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A1 noun #4,000 most common 10 min read

مار

mar Top 4,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips مار in 30 Seconds

Explanation مار in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'mār' (مار) is introduced as a basic vocabulary word for animals. Students learn to identify the snake as a creature without legs that can be various colors. The focus is on simple subject-verb-object sentences like 'The snake is green' or 'I see a snake.' At this stage, learners should also memorize that 'mār' is a countable noun and can be pluralized with '-hā'. The goal is to build a basic association between the Persian word and the visual image of the animal, while also learning the basic verb 'dārad' (has) or 'nadārad' (doesn't have) to describe its features, such as 'mār pā nadārad' (the snake has no legs). This is a foundational word that helps in building a basic lexicon of the natural world.

At the A2 level, students expand their use of 'mār' to include basic adjectives and more dynamic verbs. Instead of just identifying the snake, learners start describing it using the Ezafe construction, such as 'mār-e bozorg' (big snake) or 'mār-e khatarnāk' (dangerous snake). They also learn the verb 'khazidan' (to slither/crawl) and 'tarsidan' (to be afraid). At this stage, students should be able to express their feelings about snakes and describe where they might live (e.g., in the desert or the woods). Simple compound sentences like 'I saw a snake and I was afraid' are typical for this level. Understanding the distinction between 'yek mār' (a snake) and 'mārhā' (snakes) in general statements is also a key objective.

At the B1 level, learners begin to encounter 'mār' in more varied contexts, including short stories and news reports. They should become familiar with common collocations like 'mār-e sammi' (poisonous snake) and 'nish-e mār' (snake bite). This level introduces the concept of 'specific' vs 'general' objects, teaching when to use the object marker 'rā' with 'mār'. Students also start learning about the cultural role of snakes in Iran, such as their presence in the countryside. They should be able to recount a simple story involving a snake or explain what to do if they encounter one while hiking. The use of 'mār' in more complex grammatical structures, such as passive voice ('the man was bitten by a snake'), is also introduced here.

At the B2 level, the word 'mār' is used to explore more abstract and idiomatic Persian. Students learn famous proverbs like 'mār-gozide az rismān-e siyāh o sefid mitarsad' (once bitten, twice shy). They begin to see 'mār' as a literary symbol for betrayal, wisdom, or hidden treasure. At this stage, the learner should be able to discuss environmental issues related to wildlife conservation in Iran, using 'mār' in a more formal, academic register. They should also be able to distinguish between different types of snakes (e.g., 'af'i' for viper) and use the word in more nuanced ways, such as describing a winding road as 'mār-pich' (serpentine/winding). Their ability to use the word in debate or detailed description significantly increases.

At the C1 level, 'mār' is analyzed within the context of classical Persian literature and advanced rhetoric. Students study the works of Ferdowsi or Rumi where 'mār' serves as a profound metaphor for the 'nafs' (ego) or worldly temptations. They explore the etymology of the word and its connection to other Indo-European languages. At this level, the focus is on the nuances of register—how 'mār' is used in a scientific paper versus a mystical poem. Learners should be able to use the word in sophisticated compound words and understand the subtle differences between 'mār', 'af'i', and 'azhdahā' in various historical periods. They are expected to produce high-level essays or speeches that might use the snake as a metaphor for political or social issues.

At the C2 level, the mastery of 'mār' is absolute, encompassing all its archaic, dialectal, and highly specialized meanings. The learner can appreciate the word's role in complex wordplay (pun/ihām) in Persian ghazals. They understand the semiotics of the snake in ancient Iranian art and its evolution through the Islamic period. A C2 learner can intuitively use 'mār' in any context, from a humorous anecdote using street slang to a deep philosophical discourse. They are aware of obscure idioms and can creatively manipulate the word to create new metaphors. At this stage, 'mār' is no longer just a word for an animal; it is a key that unlocks centuries of Iranian thought, mythology, and linguistic evolution.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

مار in 30 Seconds

A common Persian noun meaning 'snake', essential for basic communication and understanding nature-related topics in Iran.
Used both literally for the animal and metaphorically for treacherous people or complex, winding objects like roads.
Grammatically simple, it follows standard pluralization (-hā) and uses the Ezafe construction for adjectives.
Deeply embedded in Persian literature and mythology, most notably in the story of Zahhak in the Shahnameh.

The Persian word مار (mār) is a fundamental noun in the Persian language, representing the biological entity known as a snake. In its most literal sense, it refers to the diverse group of elongated, legless, carnivorous reptiles that inhabit various regions of Iran, from the arid deserts of Kavir to the lush forests of Mazandaran. However, the word carries a weight that transcends simple biology. In the Iranian consciousness, the snake is a symbol of duality: it represents both profound wisdom and hidden danger, a duality deeply rooted in ancient Persian mythology and Zoroastrian tradition.

Literal Usage: In everyday conversation, 'mār' is used when discussing nature, safety during hiking, or visiting a zoo. Iran is home to several venomous species, such as the Levantine Viper (افعی), making the word a common part of safety warnings in rural areas.

مواظب باش، در این علفزار ممکن است مار وجود داشته باشد.
(Be careful, there might be a snake in this meadow.)

Mythological Context: One cannot discuss 'mār' without mentioning the legendary figure Zahhak from the Shahnameh. In the epic, two snakes grew from Zahhak's shoulders after he was kissed by Ahriman (the spirit of evil). These snakes had to be fed human brains daily, making the word 'mār' synonymous with tyranny and demonic influence in classical literature.

زلف تو مانند مار سیاه بر گردن من پیچیده است.
(Your hair, like a black snake, has coiled around my neck.)

Metaphorical Use: Metaphorically, 'mār' is used to describe a person who is treacherous, cunning, or 'snake-like' in their behavior. It is frequently employed in proverbs to warn against the unpredictability of human nature or the consequences of past experiences.

او مار خورده و افعی شده است.
(He has eaten snakes and become a viper — meaning he is very shrewd/dangerous.)

Furthermore, the word appears in scientific contexts to categorize various reptiles. For instance, 'mār-e daryāyi' refers to sea snakes, and 'mār-e ābi' refers to water snakes. In modern urban slang, though less common than in traditional idioms, it might be used to describe someone who is slippery or difficult to pin down in an argument. Understanding 'mār' requires looking past the three letters and seeing the vast cultural landscape of Iran, where the creature is both feared as a predator and respected as a guardian of hidden treasures under the earth.

Using مار (mār) in a sentence is grammatically straightforward, as it follows the standard rules for Persian nouns. It can serve as a subject, object, or part of a prepositional phrase. Because it is a countable noun, it takes the plural suffix -hā (مارها) to refer to multiple snakes. In more formal or poetic contexts, you might occasionally see the plural -ān (ماران), though this is rare in contemporary speech. When describing a snake, Persians typically place the adjective after the noun using the Ezafe construction (the short 'e' sound connecting the two words).

Descriptive Phrases: To describe a snake's physical attributes, you use the Ezafe: 'mār-e bozorg' (big snake), 'mār-e sammi' (poisonous snake), or 'mār-e sabz' (green snake). This structure is essential for clear communication.

دیروز یک مارِ سمی در باغچه دیدم.
(Yesterday, I saw a poisonous snake in the garden.)

Verbal Pairings: The most common verbs associated with snakes are 'khazidan' (to crawl/slither), 'nish zadan' (to bite/sting), and 'pichidan' (to coil/wrap). 'Nish zadan' is particularly important as it is used for both the physical bite and metaphorical 'stinging' remarks.

مار به آرامی روی زمین می‌خزید.
(The snake was slowly slithering on the ground.)

Quantifiers and Classifiers: While not strictly required, the word 'halghe' (ring/coil) is often used as a classifier when counting snakes or describing them in a coiled state. For example, 'do halghe mār' (two snakes, literally 'two coils of snake').

سه حلقه مار در جعبه بود.
(There were three snakes in the box.)

آیا تو از مار می‌ترسی؟
(Are you afraid of snakes?)

When using 'mār' in compound verbs or complex sentences, remember that the object marker 'rā' is only used if the snake is a specific, known entity ('mār rā koshtam' - I killed the snake). If you are talking about snakes in general, 'rā' is omitted. This nuance is vital for achieving a natural-sounding Persian flow. Whether you are writing a biology report or a thrilling short story, mastering the placement and modification of 'mār' provides a solid foundation for describing action and atmosphere in Persian.

In contemporary Iran, you are most likely to hear the word مار (mār) in a variety of settings ranging from the mundane to the highly educational. While city dwellers in Tehran might rarely see a snake in their daily lives, the word remains a frequent part of the linguistic landscape through media, idioms, and travel warnings. Understanding the context of where 'mār' appears helps learners distinguish between its literal and figurative meanings.

Nature Documentaries and Education: State television (IRIB) frequently airs documentaries about Iran's diverse wildlife. Phrases like 'mārhā-ye kish' (snakes of Kish Island) or 'mār-e shākhdār' (horned viper) are common. Schools also teach the biology of reptiles, where 'mār' is the primary term for the suborder Serpentes.

مستند دیشب درباره مارهای فلات ایران بود.
(Last night's documentary was about the snakes of the Iranian plateau.)

Travel and Outdoor Safety: When Iranians go 'sizdah bedar' (the 13th day of Nowruz outdoors) or go mountain climbing in the Alborz range, elders often warn the youth about 'mār'. You might hear: 'Mavāzeb-e zir-e sanghā bāsh, mār nabāshad' (Watch out under the rocks, so there isn't a snake).

او را به خاطر نیش مار به بیمارستان بردند.
(They took him to the hospital because of a snake bite.)

Literature and Storytelling: In traditional 'Naghāli' (storytelling), the word 'mār' is used with dramatic emphasis when reciting the story of Zahhak. Children's stories also feature 'mār' as a character, often portrayed as a clever but misunderstood creature, or a classic villain.

پدربزرگ قصه‌ی مار و گنج را برایمان تعریف کرد.
(Grandfather told us the story of the snake and the treasure.)

مارگیر با مهارت زیاد مار را گرفت.
(The snake catcher caught the snake with great skill.)

Finally, in news reports regarding environmental issues or the illegal trade of exotic pets, 'mār' is used in a formal, journalistic register. Whether it's a warning from the Department of Environment or a line in a Rumi poem, 'mār' is a word that bridges the gap between the wild reality of the Iranian plateau and the deep metaphors of its literary heritage.

For English speakers learning Persian, the word مار (mār) seems deceptively simple due to its short length. However, several pitfalls can lead to confusion in pronunciation, spelling, and usage. Being aware of these common errors will help you communicate more accurately and avoid sounding like a beginner.

Pronunciation Pitfalls: The 'ā' sound in 'mār' is a long, back vowel, similar to the 'a' in 'father'. A common mistake is pronouncing it like the short 'a' in 'cat' (m-ae-r), which doesn't exist as a word in Persian, or confusing it with 'mūr' (ant) if the vowel is too rounded like 'u'.

اشتباه: مَر (m-ae-r) / درست: مار (mār).
(Incorrect: maer / Correct: mār.)

Spelling Confusion: In the Persian script, 'mār' (مار) looks very similar to 'mādar' (مادر - mother) if written quickly, as the 'd' and 'r' can sometimes blend. Beginners might also confuse it with 'mūr' (مور - ant) or 'mār' (مال - property/belonging) if they misread the final letter 'r' (ر) as 'l' (ل).

دقت کنید: مار (snake) vs. مال (property).
(Be careful: mār vs. māl.)

Usage of 'Bite': As mentioned before, English speakers often want to use the verb 'gāz gereftan' (to bite) for snakes because that is the direct translation of 'to bite'. However, in Persian, snakes 'nish mizanand' (sting/prick). Using 'gāz gereftan' sounds unnatural and technically incorrect for the way a snake attacks.

اشتباه: مار او را گاز گرفت. / درست: مار او را نیش زد.
(Incorrect: The snake bit [gāz] him. / Correct: The snake stung [nish] him.)

من از مار می‌ترسم.
(I am afraid of snakes [generic singular].)

Lastly, be careful with the idiom 'mār dar āstin parvaresh dādan' (nurturing a snake in one's sleeve). English speakers might try to translate 'snake in the grass' literally, but the Persian equivalent specifically uses the 'sleeve' (āstin) to emphasize proximity and betrayal by someone close. Using the wrong metaphor will confuse native speakers.

While مار (mār) is the general term for any snake, Persian has several other words that provide more specificity regarding the type, size, or nature of the reptile. Knowing these alternatives will allow you to describe scenarios with greater precision and understand more complex literature.

Af'i (افعی): This word translates to 'Viper'. It is used for venomous snakes with a specific triangular head shape. In literature, 'Af'i' is often used to describe someone even more dangerous and malicious than a regular 'mār'.

او مانند یک افعی خطرناک است.
(He is dangerous like a viper.)

Azhdahā (اژدها): This means 'Dragon'. In ancient Persian, dragons were often depicted as giant, multi-headed snakes. If you see an exceptionally large snake in a movie or story, it might be referred to as an 'azhdahā'.

در افسانه‌ها، پهلوان با یک اژدها جنگید.
(In legends, the hero fought a dragon.)

Khazande (خزنده): This is the general biological term for 'Reptile'. It comes from the verb 'khazidan' (to crawl). You would hear this in scientific or educational contexts when grouping snakes with lizards and turtles.

مار نوعی خزنده است.
(A snake is a type of reptile.)

مار کبرا بسیار سمی است.
(The cobra snake is very poisonous.)

Comparison Table:
1. Mār: General, neutral, any snake.
2. Af'i: Viper, implies venom and malice.
3. Azhdahā: Dragon, implies mythical size and power.
4. Kerm: Worm. Be careful! A small snake might be mistaken for a 'kerm' by a child, but they are linguistically distinct. In some dialects, 'mār' might be used for any creeping thing, but in standard Persian, it is strictly for snakes.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"پژوهشگران در حال مطالعه گونه‌های مختلف مار در ایران هستند."

Neutral

"آیا در این کوهستان مار وجود دارد؟"

Informal

"وای! یه مار اونجاست!"

Child friendly

"مار کوچولو داره روی زمین بازی می‌کنه."

Slang

"عجب ماریه این پسره، حواست بهش باشه."

Fun Fact

The word 'mār' is cognate with the Latin 'mors' (death) and English 'murder', reflecting the ancient perception of snakes as deadly creatures.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /mɑːr/

US /mɑːr/

Single syllable word; the stress is naturally on the entire word.

Rhymes With

تار (tār - string) بار (bār - load) کار (kār - work) یار (yār - friend) خار (khār - thorn) دار (dār - gallows) نار (nār - pomegranate) غار (ghār - cave)

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'ā' as a short 'a' (like in 'cat').
Not rolling the 'r' slightly, making it sound too soft.
Confusing it with 'mūr' (ant) by rounding the lips too much.
Confusing it with 'mādar' (mother) in fast speech.
Pronouncing it like the English word 'mar' (to spoil).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

Very easy to read, only three letters.

Writing 1/5

Simple characters, no complex connectors.

Speaking 2/5

Requires correct pronunciation of the long 'ā'.

Listening 2/5

Could be confused with similar sounding words in fast speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

حیوان (animal) خطرناک (dangerous) پا (leg) زمین (ground) سبز (green)

Learn Next

افعی (viper) نیش زدن (to sting) سمی (poisonous) خزیدن (to slither) اژدها (dragon)

Advanced

ضحاک (Zahhak) اساطیر (mythology) عرفان (mysticism) نمادگرایی (symbolism) زیست‌شناسی (biology)

Grammar to Know

Ezafe Construction

مارِ سمی (Poisonous snake)

Pluralization with -hā

مارها (Snakes)

Indefinite marker -i

ماری (A snake)

Object marker rā

مار را دیدم (I saw the snake)

Prepositional phrases

در دهان مار (In the snake's mouth)

Examples by Level

این یک مار است.

This is a snake.

Basic 'this is' structure (In yek ... ast).

مار پا ندارد.

The snake has no legs.

Using 'nadārad' for lack of possession.

مار سبز کجاست؟

Where is the green snake?

Using Ezafe for 'green snake' (mār-e sabz).

من مار را می‌بینم.

I see the snake.

Using 'rā' for a specific object.

مار در جعبه است.

The snake is in the box.

Preposition 'dar' (in).

آن مار کوچک است.

That snake is small.

Adjective 'kūchak' (small).

آیا این مار است؟

Is this a snake?

Question formation with 'āyā'.

مارها زیبا هستند.

Snakes are beautiful.

Plural formation with '-hā'.

مار به آرامی می‌خزد.

The snake slithers slowly.

Adverb 'be ārāmi' (slowly).

من از مار می‌ترسم.

I am afraid of snakes.

Verb 'tarsidan' with preposition 'az'.

مار بزرگ در جنگل زندگی می‌کند.

The big snake lives in the forest.

Present continuous habit 'zendegi mikonad'.

او یک مار خانگی دارد.

He has a pet snake.

Compound adjective 'khānegi' (domestic/pet).

مارها گوشت می‌خورند.

Snakes eat meat.

General plural subject.

دیروز یک مار در باغ دیدیم.

Yesterday we saw a snake in the garden.

Past tense 'didim'.

پوست مار خیلی صاف است.

Snake skin is very smooth.

Possessive Ezafe 'pūst-e mār'.

مار نمی‌تواند بدود.

A snake cannot run.

Modal verb 'namitavānad' (cannot).

اگر مار تو را نیش زد، سریع به پزشک برو.

If a snake bites you, go to the doctor quickly.

Conditional 'agar' with subjunctive.

بعضی از مارها سمی هستند و بعضی نه.

Some snakes are poisonous and some are not.

Use of 'ba'zi' (some).

او درباره زندگی مارها کتاب می‌خواند.

He is reading a book about the life of snakes.

Preposition 'darbāre-ye' (about).

مارها معمولاً از انسان‌ها فرار می‌کنند.

Snakes usually flee from humans.

Adverb 'ma'mūlan' (usually).

آیا می‌دانی کدام مار از همه خطرناک‌تر است؟

Do you know which snake is the most dangerous of all?

Superlative 'khatarnāktar' (more dangerous).

صدای مار شبیه 'هیس' است.

The sound of a snake is like 'hiss'.

Comparison 'shabih-e' (like/similar to).

مار در سوراخ کوچکی پنهان شده بود.

The snake was hidden in a small hole.

Past participle 'penhān shode būd'.

ما باید از زیستگاه مارها محافظت کنیم.

We must protect the habitat of snakes.

Modal 'bāyad' (must) with subjunctive.

مارگزیده از ریسمان سیاه و سفید می‌ترسد.

Once bitten by a snake, one is afraid of a black and white rope.

Famous proverb usage.

جاده‌های کوهستانی مثل مار در دل کوه پیچیده‌اند.

The mountain roads have coiled like a snake in the heart of the mountain.

Simile 'mesl-e mār'.

او با مهارت تمام، مار را بدون آسیب زدن گرفت.

With total skill, he caught the snake without hurting it.

Gerund 'āsib zadan' (hurting).

سم مار در داروسازی کاربردهای زیادی دارد.

Snake venom has many applications in pharmacology.

Formal vocabulary 'kārbor dārad'.

در بسیاری از فرهنگ‌ها، مار نماد دانش است.

In many cultures, the snake is a symbol of knowledge.

Abstract noun 'namād' (symbol).

او مثل مار در آستین، به دوستش خیانت کرد.

Like a snake in the sleeve, he betrayed his friend.

Idiomatic expression for betrayal.

تغییر اقلیم باعث کاهش جمعیت مارها شده است.

Climate change has caused a decrease in the snake population.

Cause and effect 'bā'es-e ... shode ast'.

مارها با زبان خود بوها را حس می‌کنند.

Snakes sense smells with their tongues.

Instrumental 'bā' (with).

ضحاک ماردوش یکی از شخصیت‌های منفی شاهنامه است.

Zahhak the snake-shouldered is one of the negative characters of the Shahnameh.

Compound adjective 'mār-dūsh'.

شاعر زلف یار را به ماری تشبیه کرده است که بر دل می‌پیچد.

The poet has likened the beloved's hair to a snake that coils around the heart.

Literary analysis vocabulary.

افعی‌های این منطقه به دلیل استتار عالی، به سختی دیده می‌شوند.

The vipers of this region are hardly seen due to excellent camouflage.

Advanced noun 'estetār' (camouflage).

در متون کهن، مار نگهبان گنج‌های زیرزمینی تصور می‌شد.

In ancient texts, the snake was imagined as the guardian of underground treasures.

Passive construction 'tasavor mishod'.

او با لحنی گزنده، چون نیش مار، پاسخ داد.

He replied with a stinging tone, like a snake's bite.

Metaphorical use of 'gazande' (stinging).

بررسی تکاملی مارها نشان‌دهنده انطباق‌پذیری بالای آن‌هاست.

The evolutionary study of snakes indicates their high adaptability.

Academic register 'neshān-dahande'.

مار در عرفان ایرانی گاهی نماد نفس اماره است.

In Iranian mysticism, the snake is sometimes a symbol of the carnal self.

Sufi terminology 'nafs-e ammāre'.

او مار خورده و افعی شده، فریب او را مخور.

He is highly experienced and cunning; do not be deceived by him.

Archaic imperative 'makhor'.

پیچ و تاب مارگونه‌ی کلامش، حقیقت را در هاله‌ای از ابهام فرو برده بود.

The snake-like twists and turns of his speech had plunged the truth into a halo of ambiguity.

High-level metaphorical construction.

در اساطیر مانوی، مار نقشی کلیدی در فرآیند آفرینش ایفا می‌کند.

In Manichaean mythology, the snake plays a key role in the process of creation.

Specialized terminology 'asātir-e mānavi'.

تحلیل هرمنوتیک داستان‌های عطار نشان‌دهنده چندلایگی نماد مار است.

Hermeneutic analysis of Attar's stories indicates the multi-layered nature of the snake symbol.

Academic terminology 'tahlil-e hermenūtik'.

او در سیاست چنان ماری است که هر لحظه به رنگی در می‌آید.

In politics, he is such a snake that he changes color every moment.

Complex simile for political opportunism.

زهر مار در دوزهای بسیار اندک، می‌تواند شفابخش باشد.

Snake venom in very small doses can be healing.

Scientific precision 'dūzhā-ye andak'.

ساختار مارپیچی دی‌ان‌ای، شباهت عجیبی به حرکت مار دارد.

The helical structure of DNA has a strange resemblance to the movement of a snake.

Scientific comparison.

او با نگاهی ماردیس، دشمن را بر جای خود خشک کرد.

With a snake-like gaze, he froze the enemy in their place.

Rare suffix '-dis' (like/resembling).

مار در ادبیات غنایی، گاه رقیب است و گاه مانع وصال.

In lyric literature, the snake is sometimes the rival and sometimes the obstacle to union.

Literary classification 'adabiyāt-e ghanāyi'.

Common Collocations

مار سمی

نیش مار

پوست مار

مار کبرا

مار آبی

سم مار

مار پله

مار زنگی

حلقه مار

مار خوش خط و خال

Common Phrases

مار و پله

— The game 'Snakes and Ladders'. Very popular in Iran.

بیا مار و پله بازی کنیم.

مثل مار زخمی

— To be extremely angry or restless, like a wounded snake.

او مثل مار زخمی به خود می‌پیچید.

مار در آستین

— A hidden enemy who is very close to you.

او مار در آستین من بود.

نیش مار

— A snake bite or a very hurtful remark.

حرف‌هایش مثل نیش مار بود.

مار خوش خط و خال

— Someone who looks beautiful or kind but is actually dangerous.

فریب این مار خوش خط و خال را نخور.

مار گزیده

— Someone who has been bitten by a snake; used to describe a cautious person.

مار گزیده از ریسمان سیاه و سفید می‌ترسد.

مار خوردن و افعی شدن

— To become very experienced and cunning over time.

او در این کار مار خورده و افعی شده.

سر مار را کوبیدن

— To destroy the root of an evil or a problem.

باید سر مار را زودتر می‌کوبیدی.

مار افسای

— A snake charmer or someone who can control dangerous things.

او مثل یک مار افسای با مشکلات برخورد می‌کند.

مار پله‌ای

— Something that has ups and downs like the game.

زندگی مار پله‌ای است.

Often Confused With

مار vs مور (mūr)

Means 'ant'. Sounds similar if the vowel is mispronounced.

مار vs مال (māl)

Means 'property'. Looks similar in script if 'r' and 'l' are confused.

مار vs مادر (mādar)

Means 'mother'. Can sound similar in very fast, mumbled speech.

Idioms & Expressions

"مار گزیده از ریسمان سیاه و سفید می‌ترسد"

— Once bitten, twice shy. A person who has had a bad experience is overly cautious.

بعد از آن تصادف، او دیگر رانندگی نمی‌کند؛ مار گزیده از ریسمان سیاه و سفید می‌ترسد.

common proverb

"مار در آستین پروراندن"

— To nurture a snake in one's sleeve. To help someone who eventually betrays you.

من به او کمک کردم، اما او مار در آستین من بود.

literary/common

"مار خوش خط و خال"

— A beautiful snake with colorful patterns. Refers to a deceptive person who appears attractive but is harmful.

او یک مار خوش خط و خال است، به او اعتماد نکن.

informal/metaphorical

"سر مار را با دست دشمن باید کوفت"

— One should crush the snake's head with the enemy's hand. Using one enemy to destroy another.

سیاستمدار باهوش سر مار را با دست دشمن می‌کوبد.

literary proverb

"مار از پونه بدش می‌آید، درِ لونه‌اش سبز می‌شود"

— The snake hates pennyroyal, but it grows right at its burrow's entrance. Used when something you dislike keeps happening to you.

دوباره همان رئیس بداخلاق را دیدم؛ مار از پونه بدش می‌آید...

common proverb

"مار خورده و افعی شده"

— Having eaten snakes and become a viper. Someone who has become very shrewd or wicked through long experience.

مواظب باش، او مار خورده و افعی شده است.

informal/idiomatic

"مثل مار به خود پیچیدن"

— To writhe like a snake. Used for someone in great physical or mental pain.

از درد دل مثل مار به خود می‌پیچید.

descriptive

"نیش مار به از زبان مردم"

— A snake's bite is better than people's tongues (gossip).

او می‌گوید نیش مار به از زبان مردم است.

poetic

"مار را از سوراخ بیرون کشیدن"

— To pull the snake out of the hole. To force a hidden enemy or problem into the open.

بالاخره مار را از سوراخ بیرون کشیدیم.

metaphorical

"زبان سرخ سر سبز می‌دهد بر باد / نیش مار بهتر از زبان بد"

— Refers to the danger of speaking carelessly; comparing a bad tongue to a snake's sting.

همیشه مراقب حرف زدنت باش، نیش مار بهتر است.

literary

Easily Confused

مار vs کرم (kerm)

Both are long, thin creatures.

A 'kerm' is a worm (invertebrate), while 'mār' is a reptile with scales and a skeleton.

این کرم است، نه مار.

مار vs ماهی (māhi)

The word 'mār-māhi' (eel) contains both.

A 'māhi' lives only in water and has fins, a 'mār' is a reptile.

مارماهی شبیه مار است.

مار vs سوسمار (sūsmār)

Contains the word 'mār'.

'Sūsmār' means lizard (specifically large ones like monitors). It has legs.

سوسمار پا دارد اما مار ندارد.

مار vs افعی (af'i)

Both refer to snakes.

'Af'i' is a specific type (viper), often used for venomous ones.

هر افعی یک مار است، اما هر ماری افعی نیست.

مار vs اژدها (azhdahā)

Both are long, scaly creatures in myths.

'Azhdahā' is a mythical dragon, usually giant and fire-breathing.

اژدها در قصه‌هاست.

Sentence Patterns

این [اسم] است.

این مار است.

من از [اسم] می‌ترسم.

من از مار می‌ترسم.

[اسم] در حال [فعل] است.

مار در حال خزیدن است.

اگر [جمله]، آنگاه [جمله].

اگر مار تو را نیش زد، به بیمارستان برو.

[اسم] نمادی از [مفهوم] است.

مار نمادی از دانش پنهان است.

چنان [صفت] که گویی [جمله].

چنان پیچیده که گویی ماری در خود گره خورده است.

[اسم] [صفت] است.

مار سبز است.

[اسم] [مکان] زندگی می‌کند.

مار در بیابان زندگی می‌کند.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Very common in both daily life and literature.

Common Mistakes

mār gāz gereft → mār nish zad
Snakes 'sting' (nish) in Persian, they don't 'bite' (gāz) like dogs.
m-ae-r → mār
The vowel must be long 'ā' like in 'father', not short 'ae' like in 'cat'.
mūr → mār
Don't confuse 'mār' (snake) with 'mūr' (ant).
mār rā dūst dāram → mār dūst dāram
When talking about an animal species in general, do not use 'rā'.
yek mār-e sammi didam → yek mār-e sammi didam
Actually, this is correct, but ensure the Ezafe is audible.

Tips

The Long A

Make sure to pronounce the 'ā' in 'mār' deeply. It's the most important part of the word.

Ezafe Use

Always use the Ezafe (e) to connect 'mār' with its color or size, like 'mār-e zard' (yellow snake).

Zahhak

Read the story of Zahhak to understand the darker cultural connotations of snakes in Iran.

Related Creatures

Learn 'mār-mūlak' (lizard) and 'mār-māhi' (eel) together with 'mār' to expand your animal vocabulary.

Rural Areas

If you are in rural Iran, knowing this word is vital for safety warnings.

Play the Game

Playing 'Mār o Pelle' with Persians is a great way to practice numbers and the word itself.

Script Tip

Practice writing 'mār' (مار) and 'mūr' (مور) side by side to see the difference between 'ā' and 'ū'.

Treacherous Friends

The idiom 'mār dar āstin' is very common in movies and books; learn it early!

Venom vs Poison

In Persian, 'sammi' is used for both venomous and poisonous animals.

Winding Roads

Use 'mār-pich' to describe the beautiful winding roads in the North of Iran.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of the 'M' as the head and the 'ār' as the long tail of the snake slithering away. Or associate 'Mār' with 'Mars'—a dangerous planet for a dangerous animal.

Visual Association

Imagine the letter 'M' stretching out into a long, winding line that looks like the word 'mār' (مار) on paper.

Word Web

animal reptile poison slither Zahhak Shahnameh desert danger

Challenge

Try to find 5 Persian proverbs that use the word 'mār' and explain them to a friend.

Word Origin

Derived from Middle Persian 'mār', which comes from Old Persian 'mā-'. It is rooted in the Proto-Indo-European '*mer-', which means 'to die' or 'to disappear', possibly suggesting the snake as a bringer of death.

Original meaning: The word has consistently meant 'snake' throughout the history of the Persian language.

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

Cultural Context

Be careful when calling someone a 'mār' in Iran; it is a very strong insult implying deep treachery.

In English, 'snake' is often just an insult for a liar. In Persian, 'mār' has deeper mythological roots involving specific characters like Zahhak.

The story of Zahhak in Ferdowsi's Shahnameh. Rumi's poems about the snake-catcher. The movie 'Mār-mūlak' (The Lizard) which plays on reptile names.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Hiking/Camping

مواظب مار باش
کفش ساق‌دار بپوش
مار سمی اینجا زیاده
نیش مار خطرناکه

Zoo Visit

مارها کجا هستند؟
این مار سمی است؟
چه مار بزرگی!
غذای مار چیست؟

Playing Games

بیا مار و پله بازی کنیم
من افتادم روی مار
نوبت توست
تاس بریز

Literature Class

نماد مار در شاهنامه
مارهای روی دوش ضحاک
استعاره از زلف
داستان مار و گنج

Medical Emergency

او را مار نیش زده
سرم ضد مار لازم است
مار چه شکلی بود؟
کمک کنید!

Conversation Starters

"آیا تو از مار می‌ترسی یا آن‌ها را دوست داری؟ (Are you afraid of snakes or do you like them?)"

"تا حالا در طبیعت مار دیده‌ای؟ (Have you ever seen a snake in nature?)"

"نظرت درباره بازی مار و پله چیست؟ (What is your opinion on Snakes and Ladders?)"

"آیا می‌دانی خطرناک‌ترین مار ایران کدام است؟ (Do you know what the most dangerous snake in Iran is?)"

"به نظر تو چرا در قصه‌ها مار همیشه بدجنس است؟ (Why do you think snakes are always mean in stories?)"

Journal Prompts

اگر یک مار در اتاق خود پیدا کنی، چه کار می‌کنی؟ (If you found a snake in your room, what would you do?)

درباره یک تجربه که مثل 'مار گزیده' ترسیده بودی بنویس. (Write about an experience where you were scared like someone 'bitten by a snake'.)

توصیف یک مار زیبا با رنگ‌های مختلف. (Describe a beautiful snake with different colors.)

چرا مارها برای محیط زیست مفید هستند؟ (Why are snakes useful for the environment?)

داستانی کوتاه درباره دوستی یک کودک و یک مار بنویس. (Write a short story about the friendship between a child and a snake.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

The word is 'mār' (مار).

Persian does not have grammatical gender, so it is neutral.

The most common way is adding '-hā': 'mārhā' (مارها).

It is 'mār-gozide az rismān-e siyāh o sefid mitarsad'.

Yes, Iran has a diverse range of snakes, including several venomous species in its deserts and mountains.

It is 'nish-e mār' (نیش مار).

It is the Persian version of the board game 'Snakes and Ladders'.

Yes, calling someone a 'mār' implies they are treacherous or sneaky.

It means 'lizard'. It literally translates to 'little snake-like thing'.

No, it specifically refers to snakes. The general word for reptile is 'khazande'.