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B1 noun #3,000 most common 9 min read

کسب

kasb Top 3,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips کسب in 30 Seconds

Explanation کسب in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should think of 'Kasb' as a word related to 'making money' or 'having a job'. Even though it's a bit formal, you might see it in simple phrases like 'Kasb-o-kar' which means 'business'. Beginners should focus on the idea that 'Kasb' is about getting something because you worked for it. For example, if you have a small shop, you are doing 'Kasb'. It is a noun, but it usually goes with the verb 'kardan' (to do). So, 'Kasb kardan' means to earn or to get something like a grade or a small amount of money. Just remember: Kasb = Earning through work.

At the A2 level, you can start using 'Kasb' in more specific sentences. You will see it used with 'daramad' (income) to say 'kasb-e daramad' (earning income). This is a very common way to talk about jobs. You might also hear it in the context of sports, like 'kasb-e medal' (winning a medal). At this stage, you should understand that 'Kasb' is more formal than 'pool dar-avardan' (making money). If you want to sound more polite or professional when talking about your job or your studies, use 'Kasb'. It shows that you are putting in effort to achieve a result.

At the B1 level, 'Kasb' becomes a key vocabulary word for discussing professional and academic life. You should be comfortable using it in Ezafe constructions like 'kasb-e tajrobeh' (gaining experience) or 'kasb-e maharat' (acquiring skills). At this level, you realize 'Kasb' isn't just for money; it's for anything valuable that you gain over time. You will encounter it in news articles about the economy or success stories. You should also be able to distinguish between 'Kasb' (the act) and 'Kaseb' (the person, like a shopkeeper). Understanding the compound 'Kasb-o-kar' as 'business' is essential for B1 learners.

At the B2 level, you should use 'Kasb' to express nuances in achievement and acquisition. You will see it in more complex grammatical structures, such as passive forms ('kasb shodan') or in formal administrative contexts like 'kasb-e ejazeh' (obtaining permission) or 'kasb-e taklif' (seeking guidance/instructions). You should be able to use it in essays to describe the 'acquisition of knowledge' (kasb-e danesh) or 'gaining a reputation' (kasb-e aberoo). At this level, you should also recognize its synonyms like 'tahsil' or 'nayl' and know that 'Kasb' is the most versatile choice for active, effort-based acquisition in modern Persian.

At the C1 level, 'Kasb' is understood within its broader socio-economic and historical context. You will encounter it in classical literature and modern legal or economic texts. You should understand the moral implications of the term 'Kaseb' in Iranian culture (the honest merchant). In your own writing, you can use 'Kasb' to discuss abstract concepts like 'kasb-e mashroo'iyat' (gaining legitimacy) in political science or 'kasb-e daramad-haye arzi' in macroeconomics. You should be able to use the word fluently in complex sentences, moving between its meanings as 'trade', 'earning', and 'acquisition' without hesitation.

At the C2 level, you have a complete mastery of 'Kasb' and its derivatives. You can appreciate its etymological roots and how it functions in highly specialized fields like Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh), where 'kasb' refers to the human acquisition of actions created by God. You can use it in high-level academic discourse to contrast 'essential' vs. 'acquired' traits (zati vs. kasbi). Your usage should reflect an understanding of its subtle registers, from the gritty reality of the bazaar to the most refined philosophical debates. You can effortlessly navigate its collocations in legal contracts, poetic metaphors, and complex economic theories.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

کسب in 30 Seconds

Kasb is a Persian noun meaning earning or acquisition.
It is used for both money (profit) and abstract things (skills, knowledge).
It is the root of 'Kasb-o-kar', the standard word for business.
It usually pairs with the verb 'kardan' to mean 'to earn' or 'to acquire'.

The Persian word کسب (pronounced 'kasb') is a versatile and essential noun that primarily denotes the act of earning, acquiring, or obtaining something of value. Rooted in Arabic but deeply integrated into the Persian language, it encompasses both material gains, like money and profit, and abstract acquisitions, such as knowledge, experience, or skills. In a professional context, it often refers to the livelihood or trade one pursues to make a living. When you hear this word, think of the effort invested to reach a goal or secure a resource. It is not a passive receiving; rather, it implies an active pursuit or a process of achievement.

Economic Context: In financial discussions, it refers to 'earning' or 'income generation'. It is the foundation of the term 'Kasb-o-Kar', which means business or trade.

او برای کسب روزی حلال هر روز سخت کار می‌کند.

Translation: He works hard every day to earn a legitimate livelihood.

Beyond money, the word is frequently used in educational and self-improvement settings. One might 'kasb' (acquire) knowledge at a university or 'kasb' (gain) experience through an internship. This duality makes it a favorite in formal speeches and academic writing where the speaker wants to emphasize the meritocratic nature of an achievement. Whether it is winning a medal in sports or gaining a reputation in a community, this word highlights the transition from not having something to possessing it through dedicated action.

Abstract Acquisition: Used for non-physical things like 'kasb-e tajrobeh' (gaining experience) or 'kasb-e etemad' (gaining trust).

تلاش برای کسب دانش هیچ‌گاه متوقف نمی‌شود.

Translation: The effort to acquire knowledge never stops.

Historically, the word has a strong connection to the marketplace. In classical Persian literature, a 'kasabeh' (plural of those who practice kasb) were the honest tradespeople of the bazaar. Today, it retains that sense of dignity. It isn't just about getting something; it's about the legitimate and often professional way of obtaining it. You wouldn't usually use 'kasb' for finding money on the street; you use it for the money you worked for or the skill you studied for.

Professional Identity: It relates to 'Kaseb', which refers to a shopkeeper or a merchant, emphasizing the role of trade in society.

این ورزشکار موفق به کسب مدال طلا شد.

Translation: This athlete succeeded in winning (acquiring) the gold medal.

شرکت ما به دنبال کسب سود بیشتر در بازار جهانی است.

Translation: Our company is seeking to earn more profit in the global market.

Using کسب correctly requires understanding its role as a noun that often initiates a compound verb or serves as the object of a preposition. In most daily conversations, you will encounter it in the form 'کسب کردن' (to earn/acquire). However, in formal writing, it acts as a head noun in an Ezafe construction (e.g., کسبِ درآمد). This section explores the grammatical flexibility and typical sentence structures where 'kasb' shines.

The Ezafe Construction: When 'kasb' is followed by what is being earned, we use the -e sound. Example: 'Kasb-e tajrobeh' (Acquisition of experience).

او برای کسبِ تخصص به خارج از کشور رفت.

Translation: He went abroad to acquire expertise.

When constructing sentences about income, 'kasb' is the standard choice for professional or legitimate earnings. It sounds more formal than 'pool dar avardan' (making money). If you are writing a CV or a business proposal, 'kasb' is the word you need. It suggests a structured and purposeful effort. For instance, 'kasb-e daramad' is the standard way to say 'earning an income' in a formal report or a bank application.

Verbal Pairings: Commonly used with 'kardan' (to do/make), 'nemoodan' (formal version of kardan), or 'movafagh shodan be' (to succeed in).

دانشجویان باید مهارت‌های لازم را کسب کنند.

Translation: Students must acquire the necessary skills.

In the context of sports and competitions, the sentence structure often follows the pattern: [Subject] + [Object] + [Kasb Kardan]. For example, 'Iran won three medals' becomes 'Iran se medal kasb kard'. This usage is ubiquitous in sports journalism. It conveys a sense of achievement and official recognition. Similarly, in politics, candidates 'kasb-e ara' (gain votes).

The 'Kasb-o-Kar' Phrase: This compound noun is the standard term for 'business'. Example: 'Kasb-o-kar-e khaneghi' (Home-based business).

رونق کسب و کار به نفع همه است.

Translation: The prosperity of business is to everyone's benefit.

او قبل از ورود، کسبِ تکلیف کرد.

Translation: He sought instructions (permission/guidance) before entering.

The word کسب is everywhere in Iranian society, from the bustling corridors of the Tehran Bazaar to the sterile environments of modern corporate offices. If you are watching the evening news (Akhbar), you will hear it in almost every segment. In the economic section, the reporter might discuss 'kasb-e daramad-haye arzi' (earning foreign currency revenue). In the sports section, it's about 'kasb-e magham-e avval' (achieving first place). It is a word of progress and tangible results.

In the Media: Journalists use 'kasb' to describe official achievements, whether financial, political, or athletic.

وزیر اقتصاد درباره کسب درآمدهای مالیاتی صحبت کرد.

Translation: The Economy Minister spoke about obtaining tax revenues.

In daily life, specifically in the bazaar, the word 'Kaseb' (one who does kasb) is a title of respect. A 'Kaseb-e Habib-ollah' is a traditional Islamic proverb meaning 'The honest merchant is the friend of God.' This cultural backdrop gives the word 'kasb' a moral weight. It isn't just about 'getting' something; it's about the ethical pursuit of one's livelihood. You will hear shopkeepers talk about their 'kasb-o-kar' when discussing the state of the market or the economy's impact on their trade.

Educational Institutions: Professors and students use it to describe the goal of education: 'kasb-e elm' (the acquisition of science/knowledge).

هدف نهایی دانشگاه، کسب دانش و بینش است.

Translation: The ultimate goal of the university is the acquisition of knowledge and insight.

Social media and the modern Iranian startup scene also heavily utilize 'kasb'. Phrases like 'kasb-o-kar-haye no-pa' (startups) are common in podcasts and tech news. Here, 'kasb' represents the entrepreneurial spirit. It is the bridge between an idea and a profitable reality. When you listen to a Persian business podcast, the word 'kasb' will likely be the most frequent noun you hear, linking strategy to acquisition.

Digital Context: Refers to online earnings and digital businesses ('kasb-e daramad-e interneti').

بسیاری از جوانان به کسب درآمد از یوتیوب روی آورده‌اند.

Translation: Many young people have turned to earning income from YouTube.

او در بازار به عنوان یک کاسبِ معتبر شناخته می‌شود.

Translation: He is known in the bazaar as a reputable merchant.

For English speakers learning Persian, the most common mistake with کسب is confusing it with other words for 'getting' or 'having'. While English uses 'get' for almost everything (get money, get sick, get a degree), Persian is much more specific. Using 'kasb' for 'getting sick' (mariz shodan) would be a major error. 'Kasb' is strictly for positive or neutral acquisitions resulting from effort or trade.

Mistake: Over-generalization: Do not use 'kasb' for passive events. You don't 'kasb' a cold; you 'gereftar' (catch) one.

غلط: او سرماخوردگی کسب کرد. (Wrong!)

Correction: Use 'Sarma khord' instead.

Another frequent error is confusing 'Kasb' (the noun) with 'Kaseb' (the person). Students often say 'Man yek kasb hastam' (I am an acquisition) when they mean 'Man yek kaseb hastam' (I am a tradesman). Remember that the additional 'e' sound (alif in writing) changes the word from the action to the actor. Additionally, don't confuse 'Kasb' with 'Kasht' (planting/sowing), which sounds somewhat similar to beginners but has a completely different root.

Mistake: Confusion with 'Daramad': 'Daramad' is the 'income' itself (the result), while 'Kasb' is the 'earning' (the process). You 'kasb' a 'daramad'.

او کسب خوبی دارد. (Awkward usage)

Correction: Better to say 'Daramad-e khoobi darad' (He has a good income).

Lastly, watch out for the pronunciation. Beginners sometimes pronounce it like 'Kas-ab' (two syllables with a strong 'a'). It is a single syllable 'Kasb' where the 's' and 'b' are blended at the end. Mispronouncing it might lead listeners to think you are saying 'Kassab' (butcher), which is a completely different word! Precision in the final consonant cluster is key to being understood in a professional environment.

Mistake: Misuse in Compound Verbs: Sometimes learners use 'Kasb shodan' instead of 'Kasb kardan'. 'Kasb shodan' means 'to be acquired', which is passive and much rarer.

تجربه با تلاش کسب می‌شود. (Correct Passive)

Translation: Experience is acquired through effort.

غلط: من سیب کسب کردم. (Wrong!)

Correction: 'Man sib kharidam' (I bought apples).

To truly master Persian, you must understand the nuances between کسب and its synonyms. While 'kasb' is about acquisition through effort, words like 'dastavard' (achievement), 'tahsil' (obtaining/education), and 'estekhraj' (extraction) cover different angles of getting something. Choosing the right one depends on whether you are talking about a physical object, a mental state, or a professional result.

Kasb vs. Daramad: 'Kasb' is the action (earning); 'Daramad' is the noun (income). You 'kasb' a 'daramad'.

او به دنبال کسبِ درآمدِ جانبی است.

Translation: He is looking to earn a side income.

'Tahsil' is another close synonym, often used in 'tahsil-e mal' (obtaining property) or 'tahsil-e elm' (obtaining knowledge). However, 'tahsil' is much more formal and often implies a bureaucratic or academic process. 'Kasb' is more general and can be used for both a shopkeeper earning money and a scientist earning a Nobel prize. 'Dastavard' (achievement) is the result of the 'kasb'. If 'kasb' is the journey, 'dastavard' is the destination.

Kasb vs. Faragiri: 'Faragiri' is specifically for 'learning' or 'mastering' a skill. 'Kasb' is broader and includes earning money.

او در کسب مهارت‌های جدید بسیار سریع است.

Translation: He is very fast in acquiring new skills.

In the business world, you might also hear 'estekhraj' (extraction), usually for resources like oil or data. You wouldn't 'kasb' oil from the ground; you 'estekhraj' it. But you would 'kasb' profit from selling that oil. This distinction is vital for technical Persian. Understanding these boundaries helps you sound like a native speaker rather than someone translating word-for-word from English.

Kasb vs. Nayl: 'Nayl' (attainment) is very literary. You 'nayl' to a high status, but you 'kasb' the votes to get there.

تلاش برای کسبِ رضایت مشتری اولویت ماست.

Translation: Striving to gain customer satisfaction is our priority.

او با کسب اجازه از والدینش به سفر رفت.

Translation: He went on a trip after obtaining permission from his parents.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In Islamic theology, the concept of 'Kasb' was used to explain how humans are responsible for their actions even if God is the ultimate creator of all things.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /kæsb/

US /kæsb/

Single syllable, no specific stress point.

Rhymes With

اسب (Asb - Horse) نصب (Nasb - Installation) غصب (Gasb - Usurpation) حسب (Hasb - According to) چسب (Chasb - Glue) کسب (Kasb) صلب (Solb) جذب (Jazb)

Common Errors

Pronouncing it as 'Kas-ab' (two syllables).
Confusing the 's' with a 'sh' sound.
Making the 'b' sound too soft so it sounds like 'Kas'.
Vowel lengthening (don't say Kaasb).
Confusing with 'Kassab' (Butcher) which has a stressed 's'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to recognize in texts once the root is known.

Writing 4/5

Requires knowledge of Ezafe and compound verb structures.

Speaking 3/5

Final consonant cluster 'sb' can be tricky for some.

Listening 3/5

Common in news and daily life, easy to spot.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

کار (Work) پول (Money) کردن (To do) دانش (Knowledge) تجربه (Experience)

Learn Next

درآمد (Income) سود (Profit) تجارت (Trade) موفقیت (Success) مجوز (Permit)

Advanced

اکتساب (Acquisition) مشروعیت (Legitimacy) بصیرت (Insight) تهذیب (Refinement)

Grammar to Know

Ezafe for Noun-Noun relations

کسبِ (e) درآمد

Compound Verb Construction

کسب + کردن = کسب کردن

Subjunctive with Modal Verbs

باید تجربه کسب کند (He must gain experience)

Passive Voice with Shodan

مدال کسب شد (The medal was won)

Pluralization of Compound Nouns

کسب‌وکارهای کوچک

Examples by Level

او در بازار کسب و کار دارد.

He has a business in the bazaar.

Kasb-o-kar is a compound noun meaning business.

من برای کسب پول کار می‌کنم.

I work to earn money.

Kasb is used here as the reason for working.

پدرم یک کاسب است.

My father is a shopkeeper.

Kaseb is the noun for a person who does kasb.

او مدال کسب کرد.

He won (acquired) a medal.

Simple past tense of the compound verb kasb kardan.

کسب دانش خوب است.

Acquiring knowledge is good.

Kasb as a subject in a simple sentence.

آن‌ها به کسب درآمد نیاز دارند.

They need to earn an income.

Kasb-e daramad is a very common phrase.

این کسب و کار کوچک است.

This business is small.

Demonstrative adjective 'in' with the compound noun.

او در مدرسه نمره خوب کسب کرد.

He got (acquired) a good grade in school.

Using kasb for academic results.

برای کسب موفقیت باید تلاش کنید.

To achieve success, you must try.

Kasb-e movafaghiyat is a common collocation.

او در حال کسب تجربه است.

He is currently gaining experience.

Present continuous tense with kasb kardan.

آیا شما اجازه کسب کردید؟

Did you obtain permission?

Kasb-e ejazeh is a formal way to say 'getting permission'.

کسب و کارهای اینترنتی زیاد شده‌اند.

Internet businesses have increased.

Plural form of kasb-o-kar.

او توانست رتبه اول را کسب کند.

He was able to gain the first rank.

Using 'tavanestan' (can) with the infinitive of kasb kardan.

این شرکت سود خوبی کسب کرد.

This company earned a good profit.

Kasb-e sood is the standard term for earning profit.

ما به دنبال کسب اطلاعات هستیم.

We are looking to obtain information.

Kasb-e ettela'at means gathering info.

او از این راه روزی کسب می‌کند.

He earns a living through this way.

Rozi refers to daily sustenance/livelihood.

او برای کسب تخصص به دانشگاه معتبری رفت.

He went to a prestigious university to acquire expertise.

Kasb-e takhassos is a formal professional goal.

کسب رضایت مشتری برای ما بسیار مهم است.

Gaining customer satisfaction is very important to us.

Kasb acts as the gerund/subject here.

او با کسب اکثریت آرا پیروز شد.

He won by gaining the majority of votes.

Kasb-e ara is used in political contexts.

این ورزشکار موفق به کسب سهمیه المپیک شد.

This athlete succeeded in gaining an Olympic quota.

Movafagh be kasb-e... is a very common news structure.

باید در این زمینه مهارت‌های فنی کسب کنیم.

We must acquire technical skills in this field.

Kasb-e maharat-haye fanni.

کسب و کار او در دوران کرونا آسیب دید.

His business was damaged during the Corona era.

Possessive construction with kasb-o-kar.

او همیشه به دنبال کسب فیض از محضر استاد بود.

He was always seeking to gain grace (benefit) from the master's presence.

Kasb-e feyz is a very respectful, literary term.

شرکت برای کسب سهم بیشتری از بازار تلاش می‌کند.

The company is striving to gain a larger share of the market.

Kasb-e sahm-e bazar (market share).

دولت سیاست‌های جدیدی برای رونق کسب و کار اتخاذ کرد.

The government adopted new policies to boost business.

Ronagh-e kasb-o-kar means business prosperity.

او با تلاش فراوان موفق به کسب اعتماد مدیران شد.

With much effort, he succeeded in gaining the managers' trust.

Kasb-e etemad (gaining trust).

کسب آمادگی جسمانی برای این مسابقه ضروری است.

Acquiring physical readiness is essential for this competition.

Kasb-e amadegi (getting ready).

آن‌ها به دنبال کسب مجوزهای قانونی هستند.

They are looking to obtain legal permits.

Kasb-e mojavez (obtaining a permit).

او در سفر خود تجربیات ارزشمندی کسب کرد.

He gained valuable experiences during his trip.

Kasb-e tajrobeh is a classic collocation.

کسب شهرت نباید تنها هدف یک هنرمند باشد.

Gaining fame should not be an artist's only goal.

Kasb-e shohrat (gaining fame).

این پروژه منجر به کسب سود سرشاری شد.

This project led to the acquisition of significant profit.

Sood-e sarshar (abundant profit).

او برای کسب تکلیف به دفتر رئیس رفت.

He went to the boss's office to seek instructions.

Kasb-e taklif is a formal idiom.

کسب هویت ملی در جوامع مدرن فرآیندی پیچیده است.

Acquiring national identity in modern societies is a complex process.

Kasb-e hoviyat (identity acquisition).

او با نگارش این کتاب، اعتبار علمی بالایی کسب کرد.

By writing this book, he gained high academic credit/reputation.

Kasb-e ete'bar (gaining credit/validity).

استراتژی آن‌ها بر کسب برتری در تکنولوژی متمرکز است.

Their strategy is focused on gaining superiority in technology.

Kasb-e bartari (gaining superiority).

کسب دانشِ شهودی نیازمند تهذیب نفس است.

Acquiring intuitive knowledge requires self-refinement.

Philosophical usage of kasb.

او در صدد کسب جایگاهی تثبیت‌شده در بازار هنر است.

He is in the process of gaining an established position in the art market.

Kasb-e jaygah (gaining a position).

کسب ثروت نباید به قیمت نادیده گرفتن اخلاق باشد.

Acquiring wealth should not come at the cost of ignoring ethics.

Moral/Ethical discussion using kasb.

او با کسب فیض از محضر بزرگان، به کمال رسید.

By gaining grace from the presence of the greats, he reached perfection.

Highly formal/literary usage.

این نهاد به دنبال کسب مشروعیت بین‌المللی است.

This institution is seeking to gain international legitimacy.

Political science terminology.

نظریه کسب در کلام اشاعره به رابطه میان اراده انسان و فعل الهی می‌پردازد.

The theory of 'Kasb' in Ash'arite theology deals with the relationship between human will and divine action.

Highly specialized theological term.

کسب ملکیت در حقوق مدنی از طرق مختلفی امکان‌پذیر است.

Acquiring ownership in civil law is possible through various ways.

Legal terminology: Kasb-e melkiyat.

او در پی کسبِ بصیرتی ژرف نسبت به وقایع تاریخی بود.

He was seeking to acquire a deep insight into historical events.

Kasb-e basirat (acquiring insight).

فرآیند کسب زبان دوم در بزرگسالی با دوران کودکی متفاوت است.

The process of second language acquisition in adulthood differs from childhood.

Linguistic term: Kasb-e zaban.

کسبِ فضایل اخلاقی غایتِ قصوایِ تعلیم و تربیت است.

The acquisition of moral virtues is the ultimate goal of education.

Formal philosophical prose.

او با کسبِ تجاربِ زیسته، جهان‌بینی خود را بازسازی کرد.

By acquiring lived experiences, he reconstructed his worldview.

Sociological/Philosophical term: Tajarob-e zisteh.

کسبِ اقتدارِ معنوی نیازمند گسست از تعلقات مادی است.

Acquiring spiritual authority requires breaking away from material attachments.

Mystical/Sufi context.

تحلیلِ نحوه کسبِ قدرت در جوامعِ در حال گذار ضروری است.

Analyzing the method of acquiring power in societies in transition is essential.

Kasb-e qodrat (acquisition of power).

Common Collocations

کسب درآمد

کسب تجربه

کسب مهارت

کسب اجازه

کسب سود

کسب مدال

کسب دانش

کسب اعتبار

کسب رتبه

کسب رضایت

Common Phrases

کسب و کار

— The standard term for business or trade.

کسب و کار او رونق دارد.

کسب تکلیف

— To ask for orders or guidance from a superior.

منتظر کسب تکلیف از رئیس هستم.

کسب روزی

— Earning one's daily bread or livelihood.

او برای کسب روزی حلال تلاش می‌کند.

اهل کسب

— People involved in trade or the bazaar community.

او از پیرمردانِ اهل کسب است.

کسب فیض

— To benefit from someone's knowledge or presence (very polite).

آمدم تا از محضر شما کسب فیض کنم.

کسب خبر

— To obtain news or information.

خبرنگار در حال کسب خبر بود.

کسب مال

— Acquiring wealth or property.

کسب مال نباید از راه نامشروع باشد.

کسب شهرت

— Gaining fame or notoriety.

او با این فیلم کسب شهرت کرد.

کسب موفقیت

— Achieving success.

رمز کسب موفقیت پشتکار است.

کسب آرامش

— Gaining peace of mind.

مدیتیشن برای کسب آرامش مفید است.

Often Confused With

کسب vs کاسب

Kasb is the act; Kaseb is the person (merchant).

کسب vs کاشته

Sounds similar but means 'planted'.

کسب vs کسبه

This is the plural of Kaseb (merchants).

Idioms & Expressions

"کاسب حبیب‌الله است"

— The honest merchant is the friend of God. Used to praise ethical business.

قدیمی‌ها می‌گفتند کاسب حبیب‌الله است.

traditional

"کسب و کار کسی سکه بودن"

— For someone's business to be thriving or 'golden'.

این روزها کسب و کارش سکه است.

informal

"در پی کسب نام بودن"

— To be seeking a name or reputation for oneself.

او فقط در پی کسب نام است.

neutral

"کسب اجازه کردن"

— A very polite way to ask for permission.

قبل از رفتن، کسب اجازه کرد.

formal

"کسب فیض کردن"

— Often used sarcastically to mean 'listening to someone's long-winded talk'.

نشستیم و از فرمایشات ایشان کسب فیض کردیم!

sarcastic/literary

"کسب و کار راه انداختن"

— To start or launch a business.

او یک کسب و کار کوچک راه انداخت.

neutral

"کسب اعتبار کردن"

— To build a reputation or creditworthiness.

او سال‌ها در این بازار کسب اعتبار کرد.

neutral

"کسب روزی حلال"

— The religious/ethical ideal of earning a clean living.

نانِ کسبِ روزیِ حلال شیرین است.

religious/cultural

"کسب تکلیف کردن"

— Used when one is hesitant to act without an order.

باید از مدیر کسب تکلیف کنیم.

formal

"کسب دانش از گهواره تا گور"

— Seek knowledge from the cradle to the grave (Famous proverb).

کسب دانش محدود به سن نیست.

proverbial

Easily Confused

کسب vs نصب

Rhymes with Kasb.

Nasb means installation or setting up (e.g., software).

نصب برنامه روی گوشی.

کسب vs غصب

Rhymes with Kasb.

Gasb means illegal seizure or usurpation.

غصب زمین‌های کشاورزی.

کسب vs حسب

Rhymes with Kasb.

Hasb means 'according to' or 'based on'.

بر حسب اتفاق.

کسب vs چسب

Rhymes with Kasb.

Chasb means glue or adhesive.

چسب برای کاغذ.

کسب vs قصب

Sounds similar.

Qasab is a type of reed or fine cloth (rare).

پارچه قصب.

Sentence Patterns

من [Noun] کسب می‌کنم.

من پول کسب می‌کنم.

او برای کسبِ [Noun] تلاش می‌کند.

او برای کسبِ موفقیت تلاش می‌کند.

آن‌ها موفق به کسبِ [Noun] شدند.

آن‌ها موفق به کسبِ مدال شدند.

باید در پی کسبِ [Noun] بود.

باید در پی کسبِ دانش بود.

کسبِ [Noun] مستلزمِ [Noun] است.

کسبِ اعتبار مستلزمِ صداقت است.

نحوه کسبِ [Noun] در [Context] حائز اهمیت است.

نحوه کسبِ قدرت در تاریخ حائز اهمیت است.

Word Family

Nouns

کاسب (Merchant)

کسبه (Merchants/Tradespeople)

اکتساب (Acquisition)

کاسبی (Trading/Business activity)

Verbs

کسب کردن (To earn/acquire)

اکتساب کردن (To acquire - formal)

Adjectives

کسبی (Acquired/Not innate)

اکتسابی (Acquired - e.g., acquired traits)

درآمد

سود

تجارت

حرفه

شغل

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in professional, academic, and journalistic contexts.

Common Mistakes

Man kasb dar-avardam. → Man daramad kasb kardam.
You don't 'bring out' (dar-avardan) a 'kasb'; you 'do' (kardan) a 'kasb'.
Kasb-e marizi. → Mariz shodan.
You don't 'acquire' an illness with 'kasb' because 'kasb' implies effort/work.
Kaseb-e daramad. → Kasb-e daramad.
'Kaseb' is the person; 'Kasb' is the action. Use the noun for the process.
Kasb-e sib. → Kharid-e sib.
Don't use 'kasb' for simple shopping. Use 'kharid' (buying).
Kasb-e shans. → Shans avardan.
Luck is not 'acquired' through effort, so 'kasb' is inappropriate.

Tips

The Ezafe Rule

Always add the '-e' sound (کسبِ) when followed by what you are earning. It links the action to the object.

Business Pair

Learn 'Kasb-o-kar' as a single unit. It's much more common than using 'Kasb' alone.

Ethical Earning

Mentioning 'Kasb-e rozi-ye halal' shows a deep understanding of Persian cultural values regarding work.

Blend the End

The 's' and 'b' in Kasb should be spoken quickly together, like the end of 'clasp' but with a 'b'.

Formal Reports

In professional reports, use 'Kasb-e daramad' instead of 'Pool dar-avardan' to sound more credible.

Sports News

Watch the sports news; you will hear 'Kasb' every time someone wins a medal or a trophy.

Polite Requests

Use 'Ba kasb-e ejazeh' (With your permission) as a very polite way to interrupt or start a task.

Acquisition

For technical acquisition, 'Ektesab' is the more formal cousin of 'Kasb'.

Arabic Roots

Knowing the root K-S-B helps you understand words like 'Kaseb' and 'Ektesab' instantly.

Not for Luck

Never use 'Kasb' for things that happen by chance. It's all about the 'hustle' and effort.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Cash' + 'B'. You 'Kasb' (Cash-B) money or knowledge to put in your 'Bank'.

Visual Association

Imagine a person reaching up to pick a golden apple from a tree. The apple represents the 'Kasb' (the gain) and the reaching is the effort.

Word Web

Business Earn Skill Profit Knowledge Medal Experience Permission

Challenge

Try to use 'Kasb' in three different ways today: once for money, once for a skill, and once for permission.

Word Origin

Borrowed from the Arabic root K-S-B (کسب), which relates to gathering, earning, or collecting.

Original meaning: To seek after, to gather wealth, or to work for a livelihood.

Semitic (Arabic) integrated into Indo-European (Persian).

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities, but always use it for legitimate gains; using it for theft or luck would be linguistically incorrect.

In English, we often use 'get' or 'win'. In Persian, 'Kasb' provides a more dignified and effort-focused alternative.

Kasebe Habibollah (Hadith) Kasb-e Honar (Acquiring Art - Poem by Saadi) Modern Iranian 'Kasb-o-Kar' podcasts.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Business

کسب و کار
کسب سود
رونق کسب
کسب سهم بازار

Education

کسب دانش
کسب مهارت
کسب نمره
کسب رتبه

Sports

کسب مدال
کسب مقام
کسب پیروزی
کسب سهمیه

Social/Polite

کسب اجازه
کسب تکلیف
کسب فیض
کسب حلال

News/Politics

کسب آرا
کسب اعتبار
کسب قدرت
کسب مجوز

Conversation Starters

"وضعیت کسب و کار در شهر شما چطور است؟"

"چرا کسب تجربه قبل از شروع کار مهم است؟"

"بهترین راه برای کسب درآمد اینترنتی چیست؟"

"آیا برای کسب موفقیت، شانس مهم‌تر است یا تلاش؟"

"چگونه می‌توان در یک رشته هنری کسب شهرت کرد؟"

Journal Prompts

درباره یک مهارتی که دوست دارید در آینده کسب کنید بنویسید.

کسب و کار رویایی شما چیست و چگونه آن را شروع می‌کنید؟

یک خاطره از زمانی که موفق به کسب یک جایزه شدید را تعریف کنید.

چرا کسب دانش نباید هیچ‌وقت متوقف شود؟

اهمیت کسب روزی حلال در جامعه امروز را بررسی کنید.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, 'Kasb' implies effort. For luck or lottery, you would use 'Barandeh shodan' or 'Gereftan'.

Kasb is the action of earning; Daramad is the income itself. You 'kasb' a 'daramad'.

Yes, 'Kasb-e zaban' is correct, though 'Yadgiri' or 'Amoozesh' are more common in daily speech.

Yes, in the bazaar it is a title of respect for an honest business person.

You say 'Kasb-o-kar-e koochak'.

Yes, 'Kasb-ha', but it is mostly used in the phrase 'Kasb-o-kar-ha'.

Absolutely not. 'Kasb' is for positive or neutral achievements through effort.

It is an Arabic loanword that is fully integrated into Persian grammar and usage.

It means asking your boss what you should do next or getting your specific instructions.

Yes, it is the standard word for winning medals or points ('Kasb-e emtiyaz').