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کار_کردن

A1 verb 10 min read

کار_کردن

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips کار_کردن in 30 Seconds

Explanation کار_کردن in your Level:

At the A1 level, learners use 'kār kardan' in its most basic forms to talk about their daily lives. You will focus on the present simple tense (which also functions as present continuous) to say where you work or that you are working right now. You learn the basic conjugation: 'mikonam', 'mikoni', 'mikonad'. You also learn to use it for simple objects, like saying your phone or your car is 'working' or 'not working'. The focus is on Subject-Object-Verb order, such as 'Man dar Tehrān kār mikonam'. You will also learn to ask basic questions like 'Kojā kār mikoni?' (Where do you work?). This is a foundational verb for describing your routine and basic identity to others.

At the A2 level, you expand your use of 'kār kardan' to include the past tense ('kardam', 'kardi', etc.) and the future using present forms. You start to describe your previous work experience and use adverbs like 'sakht' (hard) or 'ziyād' (a lot) to qualify the work. You also learn to use the negative form more naturally to explain why you can't do something ('Today I am not working'). You begin to understand the difference between 'kār kardan' and 'kār dāshtan' (to be busy). You can now talk about working with other people using the preposition 'bā' (with), and you can handle simple workplace interactions, like telling a colleague you are working on a specific task.

At the B1 level, you move into more complex grammar like the subjunctive mood ('mixāham kār konam' - I want to work) and the perfect tenses ('kār kardeh-am' - I have worked). You can discuss work conditions, schedules, and the functioning of complex systems. You start using 'kār kardan' in conditional sentences ('If I work more, I will earn more'). You also begin to recognize and use common collocations and idiomatic expressions involving 'kār'. Your ability to describe the 'how' and 'why' of work improves, allowing you to participate in longer conversations about career goals and workplace problems. You also learn to distinguish 'kār kardan' from 'amal kardan' in technical contexts.

At the B2 level, you use 'kār kardan' fluently in abstract and professional contexts. You can discuss labor laws, economic trends regarding work, and the psychological aspects of 'kār'. You understand the difference in register between formal 'kār kardan' and more informal or poetic synonyms. You can use the verb in the passive voice ('kār shodeh ast') and in complex literary structures. You are comfortable with various light verb variations and can use 'kār kardan' to describe how a social system or a political strategy is functioning. You can lead meetings or give presentations where 'working' on projects is a central theme, using sophisticated adverbs and connectors.

At the C1 level, your use of 'kār kardan' is nuanced and culturally rich. You can appreciate the use of the verb in classical Persian poetry and modern literature. You understand the subtle differences between 'kār kardan', 'fa'āliyat kardan', and 'kushesh kardan' (to strive). You can engage in high-level debates about the ethics of work and the changing nature of labor in the digital age. You use the verb to describe complex philosophical or scientific mechanisms. Your speech includes sophisticated idioms and proverbs involving 'kār', and you can switch registers effortlessly depending on whether you are in a formal academic setting or a casual social one. You have a deep grasp of the word's etymology and its role in the Persian linguistic identity.

At the C2 level, you have complete mastery over 'kār kardan' and all its derivatives. You can use it to express the finest shades of meaning, including irony, sarcasm, or profound respect. You can analyze the linguistic structure of compound verbs in Persian, using 'kār kardan' as a primary example. You are capable of translating complex technical or literary texts where 'work' is a central theme, maintaining the original's tone and cultural weight. You can invent new creative uses for the verb in poetry or prose. Your understanding of the word is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker, including an awareness of regional dialects and historical shifts in the verb's usage over centuries.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

کار_کردن in 30 Seconds

Kār kardan means 'to work' and is a compound verb used for jobs and tasks.
It also means 'to function' or 'to operate' for machines and devices.
The present stem is 'kon' and the past stem is 'kard'.
It is a core A1 level verb essential for daily Persian communication.

The Persian compound verb کار کردن (kār kardan) is the fundamental way to express the concept of 'working' in the Persian language. It is a versatile term that spans the spectrum from professional employment to the mechanical functioning of a device. At its core, it combines the noun kār (meaning work, job, or task) with the light verb kardan (meaning to do or to make). This linguistic construction is essential for any beginner to master, as it forms the basis of daily communication regarding routines, productivity, and technology. When you talk about your job, your chores, or even why your phone isn't turning on, you will inevitably reach for this verb. In Iranian culture, the concept of 'kār' is deeply tied to social identity and contribution to the family unit. Historically, the root of 'kār' can be traced back to Old Persian 'kāra', which referred to the people or the army, implying collective action and duty. Today, whether you are in a high-rise office in Tehran or a traditional bazaar in Isfahan, 'kār kardan' is the heartbeat of the economy and social interaction.

Professional Employment: Used to describe one's career or daily job activities. Example: 'I work at a bank.'
Mechanical Functioning: Used when a machine, tool, or software is operating correctly. Example: 'The elevator is working.'
General Effort: Used for any task-oriented activity, like studying or fixing something. Example: 'I am working on my project.'

من در این شرکت کار می‌کنم.
(Man dar in sherkat kār mikonam.)
I work in this company.

Furthermore, the verb is used in various registers. In formal writing, you might see it used in reports about labor statistics, while in casual street slang, it might be used to describe someone 'working' a situation to their advantage. The flexibility of the light verb system in Persian means that 'kār kardan' can be modified by adverbs to change its intensity. For instance, 'sakht kār kardan' (to work hard) is a common phrase to praise someone's work ethic. Interestingly, Persian speakers also use this verb to describe the efficacy of medicine; if a pill 'works', it is said to have 'kār kard'. This broad semantic range makes it one of the top 50 most important verbs for a learner to internalize. Understanding its nuances requires looking at how it interacts with prepositions like 'bā' (with) or 'dar' (in), which we will explore in the following sections.

ساعت من کار نمی‌کند.
(Sā'at-e man kār nemikonad.)
My watch is not working.

To use کار کردن correctly, you must understand the conjugation of the auxiliary verb kardan. The present stem is کن (kon) and the past stem is کرد (kard). Because it is a compound verb, the tense markers and personal endings attach only to the second part. For example, in the present continuous tense, you add the prefix mi- to the present stem: kār mikonam (I am working/I work). This structure is consistent across all persons and tenses. One of the most important grammatical aspects is the placement of the negative marker ne-, which also attaches to the auxiliary: kār nemikonam (I do not work). When building complex sentences, 'kār kardan' often requires the preposition dar (in) to specify a location or bā (with) to specify a tool or person you are working with.

Present Simple/Continuous: Formed with 'kār' + 'mi' + present stem (kon) + ending. Example: 'mikonam', 'mikoni', 'mikonad'.
Simple Past: Formed with 'kār' + past stem (kard) + ending. Example: 'kardam', 'kardi', 'kard'.

آیا تو فردا کار می‌کنی؟
(Āyā to fardā kār mikoni?)
Are you working tomorrow?

Advanced usage involves the subjunctive mood, used for desires or possibilities. For example, 'I want to work' is mixāham kār bokonam (often shortened to kār konam). Notice how the prefix be- is added to the present stem. This verb also appears in the passive voice, though less frequently, to indicate that work is being done. In daily life, you will use it to ask questions like 'Where do you work?' (Kojā kār mikoni?) or to explain your absence ('I was working'). It is also crucial for describing the state of things around you. If a machine breaks, you say 'kār nemikone'. If a plan is effective, you say 'in naghsheh kār mikone' (this plan works). The consistency of this verb across different contexts makes it a reliable tool for learners to build their confidence in Persian syntax.

In a Persian-speaking environment, کار کردن is ubiquitous. You will hear it the moment you step into a taxi, where the driver might complain that his air conditioner kār nemikonad. You will hear it in the office, where colleagues discuss who is kār kardan on which project. It is a word that transcends social classes. In Iranian households, parents often tell their children to 'kār kon' (work/do your tasks), and in academic settings, professors discuss how certain theories 'kār' in practice. The word is also heavily used in the tech-savvy urban centers of Iran, like Tehran's 'Silicon Road', where developers talk about code that 'kār mikonad' or 'bug dārad' (has a bug). Beyond the literal sense, you'll hear it in social negotiations. If someone offers a deal that isn't quite right, you might hear 'in-tori kār nemikone' (it doesn't work like this), indicating that the terms are unacceptable.

In the Office: 'Kār kardan ru-ye prozh-e' (Working on the project) is a daily phrase.
At Home: Used for chores, repairs, and using appliances like the washing machine.

او خیلی زیاد کار می‌کند.
(U kheyli ziyād kār mikonad.)
He/She works very much (a lot).

Television dramas and movies in Iran frequently use this verb to depict the struggles of the working class or the ambitions of the youth. In music, particularly in traditional 'Tasneefs' or modern pop, 'kār' can symbolize the labor of love or the effort required to maintain a relationship. Furthermore, in religious contexts, 'kār-e kheyr' refers to doing good deeds or charitable work, a phrase you will hear during holidays like Nowruz or Ramadan. The verb is also prominent in the news, especially when discussing the 'vaz'iyyat-e kār' (employment situation) or unemployment rates. Because 'kār kardan' is so fundamental, it is often the first verb learners recognize in rapid native speech. It serves as a linguistic anchor, allowing you to identify the topic of conversation even if you don't understand every other word.

One of the most frequent errors for English speakers learning Persian is confusing کار کردن (the action of working) with the noun shoghl (profession/job). Many students mistakenly say 'Man kār hastam' (I am work) when they mean 'I am at work' (Man sar-e kār hastam). Another common pitfall is the omission of the noun part 'kār' in compound verbs. In English, 'work' is a single word that functions as both a noun and a verb, but in Persian, you cannot simply conjugate 'kār' as a verb. You must use the auxiliary 'kardan'. Additionally, beginners often forget the mi- prefix in the present tense, saying 'Man kār konam' instead of 'Man kār mikonam'. The former is subjunctive and changes the meaning to 'I should work' or 'that I work', which can lead to confusion in basic descriptions of your life.

Confusion with 'To Have': 'Kār dāram' means 'I have something to do' or 'I am busy', not necessarily that you are currently performing labor.
Incorrect Prepositions: Using 'at' as in English. In Persian, use 'dar' (in) or 'sar-e kār' (at the head of work/at the workplace).

❌ من کار هستم.
✅ من سر کار هستم.
(Man sar-e kār hastam.)
I am at work.

Another subtle mistake involves the difference between 'kār kardan' and 'amal kardan'. While 'kār kardan' is general, 'amal kardan' is often used for medical operations or for a specific mechanism 'operating' in a technical sense. If you say a person 'amal mikonad', it might sound like they are performing surgery rather than just doing their job. Furthermore, learners sometimes struggle with the word order. Because Persian is a Subject-Object-Verb (SOV) language, 'kār kardan' almost always comes at the end of the sentence. Putting it in the middle, as in English 'I work in Tehran', results in 'Man kār mikonam dar Tehran', which sounds unnatural and non-native. The correct structure is 'Man dar Tehran kār mikonam'. Mastering these small details will elevate your Persian from sounding like a translation to sounding like a natural speaker.

While کار کردن is the most common verb for working, Persian offers several synonyms and related terms that provide more specific nuances. For instance, if you want to emphasize that someone is 'busy' or 'occupied' with work, you use mashghul-e kār budan. If you are talking about intense, laborious work or 'toiling', the verb zahmat keshidan (literally: to pull/draw trouble) is used, often as a way to show respect for someone's hard work. In professional contexts, 'to be employed' is estekhdām shodan or shoghl dāshtan. Understanding these alternatives allows you to express yourself more precisely and navigate different social situations with ease.

زحمت کشیدن (Zahmat Keshidan): To work hard/suffer for a goal. Used to thank someone: 'Zahmat keshidid' (You went to a lot of trouble).
مشغول بودن (Mashghul Budan): To be busy/occupied. 'Man mashghul-e kār hastam' (I am busy working).
فعالیت کردن (Fa'āliyat Kardan): To be active or engage in an activity. More formal and often used in social or political contexts.

پدرم تمام روز زحمت می‌کشد.
(Pedaram tamām-e ruz zahmat mikeshad.)
My father toils/works hard all day.

When comparing 'kār kardan' with 'dars khāndan' (studying), both imply effort, but 'dars khāndan' is strictly for academic learning. If a student says 'Man dāram kār mikonam', people will assume they have a part-time job, not that they are doing homework. Another interesting comparison is with 'amal kardan'. While a computer 'kār mikonad', a plan or a law 'amal' (operates/is implemented). In artistic contexts, 'kār kardan' can refer to the act of creation. A painter might say 'Man ru-ye in tablow kār mikonam' (I am working on this canvas). By learning these synonyms, you gain a deeper understanding of the Persian worldview, where the type of effort expended determines the vocabulary used. This section highlights that while 'kār kardan' is your go-to verb, the richness of Persian lies in its specific alternatives for hard work, employment status, and mechanical operation.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The English word 'car' and Persian 'kār' sound similar but are unrelated; however, 'kār' is distantly related to English 'create' via the PIE root *kwer-.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /kɑːr kær.dæn/

US /kɑːr kær.dæn/

The stress in 'kār kardan' falls on the last syllable of the auxiliary verb: kar-dán. In the present tense 'kār mikonam', it falls on the 'mi-' prefix.

Rhymes With

بار کردن (bār kardan) تار کردن (tār kardan) یار کردن (yār kardan) خار کردن (khār kardan) مار کردن (mār kardan) دار کردن (dār kardan) نار کردن (nār kardan) پار کردن (pār kardan)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'kār' like 'car' in English (the 'ā' must be deeper).
Putting stress on 'kār' instead of the verb ending.
Failing to tap the 'r'.
Pronouncing 'kardan' with an 'u' sound like 'curtain'.
Merging the two words into one without a slight pause.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

The word 'kār' is very easy to recognize in text.

Writing 2/5

Requires remembering the ZWNJ or space in the compound verb.

Speaking 2/5

Conjugating 'kardan' quickly takes a bit of practice for beginners.

Listening 1/5

Very distinct sound, easy to pick out in conversation.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

من (Man) کردن (Kardan) در (Dar) این (In) چیست (Chist)

Learn Next

شغل (Shoghl) اداره (Edāre) حقوق (Hoghugh) استراحت کردن (Esterāhat kardan) پول (Pul)

Advanced

اشتغال (Eshteghāl) بهره‌وری (Bahre-vari) کارآفرینی (Kār-āfarini) قرارداد (Gharārdād) بازنشستگی (Bāzneshastegi)

Grammar to Know

Compound Verb Structure

Kār (Noun) + Kardan (Light Verb)

Present Tense 'mi-' Prefix

Kār mi-kon-am

Subjunctive 'be-' Prefix (often dropped)

Bāyad kār (be)konam

SOV Word Order

Man (S) dar edāre (O) kār mikonam (V).

Negation with 'ne-'

Kār ne-mikonam

Examples by Level

من در بانک کار می‌کنم.

I work in a bank.

Present simple tense (mikonam).

او امروز کار نمی‌کند.

He/She is not working today.

Negative present tense (nemikonad).

آیا این تلفن کار می‌کند؟

Does this phone work?

Question form for mechanical functioning.

ما با هم کار می‌کنیم.

We work together.

Use of 'bā' (with) for collaboration.

ساعت من کار نمی‌کند.

My watch is not working.

Subject is an inanimate object.

تو کجا کار می‌کنی؟

Where do you work?

Interrogative 'kojā' (where).

برادرم خیلی کار می‌کند.

My brother works a lot.

Adverb 'kheyli' (very/a lot).

آنها در رستوران کار می‌کنند.

They work in a restaurant.

Third person plural (mikonand).

من دیروز ده ساعت کار کردم.

I worked ten hours yesterday.

Simple past tense (kardam).

او قبلاً در مدرسه کار می‌کرد.

He/She used to work in a school.

Imperfect past tense (mi-kard).

باید سخت کار کنیم تا موفق شویم.

We must work hard to succeed.

Subjunctive mood after 'bāyad' (must).

ماشین او دیگر کار نمی‌کند.

His/Her car doesn't work anymore.

Use of 'digar' (anymore).

می‌توانم با این کامپیوتر کار کنم؟

Can I work with this computer?

Subjunctive after 'mitavānam' (can).

او تمام شب کار کرد.

He/She worked all night.

Simple past for completed duration.

پدرم در این کارخانه کار می‌کرد.

My father worked in this factory.

Past tense for habits.

چرا کار نمی‌کنی؟

Why aren't you working?

Interrogative 'cherā' (why).

او سال‌هاست که در این اداره کار کرده است.

He/She has worked in this office for years.

Present perfect tense (kardeh ast).

اگر بیشتر کار کنی، پول بیشتری می‌گیری.

If you work more, you will get more money.

Conditional sentence Type 1.

فکر نمی‌کنم این نقشه کار کند.

I don't think this plan will work.

Subjunctive after 'fekr nemikonam'.

او داشت کار می‌کرد که من رسیدم.

He/She was working when I arrived.

Past continuous tense (dāsht mi-kard).

باید راهی پیدا کنیم که این سیستم بهتر کار کند.

We must find a way for this system to work better.

Subjunctive for purpose/desire.

او از کار کردن در شب متنفر است.

He/She hates working at night.

Gerund form (kār kardan) as an object.

آیا تا به حال با این نرم‌افزار کار کرده‌ای؟

Have you ever worked with this software?

Present perfect question.

ما مشغول کار کردن روی پروژه جدید هستیم.

We are busy working on the new project.

Collocation 'mashghul-e' + gerund.

نحوه کار کردن این دستگاه بسیار پیچیده است.

The way this device works is very complex.

Noun phrase 'nahve-ye kār kardan'.

او با وجود بیماری، به کار کردن ادامه داد.

Despite being ill, he/she continued working.

Prepositional phrase 'bā vojud-e'.

دولت باید برای کسانی که نمی‌توانند کار کنند، چاره‌ای بیندیشد.

The government must find a solution for those who cannot work.

Relative clause 'kasāni ke'.

این دارو روی همه بیماران یکسان کار نمی‌کند.

This medicine does not work the same way on all patients.

Metaphorical use for efficacy.

او طوری کار می‌کند که گویی فردا وجود ندارد.

He/She works as if there is no tomorrow.

Conditional 'gu-yi' (as if).

بیکاری باعث شده که بسیاری از جوانان نتوانند کار کنند.

Unemployment has caused many young people to be unable to work.

Causative structure.

او در زمینه حقوق بشر کار می‌کند.

He/She works in the field of human rights.

Formal phrase 'dar zamine-ye'.

آیا این تئوری در عمل هم کار می‌کند؟

Does this theory work in practice too?

Abstract usage for validity.

او با پشتکار فراوان روی این اثر هنری کار کرده است.

He/She has worked on this artwork with great perseverance.

Adverbial phrase 'bā poshtkār-e farāvān'.

ساز و کار این سازمان باید شفاف‌تر شود.

The mechanism of this organization must become more transparent.

Compound noun 'sāz-o-kār'.

او در تمام طول عمرش برای عدالت کار کرد.

He/She worked for justice throughout their entire life.

Temporal phrase 'dar tamām-e tul-e omrash'.

این روش شاید در کوتاه‌مدت کار کند، اما در بلندمدت خیر.

This method might work in the short term, but not in the long term.

Contrastive adverbs 'kutāh-moddat' vs 'boland-moddat'.

او به عنوان مشاور در پروژه‌های بین‌المللی کار می‌کند.

He/She works as a consultant on international projects.

Professional title 'be onvān-e'.

کار کردن در چنین شرایطی نیازمند صبر و حوصله است.

Working in such conditions requires patience and endurance.

Gerund as subject of the sentence.

او با ذکاوت خاصی روی ذهن مخاطب کار می‌کند.

He/She works on the audience's mind with a specific cleverness.

Psychological/Metaphorical usage.

باید دید که آیا این توافقنامه واقعاً کار خواهد کرد یا خیر.

It remains to be seen whether this agreement will actually work or not.

Complex future/subjunctive structure.

او با ظرافتی بی‌بدیل روی جزئیات متن کار کرده است.

He/She has worked on the details of the text with unparalleled delicacy.

Literary adjective 'bi-badil'.

اینکه چگونه عقل در مواجهه با بحران کار می‌کند، موضوعی پیچیده است.

How the intellect works in the face of crisis is a complex subject.

Philosophical usage of 'kar kardan'.

او در کار کردن با کلمات، استادی به تمام معناست.

In working with words, he/she is a master in every sense.

Prepositional phrase 'dar kār kardan bā'.

مکانیزم‌های دفاعی ذهن به طور ناخودآگاه کار می‌کنند.

The mind's defense mechanisms work subconsciously.

Technical psychological term.

او با ایثار و ازخودگذشتگی برای میهنش کار کرد.

He/She worked for their homeland with sacrifice and selflessness.

Honorific/Formal vocabulary.

باید بررسی کرد که این متدولوژی در بسترهای مختلف چگونه کار می‌کند.

One must examine how this methodology works in different contexts.

Academic register 'metodolozhi' and 'bastar'.

او در سایه کار می‌کند و هرگز به دنبال شهرت نیست.

He/She works in the shadows and never seeks fame.

Idiomatic 'dar sāye' (in the shadows).

ماهیت کار کردن در عصر پسا-صنعتی دستخوش تغییر شده است.

The nature of work in the post-industrial era has undergone change.

Sociological discourse.

Common Collocations

سخت کار کردن

در خانه کار کردن

با کامپیوتر کار کردن

روی پروژه کار کردن

پاره‌وقت کار کردن

تمام‌وقت کار کردن

داوطلبانه کار کردن

مخفیانه کار کردن

برای کسی کار کردن

خوب کار کردن

Common Phrases

خسته نباشید

— Literally 'don't be tired'. Used to greet someone working or finishing work.

خسته نباشید آقای دکتر!

سر کار رفتن

— To go to work.

او هر روز ساعت ۸ سر کار می‌رود.

دست از کار کشیدن

— To stop working or go on strike.

کارگران دست از کار کشیدند.

اهل کار بودن

— To be a hardworking person.

او واقعاً اهل کار است.

کار کردن با کسی

— To collaborate or work with someone.

من دوست دارم با شما کار کنم.

دنبال کار گشتن

— To look for a job.

او دو ماه است که دنبال کار می‌گردد.

از کار افتادن

— To break down or stop functioning.

آسانسور از کار افتاده است.

کار راه انداز

— Someone who gets things done or solves problems.

او آدم کار راه اندازی است.

بدون کار ماندن

— To remain without work or unemployed.

او نمی‌خواهد بدون کار بماند.

کار کردن روی خود

— To work on oneself (self-improvement).

باید روی اخلاقم کار کنم.

Often Confused With

کار_کردن vs کار داشتن

Means 'to have work' or 'to be busy', not the act of working.

کار_کردن vs درس خواندن

Means 'to study', which is often translated as 'work' in English academic contexts.

کار_کردن vs عمل کردن

Specifically for medical surgery or technical operation of a mechanism.

Idioms & Expressions

"مثل خر کار کردن"

— To work extremely hard (often used self-deprecatingly).

تمام هفته مثل خر کار کردم.

Informal

"کار از محکم‌کاری عیب نمی‌کند"

— Better safe than sorry; double-checking doesn't hurt.

دوباره چک کن، کار از محکم‌کاری عیب نمی‌کند.

Proverbial

"کار، کارِ انگلیسی‌هاست"

— It's the work of the British (a humorous way to blame conspiracies).

هر اتفاقی می‌افتد می‌گویند کار، کار انگلیسی‌هاست.

Sarcastic

"کار هر بز نیست خرمن کوفتن"

— Not everyone is capable of a difficult task.

مدیریت سخت است؛ کار هر بز نیست خرمن کوفتن.

Literary/Proverb

"کار را که کرد؟ آن که تمام کرد"

— The one who finishes the job is the one who truly did the work.

فقط شروع نکن، تمامش کن؛ کار را که کرد؟ آن که تمام کرد.

Proverbial

"یک دست صدا ندارد"

— One hand makes no sound (teamwork is necessary).

بیا با هم کار کنیم، یک دست صدا ندارد.

Common

"کارِ نشد ندارد"

— Nothing is impossible.

ناامید نشو، کار نشد ندارد.

Encouraging

"از زیر کار در رفتن"

— To shirk work or avoid responsibilities.

او همیشه از زیر کار در می‌رود.

Informal

"کارش بیست است"

— His/Her work is perfect (scored 20/20).

این نقاش کارش بیست است.

Slang

"خرش می‌رود (کارش می‌گیرد)"

— His influence works / He gets things done through connections.

در این اداره خرش خیلی می‌رود.

Informal/Slang

Easily Confused

کار_کردن vs شغل

Both mean 'work/job'.

'Shoghl' is the noun for profession; 'kār kardan' is the verb for the action.

شغل من مهندسی است، اما الان کار نمی‌کنم.

کار_کردن vs زحمت

Often used when someone has worked hard.

'Zahmat' implies trouble or effort; 'kār' is neutral.

او زحمت زیادی کشید.

کار_کردن vs وظیفه

Refers to tasks one must do.

'Vazife' is duty/obligation; 'kār' is the activity itself.

این وظیفه من است که کار کنم.

کار_کردن vs فعالیت

Describes being busy.

'Fa'āliyat' is more general activity (sports, social); 'kār' is usually professional.

او فعالیت‌های زیادی دارد.

کار_کردن vs خدمت

Used for working in a service capacity.

'Khedmat' implies serving others or the state.

او در ارتش خدمت می‌کند.

Sentence Patterns

من [Job Location] کار می‌کنم.

من در رستوران کار می‌کنم.

من دیروز [Duration] کار کردم.

من دیروز هشت ساعت کار کردم.

می‌خواهم [Adverb] کار کنم.

می‌خواهم کمتر کار کنم.

او مشغول کار کردن روی [Object] است.

او مشغول کار کردن روی پایان‌نامه است.

به نظر می‌رسد این روش کار نمی‌کند.

به نظر می‌رسد این روش برای ما کار نمی‌کند.

ماهیت کار کردن در حال تغییر است.

ماهیت کار کردن در جوامع مدرن در حال تغییر است.

[Object] کار نمی‌کند.

تلویزیون کار نمی‌کند.

آیا تو با [Person] کار می‌کنی؟

آیا تو با علی کار می‌کنی؟

Word Family

Nouns

کار (kār) - work/job

کارگر (kārgar) - worker

کارمند (kārmand) - employee

کارگاه (kārgāh) - workshop

کارخانه (kārkhāne) - factory

Verbs

بکار گرفتن (bekār gereftan) - to employ

کارآفرینی کردن (kār-āfarini kardan) - to entrepreneur

بیکار شدن (bikār shodan) - to become unemployed

Adjectives

کاری (kāri) - hardworking/related to work

کارکشته (kār-koshte) - experienced

بیکار (bikār) - unemployed

کارآمد (kār-āmad) - efficient

شغل (shoghl)

حرفه (herfe)

تخصص (takhasos)

اداره (edāre)

حقوق (hoghugh)

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely High (Top 100 verbs)

Common Mistakes

Man kār hastam. → Man sar-e kār hastam.
You cannot be 'work' (the noun). You are 'at the head of work' (the location).
Man kār mikonam dars. → Man dars mikhānam.
English uses 'work' for studying, but Persian uses 'read lessons'.
U kār mikonam. → U kār mikonad.
Incorrect verb ending for the third person singular.
Man kār ne-kardam. → Man kār na-kardam.
The negative prefix for the past tense is 'na-', not 'ne-'.
In mashin kār nemikonam. → In mashin kār nemikonad.
Confusing the 'I' ending with the 'it' ending for a machine.

Tips

Light Verbs

Remember that 'kardan' is a light verb. Its meaning comes from the noun 'kār'. This is a very common pattern in Persian.

The Long 'A'

Ensure the 'ā' in 'kār' is long and deep. It’s the most important vowel in the word.

Khaste Nabāshid

Always use 'Khaste Nabāshid' when you see someone working. It's a vital social lubricant in Iran.

Kār vs Shoghl

Use 'kār' for the activity and 'shoghl' for the title or profession.

Broken Machines

If something isn't working, 'kār nemikone' is your best friend. It applies to everything from apps to cars.

Spoken Endings

Practice the '-e' ending for third person singular in casual talk: 'mikone' instead of 'mikonad'.

Spacing

In modern Persian, use a semi-space (ZWNJ) between 'kār' and 'kardan' if your keyboard allows, or a regular space.

Visual Link

Associate 'kār' with a 'Career'. They sound slightly similar and mean the same thing.

Busy vs Working

Don't confuse 'Man kār dāram' (I'm busy) with 'Man kār mikonam' (I'm working).

Subjunctive

Master 'kār konam' for expressing desires like 'I want to work' (Mixāham kār konam).

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a 'Car' (kār) that you 'Can' (kon) drive to work. You do (kardan) the driving to get to your job.

Visual Association

Picture a gear turning inside a brain. The gear is the 'kār' and the turning is the 'kardan'.

Word Web

Office Money Sweat Tools Computer Boss Salary Success

Challenge

Try to use 'kār kardan' in three different ways today: once for your job, once for a machine, and once for a plan.

Word Origin

Derived from the Middle Persian 'kār' and 'kardan'. The root 'kār' comes from Old Persian 'kāra' meaning 'people' or 'army', which later evolved to mean 'action' or 'work'.

Original meaning: To perform an action or duty for the collective.

Indo-European (Indo-Iranian branch).

Cultural Context

Be careful when using 'mesle khar kār kardan' (work like a donkey); while common, it can be seen as vulgar in very formal settings.

Unlike English where 'work' can be a noun or verb, Persian always keeps them separate in 'kār kardan'.

The poem 'Kār va Koushesh' by Parvin E'tesami. The revolutionary songs about 'Kārgar' (Workers). The Iranian film 'The Salesman' which explores professional lives.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Office Environment

جلسه دارم (I have a meeting)
گزارش می‌نویسم (I am writing a report)
همکار من (My colleague)
اضافه‌کاری (Overtime)

Repair Shop

خراب شده (It's broken)
تعمیر کردن (To repair)
قطعه (Part/Component)
هزینه (Cost)

Job Interview

رزومه (Resume)
سابقه کار (Work experience)
مهارت (Skill)
مصاحبه (Interview)

Household

جارو برقی (Vacuum cleaner)
آشپزی کردن (Cooking)
تمیز کردن (Cleaning)
خرید رفتن (Going shopping)

Technology

اینترنت (Internet)
نصب کردن (To install)
بروزرسانی (Update)
خطا (Error)

Conversation Starters

"شغل شما چیست؟ (What is your job?)"

"کجا کار می‌کنید؟ (Where do you work?)"

"آیا از کارتان راضی هستید؟ (Are you satisfied with your work?)"

"امروز خیلی کار کردید؟ (Did you work a lot today?)"

"ساعت کاری شما چطور است؟ (How are your work hours?)"

Journal Prompts

امروز در محل کار چه کارهایی انجام دادید؟ (What tasks did you do at work today?)

شغل رویایی شما چیست و چرا؟ (What is your dream job and why?)

آیا ترجیح می‌دهید در خانه کار کنید یا در اداره؟ (Do you prefer working at home or in an office?)

اهمیت کار کردن در زندگی چیست؟ (What is the importance of working in life?)

یک روز سخت کاری را توصیف کنید. (Describe a difficult work day.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

You should say 'Man sar-e kār hastam'. Avoid saying 'Man dar kār hastam' as it sounds unnatural.

Yes, 'Computer-e man kār nemikone' means 'My computer isn't working/functioning'.

'Kār dāram' means 'I am busy' or 'I have things to do'. 'Kār mikonam' means 'I am performing work' or 'I have a job'.

Yes, to express the verb 'to work', you must use the compound form 'kār kardan'.

Use the adverb 'sakht'. Example: 'Man sakht kār mikonam'.

It is 'kār kardam' (I worked). The stem changes from 'kon' to 'kard'.

No, for studying you must use 'dars khāndan'. 'Kār kardan' implies professional or physical labor.

Ask: 'Kojā kār mikoni?' for informal, or 'Kojā kār mikonid?' for formal.

In spoken Persian, it is almost always 'kār mikone'.

Yes, 'In dāru kār mikone' means 'this medicine is effective/working'.