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Vocabulary
خم کردن

B1 verb #4,000 most common 6 min read

خم کردن

Q: Is there a specific tool called a 'kham-kon'?

Yes, in technical Persian, a 'kham-kon' (خمکن) refers to a machine or tool used for bending pipes or metal sheets. For example, 'lule-kham-kon' is a pipe bender.

kham kardan Top 4,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips خم کردن in 30 Seconds

Explanation خم کردن in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should learn 'kham kardan' as a simple physical action. Think of it as 'making something not straight'. You might use it when talking about your body, like bending your arm or leg. It's a 'doing' word. You use it with 'rā' for the object. Example: 'I bend the spoon.' It's important to know that 'kham' is the adjective and 'kardan' is the verb part that changes. Focus on the present tense 'kham mikonam' and simple past 'kham kardam'.

For A2 learners, 'kham kardan' expands into everyday instructions. You will encounter it in exercise contexts or basic DIY tasks. You should be able to distinguish between bending an object and bending yourself (kham shodan). You will also start using the imperative form 'kham kon' to give simple directions. You should know that it is used for things like pipes, branches, and body parts. This level also introduces the negative form 'kham nakardan'.

At the B1 level, you understand the nuances of this verb. You can use it in more complex sentences with adverbs, like 'slowly bending' or 'carefully bending'. You start to see the difference between 'kham kardan' (to bend) and 'tā kardan' (to fold). You also begin to recognize its use in common figurative expressions, such as 'bending one's head' to show respect. You can use it in various tenses like the present perfect (kham kardeh-am) and future (kham khāham kard).

At B2, you are expected to use 'kham kardan' in technical and literary contexts. You understand its role in describing physical properties of materials in a professional setting (like engineering or carpentry). You can handle passive constructions and more sophisticated compound structures. You also understand the cultural implications of 'sar kham kardan' in Iranian history and literature, often signifying resilience or submission. You can use it fluently in storytelling and detailed descriptions.

For C1 learners, 'kham kardan' is used with precision in academic and highly formal registers. You can discuss the physics of bending or the architectural use of curves using this verb or its more formal synonym 'enhenā dādan'. You are comfortable with all its idiomatic uses and can appreciate the subtle differences in meaning when it appears in classical Persian poetry. You can use it to describe abstract concepts, like 'bending the truth' or 'bending the law' (though other specific verbs might exist, the concept is understood).

At the C2 level, you have a masterly grasp of 'kham kardan'. You can use it to express the finest shades of meaning, including irony and sarcasm in social contexts. You understand the etymological roots and how it relates to other Indo-European words for bending. You can use the verb in complex rhetorical structures and identify its use in various dialects or historical texts. You can explain the subtle difference between 'kham kardan' and 'monhani kardan' in a scientific dissertation.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

خم کردن in 30 Seconds

Kham kardan means to bend something physically.
It is a compound verb using 'kham' (bent) and 'kardan' (to do).
It is used for objects (wires, pipes) and body parts (knees, back).
Metaphorically, it can mean to bow or yield to someone.

The Persian compound verb خم کردن (kham kardan) is a fundamental action verb that primarily describes the physical process of bending something. Whether you are dealing with a flexible object like a willow branch or a rigid material that requires significant force like a steel bar, this is the verb you need. It is composed of the adjective kham, meaning 'bent' or 'curved', and the auxiliary verb kardan, which translates to 'to do' or 'to make'. Together, they literally mean 'to make bent'. This verb is essential for beginners and intermediate learners because it appears in daily physical activities, sports, and formal etiquette.

Physical Manipulation: The most common usage involves changing the shape of an object. For instance, bending a spoon (قاشق را خم کردن) or bending a wire (سیم را خم کردن). It implies that the object remains in one piece but changes its angle or curvature.

او با احتیاط شاخه درخت را خم کرد تا میوه را بچیند.

Translation: He carefully bent the tree branch to pick the fruit.

Anatomy and Movement: In the context of the human body, this verb is used to describe articulating joints. You bend your knees (زانو زدن / زانو خم کردن), your waist (کمر خم کردن), or your neck (گردن خم کردن). This is vital for describing exercise, yoga, or simple physical movements like picking something up from the floor.

برای انجام این تمرین، باید کمر خود را به جلو خم کنید.

Translation: To do this exercise, you must bend your waist forward.

Social and Figurative Contexts: Metaphorically, 'kham kardan' can refer to yielding or surrendering. Bending one's head (سر خم کردن) often signifies showing respect to an elder or authority, but it can also mean admitting defeat or showing humility in the face of destiny or a powerful opponent.

او هیچ‌گاه در برابر ظلم سر خم نکرد.

Translation: He never bowed his head (yielded) in the face of oppression.

Using خم کردن correctly requires understanding its transitive nature. Since it is a compound verb, the tense markings and person endings are attached to kardan. The object of the bending is usually marked with the postposition rā if it is definite. Understanding the nuances of this verb allows you to describe everything from artistic sculpting to mechanical engineering.

The Basic Structure: [Subject] + [Object] + [rā] + [kham] + [Conjugated form of kardan]. For example: 'Man āhan rā kham kardam' (I bent the iron).

نجار قطعه چوب را با حرارت خم کرد.

Translation: The carpenter bent the piece of wood using heat.

Imperative Forms: In commands, especially in medical or fitness settings, you will hear 'kham kon' (singular) or 'kham konid' (plural/formal). 'Zānu-hā-ye khod rā kham konid' (Bend your knees).

لطفاً لوله را کمی بیشتر خم کن.

Translation: Please bend the pipe a little more.

Negative Constructions: To say someone 'did not bend', add the prefix 'na' to the auxiliary verb. 'Kham nakard'. This is often used in heroic poetry or political discourse to describe resilience.

او در برابر سختی‌ها زانو خم نکرد.

Translation: He did not bend his knees (did not give in) in the face of hardships.

The verb خم کردن is ubiquitous in Iranian life, spanning from the mundane to the highly poetic. You will encounter it in various professional and social environments. Understanding these contexts helps you grasp the cultural weight the word carries beyond its literal definition.

In the Workshop or Construction Site: Artisans, plumbers, and construction workers use this word constantly. Whether it's bending a pipe (لوله), a sheet of metal (ورق فلزی), or rebar (میلگرد), 'kham kardan' is the standard technical term. You might hear a master teaching an apprentice: 'Inja rā bayad bishtar kham koni' (You need to bend this part more).

آهنگر میله داغ را روی سندان خم کرد.

Translation: The blacksmith bent the hot rod on the anvil.

In Sports and Healthcare: If you visit a physiotherapist (فیزیوتراپ) or attend a gym class in Iran, you will hear this verb frequently. Instructions like 'Zānu-hā-ye-tān rā kham konid' (Bend your knees) or 'Kamar-tān rā be jolo kham konid' (Bend your waist forward) are standard. It is essential for following physical guidance.

مربی گفت: حالا دست‌هایتان را خم کنید.

Translation: The coach said: Now bend your arms.

In Literature and Formal Speech: Persian literature is rich with imagery of bending. A lover might 'bend their head' in the presence of the beloved, or a willow tree might 'bend' over a stream. In political speeches, 'sar kham kardan' (bending the head/bowing) is used to discuss national sovereignty and resisting foreign pressure.

Learning خم کردن involves navigating a few linguistic pitfalls. Because Persian has many compound verbs and similar-sounding words, learners often mix up the transitivity or the specific type of 'bending' or 'folding' intended. Avoiding these mistakes will make your Persian sound much more natural and precise.

Confusing 'Kham Kardan' with 'Tā Kardan': This is the most common error. 'Kham kardan' means to bend or curve (like a wire or a body part). 'Tā kardan' (تا کردن) means to fold (like paper, clothes, or a map). You don't 'kham' your laundry; you 'tā' it. Conversely, you don't 'tā' a metal rod unless you are literally folding it over on itself.

اشتباه: من کاغذ را خم کردم. (درست: تا کردم)

Note: Use 'tā kardan' for paper or fabric.

Transitive vs. Intransitive Mix-ups: Learners often say 'Kham kardam' when they mean 'I bent down' (themselves). If you are the one bending, you should use 'Kham shodam' (خم شدم). 'Kham kardam' requires an object—you must be bending *something* else, or a specific part of your body (like 'kamar-am rā kham kardam').

درست: او برای برداشتن کلید خم شد. (نه خم کرد)

Note: Use 'shodan' for the subject bending themselves.

While خم کردن is the most versatile term for bending, Persian offers several synonyms and related verbs that provide more specific meanings. Knowing when to use these alternatives will elevate your vocabulary from functional to sophisticated.

Kham kardan vs. Kaj kardan: 'Kham kardan' implies creating a curve or angle. 'Kaj kardan' (کج کردن) means to tilt, slant, or make something crooked. For example, if you tilt your head to the side, you use 'kaj kardan'. If you bow your head forward, you use 'kham kardan'.

Kham kardan vs. Enhenā dādan: 'Enhenā dādan' (انحنا دادن) is a more formal or technical term meaning 'to give a curvature'. It is often used in geometry, architecture, or formal writing. While 'kham kardan' is common in speech, 'enhenā dādan' sounds more precise and academic.

طراح به لبه‌های میز انحنا داد.

Translation: The designer gave curvature to the edges of the table.

Kham kardan vs. Tā kardan: As mentioned before, 'Tā kardan' is for folding. If you bend a piece of paper without making a sharp crease, you might say 'kham kardan'. Once you make that crease, it becomes 'tā kardan'.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The word 'kham' is cognate with the English word 'chamber' (via Latin camera/vaulted room) because of the curved or vaulted ceiling structure.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /xæm kær.dæn/

US /xæm kær.dæn/

The stress falls on the first syllable of the auxiliary verb: 'kar-'. So it is kham KÁR-dan.

Rhymes With

دم کردن (dam kardan) کم کردن (kam kardan) رم کردن (ram kardan) سم کردن (sam kardan) نم کردن (nam kardan) غم کردن (gham kardan) هم کردن (ham kardan) چم کردن (cham kardan)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'kh' as a hard 'k'.
Mixing up the 'a' sounds (using long 'ā' instead of short 'a').
Stressing the 'kham' instead of the 'kar' part.
Pronouncing 'kardan' like the English word 'garden'.
Ignoring the silent 'h' feel in the 'kh' sound.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

The word is easy to recognize in text as 'kham' is a short, distinct word.

Writing 3/5

Requires knowledge of compound verb conjugation and the 'kh' sound.

Speaking 3/5

The 'kh' sound can be challenging for English speakers initially.

Listening 2/5

Clearly audible in speech due to the unique 'kh' and 'm' sounds.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

کردن (To do) صاف (Straight) دست (Hand) آهن (Iron) بدن (Body)

Learn Next

شکستن (To break) تا کردن (To fold) پیچاندن (To twist) کشیدن (To pull/stretch) بریدن (To cut)

Advanced

انحنا (Curvature) تغییر شکل (Deformation) انعطاف‌پذیری (Flexibility) تسلیم شدن (To surrender) تواضع (Humility)

Grammar to Know

Compound Verb Conjugation

In 'خم کردن', only 'کردن' changes: 'خم می‌کنم', 'خم کردی', 'خم کرد'.

Transitive 'rā' usage

The object needs 'rā' if definite: 'میله را خم کرد' (He bent the rod).

Subjunctive with 'bāyad'

باید لوله را خم کنی (You must bend the pipe).

Intransitive vs Transitive pairs

خم کردن (To bend something) vs خم شدن (To bend/be bent).

Causative formation

Although rare, 'خماندن' exists as the causative of 'خم شدن'.

Examples by Level

من قاشق را خم می‌کنم.

I bend the spoon.

Present continuous (simple present used for habitual/current action).

او زانویش را خم کرد.

He bent his knee.

Simple past tense.

این خط‌کش را خم نکن.

Don't bend this ruler.

Negative imperative.

بچه شاخه را خم کرد.

The child bent the branch.

Simple past tense.

آیا می‌توانی این میله را خم کنی؟

Can you bend this rod?

Question with modal 'can'.

ما سیم را خم کردیم.

We bent the wire.

First person plural, simple past.

او کمرش را خم می‌کند.

She bends her back.

Third person singular, present tense.

آن‌ها لوله را خم کردند.

They bent the pipe.

Third person plural, simple past.

برای ورزش، باید دست‌هایتان را خم کنید.

For exercise, you must bend your arms.

Modal 'must' with subjunctive.

او با دقت کاغذ را خم کرد اما تا نکرد.

He carefully bent the paper but didn't fold it.

Contrast between bending and folding.

مادر زانو زد و کمرش را خم کرد.

The mother knelt and bent her back.

Compound sentence with two actions.

لطفاً لبه‌ی این فلز را خم کن.

Please bend the edge of this metal.

Imperative with specific object.

او همیشه شاخه‌های درخت را خم می‌کند تا به ما میوه بدهد.

He always bends the tree branches to give us fruit.

Habitual present tense.

ما نباید در برابر حرف زور سر خم کنیم.

We should not bow our heads (yield) to force.

Figurative use of 'sar kham kardan'.

آیا این پلاستیک با حرارت خم می‌شود؟

Does this plastic bend with heat?

Intransitive 'shodan' for comparison.

او میله‌ی آهنی را به راحتی خم کرد.

He bent the iron rod easily.

Use of adverb 'be rāhati'.

او لوله را آن‌قدر خم کرد که نزدیک بود بشکند.

He bent the pipe so much that it was about to break.

Result clause with 'ān-ghadr... ke'.

در یوگا، خم کردن بدن به انعطاف‌پذیری کمک می‌کند.

In yoga, bending the body helps with flexibility.

Gerund-like use of the infinitive.

او سعی کرد آهن را خم کند، اما زور کافی نداشت.

He tried to bend the iron, but he didn't have enough strength.

Subjunctive after 'sa'y kardan'.

باید قبل از نصب، انتهای سیم را کمی خم کنید.

You must bend the end of the wire slightly before installation.

Instruction with 'bāyad'.

او با خم کردن سرش، به استاد احترام گذاشت.

By bowing his head, he showed respect to the master.

Using 'ba' + infinitive to show means/manner.

آیا این دستگاه می‌تواند ورقه‌های ضخیم را خم کند؟

Can this machine bend thick sheets?

Third person singular with modal.

او از درد کمر، نمی‌توانست بدنش را خم کند.

Because of back pain, he couldn't bend his body.

Past ability in negative.

او قاشق را طوری خم کرد که شبیه هنر شد.

He bent the spoon in a way that it looked like art.

Adverbial phrase 'tori... ke'.

آهنگر ماهر توانست با یک ضربه، میله را دقیقاً نود درجه خم کند.

The skilled blacksmith was able to bend the rod exactly ninety degrees with one blow.

Complex sentence with specific measurements.

او هرگز اجازه نداد مشکلات زندگی او را خم کند.

He never let the problems of life bend (break) him.

Metaphorical use in a complex object structure.

در این آزمایش، ما میزان نیروی لازم برای خم کردن این آلیاژ را اندازه‌گیری می‌کنیم.

In this experiment, we measure the amount of force required to bend this alloy.

Formal scientific context.

نویسنده با خم کردن واقعیت، داستانی تخیلی و جذاب خلق کرد.

By bending reality, the author created an imaginative and attractive story.

Abstract metaphorical use.

او برای دیدن جزئیات ریز، کمرش را کاملاً روی میز خم کرد.

To see the fine details, he bent his back completely over the table.

Intensive adverb 'kāmelan'.

باید مراقب باشید که لوله را بیش از حد خم نکنید تا نشکند.

You must be careful not to bend the pipe excessively so that it doesn't break.

Negative subjunctive with 'tā' (purpose clause).

او با خم کردن زانوهایش، ضربه ناشی از پرش را گرفت.

By bending his knees, he absorbed the impact of the jump.

Describing physical mechanics.

او در برابر خواسته‌های ناعادلانه رئیسش سر خم نکرد.

He did not bow his head (give in) to his boss's unjust demands.

Idiomatic use in a social conflict context.

در معماری مدرن، خم کردن شیشه برای ایجاد نماهای منحنی یک چالش فنی بزرگ است.

In modern architecture, bending glass to create curved facades is a major technical challenge.

Technical/Professional register.

او چنان با وقار سر خم کرد که تمام حضار تحت تأثیر قرار گرفتند.

He bowed his head with such dignity that all the attendees were impressed.

Adverbial clause of result.

فیلسوف معتقد بود که انسان نباید در برابر سرنوشت محتوم سر خم کند.

The philosopher believed that man should not bow his head to inevitable fate.

Philosophical/Academic discourse.

توانایی خم کردن قوانین بدون نقض آشکار آن‌ها، مهارتی است که برخی سیاستمداران دارند.

The ability to bend the rules without explicitly breaking them is a skill some politicians possess.

Complex abstract concept.

او با خم کردن انگشتانش به شکلی خاص، سیگنالی مخفی به همراهش داد.

By bending his fingers in a specific way, he gave a secret signal to his companion.

Describing subtle physical actions.

مهندسان در حال بررسی اثرات حرارتی بر خم کردن تیرهای فولادی هستند.

Engineers are investigating the thermal effects on the bending of steel beams.

Gerund used as a subject of investigation.

او با خم کردن روایت به نفع خود، سعی در تبرئه خویش داشت.

By bending the narrative in his favor, he tried to exonerate himself.

Metaphorical use in legal/rhetorical context.

این دستگاه لیزری می‌تواند فلزات را با دقت میکرونی خم کند.

This laser device can bend metals with micron precision.

Describing advanced technology.

در اشعار کلاسیک، قد صنوبر در برابر قامت معشوق خم می‌شود که استعاره‌ای از فروتنی است.

In classical poetry, the stature of the pine tree bends before the beloved's height, which is a metaphor for humility.

Literary analysis register.

او با مهارتی بی‌نظیر، اراده‌ی پولادین دشمن را با خم کردن استراتژی‌هایشان در هم شکست.

With unparalleled skill, he broke the enemy's steely will by bending their strategies.

Highly metaphorical and sophisticated language.

خم کردن فضا-زمان یکی از مفاهیم بنیادین در نظریه نسبیت عام اینشتین است.

The bending of space-time is one of the fundamental concepts in Einstein's general theory of relativity.

Scientific/Theoretical register.

او با خم کردن کلمات و بازی با معانی، حقیقتی تلخ را در لفافه‌ای از طنز بیان کرد.

By bending words and playing with meanings, he expressed a bitter truth in a wrap of humor.

Describing linguistic dexterity.

فرایند خم کردن لوله‌های جدارنازک بدون ایجاد چروکیدگی، نیازمند دانش متالورژی پیشرفته است.

The process of bending thin-walled pipes without causing wrinkling requires advanced metallurgical knowledge.

Highly technical engineering description.

او با خم کردن زانوی ادب در محضر بزرگان، رسم شاگردی را به کمال رساند.

By bending the knee of etiquette in the presence of elders, he brought the custom of apprenticeship to perfection.

Archaic and highly formal idiom.

سیاستمدار کهنه‌کار با خم کردن واقعیت‌های اقتصادی، سعی در آرام کردن افکار عمومی داشت.

The veteran politician tried to calm public opinion by bending economic realities.

Sophisticated political commentary.

هنرمند با خم کردن نور در چیدمان خود، ادراک بیننده از فضا را به چالش کشید.

The artist challenged the viewer's perception of space by bending light in their installation.

Artistic/Critical register.

Common Collocations

زانو خم کردن

کمر خم کردن

سر خم کردن

لوله را خم کردن

سیم را خم کردن

انگشت خم کردن

آهن را خم کردن

شاخه را خم کردن

ابرو خم کردن

آرنج را خم کردن

Common Phrases

کمر خم کردن زیر بار

— To be overwhelmed by the weight of responsibilities or problems.

او زیر بار بدهی‌ها کمر خم کرد.

سر خم نکردن

— To refuse to surrender or show weakness; to be proud.

او هیچ‌گاه سر خم نکرد.

زانو خم کردن در برابر کسی

— To yield or submit to someone's power.

دشمن در برابر ما زانو خم کرد.

خم به ابرو نیاوردن

— To show no sign of pain, stress, or dissatisfaction (literally: not bending the eyebrow).

او با وجود سختی‌ها خم به ابرو نیاورد.

کمر به خدمت خم کردن

— To be ready and eager to serve someone with humility.

او برای خدمت به مردم کمر خم کرد.

خم کردن قوانین

— To interpret rules loosely to suit one's needs (bending the rules).

او قوانین را به نفع خود خم کرد.

گردن خم کردن

— To act submissively or beg for mercy.

او برای بخشش گردن خم کرد.

پشت کسی را خم کردن

— To defeat someone or cause them great suffering.

این غم پشت او را خم کرد.

دست خم کردن

— To extend a hand, sometimes used for begging or reaching out.

او هرگز جلوی کسی دست خم نکرد.

خم کردن شاخه پربار

— A metaphor for a wise person being humble (like a branch full of fruit).

دانا مانند شاخه پربار سر خم می‌کند.

Often Confused With

خم کردن vs تا کردن (Tā kardan)

Tā kardan is for folding paper/cloth; kham kardan is for curving/bending rigid or semi-rigid items.

خم کردن vs شکستن (Shekastan)

Shekastan is to break; kham kardan is to change shape without breaking.

خم کردن vs کج کردن (Kaj kardan)

Kaj kardan is to tilt or make crooked; kham kardan is specifically to bend into a curve/angle.

Idioms & Expressions

"خم به ابرو نیاوردن"

— To remain completely unfazed or stoic under pressure or pain.

او در تمام طول عمل جراحی خم به ابرو نیاورد.

Idiomatic/Common

"سر خم کردن"

— To surrender, submit, or show extreme respect.

ما در برابر هیچ زورگویی سر خم نمی‌کنیم.

Formal/Political

"کمر کسی را خم کردن"

— To break someone's spirit or cause them immense hardship.

گرانی کمر مردم را خم کرده است.

Common/Colloquial

"زانو خم کردن"

— To admit defeat or to worship.

او در برابر عظمت طبیعت زانو خم کرد.

Literary

"گردن کج کردن / خم کردن"

— To act pitifully to get something or to show deep humility.

برای پول پیش او گردن خم نکن.

Informal

"خم و چم کار"

— The 'ins and outs' or the tricks and nuances of a specific task.

او خم و چم این شغل را می‌داند.

Colloquial

"دولا راست شدن"

— To bow repeatedly, often used sarcastically for excessive flattery or servility.

چقدر جلوی رئیس دولا راست می‌شوی؟

Informal/Sarcastic

"پشت دوتا شدن"

— To become old or very weak (literally: back becoming doubled/bent).

پدر بزرگم پشتش دوتا شده است.

Idiomatic

"خم کردن قامت"

— To grow old or to lose one's standing.

روزگار قامت او را خم کرد.

Poetic

"ابرو خم کردن"

— To frown or show disapproval.

پدر با دیدن نمراتم ابرو خم کرد.

Common

Easily Confused

خم کردن vs کم کردن (Kam kardan)

Sounds similar (kh vs k).

Kam kardan means to reduce or decrease something. Kham kardan means to bend.

صدای رادیو را کم کن. (Lower the radio volume.)

خم کردن vs دم کردن (Dam kardan)

Rhymes with kham kardan.

Dam kardan means to brew (tea) or steam (rice).

چای را دم کردم. (I brewed the tea.)

خم کردن vs خم شدن (Kham shodan)

Same root, different auxiliary.

Kham shodan is intransitive (to bend down/be bent); kham kardan is transitive (to bend something).

او خم شد. (He bent down.)

خم کردن vs خام کردن (Khām kardan)

Vowel difference (short a vs long ā).

Khām kardan means to deceive or trick someone (literally to make them 'raw').

او را خام کردم. (I tricked him.)

خم کردن vs خم دادن (Kham dādan)

Synonymous but different nuance.

Kham dādan is more poetic or refers to giving a specific curve/flair to something.

به موهایش خم داد. (She gave a curve to her hair.)

Sentence Patterns

[Object] rā kham kon.

سیم را خم کن.

Man mikhāham [Object] rā kham konam.

من می‌خواهم میله را خم کنم.

[Subject] [Adverb] [Object] rā kham kard.

او به آرامی شاخه را خم کرد.

Agar [Object] rā kham koni, [Result].

اگر لوله را خم کنی، می‌شکند.

Ba'd az kham kardan-e [Object], [Action].

بعد از خم کردن ورق، آن را رنگ کنید.

Farāyand-e kham kardan-e [Object] niyāz be [Noun] dārad.

فرآیند خم کردن شیشه نیاز به دقت دارد.

Nabāyad dar barābar-e [Noun] sar kham kard.

نباید در برابر ظلم سر خم کرد.

[Body Part]-at rā kham nakon.

کمرت را خم نکن.

Word Family

Nouns

خم (kham) - Bend/Curve

خمیدگی (khamidegi) - Curvature/Bentness

انحنا (enhenā) - Curve/Arc

خم‌کاری (kham-kāri) - The act or trade of bending (metal)

Verbs

خم شدن (kham shodan) - To be bent / To bend down

خماندن (khamāndan) - To cause to bend (causative, rare)

تا کردن (tā kardan) - To fold

Adjectives

خم (kham) - Bent/Curved

خمیده (khamide) - Bent/Hunched

منحنی (monhani) - Curved

کج (kaj) - Crooked

شکسته (shekaste) - Broken

راست (rāst) - Straight

منعکس (mon'akes) - Reflected (sometimes confused in light contexts)

پیچیده (pichide) - Twisted/Complex

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in both physical and metaphorical contexts.

Common Mistakes

من کاغذ را خم کردم. → من کاغذ را تا کردم.
You fold (tā) paper, you don't 'kham' it unless you're just curving it without a crease.
او برای برداشتن توپ خم کرد. → او برای برداشتن توپ خم شد.
To bend down yourself, you must use the intransitive 'kham shodan'.
او میله را شکست کرد. → او میله را خم کرد.
Some learners use 'shekast' (break) when they mean 'kham' (bend). Bending is changing shape; breaking is destroying.
من صدایش را خم کردم. → من صدایش را کم کردم.
Confusing 'kham' (bend) with 'kam' (low/less). 'Kam kardan' is for volume or quantity.
او سرش را خم کرد (when meaning tilted to the side). → او سرش را کج کرد.
'Kham kardan' is usually forward/backward or curving. Tilting to the side is 'kaj kardan'.

Tips

Conjugate the Auxiliary

Always remember that in compound verbs like 'kham kardan', only the second part 'kardan' changes for tense, person, and mood. The word 'kham' remains the same regardless of who is bending or when.

Kham vs. Tā

To remember the difference: 'Tā' is for 'Two' (folding something into two or more layers), whereas 'Kham' is for a 'Curve'.

The 'Kh' Sound

Don't be afraid of the 'kh' sound! It's like the 'ch' in 'Bach' or 'Loch'. If you pronounce it like a 'k', people will still understand you, but you'll sound much more authentic with the fricative.

Respect vs. Submission

Understand that 'sar kham kardan' is a double-edged sword. Using it for elders is 'Adab' (politeness), but using it for an enemy is 'Taslim' (surrender). Context is everything.

Technical Precision

If you are in a technical field, learn 'kham-kāri' (the craft of bending) and 'kham-kon' (the tool). These will make you sound like a pro in a workshop.

Kham and Camera

The word 'kham' is related to the root of 'Camera' (vaulted room). Imagine a vaulted, curved ceiling to remember that 'kham' means curved/bent.

Using 'rā'

Because 'kham kardan' is transitive, you almost always need the object marker 'rā' after the thing you are bending, unless the object is indefinite.

Listen for 'Shod'

In conversations, if you hear 'kham shod', it means something bent on its own or someone bent down. If you hear 'kham kard', someone did the bending to something else.

Eyebrow Idiom

Use 'kham be abru nayāvord' when describing someone very brave or stoic. It's a very high-level and impressive idiom to use.

Physical Learning

The best way to learn 'kham kardan' is to actually do it. Pick up a wire, say 'Man sim rā kham mikonam', and bend it. Physical actions help cement vocabulary.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'CAM' (kham) shaft in an engine—it's not straight; it has 'bends' or lobes to move valves. You 'kham kardan' (bend) the metal to make a cam.

Visual Association

Imagine a strong man at a circus bending (kham kardan) a thick iron bar over his knee.

Word Web

آهن (Iron) زانو (Knee) کمر (Back) لوله (Pipe) شاخه (Branch) احترام (Respect) ورزش (Exercise) هنر (Art)

Challenge

Try to find three things in your room right now that you can 'kham kardan' and three things that would break if you tried.

Word Origin

Derived from Middle Persian 'ham' or 'kam', which relates to the concept of being curved or crooked. It shares roots with many Indo-European languages.

Original meaning: To curve, to be crooked, or to turn.

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

Cultural Context

Be careful when using 'گردن خم کردن' (bending the neck) as it can imply a humiliating level of begging or weakness.

In English, 'bending' is mostly physical. In Persian, the social and moral weight of 'bending' (yielding vs. respecting) is much more prominent in daily metaphors.

Poetry of Hafez: Mentioning the 'kham' of the beloved's eyebrow. The Epic of Kings (Shahnameh): Heroes who never 'kham' (yield) to enemies. Modern Iranian Cinema: Often uses the metaphor of 'kamar kham kardan' to show the struggle of the working class.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Gym/Fitness

زانوها را خم کنید
کمر را به جلو خم کنید
آرنج را زیاد خم نکنید
دست‌ها را از مچ خم کنید

Workshop/DIY

لوله را خم کن
سیم را با انبردست خم کن
آهن را حرارت بده و خم کن
این ورق نباید خم شود

Etiquette/Respect

سر خم کردن در برابر بزرگتر
با احترام کمر خم کرد
او اهل سر خم کردن نیست
گردن خم کردن برای عذرخواهی

Art/Crafts

سفال را خم کردن
کاغذ را به آرامی خم کن
به شاخه‌ها شکل بده و خمشان کن
خم کردن نور در نقاشی

Metaphorical/Life

خم کردن قوانین
زیر بار مشکلات خم شدن
اراده کسی را خم کردن
خم به ابرو نیاوردن

Conversation Starters

"آیا می‌توانی این میله آهنی را با دست خم کنی؟ (Can you bend this iron rod with your hand?)"

"چرا در این تمرین ورزشی باید زانوها را خم کنیم؟ (Why should we bend our knees in this exercise?)"

"چگونه می‌توان لوله پلاستیکی را بدون شکستن خم کرد؟ (How can one bend a plastic pipe without breaking it?)"

"آیا تا به حال مجبور شده‌ای در برابر کسی سر خم کنی؟ (Have you ever had to bow/yield to someone?)"

"به نظر تو خم کردن قوانین در شرایط سخت اشکالی دارد؟ (Do you think bending the rules in difficult situations is okay?)"

Journal Prompts

درباره زمانی بنویسید که در برابر یک سختی بزرگ سر خم نکردید. (Write about a time you didn't bow your head in the face of a great hardship.)

توصیف کنید که چگونه یک هنرمند می‌تواند اشیاء سخت را با خم کردن به هنر تبدیل کند. (Describe how an artist can turn hard objects into art by bending them.)

اهمیت انعطاف‌پذیری (خم شدن) در زندگی را با مثال توضیح دهید. (Explain the importance of flexibility (bending) in life with examples.)

یک دستورالعمل برای یک حرکت یوگا بنویسید که شامل خم کردن بدن باشد. (Write instructions for a yoga move that involves bending the body.)

آیا ترجیح می‌دهید مانند یک بلوط محکم باشید یا مثل یک بید که خم می‌شود اما نمی‌شکند؟ (Would you rather be like a sturdy oak or a willow that bends but doesn't break?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, it is frequently used metaphorically. For example, 'sar kham kardan' means to yield or show respect, and 'kamar kham kardan' can mean to be overwhelmed by life's burdens. It's a very versatile verb in Persian.

No, that's a common mistake. For folding clothes or paper, you must use 'tā kardan'. 'Kham kardan' is for creating a curve or angle in something that doesn't necessarily have a flat crease.

'Kham kardan' usually results in a curve or a specific bend in the material itself. 'Kaj kardan' often means to tilt something or move it off its straight axis, like tilting your head to the side or making a line crooked.

Yes, it is very common in gym and yoga instructions. You will hear 'zānu-hā-ye-tān rā kham konid' (bend your knees) or 'mache dast rā kham konid' (bend your wrist).

If you are bending your own body down, use 'Man kham mishovam' or 'Man kham shodam'. If you are bending an object, use 'Man [Object] rā kham mikonam'.

Yes, in technical Persian, a 'kham-kon' (خم‌کن) refers to a machine or tool used for bending pipes or metal sheets. For example, 'lule-kham-kon' is a pipe bender.

It's a famous idiom meaning to stay calm and not show any signs of distress or pain, even under great pressure. It literally means 'not bringing a bend to one's eyebrow'.

In a scientific or poetic context, yes, you can talk about 'kham kardan-e nur' (bending light), though 'shekast-e nur' (refraction) is the more common scientific term for light bending through a medium.

It is neutral and can be used in any register. However, in very formal or technical writing, 'enhenā dādan' or 'monhani kardan' might be preferred for precision.

The past participle of the auxiliary verb 'kardan' is 'kardeh', so the compound past participle is 'kham kardeh'. For example: 'ū miyleh rā kham kardeh ast' (He has bent the rod).