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جفتک انداختن

B1 verb #8,000 most common 10 min read

جفتک انداختن

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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips جفتک انداختن in 30 Seconds

Explanation جفتک انداختن in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should focus on the literal meaning of 'joftak andākhtan.' It is a word used for animals like horses and donkeys. Think of it as 'animal kicking.' In Persian, we have many words for animals, and this one describes a very specific move where the animal uses both back legs. You might see this in a picture book or at a farm. Don't worry about the slang meanings yet. Just remember: اسب (asb - horse) + جفتک (joftak - double kick) + می‌اندازد (mi-andāzad - throws). It's a compound verb, which means it's made of two parts. At this stage, just recognize it when you hear about farm animals. It's a fun word to say because it sounds a bit like the action itself—quick and sudden. You can practice by saying 'Asb joftak mi-andāzad' (The horse kicks). Remember, 'joft' means 'two' or 'pair,' so it's a 'pair-kick.'

At the A2 level, you can start to see how 'joftak andākhtan' is used in simple stories or conversations. You might hear a parent using it for a child who is jumping around or not sitting still. It's like saying the child is acting like a little horse. You should be able to conjugate the verb 'andākhtan' in the past and present. For example, 'Asb joftak andākht' (The horse kicked) or 'Man didam ke khar joftak mi-andākht' (I saw the donkey was kicking). You are also learning that Persian uses animal words to describe people's energy. If someone is very energetic and moving their legs a lot, this word might come up. It's still mostly literal at this stage, but you are becoming aware that it can be a bit 'funny' or 'rude' depending on who you say it to. Try to use it when describing a scene at a zoo or a park with animals.

At the B1 level, you should understand the metaphorical meaning: 'to act out' or 'to be unruly.' This is where the word becomes really useful in daily Persian. You will hear it when people talk about someone who is being stubborn or difficult. For example, if a friend suddenly changes their mind and starts making things hard for everyone, you might say they are 'throwing joftaks.' You should also understand the difference between 'laghad zadan' (a normal kick) and 'joftak andākhtan' (an animal-like, erratic kick). At B1, you can use it in informal conversations with friends to describe a situation that is getting out of control. You should also be comfortable with the negative and question forms: 'Cherā joftak mi-andāzi?' (Why are you acting out?). It's a great word to add 'color' to your Persian and sound more like a native speaker who understands Iranian idioms.

At the B2 level, you need to be aware of the social 'register' of this word. It is informal and can be offensive. You should know that using 'joftak andākhtan' for a person compares them to a donkey or a horse, which in Iranian culture can imply they are 'unrefined' or 'stubborn.' You will encounter this word in movies, social media, and perhaps in light-hearted satirical articles. You should be able to use it to describe complex social situations, like a business partner who suddenly starts 'bucking' against a contract. You should also recognize it in common proverbs or expressions, like 'vakti kharesh az pol gozasht...' (when his donkey crossed the bridge...), which often implies that once someone is safe or successful, they start 'joftak andākhtan' (acting ungratefully). At this level, you are not just learning the word, but the cultural 'weight' it carries in Iranian society.

At the C1 level, you explore the literary and nuanced applications of 'joftak andākhtan.' You might find it in modern Persian literature (like the works of Sadegh Hedayat or Bozorg Alavi) used to describe the 'kicking' of fate or the chaotic nature of the world. It becomes a tool for social commentary. You should understand how it can describe a 'reactionary' movement in politics—where a group 'kicks back' against progress in an unthinking, animalistic way. You are expected to use synonyms like 'sarkashi' or 'tamarrad' in formal writing, but use 'joftak andākhtan' when you want to create a specific, gritty, or highly informal atmosphere in your speech. You should also be able to analyze why a writer chose this specific animal metaphor over others. It's about understanding the 'beast within' that the word suggests.

At the C2 level, you have a complete mastery of the word's history, its etymological roots in Middle Persian, and its various dialectal forms. You can discuss how the 'joft' (pair) element reflects ancient Iranian views on animal behavior and symmetry. You can use the word in high-level debates about linguistics or cultural anthropology to explain how agrarian terms survive in a modern urban dialect like Tehrani. You understand the subtle irony when a highly educated person uses such a 'low' word to make a sharp point. You can also distinguish it from similar terms in related languages like Dari or Tajik. For you, 'joftak andākhtan' is not just a verb; it's a window into the Iranian psyche, representing the tension between domesticity and wildness, gratitude and rebellion. You can use it with perfect precision to evoke exactly the right amount of humor, insult, or descriptive grit.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

جفتک انداختن in 30 Seconds

Literally: An animal kicking with both hind legs.
Metaphorically: A person acting out or being stubborn.
Register: Informal and potentially rude/derogatory.
Grammar: A compound verb using 'andākhtan' (to throw).

The Persian verb جفتک انداختن (Joftak Andākhtan) is a fascinating compound verb that originates from the world of animal husbandry and rural life in Iran. Literally translated, it means 'to throw a pair.' The word 'joft' (جفت) means pair, and the suffix 'ak' creates a noun referring to the specific action of the two hind legs moving together. In its most literal sense, it describes the action of an animal, typically a horse, donkey, or mule, kicking both its back legs into the air simultaneously. This is often a sign of playfulness, agitation, or a defensive reflex against a perceived threat. However, as with many animal-related terms in Persian, its usage has expanded significantly into the metaphorical realm of human behavior and social interaction.

Literal Meaning: To kick out with both hind legs at once, a behavior common in equines when they are startled or feeling frisky.

خر وقتی خوشحال است شروع به جفتک انداختن می‌کند.
(When the donkey is happy, it starts kicking its hind legs.)

In a metaphorical context, particularly in colloquial Persian, 'joftak andākhtan' is used to describe a person who is acting out, being unruly, or resisting authority in a stubborn or unpredictable way. It implies a sense of 'bucking' against a system or a request. For example, if a child refuses to follow instructions and starts behaving wildly, a parent might say they are 'throwing joftaks.' It carries a connotation of primitive or unrefined resistance. It is also used to describe someone who, after receiving a favor or reaching a state of comfort, begins to act ungratefully or starts 'acting up' because they have become 'too full of themselves' (a concept similar to the English 'feeling his oats').

Figurative Nuance: It suggests a sudden, erratic, and often ungrateful form of rebellion or misbehavior.

تا به او مقام دادیم، شروع کرد به جفتک انداختن.
(As soon as we gave him a position, he started acting out/resisting.)

Furthermore, the term can appear in literary contexts to describe the chaotic nature of fate or the world. When the 'world kicks,' it means things have suddenly turned difficult or unpredictable. Understanding this word requires an appreciation for the agrarian roots of the Persian language, where animal metaphors are deeply embedded in daily speech to describe complex human emotions and social dynamics. It is more specific than a simple kick (laghad), as it emphasizes the 'dual' nature of the action and the lack of control or refinement behind it.

Social Context: Commonly used in informal settings, family arguments, or when discussing uncooperative subordinates.

بچه از صبح دارد جفتک می‌اندازد و غذا نمی‌خورد.
(The child has been acting up since morning and won't eat.)

Using جفتک انداختن correctly requires understanding its status as a compound verb. In Persian, the 'non-verbal' part (جفتک) remains static, while the 'verbal' part (انداختن) is conjugated according to tense, person, and mood. Because it is a transitive-looking verb that often functions intransitively (the animal throws the kick, but the focus is on the action itself), it doesn't usually take a direct object in the way 'hitting' does. Instead, it describes a state of being or a specific physical outburst.

Grammatical Structure: Subject + Joftak + [Conjugated form of Andākhtan]. Example: 'Man joftak mi-andāzam' (I am kicking out).

اسب وحشی مدام جفتک می‌انداخت تا کسی سوارش نشود.
(The wild horse kept kicking its hind legs so no one would mount it.)

When using it in the past tense, you would use 'andākht.' In the present continuous, you use 'mi-andāzad.' For example, if you are observing a donkey in a field right now, you would say 'khare dārad joftak mi-andāzad.' In metaphorical use, the tense reflects the duration of the 'misbehavior.' If someone has been consistently difficult, the present perfect 'joftak andākhte ast' might be used to describe their recent pattern of behavior. It is important to note that the word is rarely used in very formal writing unless the topic is literally about animals or if the writer is using a very colorful, idiomatic style to criticize someone's behavior.

Tense Variations: Past: جفتک انداخت | Present: جفتک می‌اندازد | Future: جفتک خواهد انداخت.

اگر به او اعتراض کنی، حتماً جفتک خواهد انداخت.
(If you protest to him, he will surely act out/rebel.)

In negative forms, the 'na-' prefix is added to the verbal part: 'joftak na-andāz' (don't kick out). This is common when reprimanding a child or telling someone to stop being difficult. The word can also be used with 'barā-ye' (for) to indicate who the behavior is directed at, though usually, the context makes it clear. In some dialects, 'joftak zadan' is used instead of 'andākhtan,' but 'andākhtan' is the standard and more evocative form. Always remember that the essence of this verb is the *suddenness* and *duality* of the kick.

Negation: نمی‌اندازد (Does not kick), نینداخت (Did not kick).

بی‌دلیل جفتک نینداز و کارت را انجام بده.
(Don't act out for no reason and just do your job.)

You will encounter جفتک انداختن in various spheres of Iranian life, ranging from the literal to the highly metaphorical. In rural Iran, in provinces like Lorestan, Mazandaran, or Fars, where livestock is central to the economy, this word is a standard part of the vocabulary for animal handlers and farmers. You'll hear it at livestock markets or in stables. However, for the urban dweller in Tehran or Mashhad, the word is almost exclusively used as a colorful idiom to describe human behavior. It is a staple of 'Tehrani' slang and informal conversation.

Daily Life: Parents describing a toddler's tantrum or friends joking about someone who is being uncooperative.

باز این بچه شروع کرد به جفتک انداختن توی مغازه!
(This kid started acting up in the store again!)

In Iranian cinema and television dramas, especially those depicting lower-middle-class life or 'Luti' (traditional tough guy) culture, 'joftak andākhtan' is used to challenge someone's ego. A character might say, 'Don't throw joftaks for me,' meaning 'Don't try to intimidate me or act tough with your erratic behavior.' It is also found in satirical literature and political commentary. Satirists often use it to describe a political entity or a country that is resisting international norms or acting unpredictably. It paints a picture of a lack of diplomacy and a reliance on 'brute' or 'animalistic' resistance.

Media & Satire: Used in cartoons or satirical columns to mock stubborn politicians or unyielding institutions.

اقتصاد دنیا دارد جفتک می‌اندازد و هیچ‌کس جلودارش نیست.
(The world economy is acting wild/unpredictable, and no one can stop it.)

Interestingly, you might also hear it in sports commentary, albeit rarely, to describe a player who is playing in an uncontrolled, perhaps slightly 'dirty' or erratic way. But predominantly, if you are in a Persian-speaking household and things are getting chaotic or someone is being particularly difficult after having things their way, you will almost certainly hear this word. It captures a specific type of 'wild' energy that other words like 'laghad' (kick) or 'faryād' (scream) simply don't convey. It's about the 'bucking' motion of a spirit that refuses to be tamed or a person who has lost their sense of propriety.

Register: Informal, colloquial, and sometimes slightly derogatory if applied to respected individuals.

وقتی خرش از پل گذشت، شروع کرد به جفتک انداختن.
(Once his donkey crossed the bridge [once he got what he wanted], he started acting out/being ungrateful.)

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make is confusing جفتک انداختن with the general verb for kicking, which is لگد زدن (Laghad Zadan). While both involve the legs, 'laghad' is a general kick (like a person kicking a ball or a person kicking another person with one foot). 'Joftak' specifically refers to the double-hind-leg kick of an animal. Using 'joftak' to describe a soccer player kicking a ball would be incorrect and sound very strange to a native speaker. It would imply the player jumped and kicked with both feet like a donkey, which is rarely the case.

Mistake 1: Generalizing the Kick: Using 'joftak' for any kick. Correct: 'Laghad' for single-leg kicks; 'Joftak' for double-hind-leg kicks or animalistic acting out.

Incorrect: فوتبالیست جفتک انداخت.
Correct: فوتبالیست لگد زد.

Another mistake involves the register. Because 'joftak' is strongly associated with donkeys and horses, using it to describe the behavior of a superior (like your boss or a professor) can be highly offensive. Even if they are being difficult, using this word implies they are like a 'stable animal.' It is best reserved for children, close friends in a joking manner, or when speaking about someone you deliberately want to belittle. Learners often underestimate the 'animalistic' baggage the word carries.

Mistake 2: Register Mismatch: Using it in formal settings. It is too colloquial and potentially insulting.

Don't say to your boss: چرا جفتک می‌اندازید؟
(Why are you acting like a kicking donkey?) - This will likely get you fired.

Grammatically, some learners forget that 'joftak' is the noun part and 'andākhtan' is the verb. They might try to pluralize 'joftak' into 'joftakhā' when a person is kicking many times. While technically possible, the standard idiom is almost always singular 'joftak andākhtan' to describe the behavior, regardless of how many 'kicks' are actually occurring. Also, ensure you don't confuse it with 'joft gereftan' (to mate/pair up), which sounds similar but has a completely different meaning.

Mistake 3: Pluralization: Saying 'joftakhā mi-andāzad.' Keep it as 'joftak mi-andāzad' for the idiomatic meaning.

او تمام شب جفتک انداخت.
(He acted out all night - Singular 'joftak' covers the whole behavior.)

If you want to express the idea of kicking or resisting but 'joftak andākhtan' feels too informal or animalistic, there are several alternatives in Persian. Understanding the nuances between these will help you choose the right word for the right situation. The most direct alternative for the physical action is 'laghad zadan,' but for the behavioral aspect, words like 'sarkashi' or 'tamarrad' are more appropriate in formal contexts.

لگد زدن (Laghad Zadan): The general verb for kicking. It is neutral and can be used for humans, animals, or even objects (like a car's engine 'kicking').
سرکشی کردن (Sarkashi Kardan): To rebel or be defiant. This is the formal equivalent of the metaphorical 'joftak andākhtan.' It implies a refusal to obey authority.

Comparison:
1. اسب جفتک انداخت (The horse kicked its hind legs - Literal/Animal).
2. سرباز سرکشی کرد (The soldier rebelled - Formal/Human).

Another interesting synonym is چموشی کردن (Chamooshi Kardan). 'Chamoosh' refers to a horse that is difficult to tame or ride. 'Chamooshi kardan' means to be unruly or stubborn. It is slightly more 'elegant' than 'joftak andākhtan' but still carries the equine metaphor. If you want to describe someone who is being ungrateful after receiving help, you might use the proverb 'namak khordan va namakdān shekastan' (eating the salt and breaking the saltshaker), which captures the 'ungrateful' nuance of 'joftak andākhtan' without the kicking imagery.

نافرمانی کردن (Nāfarmāni Kardan): To disobey. This is a very common, mid-range word suitable for both children and adults in most settings.

به جای جفتک انداختن، بهتر است نافرمانی نکنی.
(Instead of acting out like a donkey, it's better not to disobey.)

Lastly, in very slangy contexts, you might hear 'shākh shodan' (becoming a horn/acting like you have horns), which means to act tough or challenge someone arrogantly. While 'joftak' is about erratic resistance, 'shākh shodan' is more about aggressive posturing. Choosing between these depends on whether you want to emphasize the person's stubbornness (joftak), their unruliness (chamooshi), or their outright defiance (sarkashi).

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In ancient Persian cavalry, a horse that 'joftak'ed was considered dangerous but also strong, as it required significant muscle power to kick both legs while maintaining balance.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /dʒof.tæk æn.dɒːx.tæn/

US /dʒof.tæk æn.dɑːx.tæn/

The primary stress is on the last syllable of the verbal part: 'andākh-TÁN'. There is a secondary stress on the first part: 'JÓF-tak'.

Rhymes With

انداختن (Andākhtan) شناختن (Shenākhtan) تاختن (Tākhtan) باختن (Bākhtan) ساختن (Sākhtan) پرداختن (Pardākhtan) گداختن (Godākhtan) نواختن (Navākhtan)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'joftak' as 'juftak' (using 'u' instead of 'o').
Missing the 'kh' sound in 'andākhtan' and making it a simple 'k'.
Stress on the 'joft' instead of the end of the verb.
Merging the two words into one without a slight pause.
Pronouncing 'æ' as 'e' in 'andākhtan'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to recognize in text once the animal context is known.

Writing 5/5

Requires correct conjugation of the compound verb 'andākhtan'.

Speaking 6/5

Hard to use with the correct social nuance without sounding too rude.

Listening 4/5

Easily identifiable due to the unique 'j-f-t' sound cluster.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

اسب (Horse) انداختن (To throw) لگد (Kick) جفت (Pair) حیوان (Animal)

Learn Next

چموش (Unruly) رم کردن (To bolt) زین کردن (To saddle) افسار (Bridle) تاختن (To gallop)

Advanced

عصیان (Rebellion) طغیان (Outburst) تمرد (Insubordination) سرکشی (Defiance) ناسپاسی (Ingratitude)

Grammar to Know

Compound Verb Conjugation

In 'Joftak andākhtan', only 'andākhtan' changes: 'mi-andāzam', 'andākhtam'.

Subjunctive Mood with 'Shoru kardan'

شروع کرد به جفتک انداختن (He started to kick - infinitive used after 'be').

Negation of Compound Verbs

The 'na' or 'ne' goes before the verbal part: 'joftak na-andāz'.

Present Continuous with 'Dāshtan'

داشت جفتک می‌انداخت (He was [in the middle of] kicking).

Relative Clauses with 'Ke'

اسبی که جفتک می‌اندازد (The horse that kicks).

Examples by Level

اسب جفتک می‌اندازد.

The horse kicks its hind legs.

Simple present tense with a compound verb.

خر کوچک جفتک انداخت.

The little donkey kicked.

Simple past tense.

آیا اسب جفتک می‌اندازد؟

Does the horse kick?

Question form using 'āyā'.

من جفتک انداختن اسب را دیدم.

I saw the horse kicking.

Using the infinitive as a noun.

اسب سیاه جفتک نمی‌اندازد.

The black horse does not kick.

Negative present tense.

بیا جفتک انداختن اسب را ببینیم.

Let's see the horse kicking.

Imperative 'let's' form.

اسب در مزرعه جفتک می‌اندازد.

The horse kicks in the farm.

Prepositional phrase 'dar mazra'e'.

چرا اسب جفتک انداخت؟

Why did the horse kick?

Question word 'cherā'.

بچه داشت جفتک می‌انداخت و بازی می‌کرد.

The child was kicking and playing.

Past continuous tense.

مراقب باش، این اسب جفتک می‌اندازد.

Be careful, this horse kicks.

Imperative 'morāghib bāsh'.

او مثل یک اسب جفتک می‌اندازد.

He kicks like a horse.

Simile using 'mesl-e'.

وقتی اسب ترسید، جفتک انداخت.

When the horse got scared, it kicked.

Temporal clause with 'vaghti'.

ما نباید نزدیک اسبی که جفتک می‌اندازد برویم.

We shouldn't go near a horse that kicks.

Relative clause with 'ke'.

او همیشه موقع خواب جفتک می‌اندازد.

He always kicks (his legs) while sleeping.

Adverb of frequency 'hamishe'.

گاو هم گاهی جفتک می‌اندازد.

The cow also sometimes kicks.

Adverb 'gāhi' (sometimes).

جفتک انداختن اسب خطرناک است.

The horse's kicking is dangerous.

Gerund as subject with adjective 'khatarnāk'.

او به جای تشکر، شروع به جفتک انداختن کرد.

Instead of thanking, he started acting out.

Metaphorical usage; 'be jāy-e' (instead of).

اگر به او پول ندهی، جفتک می‌اندازد.

If you don't give him money, he will act out.

Conditional sentence type 1.

چرا بی‌دلیل جفتک می‌اندازی؟

Why are you acting out for no reason?

Idiomatic question.

او بعد از شنیدن خبر، شروع به جفتک انداختن کرد.

After hearing the news, he started acting wildly.

Sequence of events with 'ba'd az'.

نباید اجازه دهی بچه‌ات در مهمانی جفتک بیندازد.

You shouldn't let your child act out at the party.

Subjunctive mood 'bi-andāzad'.

او وقتی عصبانی می‌شود، جفتک می‌اندازد.

When he gets angry, he acts out.

Present habitual action.

این کارمند جدید مدام جفتک می‌اندازد.

This new employee is constantly being difficult.

Adverb 'modām' (constantly).

او از روی خوشحالی جفتک می‌انداخت.

He was kicking his legs out of joy.

Prepositional phrase 'az ruy-e khosh-hāli'.

تا خرش از پل گذشت، برای ما جفتک انداخت.

As soon as he got what he wanted, he turned on us/acted out.

Usage of a famous Persian proverb structure.

مدیر وقتی دید پروژه شکست خورده، جفتک انداخت.

When the manager saw the project failed, he threw a tantrum/acted out.

Compound sentence with 'vaghti'.

او با این جفتک انداختن‌ها فقط خودش را خراب می‌کند.

With this acting out, he is only ruining his own reputation.

Pluralized noun used to describe repeated behavior.

دولت نباید در برابر خواسته‌های مردم جفتک بیندازد.

The government should not resist/act out against the people's demands.

Metaphorical political usage.

او همیشه در لحظات حساس جفتک می‌اندازد.

He always acts out at critical moments.

Emphasis on timing.

این رفتار او بیشتر شبیه جفتک انداختن است تا اعتراض.

This behavior of his is more like acting out than a protest.

Comparative structure 'shabih-e... tā'.

او فکر می‌کند با جفتک انداختن می‌تواند به خواسته‌اش برسد.

He thinks he can get what he wants by acting out.

Complex sentence with 'fekr mikonad ke'.

بی‌خیال این جفتک انداختن‌ها شو و منطقی حرف بزن.

Forget this acting out and speak logically.

Imperative 'bi-khiyāl... sho'.

در ادبیات عامیانه، جفتک انداختن نماد طغیان کورکورانه است.

In folk literature, kicking out is a symbol of blind rebellion.

Academic/Literary observation.

چرخ روزگار گاهی چنان جفتک می‌اندازد که انسان مبهوت می‌ماند.

The wheel of fate sometimes kicks so hard that man is left stunned.

Personification of fate.

او با جفتک انداختن‌های سیاسی‌اش، تمام پل‌های پشت سرش را خراب کرد.

With his political outbursts, he burned all his bridges.

Metaphorical use in a professional context.

نویسنده از استعاره‌ی جفتک انداختن برای توصیف خشم طبقاتی استفاده کرده است.

The author used the metaphor of kicking out to describe class-based rage.

Literary analysis.

این جفتک انداختن‌ها نشان از بی‌ثباتی شخصیت او دارد.

These outbursts indicate the instability of his character.

Formal analysis of behavior.

او به جای دیپلماسی، راه جفتک انداختن را پیش گرفته است.

Instead of diplomacy, he has taken the path of erratic resistance.

Contrast between formal and informal behavior.

طبیعت با طوفان‌هایش گویی دارد به انسان جفتک می‌اندازد.

Nature, with its storms, seems to be kicking out at humanity.

Subjunctive 'guyi' (as if).

هر چه بیشتر به او محبت کردیم، بیشتر جفتک انداخت.

The more kindness we showed him, the more he acted out.

Correlative structure 'har che... bishtar'.

تحلیل روان‌شناختی این جفتک انداختن‌ها، ریشه در عقده‌های سرکوب‌شده دارد.

The psychological analysis of these outbursts is rooted in repressed complexes.

High-level academic Persian.

در متون کهن، جفتک انداختن مرکب، نشانه‌ی عدم انقیاد است.

In ancient texts, the kicking of a mount is a sign of lack of submission.

Archaic/Formal vocabulary like 'morakkab' and 'enghiyād'.

او با مهارتی عجیب، جفتک انداختن‌های کلامی‌اش را در لفافه‌ی طنز می‌پیچد.

With strange skill, he wraps his verbal outbursts in the shroud of humor.

Metaphorical 'verbal' usage.

این جفتک انداختن‌های اقتصادی، ثمره‌ی دهه‌ها مدیریت ناکارآمد است.

These economic upheavals are the fruit of decades of inefficient management.

Abstract usage in macro-economics.

او در اوج قدرت، چنان جفتک انداخت که سقوطش حتمی شد.

At the height of power, he acted so erratically that his fall became certain.

Narrative style.

روح عصیانگر او مدام به دیوارهای قفس تن جفتک می‌اندازد.

His rebellious soul constantly kicks at the walls of the cage of the body.

Highly poetic/philosophical usage.

نباید این جفتک انداختن‌های مقطعی را با انقلاب اشتباه گرفت.

One should not mistake these sporadic outbursts for a revolution.

Passive voice 'nabāyad... eshtebāh gereft'.

زبان فارسی با واژگانی چون جفتک انداختن، پیوند عمیق خود را با طبیعت حفظ کرده است.

The Persian language, with words like 'joftak andākhtan', has preserved its deep bond with nature.

Linguistic commentary.

Common Collocations

بی‌دلیل جفتک انداختن

شروع به جفتک انداختن

جفتک انداختن اسب

مدام جفتک انداختن

جفتک انداختن خر

جفتک انداختن و چموشی

جفتک انداختن سیاسی

جفتک انداختن از روی خوشحالی

جفتک انداختن بچه

جفتک انداختن در برابر تغییر

Common Phrases

جفتک نینداز!

— Don't act out! / Don't be difficult!

بنشین سر جایت و جفتک نینداز.

خرش جفتک می‌اندازد.

— He is feeling very confident/arrogant (ironic).

پولدار شده و حالا خرش جفتک می‌اندازد.

جفتک انداختن و رم کردن

— To act wild and bolt (like a scared animal).

حیوان رم کرد و جفتک انداخت.

جفتک‌چارکش

— A specific type of wild, four-legged kick or chaotic movement.

بچه‌ها جفتک‌چارکش بازی می‌کردند.

از جفتک انداختن افتادن

— To finally calm down or lose one's rebellious energy.

بالاخره خسته شد و از جفتک انداختن افتاد.

جفتک‌پرانی کردن

— To throw verbal insults or act out repeatedly.

او در جلسه مدام جفتک‌پرانی می‌کرد.

جفتک انداختن اسب وحشی

— The kicking of a wild horse (often a metaphor for a person).

او مثل اسب وحشی جفتک می‌اندازد.

جفتک انداختن به بخت خود

— To ruin one's own good luck by acting out.

با این کار به بخت خودت جفتک انداختی.

جفتک انداختن در گل

— To struggle uselessly or make a mess of a situation.

بیشتر جفتک نینداز، وضعیت بدتر می‌شود.

جفتک انداختن و لگد زدن

— To be extremely violent or uncooperative.

دزد در دست پلیس جفتک می‌انداخت و لگد می‌زد.

Often Confused With

جفتک انداختن vs لگد زدن

Laghad zadan is a general kick; Joftak is specifically with both hind legs.

جفتک انداختن vs جفت کردن

Joft kardan means to pair things up or to park a car perfectly; unrelated to kicking.

جفتک انداختن vs انداختن

Andākhtan means 'to throw' in general; without 'joftak', it has no kicking meaning.

Idioms & Expressions

"خرش که از پل گذشت، جفتک می‌اندازد"

— Once he gets what he wants, he becomes ungrateful/difficult.

کمکش کردم اما خرش که از پل گذشت جفتک انداخت.

Informal/Proverbial

"جفتک به بخت خود زدن"

— To reject a great opportunity through foolish behavior.

این پیشنهاد را رد نکن، به بخت خودت جفتک نزن.

Informal

"جفتک‌پرانی"

— Engaging in annoying, uncooperative, or insulting behavior.

دست از این جفتک‌پرانی‌ها بردار.

Colloquial

"جو گرفتتش جفتک می‌اندازه"

— The atmosphere/hype has gotten to him and he's acting out.

چهار تا لایک گرفته، جو گرفتتش جفتک می‌اندازه.

Slang

"جفتک انداختن دنیا"

— The world/fate turning against someone suddenly.

دنیا به ما جفتک انداخت و همه چیز را باختیم.

Literary/Informal

"اسبِ نتاخته جفتک می‌اندازد"

— Someone who hasn't been tested or disciplined acts out.

او هنوز سختی نکشیده، برای همین جفتک می‌اندازد.

Proverbial

"جفتک انداختن در تاریکی"

— To act out or resist without knowing the consequences.

او دارد در تاریکی جفتک می‌اندازد و نمی‌داند چه خطری دارد.

Informal

"جفتک زدن به نان خود"

— To ruin one's own livelihood or job by being difficult.

با مدیر دعوا نکن، به نان خودت جفتک نزن.

Informal

"جفتک انداختن از روی سیری"

— To act out because one is too comfortable/spoiled.

او از روی سیری جفتک می‌اندازد.

Informal

"جفتک‌باران کردن"

— To subject someone to a barrage of uncooperative or aggressive actions.

او کل اداره را جفتک‌باران کرد.

Colloquial

Easily Confused

جفتک انداختن vs جفتک (Joftak)

Sounds like 'Joft' (pair).

'Joft' is the noun for pair, 'Joftak' is the specific name of the kick.

یک جفت جوراب (A pair of socks) vs اسب جفتک زد (The horse kicked).

جفتک انداختن vs لگد (Laghad)

Both involve kicking.

Laghad is one leg/general; Joftak is both back legs/animalistic.

توپ را لگد زد vs خر جفتک انداخت.

جفتک انداختن vs چموش (Chamoosh)

Both describe unruly animals.

Chamoosh is an adjective (unruly); Joftak andākhtan is the verb for the action.

اسب چموش (Unruly horse) vs اسب جفتک می‌اندازد.

جفتک انداختن vs رم (Ram)

Both happen when an animal is scared.

Ram kardan is to bolt/run away; Joftak andākhtan is to kick out while staying or moving.

آهو رم کرد vs خر جفتک انداخت.

جفتک انداختن vs پرتاب (Partāb)

Both involve 'throwing'.

Partāb is throwing an object; Joftak is 'throwing' legs.

سنگ را پرتاب کرد vs اسب جفتک انداخت.

Sentence Patterns

[Animal] + جفتک می‌اندازد.

اسب جفتک می‌اندازد.

[Subject] + داشت + جفتک می‌انداخت.

بچه داشت جفتک می‌انداخت.

به جای [Action], جفتک نینداز.

به جای گریه، جفتک نینداز.

تا [Event] شد، شروع کرد به جفتک انداختن.

تا مدیر رفت، شروع کرد به جفتک انداختن.

این [Noun] نوعی جفتک انداختن در برابر [Target] است.

این رفتار نوعی جفتک انداختن در برابر تقدیر است.

جفتک انداختن‌های [Adjective] نشانگر [Abstract Noun] است.

جفتک انداختن‌های مکرر نشانگر بی‌ثباتی است.

چرا بی‌خودی جفتک می‌اندازی؟

نباید به بخت خودت جفتک بزنی.

Word Family

Nouns

جفتک (Joftak) - The double kick

جفتک‌پرانی (Joftak-parāni) - The act of throwing kicks/insults

Verbs

انداختن (Andākhtan) - To throw

انداخته شدن (Andākhte shodan) - To be thrown

Adjectives

جفتک‌انداز (Joftak-andāz) - One who kicks; unruly

اسب (Horse)

خر (Donkey)

لگد (Kick)

چموش (Unruly)

رم (Bolting)

How to Use It

frequency

Common in spoken Persian, rare in academic writing.

Common Mistakes

Using it for a single-leg kick. → لگد زدن
Joftak specifically implies both hind legs.
Saying 'andākhtan-e joftak'. → جفتک انداختن
The noun comes before the verb in this compound structure.
Using it to describe a boss's anger. → عصبانی شدن
It's too disrespectful for a formal superior.
Misconjugating as 'joftak-andākhtam'. → جفتک انداختم
Keep a space between the noun and the verb.
Confusing it with 'joft gereftan'. → جفتک انداختن
'Joft gereftan' means mating, which is a very different context!

Tips

The Donkey Metaphor

In Persian, donkeys are often used in idioms to represent stubbornness. 'Joftak andākhtan' is the physical manifestation of that stubbornness.

Using it with Friends

You can use it playfully with close friends if they are being unnecessarily difficult about choosing a restaurant, for example.

Compound Verb Tip

Remember that the stress always goes on the verbal part (andākhtan) in compound verbs like this.

Pairing with Chamooshi

Often used alongside 'chamooshi kardan' to describe a totally uncontrollable situation.

Avoid in Business

Never use this in a professional meeting to describe a colleague's disagreement.

The 'kh' Sound

Practice the 'kh' in 'andākhtan'—it's like the 'ch' in Scottish 'loch'.

Visualizing the 'Pair'

Always remember 'Joft' = 'Pair'. It's the 'Pair-Throw'.

Fate's Kick

In poetry, if the 'world' (duniyā) kicks, it means a sudden reversal of fortune.

Listen for the 'J'

The initial 'J' sound is very sharp and usually signals the start of this colorful word.

Spacing

In modern Persian typing, use a half-space (z-w-n-j) between 'joftak' and 'mi-andāzad'.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'Jolly' 'Fat' 'Donkey' (Jo-f-tak) 'And' 'Acting' (Andākhtan) out. A Jolly Fat Donkey throwing a pair of legs.

Visual Association

Visualize a cartoon donkey with its front hooves on the ground and both back legs high in the air, with a 'Pair' (Joft) of shoes flying off.

Word Web

Animal Kick Pair Stubborn Horse Donkey Rebel Unruly

Challenge

Try to use 'joftak andākhtan' to describe a character in a movie you recently watched who was being difficult.

Word Origin

The word is a compound of 'Joft' (pair) and 'ak' (a suffix indicating a specific instance or a diminutive). It refers to the 'pair' of hind legs. 'Andākhtan' is an ancient Persian verb meaning 'to throw' or 'to cast.'

Original meaning: To throw the pair (of legs) backward.

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

Cultural Context

Highly sensitive when used for elders, teachers, or religious figures. Use with extreme caution.

The closest English equivalent is 'feeling his oats' (if positive/energetic) or 'bucking' (if resistant).

Used in the satires of Ali-Akbar Dehkhoda. Common in the 'Charand-o-Parand' columns. Appears in various Iranian folk tales about the 'Wise Donkey'.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

On a farm

مواظب جفتک اسب باش
اسب جفتک زد
چرا خر جفتک می‌اندازه؟
جلو نرو، جفتک می‌اندازه

Argument with a child

جفتک نینداز، بشین!
چرا داری جفتک می‌اندازی؟
بچه جفتک می‌انداخت و گریه می‌کرد
دست از جفتک انداختن بردار

Discussing an ungrateful friend

خرش که از پل گذشت جفتک انداخت
واقعاً که جفتک‌انداز است
به جای تشکر جفتک می‌اندازد
آدم نباید جفتک بیندازد

Sports/Physical Activity

توی خواب جفتک می‌انداخت
شناگر جفتک زد و پرید
پایش را مثل جفتک پرتاب کرد
جفتک‌چارکش بازی کردن

Metaphorical/Political

اقتصاد جفتک می‌اندازد
سیاستمدار جفتک انداخت
دنیا به ما جفتک زد
جفتک انداختن در برابر قانون

Conversation Starters

"تا حالا دیدی یه اسب جفتک بندازه؟ (Have you ever seen a horse kick?)"

"چرا بعضی آدم‌ها وقتی به جایی می‌رسن جفتک می‌اندازن؟ (Why do some people act out when they reach success?)"

"تو بچگی اهل جفتک انداختن و شیطنت بودی؟ (Were you into acting out and mischief as a child?)"

"اگه یه نفر بهت جفتک بندازه، چی کار می‌کنی؟ (What do you do if someone acts out towards you?)"

"به نظرت جفتک انداختن همیشه بده یا گاهی لازمه؟ (Do you think acting out is always bad or sometimes necessary?)"

Journal Prompts

خاطره‌ای بنویسید از زمانی که کسی در حق شما جفتک انداخت. (Write about a time someone acted out against you.)

آیا تا به حال در برابر تصمیمی که دوست نداشتید جفتک انداخته‌اید؟ (Have you ever 'bucked' against a decision you didn't like?)

تفاوت بین اعتراض منطقی و جفتک انداختن چیست؟ (What is the difference between logical protest and acting out?)

چرا در فرهنگ ما از استعاره‌های حیوانی مثل جفتک انداختن استفاده می‌شود؟ (Why are animal metaphors like this used in our culture?)

توصیف کنید یک اسب وحشی را که در حال جفتک انداختن است. (Describe a wild horse that is kicking out.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It depends on the context. For animals, it's literal. For children, it's often a mild reprimand. For adults, it compares them to a donkey, so it can be quite insulting.

No. Use 'shut zadan' (to shoot) or 'laghad zadan' (to kick). 'Joftak' implies two legs and an animal-like motion.

The past tense is 'joftak andākht' (he/she/it kicked).

They are mostly the same, but 'andākhtan' is more common and sounds more idiomatic in standard Persian.

You can say 'Joftak na-andāz!' (Informal).

No, but you might hear 're-p-re-p kardan' or 'laghad zadan' for an engine stuttering. 'Joftak' is strictly for animate beings or metaphorical fate.

Yes, 'joft' means pair, couple, or mate.

Yes, it is used in Dari and Tajik with similar meanings, though the frequency and slang usage may vary.

Yes, 'joftakhā' refers to multiple instances of kicking.

The donkey (khar) is the most common animal associated with this verb in idioms.