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پاک نگه داشتن

B1 verb #5,500 most common 9 min read

پاک نگه داشتن

pak negah dashtan Top 5,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips پاک نگه داشتن in 30 Seconds

Explanation پاک نگه داشتن in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should learn the basic parts of this phrase. 'Pāk' means clean, and 'negah dāshtan' means to keep. You might use this in very simple sentences like 'Keep your room clean' or 'I keep my hands clean'. You don't need to worry about complex grammar yet, just focus on the imperative form (telling someone to do it) and the simple present. Think of it as a way to describe good habits. You will see this word on signs in parks or schools. It is one of the first compound verbs you might learn that uses 'dāshtan' as a helper. Remember, it's about making sure something *stays* clean, not just cleaning it once.

At the A2 level, you start to see how this verb is used in daily life and simple duties. You can conjugate it in the past and present tenses. For example, 'Yesterday I kept my desk clean' or 'I always keep my shoes clean'. You should understand that 'Pāk' is a very common adjective. You might also start to notice the difference between 'Pāk' and 'Tamiz' (the other word for clean). At this level, you can use 'Pāk negah dāshtan' to talk about your home, your school, and your personal items. You should also be able to recognize it in simple public announcements or posters about the environment.

At the B1 level, which is the target for this word, you should use 'Pāk negah dāshtan' to talk about more abstract topics like the environment, public health, and social responsibilities. You should be comfortable using the subjunctive mood (e.g., 'It is important that we keep the air clean'). You understand the nuance that 'Pāk' implies a sense of purity and can be used for things like water, air, and nature. You also understand the grammar of compound verbs well enough to place the 'mi-' prefix and the 'rā' particle correctly. You can participate in a discussion about environmental protection using this verb correctly.

At the B2 level, you can use this verb in professional and academic contexts. You might use it to discuss health policies, urban planning, or ethical purity. You are aware of more formal synonyms like 'Pākizeh negāh dāshtan' and can choose the right register for your audience. You can use the verb in complex sentence structures, such as passive forms or with various modal verbs. You also understand the metaphorical uses, such as keeping a 'clean' record or reputation. Your usage is fluid, and you can explain the cultural importance of 'Pāk' (purity) in Iranian society and how it relates to this verb.

At the C1 level, your use of 'Pāk negah dāshtan' is indistinguishable from a native speaker's. You can use it in literary analysis, discussing how poets use the concept of 'keeping the heart clean' as a metaphor for spiritual enlightenment. You understand the historical etymology of the components and can use the phrase in high-level debates about environmental ethics or public policy. You are also familiar with rare or archaic variations of the phrase found in classical literature and can explain how the meaning has evolved or stayed the same over centuries. You can use the verb with subtle irony or in complex idiomatic ways.

At the C2 level, you have a complete mastery of the verb and all its cultural, historical, and linguistic nuances. You can use it to write persuasive essays, official government declarations, or poetic prose. You understand the deepest philosophical implications of 'Pāk' in Persian thought—from Zoroastrian concepts of purity to Sufi mysticism. You can effortlessly switch between the most colloquial forms and the most formal, archaic versions. You can also identify and correct subtle misuses of the verb in others' speech or writing, and you can use it to create nuanced puns or double meanings in sophisticated conversation.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

پاک نگه داشتن in 30 Seconds

A compound verb used to describe the ongoing maintenance of cleanliness in physical, environmental, or spiritual contexts.
Combines the adjective 'Pāk' (clean) with the auxiliary 'negah dāshtan' (to keep/guard).
Essential for discussing environmental protection, personal hygiene, and moral integrity in Persian.
Commonly seen in public service announcements and educational settings throughout the Persian-speaking world.

The Persian compound verb پاک نگه داشتن (Pāk negah dāshtan) is a fundamental expression used to describe the act of maintaining cleanliness, hygiene, or purity. At its core, it is composed of the adjective پاک (clean/pure) and the auxiliary verb نگه داشتن (to keep/maintain). This verb is versatile, spanning from the physical act of tidying a room to the abstract concept of keeping one's thoughts or soul pure. In everyday life, you will encounter this phrase in public service announcements, environmental campaigns, and household instructions. It implies a continuous effort rather than a one-time cleaning action. When you clean a room, you use تمیز کردن, but when you ensure it stays clean over time, you use پاک نگه داشتن.

Physical Environment: Used when discussing the maintenance of parks, streets, and homes. It often appears in the imperative form on signs: شهر ما، خانه ما؛ آن را پاک نگه داریم (Our city, our home; let's keep it clean).
Personal Hygiene: Refers to keeping parts of the body, such as hands or teeth, clean to prevent illness.
Spiritual Purity: In mystical and religious contexts, it refers to keeping the heart (دل) or soul (روح) free from sin or negative thoughts.

ما باید برای نسل‌های آینده، محیط زیست را پاک نگه داریم.
Translation: We must keep the environment clean for future generations.

The verb is conjugated by changing the ending of داشتن. For example, in the present continuous, one would say دارم پاک نگه می‌دارم (I am keeping [it] clean). Because it is a compound verb, the 'Pāk' part remains stationary while the 'negah dāshtan' part carries the grammatical weight. This distinction is crucial for B1 learners who are transitioning from simple verbs to complex, multi-part Persian predicates. Understanding the nuance between 'making clean' and 'keeping clean' allows for more precise communication.

Furthermore, in professional settings, such as healthcare or food services, this verb is used to describe maintaining sterile conditions. A surgeon might talk about پاک نگه داشتن محیط جراحی (keeping the surgical environment sterile). This highlights the word's range from mundane housework to high-stakes professional requirements. The word 'Pāk' itself is an ancient Persian word that has survived with its meaning largely intact for over a millennium, appearing frequently in the poetry of Rumi and Hafez to describe the 'pure heart'. By mastering this verb, you are not just learning a way to say 'keep clean', but tapping into a deep-seated Iranian value of order and clarity.

Using پاک نگه داشتن correctly requires an understanding of Persian compound verb conjugation. The root verb is داشتن (to have), but when paired with نگه (a shortened form of نگاه, meaning look or guard), it transforms into 'to keep'. When you add پاک, the full meaning becomes 'to maintain in a state of cleanliness'.

Present Tense: To say 'I keep the kitchen clean', you say: من آشپزخانه را پاک نگه می‌دارم. Note the prefix 'mi-' attached to 'dāram'.
Past Tense: 'They kept the park clean' becomes آن‌ها پارک را پاک نگه داشتند. The stem 'dāsht' is used for the past.
Subjunctive (Requests/Wishes): 'You should keep your room clean': تو باید اتاقت را پاک نگه داری. Here, 'dāri' is the subjunctive form.

لطفاً پس از پیک‌نیک، طبیعت را پاک نگه دارید.
Translation: Please keep nature clean after the picnic.

One interesting grammatical feature is the placement of the object. In Persian, the object usually comes before the verb and is often followed by the particle rā (را) if it is definite. For example, 'The sea' (daryā) becomes دریا را پاک نگه دارید. If you are speaking generally about 'keeping clean', you might omit the object, but usually, this verb requires a target. In more formal or literary contexts, you might see پاکیزه نگاه داشتن (Pākizeh negāh dāshtan), which is a more formal synonym. However, in modern Iranian Persian, 'Pāk negah dāshtan' is the standard for both spoken and written communication at the B1 level.

When using this verb with body parts, it is often reflexive. 'Keep your hands clean' is دست‌هایت را پاک نگه دار. In an educational context, a teacher might say to students, دفترهایتان را پاک نگه دارید (Keep your notebooks clean/neat). This implies not just lack of dirt, but also a sense of order and care. The verb is highly productive and can be used with almost any noun that can be 'clean'—from a hard drive (هارد دیسک) to a reputation (آبرو).

You will encounter پاک نگه داشتن in various real-world scenarios in Iran and Persian-speaking communities. Its presence ranges from official government signs to intimate family conversations. Understanding these contexts helps in grasping the social weight of the phrase.

Public Spaces and Signage: In Tehran's metro or public parks, you will see signs like در پاک نگه داشتن شهر کوشا باشیم (Let's be diligent in keeping the city clean). This is the most common formal usage.
Media and Documentaries: Environmental documentaries on IRIB (Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting) frequently use this phrase when discussing the Caspian Sea or the Zagros forests. It carries a tone of civic responsibility.
School and Education: Teachers use it to instill habits in children. 'Keep the classroom clean' (کلاس را پاک نگه دارید) is a sentence every Iranian student has heard since first grade.

وظیفه هر شهروند است که هوای شهر را پاک نگه دارد.
Translation: It is the duty of every citizen to keep the city's air clean.

In a domestic setting, a parent might tell a child who just finished cleaning their room: حالا سعی کن همیشه همین‌طور پاک نگهش داری (Now try to always keep it clean like this). Note the use of the suffix '-ash' (it) attached to the verb in colloquial speech. This transition from formal signs to informal parenting shows the verb's versatility. In religious sermons, you might hear about پاک نگه داشتن روح از آلودگی‌های دنیا (keeping the soul clean from the pollutions of the world), where the 'pollution' is metaphorical. This variety of usage makes it a high-frequency verb for intermediate learners.

Another place you'll hear it is in the context of sports and competition. A coach might tell a goalkeeper to دروازه را پاک نگه دارد (keep the goal clean), which is the Persian equivalent of 'keeping a clean sheet'. While 'Clean Sheet' is an English idiom, the concept of keeping the goal 'Pāk' is understood in the same way. This demonstrates how the verb adapts to specialized domains like sports, maintaining its core meaning of 'maintenance of a pristine state'.

Learning پاک نگه داشتن involves navigating several common pitfalls that English speakers often encounter. These range from literal translation errors to incorrect verb conjugation.

Confusing 'Clean' with 'Cleanse': Mistaking تمیز کردن (Tamiz kardan) for پاک نگه داشتن. Remember: 'Tamiz kardan' is the action of cleaning (removing dirt), while 'Pāk negah dāshtan' is the ongoing maintenance. You cannot 'keep clean' something that hasn't been 'cleaned' yet.
Incorrect Auxiliary Verb: Using کردن (kardan) instead of داشتن (dāshtan). Saying پاک نگه کردن is a common error; it is grammatically incorrect because 'negah' requires 'dāshtan' to mean 'to keep'.
Object Marker Omission: Forgetting the rā (را) after a specific object. 'Keep the room clean' must be اتاق را پاک نگه دارید, not just اتاق پاک نگه دارید.

Incorrect: من سعی می‌کنم اتاقم را پاک کنم همیشه.
Correct: من سعی می‌کنم اتاقم را همیشه پاک نگه دارم.

Another subtle mistake is the register. While پاک is very common, using تمیز نگه داشتن (Tamiz negah dāshtan) is also correct and often more common in casual conversation. Beginners sometimes stick too rigidly to one version. However, 'Pāk' carries a more 'pure' and 'official' connotation. In writing, 'Pāk' is preferred for environmental topics, whereas 'Tamiz' is used for laundry or dishes. Misusing the word 'Pāk' in a spiritual context (like 'keep your soul clean') by using 'Tamiz' would sound very strange and overly literal to a native speaker.

Lastly, learners often forget that 'negah' can be written as 'negāh' in more formal contexts. In B1 level writing, it's better to use 'negah' for a more natural feel, but 'negāh' is not wrong—it just sounds more like poetry or a formal speech. Over-formalizing your speech can sometimes make you harder to understand in a casual setting, so aim for the 'negah' version in daily life.

Persian is rich with synonyms and related terms for cleanliness and maintenance. Depending on the context—whether you are talking about a hospital, a mosque, or a computer—you might choose a different verb.

تمیز نگه داشتن (Tamiz negah dāshtan): The most direct synonym. Tamiz is the standard word for 'clean' in everyday life. Use this for clothes, dishes, and rooms. It lacks the 'purity' nuance of Pāk.
پاکیزه نگه داشتن (Pākizeh negah dāshtan): A more literary and formal version. You will find this in books, formal speeches, and high-end journalism. It sounds very elegant.
حفظ کردن نظافت (Hefz kardan-e nezāfat): Literally 'to preserve cleanliness'. This is a highly formal, administrative phrase. You might see it in a contract or a building's rules and regulations.
ضدعفونی کردن (Zedd-e o'funi kardan): Meaning 'to disinfect'. While Pāk negah dāshtan is general, this is specific to medical or sanitary cleanliness.

Comparison:
1. اتاق را تمیز نگه دار (Keep the room clean - casual)
2. محیط زیست را پاک نگه داریم (Let's keep the environment clean - formal/moral)

When choosing between Pāk and Tamiz, think about the essence of the object. Is it something that can be 'pure' (like water, air, or the heart)? Use Pāk. Is it something that just gets dirty with dust or grime (like a table or a car)? Use Tamiz. However, in modern Persian, these are often used interchangeably, and using Pāk for a room is perfectly acceptable and sounds slightly more 'proper'. Another alternative is مراقب نظافت بودن (to be careful of cleanliness), which focuses more on the person's behavior than the state of the object.

In some contexts, سالم نگه داشتن (Sālem negah dāshtan - keeping healthy/intact) might be an alternative if the goal of cleaning is to maintain health. For example, پاک نگه داشتن بدن (keeping the body clean) and سالم نگه داشتن بدن (keeping the body healthy) are closely related in Persian health discourse. Understanding these overlaps helps you sound more like a native speaker who can choose the right word for the right situation.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The word 'Pāk' is the root for the name of the country 'Pakistan', which means 'Land of the Pure'.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /pɑːk ne.ɡæh dɒːs.tæn/

US /pɑk nɛ.ɡæh dɑʃ.tæn/

Primary stress is on the first syllable of the final word: 'DĀSH-tan'. Secondary stress on 'PĀK'.

Rhymes With

خاک داشتن (Khāk dāshtan) پاک بودن (Pāk budan) نگاه داشتن (Negāh dāshtan) یاد داشتن (Yād dāshtan) پاس داشتن (Pās dāshtan) باز داشتن (Bāz dāshtan) نیاز داشتن (Niyāz dāshtan) آواز داشتن (Āvāz dāshtan)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'Pāk' like 'pack' (should be 'pahk').
Omitting the 'h' in 'negah'.
Stress on the 'mi-' prefix in present tense (stress should be on the root).
Merging 'negah' and 'dāshtan' into one word without a slight pause.
Pronouncing 'dāshtan' with a short 'a' like 'dash'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to recognize in texts once the compound parts are known.

Writing 4/5

Requires correct placement of 'mi-' and 'rā'.

Speaking 4/5

Conjugating 'dāshtan' quickly in conversation can be tricky for B1.

Listening 3/5

Common in public announcements; usually clearly articulated.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

پاک (Clean) نگاه (Look) داشتن (To have) تمیز (Clean) کردن (To do)

Learn Next

آلودگی (Pollution) محیط زیست (Environment) بهداشت (Hygiene) حفاظت (Protection) رعایت کردن (To observe/comply)

Advanced

تزکیه (Purification of soul) استریل کردن (Sterilizing) پالایش (Refining) منزه (Exalted/Pure) طهارت (Ritual purity)

Grammar to Know

Compound Verbs with 'Dāshtan'

In the present tense, 'dāshtan' takes 'mi-' but often drops it in very casual speech, though 'Pāk negah mi-dāram' is standard.

The Particle 'Rā'

Specific objects like 'In otāq' (This room) require 'rā': 'In otāq rā pāk negah dār'.

Subjunctive Mood

After 'bāyad' (must), use the subjunctive: 'Bāyad pāk negah dārim'.

Imperative Formation

The imperative of 'dāshtan' is 'dār'. Thus: 'Pāk negah dār'.

Word Order

The adjective 'Pāk' and 'negah' stay together before the conjugated 'dāshtan'.

Examples by Level

دست‌هایت را پاک نگه دار.

Keep your hands clean.

Imperative form of the verb.

اتاق را پاک نگه می‌دارم.

I keep the room clean.

Present tense, first person singular.

کتاب را پاک نگه دار.

Keep the book clean.

Simple object with 'rā'.

ما کلاس را پاک نگه می‌داریم.

We keep the classroom clean.

Present tense, first person plural.

آب را پاک نگه دارید.

Keep the water clean.

Imperative plural for a general command.

او لباسش را پاک نگه می‌دارد.

He keeps his clothes clean.

Present tense, third person singular.

میز را پاک نگه دار.

Keep the table clean.

Singular imperative.

آن‌ها خانه را پاک نگه می‌دارند.

They keep the house clean.

Present tense, third person plural.

دیروز اتاقم را پاک نگه داشتم.

Yesterday I kept my room clean.

Simple past tense.

باید محیط مدرسه را پاک نگه داریم.

We must keep the school environment clean.

Use of 'bāyad' (must) with subjunctive.

او همیشه کفش‌هایش را پاک نگه می‌دارد.

He always keeps his shoes clean.

Use of the adverb 'hamisheh' (always).

چرا پارک را پاک نگه نمی‌دارید؟

Why don't you keep the park clean?

Negative interrogative in present tense.

سعی کن دفترت را پاک نگه داری.

Try to keep your notebook clean.

Imperative 'sa'y kon' (try) with subjunctive.

آن‌ها سعی کردند شهر را پاک نگه دارند.

They tried to keep the city clean.

Past tense of 'try' with infinitive/subjunctive.

آیا می‌توانی آشپزخانه را پاک نگه داری؟

Can you keep the kitchen clean?

Modal 'mitavāni' (can) with subjunctive.

بچه‌ها باید دست‌هایشان را پاک نگه دارند.

Children must keep their hands clean.

Plural subject with 'bāyad'.

همه ما مسئول هستیم که طبیعت را پاک نگه داریم.

We are all responsible for keeping nature clean.

Complex sentence with 'mas'ul' (responsible).

پاک نگه داشتن هوای شهر کار دشواری است.

Keeping the city's air clean is a difficult task.

Gerund/Infinitive as a subject.

دولت باید برای پاک نگه داشتن دریاها تلاش کند.

The government must strive to keep the seas clean.

Formal sentence structure.

او با پاک نگه داشتن قلبش، به آرامش رسید.

By keeping his heart pure, he reached peace.

Metaphorical use of 'Pāk'.

در این بیمارستان، محیط را کاملاً پاک نگه می‌دارند.

In this hospital, they keep the environment completely clean/sterile.

Use of the adverb 'kāmelan' (completely).

اگر محیط زیست را پاک نگه داریم، سالم‌تر خواهیم بود.

If we keep the environment clean, we will be healthier.

Conditional sentence (Type 1).

او همیشه سعی می‌کند ظاهرش را پاک نگه دارد.

He always tries to keep his appearance clean/neat.

Use of 'zāher' (appearance).

پاک نگه داشتن دندان‌ها از پوسیدگی جلوگیری می‌کند.

Keeping teeth clean prevents decay.

Medical/Health context.

رعایت استانداردهای بهداشتی برای پاک نگه داشتن کارخانه ضروری است.

Observing hygiene standards is essential for keeping the factory clean.

Formal/Professional vocabulary.

او در طول دوران خدمتش، پرونده خود را پاک نگه داشت.

Throughout his service, he kept his record clean.

Idiomatic use for reputation/record.

تکنولوژی‌های جدید به پاک نگه داشتن اقیانوس‌ها کمک می‌کنند.

New technologies help in keeping the oceans clean.

Scientific/Modern context.

او بر اهمیت پاک نگه داشتن منابع آبی تأکید کرد.

He emphasized the importance of keeping water resources clean.

Reporting speech/Emphasis.

بسیاری از ادیان بر پاک نگه داشتن روح و جسم تأکید دارند.

Many religions emphasize keeping the soul and body pure.

Abstract/Spiritual context.

پاک نگه داشتن زبان از دروغ، نشانه ایمان است.

Keeping the tongue clean from lies is a sign of faith.

Moral/Ethical context.

شهرداری برنامه‌های جدیدی برای پاک نگه داشتن معابر عمومی دارد.

The municipality has new plans for keeping public thoroughfares clean.

Administrative context.

او با دقت فراوان، ابزارهای جراحی را پاک نگه می‌دارد.

With great care, he keeps the surgical tools clean/sterile.

Technical/Medical context.

حفاظت از تنوع زیستی مستلزم پاک نگه داشتن زیستگاه‌های طبیعی است.

Protecting biodiversity requires keeping natural habitats clean.

Advanced academic vocabulary ('mustalzem').

عارفان معتقدند که باید آینه دل را از غبار گناه پاک نگه داشت.

Mystics believe that the mirror of the heart must be kept clean from the dust of sin.

Literary/Sufi imagery.

پاک نگه داشتن فضای سیاسی از فساد، آرمان هر جامعه‌ای است.

Keeping the political space clean from corruption is the ideal of every society.

Abstract political discourse.

او در نوشته‌هایش بر ضرورت پاک نگه داشتن زبان فارسی از واژگان بیگانه اصرار داشت.

In his writings, he insisted on the necessity of keeping the Persian language clean from foreign words.

Linguistic purism context.

پاک نگه داشتن حافظه تاریخی ملت از تحریف، وظیفه مورخان است.

Keeping the nation's historical memory clean from distortion is the duty of historians.

Sophisticated metaphorical usage.

این پروژه با هدف پاک نگه داشتن هوای کلان‌شهرها طراحی شده است.

This project is designed with the goal of keeping the air of metropolises clean.

Passive construction and specific terminology.

پاک نگه داشتن نیت در انجام کارهای نیک، ارزش آن‌ها را دوچندان می‌کند.

Keeping one's intention pure when doing good deeds doubles their value.

Ethical/Philosophical context.

او با پاک نگه داشتن دامن خود از آلودگی‌های اخلاقی، الگوی همگان شد.

By keeping his 'skirt' (reputation) clean from moral pollutions, he became a model for everyone.

Classical idiom 'Pāk dāman'.

تجلی حقیقت در گرو پاک نگه داشتن ساحت اندیشه از پیش‌فرض‌های نادرست است.

The manifestation of truth depends on keeping the realm of thought clean from incorrect presuppositions.

High-level philosophical discourse.

پاک نگه داشتن حریم خصوصی در عصر دیجیتال، چالشی بنیادین است.

Keeping the private sphere clean/protected in the digital age is a fundamental challenge.

Modern sociopolitical context.

او در اشعارش، پاک نگه داشتن چشمه معرفت را شرط اول سلوک می‌داند.

In his poems, he considers keeping the spring of knowledge clean the first condition of the spiritual journey.

Deeply literary and mystical.

پاک نگه داشتن جریان نقد از حب و بغض‌های شخصی، به اعتلای ادبیات کمک می‌کند.

Keeping the flow of criticism clean from personal loves and hates helps in the elevation of literature.

Literary criticism terminology.

صیانت از میراث فرهنگی مستلزم پاک نگه داشتن محوطه‌های باستانی از دست‌اندازی‌های غیرمجاز است.

Safeguarding cultural heritage requires keeping ancient sites clean from unauthorized encroachments.

Legal/Heritage preservation context.

پاک نگه داشتن وجدان در تلاطم حوادث روزگار، هنری است بس دشوار.

Keeping the conscience clean in the turbulence of life's events is an exceedingly difficult art.

Existential/Poetic phrasing.

او بر لزوم پاک نگه داشتن فضای مجازی از اخبار جعلی و نفرت‌پراکنی تأکید ورزید.

He emphasized the necessity of keeping cyberspace clean from fake news and hate speech.

Advanced modern vocabulary.

پاک نگه داشتن ساحت علم از مطامع سیاسی، ضامن پیشرفت واقعی است.

Keeping the realm of science clean from political greed is the guarantor of real progress.

Scientific ethics context.

Common Collocations

محیط زیست را پاک نگه داشتن

هوا را پاک نگه داشتن

دل را پاک نگه داشتن

شهر را پاک نگه داشتن

آب را پاک نگه داشتن

دست‌ها را پاک نگه داشتن

خانه را پاک نگه داشتن

پرونده را پاک نگه داشتن

طبیعت را پاک نگه داشتن

دهان را پاک نگه داشتن

Common Phrases

پاک نگهش دار

— Keep it clean (colloquial). Used for any object being discussed.

این پیرهن نو است، پاک نگهش دار.

باید پاک نگه داریم

— We must keep [it] clean. A common collective call to action.

ما باید محله‌مان را پاک نگه داریم.

سعی در پاک نگه داشتن

— Attempting to keep clean. Often used in formal reports.

او سعی در پاک نگه داشتن نام خود داشت.

پاک نگه داشتن از آلودگی

— Keeping clean from pollution. Standard environmental phrase.

پاک نگه داشتن دریاچه‌ها از آلودگی ضروری است.

همیشه پاک نگه داشتن

— To always keep clean. Emphasizes habit.

او همیشه وسایلش را پاک نگه می‌دارد.

پاک نگه داشتن ساحت...

— Keeping the realm of ... pure. Highly formal.

پاک نگه داشتن ساحت دانشگاه از سیاست.

پاک نگه داشتن دامن

— Keeping one's reputation clean/chaste.

او همیشه دامن خود را پاک نگه داشت.

پاک نگه داشتن فضا

— Keeping the atmosphere/space clean (physical or social).

پاک نگه داشتن فضای بازی کودکان.

پاک نگه داشتن معابر

— Keeping walkways clean. Used by municipalities.

پاک نگه داشتن معابر در زمستان.

پاک نگه داشتن وجدان

— Keeping one's conscience clear.

پاک نگه داشتن وجدان در کار سخت است.

Often Confused With

پاک نگه داشتن vs پاک کردن

Means 'to clean' (the act), while our word means 'to keep clean' (the maintenance).

پاک نگه داشتن vs تمیز کردن

A common synonym for cleaning, but less formal/spiritual than 'Pāk'.

پاک نگه داشتن vs نگاه کردن

Means 'to look'. 'Negah dāshtan' is 'to keep/hold', though they share the root 'negāh'.

Idioms & Expressions

"دامن پاک نگه داشتن"

— To maintain one's chastity or moral integrity.

او در محیطی فاسد، دامن خود را پاک نگه داشت.

Literary

"حساب پاک نگه داشتن"

— To keep one's financial or moral accounts clean; to have nothing to hide.

آن که حسابش پاک است، از محاسبه چه باک است؟

Proverbial

"دروازه را پاک نگه داشتن"

— To keep a clean sheet (in soccer).

دروازه‌بان تیم ملی دروازه را پاک نگه داشت.

Sports

"نام پاک نگه داشتن"

— To protect one's good name or reputation.

پدرم همیشه نام خود را پاک نگه داشت.

Formal

"سفره را پاک نگه داشتن"

— To ensure the food provided is 'Halal' and earned honestly.

او همیشه سفره‌اش را پاک نگه می‌داشت.

Religious/Cultural

"آینه دل را پاک نگه داشتن"

— To keep the heart free from malice or sin.

عارفان بر پاک نگه داشتن آینه دل تأکید دارند.

Mystical

"پاک نگه داشتن دست از خون"

— To keep one's hands clean from blood (innocent of murder/harm).

او دست خود را از خون بیگناهان پاک نگه داشت.

Formal/Historic

"پاک نگه داشتن زبان"

— To refrain from swearing, lying, or gossip.

مؤمن باید زبان خود را پاک نگه دارد.

Moral

"پاک نگه داشتن قدم"

— To walk a righteous path; to stay out of trouble.

او همیشه سعی کرد قدم‌هایش را پاک نگه دارد.

Metaphorical

"پاک نگه داشتن چشم"

— To keep one's eyes from looking at forbidden things (modesty).

او چشم خود را از نگاه حرام پاک نگه داشت.

Religious

Easily Confused

پاک نگه داشتن vs پاکیزه

It looks similar to Pāk.

It is just a more formal version of the same adjective.

هوای پاکیزه vs هوای پاک.

پاک نگه داشتن vs نگهداری

Both involve the root 'keep'.

Negahdāri is a noun meaning 'maintenance' or 'custody', while 'negah dāshtan' is the verb.

نگهداری از محیط زیست.

پاک نگه داشتن vs پاک‌کن

Contains 'Pāk'.

It specifically means an eraser.

من یک پاک‌کن خریدم.

پاک نگه داشتن vs پاکت

Sounds like 'Pāk'.

It means 'envelope' or 'packet' (loanword).

پاکت نامه.

پاک نگه داشتن vs پاکسازی

Involves cleaning.

Usually refers to a large-scale 'purge' or 'clearing out' of a site or organization.

پاکسازی منطقه از زباله.

Sentence Patterns

[Object] را پاک نگه دار.

دستت را پاک نگه دار.

من همیشه [Object] را پاک نگه می‌دارم.

من همیشه اتاقم را پاک نگه می‌دارم.

ما باید برای [Purpose]، [Object] را پاک نگه داریم.

ما باید برای سلامتی، محیط را پاک نگه داریم.

پاک نگه داشتن [Noun] اهمیت زیادی دارد.

پاک نگه داشتن هوای شهر اهمیت زیادی دارد.

اگر [Object] را پاک نگه نداریم، [Consequence].

اگر دریا را پاک نگه نداریم، ماهی‌ها می‌میرند.

یکی از اصول [Field]، پاک نگه داشتن [Abstract Noun] است.

یکی از اصول اخلاق، پاک نگه داشتن نیت است.

[Person] بر ضرورت پاک نگه داشتن [Object] تأکید کرد.

او بر ضرورت پاک نگه داشتن زبان فارسی تأکید کرد.

پاک نگه داشتن ساحت [Noun] از [Negative Concept] الزامی است.

پاک نگه داشتن ساحت علم از سیاست الزامی است.

Word Family

Nouns

پاکیزگی (Cleanliness)

پاکی (Purity)

پاک‌کننده (Cleaner/Detergent)

نظافت (Hygiene)

Verbs

پاک کردن (To clean/erase)

پاک شدن (To become clean)

پاکیزه کردن (To make clean)

Adjectives

پاک (Clean/Pure)

پاکیزه (Tidy)

ناپاک (Impure)

پاک‌منش (Pure-natured)

نظافتچی (Cleaner - person)

بهداشت (Health/Hygiene)

طهارت (Ritual purity)

صاف (Clear/Smooth)

خالص (Pure/Unmixed)

How to Use It

frequency

High, especially in educational and environmental contexts.

Common Mistakes

پاک نگه کردن → پاک نگه داشتن
The verb 'kardan' is for 'doing', but 'keeping' requires 'dāshtan'.
من محیط زیست پاک نگه می‌دارم. → من محیط زیست را پاک نگه می‌دارم.
Missing the object marker 'rā' for a specific object.
پاک می‌نگه دارم → پاک نگه می‌دارم
The 'mi-' prefix is in the wrong place.
تمیز نگه داشتن روح → پاک نگه داشتن روح
While grammatically okay, 'Pāk' is much more appropriate for spiritual contexts.
پاک نگاه داشت → پاک نگه داشت
In modern spoken/standard Persian, 'negah' is preferred over 'negāh' unless it's formal poetry.

Tips

Prefix Placement

Remember that in compound verbs like this, the 'mi-' and 'be-' prefixes always attach to the final part: 'dāshtan'.

The 'Pāk' Concept

Iranians value 'Pāk' highly. Using this word shows you understand the cultural importance of purity beyond just 'not being dirty'.

Synonym Choice

Use 'Tamiz' for your room, but use 'Pāk' for the air, water, and your heart.

The Long Ā

Ensure the 'ā' in 'Pāk' and 'dāshtan' is long and deep, like the 'a' in 'father'.

Object Marker

Always check if your object needs 'rā'. 'The environment' (Mohit-e zist) almost always needs it.

Imperative

The command 'Pāk negah dār!' is very useful and sounds natural in many settings.

Public Announcements

If you hear 'shahr' and 'pāk', it's almost certainly an announcement about keeping the city clean.

Register

In B1 exams, using 'Pāk negah dāshtan' for environmental topics will score higher than 'Tamiz kardan'.

Mnemonic

Pāk = Pure. Negah = Watch. Dāshtan = Have. 'Have a watch over purity'.

Sports Context

Impress Persian football fans by using 'darvāze rā pāk negah dāshtan' for a clean sheet.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Pāk' as a 'Park'. You want to keep the 'Park' clean. 'Negah dāshtan' sounds like 'Negate Dust-ing' (if you keep it clean, you negate the need for heavy dusting later).

Visual Association

Imagine a bright green park with a sign that has a giant eye (Negah) watching over it to keep it clean (Pāk).

Word Web

Environment Hygiene Soul Nature City Health Order Purity

Challenge

Try to use 'Pāk negah dāshtan' in three different contexts today: once for your desk, once for your hands, and once for the environment.

Word Origin

The word 'Pāk' comes from Middle Persian 'pāk', derived from Old Persian '*puvaka-', related to the Sanskrit 'pavaka' (pure/fire). 'Negah' is from Middle Persian 'nikāh' (look/observation). 'Dāshtan' is from Old Persian 'dāray-', meaning to hold or possess.

Original meaning: The original sense of 'Pāk' was ritual and physical purity, while 'negah dāshtan' meant to keep something in one's sight or to guard it.

Indo-European (Indo-Iranian branch).

Cultural Context

Be careful when using 'Pāk' in religious contexts; ensure you understand the difference between 'Pāk' (clean) and 'Najis' (ritually impure).

In English, we often just say 'keep clean'. In Persian, 'Pāk' adds a layer of 'purity' that 'clean' sometimes lacks.

Saadi's Gulistan (references to pure conduct) Environmental signs in Tehran Metro Modern Iranian health campaigns

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Environmental Protection

جلوگیری از آلودگی
حفظ طبیعت
بازیافت زباله
هوای پاک

Personal Hygiene

شستن دست‌ها
مسواک زدن
حمام کردن
لباس تمیز

Household Chores

گردگیری کردن
جارو زدن
مرتب کردن
نظافت خانه

Spiritual Growth

پاکی دل
دوری از گناه
نیت خالص
آرامش روح

Public Rules

ریختن زباله ممنوع
رعایت نظافت
حقوق شهروندی
اموال عمومی

Conversation Starters

"چگونه می‌توانیم هوای شهرمان را پاک نگه داریم؟"

"آیا شما در خانه خود قوانین خاصی برای پاک نگه داشتن اتاق‌ها دارید؟"

"به نظر شما چرا پاک نگه داشتن محیط زیست برای نسل آینده مهم است؟"

"در فرهنگ شما، پاک نگه داشتن روح چه معنایی دارد؟"

"بهترین راه برای پاک نگه داشتن دریاها از پلاستیک چیست؟"

Journal Prompts

امروز چه کارهایی برای پاک نگه داشتن محیط اطرافم انجام دادم؟

تفاوت بین تمیز کردن و پاک نگه داشتن را با مثال‌هایی از زندگی خود بنویسید.

چرا پاک نگه داشتن ذهن از افکار منفی برای سلامتی مهم است؟

یک نامه به شهردار بنویسید و در مورد پاک نگه داشتن پارک‌های شهر پیشنهاد بدهید.

خاطره‌ای از زمانی که در یک فعالیت گروهی برای پاک نگه داشتن طبیعت شرکت کردید، بنویسید.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

'Pāk' often implies a deeper purity (spiritual, environmental, or ritual), whereas 'Tamiz' is used for everyday cleanliness like a clean shirt or a swept floor. In many cases, they are interchangeable, but 'Pāk' is more formal.

You use the future tense of 'dāshtan', which is 'khāham dāsht'. So: 'Pāk negah khāham dāsht' (I will keep clean).

Yes, you can say 'Pāk negah dāshtan-e fāyl-hā' to mean keeping your files organized and free of 'junk' or viruses.

'Negāh' is the full form and is more formal. In speech and standard writing, 'negah' is very common and perfectly correct.

It is 'Pāk negah mi-dāram'. The 'mi-' prefix always goes on the auxiliary verb 'dāshtan'.

You can use it for a person's reputation or heart, but not usually to say 'keep a person clean' in a physical sense unless they are a baby or patient.

Yes, it is understood and used in both Dari (Afghanistan) and Tajiki (Tajikistan), though Tajiki might use different auxiliary patterns occasionally.

The opposite is 'Nāpāk' (impure) or 'Kasif' (dirty).

You say: 'Biyāid shahr rā pāk negah dārim'.

No, for keeping a secret, you use 'Rāz rā negah dāshtan' or 'Rāzdāri kardan'.