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نفس کشیدن

A1 verb #3,000 most common 11 min read

نفس کشیدن

Q: How do I say 'I can't breathe'?

You say 'نمیتوانم نفس بکشم' (Ne-mi-tavanam nafas be-kesham). Or, more casually, 'نمیتونم نفس بکشم' (Ne-mi-tunam nafas be-kesham).

Top 3,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips نفس کشیدن in 30 Seconds

Explanation نفس کشیدن in your Level:

At the A1 level, learners encounter 'نفس کشیدن' as a fundamental vocabulary word related to basic human survival and daily actions. It is taught alongside other basic verbs like eating (خوردن), sleeping (خوابیدن), and drinking (نوشیدن). The focus is entirely on the literal meaning: the physical act of taking air into the lungs. Learners at this stage are expected to understand simple statements like 'من نفس می‌کشم' (I breathe) and basic imperatives like 'نفس بکش' (breathe). The grammatical complexity is kept to an absolute minimum, focusing on present and simple past tenses. Teachers use this word to introduce the concept of compound verbs in Persian, showing how a noun (نفس) pairs with a verb (کشیدن) to create a new action. Students learn that they only need to conjugate the second part of the verb. Exercises at this level usually involve matching the word to pictures of lungs or someone breathing in fresh air, and filling in the blanks in very short, straightforward sentences. The goal is simple recognition and basic production in the context of describing living things versus non-living things.

Moving into the A2 level, the usage of 'نفس کشیدن' expands into health, fitness, and basic environmental descriptions. Learners start combining the verb with adjectives and adverbs to create more descriptive sentences. They learn phrases like 'نفس عمیق کشیدن' (to take a deep breath) and 'سریع نفس کشیدن' (to breathe quickly). This is the level where medical contexts are introduced, such as visiting a doctor who might say 'لطفاً نفس عمیق بکشید' (Please take a deep breath). Additionally, students begin to use the verb to describe their environment, particularly air quality, which is a very common topic of conversation in Persian-speaking countries. They can construct sentences like 'هوا آلوده است و نمی‌توانم خوب نفس بکشم' (The air is polluted and I cannot breathe well). The subjunctive mood is introduced more heavily here, allowing learners to express inability or desire related to breathing. They also learn to differentiate between the affirmative and negative forms more confidently in spoken dialogue, practicing the pronunciation of 'نمی‌کشم' versus 'می‌کشم'.

At the B1 level, learners are expected to use 'نفس کشیدن' with much greater fluency and in a wider variety of contexts, including intermediate metaphorical uses. They can narrate stories where breathing plays a role in the plot, such as being out of breath after running or feeling relieved after a stressful event. The idiom 'نفس راحت کشیدن' (to breathe a sigh of relief) is introduced and practiced extensively, as it is highly common in everyday Persian. Learners at this stage can discuss environmental issues like pollution (آلودگی هوا) in more detail, explaining how smog affects the ability of citizens to breathe properly in large cities like Tehran. They start using more complex sentence structures, integrating conjunctions and relative clauses. For example, 'شهری که در آن زندگی می‌کنم آنقدر آلوده است که به سختی می‌توان در آن نفس کشید' (The city where I live is so polluted that one can hardly breathe in it). The distinction between 'نفس کشیدن' and more formal terms like 'تنفس کردن' is also introduced, helping students understand register and context.

By the B2 level, 'نفس کشیدن' is used almost as fluidly as a native speaker would use it, encompassing both literal and highly figurative meanings. Learners can engage in abstract discussions about freedom, stress, and societal pressures using breathing as a metaphor. Phrases like 'جای نفس کشیدن نیست' (there is no room to breathe, meaning feeling suffocated by a situation or a crowded place) become part of their active vocabulary. They can read and comprehend news articles about respiratory diseases, environmental policies, and sports science, understanding the nuanced ways breathing is discussed in journalism. Grammatically, they are comfortable using the verb in all tenses, including the past perfect and conditional moods. For instance, 'اگر هوا پاک‌تر بود، می‌توانستیم راحت‌تر نفس بکشیم' (If the air were cleaner, we could breathe more easily). They also begin to appreciate the cultural and emotional weight of the word in Persian media, recognizing when a character's inability to breathe symbolizes emotional trauma rather than a physical ailment.

At the C1 level, the mastery of 'نفس کشیدن' involves an appreciation of its literary, poetic, and highly idiomatic applications. Learners encounter the word in contemporary literature, poetry, and advanced academic texts. They understand subtle variations and can seamlessly switch between 'نفس کشیدن', 'تنفس کردن', and 'دم زدن' depending on the exact register required by the context. They can analyze texts where breathing is used as a profound metaphor for existence, identity, or resistance. In spoken Persian, they use complex idiomatic expressions flawlessly and understand the cultural subtext when Iranians discuss the 'breath' of a city or the 'suffocation' of certain social conditions. They can articulate complex medical or scientific processes regarding respiration without hesitation. At this advanced stage, the focus is not on the mechanics of the verb, which are completely internalized, but on the stylistic choices of when and how to use it to achieve a specific rhetorical effect, whether in a formal essay, a passionate debate, or a creative writing piece.

At the C2 level, the user's command of 'نفس کشیدن' is indistinguishable from that of an educated native speaker. They possess a deep, intuitive understanding of the word's etymology, its historical usage in classical Persian literature, and its most obscure idiomatic forms. They can engage in philosophical or spiritual discussions where 'نفس' (breath) intertwines with concepts of the soul and existence, common in Sufi literature and Persian mysticism. They effortlessly navigate the most complex syntactic structures involving the verb, using it in highly stylized, rhetorical, or poetic ways. They can critique the use of respiratory metaphors in political discourse or literary analysis. Furthermore, they are fully aware of regional variations, subtle intonation changes, and the exact cultural resonance of the word in various Persian-speaking communities (Iran, Afghanistan, Tajikistan). At this level of ultimate proficiency, 'نفس کشیدن' is not just a vocabulary item; it is a conceptual tool used to express the deepest nuances of human experience, life, and emotion in the Persian language.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

نفس کشیدن in 30 Seconds

Literally means 'to draw breath'.
A compound verb: 'nafas' (breath) + 'keshidan' (to draw).
Used for both physical breathing and metaphorical relief.
Conjugate only the 'keshidan' part (e.g., mi-kesham).

The Persian verb 'نفس کشیدن' (nafas keshidan) literally translates to 'to draw breath' or simply 'to breathe'. It is the most fundamental and universally understood term for the biological process of respiration in the Persian language. Just as in English, where breathing is central to life, the concept of drawing breath in Persian carries immense literal and metaphorical weight. You will hear this word used in everyday conversations, medical contexts, poetic expressions, and idiomatic phrases. Understanding how to use 'نفس کشیدن' correctly is essential for any Persian learner, as it forms the basis of many expressions related to life, relief, struggle, and existence itself. When people use this word, they might be talking about the physical act of inhaling and exhaling air, or they might be using it metaphorically to describe a moment of relief after a stressful situation, much like saying 'I can finally breathe' in English. The verb is a compound verb, consisting of the noun 'نفس' (nafas), meaning 'breath', and the verb 'کشیدن' (keshidan), meaning 'to pull' or 'to draw'. This structural composition is very common in Persian, where a noun is paired with a light verb to create a new action. Because it is a compound verb, the conjugation happens entirely on the verb 'کشیدن', while 'نفس' remains constant. This makes it relatively easy to learn once you know the conjugation rules for 'کشیدن'.

Everyday Usage: In daily life, you will hear this when people talk about the air quality, physical exertion, or just the basic necessity of life. For instance, if someone is in a stuffy room, they might complain that it is hard to breathe. If the weather is highly polluted, a common issue in large cities like Tehran, people will frequently use this verb to describe their discomfort.
Medical Context: Doctors and medical professionals use 'نفس کشیدن' to instruct patients during examinations. You will often hear a doctor say 'نفس عمیق بکشید' (nafas-e amiq bekeshid), which means 'take a deep breath'. It is the standard, clinical way to discuss respiratory functions without sounding overly academic.
Metaphorical Meaning: Metaphorically, it represents freedom, relief, or survival. When someone finishes a difficult task, they might say 'حالا می‌توانم راحت نفس بکشم' (Now I can breathe easily). This mirrors the English idiom perfectly and is deeply embedded in the cultural psychology of Persian speakers.

بیمار به سختی نفس می‌کشید.

The patient was breathing with difficulty.

در این هوای آلوده نمی‌توان نفس کشید.

One cannot breathe in this polluted air.

من فقط می‌خواهم یک لحظه نفس بکشم.

I just want to breathe for a moment.

او بعد از امتحان راحت نفس کشید.

He breathed easily after the exam.

ماهی بیرون از آب نمی‌تواند نفس بکشد.

A fish cannot breathe out of water.

Using 'نفس کشیدن' in sentences requires an understanding of Persian compound verb conjugation. Because it is a compound verb, the noun part 'نفس' (nafas) remains completely unchanged regardless of the tense, person, or mood. All the grammatical changes happen to the verb 'کشیدن' (keshidan). In the present tense, the stem of 'کشیدن' is 'کش' (kesh). To say 'I am breathing' or 'I breathe', you use the present prefix 'می' (mi-), the stem 'کش', and the first-person singular ending 'ـَم' (-am), resulting in 'نفس می‌کشم' (nafas mi-kesham). For the past tense, you use the past stem 'کشید' (keshid). So, 'I breathed' becomes 'نفس کشیدم' (nafas keshidam). This consistent structure makes it very predictable for learners. Furthermore, when creating negative sentences, the negative prefix 'نـ' (na-/ne-) attaches to the verbal part. 'I am not breathing' is 'نفس نمی‌کشم' (nafas ne-mi-kesham). If you want to use it in the subjunctive mood, which is incredibly common in Persian after verbs of wanting, needing, or modal verbs like 'can' or 'must', you replace the 'می' prefix with 'بـ' (be-). For example, 'I want to breathe' is 'می‌خواهم نفس بکشم' (mi-khaham nafas be-kesham). Understanding these core rules allows you to express a wide range of thoughts and conditions regarding breathing, from medical emergencies to poetic sighs of relief. It is also important to note word order; while Persian is generally SOV (Subject-Object-Verb), the compound verb usually stays together at the end of the sentence, though adverbs can sometimes interpose in highly literary or poetic contexts.

Present Tense Usage: In the present tense, it describes an ongoing action or a general truth. 'او تند نفس می‌کشد' (He breathes fast). It is used to describe current states of being and continuous actions happening at the moment of speech.
Past Tense Usage: The past tense is used for completed actions. 'دیروز در کوهستان هوای تازه نفس کشیدم' (Yesterday in the mountains, I breathed fresh air). It is straightforward and follows regular conjugation patterns.
Subjunctive Mood: This is crucial for expressing desires or abilities. 'نمی‌توانم اینجا نفس بکشم' (I cannot breathe here). The subjunctive form 'بکشم' is required after the modal verb 'توانستن' (to be able to).

وقتی می‌دوم، تندتر نفس می‌کشم.

When I run, I breathe faster.

او آنقدر خسته بود که نمی‌توانست نفس بکشد.

He was so tired that he could not breathe.

لطفاً آرام نفس بکشید.

Please breathe calmly.

ما در این جنگل هوای پاک نفس کشیدیم.

We breathed clean air in this forest.

باید یاد بگیریم چگونه درست نفس بکشیم.

We must learn how to breathe properly.

The verb 'نفس کشیدن' is omnipresent in Persian-speaking environments, crossing the boundaries between casual street talk, formal news broadcasts, and intimate medical consultations. One of the most common places you will hear this is in discussions about the environment and weather. In major Iranian cities like Tehran, Isfahan, or Mashhad, air pollution (آلودگی هوا) is a frequent topic of conversation, especially during the winter months when thermal inversion traps smog over the cities. During these times, people constantly complain, saying 'هوا برای نفس کشیدن خوب نیست' (The air is not good for breathing) or 'نمی‌شود نفس کشید' (It is impossible to breathe). You will also hear it extensively in sports and fitness contexts. Yoga instructors, personal trainers, and physical education teachers frequently use imperative forms of this verb. 'نفس عمیق بکشید' (Breathe deeply) and 'نفست را حبس نکن' (Don't hold your breath) are standard instructions. In medical settings, it is the absolute standard terminology. A doctor listening to your lungs will say 'نفس بکش' (breathe) and 'سرفه کن' (cough). Beyond these literal uses, Persian culture is deeply poetic, and everyday language reflects this. You will hear people use 'نفس کشیدن' metaphorically to describe feeling stifled in a relationship or a job, saying they have 'no room to breathe' (جای نفس کشیدن نیست). It also appears in dramatic contexts in movies and television shows, where a character might say they cannot live or breathe without their loved one. The versatility of the word means it is an absolute necessity for any learner who wants to understand both the mundane complaints about smog and the dramatic declarations of love in Persian media.

Environmental Discussions: Used heavily when talking about smog, pollution, and the desire to escape to the countryside for fresh air. It highlights the basic human need for clean oxygen.
Health and Fitness: A staple in gyms, yoga studios, and hospitals. It is used to guide physical exertion and monitor vital signs, making it crucial for bodily awareness.
Emotional and Dramatic Expressions: Used to express feelings of being overwhelmed, relieved, or deeply in love. It bridges the gap between literal physical survival and emotional well-being.

در تهران گاهی نفس کشیدن سخت می‌شود.

In Tehran, sometimes breathing becomes difficult.

دکتر گفت: یک نفس عمیق بکش.

The doctor said: Take a deep breath.

بدون تو نمی‌توانم نفس بکشم.

I cannot breathe without you.

ورزشکاران باید درست نفس کشیدن را تمرین کنند.

Athletes must practice proper breathing.

بالاخره می‌توانیم راحت نفس بکشیم.

Finally, we can breathe easily.

When learning 'نفس کشیدن', English speakers often fall into a few predictable traps due to the differences between English simple verbs and Persian compound verbs. The most frequent mistake is attempting to pluralize the verb or the noun incorrectly when referring to multiple breaths. While you can say 'نفس‌ها' (breaths) as a standalone noun, within the compound verb structure, it almost always remains singular: 'نفس می‌کشند' (they breathe), not 'نفس‌ها می‌کشند'. Another major hurdle is the placement of adjectives. In English, we say 'breathe deeply' (verb + adverb). In Persian, it is formulated as 'take a deep breath': 'نفس عمیق کشیدن' (nafas-e amiq keshidan). Learners often try to translate 'deeply' as an adverb modifying the whole verb, which sounds unnatural. Furthermore, learners sometimes confuse 'نفس کشیدن' with the Arabic-derived formal equivalent 'تنفس کردن' (tanaffos kardan). While both mean to breathe, 'تنفس کردن' is much more formal and clinical. Using it in a casual conversation about being out of breath after running sounds overly academic and stiff. Additionally, there is a common grammatical error regarding the direct object marker 'را' (ra). Because 'نفس' is an indefinite, integral part of the compound verb, it does not take the specific object marker 'را' unless it is highly specified, such as 'همان نفس را کشیدم' (I breathed that same breath). Saying 'نفس را می‌کشم' to mean 'I am breathing' is grammatically incorrect and highly unnatural. Mastering these nuances separates a beginner from an intermediate speaker who sounds natural and fluent.

Incorrect Adjective Placement: Mistake: Trying to use adverbs instead of adjectives. Correct: Use an adjective linked to 'نفس' with an ezafe, like 'نفسِ عمیق' (deep breath).
Misusing the Object Marker 'را': Mistake: Adding 'را' after 'نفس' in general statements. Correct: Leave it as 'نفس می‌کشم' without the 'را', as it is a generic, non-specific action.
Overusing Formal Synonyms: Mistake: Using 'تنفس کردن' in casual speech. Correct: Stick to 'نفس کشیدن' for 95% of daily interactions unless you are reading a medical journal.

غلط: من نفس‌ها می‌کشم. | درست: من نفس می‌کشم.

Wrong: I breathe breaths. | Right: I breathe.

غلط: نفس را می‌کشم. | درست: نفس می‌کشم.

Wrong: I breathe the breath. | Right: I breathe.

غلط: عمیقاً نفس می‌کشم. | بهتر: نفس عمیق می‌کشم.

Wrong: I breathe deeply. | Better: I take a deep breath.

غلط: او تنفس می‌کند (در مکالمه روزمره). | درست: او نفس می‌کشد.

Wrong: He respires (in daily chat). | Right: He breathes.

غلط: نفس نکشیدن نکن. | درست: نفس نکش.

Wrong: Don't do not breathing. | Right: Don't breathe.

While 'نفس کشیدن' is the most common and versatile way to say 'to breathe' in Persian, there are several synonyms and related terms that carry slightly different nuances, registers, or specific contexts. The most direct formal synonym is 'تنفس کردن' (tanaffos kardan). This word is derived from Arabic and is used primarily in scientific, medical, and highly formal contexts. You would see it in biology textbooks describing cellular respiration or in official health reports. Another poetic and somewhat archaic synonym is 'دم زدن' (dam zadan). 'دم' (dam) means breath or moment, and 'زدن' means to strike or to hit. 'دم زدن' is often used in classical Persian poetry (like the works of Rumi or Hafez) to mean breathing, existing, or even speaking. For inhaling specifically, you might use 'استنشاق کردن' (estenshaq kardan), another formal Arabic-derived term, often used when talking about inhaling medicine or gases. Conversely, 'بازدم' (bazdam) refers specifically to exhaling as a noun, and 'دم' (dam) to inhaling. When someone is panting or breathing heavily out of exhaustion, you wouldn't just say they are breathing; you would say 'نفس نفس زدن' (nafas nafas zadan), which literally translates to 'striking breath breath'. This perfectly captures the repetitive, forceful nature of panting. Understanding these alternatives enriches your vocabulary and allows you to tailor your speech to the exact situation, whether you are reading a 13th-century poem, consulting a doctor, or describing a rigorous workout.

تنفس کردن (Tanaffos Kardan): Formal and scientific. Used in biology, medical reports, and official documents. Equivalent to 'to respire' in English.
دم زدن (Dam Zadan): Poetic and literary. Often means to breathe, to exist, or to utter a word. Found heavily in classical literature.
نفس نفس زدن (Nafas Nafas Zadan): Used for panting or gasping for air after heavy exercise or due to anxiety. Highly descriptive and common in everyday storytelling.

سیستم تنفس انسان بسیار پیچیده است.

The human respiratory system is very complex.

سگ بعد از دویدن نفس نفس می‌زد.

The dog was panting after running.

تا وقتی که دم می‌زنم، تو را دوست دارم.

As long as I breathe, I will love you. (Poetic)

بیمار نیاز به دستگاه تنفس مصنوعی دارد.

The patient needs an artificial respirator.

او از ترس نفس نفس می‌زد.

He was panting out of fear.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In Persian mysticism (Sufism), 'nafas' is not just biological breath, but the divine breath that sustains the universe moment by moment. Therefore, 'nafas keshidan' has a deeply spiritual undertone in classical poetry.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /næˈfæs kɛʃiːˈdæn/

US /næˈfæs kɛʃiːˈdæn/

na-FAS ke-shi-DAN (Infinitive). In conjugated forms like 'mi-kesham', the stress is on the prefix: na-FAS MI-ke-sham.

Rhymes With

چشیدن (cheshidan - to taste) رسیدن (residan - to arrive) شنیدن (shenidan - to hear) پریدن (paridan - to jump) دویدن (davidan - to run) خریدن (kharidan - to buy) دریدن (daridan - to tear) وزیدن (vazidan - to blow)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'nafas' with a long 'ah' sound like 'naw-faws'. It should be a flat 'a' like in 'apple'.
Stressing the wrong syllable in the conjugated verb. Learners often say 'mi-ke-SHAM' instead of 'MI-ke-sham'.
Blending the two words too much. Keep a slight, distinct pause between the noun 'nafas' and the verb 'keshidan'.
Pronouncing the 'sh' in 'keshidan' too softly. It should be a strong 'sh' sound.
Confusing the short 'e' in 'keshidan' with an 'i' sound (kishidan).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Very easy to read. The spelling is phonetic and uses common letters.

Writing 3/5

Requires remembering the correct spelling of 'نفس' with 'س' and not 'ص' or 'ث'.

Speaking 4/5

Conjugating compound verbs fluently takes practice for beginners.

Listening 2/5

Easily recognizable in speech due to the distinct 'sh' sound in 'keshidan'.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

کشیدن (to pull/draw) هوا (air) دهان (mouth) بینی (nose) زنده (alive)

Learn Next

تنفس (respiration) سرفه کردن (to cough) عطسه کردن (to sneeze) خفه شدن (to choke/suffocate) ریه (lung)

Advanced

استنشاق کردن (to inhale formally) آسم (asthma) اکسیژن (oxygen) مجاری تنفسی (respiratory tracts) مدیتیشن (meditation)

Grammar to Know

Compound Verb Conjugation: Only the light verb (کشیدن) is conjugated. The noun (نفس) remains unchanged.

من نفس می‌کشم (I breathe), من نفس کشیدم (I breathed).

Subjunctive Mood with Modal Verbs: After verbs like 'توانستن' (can) or 'خواستن' (want), the light verb takes the 'بـ' prefix.

می‌توانم نفس بکشم (I can breathe).

Placement of Adjectives: Adjectives modifying the noun part of a compound verb are attached to the noun using the Ezafe (-e).

نفسِ عمیق کشیدن (To take a deep breath).

Negation: The negative prefix 'نـ' attaches to the light verb, not the noun.

نفس نمی‌کشم (I do not breathe).

Imperative Form: The imperative is formed by using the present stem of the light verb with the 'بـ' prefix.

نفس بکش! (Breathe!)

Examples by Level

من نفس می‌کشم.

I breathe.

Present simple tense, first person singular.

تو نفس می‌کشی.

You breathe.

Present simple tense, second person singular.

او نفس می‌کشد.

He/She breathes.

Present simple tense, third person singular.

ما نفس می‌کشیم.

We breathe.

Present simple tense, first person plural.

شما نفس می‌کشید.

You (plural/formal) breathe.

Present simple tense, second person plural.

آنها نفس می‌کشند.

They breathe.

Present simple tense, third person plural.

من نفس کشیدم.

I breathed.

Simple past tense, first person singular.

نفس بکش!

Breathe!

Imperative form, singular.

لطفاً یک نفس عمیق بکشید.

Please take a deep breath.

Formal imperative with an adjective modifying 'nafas'.

در کوهستان راحت‌تر نفس می‌کشم.

I breathe more easily in the mountains.

Comparative adverb 'rahat-tar' modifying the verb.

او به سختی نفس می‌کشید.

He was breathing with difficulty.

Past continuous concept using simple past with an adverbial phrase.

هوا بد است، نمی‌توانم نفس بکشم.

The weather is bad, I cannot breathe.

Subjunctive mood after 'tavanestan' (can).

آیا ماهی زیر آب نفس می‌کشد؟

Does a fish breathe underwater?

Question form in present simple tense.

من تند تند نفس می‌کشیدم.

I was breathing very fast.

Repetitive adverb 'tond tond' for emphasis.

باید هوای تازه نفس بکشیم.

We must breathe fresh air.

Subjunctive mood after 'bayad' (must).

وقتی می‌خوابم، آرام نفس می‌کشم.

When I sleep, I breathe calmly.

Complex sentence with 'vaghti' (when).

بعد از امتحان، یک نفس راحت کشیدم.

After the exam, I breathed a sigh of relief.

Idiomatic use of 'nafas-e rahat keshidan'.

آلودگی هوای تهران باعث می‌شود مردم نتوانند خوب نفس بکشند.

Tehran's air pollution causes people to be unable to breathe well.

Causative structure with subjunctive.

او از ترس نفس کشیدن را فراموش کرده بود.

He had forgotten to breathe out of fear.

Infinitive used as a direct object with 'ra'.

پزشک به من گفت که باید روزی ده بار نفس عمیق بکشم.

The doctor told me that I must take a deep breath ten times a day.

Reported speech with subjunctive.

در این اتاق پر از دود، نفس کشیدن غیرممکن است.

In this smoke-filled room, breathing is impossible.

Infinitive used as the subject of the sentence.

ورزشکاران یاد می‌گیرند که چگونه در حین دویدن درست نفس بکشند.

Athletes learn how to breathe correctly while running.

Indirect question structure with subjunctive.

من ترجیح می‌دهم در روستا زندگی کنم تا بتوانم هوای پاک نفس بکشم.

I prefer to live in a village so I can breathe clean air.

Purpose clause with 'ta' (so that) and subjunctive.

هر موجود زنده‌ای برای زنده ماندن به نفس کشیدن نیاز دارد.

Every living creature needs to breathe to stay alive.

Preposition 'be' (to) followed by the infinitive.

فشار کار آنقدر زیاد بود که حتی وقت نفس کشیدن هم نداشتم.

The work pressure was so high that I didn't even have time to breathe.

Metaphorical use indicating lack of free time.

با دیدن آن منظره زیبا، نفس در سینه‌ام حبس شد.

Seeing that beautiful scenery, my breath was caught in my chest.

Related idiom 'nafas dar sine habs shodan'.

دولت باید برای بهبود کیفیت هوایی که نفس می‌کشیم، اقدام کند.

The government must take action to improve the quality of the air we breathe.

Relative clause 'havayi ke nafas mikeshim'.

او به قدری عصبانی بود که با صدای بلند نفس می‌کشید.

He was so angry that he was breathing loudly.

Result clause with 'be qadri... ke'.

تمرینات مدیتیشن به شما کمک می‌کند تا آگاهانه نفس بکشید.

Meditation exercises help you to breathe consciously.

Adverb 'agahane' modifying the subjunctive verb.

بدون آزادی بیان، جامعه نمی‌تواند به راحتی نفس بکشد.

Without freedom of speech, a society cannot breathe easily.

Metaphorical personification of society.

مادرم همیشه می‌گوید قبل از عصبانی شدن، چند نفس عمیق بکش.

My mother always says to take a few deep breaths before getting angry.

Direct quotation with imperative.

اگر انسان نتواند زیر آب نفس بکشد، چگونه غواصان ساعت‌ها آنجا می‌مانند؟

If humans cannot breathe underwater, how do divers stay there for hours?

Conditional sentence type 1.

در فضای خفقان‌آور آن دوران، هنر تنها راهی برای نفس کشیدن بود.

In the suffocating atmosphere of that era, art was the only way to breathe.

Highly metaphorical use of the infinitive as a noun.

شاعر در اشعارش از هوای مسمومی می‌نالد که مجبور است نفس بکشد.

The poet complains in his poems about the toxic air he is forced to breathe.

Complex relative clause with passive/forced meaning.

بحران اقتصادی چنان گلوی مردم را فشرده که مجال نفس کشیدن ندارند.

The economic crisis has squeezed the people's throats so much that they have no opportunity to breathe.

Idiomatic expression 'majal-e nafas keshidan'.

تکنیک‌های تنفسی در یوگا فراتر از صرفاً نفس کشیدنِ فیزیکی هستند.

Breathing techniques in yoga go beyond merely physical breathing.

Ezafe construction linking the infinitive to an adjective 'nafas keshidan-e fiziki'.

او با هر نفسی که می‌کشید، درد عمیقی را در قفسه سینه‌اش احساس می‌کرد.

With every breath he took, he felt a deep pain in his chest.

Relative clause attached to a quantified noun 'har nafasi ke mikeshid'.

شهر پس از باران پاییزی گویی دوباره شروع به نفس کشیدن کرد.

The city, after the autumn rain, seemed as if it started to breathe again.

Personification using 'shoru be nafas keshidan'.

آزادی نه یک امتیاز، بلکه حق اساسی هر انسانی است، درست مانند نفس کشیدن.

Freedom is not a privilege, but a fundamental right of every human, just like breathing.

Simile comparing an abstract concept to the infinitive.

بیمار در بخش مراقبت‌های ویژه با کمک دستگاه‌های پیشرفته نفس می‌کشید.

The patient in the intensive care unit was breathing with the help of advanced machines.

Advanced medical vocabulary context.

در متون عرفانی، هر نفس کشیدن تجلیِ حیات الهی در کالبد خاکی انسان پنداشته می‌شود.

In mystical texts, every act of breathing is considered a manifestation of divine life in the earthly body of man.

Philosophical/mystical context with passive voice 'pendashte mishavad'.

استبداد به گونه‌ای در تار و پود جامعه رخنه کرده بود که حتی نفس کشیدن نیز عملی سیاسی تلقی می‌گشت.

Tyranny had infiltrated the fabric of society in such a way that even breathing was perceived as a political act.

Highly formal literary phrasing using 'talaghi migasht'.

معماری سنتی کویر به گونه‌ای طراحی شده که ساختمان بتواند در اوج گرمای تابستان نفس بکشد.

Traditional desert architecture is designed in such a way that the building can breathe at the peak of summer heat.

Architectural metaphor for ventilation.

وی با بیانی استعاری، قطع درختان جنگل را به بریدن مجاری تنفسی زمینی تشبیه کرد که ما بر آن نفس می‌کشیم.

With a metaphorical expression, he likened the cutting of forest trees to severing the respiratory tracts of the earth upon which we breathe.

Complex comparative structure with formal vocabulary.

در لحظات پایانی سمفونی، سکوتی وهم‌آور سالن را فرا گرفت، گویی زمان از نفس کشیدن باز ایستاده بود.

In the final moments of the symphony, an eerie silence engulfed the hall, as if time had ceased breathing.

Poetic personification using 'az nafas keshidan baz istade bud'.

مفهوم «نفس کشیدنِ» اقتصاد، استعاره‌ای است از پویایی و گردش آزاد سرمایه در بازارهای جهانی.

The concept of the economy 'breathing' is a metaphor for the dynamism and free circulation of capital in global markets.

Economic terminology using the infinitive as a core concept.

نثر او چنان روان و بی‌تکلف است که خواننده هنگام مطالعه آثارش، کلمات را به جای هوا نفس می‌کشد.

His prose is so fluent and unpretentious that the reader, while studying his works, breathes words instead of air.

Advanced literary critique using a surreal metaphor.

تلاش برای بقا در آن شرایط طاقت‌فرسا، چیزی فراتر از صرفاً نفس کشیدن و زنده ماندنِ بیولوژیک بود.

The struggle for survival in those grueling conditions was something beyond merely breathing and biological survival.

Philosophical distinction between biological function and true existence.

Common Collocations

نفس عمیق کشیدن

به سختی نفس کشیدن

راحت نفس کشیدن

تند تند نفس کشیدن

نفس راحت کشیدن

آرام نفس کشیدن

زیر آب نفس کشیدن

هوای تازه نفس کشیدن

بریده بریده نفس کشیدن

بدون دستگاه نفس کشیدن

Common Phrases

نفس عمیق بکش

— Take a deep breath. Used as an instruction by doctors or to calm someone down.

نفس عمیق بکش و آرام باش.

نمی‌تونم نفس بکشم

— I can't breathe. Used in medical emergencies or when feeling claustrophobic/overwhelmed.

هوا خیلی گرمه، نمی‌تونم نفس بکشم.

نفس راحت کشیدم

— I breathed a sigh of relief. Used when a stressful situation ends well.

وقتی فهمیدم سالمی، نفس راحت کشیدم.

جای نفس کشیدن نیست

— There is no room to breathe. Used to describe a very crowded place or an oppressive situation.

مترو اینقدر شلوغ بود که جای نفس کشیدن نبود.

نفسم بند اومد

— My breath caught / I lost my breath. Used when shocked, scared, or amazed.

از دیدن اون منظره نفسم بند اومد.

تا وقتی نفس می‌کشم

— As long as I breathe. A dramatic way of saying 'for the rest of my life'.

تا وقتی نفس می‌کشم از تو حمایت می‌کنم.

نفس تازه کردن

— To catch one's breath. Used when taking a break during physical labor.

پنج دقیقه صبر کن تا نفس تازه کنم.

هم‌نفس شدن

— To become a companion/soulmate. Poetic phrase meaning to share breath.

او سال‌ها هم‌نفس من بود.

نفس نفس زدن

— To pant. Used after running or heavy exertion.

سگ از گرما نفس نفس می‌زد.

نفس آخر را کشیدن

— To draw one's last breath. Meaning to die.

پیرمرد در خواب نفس آخر را کشید.

Often Confused With

نفس کشیدن vs تنفس کردن

Learners often use this formal word in casual settings. Stick to 'نفس کشیدن' for everyday talk.

نفس کشیدن vs نفس زدن

This means to pant. If you say 'من نفس می‌زنم', people will think you are out of breath from running, not just breathing normally.

نفس کشیدن vs نفس (nafs)

Spelled the same, but pronounced 'nafs'. It means ego or carnal desire in Islamic philosophy. Do not confuse the pronunciation.

Idioms & Expressions

"نفس راحت کشیدن"

— To breathe a sigh of relief. Used when a worry or burden is lifted.

وقتی امتحانات تمام شد، نفس راحت کشیدم.

Common / Informal

"نفس کسی را بریدن"

— To take someone's breath away (often in a negative, exhausting sense, or through pressure).

این سربالایی نفس آدم را می‌برد.

Informal

"نفس در سینه حبس شدن"

— Breath caught in the chest. Used for moments of extreme suspense, fear, or awe.

هنگام اعلام نتایج، نفس در سینه‌ام حبس شده بود.

Literary / Dramatic

"نفس کسی از جای گرم بلند شدن"

— To speak from a position of comfort without understanding another's hardship. Literally: one's breath rises from a warm place.

تو که مشکل مالی نداری، نفست از جای گرم بلند می‌شود.

Idiomatic / Proverbial

"به شماره افتادن نفس"

— Breathing becoming labored or numbered. Used when someone is dying or extremely exhausted.

در دقایق آخر مسابقه، نفس بازیکنان به شماره افتاده بود.

Dramatic / Literary

"نفس کش طلبیدن"

— To challenge someone to a fight. Literally: seeking someone who breathes (who dares to face me).

لات محله در کوچه ایستاده بود و نفس کش می‌طلبید.

Slang / Archaic

"تا آخرین نفس"

— Until the last breath. Meaning to the bitter end.

سربازان تا آخرین نفس جنگیدند.

Formal / Heroic

"نفس مسیحایی داشتن"

— To have the breath of Messiah (Jesus). Meaning to have a healing or life-giving touch.

این دکتر نفس مسیحایی دارد، همه بیمارانش خوب می‌شوند.

Poetic / Cultural

"نفس خود را کشتن"

— To kill one's ego/desires. Note: Here 'nafs' means ego, not breath, but it is a related linguistic concept.

عارفان معتقدند باید نفس خود را کشت.

Religious / Mystical

"مجال نفس کشیدن ندادن"

— To not give a chance to breathe. Meaning to pressure someone relentlessly.

رئیسم آنقدر کار ریخته سرم که مجال نفس کشیدن ندارم.

Common

Easily Confused

نفس کشیدن vs کشیدن

Because 'keshidan' means to pull, draw, smoke, or weigh depending on the noun it pairs with.

Context is key. 'Nafas keshidan' is to breathe. 'Sigar keshidan' is to smoke. 'Dard keshidan' is to suffer. The noun changes the entire meaning of the verb.

او نفس می‌کشد (He breathes) vs او سیگار می‌کشد (He smokes).

نفس کشیدن vs دمیدن

Also relates to air and breathing.

'Damidan' specifically means to blow air into something (like a balloon or a flute) or the blowing of the wind. 'Nafas keshidan' is the biological act of inhaling/exhaling for survival.

در نی دمید (He blew into the reed) vs نفس کشید (He breathed).

نفس کشیدن vs خفه شدن

Related to the respiratory system.

This is the exact opposite. 'Khafe shodan' means to choke or suffocate, lacking the ability to breathe.

دارم خفه می‌شوم (I am suffocating).

نفس کشیدن vs بو کردن

Both involve taking air through the nose.

'Bu kardan' means to smell something intentionally. 'Nafas keshidan' is just taking in air.

گل را بو کردم (I smelled the flower) vs هوای پاک را نفس کشیدم (I breathed the clean air).

نفس کشیدن vs آه کشیدن

Uses the same light verb 'keshidan' and involves air.

'Ah keshidan' means to sigh out of sadness or regret. 'Nafas keshidan' is regular breathing.

از روی غم آه کشید (He sighed out of sorrow).

Sentence Patterns

[Subject] + نفس + می‌کشد.

او نفس می‌کشد. (He breathes.)

[Subject] + نمی‌تواند + نفس + بکشد.

من نمی‌توانم نفس بکشم. (I cannot breathe.)

[Subject] + نفس + [Adjective] + کشید.

علی نفس عمیق کشید. (Ali took a deep breath.)

برای + نفس کشیدن + [Action].

برای نفس کشیدن به بیرون رفتم. (I went outside to breathe.)

آنقدر + [Adjective] + بود که + نتوانست + نفس بکشد.

آنقدر خسته بود که نتوانست نفس بکشد. (He was so tired that he couldn't breathe.)

بدون + [Noun] + نمی‌شود + نفس کشید.

بدون اکسیژن نمی‌شود نفس کشید. (One cannot breathe without oxygen.)

مجال + نفس کشیدن + به [Object] + نداد.

او مجال نفس کشیدن به من نداد. (He didn't give me a chance to breathe.)

گویی + [Subject] + از + نفس کشیدن + باز ایستاد.

گویی زمان از نفس کشیدن باز ایستاد. (As if time ceased to breathe.)

Word Family

Nouns

نفس (nafas - breath)

تنفس (tanaffos - respiration)

نفس‌تنگی (nafas-tangi - shortness of breath)

هم‌نفس (ham-nafas - companion)

Verbs

نفس کشیدن (nafas keshidan - to breathe)

تنفس کردن (tanaffos kardan - to respire)

نفس نفس زدن (nafas nafas zadan - to pant)

Adjectives

نفس‌گیر (nafas-gir - breathtaking/suffocating)

نفس‌تنگ (nafas-tang - asthmatic/short of breath)

خوش‌نفس (khosh-nafas - having good stamina/breath)

دم (dam - inhale)

بازدم (bazdam - exhale)

ریه (riye - lung)

هوا (hava - air)

اکسیژن (oksizhen - oxygen)

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely High. It is in the top 1000 most frequently used verbs in Persian.

Common Mistakes

نفس‌ها می‌کشم → نفس می‌کشم
Learners often try to pluralize 'breath' when saying they are breathing. In Persian compound verbs, the noun part usually remains singular.
نفس را می‌کشم → نفس می‌کشم
Adding the direct object marker 'را' makes it sound like you are breathing a very specific, known breath. For the general action of breathing, omit 'را'.
عمیقاً نفس می‌کشم → نفس عمیق می‌کشم
Instead of using an adverb (deeply), Persian prefers to use an adjective modifying the noun 'breath' (a deep breath).
من تنفس می‌کنم (in casual chat) → من نفس می‌کشم
Using 'tanaffos kardan' in everyday conversation sounds like you are reading from a biology textbook. Stick to 'nafas keshidan'.
نه نفس می‌کشم → نفس نمی‌کشم
The negative prefix 'نـ' must attach to the verbal part of the compound (کشیدن), never to the noun part.

Tips

Conjugate the Second Word

Always remember that 'نفس' stays the same. All the magic happens on the word 'کشیدن'. Practice conjugating 'کشیدن' and just stick 'نفس' in front of it.

Flat 'A' Sounds

The word is na-fas. Both 'a's are pronounced like the 'a' in 'apple'. Do not say naw-faws.

Deep Breath Structure

In English, 'deeply' is an adverb. In Persian, 'deep' is an adjective attached to the breath. 'Nafas-e amiq keshidan' = To pull a deep breath.

Medical Context

If you visit a doctor in Iran, listen for 'Nafas bekesh'. It means they are listening to your lungs with a stethoscope.

Sigh of Relief

Use 'Nafas-e rahat keshidam' whenever you finish a big exam or a difficult task. Native speakers will be impressed by your natural phrasing.

Don't Separate the Verb

Try to keep 'nafas' and 'keshidan' close together in the sentence. While adverbs can occasionally go between them, it's safer for beginners to keep them adjacent at the end of the sentence.

Correct Letters

Nafas uses the letter 'س' (sin). There are three 's' sounds in Persian, so memorizing the correct letter is crucial for written proficiency.

Listen for the Prefix

The difference between 'I breathe' (mi-kesham) and 'I should breathe' (be-kesham) is just one prefix. Train your ear to catch the 'mi' vs 'be'.

Complaining about Smog

A great way to make small talk in Tehran during winter is to look at the sky and say 'Nemishe nafas keshid' (You can't breathe). Everyone will agree with you.

Metaphorical Use

Don't be afraid to use 'nafas keshidan' metaphorically for feeling free or having space. 'Inja mishe nafas keshid' (You can breathe here) means the environment is relaxed and free.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine you are drawing (KESHIDAN) a picture of a face (NAFAS - sounds like 'face' with an N). The face is blowing air. You are drawing a breathing face: Nafas Keshidan.

Visual Association

Visualize pulling a rope attached to a pair of lungs. 'Keshidan' means to pull. You are pulling the air (nafas) into the lungs.

Word Web

نفس کشیدن (To breathe) -> هوا (Air) -> ریه (Lung) -> زنده بودن (To be alive) -> نفس عمیق (Deep breath) -> کشیدن (To pull) -> نفس (Breath) -> تنفس (Respiration)

Challenge

Hold your breath for 5 seconds. When you exhale, say 'نفس کشیدم' (I breathed). Take a deep breath and say 'نفس عمیق می‌کشم' (I am taking a deep breath). Repeat this 3 times to link the physical action to the Persian words.

Word Origin

The word is a compound of Arabic and Persian origins. 'نفس' (nafas) is an Arabic loanword meaning breath, spirit, or soul. It entered the Persian language after the Islamic conquest of Persia. 'کشیدن' (keshidan) is a native Persian verb meaning to pull, draw, or drag, derived from Middle Persian 'kašīdan' and Old Persian 'karš-'. Combining an Arabic noun with a Persian light verb is one of the most common ways compound verbs are formed in New Persian.

Original meaning: Literally meant 'to draw the spirit/breath'. In ancient times, breath was synonymous with the soul or life force.

Arabic (Afroasiatic) + Persian (Indo-European -> Indo-Iranian -> Iranian).

Cultural Context

Be careful not to confuse 'Nafas' (breath) with 'Nafs' (ego/carnal desire). While spelled the same in Persian script (نفس), pronouncing it 'nafs' changes the meaning to a religious concept of the self that must be controlled.

Unlike in English where 'breathe' is a single verb, English speakers must remember the two-part nature of the Persian word. Also, while English uses 'take a breath', Persian uses 'draw/pull a breath'.

Poem by Rumi: 'بشنو از نی چون حکایت می‌کند / از جدایی‌ها شکایت می‌کند' (Listen to the reed... it breathes life into the flute). Modern Pop Song: Many Iranian pop songs feature the lyric 'بدون تو نمی‌تونم نفس بکشم' (I can't breathe without you). Movie: 'Nafas' (Breath), a 2016 Iranian film directed by Narges Abyar, exploring the life of a child during the Iran-Iraq war.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Visiting a Doctor

نفس عمیق بکشید (Take a deep breath)
نفستان را نگه دارید (Hold your breath)
آیا در نفس کشیدن مشکل دارید؟ (Do you have trouble breathing?)
سینه‌ام هنگام نفس کشیدن درد می‌کند (My chest hurts when breathing)

Exercising/Yoga

با ریتم نفس بکشید (Breathe with rhythm)
دم و بازدم عمیق (Deep inhale and exhale)
نفس خود را حبس نکنید (Do not hold your breath)
آرام نفس بکش (Breathe calmly)

Complaining about Weather/Pollution

هوا برای نفس کشیدن بد است (The air is bad for breathing)
نمی‌شود اینجا نفس کشید (One cannot breathe here)
دلم هوای تازه می‌خواهد (I desire fresh air)
آلودگی هوا نفس‌گیر است (The air pollution is suffocating)

Expressing Relief

آخیش، نفس راحت کشیدم (Ah, I breathed a sigh of relief)
بالاخره تمام شد، حالا نفس بکش (It's finally over, now breathe)
انگار تازه دارم نفس می‌کشم (It's like I'm just starting to breathe)
بار از روی دوشم برداشته شد (The burden was lifted from my shoulders)

Romantic/Dramatic Declarations

بدون تو نمی‌توانم نفس بکشم (I cannot breathe without you)
تو دلیل نفس کشیدن منی (You are the reason I breathe)
با هر نفس به یاد توام (With every breath I think of you)
نفسم به نفست بنده (My breath is tied to your breath)

Conversation Starters

"امروز هوا خیلی آلوده است، شما هم در نفس کشیدن مشکل دارید؟ (The air is very polluted today, do you also have trouble breathing?)"

"آیا تا به حال تمرینات نفس کشیدن عمیق برای کاهش استرس انجام داده‌اید؟ (Have you ever done deep breathing exercises to reduce stress?)"

"وقتی به کوه می‌روید، آیا احساس می‌کنید راحت‌تر نفس می‌کشید؟ (When you go to the mountains, do you feel you breathe more easily?)"

"به نظر شما چرا در شهرهای بزرگ نفس کشیدن اینقدر سخت شده است؟ (Why do you think breathing has become so difficult in big cities?)"

"آیا وقتی هیجان‌زده می‌شوید، تندتر نفس می‌کشید؟ (Do you breathe faster when you get excited?)"

Journal Prompts

Write about a time when you were so stressed that you felt you couldn't breathe, and how you overcame it.

Describe the feeling of stepping out into the fresh air after being in a stuffy room. Use 'نفس کشیدن'.

Imagine a world where the air is too toxic to breathe without a mask. Write a short diary entry.

Write a short poem in Persian about breathing in the scent of spring flowers.

Describe your favorite physical activity and how it affects your breathing.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No. Persian relies heavily on compound verbs. 'Nafas' is only a noun meaning 'breath'. You must add the verb 'keshidan' to make it an action. Saying just 'nafas' when you mean 'breathe' is grammatically incorrect.

You use the present continuous tense, which in Persian is often just the simple present. 'من نفس می‌کشم' (Man nafas mi-kesham). If you want to emphasize right this second, you can say 'من دارم نفس می‌کشم' (Man daram nafas mi-kesham).

It is neutral. It is the standard way to say 'breathe' in both casual conversations with friends and formal news broadcasts. You only switch to 'tanaffos kardan' for highly medical or scientific contexts.

You say 'یک نفس عمیق بکش' (Yek nafas-e amiq bekesh). Notice how the adjective 'amiq' (deep) attaches to 'nafas' with an ezafe, and the verb is in the imperative form 'bekesh'.

The past tense is formed by using the past stem 'keshid'. So, 'I breathed' is 'نفس کشیدم' (nafas keshidam), 'you breathed' is 'نفس کشیدی' (nafas keshidi), and so on.

Generally, no. 'Nafas' is an indefinite part of the compound verb. You only use 'ra' if you are referring to a very specific, defined breath, which is rare. E.g., 'همان نفس آخر را کشید' (He drew that final breath).

It is an idiom that translates literally to 'breathing a comfortable breath', but it means 'to breathe a sigh of relief'. You use it when a stressful situation is resolved.

You say 'نمی‌توانم نفس بکشم' (Ne-mi-tavanam nafas be-kesham). Or, more casually, 'نمی‌تونم نفس بکشم' (Ne-mi-tunam nafas be-kesham).

Yes. Inhale is 'دم' (dam) and exhale is 'بازدم' (bazdam). These are mostly used as nouns in yoga or medical contexts. For general breathing, just use 'nafas keshidan'.

It is a common expression in polluted cities like Tehran. It means the air quality is so bad that it feels like there is no oxygen to breathe. It goes hand in hand with 'nemishavad nafas keshid' (one cannot breathe).