This page in your language

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

Home
Learn
Persian
Vocabulary
گذران

B1 noun #6,000 most common 11 min read

گذران

Q: Is there a plural form?

Technically 'گذرانها' exists, but it is almost never used because the concept is abstract and uncountable.

gozaran Top 6,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips گذران in 30 Seconds

Explanation گذران in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to worry about the complex noun 'گذران' yet. Instead, focus on the verb it comes from: 'گذشتن' (to pass). You might learn simple sentences like 'زمان می‌گذرد' (Time passes). At this stage, English speakers should focus on 'spending time' using simpler phrases like 'وقت با دوستان' (Time with friends) and the verb 'بودن' (to be). Think of 'گذران' as a big brother to the simple words you are learning now. It is the noun that describes the action of 'passing.' If you see it in a book, just remember it usually means 'spending time' or 'living.' For now, focus on building your foundation with basic verbs, but keep 'گذران' in the back of your mind as a way to say 'spending' when you reach the intermediate level. You will mostly see it in very simple contexts like 'گذران زندگی' (making a living) in basic stories about workers or families. Don't worry about the grammar rules yet; just recognize the root 'gozar' which means to pass through or cross over. This root is also in 'gozar-nameh' (passport), which is a very useful A1 word!

At the A2 level, you are starting to build more complex sentences. You might encounter 'گذران' in short reading passages about family life or hobbies. You should begin to recognize the phrase 'گذرانِ وقت' (spending time). While you might still prefer to use the verb 'گذراندن' (to spend/pass time), knowing the noun 'گذران' helps you understand more formal descriptions. For example, in a description of a traditional Iranian holiday, the text might say 'گذران وقت با فامیل' (spending time with kin). At this stage, you should practice identifying the 'Ezafe' (the link) between 'گذران' and the next word. It is also a good time to learn the phrase 'گذرانِ زندگی' as a way to talk about jobs and daily life. You are moving beyond 'I have a job' to 'I work for the گذران (sustenance) of my life.' This adds a layer of sophistication to your Persian. Try to use it in simple journal entries about your weekend, such as 'گذرانِ شنبه عالی بود' (The spending of Saturday was great).

At the B1 level, 'گذران' becomes a key part of your vocabulary. You are now expected to discuss abstract concepts like 'quality of life' and 'social habits.' This word is perfect for that. You should use 'گذران' to describe how people spend their leisure time (اوقات فراغت) or how they manage their daily existence. You will notice that 'گذران' sounds more natural in formal writing and serious conversations than the simple colloquial verbs you learned earlier. At B1, you should also be able to distinguish between 'گذران زندگی' (earning a living) and 'گذران وقت' (spending time). You might encounter this word in news articles or short stories where characters reflect on the 'گذران عمر' (the passing of their years). It is a bridge word that allows you to move from basic descriptions to more meaningful narratives. You should also start using it with adjectives, like 'گذرانِ خوش' (a pleasant spending of time) or 'گذرانِ سخت' (a difficult passing of time). This level is all about nuance, and 'گذران' provides exactly that by allowing you to talk about the *experience* of time rather than just the *amount* of time.

At the B2 level, you should be comfortable using 'گذران' in a variety of registers. You can use it to discuss socio-economic issues, such as 'مشکلات گذران زندگی' (difficulties in making a living), or in literary analysis when discussing themes of time in Persian poetry. You should understand the difference between 'گذران' and its more formal Arabic synonym 'معیشت.' At this level, you can use 'گذران' as a subject in complex sentences, such as 'نحوه گذران عمر، بازتابی از ارزش‌های درونی ماست' (The way we spend our lives is a reflection of our inner values). You should also be aware of the word's relationship to the present participle 'گذران' (passing), though the noun usage is more common. Your ability to use this word correctly in both positive (holidays, family) and negative (hardship, survival) contexts will demonstrate your upper-intermediate proficiency. You should also start noticing it in compound words and more complex idiomatic expressions used in Persian media.

At the C1 level, you are exploring the philosophical and poetic depths of the Persian language. 'گذران' is no longer just a word for 'spending time'; it is a concept that relates to the 'Temporality' (زمانیت) of human existence. You will find this word in the works of great philosophers and modern essayists who discuss the 'گذران سریع زمان' (the rapid passing of time) in the digital age. You should be able to use it in academic writing or high-level debates about culture and society. You can compare and contrast 'گذران' with 'استمرار' (continuity) or 'فنا' (transience). At this level, you should also be familiar with the historical evolution of the word from Middle Persian and its use in classical texts like the Shahnameh or the Divan of Hafez. You should be able to use the word to create sophisticated metaphors, such as 'گذرانِ ابروارِ روزها' (the cloud-like passing of days). Your mastery of 'گذران' at C1 involves knowing its weight—when to use it to evoke a sense of nostalgia or a sense of urgency.

At the C2 level, you possess a near-native command of the word 'گذران.' You understand its every nuance, from its use in legal jargon regarding 'livelihood' to its most abstract applications in mystical (Sufi) literature. You can distinguish between the subtle shades of meaning when 'گذران' is used in different Iranian dialects or in Afghan Dari. You might use the word in a scholarly paper about the 'sociology of time in Iran' or in a piece of creative writing that mimics the style of the Persian masters. At this level, you don't just 'use' the word; you play with it. You understand how its rhythm fits into Persian prose (Saj') and how it can be used to create specific emotional atmospheres. You are also aware of how the word has been used in political discourse to describe the 'passing' of different regimes or eras. To a C2 learner, 'گذران' is a versatile tool that can be used to describe anything from the most mundane daily task to the grandest movements of history and the cosmos.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

گذران in 30 Seconds

A noun meaning 'spending' or 'passing' time.
Commonly used in 'گذران زندگی' (making a living).
Used for 'گذران وقت' (spending time) in formal contexts.
Derived from the root 'gozar' (to pass).

The Persian word گذران (pronounced 'gozarān') is a beautiful and multifaceted noun that primarily describes the act of passing time, making a living, or the general flow of one's existence. At its core, it is derived from the present stem of the verb گذشتن (gozashtan), which means 'to pass' or 'to cross.' When we add the suffix '-ān' to the stem 'gozar,' we create a noun that signifies a continuous or ongoing state of passing. This word is most frequently encountered in two distinct but related contexts: the social act of spending time with others and the economic act of sustaining one's life through work.

Temporal Aspect: In a social sense, it refers to the quality and manner in which one spends their hours. For instance, 'گذران وقت با خانواده' (spending time with family) implies more than just being present; it suggests an active engagement with the passage of time in a shared environment.

بهترین بخش روز من، گذران وقت در کنار فرزندانم است.

Translation: The best part of my day is spending time alongside my children.

Historically, Persian literature has used this word to reflect on the fleeting nature of life. Poets like Omar Khayyam often mused on the 'گذران عمر' (the passing of life's span), urging readers to make the most of their current moments. This philosophical weight makes the word feel more profound than the simple English 'spending.' It carries a sense of movement—that time is a river, and we are navigating its flow. In modern Iranian society, you will hear it in formal interviews, literature, and heartfelt conversations about priorities and life balance.

Economic Aspect: The phrase 'گذران زندگی' refers to how one 'gets by' or 'earns a livelihood.' It describes the means by which a person sustains themselves, highlighting the daily effort required to maintain existence.

او برای گذران زندگی، دو شغل متفاوت دارد.

In a world that is increasingly fast-paced, the concept of 'گذران' reminds the speaker of the intentionality of time. Whether you are discussing the difficulties of a harsh winter or the joy of a summer holiday, this word serves as the anchor for the experience of duration. It is not just about the start or the end, but the 'passing' itself. This is why it is so heavily associated with family; in Persian culture, the collective 'passing' of time within the family unit is seen as the highest form of social fulfillment.

Cultural Nuance: In Iran, 'گذران' is often linked to the concept of 'Ghanimat' (valuing the moment). To have a 'good گذران' means to have lived well through a specific period.

نحوه گذران ایام تعطیل، نشان‌دهنده اولویت‌های هر فرد است.

Using گذران effectively requires understanding its role as a noun that often functions as part of a genitive construction (Ezafe). Because it describes an action in progress, it is almost always followed by what is being 'passed' or 'spent.' To master this word, you must practice linking it to concepts like time, life, livelihood, and seasons. It is a versatile tool for both describing mundane daily routines and expressing deep philosophical reflections on the human condition.

The Ezafe Construction: You will most commonly see it as 'گذرانِ' (gozarān-e). For example, 'گذرانِ زندگی' (the passing of life/livelihood). The short 'e' sound at the end connects it to the subject that follows.

ما برای گذرانِ تعطیلات به شمال سفر کردیم.

Translation: We traveled to the north for the spending of the holidays.

In formal writing, 'گذران' can stand alone to represent 'livelihood.' For instance, in a legal or economic document, one might discuss 'راه‌های گذران' (ways of making a living). In this context, it is synonymous with 'معیشت' (ma'ishat). However, in the B1 learner's context, the focus is often on the social and temporal aspect. When you want to talk about how you spend your weekends, instead of just saying 'I go to the park,' you can say 'My way of spending time involves going to the park.'

Formal vs. Informal: In spoken Persian, people might prefer the verb 'گذروندن' (gozarundan - colloquial for gozarāndan). However, using the noun 'گذران' in speech makes you sound more educated and thoughtful.

چگونگی گذران اوقات فراغت، تأثیر زیادی بر سلامت روان دارد.

When describing family time, 'گذران' implies a sense of ritual. It is not just about 'killing time' (which would be 'وقت‌کشی'); it is about the meaningful allocation of one's most precious resource. You might say, 'گذران وقت با پدربزرگ برای من درس‌های زیادی دارد' (Spending time with my grandfather holds many lessons for me). Here, the word elevates the activity from a simple visit to a significant life event. This distinction is crucial for intermediate learners aiming for fluency.

Negative Contexts: It can also be used to describe 'just surviving.' 'سخت گذران کردن' means to have a difficult time making ends meet or to endure a period with great hardship.

در دوران جنگ، گذران روزها بسیار دشوار بود.

If you find yourself in a bustling Iranian household during a holiday like Nowruz, or watching a deep-dive interview on an Iranian talk show, you are bound to encounter گذران. It is a word that bridges the gap between the poetic past and the pragmatic present. It appears in song lyrics, news reports about the economy, and in the quiet advice given by elders to the younger generation. Understanding its 'natural habitat' helps you grasp its emotional resonance.

In Family Gatherings (Mehmāni): When relatives ask how you've been, they might say, 'روزگار چطور می‌گذره؟' (How is time passing?). You might respond by discussing your 'گذران وقت' with your family or your studies.

هیچ‌چیز جای گذران شب‌های جمعه را در کنار بزرگترها نمی‌گیرد.

Translation: Nothing replaces spending Friday nights alongside the elders.

In the media, particularly in social documentaries or news segments about the cost of living, 'گذران زندگی' is a staple phrase. Journalists use it to describe the resilience of people or the economic pressures they face. It sounds more empathetic than the clinical term 'economic status.' It suggests the human effort behind every rial earned. You will hear it in sentences like 'The rising costs have made the گذران of life difficult for many.'

In Persian Literature and Music: Classical and modern poets use 'گذران' to evoke the 'passing' of seasons or the 'passing' of the beloved. In many traditional songs (Tasnif), the word highlights the bittersweet nature of time.

غم و شادی، هر دو در حال گذران هستند؛ پس دل مبند.

On social media, influencers in the 'lifestyle' or 'productivity' niches often use 'گذران' when talking about 'mindful living.' They might post about 'گذران آگاهانه وقت' (mindful spending of time), encouraging followers to put down their phones and engage with the real world. This modern usage shows how the word has adapted from the dusty pages of Rumi to the digital screens of Tehran. It remains a powerful way to talk about what we do with the life we are given.

Educational Settings: Teachers use it to discuss 'گذران واحدهای درسی' (passing/completing course units), though this is a more technical application of the word's root meaning.

او تمام وقت خود را صرف گذران دوره‌های آموزشی کرد.

Learning گذران can be tricky because it looks similar to other words derived from the same root 'گذشتن.' Many students confuse it with the past tense or with adjectives that describe 'transience.' Avoiding these common pitfalls will make your Persian sound much more natural and precise. Let's break down the most frequent errors made by English speakers.

Mistake 1: Confusing 'Gozarān' with 'Gozashteh': 'Gozashteh' (گذشته) means 'the past.' While both involve time, 'گذران' is the *act* of passing, while 'گذشته' is the time that *has already passed*. You cannot say 'گذران من' when you mean 'my past.'

Incorrect: گذران من سخت بود. (My 'spending' was hard - makes little sense). Correct: گذشته من سخت بود. (My past was hard).

Another common error is confusing it with the adjective گذرا (gozarā). 'Gozarā' means 'transient' or 'temporary.' For example, a 'transient feeling' is 'حسی گذرا.' Using 'گذران' here would be grammatically incorrect because 'گذران' is a noun, not an adjective. Remember: 'Gozarān' is the *process*, while 'Gozarā' is the *quality* of being temporary.

Mistake 2: Misusing the Ezafe: English speakers often forget the 'e' sound (Ezafe) when connecting 'گذران' to its object. Saying 'gozarān vaght' is wrong; it must be 'gozarān-e vaght.'

Incorrect: گذران خانواده. Correct: گذرانِ وقت با خانواده.

Finally, don't confuse 'گذران' with 'گذرنامه' (gozarnāmeh), which means 'passport.' While both come from 'passing' (passing through a border), they are entirely different words. A student once said, 'I need my گذران to travel,' which caused quite a laugh! Always remember that 'گذران' is about the *spending* of life or time, not the document that lets you travel.

Mistake 3: Over-relying on 'Spending': English uses 'spend' for money and time. Persian uses 'گذران' for time and livelihood, but *never* for spending money on a shopping trip. For money, use 'خرج کردن' (kharj kardan).

Incorrect: برای گذران پول به بازار رفتم. Correct: برای خرج کردن پول به بازار رفتم.

To truly master Persian, you need to know when to use گذران and when a synonym might be more appropriate. Persian is a language rich in nuance, and small changes in word choice can shift the tone from casual to poetic, or from general to specific. Here, we compare 'گذران' with its closest relatives to help you build a more sophisticated vocabulary.

گذران vs. سپری کردن (Separi Kardan): 'Separi kardan' is a compound verb meaning 'to spend/pass.' While 'گذران' is a noun, 'separi kardan' is the action. Use 'separi kardan' for the act itself: 'I spent the night.' Use 'گذران' to talk about the *concept* or *quality* of that time.

من وقتم را با خانواده سپری کردم (I spent my time...). گذرانِ وقت با خانواده لذت‌بخش است (Spending time with family is enjoyable).

Another important alternative is معیشت (ma'ishat). This is the more formal, Arabic-rooted word for 'livelihood.' While 'گذران زندگی' is very common in daily speech and literature, 'معیشت' is what you will see in news headlines about the economy, inflation, and government policy. If you are writing a formal essay about poverty, 'معیشت' is the stronger choice. If you are talking about the struggle of a character in a story, 'گذران' feels more human and evocative.

گذران vs. روزگار (Ruzgār): 'Ruzgār' means 'time,' 'age,' or 'fortune.' It refers to the era or the state of the world. 'گذران' refers to the movement through that time. You might say 'The ruzgār is harsh,' but 'My گذران is difficult.'

روزگارِ غریبی است! (It is a strange time!). گذرانِ این روزها سخت است (Passing these days is hard).

Finally, consider the word صرف کردن (sarf kardan). This also means 'to spend' or 'to consume.' It is often used for time in a productive sense, like 'spending time on a project.' While 'گذران' is more about the flow of life, 'sarf kardan' implies a purposeful use of a resource. If you are describing how you dedicated three hours to studying, 'sarf kardan' is more precise. If you are describing the joy of a long, lazy afternoon with your cousins, 'گذران' is the perfect word.

Comparison Table

گذران: Focus on the process/flow (B1-C2).
وقت‌گذرانی: Casual 'passing the time' or 'killing time' (A2-B1).
زیستن: Poetic/Formal 'to live' (C1).

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The root of 'gozarān' is also found in the word 'Satir' (a passer-by) in some dialects, and it shares an ancient connection to the English word 'vade' (as in evade), meaning to go.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ɡozəˈrɑːn/

US /ɡoʊzəˈrɑn/

Final syllable: go-za-RĀN.

Rhymes With

باران (Bārān - Rain) یاران (Yārān - Friends) ایران (Irān) کاروان (Kāravān) پایان (Pāyān) تابان (Tābān) شایان (Shāyān) گریان (Geryān)

Common Errors

Pronouncing it as 'go-zā-ran' (wrong stress).
Confusing the 'z' with a 'j' sound.
Shortening the final 'ā' sound.
Adding an extra vowel between 'g' and 'o'.
Pronouncing the 'n' too nasally.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to recognize the root, but needs context to distinguish meanings.

Writing 4/5

Requires correct use of Ezafe and formal tone.

Speaking 3/5

Natural in many contexts, but learners often default to verbs.

Listening 3/5

Clear pronunciation but can be confused with similar-sounding roots.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

گذشتن وقت زندگی با خانواده

Learn Next

معیشت سپری کردن اوقات فراغت روزگار سرگذشت

Advanced

استمرار صیرورت فناپذیری تجلی انقضا

Grammar to Know

Ezafe Construction

گذرانِ (e) زندگی

Verbal Nouns (Masdar)

گذران acts as a noun but comes from a verb.

Compound Verb Formation

گذران + کردن = to spend/get by.

Prepositional Usage

برای (for) + گذران.

Adjective Placement

گذرانِ سخت (hard passing).

Examples by Level

گذران وقت با مادر خوب است.

Spending time with mother is good.

A1 students should focus on the 'Noun + e + Noun' structure.

او برای گذران زندگی کار می‌کند.

He works for making a living.

Simple use of 'for' (barāye) with 'gozarān'.

گذران روزها سریع است.

The passing of days is fast.

Using 'gozarān' as a subject.

من گذران وقت را دوست دارم.

I like spending time.

Direct object with 'rā'.

گذران تعطیلات در کوه بود.

Spending the holidays was in the mountains.

Locative context.

کتاب برای گذران وقت است.

The book is for spending time.

Purpose clause.

گذران زندگی سخت نیست.

Making a living is not hard.

Negative sentence.

این راه گذران ما است.

This is our way of spending (time/life).

Possessive 'mā' (our).

گذران وقت با دوستان در پارک لذت‌بخش است.

Spending time with friends in the park is enjoyable.

Adding adjectives like 'lezzat-bakhsh'.

پدرم برای گذران زندگی به بازار می‌رود.

My father goes to the bazaar to make a living.

Verb 'raftan' in present continuous.

ما برای گذران شب یلدا دور هم جمع می‌شویم.

We gather together for spending Yalda night.

Cultural specific context.

گذران روزهای سرد زمستان با چای گرم بهتر است.

Passing cold winter days is better with hot tea.

Comparative 'behtar'.

او به گذران وقت با گربه‌اش عادت دارد.

He is used to spending time with his cat.

Preposition 'be' (to/with).

گذران عمر مثل یک رودخانه است.

The passing of life is like a river.

Simile using 'mesl-e'.

آیا گذران زندگی در این شهر گران است؟

Is making a living in this city expensive?

Interrogative sentence.

من برای گذران وقت، نقاشی می‌کشم.

I draw for spending time.

Action for purpose.

گذران وقت با خانواده اولویت اصلی من در زندگی است.

Spending time with family is my main priority in life.

B1 focus: abstract nouns like 'olaviyat'.

او تمام تلاش خود را برای گذران شرافتمندانه زندگی به کار می‌برد.

He puts all his effort into making an honorable living.

Using adverbs like 'sharafatmandaneh'.

نحوه گذران اوقات فراغت در هر فرهنگ متفاوت است.

The way of spending leisure time is different in every culture.

Complex subject 'nahve-ye gozarān'.

گذران سال‌های دانشجویی برای او پر از تجربه بود.

Spending the university years was full of experience for him.

Adjective phrase 'por az tajrobeh'.

بسیاری از مردم برای گذران زندگی با مشکلات مالی روبرو هستند.

Many people face financial problems for making a living.

Phrase 'rubaru hastand' (are facing).

گذران وقت در طبیعت به آرامش اعصاب کمک می‌کند.

Spending time in nature helps calm the nerves.

Infinitive construction.

او به جای کار زیاد، به گذران وقت با فرزندانش اهمیت می‌دهد.

Instead of working too much, he values spending time with his children.

Contrast using 'be jāye'.

گذران عمر در تنهایی می‌تواند بسیار سخت باشد.

Passing one's life in loneliness can be very hard.

Modal 'mi-tavānad' (can).

سیاست‌های جدید دولت بر گذران زندگی اقشار کم‌درآمد تأثیر گذاشته است.

The government's new policies have affected the livelihood of low-income groups.

Formal vocabulary: 'siyāsat-hā', 'aqshār'.

گذران آگاهانه لحظات، کلید رسیدن به خوشبختی واقعی است.

The mindful spending of moments is the key to achieving true happiness.

Abstract philosophical subject.

او با گذران دوره‌های تخصصی، مهارت‌های خود را افزایش داد.

By completing specialized courses, he increased his skills.

Using 'gozarān' as completing a course.

گذران ایام پیری در کنار نوه‌ها برای او لذتی وصف‌ناپذیر دارد.

Spending the days of old age alongside grandchildren has an indescribable joy for him.

Adjective 'vasf-nāpazir'.

نویسنده در این کتاب به گذران بیهوده عمر اشاره می‌کند.

The author refers to the futile passing of life in this book.

Literary analysis context.

تکنولوژی نحوه گذران وقت ما را به کلی تغییر داده است.

Technology has completely changed the way we spend our time.

Present perfect tense.

گذران زندگی در غربت برای بسیاری از مهاجران چالش‌برانگیز است.

Making a living in a foreign land is challenging for many immigrants.

Compound adjective 'chālesh-barangiz'.

او به دنبال راهی برای گذران بهتر اوقات فراغت خود می‌گشت.

He was looking for a way for a better spending of his leisure time.

Past continuous 'mi-gasht'.

تأمل در گذران ایام، بن‌مایه بسیاری از اشعار خیام است.

Reflection on the passing of days is the motif of many of Khayyam's poems.

Advanced literary term 'bon-māye'.

گذران معیشت در شرایط بحرانی، نیازمند تاب‌آوری بالایی است.

Maintaining a livelihood in crisis conditions requires high resilience.

Academic vocabulary: 'tāb-āvari'.

گذرانِ بی‌پایانِ زمان، حقیقتی است که انسان همواره با آن در ستیز است.

The endless passing of time is a truth that man is always in conflict with.

Complex relative clause.

او با گذرانِ موفقیت‌آمیزِ مراحلِ دشوار، به مقامِ مدیریت رسید.

By successfully passing difficult stages, he reached the position of management.

Compound noun with Ezafe.

گذرانِ عمر به بطالت، بزرگترین تراژدی زندگی هر انسان است.

Spending life in futility is the greatest tragedy of every human's life.

Prepositional phrase 'be betālat'.

فلاسفه همواره درباره ماهیتِ گذرانِ زمان بحث کرده‌اند.

Philosophers have always debated the nature of the passing of time.

Abstract noun 'māhiyat'.

گذرانِ فصول، یادآورِ چرخهِ بی‌پایانِ طبیعت است.

The passing of seasons is a reminder of nature's endless cycle.

Formal 'yād-āvar'.

او تمامِ داراییِ خود را صرفِ گذرانِ امورِ خیریه کرد.

He spent all his assets on the conduct of charitable affairs.

Context of 'conducting affairs'.

ادراکِ استتیک از گذرانِ زمان، در مینیاتورهای ایرانی به وضوح مشهود است.

The aesthetic perception of the passage of time is clearly evident in Iranian miniatures.

Technical art history terms.

گذرانِ هستی در نگاهِ عارفان، جریانی به سویِ کمالِ مطلق است.

The passing of existence in the view of mystics is a flow toward absolute perfection.

Mystical/Sufi terminology.

او به واکاویِ روان‌شناختیِ نحوهِ گذرانِ ایام در دورانِ انزوا پرداخت.

He engaged in a psychological analysis of the way days are spent during periods of isolation.

Verbal noun 'vākāvi' (analysis).

گذرانِ پرشتابِ وقایعِ تاریخی، تحلیلِ آن‌ها را دشوار می‌سازد.

The high-speed passing of historical events makes their analysis difficult.

Causal construction.

در این جستار، نویسنده به نقدِ گذرانِ زندگیِ مصرف‌گرا می‌پردازد.

In this essay, the author criticizes the consumerist way of life.

Formal essay language.

گذرانِ ایام در این دیرِ کهن، جز فسانه و فسونی بیش نیست.

The passing of days in this ancient monastery is nothing more than myth and magic.

Archaic/Poetic style.

او با گذرانِ از خود، به مرتبه والایِ انسانیت دست یافت.

By passing from himself (self-transcendence), he achieved the high rank of humanity.

Metaphorical use of passing.

گذرانِ امورِ مملکتی نیازمندِ تدبیر و درایتِ سیاسی است.

The conduct of state affairs requires political prudence and wisdom.

Political/Administrative register.

Common Collocations

گذران وقت

گذران زندگی

گذران عمر

گذران ایام

گذران روزگار

گذران معیشت

گذران امور

نحوه گذران

سخت گذران کردن

گذران دوران

Common Phrases

برای گذران زندگی

— In order to make a living/survive.

او دو جا کار می‌کند برای گذران زندگی.

گذران وقت با عزیزان

— Spending time with loved ones.

هیچ‌چیز مهم‌تر از گذران وقت با عزیزان نیست.

گذران روزهای سخت

— Passing/enduring difficult days.

او در حال گذران روزهای سخت است.

گذران خوشی داشتن

— To have a pleasant time.

امیدوارم گذران خوشی در سفر داشته باشید.

راه گذران

— A way of living or spending time.

این تنها راه گذران اوست.

گذران بیهوده

— Futile spending (of time/life).

از گذران بیهوده وقت بپرهیزید.

گذران تعطیلات

— Spending the holidays.

برنامه شما برای گذران تعطیلات چیست؟

گذران سریع عمر

— The rapid passing of life.

گذران سریع عمر ما را غافلگیر کرد.

گذران امور جاری

— Conducting current affairs.

او مسئول گذران امور جاری شرکت است.

گذران آبرومندانه

— Living with dignity/honor.

او همیشه به دنبال گذران آبرومندانه بود.

Often Confused With

گذران vs گذشته

Means 'the past', whereas 'gozarān' is the 'act of passing'.

گذران vs گذرا

An adjective meaning 'transient'. 'Gozarān' is the noun.

گذران vs گذرنامه

Means 'passport'. Don't use it to mean 'spending time'!

Idioms & Expressions

"گذران زندگی با سیلی صورت را سرخ نگه داشتن"

— To maintain appearances and dignity despite extreme financial hardship.

او با سیلی صورتش را سرخ نگه می‌دارد تا گذران زندگی‌اش مشخص نشود.

Idiomatic/Proverbial

"در گذران بودن"

— To be in the process of passing; everything is temporary.

غصه نخور، همه چیز در گذران است.

Philosophical

"گذرانِ برق‌آسا"

— Passing like lightning (very fast).

گذران برق‌آسای جوانی.

Literary

"سخت‌گذران"

— A period or path that is difficult to pass through.

این گردنه بسیار سخت‌گذران است.

Geographical/Metaphorical

"گذران کردن و گذشتن"

— To live and let go; to not get too attached.

باید گذران کرد و گذشت.

Wise Saying

"چرخ گذران"

— The wheel of time/fortune that keeps turning.

چرخ گذران به هیچ‌کس رحم نمی‌کند.

Poetic

"به گذران افتادن"

— To fall into a routine or a state of just 'getting by'.

زندگی‌اش به گذران افتاده و هدفی ندارد.

Informal

"گذرانِ ایام به کام"

— Spending days according to one's desire (having a great time).

امیدوارم گذران ایام به کامتان باشد.

Formal/Polite

"در گذرانِ عمر"

— In the course of one's life.

در گذران عمر، تجربه‌های زیادی کسب کرد.

General

"گذرانِ بی‌صدا"

— The silent passing (often of time).

گذران بی‌صدای شب.

Poetic

Easily Confused

گذران vs گذر

Both mean passing.

'Gozar' is often a physical passage or a short time, while 'gozarān' is the continuous experience or livelihood.

گذر از خیابان (crossing the street) vs گذران زندگی (making a living).

گذران vs گذار

Sounds identical.

'Gozār' is the stem for 'putting' or 'placing' (e.g., قانون‌گذار - lawmaker).

گذار از سنت به مدرنیته (transition) vs گذران وقت.

گذران vs گدا

Similar sounds for beginners.

'Gedā' means beggar. Very different meaning!

او گدا است (He is a beggar) vs او در حال گذران است.

گذران vs گزارش

Starts with 'gozar'.

'Gozāresh' means report.

گزارش کار (work report).

گذران vs گذشت

Same root.

'Gozasht' means forgiveness or the fact that something passed.

او گذشت کرد (He forgave).

Sentence Patterns

گذران وقت با [Person].

گذران وقت با دوست.

برای گذران زندگی [Action].

برای گذران زندگی کار می‌کنم.

نحوه گذران [Noun] مهم است.

نحوه گذران تعطیلات مهم است.

گذران [Noun] در [Place] دشوار است.

گذران زندگی در غربت دشوار است.

تأمل در گذرانِ [Abstract Noun].

تأمل در گذرانِ هستی.

گذرانِ [Noun] به [Adverbial Phrase].

گذرانِ عمر به بطالت.

مشغولِ گذرانِ [Noun] بودن.

مشغولِ گذرانِ دورانِ سربازی بود.

[Noun] راهی برای گذرانِ وقت است.

مطالعه راهی برای گذرانِ وقت است.

Word Family

Nouns

گذر (Gozar - Passage)

گذار (Gozār - Putting/Passing)

گذشته (Gozashteh - Past)

گذشت (Gozasht - Forgiveness/Passing)

Verbs

گذشتن (Gozashtan - To pass)

گذراندن (Gozarāndan - To spend/cause to pass)

گذر کردن (Gozar kardan - To pass through)

Adjectives

گذرا (Gozarā - Transient)

گذشته (Gozashteh - Last/Past)

گذرنده (Gozarandeh - Passing)

گذرنامه

رهگذر

گذرگاه

سرگذشت

درگذشت

How to Use It

frequency

High in both formal literature and daily discussion of life struggles.

Common Mistakes

Using 'گذران' for spending money. → خرج کردن
'گذران' is for time and life; 'kharj kardan' is for currency.
گذران من (My past). → گذشته من
'Gozarān' is the process of passing, not the past time itself.
Omission of Ezafe: گذران وقت. → گذرانِ وقت
Persian nouns in a possessive/descriptive chain need the Ezafe link.
Using it for physical passage (like a bus). → عبور
'Gozarān' is more abstract/temporal; 'obur' is for physical objects passing by.
Confusing 'gozarān' with 'gozarnāmeh'. → گذرنامه
A 'gozarnāmeh' is a passport; 'gozarān' is the act of spending time.

Tips

Master the Ezafe

Always remember the short 'e' sound after 'gozarān' when it's followed by another noun. It's 'gozarān-e zendegi', not 'gozarān zendegi'.

Pair with 'Vaght'

The most common way to use this word as a learner is 'گذران وقت' (spending time). Use it to talk about your hobbies.

Respect the Struggle

When you hear 'گذران زندگی' in a conversation about work, listen for the tone. It often carries a sense of pride in hard work.

Sound Educated

Using 'گذران' instead of just 'vagh gozarundan' makes you sound more like a native speaker who appreciates literature.

Poetic Flair

In your writing, use 'گذران عمر' to describe the passage of time. It adds a deep, reflective quality to your prose.

Contextual Clues

If you hear 'gozarān' followed by a number, it's probably about 'passing' units or years in a specific program.

Avoid Overuse

Don't use 'گذران' for every single instance of 'passing.' For physical passing (like a car), use 'عبور' (obur).

Root Recognition

Whenever you see 'گذ' (goz), think of 'passing.' This will help you guess the meaning of many related words.

Polite Inquiries

Asking 'گذران چطور است؟' is a very polite and warm way to ask how someone's life and time are going.

Transient vs. Act

Remember: 'Gozarā' is the adjective (transient), 'Gozarān' is the noun (the act of passing).

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a 'Go-Zar' (Go-Gold). To 'Gozarān' your life, you need to 'Go' and find 'Zar' (gold/money) to make a living, or 'Go' spend your 'Zar' (precious time) with family.

Visual Association

Picture an hourglass where the sand is not just time, but also little coins and family photos falling through. This represents the duality of 'spending time' and 'making a living'.

Word Web

Time Life Livelihood Family Holidays Passing Earning Duration

Challenge

Try to use 'گذران' in three different ways today: once for your job, once for your hobby, and once for your family dinner.

Word Origin

Derived from the Middle Persian (Pahlavi) root 'vitar-' or 'vitarān', which evolved into the New Persian 'gozar'. The root consistently refers to the act of crossing or passing.

Original meaning: The act of crossing a bridge or passing through a space.

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

Cultural Context

When discussing 'گذران زندگی' with Iranians, be sensitive to the fact that it can imply economic hardship. It is a very real, sometimes heavy topic.

English speakers often separate 'spending time' from 'making a living.' In Persian, 'گذران' unites these under the umbrella of 'how one experiences the passage of life.'

Omar Khayyam's Rubaiyat (focusing on the fleeting گذران عمر). Modern Iranian film 'Gozarān' (dealing with daily life struggles). Sohrab Sepehri's poetry about the passing of water and time.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Family Gatherings

گذران وقت با فامیل
خوش‌گذرانی با بچه‌ها
گذران شب‌های عید
یادآوری گذران ایام

Work and Economy

گذران زندگی سخت
هزینه‌های گذران زندگی
شغل برای گذران معیشت
تلاش برای گذران امور

Travel and Leisure

گذران تعطیلات در خارج
نحوه گذران اوقات فراغت
گذران وقت در طبیعت
بهترین راه گذران سفر

Philosophy and Poetry

تأمل در گذران عمر
افسوس بر گذران زمان
بی‌وفایی گذران روزگار
حقیقت گذران هستی

Education

گذران واحدهای درسی
گذران دوره آموزشی
گذران وقت در کتابخانه
مراحل گذران پایان‌نامه

Conversation Starters

"شما معمولاً اوقات فراغت خود را چگونه گذران می‌کنید؟"

"آیا گذران وقت با خانواده برای شما در اولویت است؟"

"به نظر شما بهترین راه برای گذران یک روز بارانی چیست؟"

"چگونه می‌توان گذران زندگی را در یک شهر بزرگ آسان‌تر کرد؟"

"آیا از نحوه گذران عمر خود تا به امروز راضی هستید؟"

Journal Prompts

درباره یکی از بهترین خاطرات خود از گذران وقت با پدربزرگ یا مادربزرگتان بنویسید.

توصیف کنید که چگونه برای گذران زندگی تلاش می‌کنید و چه اهدافی دارید.

اگر یک هفته وقت آزاد داشتید، ترجیح می‌دادید آن را چگونه گذران کنید؟

درباره احساس خود نسبت به گذران سریع زمان در دنیای امروز بنویسید.

نقش تکنولوژی در تغییر نحوه گذران وقت ما را بررسی کنید.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, 'گذران' is specifically for time, life, or livelihood. For money, you should use 'خرج کردن' (kharj kardan). For example, 'من پول خرج کردم' (I spent money).

It is neutral to formal. In very casual slang, people might use 'وقت‌گذرونی', but 'گذران' is perfectly fine in daily conversation and essential for writing.

'گذران' is a noun (spending/passing), while 'گذراندن' is a verb (to spend/to pass). You use 'گذران' as a subject or object, and 'گذراندن' as the action in a sentence.

Not necessarily, but it often highlights the effort of living. It can be used by anyone to describe their daily maintenance, but in news, it often refers to economic struggles.

Usually, no. For exams, use 'قبول شدن' or 'پاس کردن' (slang). 'گذران' is used for passing units or courses in a more administrative sense.

You would say: 'من در حال گذران وقت با خانواده هستم' or more simply 'گذران وقت با خانواده را دوست دارم'.

'گذران' is the correct written form. 'Gozarun' is a colloquial pronunciation of the verb stem, but the noun stays as 'Gozarān' in most contexts.

It is an adjective for a person who loves to have fun, a 'pleasure-seeker' or someone who spends their time purely on enjoyment.

Yes, 'گذران فصول' (the passing of seasons) is a very common and poetic expression.

Technically 'گذران‌ها' exists, but it is almost never used because the concept is abstract and uncountable.