This page in your language

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

Home
Learn
Persian
Vocabulary
مشخص کردن

B1 verb #1,500 most common 10 min read

مشخص کردن

moshakhas kardan Top 1,500

At the A1 level, learners are just beginning to understand basic Persian vocabulary. The verb 'مشخص کردن' is generally considered too complex for absolute beginners, who focus more on simple verbs like 'رفتن' (to go) or 'خوردن' (to eat). However, A1 learners might encounter the adjective form 'مشخص' (specific/clear) in very simple phrases. If introduced to the verb, it is usually taught as a fixed phrase for making basic plans, such as 'زمان را مشخص کن' (set the time). The focus at this stage is not on the complex conjugation of compound verbs, but rather on recognizing the word when a teacher or native speaker asks them to choose a specific time for a lesson or a meeting. The concept of combining an Arabic loanword with a Persian light verb is introduced gently, laying the groundwork for more advanced vocabulary acquisition in later stages. Teachers might use visual aids, pointing to a calendar and saying 'مشخص کن' to help learners associate the sound with the action of pointing out or selecting a specific date.

As learners progress to the A2 level, they begin to handle more practical, everyday situations. Here, 'مشخص کردن' becomes highly relevant. A2 students learn to use this verb to organize their daily lives, such as setting up meetings with friends, booking appointments, or planning travel itineraries. They learn the basic conjugations in the present and simple past tenses. For example, they can say 'من فردا مشخص می‌کنم' (I will specify tomorrow) or 'ما رستوران را مشخص کردیم' (We specified the restaurant). At this stage, the distinction between the active 'مشخص کردن' and the passive 'مشخص شدن' is introduced, though learners might still struggle with it. The vocabulary expands to include common collocations like 'مشخص کردن زمان' (specifying the time) and 'مشخص کردن مکان' (specifying the place). This verb empowers A2 learners to move beyond merely describing their current state to actively negotiating and planning future events with native speakers.

At the B1 level, 'مشخص کردن' is a core vocabulary item that learners are expected to use actively and accurately. The B1 learner can handle a wide range of conjugations, including the present subjunctive ('باید مشخص کنم' - I must specify) and the present perfect ('مشخص کرده‌ام' - I have specified). They use the verb not just for simple physical planning, but for abstract concepts. They can 'specify a reason' (دلیل را مشخص کردن), 'identify a problem' (مشکل را مشخص کردن), or 'clarify a goal' (هدف را مشخص کردن). This level marks a transition where the learner uses the language to express opinions, solve problems, and navigate more complex social and professional interactions. The B1 learner is also comfortable with the passive voice, easily understanding and producing sentences like 'هنوز چیزی مشخص نشده است' (Nothing has been specified yet). Mastery of this verb at B1 demonstrates a solid grasp of Persian compound verb mechanics and the ability to communicate with precision.

At the B2 level, the usage of 'مشخص کردن' becomes more nuanced and sophisticated. Learners are expected to understand its application in formal, professional, and academic contexts. They can read news articles or listen to broadcasts where the verb is used to describe government policies, scientific discoveries, or corporate strategies. A B2 learner knows how to pair the verb with advanced adverbs to create precise meaning, such as 'به طور دقیق مشخص کردن' (to specify accurately) or 'پیشاپیش مشخص کردن' (to determine in advance). Furthermore, they can distinguish 'مشخص کردن' from its close synonyms like 'تعیین کردن' (to determine) and 'معلوم کردن' (to reveal), choosing the most appropriate word based on the subtle shades of meaning required by the context. They can write formal emails requesting someone to 'specify the terms of a contract' (شرایط قرارداد را مشخص کردن) and can engage in debates where clarifying one's stance is necessary.

At the C1 level, learners possess near-native fluency and use 'مشخص کردن' effortlessly across all registers, from highly informal slang to rigid academic prose. They understand the idiomatic and metaphorical extensions of the word. At this stage, the focus is on stylistic variation and rhetorical impact. A C1 user might employ the verb in complex, multi-clause sentences, seamlessly integrating it with advanced grammatical structures like the past subjunctive or conditional clauses. They are adept at using the passive form 'مشخص شدن' to depersonalize statements in academic writing or formal reports, a crucial skill for advanced proficiency. They also understand the cultural nuances of when to be direct (using 'مشخص کردن') and when to be vague, navigating the complexities of Persian politeness (Ta'arof) where sometimes *not* specifying something is the culturally appropriate choice. Their vocabulary is expansive enough that they rarely overuse 'مشخص کردن', relying on a rich tapestry of synonyms to keep their speech and writing engaging.

At the C2 level, the mastery of 'مشخص کردن' is absolute. The learner uses the verb with the intuitive grasp of an educated native speaker. They can dissect the etymology of the word, understanding its Arabic root (ش خ ص) and how it relates to other words in the Persian lexicon like 'شخص' (person) or 'شخصیت' (personality). This deep linguistic awareness allows them to play with the language, creating novel expressions or understanding obscure literary references. In professional or academic discourse, a C2 user employs 'مشخص کردن' to articulate highly complex, abstract theories, define intricate legal boundaries, or clarify philosophical concepts. They can effortlessly correct subtle errors in tone or register made by others regarding this verb. At this pinnacle of language acquisition, 'مشخص کردن' is not just a tool for communication, but an instrument for precise, elegant, and persuasive expression, demonstrating a complete command of Persian syntax, semantics, and pragmatics.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

مشخص کردن in 30 Seconds

Means 'to specify', 'to determine', or 'to identify'.
A compound verb made of 'مشخص' (specific) and 'کردن' (to do).
Used heavily in daily planning, business, and academic contexts.
The passive form is 'مشخص شدن' (to be specified/identified).

The Persian compound verb مشخص کردن (moshakhas kardan) is a fundamental vocabulary item at the CEFR B1 level, primarily translating to 'to specify', 'to identify', 'to clarify', or 'to determine'. It is composed of the Arabic-derived adjective 'مشخص' (moshakhas), meaning 'specific', 'distinct', or 'clear', and the Persian auxiliary verb 'کردن' (kardan), meaning 'to do' or 'to make'. When combined, they form a transitive verb used extensively in both formal and informal contexts to denote the act of making something clear, setting a boundary, or identifying a particular item from a group. Understanding this verb is crucial for learners as it bridges the gap between basic communication and more nuanced, precise expression in Persian.

Core Definition: To clearly state, identify, or decide upon a particular detail, such as a time, place, person, or concept, removing ambiguity from a situation.

ما باید زمان جلسه را مشخص کنیم.

We must specify the time of the meeting.

In everyday conversations, you will frequently hear this verb when people are making plans. For instance, if you are organizing a dinner with friends, the location and time need to be 'moshakhas'. It implies a transition from a vague idea to a concrete plan. In academic or professional settings, it is used to define parameters, identify problems, or clarify objectives. The versatility of this verb makes it an indispensable tool for effective communication.

Business Context: In business, it means setting clear goals, defining roles, or establishing project timelines to ensure everyone is on the same page.

مدیر وظایف هر فرد را مشخص کرد.

The manager specified each person's tasks.

Furthermore, the verb can be used in the passive voice by changing 'کردن' to 'شدن' (shodan), resulting in 'مشخص شدن' (to become specified/clear). This is highly common when the agent of the action is unknown or unimportant, such as saying 'The date has been set' (تاریخ مشخص شد). The distinction between the active and passive forms is a key grammatical concept at the B1 level.

Academic Context: Used to define terms, identify variables in an experiment, or clarify the scope of a research paper.

محققان علت بیماری را مشخص کردند.

The researchers identified the cause of the disease.

لطفاً آدرس دقیق را مشخص کنید.

Please specify the exact address.

In summary, mastering 'مشخص کردن' allows learners to navigate complex situations where clarity and precision are required. Whether you are identifying a problem, setting a date, or clarifying a misunderstanding, this verb is your go-to linguistic tool in the Persian language. Its frequent appearance in news, literature, and daily speech makes it a high-priority word for anyone aiming for fluency.

هنوز هدف پروژه را مشخص نکرده‌اند.

They haven't specified the project's goal yet.

Using مشخص کردن correctly involves understanding its grammatical structure as a compound verb. In Persian, compound verbs consist of a non-verbal element (in this case, the adjective 'مشخص') and a light verb ('کردن'). The non-verbal element remains constant, while the light verb carries all the grammatical information such as tense, person, and mood. This structure is highly productive in Persian and forms the basis of many modern verbs. Let's break down how to conjugate and use this verb in various common tenses and moods to ensure accurate application in your daily communication.

Present Simple / Indicative: Used for habitual actions or general truths. Formed by: مشخص + می‌ + present stem (کن) + personal ending. Example: مشخص می‌کنم (I specify).

من هر روز برنامه‌ام را مشخص می‌کنم.

I specify my schedule every day.

When expressing a desire, necessity, or future intention, you will often use the present subjunctive. The subjunctive is triggered by modal verbs like 'باید' (must), 'شاید' (might), or 'می‌خواهم' (I want). The subjunctive form drops the 'می' prefix and replaces it with 'ب', though in compound verbs with 'کردن', the 'ب' is often omitted in modern spoken Persian, resulting in just the stem and ending: 'مشخص کنم'.

Present Subjunctive: Used after modal verbs or to express doubt/desire. Formed by: مشخص + (ب) + present stem (کن) + personal ending. Example: باید مشخص کنم (I must specify).

می‌خواهم مرزها را مشخص کنم.

I want to specify the boundaries.

For past actions, the simple past tense is used. This is straightforward: you use the past stem 'کرد' (kard) and add the personal endings. This tense is crucial for reporting what has already been decided or identified.

Simple Past: Used for completed actions in the past. Formed by: مشخص + past stem (کرد) + personal ending. Example: مشخص کردیم (We specified).

آنها قیمت نهایی را مشخص کردند.

They specified the final price.

لطفاً مشکل را دقیقاً مشخص کنید.

Please specify the problem exactly.

Finally, the present perfect tense is used to describe an action that happened in the past but has relevance to the present. For instance, if a date has been set and that fact is currently important, you would use this tense. It is formed using the past participle of 'کردن' (کرده) plus the present tense of 'بودن' (to be) as an auxiliary.

دولت قوانین جدیدی را مشخص کرده است.

The government has specified new rules.

The verb مشخص کردن is ubiquitous in Persian, appearing across a wide spectrum of contexts from casual daily conversations to highly formal legal and academic documents. Its primary function—to bring clarity and definition to something—makes it essential in any situation where ambiguity needs to be resolved. Understanding where and how this word is used will significantly improve your listening comprehension and contextual awareness in Persian-speaking environments.

Everyday Planning: In daily life, friends and family use this verb constantly to organize events, set meeting times, or decide on locations.

بیا فردا ساعت قرار را مشخص کنیم.

Let's specify the meeting time tomorrow.

In professional and corporate environments, the verb takes on a more formal tone. It is used in meetings, emails, and reports to assign tasks, outline project scopes, and establish deadlines. A manager might ask an employee to 'specify' the budget or 'identify' the key risks of a project. In these settings, precision is key, and 'مشخص کردن' is the exact word needed to demand or provide that precision.

News and Media: Journalists and news anchors use it to report on government decisions, policy changes, or the identification of suspects in a crime.

پلیس هویت سارق را مشخص کرد.

The police identified the identity of the thief.

In academic and scientific contexts, 'مشخص کردن' is used to describe the methodology of research. Scientists 'identify' variables, 'specify' conditions, and 'determine' outcomes. The verb conveys a sense of rigorous analysis and factual determination. It is frequently paired with adverbs like 'به وضوح' (clearly) or 'دقیقاً' (exactly) to emphasize the scientific rigor of the action.

Technology and Software: In IT, it refers to configuring settings, defining parameters in code, or selecting options in a user interface.

کاربر باید رمز عبور خود را مشخص کند.

The user must specify their password.

پزشک نوع درمان را مشخص می‌کند.

The doctor specifies the type of treatment.

معلم تکالیف هفته آینده را مشخص کرد.

The teacher specified the homework for next week.

While مشخص کردن is a straightforward compound verb, learners often make specific errors related to its syntax, conjugation, and semantic boundaries. Because compound verbs function differently than single-word verbs in languages like English, the separation of the adjective and the light verb can cause confusion. Additionally, choosing the wrong light verb or misunderstanding the passive versus active voice are frequent stumbling blocks. Let's explore these common mistakes to help you avoid them.

Mistake 1: Incorrect Negative Placement: Learners sometimes attach the negative prefix 'ن' (na/ne) to the adjective 'مشخص' instead of the verb 'کردن'.

Correct: من زمان را مشخص نکردم.

I did not specify the time. (Incorrect: نامشخص کردم)

Another common issue is confusing the active form 'مشخص کردن' (to specify) with the passive form 'مشخص شدن' (to be specified/to become clear). If you want to say 'The date was set', you must use the passive form because the date itself cannot perform the action of setting. Using the active form here would imply the date is a living entity making a decision.

Mistake 2: Active vs. Passive Confusion: Using 'کردن' when the subject is the thing being specified, rather than the person doing the specifying.

Correct: تاریخ امتحان مشخص شد.

The exam date was specified. (Incorrect: تاریخ امتحان مشخص کرد)

Learners also sometimes separate the two parts of the compound verb with too many words. While Persian allows some flexibility, placing the direct object marker 'را' (ra) or long prepositional phrases between 'مشخص' and 'کردن' sounds unnatural. The two parts should generally stay close together, especially in modern spoken Persian.

Mistake 3: Splitting the Compound Verb: Inserting objects or markers between the non-verbal element and the light verb.

Correct: او هدف را مشخص کرد.

He specified the goal. (Incorrect: او مشخص هدف را کرد)

Correct: باید جای دقیق را مشخص کنیم.

We must specify the exact place.

Correct: هنوز چیزی مشخص نشده است.

Nothing has been specified yet.

Persian is rich in vocabulary, and there are several verbs that share similar meanings with مشخص کردن. Choosing the right synonym depends on the exact nuance you wish to convey, the level of formality, and the specific context. While 'مشخص کردن' is an excellent all-purpose verb for 'specifying' or 'identifying', exploring its synonyms will elevate your Persian from intermediate to advanced, allowing for more precise and elegant expression.

تعیین کردن (Ta'yin kardan): Meaning 'to determine' or 'to appoint'. It is slightly more formal and is often used for official decisions, setting prices, or appointing someone to a position.

قاضی مجازات را تعیین کرد.

The judge determined the punishment.

Another very common synonym is 'معلوم کردن' (ma'lum kardan). This translates closely to 'to make known' or 'to clarify'. It is often used when something is hidden or unknown, and the action brings it to light. While 'مشخص کردن' focuses on drawing boundaries or picking a specific option, 'معلوم کردن' focuses on revealing information that was previously obscured.

معلوم کردن (Ma'lum kardan): Meaning 'to make known' or 'to reveal'. Used when solving a mystery or finding out a hidden fact.

آزمایش خون بیماری را معلوم کرد.

The blood test revealed the disease.

For contexts involving identification, especially of people or specific objects among many, 'شناسایی کردن' (shenasayi kardan) is the appropriate choice. This literally means 'to identify' in a technical or security sense, such as police identifying a suspect or a system identifying a user.

شناسایی کردن (Shenasayi kardan): Meaning 'to identify' or 'to recognize'. Used heavily in security, science, and formal identification processes.

سیستم چهره او را شناسایی کرد.

The system identified his face.

استاد این موضوع پیچیده را روشن کرد.

The professor clarified this complex topic.

ما باید تفاوت‌ها را مشخص کنیم.

We must specify the differences.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Informal

Slang

Difficulty Rating

Grammar to Know

Examples by Level

لطفاً روز را مشخص کن.

Please specify the day.

Imperative form 'مشخص کن'.

من زمان را مشخص می‌کنم.

I specify the time.

Present simple tense.

او مکان را مشخص کرد.

He specified the place.

Simple past tense.

ما باید ساعت را مشخص کنیم.

We must specify the hour.

Present subjunctive after 'باید'.

آیا شما روز را مشخص کردید؟

Did you specify the day?

Question in simple past.

آنها هتل را مشخص می‌کنند.

They specify the hotel.

Present simple, plural subject.

من هنوز مشخص نکردم.

I haven't specified yet.

Negative simple past.

لطفاً رنگ را مشخص کنید.

Please specify the color.

Formal imperative.

ما فردا زمان دقیق جلسه را مشخص می‌کنیم.

We will specify the exact time of the meeting tomorrow.

Present tense used for future action.

آنها هنوز محل عروسی را مشخص نکرده‌اند.

They haven't specified the wedding venue yet.

Present perfect negative.

بهتر است اول بودجه را مشخص کنیم.

It is better to specify the budget first.

Subjunctive after 'بهتر است'.

معلم تاریخ امتحان را مشخص کرد.

The teacher specified the exam date.

Simple past with a specific subject.

می‌توانی آدرس را روی نقشه مشخص کنی؟

Can you specify the address on the map?

Subjunctive after 'می‌توانی'.

قیمت این ماشین هنوز مشخص نشده است.

The price of this car has not been specified yet.

Passive present perfect.

من باید برنامه‌ام را برای هفته آینده مشخص کنم.

I must specify my schedule for next week.

Subjunctive indicating necessity.

آنها تصمیم گرفتند تاریخ سفر را مشخص نکنند.

They decided not to specify the travel date.

Negative subjunctive after 'تصمیم گرفتند'.

مدیر پروژه وظایف هر یک از اعضای تیم را به وضوح مشخص کرد.

The project manager clearly specified the tasks of each team member.

Use of adverb 'به وضوح' (clearly).

قبل از شروع کار، باید اهداف اصلی را مشخص کنیم.

Before starting the work, we must specify the main goals.

Prepositional phrase 'قبل از' followed by subjunctive.

پلیس توانست هویت سارق را از طریق دوربین‌های مداربسته مشخص کند.

The police were able to identify the thief's identity through CCTV cameras.

Subjunctive after 'توانست' (was able to).

هنوز علت دقیق این بیماری برای پزشکان مشخص نشده است.

The exact cause of this disease has not yet been identified by doctors.

Passive voice with 'برای' (for).

لطفاً در فرم ثبت‌نام، میزان تحصیلات خود را مشخص کنید.

Please specify your level of education on the registration form.

Formal instruction.

ما نیاز داریم مرزهای بین دو کشور را دقیقاً مشخص کنیم.

We need to specify the borders between the two countries exactly.

Use of 'نیاز داریم' triggering subjunctive.

اگر شرایط قرارداد را مشخص نکنید، من آن را امضا نمی‌کنم.

If you don't specify the terms of the contract, I won't sign it.

Conditional sentence (Type 1).

دولت قوانین جدیدی برای واردات خودرو مشخص کرده است.

The government has specified new rules for car imports.

Present perfect in a news context.

برای انجام یک تحقیق علمی معتبر، ابتدا باید متغیرهای مستقل و وابسته را مشخص کرد.

To conduct valid scientific research, one must first specify the independent and dependent variables.

Impersonal construction using the short infinitive 'مشخص کرد'.

نویسنده در فصل اول کتاب، چارچوب نظری پژوهش خود را مشخص می‌کند.

In the first chapter of the book, the author specifies the theoretical framework of his research.

Academic context, present simple.

با وجود مذاکرات طولانی، هنوز استراتژی بلندمدت شرکت مشخص نگردیده است.

Despite lengthy negotiations, the company's long-term strategy has not yet been specified.

Formal passive using 'نگردیده است' instead of 'نشده است'.

قانون اساسی حدود اختیارات رئیس‌جمهور را به طور دقیق مشخص کرده است.

The constitution has accurately specified the limits of the president's authority.

Legal context, present perfect.

انتظار می‌رود که کمیته تا پایان هفته نتایج نهایی ارزیابی را مشخص کند.

It is expected that the committee will specify the final results of the evaluation by the end of the week.

Passive introductory clause 'انتظار می‌رود' followed by subjunctive.

عدم توانایی در مشخص کردن اولویت‌ها، یکی از دلایل اصلی شکست مدیران است.

The inability to specify priorities is one of the main reasons for managers' failure.

Using the infinitive 'مشخص کردن' as a noun phrase.

مقررات جدید، معیارهای سخت‌گیرانه‌تری را برای اعطای وام مشخص می‌سازد.

The new regulations specify stricter criteria for granting loans.

Using the formal light verb 'ساختن' instead of 'کردن'.

باید معیارهایی را مشخص کنیم که بر اساس آن‌ها بتوانیم عملکرد کارکنان را بسنجیم.

We must specify criteria based on which we can measure employees' performance.

Complex sentence with a relative clause.

تبیین و مشخص کردن مبانی معرفت‌شناختی این نظریه، نیازمند بررسی‌های عمیق‌تری است.

Elucidating and specifying the epistemological foundations of this theory requires deeper investigations.

Highly formal academic vocabulary and gerund usage.

در این قرارداد، بندهایی گنجانده شده که سازوکار حل و فصل اختلافات را به صراحت مشخص می‌کند.

Clauses have been included in this contract that explicitly specify the dispute resolution mechanism.

Complex legal syntax with relative clauses.

منتقدان بر این باورند که دولت نتوانسته است چشم‌انداز روشنی برای برون‌رفت از بحران اقتصادی مشخص کند.

Critics believe that the government has failed to specify a clear vision for exiting the economic crisis.

Advanced political discourse.

مشخص شدن زوایای پنهان این پرونده فساد مالی، پیامدهای گسترده‌ای برای مقامات ارشد در پی خواهد داشت.

The specification (revealing) of the hidden angles of this financial corruption case will have widespread consequences for senior officials.

Using the passive infinitive as the subject of a complex sentence.

هنرمند در این اثر تلاش کرده تا مرزهای مبهم میان واقعیت و خیال را مشخص سازد.

In this work, the artist has tried to specify the ambiguous boundaries between reality and imagination.

Literary/artistic context using 'مشخص سازد'.

بدون مشخص کردن پیش‌فرض‌های ایدئولوژیک، هرگونه تحلیلی از این واقعه تاریخی ناقص خواهد بود.

Without specifying the ideological presuppositions, any analysis of this historical event will be incomplete.

Preposition 'بدون' followed by the infinitive.

سیاست‌گذار باید پارامترهایی را مشخص کند که در برابر نوسانات شدید بازار تاب‌آوری داشته باشند.

The policymaker must specify parameters that have resilience against severe market fluctuations.

Economic terminology integrated with complex grammar.

ابهام در متن قانون باعث شده تا قضات در مشخص کردن مصادیق جرم با چالش‌های جدی مواجه شوند.

Ambiguity in the text of the law has caused judges to face serious challenges in specifying the instances of the crime.

Advanced legal phrasing.

فقدان یک چارچوب هرمنوتیک منسجم، مشخص کردن نیت غایی مؤلف را در این متون کهن عملاً ناممکن می‌سازد.

The lack of a coherent hermeneutic framework makes specifying the ultimate intention of the author in these ancient texts practically impossible.

Highly specialized academic/literary criticism vocabulary.

در دیپلماسی چندجانبه، هنر مذاکره‌کننده در این است که خطوط قرمز را به گونه‌ای مشخص کند که راه برای مصالحه بسته نشود.

In multilateral diplomacy, the art of the negotiator lies in specifying the red lines in such a way that the path to compromise is not closed.

Nuanced political expression with complex subordinate clauses.

مشخص کردن دقیق مرز میان جبر و اختیار، از دیرباز یکی از غوامض لاینحل در فلسفه اسلامی بوده است.

Accurately specifying the boundary between determinism and free will has long been one of the insoluble enigmas in Islamic philosophy.

Philosophical discourse with archaic/formal vocabulary (غوامض لاینحل).

رویکرد پدیدارشناسانه ایجاب می‌کند که محقق پیش‌داوری‌های خود را تعلیق کرده و صرفاً به مشخص کردن ماهیت پدیده آن‌گونه که بر آگاهی پدیدار می‌شود، بپردازد.

The phenomenological approach requires the researcher to suspend their prejudices and merely engage in specifying the essence of the phenomenon as it appears to consciousness.

Deep philosophical/phenomenological syntax.

قانون‌گذار با احاله برخی از مفاهیم به عرف، عمداً از مشخص کردن دقیق آن‌ها امتناع ورزیده تا انعطاف‌پذیری قانون حفظ گردد.

By referring some concepts to custom, the legislator has deliberately refrained from specifying them accurately so that the flexibility of the law is preserved.

Advanced legal theory phrasing.

در فیزیک کوانتوم، اصل عدم قطعیت هایزنبرگ نشان می‌دهد که مشخص کردن همزمان و دقیق تکانه و مکان یک ذره بنیادی ذاتاً محال است.

In quantum physics, Heisenberg's uncertainty principle shows that simultaneously and accurately specifying the momentum and position of a fundamental particle is inherently impossible.

Scientific/physics terminology.

تحلیل‌گر گفتمان باید سازوکارهای زبانی را مشخص کند که از طریق آن‌ها هژمونی فرهنگی در متون رسانه‌ای بازتولید می‌شود.

The discourse analyst must specify the linguistic mechanisms through which cultural hegemony is reproduced in media texts.

Sociological/linguistic academic register.

این سمفونی با مشخص کردن یک موتیف موسیقایی محزون در موومان اول، شنونده را برای یک تراژدی صوتی آماده می‌کند.

By specifying a melancholic musical motif in the first movement, this symphony prepares the listener for an auditory tragedy.

Musicology/art critique vocabulary.

Common Collocations

مشخص کردن زمان

مشخص کردن مکان

مشخص کردن هدف

مشخص کردن دلیل

مشخص کردن قیمت

مشخص کردن مرز

مشخص کردن وظایف

مشخص کردن هویت

دقیقاً مشخص کردن

پیشاپیش مشخص کردن

Common Phrases

تکلیف را مشخص کردن

حد و مرز را مشخص کردن

موضع خود را مشخص کردن

راه را مشخص کردن

آینده را مشخص کردن

مقصر را مشخص کردن

اولویت‌ها را مشخص کردن

قوانین را مشخص کردن

برنامه را مشخص کردن

ارزش را مشخص کردن

Often Confused With

مشخص کردن vs تعیین کردن

مشخص کردن vs تشخیص دادن

مشخص کردن vs تصمیم گرفتن

Idioms & Expressions

Easily Confused

مشخص کردن vs

Sentence Patterns

How to Use It

nuance

Implies a deliberate act of deciding or finding out something specific from a range of possibilities.

formality

Neutral. Can be used in all settings.

regional variations

Universally understood in Iran, Afghanistan (Dari), and Tajikistan (Tajik, written as мушаххас кардан).

Common Mistakes

Applying the negative prefix 'ن' to 'مشخص' instead of 'کردن' (saying نامشخص کردم instead of مشخص نکردم).
Using the active 'مشخص کردن' when the passive 'مشخص شدن' is required (e.g., saying تاریخ مشخص کرد instead of تاریخ مشخص شد).
Separating the compound verb with the object marker 'را' (e.g., مشخص آن را کرد).
Confusing it with 'تشخیص دادن' (to diagnose/recognize) in medical or visual contexts.
Failing to use the subjunctive mood after modal verbs like 'باید' (saying باید مشخص می‌کنم instead of باید مشخص کنم).

Tips

Conjugate the Light Verb

Always remember that in compound verbs, only the second part ('کردن') changes according to tense and person. The first part ('مشخص') remains exactly the same.

Active vs. Passive

Pay close attention to whether you need the active form (مشخص کردن) or the passive form (مشخص شدن). If the subject is the thing being decided (like a date or price), use the passive form.

Learn the Noun Form

Learn the related noun 'مشخصات' (specifications/details) at the same time. For example, 'مشخصات ماشین' means 'the car's specifications'.

Stress Placement

Place the stress on the final syllable of 'مشخص' (khás) to sound more natural. Don't stress the first syllable.

Make Up Your Mind

Use the phrase 'تکلیفت را مشخص کن' when you want someone to stop hesitating and make a clear decision. It's a great phrase for advanced fluency.

Formal Alternatives

In formal essays or official letters, replace 'کردن' with 'نمودن' (مشخص نمودن) to instantly elevate the register of your writing.

Pair with Adverbs

Enhance your sentences by pairing this verb with adverbs of precision, such as 'دقیقاً' (exactly) or 'به وضوح' (clearly).

Don't Split the Verb

Avoid putting the object marker 'را' between 'مشخص' and 'کردن'. Say 'زمان را مشخص کرد' instead of 'مشخص زمان را کرد'.

Business Essential

This is a must-know verb for any business environment in Iran. Use it when defining project scopes, setting deadlines, or assigning tasks.

News Broadcasts

Tune into Persian news. You will hear 'مشخص شد' (it became clear/was identified) in almost every broadcast regarding investigations or government decisions.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine you have a MASH (مش) of items, and you use an AXE (خص) to separate and SPECIFY which one you want.

Word Origin

Arabic loanword + Persian auxiliary verb

Cultural Context

It can be considered rude to aggressively demand someone to 'مشخص کن' (specify!) their intentions in a delicate social situation, as it forces directness in a culture that often values subtlety.

When asking someone to specify something, using 'لطفاً' (please) before 'مشخص کنید' is standard. In highly formal situations, one might use 'تعیین بفرمایید' instead.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Conversation Starters

"کی زمان سفر را مشخص می‌کنیم؟ (When are we specifying the travel time?)"

"آیا هدف این پروژه مشخص شده است؟ (Has the goal of this project been specified?)"

"چطور می‌توانیم مشکل را دقیق‌تر مشخص کنیم؟ (How can we specify the problem more accurately?)"

"لطفاً بودجه مورد نیاز را مشخص کنید. (Please specify the required budget.)"

"هنوز رستوران را مشخص نکرده‌اید؟ (Haven't you specified the restaurant yet?)"

Journal Prompts

Write about a time you had to specify strict rules for someone.

Describe your goals for next year and specify how you will achieve them.

Explain why it is important to specify boundaries in a relationship.

Write a formal email specifying the details of a fictional business deal.

Discuss a situation where something was left unspecified and it caused a problem.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Both mean 'to specify' or 'to determine'. However, 'تعیین کردن' is slightly more formal and is often used in official contexts, like setting a price, a date for a court hearing, or appointing someone to a role. 'مشخص کردن' is more versatile and common in everyday speech for clarifying or identifying things.

To make a compound verb negative in Persian, you add the negative prefix 'ن' (na/ne) to the light verb, not the adjective. So, it becomes 'مشخص نکردن' (moshakhas nakardan). For example, 'من مشخص نکردم' (I didn't specify).

Yes, you can use it to mean 'to identify' a person. For example, 'پلیس هویت او را مشخص کرد' means 'The police identified his identity'. However, if you mean 'to recognize' someone you know, you should use 'شناختن' (shenakhtan).

The passive form is created by replacing the light verb 'کردن' (to do) with 'شدن' (to become). Therefore, the passive form is 'مشخص شدن' (to be specified / to become clear). For example, 'زمان جلسه مشخص شد' (The meeting time was specified).

Yes, 'مشخص' is an Arabic loanword derived from the root 'ش-خ-ص'. However, the combination 'مشخص کردن' is a uniquely Persian grammatical construction. This pattern of Arabic noun/adjective + Persian light verb is extremely common in Persian.

You can use the adjective 'نامشخص' (namoshakhas). For example, 'زمان نامشخص' means 'an unspecified time'. You can also say 'مشخص نشده' (not specified).

While it is grammatically possible to put words between them (like 'مشخص آن را کرد'), it sounds very unnatural in modern Persian. It is highly recommended to keep the non-verbal element and the light verb together: 'آن را مشخص کرد'.

This is a very common idiom that literally translates to 'Specify your duty'. It is used to tell someone to make up their mind, decide what they want to do, or clarify their intentions in a situation where they are being hesitant or ambiguous.

Absolutely. In Persian software interfaces, 'مشخص کردن' is frequently used for 'configuring', 'setting', or 'specifying' parameters. For instance, 'مسیر فایل را مشخص کنید' means 'Specify the file path'.

The gerund or verbal noun is simply the infinitive itself: 'مشخص کردن' (the act of specifying). If you are looking for the word for 'specifications' or 'details', the word is 'مشخصات' (moshakhasat), which is the plural form of the adjective.

Test Yourself 200 questions

writing

Translate to Persian: 'Please specify the time.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Use formal imperative 'مشخص کنید'.