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B1 verb 11 min read

گرسنگی کشیدن

geresnegi keshidan
Practice it Examples Notes & Tips گرسنگی کشیدن in 30 Seconds
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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

گرسنگی کشیدن in 30 Seconds

  • Enduring significant hardship due to lack of food.
  • More intense than just being hungry.
  • Implies prolonged suffering and deprivation.
  • Used in contexts of poverty, famine, or crisis.
The Persian phrase "گرسنگی کشیدن" (geresnegi keshidan) directly translates to "to pull hunger" or more idiomatically, "to suffer from hunger" or "to be hungry to the point of suffering." It's a verb phrase that describes the physical and sometimes emotional distress caused by a lack of food over a prolonged period. This isn't just about feeling a little peckish; it implies a significant and uncomfortable state of emptiness and the need for sustenance. People use this phrase to express a serious lack of food, often in contexts of hardship, poverty, or difficult circumstances where food is scarce. It can also be used metaphorically to describe a strong craving or a deep need for something, though its primary meaning is literal hunger. The act of "کشیدن" (keshidan), meaning to pull or draw, in this context suggests enduring or experiencing something difficult and prolonged. Therefore, "گرسنگی کشیدن" emphasizes the arduous nature of being hungry, highlighting the struggle involved. It's a phrase that evokes empathy and understanding for those facing food insecurity. It's more intense than simply saying "من گرسنه‌ام" (man geresne-am), which means "I am hungry." "گرسنگی کشیدن" implies a more severe and prolonged state of hunger, often associated with difficult situations or extreme deprivation. It paints a picture of someone enduring the physical discomfort and weakness that comes with not having enough to eat. The phrase is common in narratives about historical famines, periods of war, or personal struggles with poverty. It can also be used in literature and poetry to describe the plight of characters or to convey a sense of desperation. The emotional weight of "گرسنگی کشیدن" is significant, suggesting not just a physical need but also the psychological impact of prolonged hunger, such as weakness, irritability, and a sense of despair. It's a powerful expression that conveys a deep sense of hardship and vulnerability related to food scarcity. The intensity of the phrase makes it suitable for describing situations where basic survival is at stake or where people are facing extreme deprivation. It’s a term that resonates with the fundamental human need for food and the suffering that arises when that need is not met. The act of "کشیدن" (keshidan) itself carries connotations of enduring, bearing, or pulling something heavy, which perfectly captures the feeling of struggling with persistent hunger. This phrase is particularly effective in conveying the severity of a situation and eliciting a strong emotional response from the listener or reader. It’s a testament to the power of language to describe the deepest human experiences, including the profound suffering caused by lack of food. The phrase is not typically used in casual conversation about everyday hunger but rather when discussing more serious or prolonged periods of food deprivation. It can be used to describe the experience of people in war-torn regions, developing countries with food shortages, or individuals facing severe economic hardship. The phrase "گرسنگی کشیدن" thus serves as a powerful descriptor of a fundamental human struggle.
Using "گرسنگی کشیدن" correctly involves understanding its context and the nuance it adds to a sentence. As a verb phrase, it typically functions as the main verb or part of the predicate. It's conjugated according to the subject and tense. For instance, in the past tense, you might say "او گرسنگی کشید" (u geresnegi keshid - he/she suffered from hunger). In the present continuous, it would be "ما داریم گرسنگی می‌کشیم" (ma darim geresnegi mikeshim - we are suffering from hunger). The phrase is often preceded by adverbs that indicate duration or intensity, such as "خیلی" (kheyli - very), "مدت‌ها" (modatha - for a long time), or "از شدت" (az sheddat - from the intensity of). It can also be used in conditional sentences, highlighting the consequences of food scarcity. For example, "اگر غذا نباشد، مردم گرسنگی خواهند کشید" (agar ghaza nabashad, mardom geresnegi khahand keshid - If there is no food, people will suffer from hunger). When using it metaphorically, the context needs to clearly indicate that a literal lack of food is not implied. For example, "ذهن او از کمبود ایده گرسنگی می‌کشید" (zehn-e u az kambud-e ideh geresnegi mikeshid - His mind was suffering from a lack of ideas). This metaphorical usage is less common than the literal one and requires careful phrasing to avoid ambiguity. The phrase can also be the object of verbs like "دیدن" (didan - to see) or "تجربه کردن" (tajrobe kardan - to experience), as in "ما دیدیم که آن‌ها گرسنگی می‌کشند" (ma didim ke anha geresnegi mikeshind - We saw that they were suffering from hunger). It's important to note that "گرسنگی کشیدن" is a somewhat formal or literary expression. In very casual settings, people might opt for simpler phrases, but for conveying the gravity of hunger, this phrase is highly effective. It's often found in news reports about humanitarian crises, historical accounts, or personal testimonies of hardship. The grammatical structure is straightforward: the noun "گرسنگی" (hunger) followed by the verb "کشیدن" (to pull/suffer). The conjugation of "کشیدن" is what changes to indicate tense and subject. For example, to express future suffering, you would use the future tense of 'کشیدن': "آنها گرسنگی خواهند کشید" (anha geresnegi khahand keshid - They will suffer from hunger). When describing a continuous state, the present progressive form is used: "او همیشه گرسنگی می‌کشد" (u hamisheh geresnegi mikeshad - He/She always suffers from hunger). The phrase can also be used in the imperative mood, though this is less common and might sound harsh: "گرسنگی نکش!" (geresnegi nakesh! - Don't suffer hunger!). The inclusion of adverbs of time and manner can further enrich the sentence. For instance, "سال‌ها بود که آنها در فقر گرسنگی می‌کشیدند" (salha bud ke anha dar faghre geresnegi mikeshidand - For years, they had been suffering from hunger in poverty). Understanding these variations allows for more precise and impactful communication when discussing the experience of hunger.
The phrase "گرسنگی کشیدن" is most frequently encountered in contexts that deal with hardship, survival, and social issues. You'll often hear or read it in news reports discussing humanitarian crises, famine-stricken regions, or areas affected by war and natural disasters. For example, a news anchor might report, "گزارش‌ها حاکی از آن است که هزاران نفر در آن منطقه از گرسنگی می‌کشند." (Gozarish-ha haki az an ast ke hezaran nafar dar an mantaqeh az geresnegi mikeshind - Reports indicate that thousands of people in that region are suffering from hunger). It's also prevalent in historical accounts and documentaries that delve into periods of scarcity, such as during World War II or major famines in history. A historian might explain, "در دوران قحطی بزرگ، مردم مجبور بودند شدت گرسنگی را بکشند." (Dar dowran-e qahati-ye bozorg, mardom majbur budand sheddat-e geresnegi ra bekeshand - During the great famine, people were forced to endure the severity of hunger). Literature and poetry are fertile grounds for this phrase. Authors use it to evoke empathy for characters facing dire circumstances, to highlight social inequality, or to create a sense of desperation. A novel might describe a character's plight: "او سال‌ها در فقر و تنگدستی زندگی کرد و گرسنگی کشید." (U salha dar faghre va tangdasti zendegi kard va geresnegi keshid - He lived in poverty and hardship for years and suffered from hunger). In personal testimonies or memoirs, individuals who have overcome extreme poverty or difficult living conditions might use this phrase to describe their past struggles. For instance, someone might recount, "یادم می‌آید که در نوجوانی چقدر گرسنگی کشیدم." (Yadam miyad ke dar nojavani cheghadr geresnegi keshidam - I remember how much I suffered from hunger in my youth). While less common in everyday casual conversation about mild hunger, it can be used by individuals to emphasize the severity of their hunger or a past experience of severe hunger. For example, someone might say, "من دیروز از صبح تا شب گرسنگی کشیدم چون وقت نداشتم غذا بخورم." (Man diruz az sobh ta shab geresnegi keshidam chon vaght nadashtam ghaza bokhoram - I suffered from hunger all day yesterday because I didn't have time to eat). However, this usage might sound slightly dramatic depending on the context. It's more likely to be heard when someone has genuinely gone without food for an extended period due to circumstances beyond their control. The phrase carries a weight that makes it suitable for discussing serious social issues like food insecurity and poverty. Organizations working with refugees or displaced populations might use it in their appeals for aid. In educational settings, when discussing historical events or social studies, this phrase is often used to describe the conditions faced by certain populations. It's a term that resonates deeply because it touches upon a fundamental human need and the suffering that arises when it is unmet. The phrase is also used in film and theatre to depict the struggles of characters, adding realism and emotional impact to the narrative. It’s a phrase that evokes a strong sense of hardship and resilience.
Learners of Persian often make mistakes with "گرسنگی کشیدن" due to direct translation or oversimplification. One common error is to use "گرسنگی" (hunger) as a verb itself, which is incorrect. For instance, saying "من گرسنگی" (man geresnegi - I hunger) is ungrammatical. The phrase requires the verb "کشیدن" (keshidan) to form a complete action. Another mistake is to confuse it with the simpler "گرسنه بودن" (geresne budan - to be hungry). While both relate to hunger, "گرسنگی کشیدن" implies a more severe, prolonged, and difficult experience. Using "گرسنگی کشیدن" when one simply feels a bit hungry would be an overstatement. For example, saying "من الان گرسنگی می‌کشم" (man alan geresnegi mikeshim - I am suffering from hunger now) when you just missed lunch by an hour might sound overly dramatic or insincere. Conversely, failing to use "گرسنگی کشیدن" when describing a genuine period of hardship can understate the severity of the situation. If someone has gone days without food, simply saying "گرسنه بودم" (geresne budam - I was hungry) might not fully convey the suffering. Another potential pitfall is incorrect conjugation of "کشیدن". Learners might forget to conjugate it properly for the subject or tense, leading to sentences like "آنها گرسنگی کشید" (anha geresnegi keshid - They hunger pulled), which is grammatically incorrect for a plural subject. The correct form would be "آنها گرسنگی کشیدند" (anha geresnegi keshidand - They suffered from hunger). Some might also incorrectly use other verbs with "گرسنگی," such as "داشتن" (dashtan - to have). For example, "من گرسنگی دارم" (man geresnegi daram - I have hunger) is not the standard way to express suffering from hunger; it's more common for abstract nouns or possession. While "گرسنگی داشتن" might be understood colloquially in some regions, "گرسنگی کشیدن" is the more established and widely accepted phrase for enduring hunger. Finally, learners might struggle with the metaphorical usage. If not clearly contextualized, the metaphorical sense of "suffering from a lack of something" can be misunderstood as literal hunger. For instance, saying "کتابم گرسنگی می‌کشید" (ketabam geresnegi mikeshid - my book was suffering from hunger) would be nonsensical without further explanation that it means the book was lacking in content or depth. Therefore, it's crucial to use the literal meaning predominantly and to be very explicit when employing it metaphorically.
While "گرسنگی کشیدن" (geresnegi keshidan) specifically denotes suffering from hunger, several other Persian words and phrases convey related meanings, varying in intensity and context. The most direct and common alternative is "گرسنه بودن" (geresne budan), which simply means "to be hungry." This is the go-to phrase for everyday hunger. For example, "من گرسنه‌ام" (man geresne-am - I am hungry) is used when you've missed a meal or feel a normal level of hunger. "گرسنگی کشیدن" is significantly more intense, implying hardship and prolonged lack of food. Another related term is "معده خالی داشتن" (me'deh khali dashtan), literally meaning "to have an empty stomach." This is also a more neutral description of hunger, similar to "گرسنه بودن," but perhaps slightly more descriptive of the physical sensation. It lacks the suffering aspect of "گرسنگی کشیدن." When hunger becomes extreme and leads to weakness or physical decline, one might use "از گرسنگی ضعف کردن" (az geresnegi za'f kardan), meaning "to weaken from hunger." This focuses on the physical consequence rather than the act of enduring hunger itself. In contexts of severe deprivation and famine, the word "قحطی" (qahti) meaning "famine," is used, and people enduring it are said to be suffering from "قحطی" or "گرسنگی" in a catastrophic sense. The phrase "گرسنه ماندن" (geresne mandan) means "to remain hungry" or "to go without eating." This can imply a shorter duration than "گرسنگی کشیدن," but depending on the context, it can also suggest a significant period of not eating. For instance, "او امروز گرسنه ماند" (u emruz geresne mand - He remained hungry today) could mean he skipped a meal or went without food for a substantial part of the day. Compared to "گرسنگی کشیدن," "گرسنه ماندن" is less about the suffering and more about the state of not eating. For a very strong and sudden hunger, one might say "دلش غار می‌زد" (delash ghar mizad - his/her stomach was growling/rumbling intensely), which is an idiom describing extreme hunger pangs, but it doesn't necessarily imply suffering over a long period. When describing a state of extreme malnutrition or starvation, more severe terms might be used, but "گرسنگی کشیدن" covers the broad spectrum of suffering from lack of food. In metaphorical contexts, while "گرسنگی کشیدن" can be used for a lack of something, other phrases might be more precise. For example, "کمبود" (kam bud) means "shortage" or "lack," and "نیاز شدید" (niyaz-e shadid) means "strong need." However, if the metaphor implies a deep, gnawing emptiness or deprivation, "گرسنگی کشیدن" can still be apt, provided the context is clear. The key differentiator for "گرسنگی کشیدن" is the element of suffering and endurance, making it distinct from simply being hungry or having an empty stomach. It's the phrase to use when the hunger is a significant hardship.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The verb 'کشیدن' (keshidan) is incredibly versatile in Persian and appears in many phrases denoting endurance or suffering, such as 'درد کشیدن' (to suffer pain) or 'عذاب کشیدن' (to suffer torment). This highlights a common linguistic pattern for expressing hardship.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ɡeɾesnegiː kæʃiːdæn/
US /ɡeɾesnegiː kɛʃɪdæn/
The primary stress in 'گرسنگی' (geresnegi) falls on the second syllable 'sne'. In 'کشیدن' (keshidan), the stress is on the second syllable 'shi'. When spoken together, the rhythm is generally even, with slight emphasis on these stressed syllables.
Rhymes With
رنجیدن (ranjidan - to be offended) گزیدن (gezidan - to bite) پوشیدن (pushidan - to wear) شنیدن (shenidan - to hear) دیدن (didan - to see) خریدن (kharidan - to buy) بریدن (boridan - to cut) نوشیدن (nushidan - to drink)
Common Errors
  • Pronouncing 'g' as a hard 'g' like in 'go' instead of a softer, guttural sound.
  • Incorrectly stressing syllables, especially in 'keshidan'.
  • Not rolling the 'r' sound in 'geresnegi'.
  • Confusing the vowel sounds, particularly the short 'e' and 'i'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Understanding 'گرسنگی کشیدن' requires grasping the nuance of 'کشیدن' as enduring hardship. Recognizing its use in contexts of famine or poverty is key. The phrase itself is grammatically straightforward but semantically carries significant weight.

Writing 3/5

Using 'گرسنگی کشیدن' correctly in writing means understanding when its intensity is appropriate. Overusing it for mild hunger can sound dramatic. Correct conjugation of 'کشیدن' is also important.

Speaking 3/5

Pronunciation can be a minor challenge. More importantly, using the phrase appropriately in conversation shows an understanding of its serious connotation, distinguishing it from everyday hunger.

Listening 3/5

Listeners need to recognize the phrase and understand that it signifies more than just being hungry. Context is crucial for interpreting the severity.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

گرسنه (geresne - hungry) بودن (budan - to be) کشیدن (keshidan - to pull/endure) غذا (ghaza - food) زمان (zaman - time)

Learn Next

قحطی (qahti - famine) تنگدستی (tangdasti - poverty) تحمل کردن (tahamol kardan - to tolerate/endure) رنج بردن (ranj bordan - to suffer)

Advanced

محرومیت (mahrumiyat - deprivation) بقا (baqa - survival) عذاب (azab - torment) فلاکت (felaket - misery)

Grammar to Know

Verb Conjugation in Persian

The verb 'کشیدن' must be conjugated correctly for tense and subject. For example, 'من کشیدم' (I pulled/endured), 'تو کشیدی' (you pulled/endured), 'او کشید' (he/she pulled/endured), 'ما کشیدیم' (we pulled/endured), 'شما کشیدید' (you all pulled/endured), 'آنها کشیدند' (they pulled/endured).

Present Continuous Tense

To form the present continuous, use the prefix 'می-' (mi-) before the verb stem. For 'گرسنگی کشیدن', it becomes 'می‌کشیدم' (I am pulling/enduring), 'می‌کشیدی' (you are pulling/enduring), etc. So, 'من گرسنگی می‌کشیدم' means 'I am suffering from hunger.'

Future Tense

The future tense is formed using the auxiliary verb 'خواستن' (khastan - to want) in its future form ('خواهم', 'خواهی', 'خواهد', etc.) followed by the past stem of the main verb. For example, 'من گرسنگی خواهم کشید' means 'I will suffer from hunger.'

Adverb Placement

Adverbs like 'خیلی' (very) or 'مدت‌ها' (for a long time) usually precede the verb phrase. 'او مدت‌ها گرسنگی کشید.' (He suffered from hunger for a long time.)

Prepositional Phrases

Phrases like 'از شدت گرسنگی' (from the intensity of hunger) use the preposition 'از' (az - from) to indicate the cause or source of a condition.

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Examples by Level

1

او در دوران جنگ مجبور بود گرسنگی بکشد.

He had to suffer from hunger during the war.

Past tense of 'کشیدن' (keshidan) is 'کشید' (keshid).

2

اگر غذا نباشد، مردم گرسنگی خواهند کشید.

If there is no food, people will suffer from hunger.

Future tense is formed with 'خواهم' (khaham) + verb stem.

3

ما در آن سفر طولانی گرسنگی کشیدیم.

We suffered from hunger on that long journey.

'ما' (ma - we) requires the plural past tense '-یم' (-im) ending.

4

کودکان کار اغلب گرسنگی می‌کشند.

Child laborers often suffer from hunger.

Present continuous tense uses 'می‌' (mi-) prefix.

5

او از شدت گرسنگی ضعف کرد.

He weakened from the intensity of hunger.

'از شدت' (az sheddat) means 'from the intensity of'.

6

در آن زمان، بسیاری از خانواده‌ها گرسنگی می‌کشیدند.

At that time, many families were suffering from hunger.

Past continuous is implied here, using the present continuous form with past context.

7

او قسم خورد که دیگر هرگز گرسنگی نکشد.

He swore that he would never suffer from hunger again.

Negative imperative/subjunctive form 'نکشد' (nakesh-ad).

8

این منطقه سال‌هاست که گرسنگی می‌کشد.

This region has been suffering from hunger for years.

'سال‌هاست که' (salha-st ke) indicates a duration up to the present.

Common Collocations

از شدت گرسنگی
سال‌ها گرسنگی کشیدن
گرسنگی کشیدن در فقر
گرسنگی کشیدن در جنگ
مجبور به گرسنگی کشیدن
شدت گرسنگی را کشیدن
گرسنگی کشیدن برای بقا
گرسنگی کشیدن در قحطی
دیگر گرسنگی نکشیدن
تجربه گرسنگی کشیدن

Common Phrases

شدت گرسنگی

— The intensity of hunger. This phrase describes how severe the hunger is.

شدت گرسنگی او را از پا درآورد.

گرسنگی شدید

— Severe hunger. This is an adjective phrase describing a state of extreme hunger.

آنها از گرسنگی شدید رنج می‌بردند.

از گرسنگی مردن

— To die of hunger. This is the most extreme consequence of prolonged hunger.

بسیاری از مردم در آن قحطی از گرسنگی مردند.

گرسنگی و تشنگی

— Hunger and thirst. A common pairing to describe extreme deprivation.

در بیابان، گرسنگی و تشنگی امانشان را بریده بود.

گرسنگی تاریخی

— Historical hunger. Refers to periods of famine or widespread starvation in history.

کتاب درباره گرسنگی تاریخی ایران نوشته شده است.

گرسنگی ناشی از فقر

— Hunger resulting from poverty. This specifies the cause of the hunger.

گرسنگی ناشی از فقر یک مشکل جهانی است.

گرسنگی کشیدن در غربت

— Suffering from hunger in a foreign land. Implies isolation and lack of support.

او مجبور بود در غربت گرسنگی بکشد.

گرسنگی و بیماری

— Hunger and illness. Often go hand in hand, as malnutrition weakens the body.

گرسنگی و بیماری در مناطق جنگ‌زده شایع بود.

گرسنگی مزمن

— Chronic hunger. Hunger that persists over a long period.

کودکان دچار گرسنگی مزمن رشد نمی‌کنند.

گرسنگی کشیدن در سکوت

— Suffering from hunger in silence. Implies enduring hardship without complaint or help.

او سال‌ها گرسنگی کشید در سکوت.

Often Confused With

گرسنگی کشیدن vs گرسنه بودن (geresne budan)

While related, 'گرسنه بودن' simply means 'to be hungry' and lacks the element of suffering and hardship implied by 'گرسنگی کشیدن'.

گرسنگی کشیدن vs گرسنه ماندن (geresne mandan)

This means 'to remain hungry' or 'to go without eating.' It focuses on the act of not eating, whereas 'گرسنگی کشیدن' emphasizes the suffering caused by that state.

گرسنگی کشیدن vs ضعف کردن از گرسنگی (za'f kardan az geresnegi)

This phrase focuses specifically on the physical consequence of weakening due to hunger, rather than the broader experience of enduring hunger itself.

Idioms & Expressions

"دلش غار می‌زد"

— His/Her stomach was growling intensely; he/she was extremely hungry. This idiom describes the physical sensation of intense hunger.

صبح زود از خواب بیدار شدم و دلم غار می‌زد.

Informal
"شکمش قار و قور می‌کرد"

— His/Her stomach was rumbling. Similar to 'دلش غار می‌زد', this idiom describes the sound and sensation of an empty, hungry stomach.

بعد از چند ساعت انتظار، شکمش قار و قور می‌کرد.

Informal
"از گرسنگی مردن"

— To die of hunger. This is a stark idiom used to describe the ultimate consequence of severe and prolonged starvation.

در آن دوره سخت، بسیاری از مردم از گرسنگی مردند.

Formal/Literary
"گرسنگی به جان خریدن"

— To accept or endure hunger willingly (often for a greater cause). This implies a conscious decision to bear hunger.

او گرسنگی به جان خرید تا بتواند پول خانواده‌اش را تأمین کند.

Formal
"گرسنگی را به جان خریدن"

— To suffer hunger; to endure hunger. Very similar to the previous one, emphasizing the endurance aspect.

آنها مجبور بودند گرسنگی را به جان بخرند.

Formal
"شکمش گرسنه بود"

— His/Her stomach was hungry. A straightforward way to state hunger, though less evocative than 'گرسنگی کشیدن'.

بعد از ورزش، شکمش گرسنه بود.

Neutral
"قحطی زده"

— Famine-stricken. Describes a region or people suffering from famine.

آن منطقه قحطی‌زده بود و مردم در رنج بودند.

Formal
"گرسنه و تشنه"

— Hungry and thirsty. A common pairing to describe a state of extreme deprivation.

مسافران در بیابان گرسنه و تشنه بودند.

Neutral
"گرسنگی با جان خریدن"

— To endure hunger; to accept hunger as a hardship. Similar to 'گرسنگی به جان خریدن'.

آنها گرسنگی با جان خریدند تا مقاومت کنند.

Formal
"گرسنگی به سراغ کسی آمدن"

— Hunger came upon someone. Describes hunger arriving, often implying it was significant.

ناگهان گرسنگی به سراغم آمد.

Neutral

Easily Confused

گرسنگی کشیدن vs گرسنه بودن

Both terms relate to the state of not having food.

'گرسنه بودن' is a neutral statement of being hungry. 'گرسنگی کشیدن' implies a prolonged, difficult, and suffering experience of hunger, often due to adverse circumstances like poverty or famine.

من گرسنه‌ام. (I am hungry - normal feeling) vs. او در دوران جنگ گرسنگی کشید. (He suffered from hunger during the war - implies severe hardship.)

گرسنگی کشیدن vs گرسنه ماندن

Both involve not eating.

'گرسنه ماندن' means to go without eating or to remain hungry. It describes the state of not having eaten. 'گرسنگی کشیدن' describes the suffering and hardship that results from prolonged hunger.

او امروز گرسنه ماند. (He went without eating today - neutral) vs. او سال‌ها گرسنگی کشید. (He suffered from hunger for years - implies severe hardship.)

گرسنگی کشیدن vs سیر بودن

They are opposites related to food intake.

'سیر بودن' means 'to be full' or 'satiated' after eating. 'گرسنگی کشیدن' is the state of suffering from a lack of food.

بعد از غذا، سیر بودم. (After the meal, I was full.) vs. قبل از غذا، گرسنگی می‌کشیدم. (Before the meal, I was suffering from hunger.)

گرسنگی کشیدن vs تحمل کردن (tahamol kardan)

Both verbs imply enduring something difficult.

'تحمل کردن' is a general verb for enduring or tolerating something unpleasant. 'گرسنگی کشیدن' is a specific phrase for enduring hunger, carrying the weight of that particular hardship.

او درد را تحمل کرد. (He endured the pain.) vs. او گرسنگی را تحمل کرد. (He endured hunger - more specific to food deprivation.)

گرسنگی کشیدن vs رنج بردن (ranj bordan)

Both describe suffering.

'رنج بردن' is a general term for suffering or experiencing hardship. 'گرسنگی کشیدن' is a specific type of suffering directly related to a lack of food.

او از زندگی رنج می‌برد. (He suffered from life - general hardship.) vs. او از گرسنگی رنج می‌برد. (He suffered from hunger - specific cause.)

Sentence Patterns

A2

Subject + گرسنه + است/بود

او گرسنه است. (He is hungry.)

B1

Subject + گرسنگی کشید(ند)

آنها گرسنگی کشیدند. (They suffered from hunger.)

B1

Subject + گرسنگی می‌کشد(ند)

ما گرسنگی می‌کشیم. (We are suffering from hunger.)

B1

Subject + از شدت گرسنگی + Verb

او از شدت گرسنگی ضعف کرد. (He weakened from the intensity of hunger.)

B2

Subject + مدت‌ها + گرسنگی کشید(ند)

آنها مدت‌ها گرسنگی کشیدند. (They suffered from hunger for a long time.)

B2

Subject + مجبور بود(ند) + گرسنگی بکشد(ند)

آنها مجبور بودند گرسنگی بکشند. (They were forced to suffer from hunger.)

C1

Location/Time + Subject + گرسنگی کشید(ند)

در آن دوران، مردم گرسنگی کشیدند. (During that era, people suffered from hunger.)

C1

Subject + گرسنگی کشیدن (conjugated) + برای + Purpose

او گرسنگی کشید برای اینکه خانواده‌اش زنده بماند. (He suffered from hunger so that his family could survive.)

Word Family

Nouns

گرسنگی (geresnegi - hunger)
گرسنه (geresne - hungry person/adjective)

Verbs

گرسنگی کشیدن (geresnegi keshidan - to suffer from hunger)
گرسنه بودن (geresne budan - to be hungry)
گرسنه ماندن (geresne mandan - to remain hungry)

Adjectives

گرسنه (geresne - hungry)

Related

قحطی (qahti) Famine
تنگدستی (tangdasti) Poverty/Hardship
کمبود غذا (kam bud-e ghaza) Food shortage
محرومیت (mahrumiyat) Deprivation
سختی (sakhti) Hardship/Difficulty
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How to Use It

frequency

Medium to High, especially in contexts of hardship.

Common Mistakes
  • Using 'گرسنگی کشیدن' for mild hunger. → Using 'گرسنه هستم' or 'گرسنه ام'.

    'گرسنگی کشیدن' implies significant suffering and hardship, not just a normal feeling of hunger. Overusing it can sound dramatic or insincere.

  • Incorrect conjugation of 'کشیدن'. → Correct conjugation based on subject and tense (e.g., 'کشیدم', 'می‌کشد', 'خواهند کشید').

    Forgetting the correct endings for different subjects or tenses leads to grammatical errors. For example, saying 'آنها گرسنگی کشید' instead of 'آنها گرسنگی کشیدند'.

  • Treating 'گرسنگی' as a verb. → Using 'گرسنگی' with the verb 'کشیدن'.

    'گرسنگی' is a noun. You cannot say 'من گرسنگی' to mean 'I am hungry.' It must be paired with a verb like 'کشیدن' or 'بودن' (as in 'گرسنه بودن').

  • Confusing 'گرسنگی کشیدن' with 'گرسنه ماندن'. → Understanding the nuance: 'ماندن' is about the state of not eating, 'کشیدن' is about the suffering.

    'گرسنه ماندن' focuses on the act of not eating, while 'گرسنگی کشیدن' emphasizes the painful endurance of that state. The latter implies more suffering.

  • Using 'گرسنگی داشتن' instead of 'گرسنگی کشیدن'. → Using 'گرسنگی کشیدن' for suffering from hunger.

    While 'گرسنگی داشتن' might be understood colloquially in some areas, 'گرسنگی کشیدن' is the standard and more formal phrase for enduring hunger and its hardships.

Tips

Distinguish Intensity

Always remember that 'گرسنگی کشیدن' implies a significant level of hardship and suffering, not just a mild feeling of hunger. Use 'گرسنه هستم' for everyday hunger.

Conjugate Correctly

The verb 'کشیدن' needs to be conjugated for the subject and tense. Pay attention to the endings for past, present, and future tenses to form grammatically correct sentences.

Contextual Understanding

The meaning of 'گرسنگی کشیدن' is amplified by its context. Words related to famine, poverty, war, or survival will often accompany it, reinforcing its serious connotation.

Practice the Sounds

Focus on the guttural 'g' sound and the rolled 'r' in 'گرسنگی', and ensure correct stress on the syllables of 'کشیدن' for clear pronunciation.

Visual Association

Imagine 'pulling' a heavy, invisible sack labeled 'HUNGER'. This visual can help you remember that 'کشیدن' implies enduring a burden.

Cultural Significance

Understand that in Persian culture, food is highly valued. Therefore, the suffering implied by 'گرسنگی کشیدن' resonates deeply and evokes strong empathy.

Compare with 'گرسنه بودن'

Actively compare 'گرسنگی کشیدن' with the simpler 'گرسنه بودن' (to be hungry) in your mind. This contrast will help solidify the specific meaning of suffering and hardship in the former.

Listen and Repeat

Listen to native speakers use the phrase in various contexts and try to repeat it. This will help you internalize its pronunciation and natural usage.

Write Sentences

Write your own sentences using 'گرسنگی کشیدن' in different tenses and contexts. This active application is crucial for retention.

Appreciate the Verb 'کشیدن'

Recognize that the verb 'کشیدن' (to pull, endure) is key to the phrase's meaning, adding a layer of active struggle and burden-bearing to the concept of hunger.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine 'pulling' a heavy sack labeled 'HUNGER' uphill. The effort and strain of this 'pulling' represent the suffering involved in 'گرسنگی کشیدن'. The 'keshidan' (pulling) is the struggle.

Visual Association

Picture a person with a very gaunt face, visibly struggling and 'pulling' themselves forward with great effort, as if physically dragging the heavy concept of hunger behind them. The visual emphasizes the burden and the effort.

Word Web

Hunger Suffering Deprivation Famine Poverty Endurance Hardship Struggle

Challenge

Try to describe a character in a story who is experiencing severe hunger. Use the phrase 'گرسنگی کشیدن' at least three times, varying the tense and context to show different aspects of their struggle.

Word Origin

The phrase "گرسنگی کشیدن" is a compound phrase formed from the noun "گرسنگی" (geresnegi), meaning 'hunger,' and the verb "کشیدن" (keshidan), meaning 'to pull,' 'to draw,' or 'to endure.' The combination suggests the act of enduring or pulling the burden of hunger.

Original meaning: Literally 'to pull hunger,' implying the arduous experience of bearing the weight of hunger.

Indo-Iranian, specifically Persian.

Cultural Context

This phrase deals with a sensitive topic. When used, it's important to be mindful of the context and to avoid trivializing the suffering of those who genuinely experience prolonged hunger.

In English, 'to suffer from hunger' or 'to starve' are close equivalents, but 'گرسنگی کشیدن' has a unique Persian nuance due to the verb 'کشیدن' implying an active endurance of a burden.

Historical accounts of famines in Iran, such as during wars or periods of drought. Literature and poetry often depict characters enduring extreme hardship, including hunger. Social documentaries discussing poverty and food insecurity in various regions.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Humanitarian crises and natural disasters

  • مردم از گرسنگی می‌کشند.
  • کمبود غذا باعث گرسنگی شده است.
  • سازمان‌های امدادی برای کمک به گرسنگان آمده‌اند.

Historical accounts of famine

  • در دوران قحطی، گرسنگی کشیدن عادی بود.
  • آنها مجبور بودند گرسنگی را تحمل کنند.
  • داستان‌های گرسنگی تاریخی.

Literature and personal narratives of hardship

  • او در کودکی گرسنگی کشید.
  • تجربه گرسنگی سخت بود.
  • گرسنگی بخشی از زندگی او بود.

Discussions about poverty and social inequality

  • فقر باعث می‌شود مردم گرسنگی بکشند.
  • گرسنگی ناشی از فقر یک مشکل جدی است.
  • بسیاری از کودکان گرسنگی می‌کشند.

Metaphorical usage (less common)

  • ذهن او از کمبود ایده گرسنگی می‌کشید.
  • روحش از تنهایی گرسنگی می‌کشید.

Conversation Starters

"Have you ever read about historical famines where people had to 'گرسنگی کشیدن'?"

"What are some of the main causes that lead people to 'گرسنگی کشیدن' in the world today?"

"How does the phrase 'گرسنگی کشیدن' differ in intensity from simply saying 'I am hungry'?"

"Can you think of any situations, perhaps in movies or books, where characters had to 'گرسنگی کشیدن'?"

"What measures can be taken to prevent communities from having to 'گرسنگی کشیدن'?"

Journal Prompts

Describe a time you or someone you know experienced significant hunger. Use 'گرسنگی کشیدن' if the situation was severe.

Imagine a character in a story who is forced to 'گرسنگی کشیدن'. What are their thoughts and feelings?

Reflect on the importance of food security. How does the concept of 'گرسنگی کشیدن' highlight this importance?

Write a short narrative about a historical period where 'گرسنگی کشیدن' was a common experience for many people.

Consider the metaphorical use of 'گرسنگی کشیدن'. What other 'lacks' or 'needs' could be described using this concept?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

'گرسنه بودن' simply means 'to be hungry,' indicating a normal physical sensation. 'گرسنگی کشیدن' implies a more severe, prolonged, and difficult experience of hunger, often involving suffering due to lack of food, poverty, or famine. It's about enduring hardship, not just feeling a bit peckish.

Use 'گرسنگی کشیدن' when you want to emphasize the suffering, hardship, and prolonged nature of hunger. It's suitable for describing situations of famine, poverty, war, or any circumstance where individuals are facing significant food deprivation and enduring its negative effects.

Yes, it can be used metaphorically to describe a strong lack or intense need for something other than food, such as 'گرسنگی کشیدن برای دانش' (to hunger for knowledge). However, this metaphorical use is less common than the literal meaning and requires clear context to avoid confusion.

You conjugate the verb 'کشیدن' (keshidan) according to the subject and tense. For example, 'من گرسنگی کشیدم' (I suffered from hunger - past tense), 'او گرسنگی می‌کشد' (He/She suffers from hunger - present tense), 'آنها گرسنگی خواهند کشید' (They will suffer from hunger - future tense).

It is generally not recommended to use 'گرسنگی کشیدن' for mild or everyday hunger. It's a strong phrase that implies significant suffering. For simple hunger, 'گرسنه هستم' (I am hungry) is more appropriate.

Common contexts include news reports on humanitarian crises, historical accounts of famines, literature depicting hardship, and discussions about poverty and food insecurity.

While 'گرسنگی کشیدن' is already somewhat formal and descriptive, phrases like 'رنج از گرسنگی بردن' (to suffer hardship from hunger) or 'مواجهه با قحطی' (facing famine) might be used in highly formal or academic contexts, but 'گرسنگی کشیدن' remains a powerful and widely understood expression.

Prolonged 'گرسنگی کشیدن' can lead to weakness, dizziness, loss of concentration, irritability, malnutrition, and in extreme cases, death. Phrases like 'از گرسنگی ضعف کردن' (to weaken from hunger) describe these effects.

The verb 'کشیدن' means 'to pull,' 'to draw,' or 'to endure.' In this phrase, it powerfully conveys the idea of actively bearing the burden of hunger, suggesting a prolonged struggle and the arduous act of enduring a difficult condition.

While the core meaning and usage are consistent across standard Persian, some regional dialects might have slightly different idiomatic expressions for hunger or suffering from it. However, 'گرسنگی کشیدن' is universally understood.

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