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Vocabulary
مسدود کردن

A2 verb #4,000 most common 8 min read

مسدود کردن

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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips مسدود کردن in 30 Seconds

Explanation مسدود کردن in your Level:

At the A1 level, you only need to know that 'masdud kardan' means 'to block' or 'to close' in a very specific way. Imagine a road that is closed because of snow. You can say 'Jadeh masdud ast' (The road is blocked). At this stage, don't worry too much about the complex grammar. Just remember that it is a formal way to say something is not open for people to pass through. You might see this on signs or hear it on the news. It is composed of two parts: 'masdud' (the state of being blocked) and 'kardan' (to do). If you want to say you blocked someone on your phone, this is the word you use. It is a useful 'power word' to know early on because it appears in many public places. Keep it simple: road closed = masdud. Bank card not working = masdud.

At the A2 level, you should begin to use 'masdud kardan' in simple sentences with the correct light verb conjugation. You can now distinguish it from the verb 'bastan' (to close). You use 'masdud kardan' for things like blocking a phone number, a road, or a simple path. You should also be familiar with the passive form 'masdud shodan' (to become blocked). For example, 'Hesabe man masdud shod' (My account became blocked). This is the level where you start dealing with basic administrative tasks in Persian, like going to a bank or using a Persian app. Knowing this word helps you understand why your card might not be working or why a certain street is inaccessible. You should be able to ask 'Chera jadeh masdud ast?' (Why is the road blocked?).

By B1, you are expected to use 'masdud kardan' in more varied contexts, including digital and technical ones. You should be comfortable discussing 'filtering' or 'blocking' websites and social media users. You can also use it to describe physical obstructions in a more detailed way, such as a blocked pipe or a blocked artery (in a basic medical sense). You should understand how to use it in different tenses: 'Masdud khaham kard' (I will block) or 'Masdud kardeham' (I have blocked). At this level, you also start to see the noun form 'ensedad' in newspapers. You can explain cause and effect: 'Because of the accident, the police blocked the highway.' Your vocabulary is expanding to include the reasons for the blockage, using words like 'tasadof' (accident) or 'barf' (snow).

At the B2 level, you should use 'masdud kardan' and its derivatives with nuance. You can discuss abstract blocking, such as blocking progress or blocking a law in a political context. You understand the difference between 'masdud kardan' and synonyms like 'sadd kardan' or 'mane' shodan'. You can use the word in complex sentences with multiple clauses. For example: 'The government blocked the website to prevent the spread of misinformation.' You are also familiar with the formal alternative 'masdud namudan' which appears in official documents and high-level journalism. You can participate in discussions about internet censorship or financial sanctions using this word as a base. Your pronunciation should be clear, and you should use the correct prepositions consistently.

At the C1 level, 'masdud kardan' is part of a sophisticated vocabulary. You use it in academic, legal, and highly technical discussions. You understand the legal implications of 'masdud kardane amval' (freezing of assets) and can read legal texts that use this terminology. You can use the word metaphorically in literature or high-level rhetoric to describe the 'blocking' of the heart or the 'blocking' of a spiritual path. You are aware of the Arabic roots and how they relate to other Persian words like 'Sadd' (dam) or 'Masdudiyat' (limitation/blockage). You can write formal reports or essays about infrastructure, technology, or law where this word is used accurately and with stylistic variety. You can debate the ethics of 'masdud-sazi' in the digital age.

At the C2 level, you have a near-native command of 'masdud kardan'. you can detect the subtle connotations it carries in different political or social registers. You can use it with precision in specialized fields such as medicine (arterial blockages), engineering (fluid dynamics), or law (injunctions). You are able to use the word in wordplay, irony, or complex metaphors in creative writing. You understand the historical evolution of the word's usage in Persian and its relationship to classical Arabic. You can effortlessly switch between the colloquial 'masdud kardan' and the highly formal 'masdud namudan' depending on the audience. You can analyze how the word is used in propaganda or official state media to frame certain events. Your mastery is such that you can explain these nuances to other learners.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

مسدود کردن in 30 Seconds

Masdud kardan means to block or close off access to physical paths, digital accounts, or financial services in a formal way.
It is a compound verb used frequently in news, banking, and technology to describe obstructions or intentional stoppages.
Unlike the common 'bastan' (to close), it specifically implies a barrier or an official act of preventing passage or use.
Commonly used for roads (snow/accidents), bank cards (lost/stolen), and internet users or websites (filtering/blocking).

The Persian compound verb مسدود کردن (masdud kardan) is a fundamental term used to describe the act of blocking, obstructing, or closing off access to something. Derived from the Arabic root 's-d-d' (meaning to stop up or close), combined with the Persian light verb 'kardan' (to do/make), it carries a sense of formality and precision that distinguishes it from the more common verb 'bastan' (to close). While 'bastan' might be used for closing a window or a book, masdud kardan is specifically reserved for situations where a passage, a flow, or a line of communication is intentionally or naturally obstructed. In modern Iranian society, you will encounter this word frequently in three primary domains: physical infrastructure, digital technology, and financial services.

Physical Infrastructure: This refers to the closing of roads, tunnels, or pathways. For instance, after a heavy snowfall in the Alborz mountains, news reports will often state that the Chalus road has been blocked. It implies a total cessation of movement through that path.

پلیس راه به دلیل ریزش کوه، جاده را مسدود کرد.

Translation: The road police blocked the road due to a landslide.

Digital and Internet Context: In the age of social media, this word is the standard term for 'blocking' a user or a website. If someone is bothering you on Instagram, you 'masdud' them. Similarly, when the government filters a website, the technical term used in official announcements is 'masdud-sazi' (the act of making blocked).

Financial and Banking: If you lose your debit card in Iran, you must call the bank to 'masdud' the card. This prevents any further transactions. It is also used when a judicial order freezes a bank account, rendering it inaccessible to the owner.

بانک حساب او را به دلیل بدهی مسدود کرده است.

Translation: The bank has blocked his account due to debt.

Understanding the nuance of this word helps you navigate formal situations. If you tell a technician 'dar ra bebast' (close the door), it is simple. But if you tell a plumber 'luleh masdud shodeh' (the pipe has become blocked), you are using the correct technical vocabulary for an obstruction. It is a versatile verb that bridges the gap between everyday physical realities and complex modern systems like global finance and digital networking. By mastering this word, you gain the ability to describe restrictions of movement and access across a wide range of Persian-speaking contexts.

To use مسدود کردن correctly, one must understand its nature as a compound verb. It consists of the adjective 'masdud' (blocked) and the light verb 'kardan' (to do). In Persian grammar, the tense, person, and mood are all expressed through the conjugation of 'kardan', while 'masdud' remains unchanged. This structure is typical for many Persian verbs, but 'masdud' is particularly interesting because it is a passive participle from Arabic, meaning it inherently describes a state that has been achieved.

Transitive Usage (Active): When you are the one doing the blocking, you use 'masdud kardan'. The object being blocked usually takes the postposition 'ra' (را). For example: 'Man an karbar ra masdud kardam' (I blocked that user).

دولت برای امنیت، مرزها را مسدود کرد.

The government blocked the borders for security.

Intransitive/Passive Usage: If something becomes blocked on its own or the actor is unknown, we use 'masdud shodan' (to become blocked). 'Luleh masdud shodeh ast' (The pipe has become blocked). This is extremely common in medical and technical contexts.

When conjugating in the present tense, remember the present stem of 'kardan' is 'kon'. So, 'I block' is 'masdud mikonam'. In the past tense, the stem is 'kard', so 'I blocked' is 'masdud kardam'. This verb is rarely used in the imperative in daily life unless you are telling someone to block a number on their phone: 'In shomareh ra masdud kon!' (Block this number!).

چربی‌ها رگ‌های قلب را مسدود می‌کنند.

Fats block the heart's arteries.

Another important aspect is the use of prepositions. Usually, you block 'something' (object + ra). However, if you are blocking 'access to something', you might say 'masdud kardane dastresi be...' (blocking access to...). This level of detail is crucial for reaching a B1 or B2 level of proficiency, where you begin to describe complex cause-and-effect relationships.

If you are living in or visiting Iran, or even just consuming Persian media, you will hear 'masdud kardan' in very specific environments. It is not a word you would typically use while chatting about your day at a cafe, but it is ubiquitous in formal and semi-formal settings. One of the most common places to hear it is on the radio during traffic reports. The 'Police-e Rah' (Highway Police) regularly issues updates about mountain passes like Haraz or Firuzkuh being 'masdud' due to snow or maintenance.

At the Bank: If you go to a bank because your card isn't working, the teller might say: 'Hesabe shoma masdud shodeh' (Your account has been blocked/frozen). This is a standard administrative term.

متأسفم، کارت بانکی شما مسدود شده است.

I'm sorry, your bank card has been blocked.

In the News: News anchors use this word when discussing international sanctions or political blockades. For example, 'masdud kardane darayi-haye Iran' (blocking/freezing Iran's assets). It is a key term in the vocabulary of Iranian geopolitics.

In a medical context, a doctor might use the term 'ensedad' (the noun form) or the verb 'masdud kardan/shodan' to describe a blockage in the intestines or an artery. If you are watching a medical drama in Persian, listen for this word during surgery scenes. It conveys a sense of urgency and technical accuracy.

مسیر خروجی پارکینگ را مسدود نکنید.

Do not block the parking exit path.

Finally, in the digital world, almost every Persian app interface uses the word 'Masdud' for the 'Block' button. Whether it's Telegram, WhatsApp (in Persian), or domestic apps like Bale or Rubika, this is the standard term. You will see it in settings menus under 'List-e Masdud-shodegan' (Blocked list).

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make when learning 'masdud kardan' is overusing it in place of the simpler verb 'bastan' (to close). While 'masdud kardan' means to block, you should never use it for closing a door, a window, or a shop for the night. Saying 'Man dar ra masdud kardam' sounds like you have barricaded the door with furniture to prevent an entry, rather than simply shutting it.

Mistake: Confusing 'Masdud' with 'Basteh': If a shop is closed for a holiday, it is 'basteh'. If the road to the shop is dug up and inaccessible, it is 'masdud'. Using 'masdud' for a shop being closed for business is a common error.

❌ مغازه مسدود است. (Wrong for 'The shop is closed')
✅ مغازه بسته است. (Correct)

Mistake: Preposition Confusion: Learners often forget that 'masdud kardan' is transitive and requires 'ra' for the object. Some mistakenly use 'be' (to) because they are thinking of 'closing to traffic'. Correct: 'Jadeh ra masdud kardand' (They blocked the road).

Another nuance is the difference between 'masdud kardan' and 'ghat' kardan' (to cut/disconnect). If your internet is not working because you didn't pay the bill, it is 'ghat' shodeh' (disconnected). If you cannot access a specific site because of a firewall, it is 'masdud shodeh'. Using 'ghat' when you mean 'masdud' can lead to confusion when talking to technical support.

❌ تلفن من مسدود است. (Unless the keypad is physically jammed)
✅ تلفن من قطع است. (My phone line is disconnected)

Lastly, pay attention to the pronunciation of 'masdud'. The 'u' is a long sound like in 'mood'. Some learners pronounce it with a short 'o', which makes it harder for native speakers to recognize instantly. Practice saying 'mas-DOOD' with the emphasis on the second syllable.

While 'masdud kardan' is the most precise term for blocking, Persian offers several alternatives depending on the register and the specific type of obstruction. Knowing these synonyms will help you understand more varied texts and sound more like a native speaker.

Bastan (بستن): The general word for 'to close'. It is less formal than 'masdud kardan'. You can use it for roads, but it's more common for doors, windows, and eyes. It doesn't necessarily imply an obstruction, just the act of closing.

Mane' Shodan (مانع شدن): This means 'to prevent' or 'to hinder'. It is used more for actions or progress rather than physical paths. For example, 'He prevented me from going' (U mane'e raftane man shod).

ترافیک سنگین مانع حرکت سریع آمبولانس شد.

Heavy traffic hindered/prevented the quick movement of the ambulance.

Sadd Kardan (سد کردن): Literally 'to dam up'. It is often used in the phrase 'sadd-e ma'bar kardan', which refers to street vendors or obstacles blocking the sidewalk. It has a more physical, confrontational connotation than 'masdud'.

Ghafl Kardan (قفل کردن): To lock. While 'masdud' means the path is blocked, 'ghafl' means it is secured with a lock. In technology, if an account is 'locked' for security, 'masdud' is still more common in Persian, but 'ghafl' is used for physical locks.

In summary, choose 'masdud kardan' when you want to sound professional, technical, or when referring to official closures. Use 'bastan' for everyday closing, 'mane' shodan' for abstract prevention, and 'sadd kardan' for physical barriers. This distinction will make your Persian sound much more nuanced and accurate.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The word 'Sadd' (dam) comes from the same root. When you 'masdud' something, you are essentially making a 'Sadd' (barrier) in front of it.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /mæsˈduːd kærˈdæn/

US /mæsˈdud kɑːrˈdæn/

The primary stress is on the second syllable of 'masdud' (DOOD) and the second syllable of 'kardan' (DAN).

Rhymes With

محدود (mahdud - limited) مردود (mardud - rejected) مسدود (masdud) موجود (mowjud - existing) خشنود (khoshnud - pleased) بدرود (bedrud - farewell) سرود (sorud - anthem) کبود (kabud - bruised/blue)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'masdud' with a short 'o' like 'dog' instead of a long 'u'.
Stressing the first syllable 'MAS-dud'.
Merging the two words into one without a slight pause.
Softening the 'd' sounds too much; they should be dental.
Failing to roll the 'r' in 'kardan' slightly.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to recognize in texts once the root is known.

Writing 4/5

Requires knowledge of compound verb conjugation.

Speaking 4/5

Requires correct pronunciation of the long 'u'.

Listening 3/5

Clear sound, usually stands out in news reports.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

بستن (bastan) کردن (kardan) راه (rah) حساب (hesab) شماره (shomareh)

Learn Next

فیلتر کردن (filter kardan) تحریم (tahrim) آزاد کردن (azad kardan) رفع (raf') مانع (mane')

Advanced

انسداد (ensedad) تصلب شرایین (tasallob-e sharayin) محاصره (mohasereh) گلوگاه (galugah)

Grammar to Know

Compound Verb Conjugation

Man masdud mikonam (Present), Man masdud kardam (Past).

Passive Voice with 'Shodan'

Jadeh masdud shod (The road was blocked).

Direct Object Marker 'Ra'

U karbar ra masdud kard.

Subjunctive Mood

Bayad in shomareh ra masdud konam.

Causal Clauses

Be dalil-e barf, jadeh masdud shod.

Examples by Level

جاده مسدود است.

The road is blocked.

Simple subject + adjective + to be verb.

او را مسدود کن.

Block him.

Imperative form of 'kardan'.

کارت من مسدود است.

My card is blocked.

'Masdud' as an adjective.

در مسدود نیست.

The door is not blocked.

Negative form of 'to be'.

آیا این شماره مسدود است؟

Is this number blocked?

Question form.

راه مسدود شد.

The path became blocked.

Past tense of 'shodan'.

من حساب را مسدود کردم.

I blocked the account.

Past tense of 'kardan'.

او جاده را مسدود می‌کند.

He blocks the road.

Present continuous sense.

پلیس راه را مسدود کرده است.

The police have blocked the road.

Present perfect tense.

این وب‌سایت مسدود شده است.

This website has been blocked.

Passive voice (present perfect).

چرا می‌خواهی مرا مسدود کنی؟

Why do you want to block me?

Infinitive construction with 'khastan'.

او شماره‌های ناشناس را مسدود می‌کند.

He blocks unknown numbers.

Habitual present tense.

برف سنگین گردنه را مسدود کرد.

Heavy snow blocked the mountain pass.

Simple past with a noun phrase subject.

بانک کارت‌های قدیمی را مسدود می‌کند.

The bank blocks old cards.

Present tense.

ما باید این مسیر را مسدود کنیم.

We must block this path.

Modal verb 'bayad' + subjunctive.

آن‌ها حساب او را مسدود کردند.

They blocked his account.

Third person plural past tense.

به دلیل تعمیرات، لوله فاضلاب مسدود شده است.

Due to repairs, the sewage pipe has become blocked.

Using 'be dalil-e' for reason.

اگر رمز را اشتباه بزنید، کارت مسدود می‌شود.

If you enter the wrong code, the card gets blocked.

Conditional sentence type 1.

دولت برخی از شبکه‌های اجتماعی را مسدود کرد.

The government blocked some social networks.

Simple past with 'barghi az' (some of).

او تمام راه‌های خروجی را مسدود کرده بود.

He had blocked all the exit routes.

Past perfect tense.

مسدود کردن تبلیغات در این مرورگر آسان است.

Blocking ads in this browser is easy.

Gerund usage (masdar).

رگ‌های او به علت چربی زیاد مسدود شده بود.

His arteries were blocked due to high fat.

Passive past perfect.

پلیس برای کنترل جمعیت، خیابان را مسدود کرد.

The police blocked the street to control the crowd.

Purpose clause with 'baraye'.

لطفاً دسترسی به این فایل را مسدود کنید.

Please block access to this file.

Polite imperative.

تحریم‌ها باعث مسدود شدن دارایی‌های کشور شد.

The sanctions caused the country's assets to be blocked.

Noun phrase as subject with 'ba'es shodan'.

او سعی کرد با دروغ، مسیر تحقیقات را مسدود کند.

He tried to block the investigation path with lies.

Metaphorical usage of 'masir'.

نرم‌افزار آنتی‌ویروس فایل‌های مخرب را مسدود می‌کند.

The antivirus software blocks malicious files.

Technical vocabulary.

اعتصاب کارگران بندر را کاملاً مسدود کرده است.

The strike has completely blocked the port.

Use of adverb 'kamelan'.

دادستان دستور داد حساب‌های متهم مسدود شود.

The prosecutor ordered the suspect's accounts to be blocked.

Subjunctive passive in a reported command.

این فیلتر هوای کثیف را مسدود می‌کند.

This filter blocks dirty air.

Physical process description.

آن‌ها با قرار دادن موانع، جاده را مسدود کردند.

They blocked the road by placing obstacles.

Gerund phrase 'ba gharar dadan'.

مسدود کردن جریان اطلاعات در دنیای امروز دشوار است.

Blocking the flow of information is difficult in today's world.

Abstract concept as subject.

لخته خون باعث مسدود شدن شریان اصلی قلب شد.

A blood clot caused the blockage of the main heart artery.

Scientific/Medical terminology.

شورای امنیت می‌تواند حساب‌های بانکی تروریست‌ها را مسدود کند.

The Security Council can block the bank accounts of terrorists.

Political/Legal context.

نویسنده با ابهام‌گویی، مسیر درک مطلب را مسدود کرده است.

The author has blocked the path of understanding with ambiguity.

Literary metaphor.

اقدامات تلافی‌جویانه ممکن است راه‌های دیپلماتیک را مسدود کند.

Retaliatory measures may block diplomatic paths.

High-level political analysis.

تجمع رسوبات در لوله‌ها باعث مسدود شدن تدریجی آن‌ها می‌شود.

The accumulation of sediment in pipes causes their gradual blockage.

Technical/Engineering description.

نیروهای نظامی تمام مبادی ورودی شهر را مسدود کردند.

Military forces blocked all entry points to the city.

Formal military term 'mabadi'.

دولت لایحه‌ای را که مسیر اصلاحات را مسدود می‌کرد، رد کرد.

The government rejected a bill that blocked the path of reforms.

Relative clause usage.

مسدود کردن دسترسی به اینترنت نقض حقوق بشر تلقی می‌شود.

Blocking internet access is considered a violation of human rights.

Formal legal/ethical statement.

انسداد سیاسی موجود، تمامی روزنه‌های امید را مسدود کرده است.

The existing political impasse has blocked all flickers of hope.

Poetic/Political metaphor.

در حقوق بین‌الملل، مسدود کردن بنادر می‌تواند به مثابه اعلان جنگ باشد.

In international law, blocking ports can be equivalent to a declaration of war.

Academic legal discourse.

پدیده خودایمنی می‌تواند مسیرهای سیگنال‌دهی سلولی را مسدود کند.

Autoimmune phenomena can block cellular signaling pathways.

Advanced scientific context.

او با مهارت تمام، راه‌های فرار مالیاتی را مسدود کرد.

With complete skill, he blocked the routes of tax evasion.

Idiomatic use of 'masir'.

تصلب شرایین به معنای مسدود شدن تدریجی عروق خونی است.

Atherosclerosis means the gradual blockage of blood vessels.

Formal medical definition.

فلسفه دکارت برخی از مسیرهای تفکر سنتی را مسدود کرد.

Descartes' philosophy blocked some paths of traditional thought.

Intellectual history context.

محاصره دریایی، شریان‌های حیاتی اقتصاد دشمن را مسدود کرد.

The naval blockade blocked the vital arteries of the enemy's economy.

Strategic military analysis.

این پروتکل امنیتی، نفوذ هرگونه بدافزار را مسدود می‌سازد.

This security protocol blocks the intrusion of any malware.

Use of 'masdud misazad' (formal 'kardan').

Common Collocations

مسدود کردن جاده

مسدود کردن حساب

مسدود کردن شماره

مسدود کردن مسیر

مسدود کردن دسترسی

مسدود کردن رگ‌ها

مسدود کردن خروجی

مسدود کردن دارایی‌ها

مسدود کردن مرزها

مسدود کردن فاضلاب

Common Phrases

راه مسدود است

— The road is blocked. Used in traffic reports.

رادیو گفت راه هراز مسدود است.

حساب مسدود شده

— The account is frozen. Common in banking.

کارت من کار نمی‌کند، شاید حساب مسدود شده.

دسترسی مسدود گردید

— Access was blocked. Formal notice on websites.

این پیام روی صفحه ظاهر شد: دسترسی مسدود گردید.

مسیر را باز کنید

— Clear the path. Opposite of blocking.

پلیس گفت سریعاً مسیر را باز کنید.

لیست مسدودشدگان

— Blocked list. Found in app settings.

او در لیست مسدودشدگان من است.

رفع مسدودیت

— Unblocking. The process of restoring access.

برای رفع مسدودیت به بانک بروید.

مسدودسازی گسترده

— Widespread blocking. Often used for internet filtering.

مسدودسازی گسترده سایت‌ها شروع شد.

انسداد معابر

— Blocking of passages. A legal term for obstructing sidewalks.

شهرداری با انسداد معابر برخورد می‌کند.

مسدود کردن تماس

— Blocking a call.

گوشی من قابلیت مسدود کردن تماس را دارد.

به طور موقت مسدود شده

— Temporarily blocked.

حساب شما به طور موقت مسدود شده است.

Often Confused With

مسدود کردن vs بستن (Bastan)

Bastan is for closing doors/windows; Masdud is for blocking paths/services.

مسدود کردن vs قطع کردن (Ghat' kardan)

Ghat' is for disconnecting (electricity/phone); Masdud is for blocking (access/path).

مسدود کردن vs محدود کردن (Mahdud kardan)

Mahdud means to limit or restrict, not necessarily to block completely.

Idioms & Expressions

"راه کسی را مسدود کردن"

— To prevent someone from achieving their goals or moving forward in life.

او با کارهایش راه پیشرفت مرا مسدود کرد.

Metaphorical

"تمام درها را مسدود کردن"

— To leave no options or alternatives available.

او با این تصمیم، تمام درها را به روی ما مسدود کرد.

Literary

"مسدود کردن نفس"

— To block someone's breath (suffocation) or metaphorically to silence them.

ترس راه نفس او را مسدود کرده بود.

Poetic

"سد راه شدن"

— To become an obstacle. Similar to masdud kardan but more idiomatic.

او همیشه سد راه موفقیت من می‌شود.

Common

"چشم بر حقایق مسدود کردن"

— To block one's eyes to the truth (willful ignorance).

نباید چشم بر حقایق مسدود کرد.

Formal

"گلوگاه را مسدود کردن"

— To block a bottleneck, often used in economic or military strategy.

آن‌ها گلوگاه اقتصادی منطقه را مسدود کردند.

Strategic

"مسدود کردن افق"

— To block the horizon, meaning to limit someone's vision or future.

این دیوارها افق دید ما را مسدود کرده‌اند.

Poetic

"راه چاره را مسدود کردن"

— To block the path of a solution.

اشتباهات او راه چاره را مسدود کرد.

Formal

"مسدود کردن جریان"

— To stop the flow of something abstract like money or news.

آن‌ها جریان نقدینگی را مسدود کردند.

Economic

"مسدود کردن دهان"

— To silence someone (often by force or bribery).

آن‌ها سعی کردند دهان منتقدان را مسدود کنند.

Political

Easily Confused

مسدود کردن vs محدود (Mahdud)

Sounds similar.

Mahdud means 'limited' (from 'hadd' - limit). Masdud means 'blocked' (from 'sadd' - barrier).

Vaght-e ma mahdud ast (Our time is limited).

مسدود کردن vs مردود (Mardud)

Sounds similar.

Mardud means 'rejected' or 'failed'.

U dar emtehan mardud shod (He failed the exam).

مسدود کردن vs مسدودیت (Masdudiyat)

It's the noun form.

Masdudiyat is the state of being blocked, while masdud kardan is the action.

Masdudiyat-e jadeh bartaraf shod (The road blockage was cleared).

مسدود کردن vs سد (Sadd)

Same root.

Sadd is the physical dam or barrier itself.

Sadd-e Karaj por az ab ast (The Karaj dam is full of water).

مسدود کردن vs فیلتر (Filter)

Used for the same result online.

Filter is a loanword specifically for internet censorship; Masdud kardan is the formal Persian verb for it.

YouTube filter ast.

Sentence Patterns

[Subject] [Adjective] ast.

Jadeh masdud ast.

[Subject] [Object] ra masdud kard.

Plis rah ra masdud kard.

[Subject] be dalil-e [Reason] masdud shod.

Hesab be dalil-e bedahi masdud shod.

Masdud kardane [Noun] ba'es-e [Result] mishavad.

Masdud kardane jadeh ba'es-e terafik mishavad.

Dastur-e masdud kardane [Noun] sader shod.

Dastur-e masdud kardane amval sader shod.

[Abstract Noun] masir-e [Process] ra masdud karde-ast.

Ensedad-e siasi masir-e eslahat ra masdud karde-ast.

Agar [Condition], [Subject] masdud khahad shod.

Agar ramz ra ghalat bezanid, kart masdud khahad shod.

Lotfan [Object] ra masdud konid.

Lotfan in shomareh ra masdud konid.

Word Family

Nouns

انسداد (ensedad - blockage/obstruction)

مسدودیت (masdudiyat - state of being blocked)

سد (sadd - dam/barrier)

Verbs

مسدود کردن (masdud kardan - to block)

مسدود شدن (masdud shodan - to become blocked)

سد کردن (sadd kardan - to dam up)

Adjectives

مسدود (masdud - blocked)

مسدودکننده (masdud-konandeh - blocker)

بستن (bastan)

مانع (mane')

راه (rah)

فیلتر (filter)

تحریم (tahrim)

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in news, banking, and IT; medium in daily conversation.

Common Mistakes

Man dar ra masdud kardam. → Man dar ra bastam.
You close (bastan) a door; you block (masdud kardan) a road.
Hesab-e man basteh shod. → Hesab-e man masdud shod.
While 'basteh' is understood, 'masdud' is the correct term for a frozen bank account.
U ra masdud shodam. → U ra masdud kardam.
If YOU blocked someone, use 'kardan'. 'Shodan' means YOU were blocked.
Masdud kardane internet ghat' shod. → Internet masdud shod.
Don't mix 'ghat' (cut) and 'masdud' (blocked) in the same action unless you mean two different things.
Jadeh masdudiyat ast. → Jadeh masdud ast.
Masdudiyat is a noun (blockage). Jadeh (road) needs the adjective (masdud).

Tips

Light Verb Conjugation

Remember that only the 'kardan' part changes. 'Masdud' stays the same whether it's past, present, or future.

Formal vs Informal

Use 'masdud' in writing and 'bastan' or 'block kardan' in casual speech with friends.

Internet Usage

When you see a '403 Forbidden' page in Iran, the word 'masdud' will almost always be in the Persian text.

The Long U

Practice the 'oo' sound. If you say 'mas-dod', it might be confused with other words.

Lost Cards

If you lose your card in Iran, say: 'Mikham kartam ra masdud konam' (I want to block my card).

Arteries

In a medical context, 'masdud' is the standard way to describe a blockage.

Asset Freezing

The phrase 'masdud kardane amval' is the standard legal term for freezing assets.

Ensedad

Learn 'ensedad' alongside 'masdud' to understand news headlines better.

The Barrier

Think of the 'S' and 'D' in 'masdud' as standing for 'Stop' and 'Detour'.

Settings

Change your phone's language to Persian for a day to see 'Masdud' in the settings menu.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'Mass' of 'Dude's (Mas-dud) blocking the road. If a mass of dudes stands in the street, the road is masdud.

Visual Association

Imagine a big red 'X' over a bank card or a 'No Entry' sign on a snowy mountain road. Associate that red 'X' with the sound 'Mas-dood'.

Word Web

Road Bank Account Phone Number Website Artery Pipe Border Access

Challenge

Try to find three things today that are 'masdud' (a blocked road, a locked door, or a blocked user on social media) and say the word out loud.

Word Origin

The word is a compound of the Arabic passive participle 'masdud' and the Persian verb 'kardan'.

Original meaning: The root 's-d-d' in Arabic refers to the act of closing, stopping up, or repairing a gap.

Persian (Indo-European) + Arabic (Semitic) loanword.

Cultural Context

Be careful when discussing 'masdud' in political contexts in Iran, as it often refers to sensitive censorship issues.

In English, we use 'block' for everything. In Persian, 'masdud' is more formal than 'bastan'.

Used in official 'Police-e Rah' traffic reports. Commonly seen on the 'Filtering' landing page in Iran. Appears in legal documents regarding 'tahrim' (sanctions).

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Traffic & Roads

جاده مسدود است
برف راه را مسدود کرد
مسیر جایگزین
بازگشایی جاده

Banking

حساب مسدود شده
کارت را مسدود کنید
رفع مسدودیت حساب
دلیل مسدود شدن

Internet/Apps

کاربر را مسدود کن
سایت مسدود است
لیست مسدودشدگان
آنبلاک کردن

Medical

رگ مسدود شده
انسداد روده
جریان خون
پیشگیری از مسدود شدن

Legal/Politics

مسدود کردن دارایی‌ها
تحریم‌های بانکی
حکم دادگاه
انسداد سیاسی

Conversation Starters

"آیا تا به حال مجبور شده‌ای کسی را در فضای مجازی مسدود کنی؟ (Have you ever had to block someone online?)"

"اگر کارت بانکی‌ات مسدود شود، چه کار می‌کنی؟ (What do you do if your bank card gets blocked?)"

"آیا در کشور شما هم جاده‌ها به خاطر برف مسدود می‌شوند؟ (Are roads in your country also blocked due to snow?)"

"به نظر تو مسدود کردن وب‌سایت‌ها کار درستی است؟ (In your opinion, is blocking websites the right thing to do?)"

"چطور می‌توانیم از مسدود شدن رگ‌های قلب جلوگیری کنیم؟ (How can we prevent our heart arteries from being blocked?)"

Journal Prompts

درباره زمانی بنویسید که یک جاده مسدود شده بود و شما نتوانستید به مقصد برسید. (Write about a time a road was blocked and you couldn't reach your destination.)

آیا فکر می‌کنید مسدود کردن افراد در شبکه‌های اجتماعی به سلامت روان کمک می‌کند؟ (Do you think blocking people on social media helps mental health?)

تفاوت بین 'بستن' و 'مسدود کردن' را با مثال توضیح دهید. (Explain the difference between 'bastan' and 'masdud kardan' with examples.)

اگر وزیر ارتباطات بودید، چه سایت‌هایی را مسدود یا رفع مسدودیت می‌کردید؟ (If you were the Minister of Communications, which sites would you block or unblock?)

توصیف کنید که چگونه یک انسداد (فیزیکی یا ذهنی) می‌تواند زندگی انسان را تغییر دهد. (Describe how a blockage (physical or mental) can change a person's life.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, you should use 'cheshm bastan'. 'Masdud kardan' implies an obstruction. You only use it for eyes in a medical context if the tear duct or an artery is blocked.

Yes, 'masdud' is an Arabic passive participle. However, 'masdud kardan' is a Persian compound verb used by all Persian speakers. It is a perfect example of how Persian integrates Arabic vocabulary.

They are often interchangeable for roads, but 'masdud kardan' sounds more official (like a police report), whereas 'bastan' is more common in speech. 'Masdud' specifically emphasizes that the path is obstructed.

You say 'raf-e masdudiyat kardan' (literally: to do the removal of the blockage) or 'baz kardan' (to open). In social media contexts, people also use 'unblock kardan'.

Yes, but only in the sense of 'blocking' them on a phone or social media. You wouldn't use it to say you physically blocked someone's path unless you were speaking very formally; 'sadd-e rah shodan' is better for that.

Yes, very frequently. It describes blocked arteries (masdud shodane raga), blocked intestines, or any other tubular structure in the body that is obstructed.

The present stem is 'masdud kon'. You use this for the present tense (mikonam) and the imperative (kon!).

The most common noun form is 'ensedad' (blockage), which is also borrowed from Arabic. Another form is 'masdud-sazi' (the act of blocking).

No. If a shop is closed for the day, use 'basteh'. If the entrance is physically blocked by a wall of bricks, then you could use 'masdud'.

Yes, it is one of the most common words in Iranian news, especially in sections regarding traffic, the internet, and international sanctions.