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Vocabulary
لکه‌دار کردن

B1 verb #8,000 most common 9 min read

لکه‌دار کردن

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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips لکه‌دار کردن in 30 Seconds

Explanation لکه‌دار کردن in your Level:

At the A1 level, we focus only on the simplest physical meaning of 'lakedār kardan'. Imagine you are eating and you drop some food on your shirt. You have made a 'lake' (spot). At this stage, you should just remember that 'lakedār kardan' means to make something dirty with a spot. You might say 'I stained my shirt' (Man pirāhanam rā lakedār kardam). We don't use the difficult metaphorical meanings yet. Just think about accidents with juice, tea, or mud. The verb 'kardan' is easy because you already know it from 'kar kardan' (to work) or 'ghazā dorost kardan' (to make food). Remember to use 'rā' after the thing you stained. For example: 'Chāy farsh rā lakedār kard' (Tea stained the carpet). This level is all about basic household objects and common liquids that cause spots.

At the A2 level, you start to use 'lakedār kardan' in more complete sentences and understand the difference between 'kardan' (active) and 'shodan' (passive). You can describe more situations, like a cat staining the sofa or a pen leaking in your pocket. You also begin to see the word in simple stories. For example, 'The rain stained the walls of the house.' You should also learn the negative form 'lakedār nakardan' to tell someone 'Don't stain the book!' (Ketāb rā lakedār nakon!). You are becoming more comfortable with the word order: Subject + Object + rā + lakedār kardan. You might also encounter the adjective form 'lakedār' (stained) on its own, like 'pirāhan-e lakedār' (the stained shirt). This level builds the foundation for more complex descriptions of cleanliness and accidents.

The B1 level is where you truly expand your use of 'lakedār kardan' into metaphorical territory. This is the level where you learn that not only clothes can be stained, but also reputations, names, and histories. You will hear this in news reports about famous people or in more serious conversations about trust and honor. For example, 'A small lie can stain your reputation' (Yek dorough-e kouchak mitavānad shohrat-e shomā rā lakedār konad). You also learn to use it with different tenses, like the present perfect (lakedār karde ast) and the future (lakedār khāhad kard). You should be able to explain why something is stained and what the consequences are. This level requires you to understand the cultural importance of 'honor' in Persian-speaking societies and how this verb describes the damage to that honor.

At the B2 level, you use 'lakedār kardan' with nuance and in more formal registers. You can use it in essays to discuss social issues, environmental damage, or historical events. You might talk about how 'industrial waste stained the river' or how 'the scandal stained the integrity of the election.' You are expected to use synonyms like 'ālude kardan' or 'makhdush kardan' correctly to avoid repetition. You also understand the poetic use of the word in literature. Your grammar should be flawless, including the use of compound sentences. For example: 'Even though he apologized, the incident had already stained his public image irrevocably.' You can participate in debates and use this verb to describe the 'tainting' of arguments or evidence in a logical discussion.

At the C1 level, 'lakedār kardan' becomes a tool for sophisticated analysis. You use it in academic writing or professional legal contexts. You might discuss the 'staining' of a nation's conscience or the 'staining' of a philosophical theory by a logical fallacy. You understand the deep etymological roots and can use the word in stylistic ways that mimic classical Persian prose. You can differentiate between subtle shades of meaning: when to use 'lakedār kardan' versus 'monajjas kardan' (to make ritually impure in a religious context). Your use of the verb is effortless and contextually perfect. You can read complex newspaper editorials and understand the specific emotional weight the author intends when they choose this verb over a simpler alternative. You are also comfortable with its use in abstract art criticism and high-level sociological discourse.

At the C2 level, you have a native-like command of 'lakedār kardan'. You can use it in creative writing to evoke specific moods—perhaps the 'stained' light of a sunset or the 'stained' memories of a tragic past. You can navigate the most complex legal and diplomatic documents where the word might describe the 'tainting' of international treaties or diplomatic relations. You can appreciate and use the word in wordplay, puns, or high-level rhetoric. You understand the historical evolution of the word and its place in the vast canon of Persian literature, from the Shahnama to modern poetry. You can use it to describe the most subtle psychological states, such as a 'stained' soul or a 'marred' subconscious. At this level, the word is no longer just a vocabulary item; it is a versatile instrument for expressing the highest levels of human thought and emotion.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

لکه‌دار کردن in 30 Seconds

A versatile Persian verb used for both physical stains (like ink on paper) and metaphorical stains (like a scandal affecting a reputation).
It is a compound verb formed from 'lake' (stain) and 'kardan' (to do), requiring the object marker 'rā' in most sentences.
Essential for B1 learners to describe accidents, cleanliness, and social integrity, often appearing in news and literature.
Must be distinguished from 'kasif kardan' (to dirty) which is more general and less specific than a localized stain.

The Persian compound verb لکه‌دار کردن (lakedār kardan) is a multifaceted term primarily used to describe the act of staining, marking, or disfiguring something. At its core, it is composed of the noun lake (meaning spot, stain, or blotch), the suffix -dār (meaning having or possessing), and the auxiliary verb kardan (to do or to make). Literally, it translates to 'to make something possess a stain.' While its most immediate application is physical—referring to the accidental spilling of liquids like tea, coffee, or ink on fabrics and surfaces—its metaphorical weight in the Persian language is equally significant. In social and ethical contexts, it refers to the tarnishing of one's reputation, character, or honor. This duality makes it a crucial verb for B1 learners to master, as it bridges the gap between everyday household descriptions and more abstract, formal discussions about integrity and social standing.

Physical Usage: In a domestic setting, you might use this verb to describe ruining a carpet or a piece of clothing. For example, 'The juice stained the white tablecloth' (آبمیوه رومیزی سفید را لکه‌دار کرد). It implies a semi-permanent or permanent mark that requires effort to remove.

مراقب باش! سس ممکن است پیراهنت را لکه‌دار کند.

Metaphorical Usage: In journalism or literature, you will frequently encounter this verb in the context of scandals. If a politician is accused of corruption, media outlets might say his reputation has been stained (شهرت او لکه‌دار شده است). Here, it carries a heavy moral weight.

دروغ‌های او باعث شد که نام نیک خانوادگی‌شان لکه‌دار شود.

Grammatical Structure: Since it is a compound verb, the conjugation only affects the 'kardan' part. To say 'I stained,' you say 'lakedār kardam.' To say 'it will stain,' you say 'lakedār khāhad kard.'

باران اسیدی نمای ساختمان‌های قدیمی را لکه‌دار کرده است.

نباید اجازه دهی این اشتباه کوچک کارنامه درخشان تو را لکه‌دار کند.

Understanding the nuances of لکه‌دار کردن allows speakers to communicate precisely about physical damage and moral failings. Whether you are dealing with a laundry mishap or discussing a historical figure's legacy, this verb provides the necessary descriptive power. It is an essential part of the Persian vocabulary for anyone aspiring to move beyond basic conversational levels into more descriptive and analytical discourse.

Mastering the use of لکه‌دار کردن involves understanding its transitive nature. In Persian grammar, this verb requires a direct object, which is usually followed by the post-position rā (را). The structure generally follows: [Subject] + [Object] + را + [Adverbial Phrases] + [لکه‌دار کردن]. Because it is a light verb construction, the focus of the action remains on the noun lake, which dictates the type of damage being described.

Past Tense Usage: When describing an event that has already occurred, use the past stems of 'kardan'. For example: 'He stained the document with ink' (او سند را با جوهر لکه‌دار کرد). This is the most common way to report accidents or past mistakes.

گربه با پنجه‌های گلی‌اش مبل را لکه‌دار کرد.

Future and Modal Usage: To warn someone or speak about potential outcomes, the present subjunctive or future tense is used. 'Don't let your shoes stain the floor' (نگذار کفش‌هایت زمین را لکه‌دار کنند). This is often heard in cautionary advice.

یک حرکت اشتباه می‌تواند تمام زحمات تو را لکه‌دار کند.

Passive Voice: In Persian, the passive is formed using 'shodan' instead of 'kardan'. 'لکه‌دار شدن' (to be stained). This is used when the focus is on the object rather than the person who caused the stain. 'The wall was stained by the rain' (دیوار توسط باران لکه‌دار شد).

دامان پاک او هرگز لکه‌دار نخواهد شد.

In complex sentences, you might see this verb paired with conjunctions like 'chon' (because) or 'agar' (if). For instance: 'If you use that bleach, it might stain the fabric further' (اگر از آن سفیدکننده استفاده کنی، ممکن است پارچه را بیشتر لکه‌دار کند). This level of detail is typical for technical manuals or cleaning instructions. Furthermore, in legal Persian, 'lakedār kardan' is used to describe the 'tainting' of evidence or the 'defamation' of a witness, showing its versatility across different registers of the language.

The verb لکه‌دار کردن is ubiquitous in Iranian life, appearing in both mundane and high-stakes environments. One of the most common places you will hear it is in the household. Parents often warn children not to stain their new clothes during meals or while playing in the yard. In this context, it is a word of caution and domestic order. You will also find it frequently in the service industry, specifically at dry cleaners (khoshk-shuyi). A customer might point out a specific spot and say, 'I stained this yesterday with oil' (دیروز این را با روغن لکه‌دار کردم).

In the Media: In news broadcasts and newspapers, the verb takes on a more serious tone. It is the standard term used to describe political scandals or the 'blackening' of a person's name. Headlines often read: 'The scandal stained the party's image' (این رسوایی تصویر حزب را لکه‌دار کرد). It is also used in environmental reporting to describe the staining of coastlines by oil spills.

اخبار جعلی سعی دارند اعتبار نهادهای دولتی را لکه‌دار کنند.

In Literature and Art: Persian poetry and prose frequently use 'lakedār kardan' as a metaphor for the loss of purity. A classic trope involves the 'staining of the skirt' (lakedār kardan-e dāman), which symbolizes a fall from grace or a loss of virtue. In art criticism, it might describe a technique where a canvas is intentionally marked or spotted to create texture.

هنرمند با پاشیدن رنگ، بوم سفید را لکه‌دار کرد.

Furthermore, in legal settings, attorneys use this term when discussing the 'tainting' of a jury's opinion or the 'staining' of a legal record. Even in sports, a 'stained' record (kārnāme-ye lakedār) refers to a career marred by doping or cheating. This wide range of usage—from the kitchen to the courtroom—demonstrates why 'lakedār kardan' is a vital component of the B1 Persian lexicon. It is not just a word for laundry; it is a word for the human condition and the various ways we leave our marks, for better or worse, on the world around us.

Learning لکه‌دار کردن can be tricky because of its similarity to other verbs related to dirt and cleaning. The most common error is confusing it with kasif kardan (to make dirty). While all things that are stained are technically dirty, not all dirty things are stained. 'Kasif kardan' is a general term for getting something messy (like mud on shoes), whereas 'lakedār kardan' implies a specific, often permanent or difficult-to-remove spot. Using 'kasif kardan' when you mean 'stain' can make your Persian sound less precise and more like a beginner's.

Confusing with 'Rang kardan': Another mistake is using 'rang kardan' (to color/paint) when referring to an accidental stain. 'Rang kardan' is usually intentional and positive, like painting a wall. 'Lakedār kardan' is almost always accidental or negative. If you say you 'colored' your shirt with coffee, an Iranian speaker might think you did it for an art project!

اشتباه: من پیراهنم را با چای رنگ کردم.
درست: من پیراهنم را با چای لکه‌دار کردم.

Misusing the Intransitive Form: Learners often forget that 'kardan' makes the verb active. If you want to say 'The shirt stained,' you cannot use 'kardan'. You must use 'shodan'. Saying 'pirāhan lakedār kard' implies the shirt stained something else, which usually doesn't make sense. Always remember: 'kardan' for the person/thing doing the staining, 'shodan' for the thing being stained.

Additionally, avoid overusing the verb in metaphorical contexts where simpler terms like 'bad-nām kardan' (to make ill-reputed) might be more direct. While 'lakedār kardan' is poetic and common in media, in everyday gossip, people might find it a bit formal or dramatic. Finally, be careful with the spelling of 'lake' (لکه). It ends with a silent 'he', which disappears in some spoken dialects but must always be written in formal Persian. Mastering these nuances will ensure you use the verb correctly and sound like a sophisticated speaker.

To truly master Persian, you must know not just one word, but its entire family of synonyms and related concepts. لکه‌دار کردن has several alternatives depending on whether you are talking about physical dirt or moral reputation. Understanding these differences allows for much more nuanced communication.

آلوده کردن (Ālude kardan): Meaning 'to contaminate' or 'to pollute'. While 'lakedār kardan' is about a visible spot, 'ālude kardan' is about something becoming impure or dangerous. You 'lakedār' a shirt with ink, but you 'ālude' water with bacteria or a crime scene with fingerprints.

بدنام کردن (Bad-nām kardan): This is the direct synonym for the metaphorical use of 'lakedār kardan'. It literally means 'to make a bad name'. It is used exclusively for reputation and honor, never for physical stains on clothing.

او سعی کرد با شایعه‌سازی رقیبش را بدنام کند.

کثیف کردن (Kasif kardan): The most common and general term for making something dirty. Use this for mud, dust, or general messiness where a specific 'stain' isn't the focus.

مخدوش کردن (Makhdush kardan): A more formal, often legal term meaning 'to mar', 'to blur', or 'to distort'. It is used for images, documents, or public perceptions. You might 'makhdush' the truth or a photograph.

Choosing the right word depends on the context and the level of formality you wish to convey. While lakedār kardan is very versatile, using ālude kardan for environmental issues or bad-nām kardan for personal insults will make your Persian sound more authentic and precise. Always consider whether the 'stain' you are describing is a physical mark on an object or a metaphorical mark on a soul.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"این اقدامات غیرقانونی اعتبار بین‌المللی ما را لکه‌دار کرده است."

Neutral

"مراقب باش قهوه رومیزی را لکه‌دار نکند."

Informal

"زدی لباسم رو لکه‌دار کردی!"

Child friendly

"نی‌نی با غذاش پیشبندش رو لکه‌دار کرد."

Slang

"طرف با این کارش سوابقش رو لکه‌دار کرد رفت."

Fun Fact

In some Persian dialects, 'lake' can also refer to a small piece of something, like a 'lake-ye abr' (a small patch of cloud).

Pronunciation Guide

UK /lake.dɒːr kær.dæn/

US /lake.dɔːr kær.dæn/

The stress in 'lakedār' is on the second syllable 'dār'. In 'kardan', it is on the first syllable 'kar'.

Rhymes With

ماندگار (māndegār) بدهکار (bedehkār) خانه‌دار (khānedār) امیدوار (omidvār) طلبکار (talabkār) برقرار (bargharār) آشکار (āshkār) سازگار (sāzegār)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'lake' as 'lay-ke' (it should be 'la-ke').
Forgetting the 'h' sound at the end of 'lake' (though it is often silent).
Misplacing stress on the auxiliary verb.
Confusing 'dār' with 'dar' (in).
Merging the two words into one single-syllable sound.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to recognize the components 'lake' and 'kardan'.

Writing 4/5

Requires correct use of 'rā' and compound verb conjugation.

Speaking 3/5

Common enough that learners hear it frequently.

Listening 3/5

Distinct sound makes it easy to identify in speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

لکه کردن لباس تمیز کثیف

Learn Next

آلوده کردن مخدوش کردن تطهیر رسوایی اعتبار

Advanced

هتک حرمت تشویش اذهان اعاده حیثیت منزه پاکدامنی

Grammar to Know

Compound Verb Conjugation

Conjugate 'kardan' (می‌کنم، کردی، کرد...). Example: لکه‌دار کردم.

Direct Object Marker 'rā'

The object receiving the stain needs 'rā'. Example: فرش را لکه‌دار کرد.

Passive Voice with 'shodan'

Change 'kardan' to 'shodan'. Example: لکه‌دار شد (It was stained).

Causal Construction

Using 'bā' (with) to show cause. Example: با جوهر لکه‌دار کرد.

Subjunctive for Warnings

Using 'nakoni' or 'nashavad'. Example: مواظب باش لکه‌دار نشود.

Examples by Level

من لباسم را لکه‌دار کردم.

I stained my clothes.

Subject (Man) + Object (lebās-am) + rā + lakedār kardam.

چای فرش را لکه‌دار کرد.

Tea stained the carpet.

The subject is 'chāy' (tea).

بستنی صورت او را لکه‌دار کرد.

Ice cream stained his face.

Physical 'lake' (spot) on skin.

آیا این قهوه میز را لکه‌دار می‌کند؟

Does this coffee stain the table?

Question form using present tense.

مراقب باش! لباست را لکه‌دار نکنی.

Be careful! Don't stain your clothes.

Imperative negative (nakoni).

جوهر دستم را لکه‌دار کرد.

Ink stained my hand.

Simple past tense.

آبمیوه رومیزی را لکه‌دار کرد.

The juice stained the tablecloth.

Transitive verb with 'rā'.

او کتاب را با مداد لکه‌دار کرد.

He stained the book with a pencil.

Using 'bā' (with) to show the cause.

گربه با پاهای کثیفش مبل را لکه‌دار کرد.

The cat stained the sofa with its dirty paws.

Compound sentence with 'bā' phrase.

باران دیوارهای سفید را لکه‌دار کرده است.

The rain has stained the white walls.

Present perfect tense (karde ast).

نباید اجازه دهی نقاشی‌ات فرش را لکه‌دار کند.

You shouldn't let your painting stain the carpet.

Modal verb 'nabāyad' (should not).

این میوه دست‌های شما را لکه‌دار خواهد کرد.

This fruit will stain your hands.

Future tense (khāhad kard).

او با عجله غذا خورد و پیراهنش را لکه‌دار کرد.

He ate in a hurry and stained his shirt.

Two actions connected by 'va' (and).

چرا دفترت را لکه‌دار کردی؟

Why did you stain your notebook?

Interrogative 'cherā' (why).

این رنگ ممکن است زمین را لکه‌دار کند.

This paint might stain the floor.

Use of 'momken ast' (it is possible).

او سعی کرد لکه‌ای را که ایجاد کرده بود پاک کند.

He tried to clean the stain he had made.

Relative clause 'ke ijad karde bud'.

این شایعه می‌تواند شهرت او را لکه‌دار کند.

This rumor can stain his reputation.

Metaphorical use for reputation.

یک اشتباه کوچک تمام سوابق او را لکه‌دار کرد.

One small mistake stained all his records.

Abstract use for 'records/history'.

او هرگز اجازه نداد نام خانوادگی‌اش لکه‌دار شود.

He never let his family name be stained.

Passive form 'lakedār shodan'.

دروغ‌های او اعتماد ما را لکه‌دار کرد.

His lies stained our trust.

Abstract concept 'trust' as object.

رسوایی مالی تصویر شرکت را لکه‌دار کرده است.

The financial scandal has stained the company's image.

Business context.

آیا فکر می‌کنی این رفتار شخصیت تو را لکه‌دار می‌کند؟

Do you think this behavior stains your character?

Question about 'character' (shakhsiyat).

او با فداکاری سعی کرد گذشته لکه‌دار خود را جبران کند.

With sacrifice, he tried to compensate for his stained past.

Adjective use 'gozashte-ye lakedār'.

این لکه روی پیراهن، اعتماد به نفس او را لکه‌دار کرد.

This stain on the shirt marred his self-confidence.

Double meaning: physical stain affecting mental state.

اتهامات بی‌اساس نباید پاکدامنی او را لکه‌دار کند.

Baseless accusations should not stain her purity/virtue.

Formal word 'pākdāmani'.

نشت نفت سواحل زیبای جنوب را لکه‌دار کرده است.

The oil spill has stained the beautiful southern beaches.

Environmental context.

سیاست‌های غلط، تاریخ این ملت را لکه‌دار کرد.

Wrong policies stained the history of this nation.

Historical/Political context.

او با خیانت به دوستانش، وجدان خود را لکه‌دار کرد.

By betraying his friends, he stained his conscience.

Abstract concept 'conscience' (vojdān).

هرگونه تقلب در امتحان، اعتبار مدرسه را لکه‌دار خواهد کرد.

Any cheating in the exam will stain the school's credibility.

Conditional context.

او نمی‌خواست با یک امضای اشتباه، آینده‌اش را لکه‌دار کند.

He didn't want to stain his future with a wrong signature.

Future as an object.

این حادثه ناگوار خاطرات خوش ما را لکه‌دار کرد.

This unfortunate incident stained our happy memories.

Emotional context.

منتقدان معتقدند که این صحنه کل فیلم را لکه‌دار کرده است.

Critics believe this scene has marred the entire movie.

Artistic/Critical context.

فساد سیستماتیک مشروعیت دولت را لکه‌دار کرده است.

Systemic corruption has stained the government's legitimacy.

High-level political vocabulary.

نویسنده با استفاده از کلمات رکیک، متن ادبی خود را لکه‌دار کرد.

The author marred his literary text by using vulgar words.

Literary criticism.

این تناقض، استدلال‌های منطقی او را لکه‌دار می‌کند.

This contradiction stains his logical arguments.

Philosophical/Logical context.

او با پذیرش رشوه، ردای قضاوت خود را لکه‌دار کرد.

By accepting a bribe, he stained his judicial robes.

Metaphorical 'robes' (radā).

تعصبات کورکورانه می‌توانند حقیقت را لکه‌دار کنند.

Blind prejudices can stain the truth.

Abstract philosophical use.

او اجازه نداد که فقر، عزت نفس او را لکه‌دار کند.

He did not let poverty stain his self-respect.

Sociological/Personal context.

شواهد دستکاری شده پرونده قضایی را لکه‌دار کرد.

Tampered evidence stained the judicial case.

Legal terminology.

این رفتار غیرحرفه‌ای، اخلاق پزشکی را لکه‌دار کرده است.

This unprofessional behavior has stained medical ethics.

Professional ethics.

گناهی نابخشودنی که روح او را تا ابد لکه‌دار کرد.

An unforgivable sin that stained his soul forever.

Spiritual/Existential context.

او با قلمی زهرآگین، میراث گذشتگان را لکه‌دار کرد.

With a venomous pen, he stained the legacy of the ancestors.

Poetic/Rhetorical style.

آیا می‌توان دامانی را که با خون لکه‌دار شده تطهیر کرد؟

Can a skirt stained with blood be purified?

Classical literary trope 'dāman-e lakedār'.

ایدئولوژی‌های افراطی چهره بشریت را لکه‌دار کرده‌اند.

Extremist ideologies have stained the face of humanity.

Global/Humanistic discourse.

او در پی آن بود که هیچ لکه‌ای آینه تمام‌نمای وجودش را لکه‌دار نکند.

He sought to ensure no stain marred the perfect mirror of his being.

Mystical/Sufi-inspired metaphor.

خیانت در امانت، جوهر انسانیت او را لکه‌دار کرد.

Betraying a trust stained the essence of his humanity.

Deep ethical analysis.

این تصمیم نسج اجتماعی جامعه را لکه‌دار خواهد کرد.

This decision will stain the social fabric of society.

Sociological metaphor 'nasj-e ejtemā'i'.

او با سکوت خود در برابر ظلم، وجدان بیدار جامعه را لکه‌دار کرد.

By his silence in the face of oppression, he stained the awakened conscience of society.

Political/Ethical rhetoric.

Common Collocations

شهرت را لکه‌دار کردن

لباس را لکه‌دار کردن

نام نیک را لکه‌دار کردن

با جوهر لکه‌دار کردن

سابقه را لکه‌دار کردن

وجدان را لکه‌دار کردن

فرش را لکه‌دار کردن

اعتبار را لکه‌دار کردن

دامان را لکه‌دار کردن

چهره را لکه‌دار کردن

Common Phrases

لکه‌دار شدن

— To become stained (passive).

پیراهنم لکه‌دار شد.

لکه ننگ

— A stain of shame/disgrace.

این شکست یک لکه ننگ بود.

پاک کردن لکه

— To remove a stain.

باید این لکه را پاک کنیم.

لکه بر

— Stain remover (product).

یک لکه بر قوی بخرید.

بدون لکه

— Spotless/Stainless.

آینه بدون لکه است.

لکه خون

— Blood stain.

روی زمین لکه خون بود.

لکه چربی

— Grease stain.

این لکه چربی پاک نمی‌شود.

لکه سیاه

— Black spot/stain.

او یک لکه سیاه در پرونده‌اش دارد.

لکه سفید

— White spot (often on skin).

روی پوستش لکه سفید افتاده.

لکه دار

— Stained (adjective).

او با دست‌های لکه‌دار آمد.

Often Confused With

لکه‌دار کردن vs کثیف کردن

Kasif kardan is for general dirt; lakedār kardan is for a specific spot.

لکه‌دار کردن vs رنگ کردن

Rang kardan is intentional painting; lakedār kardan is usually an accidental stain.

لکه‌دار کردن vs خیس کردن

Khis kardan means to wet; something can be wet without being stained.

Idioms & Expressions

"دامان کسی را لکه‌دار کردن"

— To ruin someone's reputation or virtue.

او با تهمت دامان رقیبش را لکه‌دار کرد.

Literary

"لکه ننگ بر پیشانی"

— A permanent mark of shame on one's honor.

این خیانت لکه ننگی بر پیشانی اوست.

Formal

"آینه را لکه‌دار کردن"

— To spoil something pure or perfect.

حسادت آینه روحش را لکه‌دار کرد.

Poetic

"آب پاکی روی دست کسی ریختن"

— Though related to cleaning, it means to give a final 'no' or end hope.

او با جوابش آب پاکی روی دستم ریخت.

Informal

"رو سفید شدن"

— Opposite idiom: To be honored/vindicated (white-faced).

او در امتحان رو سفید شد.

Neutral

"رو سیاه شدن"

— To be disgraced (black-faced).

دروغگو رو سیاه شد.

Neutral

"گرد و خاک به پا کردن"

— To cause a commotion (often leading to 'staining' things).

او در جلسه گرد و خاک به پا کرد.

Informal

"چشم بسته پاک کردن"

— To ignore a fault (literally: to clean with eyes closed).

او خطای پسرش را چشم بسته پاک کرد.

Informal

"لکه انداختن"

— To cast a shadow or stain (synonym for lakedār kardan).

خورشید روی زمین لکه انداخت.

Neutral

"پاک و منزه"

— Pure and without stain.

او قلبی پاک و منزه دارد.

Formal

Easily Confused

لکه‌دار کردن vs لکنت

Sounds similar (Loknat).

Loknat means stuttering; Lake means stain. They are unrelated.

او لکنت زبان دارد (He has a stutter).

لکه‌دار کردن vs لکه بر

Contains the same root.

Lakedār kardan is the action of staining; Lake-bar is the product that removes it.

از لکه بر استفاده کن.

لکه‌دار کردن vs لگد زدن

Phonetically similar start.

Lagad zadan means to kick.

اسب لگد زد.

لکه‌دار کردن vs لاک زدن

Phonetically similar start.

Lāk zadan means to apply nail polish.

او ناخنش را لاک زد.

لکه‌دار کردن vs لنگ کردن

Phonetically similar.

Lang kardan means to make something limp or to stall.

کار ما را لنگ کرد.

Sentence Patterns

من [Object] را لکه‌دار کردم.

من میز را لکه‌دار کردم.

[Subject] با [Cause] [Object] را لکه‌دار کرد.

علی با خودکار کتاب را لکه‌دار کرد.

این [Abstract Noun] شهرت او را لکه‌دار می‌کند.

این دروغ شهرت او را لکه‌دار می‌کند.

نباید اجازه داد که [Object] لکه‌دار شود.

نباید اجازه داد که نام ما لکه‌دار شود.

هرگونه [Action] منجر به لکه‌دار شدن [Object] می‌گردد.

هرگونه تقلب منجر به لکه‌دار شدن اعتبار ما می‌گردد.

او با [Action]، [Metaphorical Object] را تا ابد لکه‌دار کرد.

او با خیانت، وجدان بشریت را تا ابد لکه‌دار کرد.

Mixed

اگر [Condition]، آنگاه [Object] لکه‌دار خواهد شد.

اگر مراقب نباشی، لباس لکه‌دار خواهد شد.

Mixed

چگونه می‌توان [Object] لکه‌دار را پاک کرد؟

چگونه می‌توان گذشته لکه‌دار را پاک کرد؟

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Common in household, very common in journalism, medium in literature.

Common Mistakes

من لباس لکه‌دار کردم. → من لباس را لکه‌دار کردم.
Missing the object marker 'rā' makes the sentence grammatically incomplete.
او مرا لکه‌دار کرد. → او شهرت مرا لکه‌دار کرد.
You usually stain a specific attribute (reputation, name), not the person directly as a physical object.
فرش لکه‌دار کرد. → فرش لکه‌دار شد.
The carpet cannot perform the action of staining unless it stained something else. Use the passive 'shodan'.
او با رنگ دیوار را لکه‌دار کرد (when painting). → او دیوار را رنگ کرد.
Don't use 'lakedār kardan' for intentional, positive coloring.
آب هوا را لکه‌دار کرد. → آب هوا را آلوده کرد.
Use 'ālude' for environmental pollution like air or water.

Tips

Object Marker

Always check if your object has 'rā'. If you say 'Man pirāhan lakedār kardam', it sounds like you are describing a type of shirt you made, not an action you did to a specific shirt.

Synonym Choice

Use 'bad-nām kardan' for people and 'lakedār kardan' for objects to sound more natural in casual speech.

The Silent 'He'

The 'h' at the end of 'lake' is not pronounced like a hard 'h'. It's more like a short 'e' sound that transitions into 'dār'.

Honor Matters

When using this verb for people, remember it's a strong word. It implies a lasting damage to their social standing.

Compound Writing

In modern Persian, 'lakedār' is usually written as one word or with a half-space (zāne-ye majāzi). Avoid a full space between 'lake' and 'dār'.

News Context

When you hear 'lakedār' in the news, listen for the words 'parvande' (case) or 'chehre' (face/image).

Passive vs Active

If you spill something at a friend's house, say 'Lakedār shod!' (It got stained!) to sound less like you did it on purpose.

Metaphorical Depth

In essays, pair 'lakedār kardan' with 'ebtezhāl' (vulgarity) or 'fasād' (corruption) for a powerful effect.

Visual Cues

Associate the 'L' in 'Lake' with 'Liquid'. Liquids cause stains.

Artistic Use

Use 'lakedār kardan' to describe 'distressing' furniture or fabric in DIY contexts.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'Lake' (لکه) filled with ink. If you fall in, you are 'Lake-dār' (having a stain). Then you 'Kardan' (do) the act of staining your clothes.

Visual Association

Visualize a white shirt with a giant red wine spot in the shape of a map. That is a 'lake' (spot).

Word Web

لکه لباس آبرو چای جوهر کثیف پاک فرش

Challenge

Try to find three things in your room that are 'lakedār' and describe how they became that way using 'lakedār kardam'.

Word Origin

The word 'lake' (لکه) is of Persian origin, referring to a small mark or blotch. 'Dār' (دار) is the present stem of 'dāshtan' (to have), used here as a suffix to form an adjective meaning 'having a stain'.

Original meaning: A physical spot or blemish on a surface.

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

Cultural Context

Be careful when using this about someone's family or honor, as it can be taken very personally.

Similar to 'staining one's reputation' or 'blotting one's copybook'.

Persian poetry by Hafiz often mentions 'pāki' (purity) vs 'āludegi'. Modern Iranian cinema (e.g., Asghar Farhadi's films) often revolves around 'lakedār' reputations. The historical concept of 'Lakedār' in legal trials during the Qajar era.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Laundry/Cleaning

چطوری این لکه رو پاک کنم؟
این لباس لکه‌دار شده.
مایع لکه‌بر داری؟
مواظب باش لکه‌دار نشه.

Reputation/Social

آبروش لکه‌دار شد.
نمی‌خوام سوابقم لکه‌دار بشه.
تهمت زدن و اون رو لکه‌دار کردن.
نام نیکش لکه‌دار شد.

Art/Painting

بوم رو با رنگ لکه‌دار کرد.
طرح لکه‌دار زیباییه.
قلم‌مو رو لکه‌دار نکن.
کاغذ لکه‌دار شده بود.

Environment

زباله‌ها ساحل رو لکه‌دار کردن.
دود هوا رو لکه‌دار کرده.
نفت آب رو لکه‌دار کرد.
طبیعت لکه‌دار شده.

Legal/Business

قرارداد مخدوش و لکه‌دار بود.
اعتبار شرکت لکه‌دار شد.
پرونده‌اش لکه‌دار شده.
شواهد لکه‌دار هستن.

Conversation Starters

"آیا تا به حال لباسی داشته‌ای که با یک لکه خراب شده باشد؟"

"به نظر تو چه چیزی می‌تواند شهرت یک آدم را برای همیشه لکه‌دار کند؟"

"اگر کسی به اشتباه نام تو را لکه‌دار کند، چه واکنشی نشان می‌دهی؟"

"بهترین راه برای پاک کردن لکه چای از روی فرش چیست؟"

"آیا فکر می‌کنی رسانه‌ها حق دارند با اخبار تایید نشده شهرت کسی را لکه‌دار کنند؟"

Journal Prompts

درباره زمانی بنویس که به طور تصادفی چیزی ارزشمند را لکه‌دار کردی.

آیا یک لکه روی لباس می‌تواند اعتماد به نفس تو را در یک جلسه مهم کم کند؟ چرا؟

تفاوت بین یک لکه فیزیکی و یک لکه روی شهرت را از نظر خودت توضیح بده.

چگونه می‌توانیم از لکه‌دار شدن محیط زیست توسط انسان‌ها جلوگیری کنیم؟

داستانی کوتاه درباره کسی بنویس که سعی می‌کند نام لکه‌دار خانواده‌اش را پاک کند.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, almost always. It implies an unwanted mark or a damage to reputation. Even in art, it usually refers to an intentional 'blemish' for effect, which carries a different connotation than 'painting'.

Yes, but usually we use 'lakedār shodan' to describe skin that has developed spots due to age or sun. 'Lakedār kardan' would imply someone intentionally put a mark on the skin.

'Lake' is a stain. 'Khas' (or more commonly 'khash') is a scratch. Use 'lakedār kardan' for liquids/dirt and 'khash andākhtan' for physical scratches on surfaces.

Use 'dāram lakedār mikonam' (I am staining). Example: 'Dāram lebāsam rā lakedār mikonam!' (I am staining my clothes right now!).

In very informal speech, people might just say 'lakedār-esh kardi' (you stained it), but there is no single-word verb for this in standard Persian.

It is better to use 'ālude kardan' for air and water pollution. 'Lakedār kardan' is better for solid surfaces or visual reputations.

It is 'fulād-e zed-e zang' (rust-proof steel) or sometimes 'fulād-e nakhosh' in technical terms, not 'fulād-e bi-lake'.

Metaphorically, yes. You could say a virus 'lakedār kard' the integrity of the data, but 'makhdush kardan' or 'kharāb kardan' is more common for digital corruption.

No, freckles are 'lak-o-pis' or 'kūp' in some dialects. 'Lakedār' is usually for larger or accidental spots.

No, they are false cognates. Persian 'lake' means spot/stain, while English 'lake' comes from Latin 'lacus'.