At the A1 level, you only need to know that 'ghodghod kardan' means the sound a chicken makes. Think of it as the Persian version of 'cluck-cluck.' You will see it in simple books for children. For example, 'Morgh ghodghod mikonad' (The hen clucks). It is a compound verb, so you use 'kardan' at the end. Don't worry about the figurative meanings yet. Just focus on the animal sound. It is a fun word to say because it sounds exactly like what it describes. You can use it when you see a chicken in a picture or on a farm. Remember, in Persian, we use 'gh' (ق) for this sound, which is made at the back of the throat. Practice saying 'ghod-ghod' slowly. It is one of the easiest ways to learn how compound verbs work in Persian because the first part never changes.
At the A2 level, you can start using 'ghodghod kardan' in slightly more complex sentences. You can describe what a hen is doing in a specific place or time. For example, 'The hen clucked in the yard yesterday' (Morgh diruz dar hayāt ghodghod kard). You should also know that this word is specifically for hens (female chickens). Roosters make a different sound. You might encounter this word in short stories or when talking about farm animals. You can also start to recognize it in the present continuous tense: 'Morgh dārad ghodghod mikonad' (The hen is clucking). It's important to start noticing the difference between the sound 'ghodghod' and other animal sounds like 'jiv-jiv' (chirp). This helps build your vocabulary of natural sounds in Persian.
At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'ghodghod kardan' both literally and figuratively. Literally, you can use it to describe a scene: 'As soon as the farmer arrived, the hens began clucking.' Figuratively, you can use it to describe someone who is nagging or complaining in a repetitive way. For example, 'Stop clucking about the weather!' (Enghadr darbare-ye havā ghodghod nakon!). You should understand that using it for a person is informal and can be slightly rude or humorous. You should also be able to conjugate it in various tenses, including the subjunctive (e.g., 'I want the hen to cluck' - Mikhāham morgh ghodghod konad). This level is where the word becomes a tool for social description, not just a biological label.
At the B2 level, you can use 'ghodghod kardan' with nuance. You understand that it implies a certain lack of substance in what is being said. When you describe someone's speech as 'ghodghod,' you are suggesting they are talking about trivial matters repeatedly. You can use it in more complex grammatical structures, such as passive forms or in combination with other verbs like 'shoru kardan' (to start) or 'edāmeh dādan' (to continue). You also start to see its use in idiomatic expressions and can distinguish it clearly from 'ghorghor kardan' (grumbling). You might use it in a debate to dismiss an opponent's minor complaints: 'Inhā faghat ghodghod-e bi-hudeh ast' (This is just useless clucking). Your grasp of the word's social weight is now more refined.
At the C1 level, you recognize 'ghodghod kardan' in literature and more sophisticated social commentary. You might see it used by authors to characterize a specific type of person—someone petty, anxious, or overly concerned with domestic trifles. You can analyze why an author chose 'ghodghod' over 'negh zadan' or 'ghorghor.' You are also aware of the onomatopoeic history of the word and how it fits into the broader category of Persian mimetic verbs. You can use it sarcastically in high-level discussions or in creative writing to create a specific atmosphere. For instance, describing the 'clucking' of a busy marketplace to evoke a sense of chaotic, meaningless chatter. You understand the phonetic playfulness of the word and its impact on the rhythm of a sentence.
At the C2 level, you have a masterly command of 'ghodghod kardan.' You can use it in any register, from mocking slang to literary pastiche. You understand its deep cultural roots and how animal sounds are used in Persian folklore to mirror human failings. You might even use it to discuss linguistic theories of onomatopoeia in Persian. You can identify its use in classical-style poetry where animal sounds are used for allegorical purposes. You are also sensitive to the regional variations in how the 'gh' sound is pronounced and how that affects the 'feel' of the word. In your own speech, you use it sparingly but perfectly, knowing exactly when the 'hen-like' metaphor will have the most impact. You see the word not just as a verb, but as a piece of the Persian cultural fabric.

قدقد کردن in 30 Seconds

  • A compound verb meaning 'to cluck,' mimicking the sound of a hen (ghod-ghod).
  • Used figuratively to describe repetitive nagging or complaining in an annoying manner.
  • Common in farm settings, children's stories, and informal social critiques.
  • Composed of the sound 'ghodghod' and the light verb 'kardan' (to do/make).
The Persian verb قدقد کردن (ghodghod kardan) is a fascinating example of onomatopoeia in the Persian language. Primarily, it refers to the specific vocalization made by a hen, translated into English as 'to cluck.' In a literal sense, you will encounter this word in any context involving poultry, farming, or nature. When a hen lays an egg or feels a sense of alarm, the sound it produces is described as ghod-ghod. However, the richness of the Persian language allows this term to transcend the barnyard. Beyond its biological application, it is frequently used metaphorically to describe human behavior that mirrors the repetitive, rhythmic, and sometimes annoying nature of a clucking hen. This figurative usage often points toward nagging, incessant complaining, or talking at length about trivial matters in a way that exhausts the listener. Understanding this word requires a grasp of both the physical sound and the social nuances it carries. In Persian culture, where domestic animals were historically a part of daily life, such onomatopoeic verbs are deeply rooted in the collective consciousness.
Literal Meaning
The rhythmic sound made by a female chicken, especially after laying an egg or when communicating with chicks.
Figurative Meaning
To nag or grumble repetitively about small things, often used to describe someone who doesn't stop talking about their grievances.

مرغ پس از تخم گذاشتن شروع به قدقد کردن کرد.

The hen started clucking after laying an egg.

او تمام روز درباره مشکلاتش قدقد می‌کند.

He clucks (nags) about his problems all day long.
Register
The word is neutral in its literal sense but can be informal or slightly derogatory when applied to humans.

صدای قدقد کردن مرغ‌ها از حیاط می‌آمد.

بسه دیگه، انقدر قدقد نکن!

That's enough, stop clucking (nagging) so much!

مرغ برای جوجه‌هایش قدقد می‌کرد تا آن‌ها را صدا بزند.

When using this word, consider the context carefully. In a rural setting, it is a simple descriptive verb. In an office or home setting, using it to describe a person's speech implies that their words are as repetitive and meaningless as a bird's noise. It captures the essence of noise without substance. Philosophically, it reflects how humans project animalistic traits onto behaviors they find irritating or non-intellectual. The verb is a compound verb, consisting of the noun/sound 'ghodghod' and the light verb 'kardan' (to do/make). This structure is typical for Persian verbs and allows for easy conjugation across all tenses. Whether you are describing a peaceful morning on a farm or expressing frustration with a talkative colleague, 'ghodghod kardan' provides a sharp, evocative tool for communication. It is a word that bridges the gap between the natural world and human social dynamics, illustrating the playful yet biting nature of Persian idioms.
Mastering the use of قدقد کردن (ghodghod kardan) involves understanding its grammatical structure as a compound verb. In Persian, compound verbs are formed by a non-verbal element (the 'prefix' or noun/adjective part) and a light verb. Here, 'ghodghod' is the sound, and 'kardan' is the action. To conjugate it, you only change the 'kardan' part while 'ghodghod' remains stationary. For example, in the past tense, 'the hen clucked' becomes 'morgh ghodghod kard.' In the present continuous, which is very common when describing ongoing sounds, you would say 'morgh dārad ghodghod mikonad' (the hen is clucking).
Sentence Structure
[Subject] + [ghodghod] + [conjugated form of kardan]. The subject is usually a hen (مرغ) or a person acting like one.

وقتی روباه را دید، مرغ شروع به قدقد کردن کرد.

When she saw the fox, the hen began to cluck.

همسایه همیشه در حال قدقد کردن درباره قیمت‌هاست.

The neighbor is always clucking (complaining) about prices.
Negative Form
To say 'not clucking,' add 'na-' to the verb: 'ghodghod nakard' (did not cluck).

مرغ‌های گرسنه معمولاً بیشتر قدقد می‌کنند.

Hungry hens usually cluck more.

چرا داری برای من قدقد می‌کنی؟ من که کاری نکردم!

Why are you clucking at me? I didn't do anything!
Compound Usage
It is often paired with 'shoru kardan' (to start) to indicate the beginning of the noise.

صدای قدقد کردن جوجه‌ها خیلی ضعیف بود.

When writing, ensure you don't confuse this with 'ghorghor kardan' (to grumble), which is more general. 'Ghodghod' specifically evokes the image of a bird. In formal writing, you might use 'bang-e mākiyān' (the cry of the fowl), but 'ghodghod kardan' is the standard, most recognized term. It fits perfectly into narrative descriptions where sensory details are important. If you are describing a village scene in a story, the sound of 'ghodghod' adds authenticity. If you are writing a dialogue where one character is annoyed by another's nagging, 'ghodghod' adds a layer of descriptive insult that is very Persian. It implies the other person's complaints are unintelligent and repetitive. This duality—being both a literal animal sound and a sharp social descriptor—makes it a versatile verb for learners at the B1 level and above. By practicing its conjugation in various tenses, you will gain confidence in using one of the most expressive onomatopoeic verbs in the Persian language.
The verb قدقد کردن (ghodghod kardan) is ubiquitous in several specific environments. The most obvious is the rural or agricultural setting. If you visit a village in Gilan or Mazandaran, the sound of hens clucking is the background music of daily life. Farmers use this word to describe the health or behavior of their livestock. For example, a farmer might say, 'The hen is clucking; it must have laid an egg.' Secondly, you will hear this word constantly in children's media. Iranian cartoons, nursery rhymes, and storybooks are filled with animal sounds. 'Morgh-e ghod-ghodoo' (The Clucking Hen) is a common character type. This is where most native speakers first learn the word.
Daily Conversations
Used jokingly among friends to mock someone who is talking too much about nothing.

توی کارتون، مرغه همش قدقد می‌کرد.

In the cartoon, the hen was clucking all the time.

مادربزرگ همیشه می‌گفت: مرغی که قدقد نکند، تخم نمی‌گذارد.

Grandmother used to say: A hen that doesn't cluck doesn't lay eggs.
Literature and Folklore
Found in fables where animals represent human archetypes, often representing the talkative or anxious character.

صدای قدقد کردن مرغ‌ها در سحرگاه شنیده می‌شد.

او باز هم شروع کرد به قدقد کردن درباره رئیس!

He started clucking (nagging) about the boss again!
Cinematic Use
In Iranian comedy films, characters often use this verb to dismiss someone's complaints as mere 'bird-noise.'

مرغِ همسایه غاز است، اما قدقدش مال ماست!

The neighbor's hen is a goose (idiom), but its clucking is for us!
Furthermore, in modern Iranian slang, though slightly dated, describing a group of people chatting loudly and pointlessly as 'ghodghod kardan' is quite common. It paints a picture of a crowded market or a busy household. If you are learning Persian through movies or podcasts, pay attention to scenes involving family arguments or farm life. You will notice that 'ghodghod' is often used to add a touch of humor or realism. It is not a word you would typically find in a high-level political speech, but in the heart of Iranian homes and fields, it is an essential part of the vocabulary. By recognizing its sound, you can better understand the emotional tone of a conversation—whether it's the peaceful sound of nature or the tense atmosphere of someone being nagged.
Learners of Persian often face specific hurdles when using قدقد کردن (ghodghod kardan). The most frequent error is confusing it with ghorghor kardan (to grumble/mutter). While both involve complaining, 'ghorghor' is the general term for grumbling, whereas 'ghodghod' specifically implies a repetitive, high-pitched, or 'hen-like' quality to the complaining. Using 'ghodghod' for a deep-voiced man grumbling might sound intentionally comedic or slightly off unless the goal is to specifically compare him to a hen.
Wrong Light Verb
Never use 'ghodghod zadan' or 'ghodghod dādan.' The only correct light verb is 'kardan.'

غلط: مرغ دارد قدقد می‌زند.
درست: مرغ دارد قدقد می‌کند.

اشتباه: خروس قدقد کرد.
درست: مرغ قدقد کرد.

Pronunciation Error
Avoid pronouncing the 'gh' (ق) as a hard 'g' (گ). It should be a voiced uvular plosive or fricative, depending on the dialect.

او به جای حرف زدن، فقط قدقد می‌کند.

Correct usage for a person making meaningless noise.

نباید به مادرت بگویی قدقد نکن!

You shouldn't tell your mother 'don't cluck' (don't nag)!
Spelling Confusion
Sometimes confused with 'ghad-ghad' (which isn't a word) or 'ghat-ghat' (chopped). Always use 'ghaf' (ق).

صدای قدقد کردن مرغ‌ها آرامش‌بخش است.

Another common mistake is overusing the word. While expressive, it is very specific. If you want to say someone is complaining in a serious way, use 'shekāyat kardan.' If they are whining like a child, use 'nooneh kardan.' Reserve 'ghodghod kardan' for that specific, annoying, repetitive nagging that feels like background noise. Also, ensure you conjugate the light verb 'kardan' correctly for the subject. Beginners often forget to add the 'mi-' prefix for the present tense (e.g., saying 'ghodghod konad' instead of 'ghodghod mikonad'). By avoiding these pitfalls, you will sound much more like a native speaker and use the word with the precision it requires.
In Persian, there are several words that share a semantic field with قدقد کردن (ghodghod kardan), but each has its own flavor. Understanding these nuances will help you choose the right word for the right situation. The most closely related word is ghorghor kardan. While 'ghodghod' is like a hen, 'ghorghor' is more like a low-level grumble or a mutter under one's breath. It is the sound of someone who is unhappy but not necessarily loud. Another alternative is vagh-vagh kardan, which means 'to bark.' Like 'ghodghod,' it is used figuratively for humans to describe aggressive or loud shouting that lacks reason.
Ghodghod vs. Ghorghor
Ghodghod is repetitive and high-pitched (nagging); Ghorghor is low-pitched and internal (grumbling).

او همیشه غرغر می‌کند، اما هیچ وقت قدقد نمی‌کند.

He always grumbles, but he never clucks (nags loudly).

بچه‌ها معمولاً نق می‌زنند، نه قدقد.

Children usually whine (negh), they don't cluck (ghodghod).
Animal Sound Alternatives
Ghughuly-ghughu (Rooster crow), Jiv-jiv (Bird chirp), Ma-ma (Cow moo).

صدای جیو‌جیو گنجشک‌ها با قدقد مرغ‌ها فرق دارد.

The chirping of sparrows is different from the clucking of hens.

او به جای قدقد کردن، شروع به قاه‌قاه خندیدن کرد.

Instead of clucking (nagging), he started laughing out loud.
Figurative Alternatives
Yaveh-gooyi (talking nonsense), Harf-e bi-hudeh (pointless talk).

این حرف‌ها فقط قدقد است و هیچ ارزشی ندارد.

When you want to describe a person who is constantly finding fault in a petty way, 'ghodghod kardan' is your best bet. It captures the repetitive nature of the annoyance. However, if the person is genuinely angry, 'dād va faryād' (shouting and screaming) is more appropriate. If they are speaking softly but negatively, 'ghorghor' is better. In a literary context, you might see 'sorush-e mākiyān' (the call of the bird) for a more poetic touch. By building a library of these related verbs, you can express a wide range of human behaviors through the lens of animal sounds and onomatopoeia, which is a hallmark of expressive Persian.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"ماکیان در محوطه شروع به قدقد کردن نمودند."

Neutral

"مرغ‌ها در حال قدقد کردن هستند."

Informal

"بسه دیگه، انقدر قدقد نکن!"

Child friendly

"مرغ مهربون قدقد کرد و گفت سلام!"

Slang

"طرف فقط قدقد می‌کنه، هیچی حالیش نیست."

Fun Fact

Almost every language has a different word for clucking, yet they all try to mimic the same bird. In Persian, the 'gh' sound is felt to best capture the guttural nature of the hen's voice.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ɢod.ɢod kær.dæn/
US /ɢod.ɢod kær.dæn/
The primary stress is on the second syllable of 'ghodghod' and the last syllable of the conjugated 'kardan'.
Rhymes With
خود (Khod) مد (Mod) سد (Sad - imperfect) رد (Rad) شد (Shod) کد (Kod) نقد (Naghd) عقد (Aghd)
Common Errors
  • Pronouncing 'gh' as 'g'.
  • Pronouncing 'o' as 'u' (gudgud).
  • Missing the 'mi-' in present tense.
  • Merging the two 'ghod' sounds into one long word.
  • Using 'zadan' instead of 'kardan'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize due to repetition of the sound.

Writing 3/5

Requires knowledge of compound verb conjugation.

Speaking 4/5

The 'gh' sound can be tricky for English speakers.

Listening 2/5

Onomatopoeic nature makes it easy to pick out.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

مرغ کردن صدا حرف زدن حیوان

Learn Next

غرغر کردن نق زدن وراجی کردن قوقولی قوقو جیو جیو

Advanced

استعاره کنایه نام‌آوا (Onomatopoeia) فعل مرکب گویش‌های محلی

Grammar to Know

Compound Verb Conjugation

In 'ghodghod kardan', only 'kardan' changes (mikonam, kardi, etc.).

Onomatopoeic Nouns

Words like 'ghodghod' can function as nouns (The cluck) or part of a verb.

Negative Imperative

Add 'na-' to the light verb: 'ghodghod nakon' (Don't cluck).

Present Continuous with 'Dāštan'

Dāram ghodghod mikonam (I am clucking/nagging).

Subjunctive Mood

Bāyad ghodghod bokonad (It must cluck).

Examples by Level

1

مرغ قدقد می‌کند.

The hen clucks.

Simple present tense.

2

صدای قدقد می‌آید.

A clucking sound is coming.

Noun use of the sound.

3

مرغ گرسنه قدقد کرد.

The hungry hen clucked.

Simple past tense.

4

جوجه قدقد نمی‌کند.

The chick does not cluck.

Negative present tense.

5

من صدای قدقد را دوست دارم.

I like the clucking sound.

Direct object.

6

آیا مرغ قدقد کرد؟

Did the hen cluck?

Question form.

7

مرغ سفید قدقد می‌کند.

The white hen clucks.

Adjective usage.

8

اینجا مرغ‌ها قدقد می‌کنند.

Here, the hens cluck.

Plural subject.

1

مرغ در حیاط قدقد می‌کرد.

The hen was clucking in the yard.

Past continuous.

2

او می‌گوید مرغ قدقد می‌کند.

He says the hen is clucking.

Indirect speech.

3

وقتی دانه می‌دهم، مرغ قدقد می‌کند.

When I give seeds, the hen clucks.

Conditional 'when'.

4

ما صدای قدقد مرغ را شنیدیم.

We heard the hen's clucking.

Past tense with object.

5

مرغ بعد از تخم گذاشتن قدقد کرد.

The hen clucked after laying an egg.

Time preposition.

6

چرا مرغ‌ها انقدر قدقد می‌کنند؟

Why are the hens clucking so much?

Interrogative with adverb.

7

مرغ کوچک شروع به قدقد کردن کرد.

The little hen started to cluck.

Infinitive construction.

8

صدای قدقد در شب شنیده نمی‌شود.

The sound of clucking is not heard at night.

Passive voice.

1

انقدر درباره این موضوع قدقد نکن!

Don't cluck (nag) so much about this matter!

Imperative (figurative).

2

اگر مرغ قدقد کند، یعنی تخم گذاشته است.

If the hen clucks, it means she has laid an egg.

Conditional Type 1.

3

او تمام روز در حال قدقد کردن است.

He is clucking (nagging) all day long.

Present continuous (figurative).

4

بجای قدقد کردن، بهتر است کار کنی.

Instead of clucking, it's better to work.

Gerund usage.

5

مرغ با قدقد کردن جوجه‌هایش را پیدا کرد.

By clucking, the hen found her chicks.

Instrumental usage.

6

صدای قدقد مرغ‌ها کل فضا را پر کرده بود.

The sound of the hens' clucking had filled the whole space.

Past perfect.

7

او همیشه برای چیزهای کوچک قدقد می‌کند.

She always clucks (nags) for small things.

Frequency adverb.

8

امیدوارم مرغ‌ها امشب قدقد نکنند.

I hope the hens don't cluck tonight.

Subjunctive mood.

1

مدیر از قدقد کردن‌های مداوم کارمندان خسته شده بود.

The manager was tired of the employees' constant clucking (complaining).

Pluralized gerund.

2

این قدقد کردن‌ها هیچ مشکلی را حل نمی‌کند.

This clucking (nagging) won't solve any problems.

Demonstrative pronoun.

3

او طوری قدقد می‌کند که انگار فقط او مشکل دارد.

He clucks as if he's the only one with problems.

Conjunction 'as if'.

4

مرغ بیچاره از ترس شروع به قدقد کردن کرد.

The poor hen started clucking out of fear.

Prepositional phrase 'from fear'.

5

قدقد کردن مرغ در ادبیات نماد پرحرفی است.

A hen's clucking is a symbol of talkativeness in literature.

Abstract subject.

6

نباید اجازه دهی قدقد کردن دیگران روی تو اثر بگذارد.

You shouldn't let others' clucking affect you.

Causative structure.

7

هر چه بیشتر قدقد کنی، کمتر به حرفت گوش می‌دهند.

The more you cluck, the less they listen to you.

Correlative comparison.

8

صدای قدقد مرغ‌ها در روستا طنین‌انداز شد.

The sound of the hens' clucking echoed in the village.

Formal verb choice.

1

نویسنده با ظرافت، قدقد کردن مرغ‌ها را به غیبت‌های زنانه تشبیه کرده است.

The author elegantly compared the clucking of hens to women's gossip.

Complex literary structure.

2

در پسِ این قدقد کردن‌های ظاهری، ترسی عمیق نهفته بود.

Behind this superficial clucking, a deep fear was hidden.

Metaphorical usage.

3

او با قدقد کردن‌های بی‌پایانش، آرامش خانه را بر هم زد.

With his endless clucking, he disrupted the peace of the house.

Possessive gerund.

4

قدقد کردن مرغ در این شعر، استعاره‌ای از تلاش‌های بیهوده است.

The clucking of the hen in this poem is a metaphor for futile efforts.

Metaphorical identification.

5

سیاستمدار به جای پاسخ، به قدقد کردن درباره مسائل حاشیه‌ای پرداخت.

Instead of answering, the politician took to clucking about marginal issues.

Formal auxiliary 'pardākht'.

6

صدای قدقد مرغ‌ها، تنها موسیقیِ متنِ آن زندگیِ سرد بود.

The sound of the hens' clucking was the only soundtrack to that cold life.

Appositive phrase.

7

او چنان قدقد می‌کرد که گویی وحی منزل یافته است.

He clucked so much as if he had received a divine revelation.

Sarcastic comparison.

8

تکرارِ قدقد کردن در متن، ریتمی عصبی به داستان بخشیده است.

The repetition of 'clucking' in the text has given the story a nervous rhythm.

Gerund as subject.

1

این قدقد کردن‌های مکرر، صرفاً پوششی برای تهی‌مغزیِ مخاطب بود.

This repeated clucking was merely a cover for the audience's brainlessness.

Advanced vocabulary.

2

در تالارِ آینه، قدقد کردنِ مرغی، هزار بار تکثیر می‌شد.

In the hall of mirrors, the clucking of a hen was multiplied a thousand times.

Passive multiplication.

3

او با وقاحت تمام، انتقاداتِ سازنده را به قدقد کردن تعبیر کرد.

With total audacity, he interpreted constructive criticisms as clucking.

Complex verb 'ta'bir kardan'.

4

قدقد کردن، در اینجا، نه یک فعل، که یک وضعیتِ وجودی است.

Clucking, here, is not a verb, but an existential state.

Existential grammar.

5

طنینِ قدقد کردن در فضایِ خالیِ انبار، حسی از زوال را القا می‌کرد.

The echo of clucking in the empty warehouse space induced a sense of decay.

Noun-heavy formal style.

6

او میانِ قدقد کردن‌هایِ روزمره، به دنبالِ معنایی متعالی می‌گشت.

Among the daily clucking, he was searching for a transcendent meaning.

Prepositional complexity.

7

اینکه سخنانش را قدقد کردن بنامیم، شاید کمترین توهین باشد.

Calling his words 'clucking' might be the least of insults.

Subjunctive clause as subject.

8

فریادِ حق‌طلبی در گلویش به قدقد کردنی حقیرانه بدل گشت.

The cry for justice in his throat turned into a wretched clucking.

Formal transformation 'badal gasht'.

Common Collocations

شروع به قدقد کردن
صدای قدقد
قدقدِ مداوم
قدقدِ بیجا
مرغ قدقدو
قدقد کردن برای تخم
قدقد کردن و نوک زدن
قدقدِ ترسناک
قدقد کردن در سحر
بسه دیگه قدقد!

Common Phrases

قدقد نکن

— Stop nagging or complaining. Used when someone is being annoying.

انقدر درباره پول قدقد نکن.

مرغ قدقدو

— A clucking hen. Often used as a nickname for a talkative person.

او مثل یک مرغ قدقدو است.

صدای قدقد

— The sound of clucking. Used to describe a literal or figurative noise.

صدای قدقدش کل خانه را گرفته.

قدقد کردنِ بیهوده

— Pointless clucking. Talking about things that don't matter.

این‌ها فقط قدقد کردن بیهوده است.

شروع کرد به قدقد کردن

— He/She started nagging. Indicates the beginning of an annoying talk.

باز هم شروع کرد به قدقد کردن.

قدقدِ مرغانه

— Hen-like clucking. Used to describe a specific style of petty talk.

لحن قدقدِ مرغانه داشت.

قدقد و غارغار

— Clucking and croaking. A general term for animal noises or chaos.

توی حیاط پر از قدقد و غارغار بود.

قدقدِ پس از تخم

— The clucking after laying an egg. Used metaphorically for boasting after a small task.

برای یک کار کوچک، قدقد پس از تخم راه انداخته.

قدقدِ عصبی

— Nervous clucking. Fast, anxious talking.

با قدقد عصبی جواب داد.

گوشم از قدقد پر است

— My ears are full of clucking. I'm tired of hearing the nagging.

دیگر گوشم از قدقد تو پر است.

Often Confused With

قدقد کردن vs غرغر کردن (Ghorghor kardan)

Ghorghor is grumbling/muttering; ghodghod is high-pitched nagging/clucking.

قدقد کردن vs نق زدن (Negh zadan)

Negh is whining (often used for kids); ghodghod is repetitive and annoying (often used for adults).

قدقد کردن vs وراجی کردن (Varāji kardan)

Varāji is just talking too much; ghodghod has a specific tone of complaint.

Idioms & Expressions

"مرغی که قدقد می‌کند، تخم می‌گذارد"

— A hen that clucks, lays eggs. Used to say that making a fuss often precedes results, or sometimes that talkative people actually do something.

نگران نباش، مرغی که قدقد می‌کند تخم می‌گذارد.

Informal/Proverb
"قدقدش برای ماست، تخمش برای همسایه"

— The clucking is for us, the egg is for the neighbor. We get the trouble/noise, but someone else gets the benefit.

ما فقط قدقدش را می‌شنویم، تخمش برای دیگران است.

Informal/Idiom
"مثل مرغ سرکنده قدقد کردن"

— To cluck like a beheaded chicken. To talk or act frantically and without direction.

از ترس مثل مرغ سرکنده قدقد می‌کرد.

Informal/Slang
"قدقدِ بی‌وقت"

— Untimely clucking. Complaining at the wrong time.

قدقد بی‌وقت نکن، الان وقتش نیست.

Neutral
"تا تخم نگذارد، قدقد نمی‌کند"

— She won't cluck until she lays an egg. Someone who only speaks up when they have achieved something.

او تا تخم نگذارد قدقد نمی‌کند؛ صبور باش.

Informal
"صدای قدقدش گوش فلک را کر کرده"

— His/Her clucking has deafened the sky. Making a huge fuss over something small.

برای یک ریال، صدای قدقدش گوش فلک را کر کرد.

Informal/Exaggeration
"قدقد کردن در گوش کسی"

— To cluck in someone's ear. To nag someone directly and incessantly.

تمام شب توی گوشم قدقد کرد.

Informal
"قدقدِ توخالی"

— Hollow clucking. Empty threats or meaningless complaints.

حرف‌هایش فقط قدقد توخالی بود.

Neutral
"قدقد کردن سرِ هیچ"

— Clucking over nothing. Nagging for no reason.

چرا سر هیچ قدقد می‌کنی؟

Informal
"از قدقد به ستوه آمدن"

— To be driven mad by clucking. Being extremely frustrated by someone's nagging.

از قدقد کردن‌هایش به ستوه آمدم.

Neutral/Formal

Easily Confused

قدقد کردن vs غرغر (Ghorghor)

Both are onomatopoeic and relate to complaining.

Ghorghor is a low, internal sound. Ghodghod is a loud, external, bird-like sound.

He grumbled (ghorghor) to himself, but clucked (ghodghod) at me.

قدقد کردن vs قوقولی قوقو (Ghughuly-ghughu)

Both are chicken sounds.

Ghughuly is the rooster's crow (cock-a-doodle-doo). Ghodghod is the hen's cluck.

The rooster crows at dawn, the hen clucks after laying an egg.

قدقد کردن vs جیو جیو (Jiv-jiv)

Both are bird sounds.

Jiv-jiv is for small birds or chicks (chirping). Ghodghod is for adult hens.

The chicks chirp, their mother clucks.

قدقد کردن vs قارقار (Ghār-ghār)

Both start with 'gh' and are bird sounds.

Ghār-ghār is the sound of a crow (caw-caw).

The crow caws, the hen clucks.

قدقد کردن vs قد (Ghad)

The first syllable is the same.

Ghad means height or stature. It has nothing to do with clucking.

Ghad-e u boland ast (His height is tall).

Sentence Patterns

A1

[Subject] [ghodghod] mikonad.

Morgh ghodghod mikonad.

A2

[Subject] dar [Place] [ghodghod] kard.

Morgh dar hayāt ghodghod kard.

B1

Beseh digeh, [ghodghod] nakon!

Beseh digeh, ghodghod nakon!

B1

[Subject] dārad darbare-ye [Topic] [ghodghod] mikonad.

U dārad darbare-ye pul ghodghod mikonad.

B2

Az [ghodghod] kardan-e [Person] khasteh shodam.

Az ghodghod kardan-e hamkāram khasteh shodam.

C1

[Noun] be [ghodghod] kardan tashbih shodeh ast.

Harfhāyash be ghodghod kardan tashbih shodeh ast.

C2

In faghat yek [ghodghod]-e bi-mohtavāst.

In faghat yek ghodghod-e bi-mohtavāst.

B2

Harchih bishtar [ghodghod] koni, kamtar natijeh migiri.

Harchih bishtar ghodghod koni, kamtar natijeh migiri.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

Related

How to Use It

frequency

High in rural and informal domestic contexts.

Common Mistakes
  • Using 'ghodghod zadan' instead of 'ghodghod kardan'. قدقد کردن

    Persian compound verbs have specific light verbs. 'Kardan' is the only one used with 'ghodghod'.

  • Using 'ghodghod' for a rooster. قوقولی قوقو کردن

    Roosters crow; they don't cluck. Using the wrong word shows a lack of basic animal vocabulary.

  • Pronouncing it as 'god-god' with a hard G. قدقد (Ghodghod)

    The 'Gh' (ق) sound is essential for the onomatopoeia to work.

  • Confusing 'ghodghod' with 'ghorghor' in a serious context. بستگی به بافت دارد (Depends on context)

    If someone is seriously complaining, calling it 'ghodghod' might be too dismissive or rude.

  • Forgetting the 'mi-' prefix in the present tense. قدقد می‌کند

    Beginners often say 'ghodghod konad' for 'it clucks,' but that is the subjunctive form.

Tips

Master the 'Gh'

The success of this word depends on the 'Gh' sound. It should be deep and resonant, not a light 'g'.

Farm vs. Home

Always remember that in a farm, it's a fact; at home, it's an insult. Choose your audience wisely!

Light Verb

Never forget that 'kardan' is the engine of this verb. Practice its conjugation to use 'ghodghod' effectively.

Pair with 'Morgh'

The word 'morgh' (hen) is the most common companion. Learn them together as a set.

Village Vibes

Use this word when trying to evoke a rural or traditional Iranian atmosphere in your writing.

Use for Comedy

In a friendly setting, calling a talkative friend a 'morgh-e ghodghodoo' can be a funny joke.

Know the Grumble

Distinguish it from 'ghorghor.' If it's loud and repetitive, it's 'ghodghod.' If it's low and bitter, it's 'ghorghor.'

Listen for the Pattern

Because it repeats (ghod-ghod), it's one of the easiest words to catch in a fast conversation.

Sensory Writing

Use the word to create 'auditory imagery' in your stories. It makes the scene feel alive.

Sound Mimicry

The best way to remember it is to actually make the sound. Ghod-ghod! It sticks in your brain immediately.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'GHOst' that 'D'rops 'GHOst' 'D'iamonds. Ghod-Ghod. The hen is surprised by the ghost and clucks!

Visual Association

Imagine a hen wearing a crown, clucking loudly because she's proud of her egg. The sound 'ghod-ghod' is her royal announcement.

Word Web

مرغ (Hen) تخم (Egg) حیاط (Yard) صدا (Sound) اذیت (Annoyance) نق (Nag) جوجه (Chick) دانه (Seed)

Challenge

Try to use 'ghodghod kardan' in a sentence about a co-worker today (privately!). Think: 'Why is he ghodghod kardan again?'

Word Origin

Purely onomatopoeic in origin. It mimics the sound made by poultry.

Original meaning: The sound of a hen.

Indo-European (Persian branch).

Cultural Context

Be careful using it for people; it can imply they are 'brainless' like a chicken.

Similar to 'henpecking' or 'clucking' in English, but 'ghodghod' is more focused on the repetitive sound of the complaint.

Children's song: 'Morgh-e ghod-ghodoo' Fable: The hen that laid the golden egg (Persian version) Idiom: Morgh-e hamsāye ghāz ast (The neighbor's hen is a goose)

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

On a farm

  • مرغ‌ها قدقد می‌کنند
  • صدای قدقد مرغ
  • دانه برای قدقدوها
  • قدقد بعد از تخم

During an argument

  • قدقد نکن!
  • از قدقدت خسته شدم
  • چرا قدقد می‌کنی؟
  • بسه دیگه قدقد!

Reading a children's book

  • مرغ قدقدو
  • خانم مرغه قدقد کرد
  • صدای قشنگ قدقد
  • قدقد برای جوجه‌ها

Describing a busy place

  • مثل لونه مرغ قدقد می‌کنند
  • صدای قدقد و شلوغی
  • همه در حال قدقد بودند
  • بازار و قدقد کردن‌ها

Talking about habits

  • عادت به قدقد کردن
  • همیشه قدقد می‌کند
  • قدقد کردن دائمی
  • دست از قدقد بردار

Conversation Starters

"آیا تا به حال صدای قدقد کردن مرغ را از نزدیک شنیده‌ای؟"

"چرا بعضی از مردم همیشه در حال قدقد کردن هستند؟"

"در فرهنگ شما، صدای مرغ را چطور توصیف می‌کنند؟"

"وقتی کسی قدقد می‌کند، شما چه واکنشی نشان می‌دهید؟"

"آیا داستانی درباره یک مرغ قدقدو بلد هستی؟"

Journal Prompts

امروز چه کسی در اطراف شما قدقد می‌کرد؟ درباره‌اش بنویسید.

تفاوت بین قدقد کردن و حرف زدن منطقی از نظر شما چیست؟

یک خاطره از سفر به روستا و شنیدن صدای قدقد مرغ‌ها بنویسید.

اگر می‌توانستید زبان مرغ‌ها را بفهمید، فکر می‌کنید وقتی قدقد می‌کنند چه می‌گویند؟

چرا استفاده از نام حیوانات برای توصیف رفتار انسان‌ها (مثل قدقد کردن) جالب است؟

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, in Persian, 'ghodghod' is specifically for hens. For roosters, use 'ghughuly ghughu kardan' or 'khāndan' (to sing/crow).

Yes, it can be quite informal and slightly insulting, as it compares the person to a chicken and their speech to meaningless noise. Use it with caution.

The best equivalents are 'to nag,' 'to cluck over something,' or 'to make a fuss about nothing.'

You can use 'ghodghod' or 'ghodghod kardan' (the gerund). For example: 'Sadā-ye ghodghod' (The sound of clucking).

As a verb, no. As a noun referring to instances of nagging, you can say 'ghodghod kardan-hā'.

Rarely, unless the author is describing a farm or using it for a specific metaphorical effect. It's more of a colloquial and descriptive word.

No, it is strictly for hens. Each animal has its own specific onomatopoeic verb in Persian.

It is an onomatopoeic root, meaning it was created to imitate the actual sound of the bird.

Yes, 'ghatghat' is not a standard sound for a hen. 'Ghodghod' is the correct and only term for clucking.

Yes, this is the present continuous form and is the most common way to describe a hen currently making the sound.

Test Yourself 200 questions

writing

Write a sentence describing a hen in a yard using 'ghodghod kardan'.

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writing

Write a short dialogue where one person tells another to stop nagging using 'ghodghod kardan'.

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writing

Describe the difference between 'ghodghod' and 'ghorghor' in Persian.

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writing

Write a sentence in the past continuous tense about hens in a village.

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writing

Use 'ghodghod kardan' in a metaphorical way about a politician.

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writing

Explain why 'ghodghod' is an onomatopoeic word.

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writing

Write a short story (3 sentences) about a hen that lost its voice.

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writing

Create a slogan for a quiet office using 'ghodghod kardan'.

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writing

Write a sentence using 'ghodghod kardan' and 'morgh-e ghodghodoo'.

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writing

Translate: 'The hens were clucking all night long.'

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writing

Write a sentence using the subjunctive form of 'ghodghod kardan'.

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writing

Describe a farm scene using at least three animal sounds, including 'ghodghod'.

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writing

Write a humorous complaint about a talkative neighbor.

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writing

Translate: 'Stop clucking and start working!'

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writing

Use 'ghodghod kardan' in a sentence about a cartoon character.

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writing

Explain the social register of this word when applied to humans.

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writing

Write a sentence using 'ghodghod kardan' in the future tense.

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writing

Describe the sound of a hen using Persian adjectives.

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writing

Write a sentence comparing a hen's clucking to a human's nagging.

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writing

Translate: 'I heard the clucking from the garden.'

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speaking

Pronounce 'قدقد کردن' clearly three times.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Describe a scene on a farm using 'ghodghod kardan'.

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speaking

Tell a friend to stop nagging using the phrase 'ghodghod nakon'.

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speaking

Explain the difference between 'ghodghod' and 'ghorghor' out loud.

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speaking

Tell a short joke involving a clucking hen.

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speaking

Conjugate 'ghodghod kardan' in the present continuous tense.

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speaking

Talk about a person you know who 'ghodghod's a lot (without names!).

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speaking

Repeat: 'Morgh dar hayāt ghodghod mikonad'.

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speaking

Describe your favorite animal sound in Persian, including 'ghodghod'.

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speaking

Roleplay: You are a farmer and the hens are making too much noise.

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speaking

Explain why 'ghodghod' is an onomatopoeic word in Persian.

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speaking

Use 'ghodghod kardan' in a sentence about a busy market.

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speaking

Conjugate 'ghodghod kardan' in the past simple for all pronouns.

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speaking

Express frustration using the word 'ghodghod'.

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speaking

Describe a hen's behavior after laying an egg.

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speaking

Compare the sounds of a hen and a rooster in Persian.

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speaking

Tell a story about a 'morgh-e ghodghodoo'.

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speaking

Practice the 'Gh' sound in 'ghodghod' repeatedly.

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speaking

Describe the atmosphere of a village using 'ghodghod'.

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speaking

Ask a question about why the hens are clucking.

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listening

Listen to the sentence: 'مرغ قدقد کرد.' What did the hen do?

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listening

Listen: 'انقدر قدقد نکن.' Is the speaker happy or annoyed?

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listening

Listen for the verb: 'او تمام روز در حال قدقد کردن بود.'

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listening

Listen: 'صدای قدقد از کجا می‌آید؟' What is the speaker asking?

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listening

Listen: 'مرغ قدقدو تخم گذاشت.' What kind of hen laid an egg?

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listening

Listen for the animal: 'صدای قدقد مرغ را شنیدی؟'

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listening

Listen: 'بسه دیگه قدقد!' What does the speaker want to stop?

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listening

Listen: 'مرغ‌ها با هم قدقد می‌کردند.' Were the hens clucking alone or together?

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listening

Listen for the tense: 'مرغ قدقد خواهد کرد.'

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listening

Listen: 'قدقد مرغ نشانه شادی است.' What is the clucking a sign of here?

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listening

Listen: 'او مدام قدقد می‌کند.' Does he do it once or constantly?

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listening

Listen: 'صدای قدقد در باران گم شد.' What happened to the sound?

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listening

Listen: 'چرا مرغ قدقد نمی‌کند؟' What is the speaker worried about?

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listening

Listen for the location: 'در لانه صدای قدقد می‌پیچید.'

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listening

Listen: 'قدقد کردن او مرا دیوانه کرد.' How did the listener feel?

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/ 200 correct

Perfect score!

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