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A2 verb #2,500 most common 6 min read

نظافت کردن

nezafat kardan
At the A1 level, 'نظافت کردن' is introduced as a basic action verb related to daily routines. Learners focus on the present tense and simple objects. The goal is to be able to say 'I clean my room' or 'I clean the house.' The focus is on the compound structure (Noun + Kardan) and basic word order. Vocabulary is limited to common household items like 'otaq' (room) or 'miz' (table). Learners at this stage should recognize the word in simple instructions and be able to use it in the first person to describe their chores.
At the A2 level, learners expand their use of 'نظافت کردن' to include frequency and simple past tense. They can describe how often they clean (e.g., 'every day', 'once a week'). They also start to learn related nouns like 'nezafat-chi' (cleaner) and can understand simple signs in public places. The focus shifts to more complex sentences using conjunctions like 'and' or 'but'. For example: 'I cleaned the kitchen but I didn't clean the yard.' They also begin to distinguish between 'nezafat kardan' and 'shostan' (washing).
At the B1 level, learners can use 'نظافت کردن' in a variety of tenses, including the subjunctive and future. They can discuss the importance of cleanliness in health and social contexts. They are comfortable using the verb in professional settings, such as explaining a job or asking for cleaning services at a hotel. They can also use modal verbs like 'must' or 'should' with 'nezafat kardan'. For instance: 'We should clean the environment to stay healthy.' Their vocabulary includes tools used for cleaning, such as 'jaru-barqi' (vacuum cleaner) or 'dastmal' (cloth).
At the B2 level, speakers use 'نظافت کردن' with more nuance and can discuss abstract concepts related to it. They can talk about environmental sanitation, municipal responsibilities, and the cultural traditions of cleaning (like Khaneh-tekani). They use the passive voice ('nezafat shodan') and can express complex opinions about hygiene standards. They understand the difference between 'nezafat' (general cleaning) and 'behdasht' (hygiene/health). They can read and summarize articles about public health that use this terminology frequently.
At the C1 level, the speaker has a sophisticated command of 'نظافت کردن' and its derivatives. They can use it metaphorically (e.g., cleaning up a political system or a corrupt organization). They are familiar with formal and archaic synonyms and can use the word in academic or professional writing without error. They understand the etymological roots and can discuss the socio-economic aspects of the cleaning industry. Their usage is fluid, incorporating idioms and complex grammatical structures like the causative or various participial forms.
At the C2 level, the user employs 'نظافت کردن' with the precision of a native speaker. They can appreciate and use the word in literary contexts, poetry, and high-level philosophical discourse. They can distinguish between the finest shades of meaning between 'nezafat', 'taharat', 'pakizeghi', and 'safayi'. They can write detailed reports on sanitation policy or critique the cultural implications of cleaning rituals in Persian literature. Their mastery includes an intuitive grasp of register, allowing them to switch between colloquial and highly formal variants effortlessly.
Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

نظافت کردن in 30 Seconds

  • A compound verb meaning 'to clean' or 'to tidy'.
  • Used in both domestic and professional contexts.
  • More formal than 'tamiz kardan' but very common.
  • Essential for discussing chores, hygiene, and public health.

The Persian verb نظافت کردن (nezafat kardan) is a fundamental compound verb used to describe the act of cleaning, tidying, or maintaining hygiene. Rooted in the Arabic word 'نظافت' (cleanliness) and the Persian auxiliary verb 'کردن' (to do/make), it encompasses a wide range of activities from simple dusting to professional sanitation. In the Persian-speaking world, cleanliness is not just a physical act but often carries cultural and religious significance, tied to the concept of 'taharat' or ritual purity. When you use this verb, you are implying a systematic approach to removing dirt, grime, or clutter from a space or object. It is more formal than 'تمیز کردن' (tamiz kardan) but remains highly common in everyday speech, especially when referring to household chores or professional services.

Grammatical Category
Compound Verb (Noun + Auxiliary)
Core Meaning
To sanitize or perform cleaning duties
Register
Neutral to Semi-Formal

ما هر جمعه کل خانه را نظافت می‌کنیم.

Translation: We clean the whole house every Friday.

Understanding the nuance of this word requires looking at its components. 'Nezafat' refers to the state of being clean. Therefore, 'nezafat kardan' is literally 'to perform the state of cleanliness.' This distinguishes it from 'shostan' (to wash), which specifically involves water, or 'roobidan' (to sweep), which involves a broom. You can use 'nezafat kardan' for a room, a hospital ward, or even personal hygiene in specific contexts like 'نظافت شخصی'.

پرسنل بیمارستان مشغول نظافت بخش هستند.

In a broader sense, this verb reflects the Iranian value of 'Khaneh-tekani' (shaking the house), the massive spring cleaning performed before Nowruz (Persian New Year). During this time, the act of 'nezafat kardan' becomes a communal and symbolic ritual of renewal. It signifies removing the old year's dust to make room for new blessings. This cultural layer adds depth to an otherwise mundane verb.

Synonym Nuance
Compared to 'pak kardan', which often means wiping or erasing, 'nezafat kardan' is more comprehensive.

لطفاً قبل از مهمانی، اتاق پذیرایی را نظافت کنید.

In modern urban life, you will see signs for 'شرکت‌های نظافتی' (cleaning companies). These businesses specialize in 'nezafat' for offices and homes. The verb is also used in the context of public health; municipal workers who clean the streets are often referred to as 'ma'moor-e nezafat' (cleaning officers), highlighting the professional aspect of the word.

نظافت شهر بر عهده شهرداری است.

Common Objects
House (khaneh), Room (otaq), Environment (mohit), City (shahr)

رعایت نظافت در اماکن عمومی الزامی است.

Using 'نظافت کردن' correctly involves understanding its structure as a compound verb. In Persian, compound verbs consist of a non-verbal element (the noun 'نظافت') and a light verb ('کردن'). When conjugating, only the light verb 'کردن' changes. For example, in the present continuous, it becomes 'دارم نظافت می‌کنم' (I am cleaning).

One of the most important aspects of using this verb is the use of the object marker 'را' (ra). If you are cleaning a specific thing, that thing usually takes 'ra'. For example: 'من اتاق را نظافت کردم' (I cleaned the room). However, in many contexts, the 'ra' is dropped in spoken Persian, or the noun becomes part of the verb phrase: 'خانه نظافت کردن'.

  • Present Tense: من نظافت می‌کنم (I clean)
  • Past Tense: من نظافت کردم (I cleaned)
  • Future Tense: من نظافت خواهم کرد (I will clean)
  • Imperative: نظافت کن! (Clean!)

It is also vital to distinguish between 'نظافت کردن' and its passive form 'نظافت شدن' (to be cleaned). In professional settings, you might hear 'این اتاق باید نظافت شود' (This room must be cleaned). The versatility of this verb allows it to be used in various moods and aspects, making it a staple for any Persian learner.

Furthermore, the verb can be modified by adverbs to specify the quality of cleaning. 'به‌خوبی نظافت کردن' (to clean well) or 'سریع نظافت کردن' (to clean quickly) are common pairings. In more formal writing, you might encounter 'مورد نظافت قرار دادن', which is a more roundabout way of saying 'to clean'.

You will encounter 'نظافت کردن' in several distinct environments. The most common is the domestic sphere. Parents tell children to clean their rooms, or spouses discuss the weekly cleaning schedule. In this context, it feels routine and essential.

Another major setting is the professional world. In hotels, you will see 'Do Not Disturb' signs that, on the flip side, might say 'لطفاً نظافت کنید' (Please clean). In hospitals, 'نظافت' is a critical term related to sterile environments and infection control. You will hear doctors and nurses emphasizing the importance of 'نظافت' to prevent the spread of germs.

Public spaces also feature this word prominently. Signs in parks, subways, and malls often read 'در حفظ نظافت کوشا باشید' (Be diligent in maintaining cleanliness). This usage highlights the civic duty aspect of the word. Additionally, in the media, environmental reports might discuss 'نظافت دریاها' (cleaning the seas) or 'نظافت معابر' (cleaning the passages), using the word in a large-scale, ecological context.

One common mistake for learners is confusing 'نظافت کردن' with 'پاک کردن'. While both can mean 'to clean', 'پاک کردن' often refers to wiping a surface, erasing a board, or peeling a vegetable. Using 'پاک کردن' for a whole house sounds slightly off; 'نظافت کردن' or 'تمیز کردن' is much better for general cleaning.

Another error is the incorrect placement of the 'mi-' prefix in the present tense. Learners might say 'می‌نظافت کنم', which is incorrect. The 'mi-' must be attached to the auxiliary verb: 'نظافت می‌کنم'. Similarly, in the negative form, the 'na-' goes on the auxiliary: 'نظافت نمی‌کنم'.

A subtle mistake is using 'نظافت کردن' when 'شستن' (washing) is more appropriate. If you are using a lot of water and soap to scrub something like clothes or dishes, 'شستن' is the specific verb. 'نظافت کردن' is a broader term for tidying and general cleaning. Finally, avoid using 'نظافت کردن' for personal grooming like brushing teeth; for that, use 'مسواک زدن' or 'نظافت شخصی' as a noun phrase, but not usually the verb 'نظافت کردن' for the specific action of brushing.

Several words share a semantic field with 'نظافت کردن'. The most common synonym is تمیز کردن (tamiz kardan). In most daily situations, these are interchangeable, though 'tamiz kardan' is slightly more informal. Another related verb is پاکیزه کردن (pakizeh kardan), which has a more poetic or formal tone, often used in literature to describe spiritual or physical purity.

For specific types of cleaning, you might use گردگیری کردن (gard-giri kardan) for dusting, or جارو کردن (jaru kardan) for sweeping or vacuuming. If the cleaning involves deep scrubbing, سابیدن (sabidan) might be used. In a professional or industrial context, گندزدایی کردن (gand-zodayi kardan) means to disinfect or sanitize, which is a more technical subset of 'nezafat'.

Understanding these synonyms allows a speaker to be more precise. For instance, if you are just tidying up books and clothes without necessarily removing dirt, مرتب کردن (morattab kardan - to organize/order) is the best choice. 'نظافت کردن' implies that there was some level of 'dirty' (kasif) that needed to be addressed.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

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Informal

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Slang

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Difficulty Rating

Grammar to Know

Examples by Level

1

من اتاقم را نظافت می‌کنم.

I clean my room.

Present simple of a compound verb.

2

آیا تو خانه را نظافت می‌کنی؟

Do you clean the house?

Question form with 'aya'.

3

او هر روز میز را نظافت می‌کند.

He/She cleans the table every day.

Third person singular.

4

ما کلاس را نظافت می‌کنیم.

We clean the classroom.

First person plural.

5

آن‌ها حیاط را نظافت می‌کنند.

They clean the yard.

Third person plural.

6

لطفاً اینجا را نظافت کن.

Please clean here.

Imperative mood.

7

من امروز نظافت نمی‌کنم.

I am not cleaning today.

Negative present tense.

8

نظافت خوب است.

Cleaning is good.

Using the noun as a subject.

1

دیروز تمام خانه را نظافت کردم.

Yesterday I cleaned the whole house.

Simple past tense.

2

او همیشه قبل از مهمانی نظافت می‌کند.

She always cleans before the party.

Adverb 'hamishe' (always).

3

ما باید آشپزخانه را نظافت کنیم.

We must clean the kitchen.

Modal verb 'bayad' + subjunctive.

4

چرا اتاق را نظافت نکردی؟

Why didn't you clean the room?

Negative past tense question.

5

او در حال نظافت کردن ماشین است.

He is cleaning the car.

Present continuous construction.

6

نظافتچی مدرسه هر شب کلاس‌ها را نظافت می‌کند.

The school cleaner cleans the classes every night.

Noun 'nezafat-chi' (cleaner).

7

من ترجیح می‌دهم صبح‌ها نظافت کنم.

I prefer to clean in the mornings.

Verb 'tarjih dadan' + subjunctive.

8

این هتل خیلی خوب نظافت شده است.

This hotel has been cleaned very well.

Passive voice (past participle + shodeh).

1

اگر وقت داشتم، حتماً انباری را نظافت می‌کردم.

If I had time, I would definitely clean the storage room.

Conditional sentence type 2.

2

او به نظافت محیط زیست اهمیت زیادی می‌دهد.

He cares a lot about cleaning the environment.

Prepositional phrase 'be... ahamiyat dadan'.

3

قبل از اینکه بروی، باید میزت را نظافت کنی.

Before you go, you must clean your desk.

Temporal clause with 'ghabl az inke'.

4

آن‌ها مشغول نظافت سالن کنفرانس هستند.

They are busy cleaning the conference hall.

Structure 'mashghool-e' + noun.

5

نظافت کردن به صورت گروهی خیلی سریع‌تر انجام می‌شود.

Cleaning as a group is done much faster.

Gerund as subject.

6

آیا می‌توانی به من در نظافت خانه کمک کنی؟

Can you help me with cleaning the house?

Verb 'komak kardan' + 'dar'.

7

او از نظافت کردن متنفر است اما مجبور است انجامش دهد.

He hates cleaning but he has to do it.

Verb 'motenafer boodan'.

8

نظافت بیمارستان برای جلوگیری از بیماری حیاتی است.

Hospital cleaning is vital for preventing disease.

Infinitive phrase used as a noun.

1

شهرداری مسئول نظافت معابر عمومی و پارک‌هاست.

The municipality is responsible for cleaning public passages and parks.

Formal compound sentence.

2

رعایت نظافت در رستوران‌ها از اصول اولیه بهداشت است.

Observing cleanliness in restaurants is a basic principle of hygiene.

Abstract noun usage.

3

او با دقت تمام، وسایل قدیمی را نظافت و دسته‌بندی کرد.

With great care, he cleaned and categorized the old items.

Compound verbs in sequence.

4

نظافت منظم سیستم تهویه، مصرف انرژی را کاهش می‌دهد.

Regular cleaning of the ventilation system reduces energy consumption.

Technical context.

5

بسیاری از مردم قبل از عید نوروز به نظافت کلی خانه می‌پردازند.

Many people engage in a general house cleaning before Nowruz.

Verb 'be... pardakhtan' (to engage in).

6

دولت بودجه‌ای را برای نظافت سواحل اختصاص داده است.

The government has allocated a budget for cleaning the beaches.

Formal/Political context.

7

او به دلیل عدم رعایت نظافت، از کار اخراج شد.

He was fired from work due to failure to observe cleanliness.

Causal phrase 'be dalil-e'.

8

نظافت روح به اندازه نظافت جسم اهمیت دارد.

Cleaning the soul is as important as cleaning the body.

Metaphorical usage.

1

این مقاله به بررسی استانداردهای نوین در نظافت صنعتی می‌پردازد.

This article examines modern standards in industrial cleaning.

Academic register.

2

فرهنگ نظافت در جوامع مختلف، ریشه‌های مذهبی و تاریخی دارد.

The culture of cleanliness in different societies has religious and historical roots.

Sociological analysis.

3

او با وسواس خاصی به نظافت کتابخانه‌اش مبادرت می‌ورزد.

He undertakes the cleaning of his library with a particular obsession.

Formal verb 'mobaderat varzidan'.

4

نظافت معابر شهری پس از مراسم‌های بزرگ، چالشی برای مدیریت شهری است.

Cleaning urban passages after large ceremonies is a challenge for urban management.

Complex noun phrases.

5

در این پژوهش، تأثیر نظافت محیط کار بر بهره‌وری کارکنان تحلیل شده است.

In this research, the impact of workplace cleaning on employee productivity has been analyzed.

Passive voice in research context.

6

او معتقد است که نظافت ذهن از افکار منفی، اولین قدم برای موفقیت است.

He believes that cleaning the mind of negative thoughts is the first step to success.

Abstract/Philosophical usage.

7

تکنولوژی‌های نانو در حال متحول کردن صنعت نظافت هستند.

Nano-technologies are revolutionizing the cleaning industry.

Scientific/Future context.

8

عدم نظافت به موقع مخازن آب می‌تواند منجر به بحران‌های بهداشتی شود.

Failure to clean water tanks in a timely manner can lead to health crises.

Conditional warning in formal tone.

1

نظافت در متون عرفانی، استعاره‌ای از تزکیه نفس و رسیدن به اشراق است.

Cleanliness in mystical texts is a metaphor for self-purification and attaining enlightenment.

Literary/Mystical context.

2

سیاست‌گذاران باید راهکارهای پایداری برای نظافت کلان‌شهرها تدوین کنند.

Policymakers must formulate sustainable solutions for the sanitation of megacities.

High-level administrative language.

3

او در رساله‌اش به تبیین رابطه میان نظافت عمومی و همبستگی اجتماعی پرداخته است.

In his treatise, he explained the relationship between public cleanliness and social solidarity.

Advanced scholarly prose.

4

نظافت فضاهای باستانی مستلزم بهره‌گیری از دانش مرمت‌گران خبره است.

Cleaning ancient spaces requires utilizing the knowledge of expert restorers.

Technical/Specialized vocabulary.

5

این فیلم به شکلی نمادین، نظافت شهر را به مثابه پاکسازی اخلاقی جامعه به تصویر می‌کشد.

This film symbolically portrays city cleaning as the moral cleansing of society.

Artistic/Critical analysis.

6

در جوامع آرمانی، نظافت محیط زیست فراتر از یک وظیفه، یک فضیلت اخلاقی محسوب می‌شود.

In utopian societies, cleaning the environment is considered a moral virtue beyond a mere duty.

Philosophical discourse.

7

او با قلمی شوا، به توصیف نظافت‌خانه‌های قدیمی در محلات تهران پرداخته است.

With an eloquent pen, he described the old cleaning houses in Tehran's neighborhoods.

Descriptive literary style.

8

پروتکل‌های نظافت در آزمایشگاه‌های بیولوژیک با سطح ایمنی بالا، بسیار سخت‌گیرانه هستند.

Cleaning protocols in high-safety level biological laboratories are extremely stringent.

Highly technical/Scientific.

Common Collocations

نظافت منزل
نظافت عمومی
نظافت شخصی
رعایت نظافت
نظافت صنعتی
نظافتچی ماهر
برنامه نظافت
نظافت کلی
وسایل نظافت
هزینه نظافت

Common Phrases

نظافت را رعایت کنید

مشغول نظافت بودن

نیاز به نظافت داشتن

نظافت هفتگی

شرکت خدمات نظافتی

نظافت راه پله

نظافت محیط کار

نظافت و خانه‌تکانی

نظافت اصولی

نظافت معابر

Often Confused With

نظافت کردن vs پاک کردن

Pak kardan is more about wiping or erasing; Nezafat is general cleaning.

نظافت کردن vs شستن

Shostan specifically involves water/washing.

نظافت کردن vs مرتب کردن

Morattab kardan is about organizing/tidying, not necessarily removing dirt.

Idioms & Expressions

""

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""

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""

""

Easily Confused

نظافت کردن vs

نظافت کردن vs

نظافت کردن vs

نظافت کردن vs

نظافت کردن vs

Sentence Patterns

How to Use It

Personal

When used for people, 'نظافت شخصی' is a noun phrase, not usually 'من خودم را نظافت می‌کنم'.

Professionalism

This verb is the standard for commercial cleaning services.

Common Mistakes
  • Saying 'mi-nezafat konam' instead of 'nezafat mi-konam'.
  • Using it for 'washing' clothes (use 'shostan').
  • Forgetting the 'ra' for specific objects.
  • Confusing it with 'nezarat' (supervision).
  • Using it for 'erasing' a mistake (use 'pak kardan').

Tips

Prefix Placement

Always put 'mi-' or 'na-' on the 'kardan' part, never on 'nezafat'.

Compound Nature

Remember that 'nezafat' is the noun and 'kardan' is the action.

Nowruz Prep

Use this word when talking about preparing for the Persian New Year.

Professional Tone

Use this word when talking to a hotel receptionist or a landlord.

Object Marker

Don't forget the 'ra' when cleaning a specific object.

Public Signs

Look for this word on trash cans and in public restrooms.

The 'Nez' Nest

Imagine cleaning a bird's nest (Nez) to remember the word.

Comprehensive

Use it for 'deep cleaning' rather than just 'wiping'.

Interchangeability

You can almost always swap it with 'tamiz kardan' in speech.

Arabic Root

Knowing the root N-Z-F helps you recognize related words in other languages.

Memorize It

Word Origin

Arabic + Persian

Cultural Context

Spring cleaning is a national tradition.

Public cleanliness is a frequent topic of civic education.

Cleanliness is considered half of faith in Islamic tradition.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Conversation Starters

"چند وقت یک‌بار خانه‌تان را نظافت می‌کنید؟"

"بهترین وسیله برای نظافت فرش چیست؟"

"آیا در کشور شما هم قبل از سال نو نظافت کلی انجام می‌دهند؟"

"نظافت شهرتان را چطور ارزیابی می‌کنید؟"

"چه کسی در خانه شما مسئول نظافت است؟"

Journal Prompts

امروز چه بخش‌هایی از خانه را نظافت کردی؟

چرا نظافت محیط زیست برای تو مهم است؟

توصیف کن که بعد از نظافت کردن چه حسی داری.

برنامه نظافت هفتگی خود را بنویس.

خاطره‌ای از یک خانه‌تکانی سخت بنویس.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is more formal than 'tamiz kardan' but is used in everyday life, especially regarding chores.

Usually, 'zarf shostan' (washing dishes) is used instead.

It is a person whose job is to clean, like a janitor or a maid.

You say 'nezafat kardam'.

Yes, in the phrase 'نظافت شخصی' (personal hygiene).

It is the major spring cleaning ritual before the Persian New Year.

Yes, you can say 'nezafat-e mashin'.

The noun is Arabic, but the verb construction is Persian.

Say 'nezafat nakon'.

The opposite is 'kasif kardan' (to make dirty).

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