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Vocabulary
گاز گرفتن

B1 verb #4,000 most common 10 min read

گاز گرفتن

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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips گاز گرفتن in 30 Seconds

Explanation گاز گرفتن in your Level:

At the A1 level, you only need to know that 'Gāz gereftan' means 'to bite'. You should be able to use it in very simple present and past sentences. For example, 'The dog bites' (Sag gāz migirad) or 'I bit the apple' (Sib rā gāz gereftam). Focus on the fact that it is two words working together. Don't worry about complex grammar yet; just remember 'Gāz' is the bite and 'Gereftan' is the action.

At the A2 level, you should start using this verb with different subjects (I, you, he/she). You should also be able to form simple questions like 'Does this dog bite?' (Āyā in sag gāz migirad?). You should also recognize the difference between 'Gāz' (the noun) and 'Gāz gereftan' (the verb). You might use it to describe basic needs, like wanting to take a bite of food.

As a B1 learner, you should be comfortable with the present, past, and imperative forms. You should know the present stem 'Gir' and the past stem 'Gereft'. You should be able to use it in stories, such as describing a childhood memory of being bitten by an animal. You also begin to understand the 'rā' object marker usage and how to negate the verb correctly (Gāz nagir!).

At the B2 level, you can use 'Gāz gereftan' in more complex sentence structures, including conditional sentences ('If I hadn't been careful, it would have bitten me'). You should also be aware of the passive voice ('Gāz gerefte shodam') and use it fluatly in conversation. You start to recognize metaphorical uses in newspapers or more descriptive literature.

At the C1 level, you understand the nuances between 'Gāz gereftan' and its synonyms like 'Gazidan' or 'Dandān zadan'. You can use the verb in idiomatic expressions and understand its role in classical Persian literature. You are able to discuss the word's etymology and its various meanings (gas vs. bite) without confusion, even in fast-paced native speech.

At the C2 level, you have complete mastery. You can use 'Gāz gereftan' in highly technical or poetic contexts. You understand the subtle differences in tone when a speaker chooses this verb over others. You can use it to create puns or double meanings involving 'gas' and 'bite' and can appreciate the word's placement in complex rhythmic prose.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

گاز گرفتن in 30 Seconds

Common Persian verb for 'to bite'.
Compound verb: Gāz (bite) + Gereftan (to take).
Used for animals, humans, and eating food.
Present stem is 'Gir', past stem is 'Gereft'.

The Persian compound verb گاز گرفتن (Gāz Gereftan) is the primary way to express the act of biting in the Persian language. While the word 'Gāz' in other contexts can mean 'gas' (as in fuel or the state of matter), when paired with the auxiliary verb 'Gereftan' (to take/catch), it transforms into a physical action involving teeth. This verb is versatile, covering everything from a dog biting a stranger to a child taking a bite of a crunchy red apple. Understanding this verb requires recognizing its compound nature, where the meaning is derived from the combination of the noun 'Gāz' and the versatile verb 'Gereftan'. In everyday Persian, you will encounter this word in domestic settings, medical contexts, and even in playful interactions with pets.

Physical Action: The most direct use is the act of sinking teeth into something, whether for consumption or as an act of aggression.

سگ همسایه دست مرا گاز گرفت.
The neighbor's dog bit my hand.

Beyond the literal bite of an animal, it is used when eating. If you are eating a sandwich and someone asks for a piece, you might say, 'Do you want a bite?' using the noun form, but the action of taking that bite is 'Gāz Gereftan'. It is a B1 level word because while the concept is simple, the conjugation of compound verbs and the distinction between this and other 'teeth-related' verbs (like chewing or nibbling) require a bit more linguistic nuance. In a medical context, if you are bitten by an insect, Persians might use 'Gāz Gereftan' for larger bites, though 'Gahzidan' (stinging/biting) is also common for bugs. However, for mammals (humans, dogs, cats, horses), 'Gāz Gereftan' is the undisputed standard.

Metaphorical Use: Sometimes used to describe cold weather 'biting' the skin or a sharp tool 'gripping' a surface tightly.

بچه سیب را با اشتها گاز گرفت.
The child bit the apple with appetite.

Culturally, biting can have various connotations. In Persian parenting of previous generations, a 'playful bite' on a baby's chubby cheek was a common (though now debated) expression of affection, often accompanied by the phrase 'He is so cute I want to bite him!' This sentiment is perfectly captured by our verb. Furthermore, the verb is used in the passive voice (Gāz Gerefte Shodan) frequently in news reports regarding animal safety. It is essential to master the present stem 'Gir' for commands like 'Gāz Nagir!' (Don't bite!), often said to teething toddlers or playful puppies. By the end of this guide, you will understand how to navigate the dental landscape of the Persian language with precision.

Using گاز گرفتن correctly involves understanding the grammar of Persian compound verbs. The first part, 'Gāz', remains stationary, while the second part, 'Gereftan', carries all the weight of tense, person, and mood. For example, in the past tense, you use the stem 'Gereft', and in the present tense, you use the stem 'Gir'. This distinction is crucial for B1 learners who are moving beyond simple sentences into more complex narratives. Whether you are describing a past event or giving a warning, the structure remains consistent: [Object] + [Gāz] + [Conjugated Gereftan].

Past Tense (Simple): Used for completed actions. 'I bit' = 'Gāz gereftam'.

او زبانش را موقع غذا خوردن گاز گرفت.
He bit his tongue while eating.

In the present continuous or future, the complexity increases slightly. To say 'The dog is biting', you would say 'Sag dārad gāz migirad'. Note the 'mi-' prefix attached to the present stem 'gir'. This is a common area for mistakes, as learners often forget the 'mi-' or use the wrong stem. Furthermore, when the object of the bite is specific, you must use the 'rā' postposition. For instance, 'I bit *the* apple' becomes 'Sib *rā* gāz gereftam'. If it is just 'I took a bite', you might say 'Yek gāz gereftam', treating 'Gāz' as a countable noun.

Imperative (Command): To tell someone to bite or not bite. 'Don't bite!' = 'Gāz nagir!'

مواظب باش! سگ ممکن است تو را گاز بگیرد.
Be careful! The dog might bite you.

In more advanced usage, you might encounter the causative form, though it is rare for this specific verb. More commonly, you will see the passive form: 'Gāz gerefte shodam' (I was bitten). This is vital for hospital visits or reporting incidents. For example, 'Dastam tavasote gorbe gāz gerefte shod' (My hand was bitten by the cat). Mastering these variations allows you to describe interactions between subjects and objects with clarity and native-like flow. Remember that the stress usually falls on the first syllable of the non-verbal part ('Gāz') in compound verbs, which helps with natural pronunciation.

You will hear گاز گرفتن in a variety of real-life settings in Iran and Persian-speaking communities. One of the most common places is in a family home. Parents often warn children not to bite their toys or each other. You'll hear phrases like 'Gāz nagir, kasife!' (Don't bite it, it's dirty!). Another very common setting is the park or any place with pets. Iranian pet owners, much like those elsewhere, have to manage their animals' behavior. If a dog is overly excited, the owner might apologize by saying 'Gāz nemigire, faghat bāzi mikone' (He doesn't bite, he's just playing).

At the Dentist: Dentists use it when asking you to bite down on a mold or a piece of paper to check your alignment.

لطفاً این کاغذ را گاز بگیرید.
Please bite down on this paper.

In Persian literature and folklore, biting can symbolize various things. In some stories, a character might 'bite their finger' (Angosht be dandān gaz gereftan) as a sign of extreme surprise or regret. This is a highly idiomatic use that you might encounter in classical poetry or formal storytelling. In modern media, news reports about wildlife or stray dog issues in metropolitan areas like Tehran will frequently use the term 'Gāz-gereftegi' (the state of being bitten/bite marks) to describe injuries. This noun derivative is essential for understanding formal reports.

In the Kitchen: When tasting food, especially something hard like a 'Soohan' (traditional brittle) or an apple.

یه گاز از این ساندویچ می‌خوری؟
Will you take a bite of this sandwich? (Using the noun form)

Finally, you might hear it in sports or physical activities. If a wrestler or an athlete accidentally bites an opponent, the referee will use this term to describe the foul. It's a word that bridges the gap between the mundane (eating), the domestic (pets/children), and the emergency (animal attacks). Hearing it in movies is also frequent, especially in thrillers or dramas where a character might be silenced by having to 'bite their tongue' literally or metaphorically to avoid revealing a secret. Its ubiquity makes it a cornerstone of functional B1 Persian.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make with گاز گرفتن is confusing the word 'Gāz' with its other meanings. In Persian, 'Gāz' can mean 'gas' (the fuel), 'gauze' (the medical fabric), or 'bite'. A common error is trying to use 'Gāz' in a sentence about a stove and accidentally using the verb 'Gereftan' in a way that implies biting the stove. Always remember that the combination 'Gāz + Gereftan' specifically means 'to bite'. If you want to say 'to turn on the gas', you would use 'Gāz rā roshan kardan'.

Stem Confusion: Confusing the past stem 'Gereft' with the present stem 'Gir'.

Incorrect: من دارم سیب را گاز می‌گرفتم.
Wrong: I am biting the apple (Mixing continuous markers with past stem).

Another mistake involves the use of 'Gahzidan' vs. 'Gāz Gereftan'. While 'Gahzidan' is a valid verb for biting, it is often more formal or specifically refers to stinging (like a bee or a snake). If you say 'Sag marā gahzid', it sounds a bit like a line from a 19th-century novel. For modern, natural-sounding Persian, stick to 'Gāz gereftan'. Additionally, learners often struggle with the 'rā' particle. Remember, you bite *something* (Object + rā), but you don't put 'rā' between 'Gāz' and 'Gereftan' because they function as a single unit.

Preposition Errors: Using 'az' (from) when it's not needed, or omitting 'rā'.

Correct: سگ پایم را گاز گرفت.
Correct: The dog bit my leg (Object + rā).

Lastly, pronunciation can be a pitfall. The 'ā' in 'Gāz' is a long, deep vowel (like the 'a' in 'father'). If you pronounce it with a short 'a' (like 'cat'), it might be misunderstood or sound like a different word entirely. Also, ensure the 'G' in 'Gereftan' is a hard 'G', not a 'J' or 'Q' sound. Paying attention to these small phonetic details will prevent you from sounding like a beginner and help you achieve the B1 fluency level where compound verbs feel natural rather than mechanical.

While گاز گرفتن is the most common way to say 'to bite', Persian offers several alternatives depending on the context, intensity, and formality. Understanding these allows you to be more descriptive. For example, if you want to describe a small, nibbling action, 'Gāz gereftan' might be too aggressive. Instead, you could use 'Dandān zadan' (to hit with teeth), which is often used for testing if something is hard or taking a tiny taste.

Gazidan (گزیدن): Often used for insects or snakes. It implies a sting or a sharp, venomous bite. Also used metaphorically for 'stinging' words.

زنبور دستم را گزید.
The bee stung/bit my hand.

Another related verb is 'Javidan' (to chew). While biting is the initial act, chewing is the process. Learners sometimes confuse the two when talking about eating. If you say 'I bit the food' when you mean 'I chewed the food', it sounds slightly off. Use 'Gāz gereftan' for the entry of teeth and 'Javidan' for the mastication. There is also 'Gāz-gāz kardan', which is an informal, repetitive way to say 'to keep biting' or 'to nibble', often used when talking about how a puppy behaves with its toys.

Qāp zadan (قاپ زدن): To snatch. While not always involving teeth, animals often 'bite and snatch' simultaneously, and this verb captures that quick motion.

او یک تکه از نان را گاز زد.
He took a bite (hit a bite) of the bread. (Informal alternative)

In literary Persian, you might find 'Khāyidan', which is an archaic or very formal word for chewing or biting. You won't use this in a supermarket, but you'll see it in the Shahnameh. For B1 learners, the priority is distinguishing between 'Gāz gereftan' (the standard) and 'Gazidan' (the sting/formal bite). By knowing these alternatives, you can tailor your speech to the situation—using 'Gāz gereftan' for your pet dog and 'Gazidan' when warning someone about a mosquito in the North of Iran.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In Persian, 'Gāz' can mean 'bite', 'gas', and 'pliers' (gas-anbor). All three involve a 'grip' or a 'pressure' of some kind!

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ɡɑːz ɡe.ɾæf.tæn/

US /ɡɑz ɡɛ.ɾæf.tæn/

The primary stress is on the first syllable of the non-verbal part: 'GĀZ'. A secondary stress falls on the final syllable of the verb 'tan'.

Rhymes With

باز گرفتن (Bāz gereftan) فاز گرفتن (Fāz gereftan) ناز گرفتن (Nāz gereftan) ساز گرفتن (Sāz gereftan) گداز گرفتن (Godāz gereftan) نیاز گرفتن (Niyāz gereftan) نماز گرفتن (Namāz gereftan) پرواز گرفتن (Parvāz gereftan)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'Gāz' as 'Gaz' (short 'a' like in 'apple'). It must be a long 'ā'.
Using a 'J' sound for 'G'. It is a hard 'G'.
Stress on 'Gereftan' instead of 'Gāz'.
Slurring the 'f' and 't' in 'Gereftan'.
Pronouncing 'Gāz' like the English 'Gaze' (with an 'ei' sound).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to recognize, but don't confuse with 'gas' (fuel).

Writing 4/5

Requires knowledge of compound verb conjugation.

Speaking 4/5

Long 'ā' vowel and present stem 'gir' need practice.

Listening 3/5

Clearly audible in context.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

دندان (Tooth) گرفتن (To take) سگ (Dog) سیب (Apple) خوردن (To eat)

Learn Next

گزیدن (To sting) جویدن (To chew) بلعیدن (To swallow) لیسیدن (To lick) چشیدن (To taste)

Advanced

استعاره (Metaphor) مجهول (Passive voice) فعل مرکب (Compound verb) آناتومی (Anatomy) پشیمانی (Regret)

Grammar to Know

Compound Verb Conjugation

من گاز می‌گیرم (Present), من گاز گرفتم (Past).

Object Marker 'rā'

او دستم را گاز گرفت.

Subjunctive with Modal Verbs

ممکن است گاز بگیرد.

Passive Voice Construction

گاز گرفته شد.

Imperative Stem

بگیر -> گاز بگیر!

Examples by Level

سگ گاز گرفت.

The dog bit.

Simple past tense.

من سیب را گاز گرفتم.

I bit the apple.

Subject + Object + Verb.

گربه گاز نمی‌گیرد.

The cat does not bite.

Negative present tense.

آیا سگ گاز می‌گیرد؟

Does the dog bite?

Question form.

بچه دستم را گاز گرفت.

The baby bit my hand.

Past tense with object marker 'rā'.

یک گاز بده!

Give me a bite!

Noun usage with 'dādan'.

او نان را گاز گرفت.

He bit the bread.

Simple past.

گاز نگیر!

Don't bite!

Imperative negative.

سگ بزرگ مرا گاز گرفت.

The big dog bit me.

Adjective + Subject.

چرا سیب را گاز گرفتی؟

Why did you bite the apple?

Question with 'Cherā'.

من نمی‌خواهم تو را گاز بگیرم!

I don't want to bite you!

Modal verb 'khāstan'.

او همیشه مدادش را گاز می‌گیرد.

He always bites his pencil.

Present habitual tense.

گربه دست برادرم را گاز گرفت.

The cat bit my brother's hand.

Possessive 'ezafe'.

این میوه خیلی سفت است، نمی‌توانم گاز بگیرم.

This fruit is very hard, I can't bite it.

Modal verb 'tavānestan'.

سگ‌ها وقتی می‌ترسند گاز می‌گیرند.

Dogs bite when they are afraid.

Conjunction 'vaghti'.

او یک گاز کوچک از کیک گرفت.

She took a small bite of the cake.

Noun usage with 'gereftan'.

اگر سگ را اذیت کنی، تو را گاز می‌گیرد.

If you annoy the dog, it will bite you.

Conditional Type 1.

داشتم سیب می‌خوردم که زبانم را گاز گرفتم.

I was eating an apple when I bit my tongue.

Past continuous + Past simple.

باید مواظب باشی که سگ تو را گاز نگیرد.

You must be careful that the dog doesn't bite you.

Subjunctive mood.

او از ترس اینکه سگ گازش بگیرد، فرار کرد.

He ran away for fear that the dog might bite him.

Compound prepositional phrase.

دیروز دستم توسط یک گربه خیابانی گاز گرفته شد.

Yesterday my hand was bitten by a stray cat.

Passive voice.

چرا اینقدر محکم گاز می‌گیری؟

Why are you biting so hard?

Adverbial usage 'mohkam'.

او عادت دارد ناخن‌هایش را گاز بگیرد.

He has a habit of biting his nails.

Infinitive phrase.

سگ همسایه هیچ‌وقت کسی را گاز نگرفته است.

The neighbor's dog has never bitten anyone.

Present perfect tense.

با وجود اینکه سگ مهربان به نظر می‌رسید، ناگهان دست او را گاز گرفت.

Despite the dog appearing kind, it suddenly bit his hand.

Contrastive conjunction.

پزشک پرسید: 'آیا جای گاز گرفتن هنوز درد می‌کند؟'

The doctor asked: 'Does the bite mark still hurt?'

Reported speech.

او چنان سیب را گاز گرفت که صدای آن در تمام اتاق پیچید.

He bit the apple so hard that the sound echoed through the room.

Result clause with 'chonān... ke'.

فکر نمی‌کردم گربه به این آرامی کسی را گاز بگیرد.

I didn't think such a calm cat would bite anyone.

Negative belief + Subjunctive.

در مسابقات کشتی، گاز گرفتن ممنوع است و جریمه دارد.

In wrestling matches, biting is forbidden and carries a penalty.

Gerund usage as subject.

او از شدت عصبانیت لبش را گاز گرفت تا فریاد نزند.

He bit his lip out of anger so as not to scream.

Purpose clause.

اگر واکسن نزده باشی، گاز گرفتن سگ خطرناک است.

If you haven't been vaccinated, a dog bite is dangerous.

Conditional Type 1 with perfect subjunctive.

بچه‌ها گاهی برای جلب توجه دیگران را گاز می‌گیرند.

Children sometimes bite others to get attention.

Infinitive for purpose.

در متون کهن، واژه 'گزیدن' بیش از 'گاز گرفتن' به کار رفته است.

In ancient texts, the word 'Gazidan' is used more than 'Gāz gereftan'.

Comparative structure in formal context.

او با انگشت به دندان گاز گرفتن، حیرت خود را نشان داد.

He showed his astonishment by biting his finger (idiomatic).

Idiomatic gerundial phrase.

گاز گرفتنِ ناگهانیِ طعمه توسط تمساح، صحنه‌ای هولناک بود.

The sudden biting of the prey by the crocodile was a horrific scene.

Complex noun phrase (Ezafe chain).

نویسنده از استعاره 'گاز گرفتنِ سرما' برای توصیف زمستان سخت استفاده کرد.

The author used the metaphor 'the bite of the cold' to describe the harsh winter.

Metaphorical usage.

احتمال گاز گرفتن در سگ‌هایی که تحت استرس هستند به مراتب بیشتر است.

The probability of biting in dogs under stress is significantly higher.

Scientific/Formal register.

او لب خود را به نشانه پشیمانی گاز گرفت.

He bit his lip as a sign of regret.

Prepositional phrase of manner.

هرگونه گاز گرفتن یا صدمه زدن به حریف منجر به اخراج می‌شود.

Any biting or harming of the opponent leads to expulsion.

Formal regulations.

او سعی کرد خشم خود را با گاز گرفتن زبانش فرو بنشاند.

He tried to suppress his anger by biting his tongue.

Compound verb within a prepositional phrase.

در فلسفه اخلاق، آیا می‌توان 'گاز گرفتن' را به مثابه یک کنش غریزی صرف نگریست؟

In moral philosophy, can 'biting' be viewed as a purely instinctive act?

Academic inquiry.

توالیِ کنش‌هایِ گاز گرفتن در حیات وحش، بخشی از چرخه تنازع بقاست.

The sequence of biting actions in wildlife is part of the cycle of the struggle for survival.

Highly formal/Scientific Ezafe construction.

او چنان در نقش خود غرق شده بود که گویی واقعاً می‌خواست حقیقت را گاز بگیرد.

He was so immersed in his role that it was as if he truly wanted to 'bite' the truth.

Abstract metaphorical usage.

گاز گرفتنِ انگشتِ تحیر، بن‌مایه‌ای تکرارشونده در نگارگری‌های ایرانی است.

Biting the finger of astonishment is a recurring motif in Iranian miniatures.

Art history terminology.

بررسی مکانیسم فک هنگام گاز گرفتن، نیازمند دانش دقیق آناتومی است.

Examining the jaw mechanism during biting requires precise knowledge of anatomy.

Technical/Medical register.

او با ظرافتی خاص، از گاز گرفتنِ مستقیمِ موضوعات حساس در سخنرانی‌اش پرهیز کرد.

With a specific subtlety, he avoided directly 'biting' (tackling) sensitive issues in his speech.

Advanced metaphorical avoidance.

شدت گاز گرفتنِ این ابزار صنعتی، برای نگه داشتن قطعات سنگین طراحی شده است.

The biting intensity (grip) of this industrial tool is designed to hold heavy pieces.

Technical application.

در برخی فرهنگ‌ها، گاز گرفتنِ نان به معنای عهد و پیمان بستن است.

In some cultures, biting bread signifies making a covenant.

Anthropological context.

Common Collocations

محکم گاز گرفتن

یک گاز گرفتن

زبان را گاز گرفتن

لب را گاز گرفتن

سیب را گاز گرفتن

ناگهان گاز گرفتن

گاز گرفتن و ول نکردن

از روی عصبانیت گاز گرفتن

جای گاز گرفتن

گاز گرفتنِ دردناک

Common Phrases

یه گاز بده

— Give me a bite of your food.

ساندویچت خوشمزه به نظر میاد، یه گاز بده.

گازش نگیر

— Don't bite it (often said to kids/pets).

اون اسباب‌بازی کثیفه، گازش نگیر.

مواظب باش گاز نگیره

— Be careful it doesn't bite.

این سگ غریبه است، مواظب باش گاز نگیره.

گاز گرفتن ممنوع

— Biting is forbidden (signs or rules).

در این مهدکودک، گاز گرفتن ممنوع است.

چرا گاز می‌گیری؟

— Why are you biting? (Expressing shock).

آخ! چرا گاز می‌گیری؟

یه گاز کوچولو

— Just a tiny bite.

فقط یه گاز کوچولو از شکلات خوردم.

گاز گرفتنِ زبان

— Biting one's tongue (literal or to stop talking).

زبانم را گاز گرفتم تا حرف بدی نزنم.

جای گاز روی دست

— Bite mark on the hand.

جای گاز روی دستش کاملاً مشخص بود.

گاز گرفتنِ ناخن

— Biting nails (habit).

گاز گرفتن ناخن نشانه استرس است.

گاز گرفتنِ لب

— Biting the lip (anxiety/regret).

از خجالت لبش را گاز گرفت.

Often Confused With

گاز گرفتن vs گاز دادن (Gāz dādan)

Means to accelerate a car, not to bite.

گاز گرفتن vs گاز (Gāz - Fuel)

The noun for gas used in stoves.

گاز گرفتن vs گاز (Gāz - Gauze)

Medical dressing.

Idioms & Expressions

"انگشت به دندان گاز گرفتن"

— To be extremely surprised or amazed.

همه از دیدن آن صحنه انگشت به دندان گاز گرفتند.

Literary

"زبان خود را گاز گرفتن"

— To stop oneself from saying something inappropriate or unlucky.

زبانم را گاز گرفتم که آن حرف را نزنم.

Neutral

"گاز گرفتنِ پشیمانی"

— To bite the hand of regret (metaphorical for feeling sorry).

او از کرده خود پشیمان بود و پشت دستش را گاز می‌گرفت.

Literary

"گوش کسی را گاز گرفتن"

— To scold someone or give them a 'bite' of advice (rare/playful).

باید گوشش را گاز بگیری تا آدم شود.

Informal

"گاز گرفتنِ سرما"

— The biting cold.

سرمای زمستان صورتش را گاز می‌گرفت.

Poetic

"گاز گرفتنِ روزگار"

— The 'bites' or hardships of life.

او سختی‌های زیادی از گاز گرفتن روزگار دیده بود.

Literary

"دم به تله دادن و گاز گرفتن"

— Getting caught in a trap and struggling (metaphorical).

او در تله افتاد و حالا دارد گاز می‌گیرد.

Informal

"گاز گرفتنِ سیبِ حوا"

— Biting Eve's apple (referring to original sin or temptation).

او با این کار، انگار سیب حوا را گاز گرفت.

Cultural/Religious

"پشت دست را گاز گرفتن"

— A gesture of deep regret.

بعد از باخت، پشت دستش را گاز گرفت.

Neutral

"گاز گرفتنِ طعمه"

— Taking the bait.

ماهی بالاخره طعمه را گاز گرفت.

Neutral

Easily Confused

گاز گرفتن vs گزیدن

Similar meaning.

Gazidan is more for stings or formal bites; Gāz gereftan is the standard for animals/humans.

زنبور گزید، سگ گاز گرفت.

گاز گرفتن vs جویدن

Both involve teeth.

Javidan is chewing (repeated); Gāz gereftan is the initial bite.

سیب را گاز گرفت و بعد جوید.

گاز گرفتن vs بلعیدن

Related to eating.

Bal'idan is swallowing; Gāz gereftan is biting.

لقمه را گاز گرفت ولی نبلعید.

گاز گرفتن vs مکیدن

Mouth action.

Makidan is sucking; Gāz gereftan is biting.

آبنبات را مکید، آن را گاز نگرفت.

گاز گرفتن vs بوسیدن

Mouth action.

Busidan is kissing; Gāz gereftan is biting.

بچه را بوسید، گاز نگرفت.

Sentence Patterns

[Subject] [Object] rā gāz gereft.

سگ توپ را گاز گرفت.

[Subject] dārad [Object] rā gāz migirad.

گربه دارد دستم را گاز می‌گیرد.

Nabāyad [Object] rā gāz begiri.

نباید مداد را گاز بگیری.

[Subject] [Object] rā gāz gerefte ast.

سگ او را گاز گرفته است.

Agar [Subject] [Object] rā gāz begirad...

اگر سگ تو را گاز بگیرد، چه می‌کنی؟

[Noun] tavasote [Subject] gāz gerefte shod.

او توسط سگ گاز گرفته شد.

Az [Noun] gāz gereftan...

از سیب گاز گرفتن لذت‌بخش است.

Gāz gereftan-e [Noun] neshoune-ye...

گاز گرفتنِ لب نشانه اضطراب است.

Word Family

Nouns

گاز (Bite)

گازگیر (One who bites)

گازگرفتگی (Bite mark/State of being bitten)

Verbs

گاز گرفتن (To bite)

گاز زدن (To take a bite - informal)

گازیده شدن (To be bitten - formal)

Adjectives

گازگیر (Biting/Aggressive)

گازگرفته (Bitten)

دندان (Tooth)

فک (Jaw)

دهان (Mouth)

جویدن (Chewing)

زخم (Wound)

How to Use It

frequency

Common in daily speech and literature.

Common Mistakes

من سیب را گاز کردم. → من سیب را گاز گرفتم.
Learners often use 'kardan' (to do) instead of 'gereftan' (to take) for compound verbs.
سگ من را گزید. → سگ من را گاز گرفت.
Using 'Gazidan' for a dog sounds too formal or like a sting.
من دارم گاز می‌گرفتم. → من داشتم گاز می‌گرفتم.
Incorrect auxiliary verb for past continuous.
گازِ سگ سمی است. → گاز گرفتنِ سگ سمی نیست.
Confusing 'Gāz' (gas) with the action. Also, dog bites aren't usually called 'poisonous' (sammi).
او گاز را گرفت. → او یک گاز گرفت.
Omitting the indefinite 'yek' makes it sound like he literally 'took the gas' (fuel).

Tips

Compound Verb Rule

Remember that only 'Gereftan' changes. 'Gāz' stays the same in every tense.

Long Vowel

Make sure to say 'Gāāāz' not 'Gaz'. The long vowel is key.

Food Context

When eating, 'Gāz zadan' is very common and sounds more natural than 'Gāz gereftan' in a casual kitchen setting.

Animal Warnings

If you see a sign 'In sag gāz migirad', stay away! It means the dog bites.

Surprise

Use 'Angosht be dandān' to describe someone who is very shocked.

Bite Marks

If you go to a doctor, use 'Gāz-gereftegi' to describe the injury.

Toddlers

Biting is a phase for toddlers; Persian parents say 'Gāz nagir' frequently.

History

The word is ancient. It shows how basic actions like biting have stable roots.

Vs Chewing

Don't confuse 'Gāz' (bite) with 'Javidan' (chew). Biting is just the start!

Sharing Food

Asking for 'Yek gāz' is a common way to bond over food in Iran.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'Gāz' (Gas) station where a dog 'Gereftan' (takes/catches) your leg because you didn't pay. Gāz + Gereftan = Bite.

Visual Association

Imagine a giant pair of 'Gāz' (pliers) biting into a 'Gereftan' (gift box). The shape of pliers looks like teeth biting.

Word Web

Teeth Dog Apple Pain Jaw Chew Grip Snatch

Challenge

Try to say 'The cat bit the mouse' in Persian using 'Gāz gereftan' and the correct past tense stem.

Word Origin

The word 'Gāz' is believed to be onomatopoeic in origin, mimicking the sound or the physical snap of teeth closing. It has been part of the Persian lexicon for centuries. The verb 'Gereftan' comes from the Proto-Indo-European root *ghrebh-, meaning 'to seize' or 'to take'.

Original meaning: To take a snap/bite.

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

Cultural Context

Be careful when using 'Gāz' around medical contexts as it also means 'gauze'. In a kitchen, specify if you mean 'gas' (fuel) or 'bite'.

Similar to the English 'to take a bite', but Persian uses a compound verb structure which is more rigid.

Shahnameh (mentions of biting in battle) Saadi's Gulistan (metaphorical bites of regret) Modern Iranian horror films (animal attacks)

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Eating

یه گاز می‌خوری؟
خیلی سفته، نمی‌شه گاز گرفت.
سیب رو گاز بزن.
با دندان گاز بگیر.

Pets

سگت گاز می‌گیره؟
مواظب باش، گاز نگیره.
گربه دستمو گاز گرفت.
این توله سگ همش گاز می‌گیره.

Medical

جای گاز گرفتگی کجاست؟
سگ هار گازش گرفته.
باید واکسن بزنی.
زخمش عمیقه.

Emotions

لبشو گاز گرفت.
از تعجب انگشت به دندان گرفت.
زبانشو گاز گرفت.
پشت دستشو گاز گرفت.

Sports

گاز گرفتن خطا است.
داور او را اخراج کرد.
در کشتی گاز نگیر.
او بازوی حریف را گاز گرفت.

Conversation Starters

"تا حالا سگ تو را گاز گرفته است؟ (Has a dog ever bitten you?)"

"چرا بعضی بچه‌ها دیگران را گاز می‌گیرند؟ (Why do some children bite others?)"

"آیا تا به حال موقع غذا خوردن زبانت را گاز گرفته‌ای؟ (Have you ever bitten your tongue while eating?)"

"به نظر تو کدام حیوان خطرناک‌ترین گاز را دارد؟ (Which animal do you think has the most dangerous bite?)"

"وقتی کسی لبش را گاز می‌گیرد، چه معنایی دارد؟ (What does it mean when someone bites their lip?)"

Journal Prompts

خاطره‌ای از زمانی که یک حیوان شما را گاز گرفت بنویسید. (Write a memory of a time an animal bit you.)

تفاوت بین 'گاز گرفتن' و 'گزیدن' را با مثال توضیح دهید. (Explain the difference between 'Gāz gereftan' and 'Gazidan' with examples.)

چرا در زبان فارسی از استعاره 'انگشت به دندان گرفتن' استفاده می‌شود؟ (Why is the metaphor 'biting the finger' used in Persian?)

یک داستان کوتاه درباره سگی بنویسید که هرگز کسی را گاز نمی‌گیرد. (Write a short story about a dog that never bites anyone.)

احساس خود را وقتی زبانتان را گاز می‌گیرید توصیف کنید. (Describe your feeling when you bite your tongue.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, 'Gāz' can mean 'gas' (fuel), 'gauze' (medical), or 'bite'. The meaning depends on the verb it's paired with. 'Gāz gereftan' always means to bite.

It's better to use 'Nish zadan' or 'Gazidan' for mosquitoes. 'Gāz gereftan' implies using teeth, which mosquitoes don't have in the same way mammals do.

The present stem is 'Gir'. You use it to form the present tense: 'migiram', 'migiri', etc.

It is neutral and used in both formal and informal contexts. However, 'Gāz zadan' is more informal when talking about food.

You use the passive form: 'Gāz gerefte shodam'.

Yes, for the fuel meaning, it is a loanword. For the 'bite' meaning, it is native Persian.

No, for 'biting your tongue' metaphorically, you use 'Zabān be dahān gereftan' or literally 'Zabān-ash rā gāz gereft'.

It means 'one bite'. It's often used when asking for a taste of someone's food.

You say 'Gāz nagir!' or 'Bas kon gāz nagir!'

Yes, it is 'Gāz-gereftegi' or simply 'Jā-ye gāz'.