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B1 adjective #7,500 most common 12 min read

کدر

kadar Top 7,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips کدر in 30 Seconds

Explanation کدر in your Level:

At the A1 level, think of 'kadar' (کدر) as a word to describe something that is not clean or clear. Imagine a glass of water with a little bit of dirt in it. The water is not 'shaffaf' (clear); it is 'kadar'. You can use it for simple things like 'kadar' water or a 'kadar' window. It is the opposite of 'clean' or 'clear' in a visual way. For example: 'In āb kadar ast' (This water is cloudy). You don't need to worry about the poetic or complex meanings yet. Just focus on things you can see, like dirty glasses or dusty mirrors. It's a useful word when you are talking about cleaning the house or looking at the weather on a dusty day. Remember, it usually means something is a bit 'dirty' or 'not bright'. If your tea looks strange and not clear, you can say it is 'kadar'. This level of understanding is perfect for basic daily needs.

At the A2 level, you can start using 'kadar' to describe more objects around you. You might use it to talk about old things that have lost their shine. For example, an old toy or an old car might have 'kadar' colors. This means the colors are not bright anymore; they look a bit gray or dull. You can also use it to describe the sky when there is a lot of pollution or dust, but no rain clouds. In Iran, especially in big cities, the air is often 'kadar'. You can also use the verb 'kadar shodan' which means 'to become cloudy'. For example: 'Havā kadar shod' (The air became hazy). You are expanding from just 'is' to 'becoming'. You might also hear it in the kitchen when someone is washing dishes. If a glass has spots on it, it is 'kadar'. This word helps you give more detail than just saying 'bad' or 'dirty'. It specifically tells the listener that the problem is about how light passes through the object.

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'kadar' in a variety of contexts, including physical, aesthetic, and basic metaphorical ones. You understand that 'kadar' describes a lack of transparency or luster. You can use it to talk about gemstones ('In firuzeh kadar ast' - This turquoise is dull), medical symptoms ('Edrār-e kadar' - Cloudy urine), or photography ('Aks kadar shod' - The photo came out dull/low contrast). You also start to see the connection between 'kadar' and the noun 'kodurat'. While 'kadar' is an adjective for things, 'kodurat' is a noun often used for feelings. At this level, you can distinguish between 'kadar' (cloudy/opaque), 'māt' (matte), and 'tār' (blurry). You know that 'kadar' usually implies a negative state—something that was once clear but isn't now. You can use it to describe the 'kadar' atmosphere of a room with old, faded wallpaper or a 'kadar' light coming from a dirty bulb. This adds a layer of descriptive richness to your Persian.

At the B2 level, 'kadar' becomes a tool for more nuanced description. You can use it to describe the quality of light in a painting or the 'kadar' tone of a piece of music that feels muffled or lacks brilliance. You understand the technical difference between 'kadar' and 'māt' in professional contexts like car painting or interior design. You can also use it metaphorically to describe a person's state of mind or the 'kadar' look in their eyes when they are tired or dishonest. You are aware of the Ezafe constructions and compound verbs like 'kadar jelveh dādan' (to make something appear dull). You can participate in discussions about environmental issues, using 'kadar' to describe the effect of 'riz-gard-ha' (micro-dust) on the visibility of the city. You also begin to recognize 'kadar' in literature, where it might symbolize a clouded soul or a period of historical decline. Your usage is no longer just about 'dirty water' but about the subtle interplay of light and clarity in the world around you.

At the C1 level, your understanding of 'kadar' is deep and multifaceted. You can use it to discuss philosophical or abstract concepts. For instance, you might describe a 'kadar' argument—one that is not clear, is filled with logical fallacies, or is intentionally obfuscated. You are familiar with the literary uses of the word in classical and modern Persian poetry, where 'kadar' often contrasts with the 'shaffafiyat' of the mystical heart or the 'safā' (purity) of a spiritual state. You can use the word and its derivatives (like 'mokaddar' - saddened/clouded) in formal writing and high-level discourse. You understand the social nuances of 'kodurat' (resentment) and how to use it in complex sentences about interpersonal relationships. You can describe the 'kadar' texture of a historical era, implying it was a time of confusion and lack of progress. Your vocabulary is precise enough to choose 'kadar' over five other synonyms to convey exactly the right amount of opacity or dullness in a technical or artistic critique.

At the C2 level, you have a complete mastery of 'kadar' and its entire etymological family. You can trace its usage from Middle Persian influences to its current role in modern scientific and literary Persian. You use it with the precision of a native speaker, employing it in sophisticated metaphors that touch on the 'kadar' nature of reality or the 'kadar' boundaries between different schools of thought. You are comfortable with archaic or highly formal variations of the word found in classical texts. You can explain the subtle difference between 'kadar', 'tira-gi', and 'zulmat' in a theological or cosmological discussion. In your own writing, you use 'kadar' to create atmosphere, perhaps describing the 'kadar' reflections in a stagnant pool as a mirror for a decaying society. You understand the word not just as a descriptor of physical opacity, but as a fundamental concept in Persian aesthetics and ethics, representing the 'veil' that hides the truth or the 'rust' that accumulates on the mirror of the soul. Your command of the word is absolute, allowing for creative and evocative linguistic expressions.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

کدر in 30 Seconds

Kadar means cloudy, opaque, or dull.
It describes things that are not clear, like muddy water or dusty glass.
It is the opposite of 'shaffaf' (transparent/clear).
Metaphorically, it can mean a lack of clarity in mood or thoughts.

The Persian word کدر (pronounced as 'kadar') is a versatile adjective primarily used to describe the lack of transparency, clarity, or brightness in an object or substance. At its most literal level, it refers to physical opacity. Imagine looking through a window that hasn't been cleaned in years; the glass is no longer clear, but rather kadar. Similarly, if you pour milk into a glass of water, the liquid loses its clarity and becomes cloudy or opaque. This physical state is the core essence of the word. However, its usage extends far beyond simple physical transparency into the realms of aesthetics, emotions, and even meteorology.

Physical State: Used for liquids like water or oil that contain impurities, or surfaces like mirrors and gemstones that have lost their shine. For example, an old diamond that has accumulated dust and scratches would be described as having a ظاهر کدر (kadar appearance).

In the world of art and design, کدر describes colors that are muted, dull, or 'muddy'. Instead of a vibrant, electric blue, a kadar blue would be grayish and lacking in saturation. This distinction is crucial for artists and decorators who need to differentiate between 'matte' (which can be a deliberate stylistic choice) and 'kadar' (which often implies a loss of quality or unwanted dullness). When a car's paint job fades due to sun exposure, Persians will say the color has become kadar.

آب برکه به دلیل وجود گل و لای کاملاً کدر شده است.

Translation: The pond water has become completely cloudy due to the presence of mud and silt.

Furthermore, the word appears frequently in medical and scientific contexts. A doctor might describe a patient's urine or a sample of biological fluid as kadar to indicate the presence of infection or particulate matter. In meteorology, it can describe a sky that isn't quite cloudy with distinct clouds, but is hazy, dusty, or smog-filled, preventing a clear view of the sun or stars. This nuance makes it a vital word for describing the environment in polluted urban centers like Tehran, where the air often feels heavy and 'opaque'.

چراغ‌های ماشین قدیمی و کدر بودند و جاده را به خوبی روشن نمی‌کردند.

Atmospheric Usage: When the air is thick with dust or pollution, obscuring the horizon, the atmosphere is described as kadar. This isn't the same as 'abri' (cloudy), but rather a lack of atmospheric transparency.

To use کدر correctly, one must understand its negative or neutral connotation. It rarely describes something positive. Unlike 'matte' (مات) which can be a trendy finish for a phone or a car, kadar usually suggests that something should be clear or bright but isn't. It implies a degradation of quality. If you are buying a gemstone, 'kadar' is a defect. If you are cleaning a mirror, 'kadar' is the state you are trying to fix. In literature, it can even describe a person's eyes when they lose their spark due to illness or sadness.

رنگ دیوارهای اتاق بعد از سال‌ها کدر و مرده به نظر می‌رسید.

In summary, کدر is the essential Persian adjective for everything that has lost its clarity. From the water we drink to the air we breathe, and from the jewels we wear to the memories we hold, if it is no longer 'shaffaf' (transparent) or 'roshan' (bright), it is likely kadar. Understanding this word allows you to describe a wide range of sensory experiences with precision and emotional weight.

Using کدر in a sentence requires an understanding of its role as an adjective. It typically follows the noun it modifies using the Ezafe construction (e.g., āb-e kadar) or acts as a predicate adjective after a linking verb like 'shodan' (to become) or 'budan' (to be). Below, we explore various contexts where this word shines—or rather, describes the lack of shine.

Describing Liquids: When talking about water, tea, or any liquid that should be clear but isn't.
Example: In chāy be khatere mānde-gi kadar shode ast. (This tea has become cloudy because it's been sitting for a while.)

لیوان‌ها را خوب بشور تا کدر باقی نمانند.

Wash the glasses well so they don't remain cloudy/opaque.

Notice how in the example above, kadar describes the residue left on glassware. This is a very common daily usage. If you go to a restaurant and the glasses aren't sparkling, you might complain that they are kadar. This usage is perfectly neutral and practical.

Describing Light and Surfaces: Used for mirrors, windows, or metallic surfaces.
Example: Āyene-ye hammām be khatere bokhar kadar shode bud. (The bathroom mirror had become opaque because of the steam.)

نور خورشید از پشت شیشه‌های کدر به سختی وارد اتاق می‌شد.

In more poetic or descriptive writing, kadar can be used to describe the 'look' in someone's eyes. This is a powerful way to convey illness, exhaustion, or even a lack of honesty. A 'kadar' gaze is the opposite of a 'shaffaf' (transparent/honest) one.

Another frequent application is in the automotive industry. Car enthusiasts often talk about 'kadar shodan-e cheragh-ha' (the clouding of headlights). Over time, plastic headlights oxidize and turn yellow and opaque. This physical transformation is the textbook definition of becoming kadar.

پولیش زدن باعث می‌شود رنگ کدر بدنه دوباره بدرخشد.

Describing Mood and Atmosphere: While less common than the physical usage, it can describe a 'gloomy' or 'dull' day where the sun is obscured by a thick, hazy layer.
Example: Hava-ye emruz kheyli kadar va gerefte ast. (Today's weather is very hazy and gloomy.)

Finally, in professional settings like gemology or manufacturing, kadar is a technical term. A diamond with 'kadar' inclusions is worth significantly less. In the textile industry, a fabric that has lost its luster after washing is described as having a kadar finish. By mastering these sentence patterns, you can describe everything from a dirty kitchen to a low-quality sapphire.

To truly master کدر, you need to know where it pops up in everyday Iranian life. It’s not just a word for textbooks; it’s a word for the kitchen, the car repair shop, the doctor’s office, and the jewelry bazaar. Let’s look at these real-world scenarios.

In the Kitchen (Ashpazkhaneh): You will hear this word most often when discussing cleanliness. If the dishwasher didn't do a good job, or if the water has too many minerals (hard water), the glasses come out with a white film. An Iranian mother might say: "Chera in livan-ha inghadr kadar hastan? Dobare beshur-shun!" (Why are these glasses so cloudy? Wash them again!)

سرکه می‌تواند لکه‌های کدر روی ظروف استیل را پاک کند.

Vinegar can remove the dull spots on stainless steel dishes.

In the jewelry markets of Isfahan or Tehran, kadar is a word of caution. When examining a turquoise (firuzeh) or a diamond, the buyer looks for 'shaffafiyat' (clarity). If the stone looks milky or has no 'ab' (water/luster), the jeweler might admit: "In sang kami kadar ast, baraye hamin arzuntar midam." (This stone is a bit opaque/dull, that's why I'm giving it cheaper.)

You’ll also hear it at the mechanic's. Modern cars have plastic headlight covers that turn yellow and 'kadar' over time due to UV rays. A mechanic might suggest: "Cheragh-hat kadar shodan, bayad khat-o-khash-esho begiram." (Your headlights have become opaque; I need to buff out the scratches.) This is a very common maintenance conversation in Iran.

روغن موتور اگر سیاه و کدر شود، یعنی زمان تعویض آن رسیده است.

In Health and Beauty: Skincare commercials in Persian often use the word kadar to describe 'dull' skin that lacks a healthy glow. They promise products that will transform pust-e kadar (dull skin) into pust-e shaffaf (clear/radiant skin).

Finally, in the news or environmental reports, especially in cities like Ahvaz or Tehran, you will hear about hava-ye kadar. When the dust levels (riz-gard-ha) rise, the sky loses its blue color and turns a dusty, brownish-gray. This specific visual quality of the air is perfectly captured by the word kadar. It conveys a sense of suffocation and lack of visibility that 'cloudy' (abri) simply does not.

به دلیل گرد و غبار، آسمان امروز کاملاً کدر است.

By listening for kadar in these contexts, you'll notice it's a word used to identify problems—things that need cleaning, fixing, or treating. It’s a practical word for a world that isn't always sparkling clean.

For English speakers learning Persian, the word کدر can be tricky because English uses several different words (cloudy, opaque, dull, matte, tarnished) depending on the object. Here are the most common pitfalls to avoid.

Mistake 1: Confusing 'Kadar' with 'Abri' (Cloudy Weather): In English, we say the sky is 'cloudy' when there are actual clouds (cumulus, stratus, etc.). In Persian, that is ابری (abri). If you say the sky is kadar, you mean it is hazy, smoggy, or dusty. Don't use kadar just because you see white clouds; use it when the air itself feels 'dirty' or opaque.

اشتباه: امروز هوا کدر است (وقتی منظور ابری بودن است).

Another common error is confusing کدر with تیره (tireh - dark). While a kadar color is often darkish because it lacks brightness, the two are not the same. A 'tireh' blue can be very deep, rich, and clear (like the ocean at night). A 'kadar' blue is muddy and grayish. Think of 'tireh' as a matter of value (dark vs. light) and 'kadar' as a matter of clarity (muddy vs. clear).

Mistake 2: 'Kadar' vs. 'Mat' (Matte): In modern design, 'matte' finishes (like on a laptop or car) are popular. The Persian word for matte is مات (māt). While kadar and māt both describe non-shiny surfaces, māt is usually a neutral or positive stylistic description, whereas kadar implies that the shine has been lost due to age, dirt, or poor quality.

A third mistake involves the word تار (tār - blurry). This is a common confusion in photography or vision. If your vision is tār, things are out of focus. If the glass you are looking through is kadar, the light is being blocked or scattered by dirt. You can see through a tār lens (it's just blurry), but it's hard to see through a kadar lens (it's dirty/opaque).

درست: عینکم کدر شده است (نیاز به تمیز کردن دارد).
درست: تصویر تار است (نیاز به فوکوس دارد).

Mistake 3: Overusing 'Kadar' for 'Dirty': While a 'kadar' object is often dirty, 'kadar' is not a direct synonym for 'kasif' (dirty). 'Kasif' is a general term. 'Kadar' specifically describes the optical effect of that dirt. If there is a piece of mud on a clear window, the window is 'kasif'. If the whole window is covered in a thin layer of dust so you can't see through it clearly, it is 'kadar'.

Lastly, be careful with the word کدورت (kodurat). While it comes from the same root, in 90% of social conversations, it refers to a 'grudge' or 'unfriendliness' between people. If you say "Miyan-e ma kodurat ast," it doesn't mean you are physically foggy; it means there is bad blood or a misunderstanding between you and someone else. Learners often forget this metaphorical shift.

Persian has a rich vocabulary for describing light, clarity, and the lack thereof. Depending on the specific nuance you want to convey, you might choose one of these alternatives to کدر.

مات (Māt) - Matte / Opaque: Often used interchangeably with 'kadar' for glass (e.g., frosted glass is 'shisheh-ye māt'). However, 'māt' is more about the texture of the surface, while 'kadar' is about the loss of clarity. 'Māt' is often a deliberate design choice.
تار (Tār) - Blurry / Dim: Used for vision or photography. If you have cataracts, your vision might be described as 'kadar' (cloudy), but if you just need glasses, it's 'tār' (blurry). In classical poetry, 'tār' is also used for 'dark' or 'dim' (e.g., shab-e tār - dark night).
تیره (Tireh) - Dark / Gloomy: Refers to color value. A 'tireh' color is dark. A 'kadar' color is dull. You can have a light color (like pale yellow) that is 'kadar' (looks grayish and old), but it wouldn't be 'tireh'.

تفاوت:
آب کدر: آبی که گل‌آلود است.
آب تیره: آبی که عمق زیادی دارد و سیاه به نظر می‌رسد.

When describing liquids specifically, you might use ناصاف (nāsāf - not clear/impure) or گل‌آلود (gol-ālud - muddy). 'Gol-ālud' is much more specific than 'kadar'. All 'gol-ālud' water is 'kadar', but not all 'kadar' water is 'gol-ālud' (it could be cloudy due to chemicals or soap).

In a literary context, ظلمانی (zolmāni - pitch dark/abyssal) or تاریک (tārik - dark) are stronger alternatives for 'kadar' when describing a mood. While 'kadar' is a mild dullness, 'zolmāni' is a total absence of light. If you are describing a sad heart, del-e kadar implies a heart clouded by sorrow, whereas del-e tārik might imply a wicked or evil heart.

چرک (Cherk) - Dirty / Dingy: Often used for colors that look like they need a wash. A 'rang-e cherk' is a dingy, off-white or gray-ish color. While 'kadar' is about light transmission, 'cherk' is about the presence of grime.

Choosing the right word makes your Persian sound more natural. Use 'kadar' for the physics of light and the loss of brilliance, 'tireh' for the depth of color, and 'māt' for the texture of the surface. By contrasting these, you gain a high level of descriptive power.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The noun form 'kodurat' is one of the most common ways to talk about 'bad blood' between people in Iran. So, a word for dirty water became a word for dirty feelings!

Pronunciation Guide

UK /kæˈdær/

US /kæˈdær/

Stress is on the second syllable: ka-DAR.

Rhymes With

بدر (Badar) صدر (Sadar - though often pronounced 'sadr') قدر (Ghadar) ضرر (Zarar) خبر (Khabar) سفر (Safar) پدر (Pedar) هدر (Hadar)

Common Errors

Pronouncing it as 'koder' (like 'code'). It should be 'kadar'.
Over-emphasizing the 'r' like an American 'r'. It should be a light Persian tap.
Confusing the vowel sounds with 'kodurat' (which starts with 'ko').

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to recognize in texts, though sometimes confused with similar-looking Arabic roots.

Writing 4/5

Requires knowledge of the 'kadar shodan' compound verb structure.

Speaking 3/5

Pronunciation is straightforward but must avoid the 'koder' error.

Listening 4/5

Can be missed in fast speech or confused with 'ghadar' (power/amount).

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

آب (Water) رنگ (Color) هوا (Weather/Air) شیشه (Glass) تمیز (Clean)

Learn Next

شفاف (Transparent) مات (Matte) کدورت (Resentment) تار (Blurry) زلال (Crystal clear)

Advanced

مکدر (Saddened) تیرگی (Darkness/Opacity) ابهام (Ambiguity) سؤتفاهم (Misunderstanding)

Grammar to Know

Ezafe Construction

رنگِ کدر (The dull color)

Compound Verbs with Shodan

آب کدر شد (The water became cloudy)

Adjective Comparison

این شیشه کدرتر از آن یکی است (This glass is cloudier than that one)

Superlative Adjectives

کدرترین مایع در آزمایشگاه (The cloudiest liquid in the lab)

Adjectives acting as Nouns

کدرها را جدا کن (Separate the cloudy ones - rare but possible in context)

Examples by Level

این آب کدر است.

This water is cloudy.

Simple adjective use after 'ast' (is).

شیشه کدر شده است.

The glass has become opaque.

Use of 'shodeh ast' (has become).

من رنگ کدر را دوست ندارم.

I don't like the dull color.

Adjective following the noun with Ezafe (rang-e kadar).

آینه کدر است.

The mirror is cloudy.

Subject + Adjective + Verb.

چرا چای کدر است؟

Why is the tea cloudy?

Interrogative sentence with 'cherā'.

لیوان کدر را بشور.

Wash the cloudy glass.

Imperative sentence.

هوا امروز کدر است.

The air is hazy today.

Describing weather/atmosphere.

این الماس کدر است.

This diamond is dull.

Physical property description.

رنگ ماشین قدیمی و کدر شده بود.

The car's color had become old and dull.

Compound adjectives (ghadimi va kadar).

بعد از باران، آب رودخانه کدر شد.

After the rain, the river water became muddy/cloudy.

Temporal clause 'ba'd az baran'.

چشم‌های گربه در تاریکی کدر به نظر می‌رسید.

The cat's eyes looked cloudy in the darkness.

Verb 'be nazar residan' (to seem).

این پنجره‌ها خیلی کدر هستند، باید آن‌ها را پاک کنیم.

These windows are very opaque; we must clean them.

Use of 'bayad' (must).

او یک لباس با رنگ کدر پوشیده بود.

She was wearing a dress with a dull color.

Past continuous 'pushideh bud'.

نور چراغ به خاطر گرد و غبار کدر شده است.

The lamp light has become dim/cloudy due to dust.

Cause and effect with 'be khatere'.

آیا این مایع همیشه کدر است؟

Is this liquid always cloudy?

Adverb 'hamisheh' (always).

سطح فلز بعد از چند سال کدر می‌شود.

The metal surface becomes dull after a few years.

General truth in present tense.

به دلیل آلودگی، آسمان تهران همیشه کدر و خاکستری است.

Due to pollution, Tehran's sky is always hazy and gray.

Descriptive adjectives for environment.

اگر آب آکواریوم کدر شود، باید فیلتر را عوض کنید.

If the aquarium water becomes cloudy, you must change the filter.

Conditional 'agar' sentence.

او با نگاهی کدر به من خیره شد.

He stared at me with a dull/vacant gaze.

Metaphorical use of 'kadar' for eyes.

رنگ‌های کدر در این نقاشی حس غم را منتقل می‌کنند.

The dull colors in this painting convey a sense of sadness.

Subject is a plural noun phrase.

این روغن دیگر شفاف نیست و کاملاً کدر شده است.

This oil is no longer transparent and has become completely opaque.

Contrast between 'shaffaf' and 'kadar'.

جواهرساز گفت که این یاقوت به خاطر ناخالصی کدر است.

The jeweler said this ruby is opaque because of impurities.

Reported speech.

پوست او به دلیل خستگی کدر و بی‌روح شده بود.

Her skin had become dull and lifeless due to fatigue.

Adjectives for physical appearance.

نور خورشید از میان ابرهای کدر به سختی می‌تابید.

Sunlight was struggling to shine through the thick, opaque clouds.

Prepositional phrase 'az miyan-e'.

فضای سیاسی کشور پس از انتخابات کمی کدر به نظر می‌رسد.

The country's political atmosphere seems a bit clouded after the elections.

Abstract usage for atmosphere.

نویسنده با استفاده از واژه‌های کدر، ابهام داستان را بیشتر کرد.

The author increased the story's ambiguity by using 'opaque' words.

Instrumental 'ba' (by using).

این لنز دوربین به دلیل رطوبت کدر شده و عکس‌ها تار می‌افتند.

This camera lens has become cloudy due to humidity, and the photos are coming out blurry.

Distinguishing 'kadar' (cause) and 'tār' (effect).

در این آزمایش، محلول پس از ترکیب با اسید کدر می‌شود.

In this experiment, the solution becomes cloudy after mixing with acid.

Scientific process description.

خاطرات آن دوران در ذهن من کدر و مبهم شده‌اند.

The memories of that era have become dull and vague in my mind.

Metaphorical use for memories.

او سعی داشت با لبخندی کدر، ناراحتی خود را پنهان کند.

He tried to hide his upset with a dull/forced smile.

Adjective modifying an abstract noun (smile).

رنگ کدر دیوارها، نور اتاق را به کلی جذب می‌کرد.

The dull color of the walls was completely absorbing the room's light.

Describing physical properties of light.

برخی از منتقدان، سبک او را کدر و فاقد صراحت می‌دانند.

Some critics consider his style opaque and lacking in clarity.

Formal critique language.

شفافیت کلام او با جملات کدر و پیچیده از بین رفت.

The clarity of his speech was lost with opaque and complex sentences.

High-level contrast between 'shaffafiyat' and 'kadar'.

در متون کلاسیک، آینه کدر نمادی از روح آلوده به گناه است.

In classical texts, a cloudy mirror is a symbol of a soul tainted by sin.

Literary and symbolic analysis.

مذاکرات به دلیل بی‌اعتمادی متقابل در فضایی کدر پیش رفت.

The negotiations proceeded in a clouded atmosphere due to mutual distrust.

Describing social/political dynamics.

فلسفه او برای بسیاری از دانشجویان کدر و غیرقابل فهم باقی ماند.

His philosophy remained opaque and incomprehensible to many students.

Abstract adjective for intellectual concepts.

او با مهارتی خاص، مرز بین واقعیت و خیال را کدر کرده است.

With specific skill, he has blurred (made opaque) the boundary between reality and fantasy.

Transitive use with 'kardan' in a metaphorical sense.

کدورت هوا در کلان‌شهرها ناشی از ذرات معلق کمتر از ۲.۵ میکرون است.

The opacity of the air in megacities is caused by suspended particles smaller than 2.5 microns.

Use of the noun 'kodurat' in a technical context.

صدای کدر پیانو نشان‌دهنده کیفیت پایین چوب آن بود.

The dull sound of the piano indicated the low quality of its wood.

Synesthetic use (describing sound as 'kadar').

تاریخ‌نگاران این دوره را برهه‌ای کدر و پر از تناقض توصیف می‌کنند.

Historians describe this period as an opaque era full of contradictions.

Describing historical periods.

در غبار زمان، حقایق تاریخی کدر شده و به افسانه بدل گشته‌اند.

In the dust of time, historical truths have become clouded and turned into legends.

Highly poetic and metaphorical language.

ساختار کدر و تودرتوی بوروکراسی، مانع از هرگونه اصلاحات بنیادین می‌شد.

The opaque and convoluted structure of the bureaucracy prevented any fundamental reforms.

Complex noun phrases and political terminology.

هنرمند با لایه‌بندی رنگ‌های کدر، عمق فاجعه را به تصویر کشیده است.

The artist has depicted the depth of the tragedy by layering dull colors.

Artistic critique using gerund-like structures.

ابهام کدر در اشعار او، خواننده را به تاویل‌های گوناگون وامی‌دارد.

The opaque ambiguity in his poems compels the reader toward various interpretations.

Sophisticated vocabulary (ta'vil, vā-midārad).

او با چشمی کدر به افق‌های دوردست می‌نگریست، گویی هیچ امیدی باقی نمانده است.

He looked at the distant horizons with a dull eye, as if no hope remained.

Literary narrative style.

کدورت ذهن او ناشی از سال‌ها انزوا و دوری از اجتماع بود.

The cloudiness of his mind resulted from years of isolation and distance from society.

Psychological application of the root.

شفافیت بلورین منطق در برابر هجمه احساسات کدر و سرکش، رنگ باخت.

The crystalline transparency of logic faded against the onslaught of dull and rebellious emotions.

Advanced rhetorical devices and personification.

معماری کدر و بی‌روح این ساختمان‌ها، بازتابی از انحطاط فرهنگی عصر حاضر است.

The dull and lifeless architecture of these buildings is a reflection of the cultural decline of the present age.

Sociological and architectural critique.

Common Collocations

آب کدر

رنگ کدر

آسمان کدر

شیشه کدر

نگاه کدر

ادرار کدر

مایع کدر

چراغ کدر

آینه کدر

ذهن کدر

Common Phrases

کدر شدن

— To become cloudy, opaque, or dull.

رنگ نقره بعد از مدتی کدر می‌شود.

کدر کردن

— To make something cloudy or to tarnish something.

افزودن شیر، چای را کدر می‌کند.

کدر و مات

— A phrase used to describe something completely lacking shine.

او به دنبال رنگی کدر و مات برای کابینت‌ها بود.

کدر و تیره

— Dull and dark, often describing weather or mood.

هوا امروز کدر و تیره است.

کدر به نظر رسیدن

— To appear cloudy or dull.

این الماس در این نور کدر به نظر می‌رسد.

باقی ماندن کدر

— To remain cloudy (often after a failed cleaning).

با وجود شستن، لیوان‌ها کدر باقی ماندند.

کدر شدن چشم

— Clouding of the eyes (medical or emotional).

چشم‌هایش از غصه کدر شده بود.

کدر شدن رابطه

— The clouding of a relationship (becoming strained).

یک سؤتفاهم باعث کدر شدن رابطه آن‌ها شد.

فضای کدر

— A gloomy or unclear atmosphere.

فضای کدر اتاق او را دلگیر می‌کرد.

کدر و غبارآلود

— Cloudy and dusty.

افق کدر و غبارآلود بود.

Often Confused With

کدر vs تیره

Tireh means dark. Kadar means cloudy. A light yellow can be kadar (dull), but not tireh (dark).

کدر vs مات

Mat means matte/frosted. Kadar means cloudy/dirty. Mat is often a style; kadar is usually a defect.

کدر vs تار

Tar means blurry (out of focus). Kadar means opaque (light blocked by dirt/impurities).

Idioms & Expressions

"رفع کدورت کردن"

— To clear up a misunderstanding or grudge between two people.

آن‌ها بالاخره با هم صحبت کردند و رفع کدورت کردند.

Formal/Neutral

"آینه دل کدر شدن"

— A poetic way to say one's heart/soul has become tainted or saddened.

از حرف‌های او، آینه دلم کدر شد.

Literary

"کدورت داشتن"

— To hold a grudge or have a strained relationship with someone.

من با او هیچ کدورتی ندارم.

Neutral

"در پرده‌ای از کدر"

— To be hidden in a shroud of ambiguity or lack of clarity.

آینده پروژه در پرده‌ای از کدر باقی ماند.

Formal

"کدر کردن آب"

— Similar to 'muddying the waters', making a situation more confusing.

او فقط می‌خواست با این حرف‌ها آب را کدر کند.

Neutral

"چشم کدر داشتن به چیزی"

— To look at something without enthusiasm or with a pessimistic view.

او با چشمی کدر به موفقیت‌های دیگران می‌نگریست.

Literary

"کدورت خاطر"

— Annoyance or sadness caused by someone else's actions.

ببخشید اگر باعث کدورت خاطر شما شدم.

Formal

"گرد کدر بر چیزی نشستن"

— For something to lose its vitality or become forgotten/old.

گرد کدر بر خاطرات قدیمی ما نشسته است.

Poetic

"کدر شدن افق"

— A metaphor for a darkening or worsening future outlook.

با این خبر، افق‌های پیش رو کدر شدند.

Formal

"بی‌کدورت"

— Pure, without grudge, or perfectly clear.

او قلبی بی‌کدورت و مهربان دارد.

Literary

Easily Confused

کدر vs قدر

Sounds very similar (Ghadar vs Kadar).

Ghadar means amount, value, or power. Kadar means cloudy. The first letter is different (Ghaf vs Kaf).

من قدر (ghadar) این آب کدر (kadar) را می‌دانم.

کدر vs غدر

Similar sound in some dialects.

Ghadar (with Ghein) means betrayal. Kadar means cloudy.

خیانت و غدر، فضای رابطه را کدر کرد.

کدر vs کدر (Arabic verb)

Same spelling.

In Arabic, it can be a verb. In Persian, it is almost exclusively an adjective.

N/A (Persian context)

کدر vs کادر

Spelled with an extra 'Alef' (Kādar).

Kādar means 'staff' or 'frame'. Kadar means 'cloudy'.

کادر (kādar) بیمارستان به ادرار کدر (kadar) بیمار توجه کردند.

کدر vs خدر

Similar sound (Khadar vs Kadar).

Khadar (with Khe) means numbness. Kadar means cloudy.

پایم خدر (khadar) شده و دیدم کدر (kadar) است.

Sentence Patterns

[Noun] [Adjective] ast.

آب کدر است.

[Noun] kadar shod.

هوا کدر شد.

Be khatere [Reason], [Noun] kadar shodeh ast.

به خاطر گرد و غبار، شیشه کدر شده است.

[Noun]-e kadar-e [Noun]

رنگ کدر دیوار

Agar [Noun] kadar bashad, [Result].

اگر مایع کدر باشد، آزمایش را تکرار کنید.

[Abstract Noun] kadar be nazar mi-resad.

فضای سیاسی کدر به نظر می‌رسد.

Ba [Verb-ing], [Noun] ra kadar kard.

با دروغ گفتن، رابطه را کدر کرد.

[Poetic Subject] dar [Noun]-e kadar-e [Noun] ghargh shod.

او در افکار کدر خویش غرق شد.

Word Family

Nouns

کدورت (Kodurat) - Opacity / Resentment

کدری (Kadari) - The state of being cloudy

Verbs

کدر شدن (Kadar shodan) - To become cloudy

کدر کردن (Kadar kardan) - To make cloudy

مکدر کردن (Mokaddar kardan) - To sadden or cloud (formal)

Adjectives

کدر (Kadar) - Cloudy/Opaque

مکدر (Mokaddar) - Saddened/Clouded (formal)

کدرمانند (Kadar-mānand) - Cloudy-like

تاریکی (Tāriki) - Darkness

ماتی (Māti) - Mattness

غلظت (Ghelzat) - Thickness/Concentration

ناخالصی (Nākhalesi) - Impurity

ابهام (Ebhām) - Ambiguity

How to Use It

frequency

Common in daily speech, technical manuals, and environmental news.

Common Mistakes

Using 'kadar' for blurry vision. → Use 'tār' (تار).
If your glasses are dirty, they are 'kadar'. If your eyes can't focus, your vision is 'tār'.
Using 'kadar' for 'dark' colors. → Use 'tireh' (تیره).
'Tireh' is about the shade; 'kadar' is about the clarity and shine. A dark blue can be very clear and not 'kadar' at all.
Saying 'havā kadar ast' for a rainy day. → Use 'havā abri ast' (هوا ابری است).
'Kadar' weather means hazy or dusty, not necessarily cloudy with rain clouds.
Confusing 'kadar' with 'ghadar' (power). → Listen for the 'K' vs 'Gh' sound.
This is a common listening mistake. 'Ghadar' (قدر) is a very common word with a completely different meaning.
Using 'kadar' as a positive 'matte' description. → Use 'māt' (مات).
'Kadar' usually implies something is old, worn, or dirty, whereas 'māt' is a neutral or positive stylistic term.

Tips

Pair it with Shaffaf

To remember 'kadar', always think of it as the 'evil twin' of 'shaffaf' (clear). Whenever you see something clear, ask yourself: 'What would this look like if it were kadar?'

Watch the Ezafe

Remember to add the '-e' sound when 'kadar' follows a noun: 'āb-e kadar', 'rang-e kadar'. This is the most common mistake for beginners.

Use it for Feelings

Don't just use it for water! Using 'kodurat' to describe a strained relationship will make you sound very advanced and culturally aware.

Car Care

If you are in Iran and need your headlights fixed, use the word 'kadar' to explain the problem to the mechanic. They will know exactly what you mean.

Describe Colors

When painting or decorating, use 'kadar' for those 'muddy' colors that result from mixing too many opposites together. It's a very precise term in art.

Medical Accuracy

In a medical context, 'kadar' is the standard word for 'cloudy' or 'turbid' samples. It's an important word for describing symptoms to a doctor.

CEFR Progress

Moving from A1 (dirty water) to B2 (cloudy mood) to C2 (opaque bureaucracy) shows your progress in mastering this word's nuances.

Avoid 'Koder'

Many students accidentally say 'koder' because of English words like 'code'. Practice saying 'ka-dar' like 'cat-dark' without the 't' and 'k'.

Poetic Flair

In poetry, use 'kadar' to describe the 'dust' on someone's soul. It's a classic Persian literary trope.

Smog vs. Clouds

Use 'kadar' for the brown smog over cities. Use 'abri' for the pretty white clouds in the mountains. This distinction is very useful in Iran.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Kadar' as 'Cloudy-Dark'. The 'Ka' sounds like the start of 'Cloudy' (if you stretch it) and 'Dar' sounds like 'Dark'. Cloudy and Dark things are Kadar.

Visual Association

Imagine a glass of water that someone dropped a piece of 'Kadar' (Cheddar) cheese into. The water becomes 'Kadar' (cloudy)!

Word Web

Water Glass Pollution Eyes Colors Resentment Opacity Dullness

Challenge

Try to find three things in your room right now that are 'kadar' and describe why (e.g., a dusty screen, an old coin, a foggy window).

Word Origin

The word 'kadar' (کدر) has Arabic roots (k-d-r), but it has been fully integrated into Persian for centuries. In Arabic, 'kadar' refers to being turbid or muddy.

Original meaning: Turbid, muddy, or disturbed (referring to water).

Semitic (root), Indo-European (Persian usage)

Cultural Context

Be careful when using 'kadar' for skin or eyes in a social setting, as it can be taken as a comment on someone's health or hygiene.

English speakers often use 'cloudy' for liquids and 'dull' for colors. 'Kadar' covers both, which can be a helpful simplification.

Classical Persian Poetry: The 'clouded mirror' (āyene-ye kadar) as a metaphor for the ego. Modern Iranian Cinema: Often uses 'kadar' lighting to depict the gritty, smoggy reality of urban life in Tehran. Iranian Proverbs: 'Āb-e kadar daryā-st' (Cloudy water is still the sea) - implying essence remains even if the appearance is tainted.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Cleaning

شیشه کدر
پاک کردن لکه‌های کدر
براق کردن سطح کدر
مواد شوینده برای ظروف کدر

Weather Reports

آسمان کدر
کدورت هوا
کاهش دید به دلیل هوای کدر
غبار کدر

Art and Design

رنگ‌های کدر و مرده
ایجاد بافت کدر
تضاد رنگ شفاف و کدر
جلوه کدر

Medical

ادرار کدر
مایع مغزی-نخاعی کدر
عدسی کدر چشم
نمونه کدر

Relationships

رفع کدورت
ایجاد کدورت
قلب کدر
رابطه کدر

Conversation Starters

"آیا تا به حال متوجه شده‌اید که هوای شهر در تابستان کدرتر می‌شود؟"

"به نظر شما چرا بعضی از لیوان‌ها بعد از شستن در ماشین ظرفشویی کدر می‌مانند؟"

"در نقاشی، ترجیح می‌دهید از رنگ‌های درخشان استفاده کنید یا رنگ‌های کدر؟"

"چطور می‌توان کدورت‌های قدیمی بین دو دوست را از بین برد؟"

"آیا می‌دانستید که کدر شدن چراغ‌های ماشین می‌تواند خطرناک باشد؟"

Journal Prompts

امروز هوا چطور بود؟ آیا آسمان آبی و شفاف بود یا کدر و غبارآلود؟ توصیف کنید.

درباره زمانی بنویسید که یک سؤتفاهم باعث کدر شدن رابطه شما با کسی شد. چطور آن را حل کردید؟

اشیاء کدر در اطراف خود را پیدا کنید. چه حسی به شما می‌دهند؟ چرا کدر شده‌اند؟

اگر می‌توانستید رنگ‌های کدر یک روز غمگین را به رنگ‌های درخشان تبدیل کنید، چه می‌کردید؟

تفاوت بین 'مات' بودن (به عنوان یک انتخاب) و 'کدر' بودن (به عنوان یک نقص) را در زندگی روزمره شرح دهید.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Only if the sky looks 'dirty' from dust or smog. If there are actual white or gray rain clouds, use 'abri'. Using 'kadar' for weather specifically points to poor air quality or a hazy, indistinct horizon.

Kasif is the general word for 'dirty'. Kadar is a specific type of 'dirty' that affects how light passes through or reflects off something. A car can be kasif (covered in mud), and its windows can be kadar (so dusty you can't see through them).

You can use 'shaffaf kardan' (to make transparent) or 'zollāl kardan' (to make crystal clear). There isn't a single verb that is the direct opposite of 'kadar kardan' other than these.

Metaphorically, yes. It can describe a person's eyes (tired/vacant) or their mood (gloomy). However, the noun 'kodurat' is much more common when talking about people's feelings toward each other.

Usually, no. If you like the matte finish on a new phone, use 'māt'. If you say it's 'kadar', it sounds like the phone is old and the plastic is scratched or dirty.

This is a medical term for the clouding of the lens or cornea, often referring to cataracts (ab-morvarid) or other conditions that impair the transparency of the eye.

Yes, in a synesthetic or poetic way. A 'sedā-ye kadar' would be a muffled, dull sound that lacks 'brightness' or high frequencies, like a piano with old strings.

Yes, it is very common. You will hear it in everyday life, see it in the news, and find it in literature. It is a fundamental adjective in Persian.

The opposite would be 'shaffaf' (clear) or 'por-āshub' (sparkling/fiery - though 'derakhshan' is more common for general sparkle).

It is a short, tapped 'r' made by flicking the tip of the tongue against the roof of the mouth, similar to the 'tt' in the American pronunciation of 'butter'.