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A1 adjective 7 min read

کند

kond

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips کند in 30 Seconds

Explanation کند in your Level:

At the A1 level, you only need to know 'kond' as the direct opposite of 'tond' (fast). You should be able to use it in simple sentences to describe things you see. For example, 'The car is slow' (Mashin kond ast) or 'The turtle is slow' (Lakposht kond ast). At this stage, focus on physical speed. It is one of the first adjectives you learn to describe movement. You will also use it to describe a slow internet connection, which is a very common frustration. The grammar is simple: [Noun] + [kond] + [is]. Just remember that in Persian, we don't change the adjective based on gender or number, which makes 'kond' very easy to use for beginners.

At the A2 level, you begin to use 'kond' to describe tools and more complex situations. You should learn that 'kond' also means 'dull' when talking about knives or scissors. This is a very common use in the kitchen. You will also start using the comparative form 'kond-tar' (slower). For example, 'My phone is slower than your phone'. You might also hear it in the context of 'traffic-e kond'. You should be able to distinguish between 'kond' (slow speed) and 'dir' (late), ensuring you don't say 'I am slow' when you mean 'I am late'. Your sentences will become longer, using 'kond' with conjunctions like 'chon' (because).

By B1, you should be comfortable using 'kond' in more figurative ways. You might use it to describe a 'kond-zehn' person (someone slow to understand), though you should be careful with the social implications. You will also encounter 'kond' in more formal contexts, such as 'roshd-e kond' (slow growth) in news or business. At this level, you should be able to explain *why* something is slow using more advanced vocabulary. You will also start to see 'kond' in literature or more descriptive writing where it might describe a slow-moving river or a slow afternoon. You should also be able to use the superlative 'kond-tarin' (the slowest).

At the B2 level, 'kond' appears in more abstract discussions. You might discuss the 'sayer-e kond-e darman' (the slow process of treatment) or 'borookrasi-ye kond' (slow bureaucracy). You are expected to understand the nuance between 'kond' and its synonyms like 'ahesteh' or 'tadrijan' (gradually). You should be able to use 'kond' in complex grammatical structures, such as conditional sentences ('If the internet is slow, I won't work'). You will also encounter it in idiomatic expressions where speed is a metaphor for efficiency or progress in life and career.

At the C1 level, you should recognize 'kond' in high-level academic and literary texts. It might be used to describe the 'kond-fahm' (slow of understanding) nature of a character in a novel or the 'ravand-e kond-e gozar be demokrasi' (the slow process of transition to democracy) in a political essay. You will understand how 'kond' can be used to create a specific mood in poetry, perhaps representing stagnation or peace. You should be able to use it with precision, choosing it over synonyms to specifically highlight a lack of mechanical speed or a physical dullness that 'ahesteh' cannot convey.

At the C2 level, your mastery of 'kond' includes its most subtle connotations and its use in archaic or highly specialized contexts. You can discuss the etymology of the word and how its dual meaning of 'slow' and 'dull' reflects Persian linguistic history. You can use 'kond' in sophisticated wordplay or irony. You are also aware of how regional dialects might use 'kond' differently or substitute it with local slang. Your usage is indistinguishable from a highly educated native speaker, using it to describe anything from the 'pulse' of a dying empire to the microscopic 'slowness' of a chemical reaction.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

کند in 30 Seconds

Kond primarily means 'slow' in terms of physical speed or the rate at which something happens.
It also uniquely means 'dull' or 'blunt' when referring to knives, scissors, or other blades.
In a figurative sense, it can describe someone who is slow to learn or understand (kond-zehn).
It is the direct antonym of 'tond', which covers both 'fast' and 'sharp' in Persian.

The Persian word کند (kond) is a foundational adjective in the Persian language, primarily used to describe a lack of speed or efficiency. At its most basic level, it translates to 'slow' in English. However, its utility extends far beyond simple physical movement. In the Persian-speaking world, you will encounter this word in a variety of contexts, ranging from the literal speed of a vehicle to the sharpness of a kitchen utensil or even the cognitive pace of an individual. Understanding 'kond' is essential for A1 learners because it allows for the basic description of the world around them, especially when contrasting it with its opposite, 'tond' (fast/sharp).

Physical Speed: When describing a car, a runner, or an internet connection that isn't performing at high speed, 'kond' is the go-to term. It describes a rate of motion that is below average or expected.

این ماشین خیلی کند حرکت می‌کند.
(This car moves very slowly.)

Sharpness and Utility: Interestingly, 'kond' is also used to describe a blade that is not sharp. If a knife cannot cut through a tomato easily, it is 'kond'. This is a direct antonym to 'tond', which means both fast and sharp.

چاقو کند است و گوشت را نمی‌برد.
(The knife is dull and does not cut the meat.)

Cognitive and Mental Pace: In a more figurative or sometimes slightly derogatory sense, 'kond' can describe someone who is slow to understand or react. Phrases like 'kond-zehn' (slow-witted) utilize this adjective to describe mental capacity or temporary confusion.

او در یادگیری کمی کند است.
(He is a bit slow in learning.)

اینترنت امروز خیلی کند شده است.
(The internet has become very slow today.)

In summary, 'kond' is a versatile adjective. Whether you are complaining about traffic in Tehran, trying to sharpen a knife in the kitchen, or describing a slow computer, this word is your primary tool. It sits at the heart of daily Persian communication, providing a simple way to express frustration with low speed or lack of sharpness.

Using کند (kond) in a sentence is relatively straightforward because it follows standard Persian adjective rules. In Persian, adjectives usually follow the noun they modify, connected by the 'Ezafe' (a short 'e' sound). However, when 'kond' is used as a predicate (after a verb like 'to be'), it stands alone at the end of the phrase.

As an Attributive Adjective: When you want to say 'the slow car', you say 'mashin-e kond'. The '-e' connects the noun to the adjective.

من یک ماشین کند دارم.
(I have a slow car.)

As a Predicative Adjective: When you want to say 'The car is slow', the word 'kond' comes before the verb 'ast' (is).

این قطار خیلی کند است.
(This train is very slow.)

Adverbial Usage: Persian often uses adjectives as adverbs without changing their form. To say 'He walks slowly', you can use 'kond'. However, for 'slowly', the word 'be-arami' or 'yavash' is more common in daily speech.

لاک‌پشت کند راه می‌رود.
(The turtle walks slowly.)

When comparing speeds, you use the suffix '-tar'. 'Kond-tar' means 'slower'. This is very useful for comparing two things. For example, 'This computer is slower than that one' would be 'In rayaneh az an yeki kond-tar ast'.

سرعت من از تو کندتر است.
(My speed is slower than yours.)

The word کند (kond) is ubiquitous in daily Persian life. From the bustling streets of Tehran to the quiet kitchens of Shiraz, you will hear it in various settings. It is a word of pragmatism, often used to describe frustrations with technology or tools.

At the Computer or Phone: Perhaps the most common place to hear 'kond' today is in relation to technology. 'Internet-e kond' is a phrase almost every Persian speaker uses daily. When a website takes too long to load, the immediate reaction is to complain about the speed.

چرا این صفحه اینقدر کند باز می‌شود؟
(Why does this page open so slowly?)

In the Kitchen: If you are helping a Persian friend cook, they might warn you about a knife. 'In chaqu kond ast' (This knife is dull). This is a critical safety and efficiency warning in the culinary world.

با چاقوی کند کار نکن، خطرناک است.
(Don't work with a dull knife; it's dangerous.)

In Traffic and Transportation: Tehran is famous for its traffic. Drivers often describe the flow of traffic as 'kond'. 'Traffic-e kond' means the cars are barely moving.

حرکت ماشین‌ها در بزرگراه خیلی کند بود.
(The movement of cars on the highway was very slow.)

You will also hear it in academic settings. A teacher might describe a student's progress as 'kond' if they are struggling to keep up with the curriculum. Similarly, in news reports, economists might talk about 'roshd-e kond-e eqtesadi' (slow economic growth).

While کند (kond) is a simple word, English speakers often make specific errors when translating 'slow' into Persian. The most frequent mistake involves confusing 'slow' (speed) with 'late' (time).

Confusing 'Kond' with 'Dir': In English, we sometimes use 'slow' when we mean something is taking a long time. In Persian, if you are late for a meeting, you don't say you are 'kond'. You say you are 'dir' (late). 'Kond' refers strictly to the speed of the action, not the timing of an event.

Kond vs. Ahesteh: Another mistake is using 'kond' when you should use 'ahesteh' (slowly/quietly). 'Ahesteh' often has a more positive or neutral connotation, like 'gentle' or 'calm'. 'Kond' often implies a lack of efficiency or a defect (like a dull knife).

لطفاً آهسته صحبت کنید.
(Please speak slowly/quietly - 'kond' would sound strange here.)

Misusing the Antonym: Remember that 'tond' is the opposite of 'kond' for both speed and sharpness. Some learners try to find a different word for a 'sharp knife' versus a 'fast car'. In Persian, 'tond' works for both, just as 'kond' works for both 'slow' and 'dull'.

Finally, be careful with the word 'kond' when describing people. Calling someone 'kond' can be an insult to their intelligence. If you want to say someone is taking their time in a respectful way, use 'ba sabr' (with patience) or 'ahesteh'.

To truly master the concept of 'slow' in Persian, you should be aware of the synonyms and related terms that carry different nuances. While کند (kond) is the most general term, others might be more appropriate depending on what you want to emphasize.

آهسته (Ahesteh): This word means 'slowly', 'gradually', or 'quietly'. It is often used for deliberate, careful movement. Unlike 'kond', which can feel negative, 'ahesteh' is often neutral or positive.

یواش (Yavash): This is the informal, everyday version of 'ahesteh'. If you want someone to drive slower or talk quieter in a casual setting, you say 'yavash!'.

خیلی یواش برو، جاده خطرناک است.
(Go very slowly; the road is dangerous.)

ملایم (Molayem): Meaning 'gentle' or 'mild', this is used for things like a slow breeze or a soft fire when cooking. You wouldn't use 'kond' for a gentle breeze.

If you are talking about a knife that isn't sharp, the only real alternative is 'nabor' (non-cutting), but 'kond' is much more common. For a person who is 'slow' in the sense of being late, remember to use 'dir-konandeh' or simply the verb 'dir kardan'. By choosing the right word, you will sound much more like a native speaker.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"روندِ پیشرفتِ پروژه به دلیلِ موانعِ بوروکراتیک کُند شده است."

Neutral

"این قطار خیلی کند حرکت می‌کند."

Informal

"چرا اینترنت این‌قدر کنده؟"

Child friendly

"لاک‌پشتِ کوچولو خیلی کُند راه می‌ره."

Slang

"یارو چقدر کنده، اصلاً نمی‌گیره چی می‌گم!"

Fun Fact

The dual meaning of 'slow' and 'dull' is a common linguistic trait in many Indo-European languages (like 'dull' in English meaning both not sharp and not smart), but Persian applies it specifically to speed as well.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /kɒnd/

US /kɑːnd/

The stress is entirely on the single syllable.

Rhymes With

تند (tond) پند (pand - near rhyme) بند (band - near rhyme) قند (ghand - near rhyme) رند (rond) سند (sanad - near rhyme) تند (tond) کند (kond)

Common Errors

Pronouncing it like 'con' without the 'd'.
Using a long 'u' sound (like 'koond').
Over-emphasizing the 'd' at the end.
Confusing it with the English word 'kind'.
Pronouncing the 'k' too softly.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

Very easy to recognize with only two letters.

Writing 1/5

Simple two-letter script (Kaf + Nun + Dal).

Speaking 2/5

Easy to pronounce, but 'nd' cluster needs care.

Listening 2/5

Can be confused with 'tond' if spoken very fast.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

تند (tond) ماشین (mashin) است (ast) چاقو (chaqu) خیلی (kheyli)

Learn Next

آهسته (ahesteh) یواش (yavash) سرعت (sor'at) تیز (tiz) دیر (dir)

Advanced

ابطاء (ebta - Arabic root) تأنی (ta'anni - deliberation) رکود (rokud - stagnation)

Grammar to Know

Ezafe Construction

ماشینِ کند (The slow car) - The 'e' connects the noun and adjective.

Comparative Suffix

کند + تر = کندتر (Slower)

Superlative Suffix

کند + ترین = کندترین (The slowest)

Adjective as Adverb

او کند می‌دود. (He runs slowly.) - No change to the word.

Verb Formation

کند + کردن (To slow something down).

Examples by Level

ماشین کند است.

The car is slow.

Simple subject + adjective + verb.

اینترنت کند است.

The internet is slow.

'In-te-re-net' is a loanword.

لاک‌پشت کند است.

The turtle is slow.

Classic animal description.

او کند راه می‌رود.

He/She walks slowly.

Adjective used as an adverb.

این کامپیوتر کند است.

This computer is slow.

Demonstrative 'in' (this).

ساعت من کند است.

My watch is slow.

Possessive 'man' (my).

خرگوش تند است، اما لاک‌پشت کند است.

The rabbit is fast, but the turtle is slow.

Contrast using 'ama' (but).

غذای کند نپز!

Don't cook slow food! (Meaning: hurry up)

Imperative negative.

این چاقو خیلی کند است.

This knife is very dull.

Use of 'kheyli' (very).

من یک ماشین کند خریدم.

I bought a slow car.

Past tense 'kharidam'.

چرا اینقدر کند کار می‌کنی؟

Why are you working so slowly?

Question with 'chera' (why).

این قطار از آن اتوبوس کندتر است.

This train is slower than that bus.

Comparative 'kond-tar'.

او به دلیل سن بالا، کند حرکت می‌کند.

Due to old age, he moves slowly.

Compound reason 'be dalil-e'.

چاقوی کند را تیز کن.

Sharpen the dull knife.

Imperative 'tiz kon'.

سرعت اینترنت در شب کند می‌شود.

Internet speed becomes slow at night.

Verb 'shodan' (to become).

این آهنگ خیلی کند و غمگین است.

This song is very slow and sad.

Adjectives describing mood.

رشد اقتصادی در این کشور بسیار کند است.

Economic growth in this country is very slow.

Formal 'besyar' instead of 'kheyli'.

او با وجود ذهن کند، بسیار تلاش می‌کند.

Despite a slow mind, he tries very hard.

Concession 'ba vojud-e' (despite).

روند بازسازی خانه به کندی پیش می‌رود.

The house renovation process is progressing slowly.

Noun form 'be kondi' (with slowness).

چاقوهای کند باعث حوادث بیشتری می‌شوند.

Dull knives cause more accidents.

Plural subject.

سیستم‌های قدیمی باعث کند شدن کار می‌شوند.

Old systems cause the work to slow down.

Gerund 'kond shodan'.

او همیشه با لحنی کند و شمرده حرف می‌زند.

He always speaks in a slow and measured tone.

Descriptive adverbs.

ترافیک سنگین حرکت ما را کند کرد.

Heavy traffic slowed our movement.

Transitive use with 'kardan'.

این نرم‌افزار روی گوشی‌های قدیمی کند اجرا می‌شود.

This software runs slowly on old phones.

Passive-like construction.

بروکراسی اداری در اینجا بسیار کند و خسته‌کننده است.

The administrative bureaucracy here is very slow and exhausting.

Abstract noun 'burokrasi'.

اصلاحات سیاسی با سرعتی کند در حال انجام است.

Political reforms are taking place at a slow pace.

Continuous aspect 'dar hal-e'.

او از کندی پاسخ‌دهی شرکت شکایت کرد.

He complained about the company's slow response.

Noun 'kondi' (slowness).

در این هوای سرد، واکنش‌های بدن کندتر می‌شود.

In this cold weather, body reactions become slower.

Biological context.

نویسنده با ضرب‌آهنگی کند داستان را روایت می‌کند.

The author narrates the story with a slow tempo.

Literary 'zarb-ahang'.

پیشرفت در این پروژه به دلیل کمبود بودجه کند شده است.

Progress in this project has slowed down due to lack of budget.

Present perfect 'shodeh ast'.

ذهن او در حل مسائل ریاضی کمی کند عمل می‌کند.

His mind acts a bit slowly in solving math problems.

Specific domain 'dar hal-e masael'.

نباید اجازه دهیم ترس حرکت ما را کند کند.

We must not let fear slow our movement.

Subjunctive mood.

انحطاط امپراتوری‌ها معمولاً فرایندی کند و تدریجی است.

The decline of empires is usually a slow and gradual process.

Historical/Academic register.

او با نگاهی کند و عمیق به منظره خیره شد.

He stared at the landscape with a slow and deep gaze.

Literary description.

تغییرات اقلیمی با وجود اثرات مخرب، روندی کند دارد.

Climate change, despite destructive effects, has a slow process.

Scientific/Global context.

درک مفاهیم فلسفی نیازمند مطالعه‌ای کند و دقیق است.

Understanding philosophical concepts requires slow and precise study.

Intellectual context.

او از کندفهمی اطرافیانش به ستوه آمده بود.

He was exasperated by the slow-wittedness of those around him.

Compound noun 'kond-fahmi'.

حرکات کند و موزون رقصنده تماشاگران را مسحور کرد.

The dancer's slow and rhythmic movements mesmerized the audience.

Artistic description.

سیر تحول زبان، جریانی بسیار کند در بستر تاریخ است.

The evolution of language is a very slow flow in the bed of history.

Metaphorical 'bastar-e tarikh'.

عدم شفافیت، روند دادرسی را کند و پیچیده می‌کند.

Lack of transparency makes the litigation process slow and complex.

Legal terminology.

در ساحتِ اندیشه، شتاب‌زدگی دشمنِ تأملِ کند و پویاست.

In the realm of thought, haste is the enemy of slow and dynamic reflection.

High literary 'sahat-e andisheh'.

او با طمأنینه‌ای خاص، گام‌های کندش را بر سنگفرش می‌نهاد.

With a particular composure, he placed his slow steps on the pavement.

Archaic/Formal 'tamanineh'.

کندیِ مفرطِ بوروکراسی، پویاییِ نهادهای مدنی را عقیم می‌سازد.

The excessive slowness of bureaucracy renders the dynamism of civil institutions sterile.

Advanced political critique.

شاعر در این قصیده، زمان را موجودی کند و میرنده توصیف می‌کند.

In this ode, the poet describes time as a slow and dying entity.

Literary analysis.

استحاله فرهنگی، فرآیندی چنان کند است که در یک نسل نمی‌گنجد.

Cultural metamorphosis is a process so slow that it does not fit within a single generation.

Sociological 'estehaleh'.

او از آن دست آدم‌هایی بود که با کندیِ گزنده‌ای سخن می‌گفتند.

He was of those people who spoke with a biting slowness.

Nuanced personality description.

فرسایشِ کوه‌ها، گواهی بر قدرتِ نیروهای کند اما مداومِ طبیعت است.

The erosion of mountains is a testament to the power of slow but continuous forces of nature.

Geological context.

در این سکوتِ مطلق، صدای کندِ تپشِ قلبش را می‌شنید.

In this absolute silence, he heard the slow sound of his heartbeat.

Existential description.

Common Collocations

اینترنت کند

چاقوی کند

ترافیک کند

رشد کند

حرکت کند

ذهن کند

آهنگ کند

ضربان کند

روند کند

پاسخ کند

Common Phrases

کند و کاو

— To investigate or search deeply. Literally 'slow digging'.

او در تاریخ کند و کاو کرد.

به کندی

— Slowly (adverbial form). Used in formal writing.

زمان به کندی می‌گذرد.

کند شدن

— To slow down or to become dull.

سرعت ماشین کند شد.

کند کردن

— To slow something down or to dull something.

باران حرکت ما را کند کرد.

ذهن کند

— A slow mind; difficulty in understanding.

او ذهن کندی در ریاضی دارد.

ساعت کند

— A watch that is losing time.

ساعتم پنج دقیقه کند است.

قدم‌های کند

— Slow steps.

با قدم‌های کند به خانه رفت.

جریان کند

— Slow flow (of water or information).

جریان کند رودخانه آرامش‌بخش بود.

واکنش کند

— Slow reaction.

او واکنش کندی به اتفاقات دارد.

پیشرفت کند

— Slow progress.

پیشرفت پروژه خیلی کند است.

Often Confused With

کند vs دیر (dir)

Dir means 'late' (time), while Kond means 'slow' (speed).

کند vs کَند (kand)

Kand is the past tense of 'to dig' (he/she dug), distinguished by the vowel 'a'.

کند vs قند (ghand)

Ghand means 'sugar cube', distinguished by the starting 'gh' sound.

Idioms & Expressions

"کند‌ذهن"

— Slow-witted or dim-witted. Used to describe someone who doesn't understand quickly.

او را کند‌ذهن خطاب نکن.

Informal/Derogatory

"تیغش کند است"

— Literal: His blade is dull. Idiomatic: He has lost his power or influence.

دیگر کسی از او نمی‌ترسد، تیغش کند شده.

Literary/Metaphorical

"پای کند"

— Slow feet. Someone who walks or acts without any hurry.

با این پای کند به مقصد نمی‌رسیم.

Informal

"گوش کند"

— A 'dull ear'. Someone who doesn't hear or listen well (rare).

او گوش کندی برای نصیحت دارد.

Archaic

"دست کند"

— Slow hand. Slowness in performing tasks or manual work.

او در آشپزی دست کندی دارد.

Informal

"زبان کند"

— A 'slow tongue'. Someone who stutters or speaks with difficulty.

او هنگام استرس زبانش کند می‌شود.

Literary

"کند و زنجیر"

— Old term for shackles or chains used for prisoners.

او را در کند و زنجیر کشیدند.

Historical

"فکر کند"

— Slow thinking or lack of creativity.

این طرح نتیجه یک فکر کند است.

Neutral

"بازار کند"

— A slow market; lack of buying and selling.

امروز بازار خیلی کند است.

Business

"قلم کند"

— A 'dull pen'. A writer who lacks sharpness or wit.

نویسنده قلم کندی دارد.

Literary

Easily Confused

کند vs آهسته

Both mean slow.

Ahesteh is often positive/deliberate; Kond is often negative/inefficient.

آهسته صحبت کن (Speak quietly) vs. سرعتش کنده (Its speed is slow).

کند vs یواش

Both mean slow.

Yavash is informal; Kond is neutral/adjective-focused.

یواش! (Slow down!) vs. اینترنت کنده (The internet is slow).

کند vs دیر

English 'slow' can mean 'late'.

Dir is only for time. Kond is only for speed.

او دیر آمد (He came late) vs. او کند آمد (He came slowly).

کند vs تیز

Opposite of 'kond' as 'dull'.

Tiz is sharp; Tond is fast/sharp. Kond is the opposite of both.

چاقوی تیز (Sharp knife) vs. چاقوی کند (Dull knife).

کند vs سریع

Opposite of 'kond' as 'slow'.

Sari' is fast; Kond is slow. Sari' is more formal than Tond.

قطار سریع (Fast train) vs. قطار کند (Slow train).

Sentence Patterns

[Noun] [kond] [ast].

اینترنت کند است.

[Noun] + e + [kond]

ماشینِ کند

[Noun] + [kond] + shod.

هوا کند سرد شد. (Wait, incorrect usage, better: حرکت کند شد.)

Az [Noun] [kond-tar] ast.

او از من کندتر است.

Be dalil-e [Noun], [Process] [kond] shod.

به دلیل ترافیک، حرکت کند شد.

[Abstract Noun] + e + [kond]

بوروکراسیِ کند

All

Kheyli [kond]

خیلی کند

All

Kond + nakon!

کند نکن!

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Very common in daily life, especially regarding technology and tools.

Common Mistakes

من کند هستم (for being late) → من دیر کرده‌ام
Kond is for speed, Dir is for time.
چاقوی تند (for a sharp knife) → چاقوی تیز / تند
While 'tond' works, 'tiz' is more specific for sharp. But 'kond' is the only common word for dull.
Using 'kond' as a command. → یواش! / آهسته!
'Kond' is an adjective, not usually a command to slow down.
Pronouncing it 'kand'. → kond
'Kand' means 'he dug', a completely different verb.
Omitting the Ezafe. → ماشینِ کند
Persian adjectives need the Ezafe link to the noun.

Tips

The Conductor

Imagine a **Con**ductor leading a **Kond** (slow) song.

Kitchen Tip

Always check if your knife is 'kond' before starting to cook to avoid accidents.

Ezafe Reminder

Remember the '-e' sound: Mashin-**e** kond.

Politeness

Use 'ba-sabr' (patient) instead of 'kond' for people to be more polite.

Tech Talk

'Internet-e kond' is the most common phrase you'll hear in Iranian cafes.

Comparative

Add '-tar' for 'kond-tar' to compare speeds easily.

Two-for-One

Learn 'tond' and 'kond' together; they cover both speed and sharpness!

Short 'O'

Keep the 'o' short and crisp, like in 'lot'.

Simple Script

Practice writing Kaf-Nun-Dal to master this common word.

Synonym Check

Use 'ahesteh' for 'slowly' in formal writing.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'CON-ductor' (Kond) who is very old and leads the orchestra very SLOWLY.

Visual Association

Imagine a knife trying to cut a giant 'K' made of stone. The knife is 'Kond' (dull) and the process is 'Kond' (slow).

Word Web

Slow Dull Blunt Internet Traffic Knife Turtle Slower

Challenge

Try to find three things in your room that are 'kond' (either slow or dull) and say them out loud in Persian.

Word Origin

The word 'kond' has its roots in Middle Persian (Pahlavi) 'kund', which also meant slow or dull. It has remained remarkably stable in form and meaning over centuries.

Original meaning: Sluggish, blunt, or lacking sharpness.

Indo-European > Indo-Iranian > Iranian > Western Iranian > Persian.

Cultural Context

Avoid calling people 'kond' directly as it implies they are unintelligent.

English speakers use 'slow' for people, time, and speed. Persian speakers split this into 'kond', 'dir', and 'ahesteh'.

The fable of the Tortoise (Lakposht-e Kond) and the Hare. Persian proverbs about 'tond' vs 'kond' actions. Modern Iranian pop songs complaining about 'Internet-e kond'.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Technology

اینترنت کنده
کامپیوتر کند شده
دانلود کنده
پاسخ‌دهی کند

Kitchen

چاقو کنده
تیزی نداره
نمی‌بره
باید تیز بشه

Traffic

ترافیک کنده
ماشین‌ها راه نمی‌رن
حرکت کنده
خیلی طول می‌کشه

Learning

یادگیری کنده
پیشرفت کنده
درس سخته
کند می‌فهمه

Music/Arts

ریتم کنده
آهنگ ملایمه
حرکات کنده
ضرب‌آهنگ کند

Conversation Starters

"چرا سرعت اینترنت امروز اینقدر کنده؟ (Why is the internet speed so slow today?)"

"آیا این ماشین برای سفرهای طولانی خیلی کند نیست؟ (Isn't this car too slow for long trips?)"

"به نظر تو چرا روند کارهای اداری در اینجا اینقدر کنده؟ (In your opinion, why is the administrative process here so slow?)"

"این چاقو کنده، چاقوی تیزتری داری؟ (This knife is dull, do you have a sharper one?)"

"چرا لاک‌پشت‌ها اینقدر کند حرکت می‌کنند؟ (Why do turtles move so slowly?)"

Journal Prompts

امروز چه چیزی باعث شد احساس کنی زمان خیلی کند می‌گذرد؟ (What made you feel like time was passing very slowly today?)

یک خاطره از زمانی که در یک ترافیک خیلی کند گیر کرده بودی بنویس. (Write a memory of a time you were stuck in very slow traffic.)

اگر می‌توانستی یک چیز کند را در دنیا سریع کنی، آن چه بود؟ (If you could make one slow thing in the world fast, what would it be?)

آیا تا به حال با یک چاقوی کند آشپزی کرده‌ای؟ چه اتفاقی افتاد؟ (Have you ever cooked with a dull knife? What happened?)

توضیح بده که چرا گاهی اوقات کند بودن بهتر از تند بودن است. (Explain why sometimes being slow is better than being fast.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, it also means 'dull' or 'blunt' when referring to knives or tools. This is a very common second meaning.

No, for being late you must use the word 'dir'. 'Kond' only describes the speed of your movement.

Generally, no. Calling someone 'kond' or 'kond-zehn' implies they are slow-witted and can be offensive.

The opposite is 'tond', which means both 'fast' and 'sharp'.

You add the suffix '-tar' to get 'kond-tar'.

Yes, you can describe a song or a rhythm as 'kond'.

'Kond' is an adjective (slow), while 'yavash' is usually used as an adverb or interjection (slowly/quietly/slow down!).

It is written as 'کند' (Kaf + Nun + Dal).

Yes, if a watch is losing time, you say the watch is 'kond'.

Yes, it is used to describe everything from slow-moving rivers to the slow decay of time.