جست و خیز کردن
جست و خیز کردن in 30 Seconds
- A compound verb meaning to frolic or gambol playfully.
- Commonly used for children, young animals, and joyful movements.
- Formed from roots meaning 'to leap' and 'to rise'.
- Conveys energy, happiness, and a lack of specific purpose.
The Persian compound verb جست و خیز کردن (pronounced 'jost-o-khiz kardan') is a vibrant and evocative expression that translates most accurately to 'to frolic,' 'to gambol,' or 'to leap about playfully.' It is a compound verb formed by the juxtaposition of two verbal roots: 'jost' (from jostan, meaning to leap or seek) and 'khiz' (the present stem of khistan, meaning to rise or spring up). Together, they create a rhythmic image of continuous, joyful movement. This word is not merely about physical displacement; it encapsulates an emotional state of exuberance, lightness, and freedom. When you use this verb, you are describing a scene where the subject is moving not for a specific destination, but for the sheer delight of being alive and active.
- Primary Context
- This verb is most frequently used when describing the movements of young animals, such as lambs in a spring meadow or kittens chasing a string. It captures that specific jerky, energetic, and unpredictable jumping that signifies health and happiness.
- Human Context
- When applied to humans, it almost exclusively refers to children. A group of children playing tag or dancing spontaneously in the rain would be said to be 'jost-o-khiz kardan.' It suggests a lack of inhibition and a surplus of energy.
- Metaphorical Nuance
- In literary or more advanced contexts, it can describe the 'leaping' of thoughts, the 'dancing' of light on water, or even the fluctuating movements of a lively market, though the physical, playful connotation remains the strongest anchor.
برهها در دشت سبز با شادی جست و خیز میکردند.
(The lambs were frolicking happily in the green plain.)
The beauty of this word lies in its onomatopoeic quality in Persian culture; the 'j' and 'kh' sounds suggest a sudden start and a lifting motion. It is a word that brings a smile to the speaker's face because it is inherently associated with positive, youthful energy. You wouldn't use this for a serious athlete training hard, nor for someone running from danger. It is strictly reserved for the domain of play and leisure.
کودکان در حیاط مدرسه مشغول جست و خیز کردن بودند.
(The children were busy frolicking in the schoolyard.)
In modern Persian, while more formal than 'bazi kardan' (to play), it remains very accessible. It is a 'Level B1' word because it moves beyond basic verbs like 'paridan' (to jump) to describe the *manner* and *mood* of the movement. It provides the speaker with a tool to add color and specific imagery to their descriptions of nature or childhood.
خرگوش کوچک میان علفها جست و خیز میکرد.
(The little rabbit was gamboling among the grass.)
ماهیها در تنگ آب با هیجان جست و خیز میکردند.
(The fish were darting and leaping excitedly in the water tank.)
To master this word, think of the English word 'scamper' or 'caper.' It's about light feet and a happy heart. Using it correctly will make your Persian sound much more descriptive and native-like, as it shows you understand the emotional nuance of physical actions.
Using جست و خیز کردن requires an understanding of how compound verbs function in Persian. The auxiliary verb 'kardan' (to do/make) carries all the grammatical weight—conjugation, tense, and mood—while the nominal part 'jost-o-khiz' provides the specific meaning. This structure is common in Persian, but 'jost-o-khiz' is unique because it is a reduplicated-style noun joined by the conjunction 'o' (and).
- Tense Construction
- In the present continuous, you would say 'daram jost-o-khiz mikonam' (I am frolicking). In the past simple, 'jost-o-khiz kardam' (I frolicked). Notice that 'jost-o-khiz' never changes; only 'kardan' does.
- Adverbial Companions
- This verb often goes hand-in-hand with adverbs of manner like 'ba shadi' (with joy), 'ba hayejan' (with excitement), or 'azadaneh' (freely). These enhance the sense of playfulness inherent in the verb.
سگهای جوان در ساحل شروع به جست و خیز کردند.
(The young dogs started frolicking on the beach.)
One important grammatical note: because it is a compound verb, when you negate it, the 'na-' prefix goes on the 'kardan' part. For example: 'jost-o-khiz nakardan' (to not frolic). Similarly, in the future tense, 'khaham' goes before the short infinitive of 'kardan': 'jost-o-khiz khaham kard.'
بعد از باران، گنجشکها روی شاخهها جست و خیز میکردند.
(After the rain, the sparrows were hopping and frolicking on the branches.)
When writing, you can use 'jost-o-khiz' as a subject. For instance, 'Jost-o-khiz-e barre-ha ziba bud' (The frolicking of the lambs was beautiful). Here, the 'ezāfe' construction connects the noun form to the possessor. This versatility makes it a powerful tool for descriptive writing.
- Formal vs Informal
- In very informal speech, people might just say 'valla nakon' (don't jump around), but 'jost-o-khiz kardan' is perfectly acceptable in both polite conversation and literature. It is considered 'standard' Persian.
او تمام شب را از خوشحالی جست و خیز میکرد.
(He was leaping for joy all night long.)
میمونها در جنگل با مهارت جست و خیز میکردند.
(The monkeys were frolicking skillfully in the forest.)
Finally, consider the rhythm. 'Jost-o-khiz' has a bouncy meter that matches its meaning. When you say it, try to emphasize the 'khiz' slightly to mimic the upward leap. This phonetic alignment with the action makes it a favorite among Persian speakers for nature-related storytelling.
In the real world, you will encounter جست و خیز کردن in several distinct environments. While it might sound a bit poetic to an English ear, in Persian, it is the standard way to describe energetic, playful movement. It bridges the gap between the mundane and the artistic.
- Children's Literature and Media
- This is the 'home' of this verb. In Persian cartoons (like 'Kolah Ghermezi') or children's storybooks, characters are constantly 'jost-o-khiz kardan.' It is used to teach children about the joy of play and physical activity.
- Nature Documentaries
- If you watch Persian-dubbed National Geographic or BBC Earth programs, the narrator will use this verb to describe gazelles, lions' cubs, or dolphins. It provides a more sophisticated alternative to 'paridan' (jumping).
گوینده گفت: «آهوان در دشت مشغول جست و خیز کردن هستند.»
(The narrator said: 'The deer are busy frolicking in the plain.')
You will also hear it in everyday conversations among parents or teachers. A teacher might say to a restless student, 'Chedar jost-o-khiz mikoni! Beneshin سر jat!' (How much you're jumping around! Sit in your place!). Here, it carries a slightly disciplinary but still lighthearted tone. It's not a harsh command; it's an observation of excess energy.
مادربزرگ با لبخند به جست و خیز بچهها نگاه میکرد.
(The grandmother looked at the children's frolicking with a smile.)
Furthermore, in news reports about wildlife conservation or the arrival of spring (Nowruz), this verb is frequently used to evoke the imagery of nature awakening. It is a 'feel-good' word in the Persian lexicon. If you are visiting an Iranian park on a Friday (the weekend), you will see and hear plenty of 'jost-o-khiz' happening around the picnic rugs.
- Sports Commentary
- Occasionally, a commentator might use it to describe a very agile and energetic player (like a winger in football) who seems to be everywhere at once, though this is more stylistic than literal.
او مثل یک بز کوهی در کوهستان جست و خیز میکرد.
(He was leaping about in the mountains like a wild goat.)
وقتی خبر را شنید، از خوشحالی شروع به جست و خیز کردن کرد.
(When he heard the news, he started frolicking/jumping for joy.)
In summary, if the scene involves joy, light movement, and a sense of 'leaping,' this is the word you will hear. It is a staple of descriptive Persian that adds a layer of emotional warmth to the act of moving.
While جست و خیز کردن is a delightful word, learners often trip up on its specific nuances and grammatical structure. Avoiding these common pitfalls will make your Persian sound more natural and precise.
- Confusing with 'Paridan' (To Jump)
- Mistake: Using 'jost-o-khiz kardan' for a single jump or a high jump. Correction: 'Paridan' is for the physical act of jumping once. 'Jost-o-khiz' is for a series of playful leaps. You don't 'jost-o-khiz' over a fence; you 'paridan' over it.
- Wrong Subject Application
- Mistake: Using it for serious or heavy subjects. Correction: You wouldn't say an elephant is 'jost-o-khiz kardan' unless it's a very small, very happy baby elephant. It implies lightness. Using it for a professional athlete in a serious match might sound sarcastic.
اشتباه: ورزشکار برای مدال طلا جست و خیز میکرد.
(Wrong: The athlete was frolicking for the gold medal.)
Another common error involves the word order in the compound verb. Some learners try to separate 'jost' and 'khiz' or forget the 'o' (vav) in the middle. It is a fixed phrase. You cannot say 'jost kardan' to mean frolicking. 'Jostan' on its own means to seek or to leap, but 'jost-o-khiz' is the specific idiom for frolicking.
درست: بچهها جست و خیز میکردند.
(Correct: The children were frolicking.)
Learners also sometimes confuse it with 'davidan' (to run). While frolicking involves running, 'davidan' is purposeful and linear. 'Jost-o-khiz' is chaotic and multi-directional. If someone is running a marathon, they are 'davidan.' If they are dancing around because they won the lottery, they might be 'jost-o-khiz kardan.'
- Overusing in Formal Writing
- While not 'slang,' this verb is very descriptive. In a formal business report about physical education, you might prefer 'fa'aliyat-e badani' (physical activity). Save 'jost-o-khiz' for when you want to convey the *joy* of the movement.
اشتباه: قیمت سهام در بازار جست و خیز میکرد.
(Wrong: The stock prices were 'frolicking' in the market - too informal/weird.)
درست: بره از مادرش جدا شد و به جست و خیز پرداخت.
(Correct: The lamb left its mother and engaged in frolicking.)
Finally, ensure you don't confuse the spelling of 'khiz' (with 'khe') with other similar sounding words. 'Khiz' comes from 'khastan' (to rise). Understanding the roots helps prevent spelling errors in written Persian.
Persian is a language rich in verbs that describe movement and emotion. While جست و خیز کردن is excellent for 'frolicking,' knowing its synonyms and alternatives will help you fine-tune your descriptions based on the specific context.
- بازی کردن (Bāzi Kardan)
- Meaning: To play. This is the most general term. While 'jost-o-khiz' is a *type* of play, 'bazi kardan' can include quiet games like chess. Use this when the physical leaping aspect isn't the focus.
- بالا و پایین پریدن (Bālā va Pāyin Paridan)
- Meaning: To jump up and down. This is more literal and less 'graceful' than frolicking. It's often used for someone who is very excited or even angry (jumping up and down with rage).
- پایکوبی کردن (Pā-kubi Kardan)
- Meaning: To stomp feet/dance. This is specifically used for rhythmic jumping or dancing during a celebration. It has a more communal and celebratory connotation than the solo frolicking of an animal.
مردم در عروسی به پایکوبی مشغول بودند.
(The people were busy dancing/stomping at the wedding.)
For a more literary or poetic alternative, you might encounter 'Raqsidan' (to dance) used metaphorically. However, 'jost-o-khiz' is unique because it specifically captures the *unstructured* nature of the movement. Unlike a dance, frolicking has no steps.
او از شدت هیجان بالا و پایین میپرید.
(He was jumping up and down from extreme excitement.)
In scientific contexts (like biology), you might see 'taharrok' (movement/mobility). This is the formal, clinical term. You would never use 'jost-o-khiz' in a biology paper about cellular movement, as it's too emotional and anthropomorphic.
- شلوغ کردن (Sholugh Kardan)
- Meaning: To make a mess/be rowdy. This is often what parents say when 'jost-o-khiz' goes too far and becomes annoying or destructive. It shifts the focus from 'joy' to 'disruption.'
بچهها، لطفاً در خانه شلوغ نکنید!
(Children, please don't be rowdy in the house!)
آهو با یک پرش بلند از جوی آب گذشت.
(The deer crossed the stream with one long jump.)
By understanding these distinctions, you can navigate Persian social and literary situations with much greater finesse. 'Jost-o-khiz' remains one of the most 'colorful' verbs in the language for describing the sheer vitality of life.
How Formal Is It?
"فعالیت و جست و خیز برای سلامت کودکان ضروری است."
"آهوان در دشت جست و خیز میکنند."
"بچهها کل روز رو داشتند جست و خیز میکردند."
"ببین چطور خرگوش کوچولو داره جست و خیز میکنه!"
"چقدر جُست و خیز میزنی، بشین دیگه!"
Fun Fact
The 'jost' in this word is the same root found in 'jostoju' (search). In ancient times, 'leaping' and 'seeking' were linked by the idea of moving quickly to find something.
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing 'kh' as a simple 'k' or 'h'. It must be the guttural 'khe'.
- Making the 'o' link too long like 'oh'. It should be a very short 'o'.
- Putting stress on 'jost' instead of 'kardan'.
- Pronouncing 'jost' like 'just'. The 'o' is more like 'post'.
- Merging the whole phrase without the 'o' sound.
Difficulty Rating
The word is long but the components are common once learned.
Requires remembering the 'vav' conjunction and the 'khe' spelling.
The 'kh' sound and the rhythm 'jost-o-khiz' take some practice.
Easily recognizable due to its unique rhythmic sound.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Compound Verb Conjugation
In 'جست و خیز کردن', only 'kardan' changes (e.g., میکردم، کردهام).
Vav-e-Atf (Conjunction Vav)
The 'o' in 'jost-o-khiz' connects two nouns/stems to form a single concept.
Ezafe Construction with Nouns
'جست و خیزِ کودکان' (The frolicking of children) uses the 'e' link.
Present Participle Formation
Adding 'an' to the stem: 'جست و خیز کنان' (frolicking-ly).
Subjunctive with Modals
'میتواند جست و خیز کند' (He can frolic) uses 'bokonad' stem minus 'bo'.
Examples by Level
گربه در باغ جست و خیز میکند.
The cat frolics in the garden.
Simple present tense: 'mikonad' for 'it'.
بچهها شادی و جست و خیز میکنند.
The children are happy and frolicking.
Plural subject 'bache-ha' takes 'mikonand'.
خرگوش کوچک جست و خیز کرد.
The little rabbit frolicked.
Past simple tense: 'kard'.
من جست و خیز کردن را دوست دارم.
I like frolicking.
Using the infinitive 'kardan' as a noun phrase.
سگ من زیاد جست و خیز میکند.
My dog frolics a lot.
'Ziyad' (a lot) modifies the verb.
بره در دشت جست و خیز میکند.
The lamb frolics in the plain.
Common animal subject for this verb.
آیا تو جست و خیز میکنی؟
Are you frolicking?
Question form using 'aya'.
ما در حیاط جست و خیز میکنیم.
We are frolicking in the yard.
First person plural: 'mikonim'.
بچهها بعد از مدرسه در کوچه جست و خیز میکردند.
The children were frolicking in the alley after school.
Past continuous: 'mi-' + past stem.
وقتی برف آمد، سگ شروع به جست و خیز کرد.
When it snowed, the dog started to frolic.
'Shoru be' (start to) followed by the infinitive.
میمونها روی درختها جست و خیز میکنند.
The monkeys are frolicking on the trees.
Preposition 'ruye' (on).
ما نباید در کلاس جست و خیز کنیم.
We should not frolic in the class.
Negative modal: 'nabayad' + subjunctive.
او با خوشحالی در اتاق جست و خیز میکرد.
He was frolicking in the room with happiness.
Adverbial phrase 'ba khosh-hali'.
چرا این گربه اینقدر جست و خیز میکند؟
Why does this cat frolic so much?
Interrogative 'chera' and 'inghadr' (so much).
آهوان در جنگل جست و خیز میکردند.
The deer were frolicking in the forest.
Plural of 'ahu' is 'ahuan'.
او همیشه در خواب جست و خیز میکند.
He always frolics in his sleep.
Adverb 'hamishe' (always).
کودکان با شنیدن صدای موسیقی شروع به جست و خیز کردند.
Hearing the sound of music, the children started frolicking.
Use of 'ba' (with/by) to indicate the cause.
این برههای کوچک تمام روز را به جست و خیز کردن میگذرانند.
These little lambs spend the whole day frolicking.
'Gozarandan' (to spend time) with the action.
اگر به پارک بروی، بچههای زیادی را در حال جست و خیز خواهی دید.
If you go to the park, you will see many children frolicking.
Conditional sentence with future tense.
سگ پیر دیگر نمیتواند مثل گذشته جست و خیز کند.
The old dog can no longer frolic like before.
Negative 'nemitavanad' (cannot).
او از شدت شوق، در میان دوستانش جست و خیز میکرد.
Out of intense excitement, he was frolicking among his friends.
'Az sheddat-e' (due to the intensity of).
صدای جست و خیز گنجشکها از روی پشتبام میآمد.
The sound of sparrows frolicking was coming from the roof.
Noun form 'jost-o-khiz' used in an Ezafe construction.
ما ساعتها به جست و خیز دلفینها در دریا نگاه کردیم.
We watched the dolphins frolicking in the sea for hours.
Prepositional object of 'negah kardan'.
ورزشکاران قبل از مسابقه کمی جست و خیز کردند تا گرم شوند.
The athletes frolic/jumped around a bit before the match to warm up.
Purpose clause with 'ta' (so that).
جست و خیز کردن در طبیعت، روحیه انسان را شاداب میکند.
Frolicking in nature refreshes the human spirit.
The infinitive phrase acts as the subject.
گویی تمام ذرات عالم در حال جست و خیز و پایکوبی هستند.
It's as if all the particles of the universe are frolicking and dancing.
Metaphorical use with 'Guyi' (as if).
او با چنان مهارتی در صخرهها جست و خیز میکرد که همه تعجب کردند.
He frolicked/leaped among the rocks with such skill that everyone was surprised.
'Ba chenan' (with such) construction.
تلاطم امواج باعث میشد قایقهای کوچک روی آب جست و خیز کنند.
The turbulence of the waves caused the small boats to frolic/toss on the water.
Causative structure with 'ba'es shodan'.
بچهها بدون توجه به باران، در گل و لای جست و خیز میکردند.
Regardless of the rain, the children were frolicking in the mud.
'Bedun-e tavajoh be' (regardless of).
در آن جشن بزرگ، پیر و جوان در کنار هم جست و خیز میکردند.
In that great celebration, old and young were frolicking together.
Contrast of 'pir o javan'.
جست و خیز بیش از حد کودک ممکن است نشانه بیشفعالی باشد.
Excessive frolicking of a child might be a sign of hyperactivity.
Formal/medical context use.
نور خورشید روی سطح دریاچه جست و خیز میکرد.
The sunlight was frolicking (sparkling) on the surface of the lake.
Personification of 'nur' (light).
نویسنده با ظرافت، جست و خیز افکار در ذهن قهرمان داستان را توصیف میکند.
The author elegantly describes the frolicking of thoughts in the protagonist's mind.
Abstract usage for 'thoughts'.
در ادبیات کلاسیک، جست و خیز آهو نمادی از گریزپایی معشوق است.
In classical literature, the frolicking of the deer is a symbol of the beloved's elusiveness.
Symbolic/literary analysis.
او با وجود کهولت سن، هنوز روحیهای داشت که او را به جست و خیز وامیداشت.
Despite his old age, he still had a spirit that compelled him to frolic.
'Va-dashtan' (to compel/induce).
جست و خیز باد در میان شاخساران، نوای دلنشینی ایجاد میکرد.
The frolicking of the wind among the branches created a pleasant melody.
Poetic personification of 'bad' (wind).
بازار بورس امروز شاهد جست و خیز بیسابقه قیمتها بود.
The stock market today witnessed an unprecedented frolicking (fluctuation) of prices.
Journalistic/Economic metaphor.
هنرمند سعی داشت جست و خیز رنگها را بر روی بوم به تصویر بکشد.
The artist tried to depict the frolicking of colors on the canvas.
Artistic context.
او با کلامی جست و خیز کنان و پرشور، جمعیت را به وجد آورد.
With frolicking (lively) and passionate speech, he enthralled the crowd.
Adjectival use of the present participle form.
حیات وحش با جست و خیز گلههای اسب وحشی جانی دوباره گرفت.
The wildlife came alive again with the frolicking of herds of wild horses.
Complex sentence structure.
تجلی جست و خیز در اشعار مولوی، بازتابی از رقص سماع و وجد صوفیانه است.
The manifestation of frolicking in Rumi's poems is a reflection of the Sama dance and Sufi ecstasy.
High-level philosophical/literary link.
دیالکتیک جست و خیز و سکون در فلسفه هنر، مبحثی چالشبرانگیز است.
The dialectic of frolicking and stillness in the philosophy of art is a challenging topic.
Academic/Philosophical vocabulary.
او در جستار خود، به بررسی روانشناختی میل انسان به جست و خیز در فضاهای باز پرداخته است.
In his essay, he has explored the psychological urge of humans to frolic in open spaces.
Use of 'jostar' (essay/treatise).
نثر او چنان پویایی و جست و خیزی دارد که خواننده را تا انتها با خود همراه میکند.
His prose has such dynamism and 'frolic' that it keeps the reader engaged until the end.
Literary criticism style.
جست و خیز نور در منشور، طیفهای رنگی خیرهکنندهای پدید آورد.
The frolicking of light in the prism produced dazzling color spectrums.
Scientific personification.
او با نگاهی پدیدارشناسانه به جست و خیز کودکان، آن را بنیادیترین شکل آزادی دانست.
With a phenomenological look at children's frolicking, he considered it the most fundamental form of freedom.
Advanced academic terminology.
نوسانات و جست و خیزهای سیاسی اخیر، ثبات منطقه را به مخاطره انداخته است.
Recent political fluctuations and 'frolicks' (instabilities) have jeopardized the region's stability.
Political metaphor.
در این سمفونی، جست و خیز ویولنها در تقابل با سنگینی کنترباسها قرار میگیرد.
In this symphony, the frolicking of the violins is contrasted with the weight of the double basses.
Musicology context.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— The frolicking of lambs; a classic image of spring.
جست و خیز برهها در بهار دیدنی است.
— To frolic in the rain; implies pure joy.
بچهها عاشق جست و خیز کردن در باران هستند.
— Useless jumping around; often used critically.
این همه جست و خیز بیهوده برای چیست؟
Often Confused With
Means 'to search'. It shares the 'jost' root but has a completely different meaning.
Means 'to jump'. It is the physical act, whereas 'jost-o-khiz' is the playful manner.
Means 'to rise' or 'to stand up'. It is only one part of the frolicking motion.
Idioms & Expressions
— A variation of the verb, emphasizing the 'strike' or 'burst' of movement.
ماهی در تور جست و خیز میزد.
Colloquial— To leap with great agility and speed, like a mountain goat.
او مثل بز کوهی در صخرهها جست و خیز میکرد.
Descriptive— To be very energetic (literally 'one foot frolic').
این بچه یک پا جست و خیز است.
Informal— Drunken/Ecstatic frolicking; usually used in poetry for birds or nature.
بلبلان جست و خیز مستانه میکردند.
Literary— To lose one's energy or vitality; to stop being active.
او بعد از بیماری از جست و خیز افتاد.
Idiomatic— To let one's imagination run wild (frolic in thoughts).
او در خیال خود جست و خیز میکرد.
Poetic— To be restless or playful while eating (usually a reprimand).
سر سفره جست و خیز نکن!
Informal— To move gracefully and quickly like a deer.
دخترک همچون آهو در دشت جست و خیز میکرد.
Literary— A metaphor for someone who is in their natural, happy element.
او در کتابخانه مثل جست و خیز ماهی در آب بود.
MetaphoricalEasily Confused
It is the root of the first part.
Jostan is a single leap or the act of finding; jost-o-khiz is repeated playful leaping.
Ahu az juy jost (The deer leaped the stream).
Contains 'khiz'.
Khiz gereftan means to pounce or prepare to leap (like a predator), not frolicking.
Palang khiz gereft (The leopard prepared to pounce).
Similar meaning of moving around.
Vorje-voorje is more colloquial and often implies being annoying or restless.
Bache vorje-voorje mikonad (The kid is fidgeting/jumping around).
Describes activity.
Takapu implies struggle or busy effort; jost-o-khiz is for pleasure.
Takapu baraye nan (Struggle for bread).
Rhythmic movement.
Raqs is structured dance; jost-o-khiz is unstructured play.
Raqs-e melli (National dance).
Sentence Patterns
[Subject] [jost-o-khiz] mikonad.
Gorbe jost-o-khiz mikonad.
[Subject] dar [Place] [jost-o-khiz] mikard.
Bache-ha dar hayaat jost-o-khiz mikardand.
[Subject] az [Emotion] [jost-o-khiz] mikonad.
Sag az khosh-hali jost-o-khiz mikonad.
[Subject] ba [Adverb] [jost-o-khiz] mikonand.
Barre-ha ba shadi jost-o-khiz mikonand.
[Noun] dar hal-e [jost-o-khiz] bud.
Ahu dar hal-e jost-o-khiz bud.
[Abstract Noun] [jost-o-khiz] mikonad.
Afkar dar zehnam jost-o-khiz mikonand.
Jost-o-khiz-e [Noun] neshaane-ye [Noun] ast.
Jost-o-khiz-e barre-ha neshane-ye bahar ast.
[Subject] [jost-o-khiz] konan raft.
Koodak jost-o-khiz konan be khane raft.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
Common in literature, children's media, and nature descriptions; moderate in daily adult conversation.
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Using 'jost-o-khiz kardan' for a high jump athlete.
→
Varzeshkar 'parid'.
Athletes jump for a goal; frolicking is for fun.
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Saying 'jost kardan' to mean frolicking.
→
Jost-o-khiz kardan.
You cannot remove the 'khiz' or the 'o'; it's a fixed compound.
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Pronouncing 'khiz' like 'hiz'.
→
Khiz (with a raspy 'kh').
The 'kh' sound is essential for correct Persian pronunciation.
-
Using it for a heavy, slow animal like an old elephant.
→
Fil rah miravad.
The word implies lightness and agility.
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Negating it as 'najost-o-khiz kardan'.
→
Jost-o-khiz nakardan.
In compound verbs, the negation prefix 'na-' goes on the auxiliary verb (kardan).
Tips
Think Animals
Whenever you see a nature video of baby animals, try to label their actions as 'jost-o-khiz kardan'. It's the most natural context for the word.
The 'O' Link
The 'vav' between 'jost' and 'khiz' is pronounced as a short 'o'. Don't skip it, as it provides the rhythmic 'bounce' to the word.
Paint a Picture
Use this verb instead of 'bazi kardan' (to play) when you want to emphasize the physical energy and jumping involved.
Spring Vibes
This word is the 'soundtrack' of spring in Persian. Associate it with Nowruz, green fields, and new life.
Adverb Match
Pair it with 'ba shadi' (with joy) or 'azadaneh' (freely) to make your sentences more descriptive.
The 'Kh' Sound
Practice the 'kh' in 'khiz'. It should be the same sound as in 'Khaneh' (house) or 'Khosh' (good).
Leap and Rise
Remember the literal roots: Jost (Leap) + Khiz (Rise). It's a literal description of what frolicking looks like.
Rhythm Check
The word has a very specific cadence. Once you hear it a few times in cartoons or movies, you'll never forget it.
Keep it Light
Avoid using this in very dry, technical reports unless you are being metaphorical.
Not Just Jumping
Remember: Paridan = Jump. Jost-o-khiz = Frolic. One is an action; the other is an experience.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of a 'Ghost' (Jost) and a 'Cheese' (Khiz). Imagine a happy Ghost jumping around to reach a piece of Cheese on a high shelf. Ghost-o-Cheese = Jost-o-Khiz!
Visual Association
Visualize a spring meadow with white lambs. Every time they jump, the word 'JOST' appears in the air, and when they land and spring up again, 'KHIZ' appears. The 'O' is the loop they make in the air.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to find a video of a kitten playing and describe it out loud in Persian using 'jost-o-khiz kardan' at least three times. Record yourself to check the 'kh' sound.
Word Origin
This compound verb is a classic example of Persian 'dvandva' or 'copulative' compounds. 'Jost' is the past stem of 'jostan' (Middle Persian 'yust'), which meant both to leap and to seek. 'Khiz' is the present stem of 'khistan/khastan' (Middle Persian 'ahist'), meaning to rise.
Original meaning: The combination literally means 'leaping and rising,' describing the physical mechanics of frolicking.
Indo-European -> Indo-Iranian -> Iranian -> Persian.Cultural Context
This is a very safe, positive word. No negative connotations unless used sarcastically to tell someone they are being too hyper.
While English uses 'frolic' mainly for animals or very young kids, 'jost-o-khiz' is slightly more common in general Persian descriptions of any lively scene.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
At a Park
- بچهها در حال جست و خیز هستند.
- مراقب جست و خیز بچهها باش.
- بیا کمی جست و خیز کنیم!
- فضای کافی برای جست و خیز.
Nature Observation
- جست و خیز برهها در بهار.
- خرگوشها در میان بوتهها جست و خیز میکنند.
- حرکات جست و خیز گونه.
- حیوانات در حال جست و خیز.
Describing Personality
- او روحیهای پر از جست و خیز دارد.
- بچهای اهل جست و خیز.
- همیشه در حال جست و خیز است.
- انرژی برای جست و خیز.
Sports/Fitness
- گرم کردن با کمی جست و خیز.
- جست و خیزهای سریع بازیکن.
- تمرینات جست و خیز.
- مهارت در جست و خیز.
Literature/Art
- توصیف جست و خیز آهو.
- جست و خیز نور و سایه.
- نثری پر از جست و خیز.
- نماد جست و خیز.
Conversation Starters
"آیا تا به حال جست و خیز برهها را در طبیعت دیدهای؟ (Have you ever seen lambs frolicking in nature?)"
"فکر میکنی چرا بچهها اینقدر به جست و خیز کردن علاقه دارند؟ (Why do you think children love frolicking so much?)"
"بهترین مکان برای جست و خیز کردن در شهر تو کجاست؟ (Where is the best place for 'frolicking' in your city?)"
"آیا سگ یا گربه تو هم زیاد جست و خیز میکند؟ (Does your dog or cat also frolic a lot?)"
"وقتی خیلی خوشحال هستی، دوست داری جست و خیز کنی؟ (When you are very happy, do you like to frolic/jump around?)"
Journal Prompts
خاطرهای از دوران کودکی خود بنویسید که در آن مشغول جست و خیز کردن بودید. (Write a childhood memory where you were frolicking.)
توصیف کنید که منظره جست و خیز حیوانات در یک صبح بهاری چه احساسی به شما میدهد. (Describe how the sight of animals frolicking on a spring morning makes you feel.)
آیا در دنیای بزرگسالی هم جایی برای جست و خیز کردن وجود دارد؟ چرا؟ (Is there a place for frolicking in the adult world? Why?)
یک داستان کوتاه درباره خرگوشی بنویسید که قدرت جست و خیز کردن خود را از دست داده است. (Write a short story about a rabbit that has lost its power to frolic.)
چگونه جست و خیز کردن میتواند به کاهش استرس کمک کند؟ (How can frolicking help reduce stress?)
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, but it usually implies the adult is acting in a very youthful, exceptionally happy, or playful way. It can also be used metaphorically for an adult's agile movements in sports.
It is written as three parts 'جست و خیز' but pronounced with a linked 'o' sound. In modern typing, a half-space (zwnj) is often used between the parts if they are treated as a single noun, but as a verb, they are usually separate words.
'Paridan' is the general verb for jumping (once or many times). 'Jost-o-khiz kardan' specifically describes the *playful* and *energetic* nature of jumping, like frolicking.
Yes, personification is common in Persian. You can say 'the light frolics on the water' (nur ruye ab jost-o-khiz mikonad) to create a poetic image.
Only in soft news, like stories about spring, wildlife, or festivals. In hard news (politics, economics), it's rare unless used as a metaphor for price fluctuations.
You would say 'جست و خیز نکن' (Jost-o-khiz nakon). However, if a child is being annoying, you're more likely to hear 'sholugh nakon' or 'vorje-voorje nakon'.
The root is 'khastan' (to rise). You see it in words like 'barkhastan' (to stand up) and 'rasta-khiz' (resurrection).
Not really. 'Jost-o-khiz' is the standard idiomatic unit. Using just 'jost' or 'khiz' changes the meaning significantly.
Yes! It's very common to describe fish darting and leaping in the water as 'jost-o-khiz kardan'.
Generally, no. It's a very positive, life-affirming word. It only becomes negative if the activity is inappropriate for the setting (like in a library).
Test Yourself 200 questions
Write a sentence in Persian describing a kitten frolicking in a room.
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Use 'jost-o-khiz kardan' in the past continuous tense for 'we'.
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Explain in one Persian sentence why children 'jost-o-khiz' in the park.
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Write a poetic sentence using 'jost-o-khiz' to describe the wind.
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Describe the difference between 'paridan' and 'jost-o-khiz kardan' in Persian.
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Write a sentence using 'jost-o-khiz' as a noun.
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How would you say 'Stop jumping around!' to a child using a variation of this word?
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Translate: 'The dolphins were frolicking in the blue sea.'
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Use 'jost-o-khiz konan' in a sentence.
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Write a short paragraph (3 sentences) about spring using the target verb.
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Negate this sentence: 'سگ در حیاط جست و خیز میکند.'
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Create a question asking if someone likes to frolic in the snow.
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Describe a busy playground using the target verb.
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Translate: 'The light of the moon frolicked on the waves.'
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Write a sentence about an old dog that can no longer frolic.
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How would you describe an active child's personality using this word?
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Translate: 'We spent the whole day frolicking in the forest.'
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Use the future tense: 'I will frolic in the meadow tomorrow.'
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Describe the movements of a squirrel using the target verb.
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Write a sentence about the 'ecstasy' of frolicking in a spiritual sense.
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Describe a scene in a park using 'jost-o-khiz kardan'.
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Talk about what your pet does when you get home.
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Tell a short story about a lamb in spring.
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Explain the metaphorical meaning of 'jost-o-khiz' of light.
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How do you feel when you see children frolicking?
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Compare 'jost-o-khiz' and 'takapu'.
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Describe a festival you attended using this verb.
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What are the physical roots of the verb?
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Give an example of a sentence in the future tense.
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Pronounce the word 'جست و خیز کردن' clearly.
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Use the word in a sentence about dolphins.
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Describe a hyperactive child politely.
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Talk about a memory of playing in the rain.
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What does a kitten do with a string?
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Is frolicking good for health? Why?
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Describe the movement of a squirrel.
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Tell someone not to jump on the sofa.
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Use the past continuous tense for 'they'.
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What is the sound of 'vav' in this word?
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Summarize the meaning in your own words.
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Listen to the sentence: 'بچهها در حیاط جست و خیز میکنند.' What are the children doing?
Listen to: 'برهها با شادی جست و خیز میکردند.' What was the mood of the lambs?
Listen to: 'صدای جست و خیز گنجشکها میآمد.' What animal is mentioned?
Listen to: 'او از خوشحالی جست و خیز کرد.' Why did he frolic?
Listen to: 'ماهیها در آب جست و خیز میکنند.' Where are the fish?
Listen to: 'میمونها روی درخت جست و خیز میکردند.' Where were the monkeys?
Listen to: 'جست و خیز برای سلامتی خوب است.' What is good for health?
Listen to: 'او جست و خیز کنان رفت.' How did he go?
Listen to: 'سگ شروع به جست و خیز کرد.' What did the dog start doing?
Listen to: 'نور روی موجها جست و خیز میکرد.' What was on the waves?
Listen to: 'اینقدر جست و خیز نکن!' Is this a command or a statement?
Listen to: 'آهوان در دشت جست و خیز میکردند.' What is 'ahuan'?
Listen to: 'او تمام روز را جست و خیز کرد.' How long did he frolic?
Listen to: 'بچهها در برف جست و خیز میکردند.' What was the weather like?
Listen to: 'سنجاب با سرعت جست و خیز میکرد.' Was the squirrel slow or fast?
/ 200 correct
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Summary
The verb 'جست و خیز کردن' is the perfect way to describe 'frolicking' in Persian. It goes beyond simple jumping to capture a mood of pure joy and youthful energy, making it essential for descriptive storytelling. For example: 'برهها در چمنزار جست و خیز میکردند' (The lambs were frolicking in the meadow).
- A compound verb meaning to frolic or gambol playfully.
- Commonly used for children, young animals, and joyful movements.
- Formed from roots meaning 'to leap' and 'to rise'.
- Conveys energy, happiness, and a lack of specific purpose.
Think Animals
Whenever you see a nature video of baby animals, try to label their actions as 'jost-o-khiz kardan'. It's the most natural context for the word.
The 'O' Link
The 'vav' between 'jost' and 'khiz' is pronounced as a short 'o'. Don't skip it, as it provides the rhythmic 'bounce' to the word.
Paint a Picture
Use this verb instead of 'bazi kardan' (to play) when you want to emphasize the physical energy and jumping involved.
Spring Vibes
This word is the 'soundtrack' of spring in Persian. Associate it with Nowruz, green fields, and new life.
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علنی
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آبزیان
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آغل
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