari jāru mizanam).

At the B1 level, you are expected to use 'jāru zadan' fluently in various tenses and moods. You should be comfortable using it with modal verbs like 'must' (bāyad) or 'can' (tavānestan). For example: 'I must sweep before the guests arrive' (Bāyad ghabl az āmadan-e mehmānhā jāru bezanam). You should also understand the cultural context of 'Khāneh-tekāni' and how sweeping fits into the Persian New Year preparations. At this level, you should also be aware of the alternative 'jāru-barghi keshidan' for vacuuming and choose the correct verb based on the tool. You can describe more complex scenarios, such as sweeping the yard after a storm or helping a neighbor. You should also be able to use the continuous present: 'I am sweeping the room right now' (Alān dāram otāgh rā jāru mizanam). Your word order should be consistent, and you should use the object marker 'rā' correctly with specific objects.

At the B2 level, you can use 'jāru zadan' in more complex grammatical structures, such as conditional sentences or passive voice. 'If I had time, I would have swept the whole house' (Agar vaght dāshtam, tamām-e khāneh rā jāru mizadam). You understand the nuances between 'jāru zadan' (the act) and 'raft-o-rub' (the general process of tidying up). You can discuss the social aspects of sweeping, such as the role of street sweepers in urban management or the environmental impact of dust in certain regions. You might also encounter the verb in more formal literature or news reports about public cleanliness. At this level, you should be able to use the verb metaphorically if the context allows, although it remains primarily a literal action. You can also handle more complex compound sentences, like 'While I was sweeping, the phone rang' (Hengāmi ke dāshtam jāru mizadam, telefon zang zad).

At the C1 level, you have a deep understanding of the verb and its place in the Persian language. you can appreciate its use in classical poetry or modern literature as a symbol of service or preparation. You are familiar with related idiomatic expressions or proverbs that might involve sweeping. You can discuss the etymology of the word 'jāru' and its connection to Middle Persian roots. Your usage is indistinguishable from a native speaker, including the subtle choice between 'zadan', 'keshidan', and 'kardan' depending on the register and the specific cleaning tool. You can use the verb in professional contexts, such as describing industrial cleaning processes or municipality policies. You are also sensitive to the cultural taboos associated with sweeping (like not sweeping at night) and can explain these to others.

At the C2 level, you have complete mastery over 'jāru zadan' and all its linguistic and cultural permutations. You can analyze its use in various Persian dialects and how the auxiliary might change in different regions. You can write sophisticated essays on the sociology of domestic labor in Iran, using this verb as a focal point. You are comfortable with the most archaic forms of the verb found in ancient texts and can contrast them with modern colloquial usage. You can use the verb with perfect precision in any register, from the most informal street slang to the most formal academic prose. You understand the rhythm and aesthetics of the word in Persian prose and can use it to create specific atmospheres in your own writing or storytelling.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

جارو زدن in 30 Seconds

A common Persian compound verb meaning 'to sweep' or 'to vacuum' floors.
Combines 'jāru' (broom) with the auxiliary 'zadan' (to hit/strike).
Essential for daily household vocabulary and describing cleaning routines.
Used in both literal domestic contexts and formal urban cleaning descriptions.

The Persian verb جارو زدن (jāru zadan) is a fundamental compound verb that every learner of Persian must master. At its core, it refers to the act of cleaning a surface, typically a floor, using a broom or a vacuum cleaner. In the Iranian household, cleanliness is not just a chore; it is a cultural value deeply rooted in the concept of 'pākizegi' (purity/cleanliness). The word 'jāru' translates to 'broom', and 'zadan' is a versatile auxiliary verb meaning 'to hit' or 'to strike'. When combined, they describe the rhythmic motion of sweeping or the application of a cleaning tool to the ground.

Literal Meaning: To strike with a broom; the rhythmic action of moving dust away.
Domestic Context: Used daily for maintaining the 'farsh' (carpet), which is the heart of an Iranian home.

You will use this verb in almost any domestic setting. Whether you are talking about preparing for guests, finishing your weekly chores, or describing the work of a street cleaner (rubāh), jāru zadan is the go-to expression. It is important to note that while English differentiates between 'sweeping' (with a broom) and 'vacuuming' (with a machine), Persian often uses jāru zadan as an umbrella term, although 'jāru-barghi keshidan' is the specific term for vacuuming.

مادرم هر روز صبح کل خانه را جارو می‌زند تا همه جا تمیز باشد.

Translation: My mother sweeps the whole house every morning so that everywhere is clean.

The verb is particularly significant during 'Khāneh-tekāni', the traditional spring cleaning before the Persian New Year (Nowruz). During this time, jāru zadan becomes an intensive activity involving every corner of the house. It signifies removing the old dust of the past year to welcome the new year with a fresh start. In literature and poetry, the act of sweeping the path for a beloved is a common trope, symbolizing humility and deep affection.

قبل از آمدن مهمان‌ها، باید پذیرایی را جارو بزنم.

Translation: Before the guests arrive, I must sweep the living room.

Register: Neutral to Informal. Used in both spoken and written Persian for everyday activities.

بچه‌ها، لطفاً بعد از بازی اتاقتان را جارو بزنید.

Translation: Kids, please sweep your room after playing.

The verb is also used in professional contexts. A 'jāruber' (sweeper) or 'pākban' (park keeper/street sweeper) is someone whose job is jāru zadan the streets. In this context, it carries a sense of civic duty and public service. Understanding this verb allows you to navigate daily chores, give instructions to others, and understand the basic rhythms of Persian domestic life. It is a building block for more complex cleaning-related vocabulary.

رفتگر محله ما هر شب خیابان را جارو می‌زند.

Translation: Our neighborhood sweeper sweeps the street every night.

آیا می‌توانی حیاط را جارو بزنی؟

Translation: Can you sweep the yard?

Tool Variation: Jāru-dasti (hand broom) vs. Jāru-barghi (electric vacuum). Both use the verb 'zadan' or 'keshidan'.

Using جارو زدن correctly requires an understanding of Persian compound verb conjugation. The non-verbal part, 'jāru', remains static, while the auxiliary verb 'zadan' changes to reflect tense, person, and mood. For English speakers, the most important thing to remember is that the object being swept (the room, the carpet, the floor) usually takes the object marker 'rā' if it is specific.

Present Continuous: I am sweeping: دارم جارو می‌زنم (Dāram jāru mizanam). This uses the auxiliary 'dāshtan' to indicate an action in progress.

When you want to tell someone to sweep, you use the imperative form. The imperative of 'zadan' is 'bezan'. Therefore, 'sweep!' becomes 'jāru bezan!'. If you are being polite or addressing a group, you say 'jāru bezanid'. This is very common in household instructions. For example, 'لطفاً اینجا را جارو بزن' (Please sweep here).

او همیشه قبل از پهن کردن سفره، زمین را جارو می‌زند.

Translation: He always sweeps the floor before spreading the tablecloth.

In the past tense, you use the past stem of 'zadan', which is 'zad'. 'I swept' is 'jāru zadam'. This is useful for reporting completed chores. 'I already swept the kitchen' would be 'آشپزخانه را جارو زدم'. Notice how the 'rā' follows the kitchen (āshpazkhāneh) because it is a specific room we are talking about.

Negative forms are created by adding 'na-' to the auxiliary. 'I don't sweep' is 'jāru nemizanam'. 'I didn't sweep' is 'jāru nazadam'. This is straightforward once you know the conjugation of 'zadan'. You can also use it with modal verbs like 'must' (bāyad) or 'want' (khāstan). 'I want to sweep' is 'mikhāham jāru bezanam'.

نباید با این جاروی خیس، فرش را جارو بزنی.

Translation: You shouldn't sweep the carpet with this wet broom.

Future Tense: I will sweep: جارو خواهم زد (Formal) or جارو می‌زنم (Informal/Future intent).

Finally, consider the passive voice, though it is less common for this specific verb. 'The room was swept' would be 'اتاق جارو زده شد'. Here, 'zade' is the past participle and 'shodan' is the auxiliary for the passive. This is mostly used in written reports or more formal descriptions of cleaning services.

فرش‌ها به خوبی جارو زده شده‌اند، پس نگران نباش.

Translation: The carpets have been swept well, so don't worry.

When describing the intensity of the action, you can use adverbs. 'Sari' (quickly), 'āhesteh' (slowly), or 'deghat' (with care). 'با دقت جارو بزن' (Sweep with care). This adds nuance to your instructions and descriptions, making your Persian sound more fluent and natural.

You will hear جارو زدن primarily in domestic and service-oriented environments. In a typical Iranian home, the sound of the 'jāru' is a morning staple. You'll hear parents asking children to help with chores: 'برو اتاقت رو جارو بزن' (Go sweep your room). It is part of the daily vocabulary of housekeeping and family life.

The Marketplace: In the Bazaar, shopkeepers sweep the front of their shops every morning to welcome customers and keep the area tidy.

In public spaces, you will see 'māmurān-e shahrdāri' (municipality workers) sweeping the streets. If you are in a park or walking down a sidewalk in Tehran early in the morning, the rhythmic scratching sound of a long wooden broom is unmistakable. People might comment on the cleanliness of the city by saying, 'خیابان‌ها را خوب جارو زده‌اند' (They have swept the streets well).

صدای جارو زدن همسایه از حیاط می‌آمد.

Translation: The sound of the neighbor sweeping was coming from the yard.

In Iranian cinema and TV dramas, the act of sweeping is often used to show a character's state of mind—perhaps they are waiting for someone, or they are trying to clear their head by doing manual labor. It is a very 'visual' verb that carries a lot of domestic weight. You might hear it in dialogues where characters discuss their daily routines or complain about the dust (khāk) that settles so quickly in dry climates.

You might also encounter this word in advertisements for vacuum cleaners or cleaning services. Commercials will often use phrases like 'قدرت فوق‌العاده در جارو زدن' (Extraordinary power in sweeping/vacuuming) to describe the suction of a machine. In these contexts, the word is used technically to describe the performance of a product.

این جاروبرقی جدید، جارو زدن را خیلی آسان کرده است.

Translation: This new vacuum cleaner has made sweeping very easy.

Religious/Spiritual Spaces: In mosques or shrines, volunteers often sweep the carpets as an act of devotion (khedmat).

Finally, in more abstract or metaphorical conversations, you might hear it used in the sense of 'clearing out'. For example, if someone wants to 'sweep away' old problems, though this is less common than the literal sense. Mostly, you will hear it when people talk about their homes, their shops, or the cleanliness of their environment.

خدمتکار هتل مشغول جارو زدن راهرو بود.

Translation: The hotel maid was busy sweeping the hallway.

One of the most frequent mistakes for English speakers is using the wrong auxiliary verb. Because 'cleaning' in general is 'tamiz kardan', learners often try to say 'jāru kardan'. While 'jāru kardan' is technically understood and used in some formal contexts, it sounds less natural than جارو زدن in everyday speech. Using 'zadan' gives your Persian an authentic, native-like flavor.

Mistake 1: Wrong Auxiliary: Saying 'jāru kardan' instead of 'jāru zadan' in casual conversation. Remember: you 'strike' the broom.

Another common error is confusing 'sweeping' with 'wiping' or 'mopping'. Persian uses 'teye keshidan' for mopping and 'dastmāl keshidan' for wiping/dusting. If you say you are 'jāru zadan' the table, a Persian speaker will be very confused because you don't use a broom on a table! Make sure you only use this verb for floors, carpets, or large outdoor surfaces.

اشتباه: من میز را جارو می‌زنم. (درست: میز را دستمال می‌کشم)

Explanation: You don't 'sweep' a table; you 'wipe' it.

Learners also struggle with the placement of the object marker 'rā'. Remember that 'rā' follows the object, not the verb. It should be 'اتاق را جارو زدم' (Otāgh rā jāru zadam), not 'جارو اتاق را زدم'. The compound verb 'jāru zadan' acts as a single unit at the end of the sentence. Splitting the non-verbal part and the auxiliary with the object is a major grammatical error.

A subtle mistake is neglecting the difference between 'jāru zadan' and 'jāru-barghi keshidan'. While 'zadan' can be used for both, 'keshidan' (to pull) is the more common auxiliary specifically for the vacuum cleaner because you 'pull' the machine across the floor. If you want to be precise about using a vacuum, use 'keshidan'. Using 'zadan' for a vacuum is okay, but using 'keshidan' for a manual broom sounds very strange.

اشتباه: با جاروی دستی زمین را می‌کشم. (درست: جارو می‌زنم)

Explanation: You don't 'pull' a hand broom; you 'strike' with it.

Mistake 2: Neglecting the 'mi-': In the present tense, many forget to add 'mi-' to 'zadan'. 'Man jāru zanam' is incorrect; it must be 'Man jāru mizanam'.

Lastly, be careful with the word 'jāru' itself. It refers to the tool. Some learners try to use it as a verb on its own. Persian verbs almost always require an auxiliary if they are not simple verbs. You cannot just say 'I broom'. You must say 'I broom strike' (jāru mizanam).

اشتباه: من هر روز جارو می‌کنم. (درست‌تر: جارو می‌زنم)

Explanation: While 'kardan' is used in some dialects or formal Persian, 'zadan' is the standard for natural speech.

While جارو زدن is the most common way to say 'to sweep', Persian offers several related terms that provide more specificity or a different tone. Understanding these will help you choose the right word for the right situation.

جاروبرقی کشیدن (jāru-barghi keshidan): Specifically means 'to vacuum'. It uses 'keshidan' (to pull) because of the motion of the vacuum head. This is the best term to use if you want to be clear that you aren't using a manual broom.
تمیز کردن (tamiz kardan): A general term for 'to clean'. If the whole room is messy, you 'tamiz' it. Sweeping is just one part of 'tamiz kardan'.

If you are talking about cleaning up liquid or using a mop, you should use 'teye keshidan' (تی کشیدن). This is a distinct action from sweeping. Similarly, 'gard-giri kardan' (گردگیری کردن) means to dust surfaces like shelves and tables. In a full cleaning routine, you might 'jāru bezani' the floor and 'gard-giri koni' the furniture.

بعد از جارو زدن، باید کف آشپزخانه را تی بکشم.

Translation: After sweeping, I must mop the kitchen floor.

In more formal or literary contexts, you might encounter 'rubidan' (روبیدن), which is the pure Persian root for sweeping. It is rarely used in speech today but appears in the word 'rubāh' (sweeper) and in compound nouns like 'raft-o-rub' (cleaning up/sweeping). Using 'rubidan' in conversation would sound very archaic or poetic.

او به جای جارو زدن، از جاروی شارژی استفاده می‌کند.

Translation: Instead of sweeping (with a broom), he uses a cordless vacuum.

پاک کردن (pāk kardan): Meaning 'to wipe' or 'to erase'. Use this for cleaning a window or a blackboard, never for sweeping a floor.

Lastly, for outdoor areas like a garden or a large yard, some might use 'shost-o-shu kardan' (washing up) if they are using water alongside sweeping. However, 'jāru zadan' remains the primary verb for the initial act of removing leaves and dirt. Knowing these distinctions allows you to describe your cleaning process with the same precision as a native speaker.

رفت‌وروب حیاط تمام شد و حالا نوبت جارو زدن داخل خانه است.

Translation: The tidying of the yard is finished, and now it's time to sweep the inside of the house.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The 'jāru' was traditionally made from a specific desert shrub in Iran. Even today, many Iranians prefer these traditional brooms for their effectiveness on carpets compared to plastic ones.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /d͡ʒɒːˈruː zæˈdæn/

US /d͡ʒɑːˈruː zəˈdæn/

The primary stress in 'jāru' is on the second syllable 'ru'. In the compound verb, the stress often shifts to the first syllable of the auxiliary 'zadan' in present tense (mizanam).

Rhymes With

دارو (dāru - medicine) پارو (pāru - shovel) بازو (bāzu - arm) زانو (zānu - knee) گردو (gerdu - walnut) آهو (āhu - deer) ابرو (abru - eyebrow) نیرو (niru - force)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'jāru' as 'jaru' (short a). It must be long.
Putting the stress on 'jā' instead of 'ru'.
Merging the two words into one without a slight pause.
Failing to pronounce the 'n' at the end of 'zadan' clearly.
Pronouncing 'zadan' like 'zay-dan'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

The words are simple and phonetically regular.

Writing 3/5

Requires knowledge of compound verb spelling and 'mi-' prefix placement.

Speaking 2/5

Common everyday phrase, easy to pronounce once the long 'ā' is mastered.

Listening 2/5

Distinctive sounds make it easy to recognize in conversation.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

جارو (jāru) زدن (zadan) خانه (khāneh) اتاق (otāgh) فرش (farsh)

Learn Next

تی کشیدن (teye keshidan) گردگیری کردن (gard-giri kardan) شستن (shostan) مرتب کردن (morattab kardan) خانه‌تکانی (khāneh-tekāni)

Advanced

روبیدن (rubidan) پاکیزگی (pākizegi) انضباط (entezām) بهداشت (behdāsht) تزکیه (tazkiyeh)

Grammar to Know

Compound Verb Conjugation

In 'jāru zadan', only 'zadan' changes: jāru mizanam, jāru zadi, jāru zad.

Object Marker 'rā'

Specific objects being swept take 'rā': 'Otāgh rā jāru zadam'.

Subjunctive with Modals

After 'bāyad', use the subjunctive: 'Bāyad jāru bezani'.

Prefix 'mi-' Placement

The 'mi-' prefix goes on the auxiliary: 'jāru mi-zanam'.

Imperative Formation

The imperative is 'jāru bezan' (singular) or 'jāru bezanid' (plural/polite).

Examples by Level

من اتاق را جارو می‌زنم.

I sweep the room.

Subject (Man) + Object (otāgh) + rā + Verb (jāru mizanam).

مادر جارو می‌زند.

Mother is sweeping.

Third person singular present: mi- + zan- + -ad.

آیا تو جارو می‌زنی؟

Do you sweep?

Question form using the second person singular.

او خانه را جارو می‌زند.

He/She sweeps the house.

Standard present tense for a habitual action.

لطفاً جارو بزن.

Please sweep.

Imperative form: be- + zan.

ما حیاط را جارو می‌زنیم.

We sweep the yard.

First person plural: mi- + zan- + -im.

آنها زمین را جارو می‌زنند.

They sweep the floor.

Third person plural: mi- + zan- + -and.

جارو نزن!

Don't sweep!

Negative imperative: na- + zan.

من دیروز آشپزخانه را جارو زدم.

I swept the kitchen yesterday.

Simple past tense: stem 'zad' + ending '-am'.

او هر روز صبح اتاقش را جارو می‌زند.

He sweeps his room every morning.

Use of 'har ruz' (every day) with present tense.

باید اینجا را خوب جارو بزنی.

You must sweep here well.

Modal 'bāyad' followed by the subjunctive 'bezani'.

چرا فرش را جارو نزدی؟

Why didn't you sweep the carpet?

Negative past tense: na- + zad- + -i.

می‌خواهم کل خانه را جارو بزنم.

I want to sweep the whole house.

Modal 'mikhāham' followed by the subjunctive.

او داشت حیاط را جارو می‌زد که باران آمد.

He was sweeping the yard when it rained.

Past continuous: dāsht + past stem + mi- + zad.

می‌توانی راهرو را جارو بزنی؟

Can you sweep the hallway?

Modal 'mitavāni' followed by the subjunctive.

من همیشه قبل از مهمانی جارو می‌زنم.

I always sweep before a party.

Use of 'hamisheh' (always) for habitual action.

اگر وقت داشته باشم، حتماً اتاق را جارو می‌زنم.

If I have time, I will definitely sweep the room.

First conditional sentence structure.

قبل از اینکه فرش را پهن کنی، زمین را جارو بزن.

Sweep the floor before you spread the carpet.

Temporal clause with 'ghabl az inke' + subjunctive.

او ترجیح می‌دهد به جای جارو زدن، استراحت کند.

He prefers to rest instead of sweeping.

Use of 'be jāye' (instead of) with the gerund-like infinitive.

خانه خیلی کثیف است، باید یک بار دیگر جارو بزنیم.

The house is very dirty; we must sweep one more time.

Compound sentence with necessity modal.

آیا تا به حال این اتاق را جارو زده‌ای؟

Have you ever swept this room?

Present perfect: past participle 'zade' + 'i'.

من داشتم جارو می‌زدم که تلفن زنگ خورد.

I was sweeping when the phone rang.

Past continuous interrupted by a simple past action.

بچه‌ها مشغول جارو زدن حیاط مدرسه هستند.

The children are busy sweeping the school yard.

Use of 'mashghul-e' (busy with) + infinitive.

او هیچ‌وقت بدون جارو زدن، از خانه بیرون نمی‌رود.

He never leaves the house without sweeping.

Double negative structure for emphasis.

با وجود اینکه خسته بود، تمام شب را جارو می‌زد.

Despite being tired, he was sweeping all night.

Concessive clause with 'bā vojud-e inke'.

تمیز کردن خانه فقط به معنای جارو زدن نیست.

Cleaning the house doesn't just mean sweeping.

Complex subject phrase with negation.

او طوری جارو می‌زند که انگار می‌خواهد تمام غم‌هایش را پاک کند.

He sweeps in a way as if he wants to wipe away all his sorrows.

Simile with 'engār' (as if).

به محض اینکه جارو زدن تمام شد، مهمان‌ها رسیدند.

As soon as the sweeping finished, the guests arrived.

Temporal clause with 'be mahz-e inke'.

او همیشه با دقت فراوان گوشه‌های اتاق را جارو می‌زند.

He always sweeps the corners of the room with great care.

Adverbial phrase 'bā deghat-e farāvān'.

اگر او زودتر جارو زده بود، الان خانه تمیز بود.

If he had swept earlier, the house would be clean now.

Past unreal conditional (Third conditional).

فکر نمی‌کنم او اصلاً بلد باشد چطور جارو بزند.

I don't think he even knows how to sweep.

Subjunctive after 'fekr nemikonam'.

جارو زدن خیابان‌ها وظیفه شهرداری است.

Sweeping the streets is the municipality's duty.

Infinitive used as a subject noun.

در متون کهن، واژه روبیدن به جای جارو زدن به کار می‌رفته است.

In ancient texts, the word 'rubidan' was used instead of 'jāru zadan'.

Passive past continuous in a formal context.

او با هر بار جارو زدن، گویی غبار از روح خویش می‌زدود.

With every sweep, it was as if he was removing dust from his own soul.

Literary register with 'guyi' and 'mizodud'.

فرهنگ جارو زدن در ایران با آیین‌های پاکیزگی پیوندی دیرینه دارد.

The culture of sweeping in Iran has an ancient bond with rituals of purity.

Abstract noun phrase as subject.

او چنان در جارو زدن غرق شده بود که متوجه گذر زمان نشد.

He was so immersed in sweeping that he didn't notice the passage of time.

Result clause with 'chonān... ke'.

جارو زدن معابر عمومی نمادی از انضباط اجتماعی در شهرهای مدرن است.

Sweeping public passages is a symbol of social discipline in modern cities.

Formal sociological statement.

باید دید آیا جارو زدن به تنهایی برای مقابله با آلودگی هوا کافی است؟

It remains to be seen if sweeping alone is enough to combat air pollution.

Indirect question with 'āyā'.

او با وسواس عجیبی هر روز صبح پله‌ها را جارو می‌زند.

With a strange obsession, he sweeps the stairs every morning.

Adverbial phrase 'bā vasvās-e ajibi'.

در این نقاشی، پیرمردی در حال جارو زدن برگ‌های پاییزی به تصویر کشیده شده است.

In this painting, an old man is depicted sweeping autumn leaves.

Passive construction 'be tasvir keshide shode ast'.

مفهوم جارو زدن در ادبیات عرفانی، استعاره‌ای از تزکیه نفس و زدودن رذایل اخلاقی است.

The concept of sweeping in mystical literature is a metaphor for self-purification and removing moral vices.

Highly formal philosophical discourse.

تقلیل دادن وظایف خانه‌داری به صرفاً جارو زدن، نادیده گرفتن پیچیدگی‌های مدیریت منزل است.

Reducing housework duties to merely sweeping is ignoring the complexities of home management.

Gerundive subject with complex predicate.

او با جارو زدن خاطرات تلخ گذشته، سعی در بازسازی هویت خویش داشت.

By sweeping away bitter memories of the past, he tried to reconstruct his identity.

Metaphorical use in a psychological context.

سنت جارو زدن آستانه در، ریشه در باورهای اساطیری پیرامون مرز میان فضای قدسی و عرفی دارد.

The tradition of sweeping the threshold has roots in mythological beliefs regarding the boundary between sacred and profane space.

Academic anthropological terminology.

هرچند تکنولوژی جارو زدن را دگرگون کرده، اما جوهر این عمل به عنوان نماد نظم همچنان پابرجاست.

Although technology has transformed sweeping, the essence of this act as a symbol of order remains intact.

Complex concessive sentence.

در این جستار، نویسنده به واکاوی نقش جارو زدن در بازتولید ساختارهای جنسیتی در جوامع سنتی می‌پردازد.

In this essay, the author explores the role of sweeping in reproducing gender structures in traditional societies.

Formal academic 'vākāvi' (analysis).

جارو زدن شبانه در فرهنگ عامه، همواره با بیم و امیدهای متافیزیکی همراه بوده است.

Nightly sweeping in popular culture has always been accompanied by metaphysical fears and hopes.

Abstract historical/cultural analysis.

او با مهارتی خیره‌کننده، چنان جارو می‌زد که گویی رقصی آیینی را اجرا می‌کند.

With stunning skill, he swept as if performing a ritual dance.

Literary description with 'goyi'.

Synonyms

جارو کردن جاروبرقی کشیدن روبیدن رفت‌وروب کردن تمیز کردن گردگیری کردن پاکیزه کردن زدودن

Antonyms

کثیف کردن آشغال ریختن پاشیدن آلودن

Common Collocations

فرش را جارو زدن

حیاط را جارو زدن

اتاق را جارو زدن

خوب جارو زدن

سریع جارو زدن

قبل از مهمانی جارو زدن

با جاروی دستی جارو زدن

خیابان را جارو زدن

آشپزخانه را جارو زدن

گوشه‌ها را جارو زدن

Common Phrases

جارو پارو کردن

— A rhyming colloquialism for doing a thorough sweeping and cleaning.

کل خانه را جارو پارو کردیم.

یک جارو بزن

— A casual way to say 'give it a quick sweep'.

قبل از اینکه بنشینیم، اینجا را یک جارو بزن.

جارو زدن و تی کشیدن

— The standard duo of floor cleaning: sweeping and mopping.

امروز نوبت جارو زدن و تی کشیدن من است.

دست به جارو شدن

— To start sweeping or cleaning up.

بالاخره دست به جارو شد و اتاقش را تمیز کرد.

خاک‌ها را جارو زدن

— Specifically sweeping away the dust.

خاک‌های جلوی در را جارو بزن.

برگ‌ها را جارو زدن

— Sweeping away fallen leaves.

پاییز که می‌شود، مدام باید برگ‌ها را جارو بزنیم.

جارو زدن راهرو

— Sweeping the corridor or hallway.

همسایه مشغول جارو زدن راهرو بود.

جارو زدن مغازه

— The ritual of sweeping the shop floor.

کاسب‌ها اول صبح مغازه‌شان را جارو می‌زنند.

جارو زدن پله‌ها

— Sweeping the stairs.

پله‌ها پر از خاک است، لطفاً جارو بزن.

با دقت جارو زدن

— To sweep with great attention to detail.

مادرم همیشه با دقت فرش‌ها را جارو می‌زند.

Often Confused With

جارو زدن vs پاک کردن (pāk kardan)

Pāk kardan is for wiping or erasing (like a table or board), while jāru zadan is for sweeping floors.

جارو زدن vs تی کشیدن (teye keshidan)

Teye keshidan is mopping with water, which usually happens after sweeping.

جارو زدن vs گردگیری کردن (gard-giri kardan)

Gard-giri is specifically for dusting furniture and shelves, not the floor.

Idioms & Expressions

"جارو کردن و بردن"

— To sweep everything away; to take everything or win everything completely.

او تمام جوایز را جارو کرد و برد.

Informal/Metaphorical

"مثل جارو"

— Used to describe someone who eats a lot or clears a plate quickly.

هر چه روی میز بود مثل جارو خورد.

Slang

"جارو به دم بستن"

— Literally 'tying a broom to the tail'; used to describe someone running away in a ridiculous or shameful manner.

او ترسید و جارو به دم بست و فرار کرد.

Informal/Rare

"خانه را جارو زدن"

— Sometimes used metaphorically to mean spending all one's money or losing everything.

قمار تمام زندگی‌اش را جارو زد.

Metaphorical

"جارو کردن مشکلات"

— To quickly and superficially deal with problems rather than solving them deeply.

او فقط مشکلات را زیر فرش جارو می‌کند.

Idiomatic (Calque from English)

"جارو کشیدن به کوی کسی"

— To show extreme humility and service to someone beloved.

او حاضر است کوی یار را با مژگان جارو بزند.

Poetic

"جارو نوبت"

— A traditional term for taking turns sweeping a shared space.

امروز جارو نوبت ماست.

Old Colloquial

"جارو دست گرفتن"

— To take responsibility for a mess or a situation.

بالاخره یکی باید جارو دست بگیرد و این وضع را درست کند.

Informal

"جارو زدن رد پا"

— To cover one's tracks.

او سعی کرد تمام رد پاها را جارو بزند.

Literary

"با جارو بیرون کردن"

— To kick someone out rudely or forcefully.

او را با جارو از خانه بیرون انداختند.

Informal

Easily Confused

جارو زدن vs جارو کردن

Uses a different auxiliary.

Jāru kardan is more formal or written, while jāru zadan is the natural spoken choice.

او خانه را جارو کرد. (Formal) vs او خانه را جارو زد. (Natural)

جارو زدن vs جارو کشیدن

Uses 'keshidan' (pull).

Often used for vacuuming or using a large broom that you pull across the floor.

دارم جاروبرقی می‌کشم.

جارو زدن vs روبیدن

The root is the same.

Rubidan is ancient/literary and never used in modern conversation.

او صحن را می‌روبد. (Very poetic)

جارو زدن vs تمیز کردن

General vs. Specific.

Tamiz kardan is the whole process (cleaning), while jāru zadan is only the sweeping part.

باید کل اتاق را تمیز کنم (شامل جارو زدن و گردگیری).

جارو زدن vs شستن

Cleaning with water.

Shostan means washing. You wash dishes, you sweep floors.

فرش را نشوی، فقط جارو بزن.

Sentence Patterns

Man [Object] rā jāru mizanam.

Man otāgh rā jāru mizanam.

Har [Time] [Object] rā jāru mizanam.

Har ruz āshpazkhāneh rā jāru mizanam.

Bāyad ghabl az [Event] jāru bezanam.

Bāyad ghabl az mehmāni jāru bezanam.

Agar [Condition], jāru mizadam.

Agar vaght dāshtam, jāru mizadam.

Hengām-e [Action], mashghul-e jāru zadan budam.

Hengām-e harf zadan, mashghul-e jāru zadan budam.

Jāru zadan namādi az [Concept] ast.

Jāru zadan namādi az nezāfat-e daruni ast.

Mitavāni [Object] rā jāru bezani?

Mitavāni pazi rā jāru bezani?

Diruz [Object] rā jāru zadam.

Diruz hayāt rā jāru zadam.

Word Family

Nouns

جارو (jāru - broom)

جاروکش (jāru-kesh - sweeper/cleaner)

جاروبرقی (jāru-barghi - vacuum cleaner)

جارودستی (jāru-dasti - hand broom)

Verbs

جارو کردن (jāru kardan - formal to sweep)

جارو کشیدن (jāru keshidan - to vacuum/pull broom)

Adjectives

جاروزده (jāru-zade - swept/cleaned)

جارو نشده (jāru-nashode - unswept)

رفت‌وروب (raft-o-rub - cleaning up)

نظافت (nezāfat - cleanliness)

گردگیری (gard-giri - dusting)

شست‌وشو (shost-o-shu - washing)

پاکیزگی (pākizegi - purity)

How to Use It

frequency

Very common in daily life and household contexts.

Common Mistakes

من اتاق را جارو می‌کنم. → من اتاق را جارو می‌زنم.
While 'kardan' is understood, 'zadan' is the much more natural and common auxiliary verb for sweeping in spoken Persian.
جارو اتاق را زدم. → اتاق را جارو زدم.
The object (otāgh) must come before the entire compound verb. You cannot place it between 'jāru' and 'zadan'.
من دارم جارو زنم. → من دارم جارو می‌زنم.
In the present continuous, you must include the 'mi-' prefix on the auxiliary verb 'zadan'.
میز را جارو بزن. → میز را دستمال بکش.
You don't sweep tables; you wipe them. 'Jāru zadan' is strictly for floors and carpets.
با جاروی دستی زمین را می‌کشم. → با جاروی دستی زمین را جارو می‌زنم.
The verb 'keshidan' (to pull) is used for vacuuming, not for manual sweeping with a broom.

Tips

Conjugate the Auxiliary

Remember that 'jāru' never changes. Only conjugate 'zadan' to match the person and tense. This is the golden rule for all Persian compound verbs.

Avoid Night Sweeping

In traditional Iranian culture, sweeping at night is considered bad luck. If you are staying with a Persian family, it's best to sweep in the morning or afternoon.

Vacuum vs. Broom

If you want to be 100% clear you used a vacuum, say 'jāru-barghi keshidam'. Otherwise, 'jāru zadam' is a safe and natural default.

The Long 'ā'

Make sure to pronounce the 'ā' in 'jāru' as a long, deep vowel, similar to 'law'. A short 'a' will sound incorrect to native ears.

Object Placement

The object (like 'otāgh') always comes before 'jāru'. Example: [Otāgh rā] [jāru] [mizanam]. Don't put the object between the two parts of the verb.

Hospitality

Sweeping the entrance of your home is a sign that you are ready and happy to receive guests. It's a subtle part of Persian hospitality (Ta'arof culture).

Metaphorical Sweeping

If someone 'sweeps the awards', they 'jāru kardand' the prizes. It's a common way to describe a total victory.

Pair with Mopping

Learn 'jāru zadan' and 'teye keshidan' together, as they are almost always performed one after the other in a cleaning routine.

Spelling

The word 'jāru' ends in a 'vāv' (و), making a long 'u' sound. Don't forget to write it clearly.

Asking for Help

A polite way to ask someone to sweep is 'Mishi injā ro ye jāru bezani?' (Could you give this place a sweep?).

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a 'Jar' and a 'Roo' (kangaroo). The kangaroo is holding a broom and trying to sweep dust into a giant jar. 'Jar-Roo' = Jāru.

Visual Association

Visualize a traditional Persian rug with a wooden broom leaning against it. The rhythmic sound 'shhh-shhh' is the sound of 'zadan' (striking) the floor.

Word Web

Broom Dust Floor Carpet Clean House Morning Routine

Challenge

Try to say 'I sweep the room every day' in Persian five times fast without stumbling: 'Man har ruz otāgh rā jāru mizanam'.

Word Origin

The word 'jāru' comes from Middle Persian 'jārūb', which is derived from the root 'rub-' meaning to sweep or clear. The auxiliary 'zadan' comes from Old Persian 'jan-', meaning to strike or hit.

Original meaning: To strike the floor with a cleaning tool made of twigs or fibers.

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

Cultural Context

Be aware that domestic labor like sweeping has historically been gendered in Iran, though this is changing in modern urban settings.

In English, we distinguish 'sweep' and 'vacuum'. In Persian, 'jāru zadan' covers both, though 'vacuum' has its own specific term.

Poems by Rumi often mention the 'sweeper' of the heart. Iranian films like 'The Salesman' often show domestic scenes involving sweeping. Traditional folk songs about 'Khāneh-tekāni'.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Morning Routine

اول صبح جارو می‌زنم.
خانه را تمیز می‌کنم.
پنجره‌ها را باز می‌کنم.
گردگیری می‌کنم.

Preparing for Guests

مهمان داریم، باید جارو بزنم.
پذیرایی را مرتب کن.
میوه بچین.
چای دم کن.

Spring Cleaning (Nowruz)

وقت خانه‌تکانی است.
همه جا را جارو بزن.
پرده‌ها را بشوی.
فرش‌ها را بشوی.

Cleaning the Yard

برگ‌ها را جارو بزن.
حیاط را آب بپاش.
گل‌ها را آب بده.
آشغال‌ها را جمع کن.

At the Shop

جلوی مغازه را جارو بزن.
ویترین را پاک کن.
جنس‌ها را بچین.
مشتری آمد.

Conversation Starters

"آیا امروز خانه را جارو زده‌ای؟ (Have you swept the house today?)"

"به نظر تو جاروی دستی بهتر است یا جاروبرقی؟ (Do you think a hand broom is better or a vacuum?)"

"چقدر طول می‌کشد تا کل خانه را جارو بزنی؟ (How long does it take for you to sweep the whole house?)"

"آیا در کشور شما هم جارو زدن در شب بد است؟ (Is sweeping at night bad in your country too?)"

"چه کسی در خانه شما معمولاً جارو می‌زند؟ (Who usually sweeps in your house?)"

Journal Prompts

درباره کارهای خانه‌ای که امروز انجام دادی بنویس. (Write about the household chores you did today.)

آیا از جارو زدن لذت می‌بری یا برایت خسته‌کننده است؟ چرا؟ (Do you enjoy sweeping or is it boring for you? Why?)

توصیف کن که یک خانه بعد از یک جارو زدن حسابی چطور به نظر می‌رسد. (Describe how a house looks after a thorough sweeping.)

خاطره‌ای از کمک کردن در خانه‌تکانی عید بنویس. (Write a memory of helping with the New Year spring cleaning.)

اگر یک جاروی جادویی داشتی، دوست داشتی چه کاری برایت انجام دهد؟ (If you had a magic broom, what would you want it to do for you?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, you can. While 'jāru-barghi keshidan' is more specific, 'jāru zadan' is a common general term for cleaning the floor with any kind of broom or vacuum.

'Jāru zadan' is the standard, natural way to say it in spoken Persian. 'Jāru kardan' sounds more formal or like something you would read in a manual or a textbook.

It is always 'jāru mizanam'. In Persian compound verbs, the non-verbal part (jāru) comes before the conjugated auxiliary verb (mizanam).

You use 'rā' if the object you are sweeping is specific. For example, 'I sweep the room' is 'Otāgh rā jāru mizanam'. If you just say 'I am sweeping', you say 'Dāram jāru mizanam'.

It refers to the rhythmic, striking motion of a traditional broom against the floor surface.

You still use 'jāru zadan', but you specify the leaves: 'Barghā rā jāru mizanam'.

No. For tables, you use 'dastmāl keshidan' (wiping) or 'pāk kardan' (cleaning/wiping).

It is the Persian tradition of spring cleaning before Nowruz, where 'jāru zadan' is performed very thoroughly throughout the whole house.

Yes, 'jāru bezan' is the imperative. It's fine for friends, but for guests or elders, use the polite 'jāru bezanid'.

Persian does not have grammatical gender, so 'jāru' is neutral like all other nouns.