The Persian verb 'کوشش کردن' (kūshish kardan) translates directly to 'to make an effort', 'to strive', or 'to try hard'. It signifies a dedicated and often sustained attempt to achieve something, implying that the task might be challenging or require significant energy and determination. It's not just a casual attempt, but a conscious and active endeavor.
Usage
This verb is widely used in everyday Persian conversation and writing. You'll hear it when people talk about their academic pursuits, professional goals, personal development, or any situation where perseverance is key. It's a versatile verb that can be applied to a wide range of actions, from studying for an exam to training for a marathon, or even trying to resolve a difficult problem. It conveys a sense of commitment and the application of one's abilities to overcome obstacles. For instance, if someone is working diligently on a project, you might say they are 'کوشش کردن' (kūshish kardan) to complete it successfully. Similarly, when encouraging someone to keep trying despite setbacks, 'کوشش کن' (kūshish kon - try hard!) is a common phrase. It emphasizes the process of effort as much as the potential outcome, highlighting the value of diligence and persistence in achieving one's aims. It's a positive and encouraging word, often used to acknowledge and validate someone's hard work and dedication. The act of 'کوشش کردن' (kūshish kardan) is seen as a virtue, reflecting a strong will and a refusal to give up easily. It's a fundamental concept in achieving any form of success, big or small. The word itself is derived from Arabic 'kūshish', meaning effort or endeavor, and 'kardan', the Persian verb 'to do' or 'to make'. This linguistic heritage underscores its deep-rooted meaning of putting forth effort. When you hear 'کوشش کردن' (kūshish kardan), think of someone putting their best foot forward, applying their energy, and actively working towards a goal. It's about the journey of trying, the resilience shown, and the commitment to see something through. It's a testament to human drive and the belief that effort can lead to achievement. Whether it's a small daily task or a lifelong ambition, the spirit of 'کوشش کردن' (kūshish kardan) is often what bridges the gap between aspiration and reality. It's a word that embodies the spirit of never giving up and always striving for betterment, a core value in many cultures, including Persian culture. It encourages a proactive approach to life, where challenges are met with determination and a willingness to invest the necessary time and energy to succeed. The concept is universal, but the way it's expressed through 'کوشش کردن' (kūshish kardan) adds a specific cultural nuance of earnestness and dedication. It’s a powerful reminder that success rarely comes without effort, and that the act of striving itself is commendable. It’s about the process of learning, growing, and pushing one's boundaries through sustained effort. This verb is a cornerstone for expressing ambition and perseverance in the Persian language, making it essential for learners who wish to communicate effectively about their goals and challenges.
من برای یادگیری زبان فارسی خیلی کوشش میکنم.
I make a lot of effort to learn Persian.
Nuance
'کوشش کردن' (kūshish kardan) implies a more significant and sustained effort than simply 'امتحان کردن' (emtehān kardan - to try something out) or 'خواستن' (khāstan - to want). It suggests a conscious application of energy and will to overcome difficulties or achieve a challenging goal.
Example Scenarios
* A student studying late into the night for a crucial exam: «او برای موفقیت در امتحان، شبانهروز کوشش میکند.» (He tries day and night for success in the exam.) * An athlete training rigorously for a competition: «ورزشکار برای رسیدن به آمادگی، بسیار کوشش میکند.» (The athlete strives greatly to reach readiness.) * Someone trying to fix a complex problem: «مهندس برای رفع مشکل، تمام توان خود را به کار گرفته و کوشش میکند.» (The engineer uses all their might and tries to resolve the problem.) * An artist working on a masterpiece: «هنرمند برای خلق اثر جدیدش، با دقت و علاقه کوشش میکند.» (The artist strives with care and interest to create their new work.) * Someone trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle: «او برای حفظ سلامتی خود، در رژیم غذایی و ورزش کوشش میکند.» (She makes an effort in diet and exercise to maintain her health.)
Basic Structure
The verb 'کوشش کردن' (kūshish kardan) is a compound verb, meaning it's formed by a noun ('کوشش' - effort) and a verb ('کردن' - to do/make). When conjugating, you conjugate the second part, 'کردن'. The present tense continuous form is very common: ' + کوشش + میکنم/میکنی/میکند...' (Subject + effort + I am doing/you are doing/he is doing...). The past simple is also used: ' + کوشش + کردم/کردی/کرد...' (Subject + effort + I did/you did/he did...).
Present Continuous - For ongoing efforts
This tense emphasizes that the effort is happening right now or is a continuous activity over a period.
من برای یادگیری زبان فارسی کوشش میکنم.
I am making an effort to learn Persian.
آنها برای حل مشکل، سخت کوشش میکنند.
They are trying hard to solve the problem.
او همیشه برای بهتر شدن کوشش میکند.
He always strives to become better.
Past Simple - For completed efforts
This tense indicates that an effort was made in the past.
دیروز برای پیدا کردن کلیدهایم خیلی کوشیدم.
Yesterday I tried hard to find my keys.
آنها در مسابقه سال گذشته کوشیدند تا پیروز شوند.
They strove in last year's competition to win.
من برای کمک به او کوشش کردم، اما موفق نشدم.
I tried to help him, but I did not succeed.
Imperative - Giving encouragement
The imperative form is used to encourage someone to make an effort.
تو همیشه بکوش تا بهترین خودت باشی!
Always strive to be your best self!
همه با هم بکوشیم تا این پروژه را به پایان برسانیم.
Let's all strive to finish this project.
Connecting with 'to' or 'for'
Often, the purpose of the effort is indicated using 'تا' (tā - so that/to) followed by a subjunctive verb, or 'برای' (barāye - for) followed by a noun or gerund.
او کوشش میکند تا موفق شود.
He strives to succeed.
ما برای رسیدن به هدفمان کوشش کردیم.
We strove for reaching our goal.
Adverbs with 'کوشش کردن'
Adverbs can modify the intensity or manner of the effort.
او با تمام توان کوشش کرد تا از دست پلیس فرار کند.
He tried with all his might to escape from the police.
لطفاً کمی بیشتر کوشش کن تا موفق شوی.
Please try a little harder so you succeed.
Everyday Conversations
You will hear 'کوشش کردن' (kūshish kardan) frequently in casual conversations. When friends discuss their studies, work, or personal projects, they often use it to describe their efforts. For example, someone might say, «برای این امتحان خیلی کوشش کردم.» (Barāye in emtehān kheyli kūshidam. - I tried very hard for this exam.) or «سعی کن بیشتر کوشش کنی.» (Sa'y kon bīshtar kūshish koni. - Try to make more effort.) This is a natural way to express diligence and commitment in everyday life. It’s a common way to share your struggles and triumphs, acknowledging the hard work involved. Parents might encourage their children by saying, «بچهجان، کوشش کن تا درسهایت را خوب یاد بگیری.» (Bache jan, kūshish kon tā dars-hāyat rā khūb yād begiri. - My dear child, try hard so you learn your lessons well.) This highlights its use in motivational contexts as well. It's a warm and encouraging phrase used to support and push others towards their goals. The verb is so ingrained in the language that it often appears without conscious thought, reflecting its fundamental role in expressing perseverance.
Educational Settings
In schools, universities, and language learning environments, 'کوشش کردن' (kūshish kardan) is very common. Teachers often use it to motivate students. «اگر خوب کوشش کنید، حتماً موفق میشوید.» (Agar khūb kūshish konid, hatman movaffaq mīshavid. - If you try hard, you will definitely succeed.) Students might also use it to describe their study habits: «من برای فهمیدن این مبحث پیچیده، ساعتها کوشش کردم.» (Man barāye fahmidan-e in mabhas-e pichide, sā'at-hā kūshidam. - I spent hours trying to understand this complex topic.) It’s a standard term used when discussing academic performance and the effort required for learning. It normalizes the idea that learning involves effort and encourages students to embrace that challenge. The word itself carries a positive connotation in academic contexts, representing dedication and intellectual pursuit. It’s a key verb for discussing academic goals and the journey to achieve them, making it indispensable for students and educators alike.
Professional Environments
In the workplace, 'کوشش کردن' (kūshish kardan) is used to talk about dedication to tasks and projects. A manager might tell their team, «برای اتمام این پروژه در زمان مقرر، همه باید نهایت کوشش خود را به کار گیریم.» (Barāye etmām-e in proje dar zamān-e mokarrar, hameh bāyad nahāyat-e kūshish-e khod rā be kār girim. - To complete this project by the deadline, everyone must apply their utmost effort.) Employees might report on their progress by saying, «من برای حل این مشکل فنی، چندین راه را امتحان کردم و کوشش نمودم.» (Man barāye hall-e in moshkel-e fanni, chandin rāh rā emtehān kardam va kūshish nemūdam. - I tried several ways and made an effort to solve this technical problem.) It signifies professionalism, commitment, and the willingness to go the extra mile. It’s a way to acknowledge the challenges inherent in professional tasks and to express the determination to overcome them. This usage emphasizes the value placed on hard work and problem-solving skills in the Persian business culture. It’s a way of showing respect for the task and for the team’s collective effort. The phrase 'کوشش کردن' (kūshish kardan) conveys a sense of responsibility and dedication that is highly valued in professional settings.
Motivational Speeches and Literature
In literature, poetry, and motivational speeches, 'کوشش کردن' (kūshish kardan) is a powerful word used to inspire and encourage resilience. Think of phrases like «در راه رسیدن به اهدافتان کوشش کنید.» (Dar rāh-e residan be ahdāf-etān kūshish konid. - Strive on the path to reach your goals.) or «هرگز از کوشش دست نکشید.» (Hargez az kūshish dast nakashid. - Never give up trying.) It's a verb that embodies the spirit of perseverance and the belief in one's ability to achieve greatness through sustained effort. It’s often used in contexts discussing personal growth, overcoming adversity, and achieving significant milestones. The word is chosen for its strong connotation of earnestness and determination, making it an impactful choice for inspiring action and resilience. It’s a key term for discussing the human spirit and the drive to succeed against all odds. The literary use of 'کوشش کردن' (kūshish kardan) often elevates the act of striving into a noble pursuit, a testament to human will and potential.
Personal Goals and Aspirations
When people talk about their personal ambitions, whether it's learning a new skill, improving their health, or pursuing a passion, they will often use 'کوشش کردن' (kūshish kardan). «من برای یادگیری موسیقی، هر روز کوشش میکنم.» (Man barāye yādgiri-ye mūsīqī, har rūz kūshish mikonam. - I strive every day to learn music.) or «او برای کاهش وزن، خیلی کوشش کرده است.» (U barāye kāhesh-e vazn, kheyli kūshish karde ast. - She has tried very hard to lose weight.) This verb is central to articulating one's dedication to personal improvement and the pursuit of dreams. It frames these aspirations not as passive wishes, but as active endeavors requiring significant effort. It’s a way to express one’s commitment to self-development and the ongoing journey of personal growth. The use of 'کوشش کردن' (kūshish kardan) in this context emphasizes the active role individuals play in shaping their own lives and achieving their desired outcomes through deliberate action and persistent effort.
Confusing with 'امتحان کردن' (emtehān kardan)
A common mistake for learners is to use 'امتحان کردن' (emtehān kardan - to try/test) when they mean 'کوشش کردن' (kūshish kardan - to strive/make a determined effort). 'امتحان کردن' is typically used for trying out something new, testing an item, or making a casual attempt. For example, you might 'امتحان کردن' a new restaurant. 'کوشش کردن', however, implies a more serious, sustained, and often difficult effort.
Incorrect: من برای یادگیری زبان فارسی امتحان میکنم.
Incorrect: I try (out) to learn Persian.
Correct: من برای یادگیری زبان فارسی کوشش میکنم.
Correct: I am making an effort to learn Persian. The former sounds like you are casually trying out learning Persian, perhaps seeing if you like it, while the latter implies serious dedication and hard work towards the goal of learning it.
Incorrect Verb Conjugation
Since 'کوشش کردن' is a compound verb, learners might mistakenly conjugate the noun 'کوشش' or try to conjugate both parts independently. Remember, only the second verb, 'کردن', is conjugated.
Incorrect: من کوشش را میکنم.
Incorrect: I do the effort. (Grammatically awkward and not the standard way to say it)
Incorrect: او کوشش میکند و او میکند.
Incorrect: He tries and he does. (Redundant and incorrect conjugation) The correct way is to treat 'کوشش کردن' as a single unit where 'کوشش' acts as the object of 'کردن'.
Correct: من کوشش میکنم.
Correct: I am making an effort.
Correct: آنها کوشش کردند.
Correct: They made an effort.
Overusing 'کوشش کردن' for simple actions
While 'کوشش کردن' is versatile, it's important not to overuse it for very simple or casual actions. For instance, saying you 'کوشش کردن' to drink a glass of water would sound exaggerated and unnatural. Use it when there's a genuine challenge or a need for significant effort.
Incorrect: من برای نوشیدن آب کوشش کردم.
Incorrect: I tried hard to drink water. (Unless there was a specific difficulty, like being severely dehydrated or having a medical condition)
Correct: من آب نوشیدم.
Correct: I drank water. For simple actions, use verbs like 'نوشیدن' (nūshidan - to drink), 'خوردن' (khordan - to eat), or 'رفتن' (raftan - to go) without the added emphasis of 'کوشش کردن'. It's about choosing the right word for the right level of effort.
Incorrect use of 'تا' (tā)
When expressing the purpose of the effort using 'تا', the following verb must be in the subjunctive mood. Learners might sometimes forget this or use the indicative mood.
Incorrect: او کوشش میکند تا موفق میشود.
Incorrect: He tries so that he succeeds. (Indicative mood used after 'تا')
Correct: او کوشش میکند تا موفق شود.
Correct: He tries so that he may succeed. (Subjunctive mood used after 'تا') The subjunctive mood in Persian is often formed by adding 'بـ' (be-) to the present stem of the verb, though there are irregularities. For 'شدن' (shodan - to become/succeed), the subjunctive is 'شود' (shavad).
Forgetting the Noun 'کوشش' (kūshish)
Sometimes learners might try to directly conjugate a verb that means 'to strive' without using the compound structure. While Persian has verbs like 'کوشیدن' (kūshīdan - to strive), 'کوشش کردن' is more common and often preferred for its directness in conveying the idea of 'making an effort'. Relying solely on 'کوشیدن' without the compound might sound slightly less natural or more literary in everyday contexts.
Less common/formal: او میکوشید.
Less common/formal: He strove. (While correct, 'کوشش میکرد' is more frequent in spoken Persian.)
Common: او کوشش میکرد.
Common: He was striving/making an effort. It's best to get comfortable with the compound verb 'کوشش کردن' as it's the most frequent and versatile form.
'سعی کردن' (sa'y kardan) - To try; To attempt
'سعی کردن' (sa'y kardan) is perhaps the most common synonym and is very close in meaning to 'کوشش کردن'. Both mean 'to try' or 'to attempt'. However, 'سعی کردن' can sometimes imply a slightly less intense effort than 'کوشش کردن'. You might 'سعی کردن' to remember a name, whereas you would 'کوشش کردن' to climb a mountain. In many contexts, they are interchangeable.
من سعی میکنم زودتر برسم.
I am trying to arrive sooner.
او برای موفقیت در این کار کوشش کرد.
He strove for success in this work. The key difference is often the implied intensity. 'کوشش' carries a stronger sense of 'striving' and 'determined effort'.
'تلاش کردن' (talāsh kardan) - To endeavor; To strive
'تلاش کردن' (talāsh kardan) is another strong synonym, often interchangeable with 'کوشش کردن'. It also implies a significant effort, often towards a specific goal. It can carry a slightly more formal or literary tone than 'سعی کردن'.
آنها برای رسیدن به صلح تلاش میکنند.
They are endeavoring to achieve peace.
ما برای پیشرفت کشورمان کوشش میکنیم.
We strive for the progress of our country. 'تلاش' often suggests a more organized or systematic effort compared to the more general 'سعی'.
'تقلا کردن' (taghallā kardan) - To struggle; To make a strenuous effort
'تقلا کردن' (taghallā kardan) implies a much more difficult and strenuous effort, often involving a struggle against obstacles. It's used when the effort is visibly hard or involves overcoming significant resistance.
کودک برای بلند شدن از زمین تقلا میکرد.
The child was struggling to get up from the ground.
او در این شرایط سخت، برای بقا کوشش میکند.
In these difficult circumstances, he is striving for survival. While 'کوشش کردن' can be used for difficult tasks, 'تقلا کردن' specifically highlights the struggle involved.
'کوشیدن' (kūshīdan) - To strive; To endeavor (verb)
This is the simple verb form of 'کوشش'. While 'کوشش کردن' is more common in everyday speech, 'کوشیدن' is also used, often in more formal or literary contexts.
او از جوانی میکوشید تا به آرزوهایش برسد.
Since youth, he strove to reach his dreams.
در این راه، همگان باید کوشش کنند.
In this path, everyone must strive. The compound verb 'کوشش کردن' is generally more prevalent in modern spoken Persian.
'امتحان کردن' (emtehān kardan) - To try; To test
As mentioned in common mistakes, 'امتحان کردن' is fundamentally different. It means to try something out, to test something, or to make a casual attempt. It lacks the intensity and determination of 'کوشش کردن'.
این غذا را امتحان کن، خیلی خوشمزه است.
Try this food, it's very delicious.
او برای حل این مسئله کوشش میکند.
He is striving to solve this problem. The choice between these words depends heavily on the context and the degree of effort you wish to convey.
در سایه کوششهای بیشائبه و ایثارگرانه رهبران فقید، ملت ایران توانست از گردنههای صعبالعبور تاریخ عبور کند.
Under the shadow of the unblemished and sacrificing efforts of the late leaders, the Iranian nation was able to pass through the difficult passes of history.
Highly formal and evocative language ('بیشائبه', 'ایثارگرانه', 'گردنههای صعبالعبور').
2
نظام آموزشی نوین، بیش از هر چیز بر پرورش روحیه کوشش و خودباوری در دانشآموزان تأکید دارد تا آنان را برای مواجهه با چالشهای آینده مجهز سازد.
The modern educational system, more than anything, emphasizes fostering a spirit of effort and self-belief in students to equip them for facing future challenges.
'کوشش' used in the context of educational philosophy and student development.
3
در مواجهه با پدیدههای پیچیده اجتماعی، تحلیلگران میکوشند تا با اتخاذ رویکردهای میانرشتهای، از درک سطحی و تقلیلگرایانه پرهیز کنند.
In confronting complex social phenomena, analysts strive to avoid superficial and reductionist understanding by adopting interdisciplinary approaches.
Verb 'میکوشند' (they strive) used with sophisticated academic terminology.
4
میراث ادبی فارسی سرشار از آثاری است که جوهر کوشش انسان در برابر تقدیر و ناگزیریهای زندگی را به تصویر میکشند.
Persian literary heritage is replete with works that depict the essence of human effort against fate and the inevitabilities of life.
'کوشش' used in a literary-critical context, discussing themes in literature.
5
تداوم کوشش برای بسط عدالت اجتماعی و رفع نابرابریها، نه تنها یک وظیفه اخلاقی، بلکه ضرورتی راهبردی برای ثبات و پیشرفت پایدار جوامع است.
The continuation of effort to expand social justice and eliminate inequalities is not only a moral duty but also a strategic necessity for the stability and sustainable progress of societies.
'کوشش' used in a highly abstract and policy-oriented discussion.
6
هرچند دستیابی به توافق جامع در مذاکرات هستهای با دشواریهای فراوانی همراه بود، اما کوشش دیپلماتیک بیوقفهای در جریان بود تا راه حلی مسالمتآمیز یافت شود.
Although achieving a comprehensive agreement in the nuclear negotiations was accompanied by numerous difficulties, a relentless diplomatic effort was ongoing to find a peaceful solution.
Complex sentence structure with multiple clauses and advanced vocabulary.
7
درک عمیقتر از ماهیت پدیدههای کیهانی، مستلزم کوششهای نظری و تجربی فراتر از مرزهای دانش کنونی ماست.
A deeper understanding of the nature of cosmic phenomena requires theoretical and empirical efforts beyond the boundaries of our current knowledge.
'کوشش' used in a scientific and philosophical context concerning the limits of knowledge.
8
اینجانب با اذعان به مسئولیت خطیر خویش، تمام توان و کوشش خود را در جهت اعتلای فرهنگ و هنر این مرز و بوم به کار خواهم بست.
Acknowledging my grave responsibility, I will employ all my strength and effort towards the elevation of the culture and art of this land.
Highly formal and eloquent phrasing ('اذعان به مسئولیت خطیر', 'اعتلای فرهنگ و هنر', 'به کار بستن').
