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Vocabulary
رنج بردن

B2 verb 10 min read

رنج بردن

Q: How do I say 'I don't want you to suffer'?

You would say: 'نمیخواهم رنج ببری' (Nemikhaham ranj bebari).

ranj bordan

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips رنج بردن in 30 Seconds

Explanation رنج بردن in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to use 'رنج بردن' (ranj bordan) frequently, but it is good to recognize it. It means 'to suffer.' At this stage, you usually talk about simple feelings like 'I am sad' (Man ghamgin hastam) or 'I have a headache' (Sar-dard daram). However, 'ranj bordan' is a compound verb. Think of it like this: 'Ranj' is the noun for 'pain' or 'suffering,' and 'bordan' is the verb 'to take' or 'to carry.' So, you are 'carrying pain.' Even as a beginner, you can learn one simple sentence: 'من از سرما رنج می‌برم' (I suffer from the cold). This helps you practice the preposition 'az' (from), which always goes with this verb. Don't worry about the deep poetic meanings yet; just think of it as a very strong way to say you are feeling bad because of something specific like the weather or a small illness.

By A2, you are starting to build more complex sentences. 'رنج بردن' is useful when you want to talk about health or general problems. You should learn the present tense: 'رنج می‌برم' (I suffer), 'رنج می‌بری' (You suffer), 'رنج می‌برد' (He/She suffers). Notice how the 'mi' prefix attaches to 'bar'. You can use this verb to describe someone else's situation, which is a key skill at this level. For example, 'دوست من از کمردرد رنج می‌برد' (My friend suffers from back pain). This is more advanced than just saying 'his back hurts.' It shows you understand that the pain is a recurring problem for him. Remember to always use 'از' before the thing that causes the suffering. It's a great verb to use in a basic doctor's visit simulation or when talking about why someone is absent from class.

At the B1 level, you should be able to use 'رنج بردن' to discuss social issues and more abstract feelings. Instead of just physical pain, you can now talk about 'رنج بردن از تنهایی' (suffering from loneliness) or 'رنج بردن از بیکاری' (suffering from unemployment). You should also be comfortable with the past tense: 'رنج بردم' (I suffered). At this level, you start to see the difference between this verb and 'ناراحت بودن' (to be upset). 'Narahat' is a temporary feeling, but 'ranj bordan' is a deeper, more serious condition. You might hear this in news clips or read it in simple stories. Try to use it when writing short essays about problems in your city or the challenges of learning a new language. It adds a level of seriousness and maturity to your Persian speech that simpler verbs lack.

B2 is the 'sweet spot' for 'رنج بردن.' You are expected to understand the nuances of this verb compared to synonyms like 'عذاب کشیدن' (to be tormented) or 'درد کشیدن' (to feel physical pain). You should use 'ranj bordan' to discuss complex societal problems, such as 'رنج بردن از تبعیض' (suffering from discrimination) or 'رنج بردن از تورم' (suffering from inflation). You should also be familiar with its use in literature. For example, understanding why a poet would use 'ranj' instead of 'dard.' You should be able to conjugate it in all tenses, including the subjunctive ('باید رنج ببرد') and the perfect ('رنج برده است'). At this level, you are not just translating; you are choosing this word because you want to convey a sense of 'bearing a burden' or 'enduring a hardship' over a period of time. It is a key word for expressing empathy in formal discussions.

At the C1 level, you explore the philosophical and historical depths of 'رنج بردن.' You will encounter it in classical Persian literature, such as the works of Rumi or Hafez, where 'ranj' is often seen as a necessary part of the spiritual journey or the price of love. You should be able to use it in academic writing or high-level debate. For example, 'بشریت همواره از تضادهای درونی خود رنج برده است' (Humanity has always suffered from its internal contradictions). You should also understand the derivative words like 'رنجور' (ranjur - sickly/suffering) or 'رنج‌نامه' (ranj-nameh - a chronicle of suffering). At this stage, you should be able to distinguish between 'ranj bordan' (the experience) and 'رنج کشیدن' (often used interchangeably but sometimes implying a more active 'pulling' of the suffering). Your usage should be precise, reflecting the gravity and the specific type of hardship being discussed.

For C2 learners, 'رنج بردن' is a tool for masterful expression. You understand that this verb is not just about pain, but about the 'toil' that defines the human experience. You can discuss Ferdowsi’s 'Shahnameh' and his use of 'ranj' to describe his thirty-year labor to save the Persian language. You can engage in deep sociological or philosophical analysis of 'structural suffering' (رنج‌های ساختاری) in society. You are also aware of the rhythmic and phonetic qualities of the word in poetry. You can use it in highly formal speeches or sophisticated literary criticism. Your understanding extends to the cultural psyche of Iran, where 'ranj' is often romanticized or seen as a badge of honor for the resilient. You can effortlessly switch between 'ranj bordan,' 'زجر کشیدن,' and 'متحمل شدن' to create specific rhetorical effects, knowing exactly which word will resonate most deeply with a native audience's historical and cultural memory.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

رنج بردن in 30 Seconds

A compound verb meaning 'to suffer' or 'to endure pain.'
Used for chronic illnesses, emotional distress, and social issues.
Always paired with the preposition 'az' (from).
Carries a formal and serious tone in both speech and writing.

The Persian verb رنج بردن (ranj bordan) is a compound verb that translates literally to 'to carry suffering' or 'to bear pain.' In the landscape of the Persian language, this term occupies a significant space, bridging the gap between physical agony and profound existential or emotional distress. Unlike simpler terms for pain, such as 'dard,' which often refers to immediate physical sensation, ranj bordan implies a more prolonged, enduring, or deep-seated experience of hardship. It is a CEFR B2 level word because it requires an understanding of abstract suffering and the ability to describe complex human conditions.

Etymological Root: The word 'ranj' comes from Middle Persian 'ranj,' related to the idea of toil, trouble, and effort. When combined with 'bordan' (to carry/take), it paints a picture of a person walking through life while carrying a heavy burden of sorrow or difficulty.

In modern Persian, you will encounter this word in a variety of contexts. In medical discussions, it describes patients suffering from chronic illnesses. In social justice and political discourse, it describes populations suffering under oppression or poverty. In literature and philosophy—areas where Persian truly shines—it describes the inherent suffering of the human condition or the 'ranj' of unrequited love. It is a word that demands respect; using it suggests a level of empathy and depth in your vocabulary.

بسیاری از مردم در سراسر جهان از فقر رنج می‌برند.
Many people throughout the world suffer from poverty.

When you use this word, you are signaling that the pain is not just a temporary sting. It is a state of being. For instance, if you have a headache, you wouldn't typically say you are 'ranj bordan' unless it is a chronic, life-altering migraine. Instead, you use it for things that weigh on the soul or the long-term health of the body. It is also frequently used in the context of 'effort' in classical poetry, such as Ferdowsi's famous line about the effort he took to preserve the Persian language: 'بسی رنج بردم در این سال سی' (I suffered much/took much toil in these thirty years).

Emotional Nuance: It carries a sense of endurance. It is not an active outcry of pain (like 'faryad'), but a quiet, persistent carrying of one's lot in life.

او سال‌ها از تنهایی رنج برد اما هرگز شکایت نکرد.
He suffered from loneliness for years but never complained.

Understanding 'ranj bordan' is essential for anyone wishing to engage with Persian culture, as the concept of 'ranj' is central to Iranian mysticism (Sufism) and historical identity. It reflects the resilience of a culture that has faced many hardships but continues to 'carry' its identity forward. Whether you are reading a newspaper article about economic sanctions or a poem by Saadi, this verb will be your guide to understanding the depth of the experience being described.

Using رنج بردن correctly requires attention to its structure as a compound verb. The non-verbal part is 'رنج' (ranj) and the verbal part is 'بردن' (bordan). In modern Persian, when you conjugate it, the prefix 'می' (mi) and the personal endings attach to the 'bordan' part. For example, 'I suffer' is 'رنج می‌برم' (ranj mi-bar-am).

Grammatical Structure: [Subject] + [از (az)] + [Source of Suffering] + [Conjugated form of رنج بردن]

The most common mistake learners make is forgetting the preposition 'از'. In English, we say 'suffer from,' and in Persian, the logic is identical. If you want to say 'She suffers from anxiety,' you would say: 'او از اضطراب رنج می‌برد.' Without the 'از', the sentence feels incomplete and grammatically 'naked' to a native speaker.

آیا می‌دانستی که او از بیماری قند رنج می‌برد؟
Did you know that he suffers from diabetes?

In more formal or literary contexts, the verb can be used without a specific source to describe a general state of being in pain. For example, 'او در سکوت رنج می‌برد' (He suffers in silence). Here, 'در سکوت' (in silence) acts as an adverbial phrase modifying the verb. It is also important to note the past tense: 'رنج برد' (He suffered). Because 'bordan' is an irregular verb in the present stem (bar), learners must be careful to use 'mi-bar-am' rather than 'mi-bord-am' for the present continuous/habitual.

Another nuanced use involves the passive or causative-like structures, though 'ranj bordan' itself is active. If you want to say someone is 'being made to suffer,' you might use different verbs like 'عذاب دادن' (to torment), but 'ranj bordan' remains the standard for the internal experience of the sufferer. It is a very versatile verb that fits into academic papers about sociology just as easily as it fits into a heart-to-heart conversation between friends about mental health.

Tense Examples: Present: رنج می‌برم (I suffer). Past: رنج بردم (I suffered). Future: رنج خواهم برد (I will suffer). Perfect: رنج برده‌ام (I have suffered).

ما نباید اجازه دهیم کودکان از گرسنگی رنج ببرند.
We must not allow children to suffer from hunger.

You will encounter رنج بردن in several distinct domains of Iranian life. First and foremost is the news and media. Iranian news broadcasts frequently use this verb when reporting on international crises, economic hardships, or public health issues. Phrases like 'مردمی که از تحریم‌ها رنج می‌برند' (People who suffer from sanctions) are common headlines. It provides a formal, serious tone that conveys the gravity of the situation.

In the Doctor's Office: When a physician is discussing a patient's history or explaining a chronic condition to a family, they often use 'ranj bordan.' It sounds more professional and clinical than saying someone 'has a pain' (dard darad).

Second, you will hear it in literary and poetic circles. Iran is a land of poets, and 'ranj' is a central theme. In poetry nights (Shab-e She'r), you will hear recitations of Rumi, Hafez, or modern poets like Shamlou, where 'ranj' is used to describe the labor of love or the struggle for freedom. In this context, the word takes on a noble quality—the idea that suffering is a path to spiritual growth or artistic creation.

هنرمند واقعی کسی است که از دردهای جامعه رنج می‌برد.
A true artist is someone who suffers from the pains of society.

Third, it is prevalent in psychological and self-help contexts. As mental health awareness grows in Iran, you will hear therapists and podcasters using 'ranj bordan' to discuss depression (afsordegi), trauma (troma), and anxiety. It helps distinguish between a fleeting bad mood and a deep-seated psychological struggle. If you are listening to a Persian podcast about well-being, listen for the phrase 'رنج‌های درونی' (inner sufferings).

Finally, you will see it in history books and documentaries. Iran's long history is marked by periods of great turmoil, and historians use this verb to describe the resilience of the population during invasions, famines, or social shifts. It is a word that connects the modern Iranian to their ancestors, acknowledging a shared history of 'ranj' and the strength required to overcome it.

Cultural Archetype: The 'Ranj-kash' (one who pulls/bears suffering) is a common character type in Iranian folklore—the hardworking person who suffers for the sake of their family.

او تمام عمرش را برای رفاه ما رنج برد.
He suffered his whole life for our well-being.

While رنج بردن is a powerful verb, it is easy for non-native speakers to misuse it. The most frequent error is over-using it for minor inconveniences. For example, if your shoes are too tight, you wouldn't say 'من از کفش‌هایم رنج می‌برم' (I am suffering from my shoes). That sounds overly dramatic and almost poetic. Instead, you would say 'کفش‌هایم پایم را اذیت می‌کنند' (My shoes are bothering my feet).

Mistake #1: Wrong Preposition: Using 'با' (with) or 'در' (in) instead of 'از' (from). ❌ Incorrect: او با بیماری رنج می‌برد. ✅ Correct: او از بیماری رنج می‌برد.

Another common mistake is confusing it with 'رنجاندن' (ranjandan). While 'ranj bordan' is to suffer (intransitive-like), 'ranjandan' is to offend or cause someone else to suffer (transitive). If you say 'من او را رنج بردم,' it is grammatically nonsensical. You should say 'من او را رنجاندم' if you hurt his feelings. Remember: 'ranj bordan' is what you feel; 'ranjandan' is what you do to others.

❌ اشتباه: من از ترافیک رنج می‌برم.
✅ درست: ترافیک مرا کلافه می‌کند.
Traffic doesn't usually cause 'ranj' (deep suffering); it causes 'kalafegi' (frustration).

Learners also struggle with the connotation of 'bordan'. In English, 'to carry' (bordan) might imply you are taking the suffering somewhere. In Persian, it simply means you are experiencing it. Don't try to translate 'suffer' as 'dard keshidan' in every situation. While 'dard keshidan' is fine for physical pain (like a broken leg), 'ranj bordan' is the better choice for something systemic, like 'رنج بردن از تبعیض' (suffering from discrimination).

Lastly, be careful with word order in long sentences. Since 'ranj bordan' is a compound verb, other elements of the sentence (like adverbs of time) should usually come before the whole verb phrase. For example: 'او [همیشه] از این موضوع رنج می‌برد' (He [always] suffers from this matter). Placing 'always' between 'ranj' and 'mi-barad' is incorrect and breaks the verb unit.

Mistake #2: Confusion with 'Ranjidan': 'Ranjidan' means to be offended or have one's feelings hurt by a specific person or comment. It's more personal and immediate than the broad 'ranj bordan.'

❌ او از حرف من رنج برد.
✅ او از حرف من رنجید.
He was offended by my words (ranjid), he didn't enter a state of deep suffering (ranj bord).

Persian is rich with synonyms for suffering, each with its own flavor. Understanding the difference between رنج بردن and its alternatives will elevate your Persian from functional to expressive. The most common alternative is درد کشیدن (dard keshidan).

Ranj Bordan vs. Dard Keshidan

Ranj Bordan: Broad, emotional, social, or chronic. It’s a state of being. (e.g., suffering from injustice).

Dard Keshidan: Usually physical and acute. (e.g., suffering from a toothache).

Another powerful synonym is عذاب کشیدن (azab keshidan). 'Azab' means torment or torture. You use this when the suffering is intense, agonizing, and perhaps feels like a punishment. If someone is in a toxic relationship that is destroying them, they might say 'من دارم عذاب می‌کشم' (I am being tormented/suffering greatly). It is more visceral than 'ranj bordan.'

او از دوری فرزندش عذاب می‌کشد.
She suffers agonizingly (is tormented) by the distance from her child.

For the concept of 'toiling' or 'putting in hard effort,' use زحمت کشیدن (zahmat keshidan). While 'ranj' can sometimes mean toil (as in Ferdowsi's poetry), in modern conversation 'zahmat' is the standard word for the 'suffering' of hard work. If you spent all night cooking, you 'zahmat keshidi,' you didn't 'ranj bordi.'

Finally, there is زجر کشیدن (zajr keshidan). This is very close to 'azab keshidan' but often implies a slow, agonizing process, like a slow death or long-term abuse. It is a very heavy word. Choosing between these depends on the 'volume' of the pain you want to describe. 'Ranj bordan' is the baseline for serious suffering, while 'azab' and 'zajr' turn the volume up to maximum.

Comparison Summary

Ranj Bordan: The standard for chronic/social/deep pain.
Dard Keshidan: For physical 'ouch' pain.
Azab Keshidan: For intense mental/spiritual torture.
Zahmat Keshidan: For the 'pain' of hard work.

ما نباید بگذاریم هیچ انسانی از گرسنگی زجر بکشد.
We must not let any human suffer agonizingly from hunger.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"بسیاری از شهروندان از نوسانات اقتصادی رنج می‌برند."

Neutral

"او از کمردرد مزمن رنج می‌برد."

Informal

"بنده خدا خیلی داره رنج می‌بره از این وضعیت."

Child friendly

"گربه‌ی بیچاره از گرسنگی رنج می‌برد، بیا به او غذا بدهیم."

Slang

"داداش، داریم رنج می‌بریم از این همه بدبختی!"

Fun Fact

The famous Persian poet Ferdowsi used 'ranj bordan' to describe his 30-year struggle to write the Shahnameh. In this context, 'ranj' is seen as a noble sacrifice for a greater cause.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ɾændʒ boɾdæn/

US /rændʒ boɾdæn/

The stress in 'ranj bordan' falls on the first syllable of the verbal part: 'bor'. In the conjugated form 'mi-baram', the stress is on 'mi'.

Rhymes With

گنج (ganj) پنج (panj) برنج (berenj) سنج (sanj) شطرنج (shatranj) دنج (denj) آرنج (arenj) خلنج (khalanj)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'ranj' with a long 'a' like 'orange'. It should be short.
Flapping the 'r' too hard like an American 'd'.
Stressing the 'ranj' part instead of the verbal suffix.
Mispronouncing the 'j' as a 'zh' (like the 's' in 'measure').
Omitting the 'n' sound in 'ranj'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 6/5

The word is easy to recognize but appears in complex sentence structures in literature.

Writing 7/5

Requires correct use of the preposition 'az' and proper conjugation of the compound verb.

Speaking 6/5

Natural usage requires knowing when it's too dramatic vs. appropriate.

Listening 5/5

Clearly pronounced in news and media.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

درد بردن غم مریض سخت

Learn Next

عذاب کشیدن زجر کشیدن متحمل شدن رنجاندن صبر

Advanced

ملال مشقت تعب حرمان فغان

Grammar to Know

Compound Verb Conjugation

In 'ranj bordan', only 'bordan' conjugates: ranj mi-baram, ranj mi-bari, etc.

Preposition 'Az'

Always use 'az' to indicate the source: 'az faghre' (from poverty).

Subjunctive Mood

Use 'be-' prefix on the verb stem: 'nabayad ranj bebarad'.

Past Participle

The past participle is 'ranj borde', used in perfect tenses.

Negative form

The 'na' prefix attaches to the verbal part: 'ranj nemibarad'.

Examples by Level

من از سرما رنج می‌برم.

I suffer from the cold.

Simple present tense: Subject + az + noun + ranj mi-baram.

او از گرسنگی رنج می‌برد.

He suffers from hunger.

The verb 'bordan' changes to 'mi-barad' in the third person singular.

آیا تو از گرما رنج می‌بری؟

Do you suffer from the heat?

Question form using the 'mi-bari' ending for 'you'.

ما از این وضعیت رنج می‌بریم.

We suffer from this situation.

Plural 'we' ending: mi-barim.

آنها از سردرد رنج می‌برند.

They suffer from headaches.

Plural 'they' ending: mi-barand.

گربه از تنهایی رنج می‌برد.

The cat suffers from loneliness.

Animals can also be the subject of this verb.

من از دندان‌درد رنج می‌برم.

I suffer from a toothache.

Using a compound noun 'dandan-dard' (toothache) as the source.

او از خستگی رنج می‌برد.

She suffers from tiredness.

Abstract noun 'khastegi' (tiredness) used with 'az'.

بسیاری از حیوانات از خشکسالی رنج می‌برند.

Many animals suffer from drought.

A2 learners use 'basyari az' (many of) to start sentences.

او سال گذشته از بیماری سختی رنج برد.

He suffered from a difficult illness last year.

Simple past tense: 'ranj bord'.

چرا از این موضوع رنج می‌بری؟

Why do you suffer from this matter?

Using 'chera' (why) with the verb.

مادربزرگم از زانودرد رنج می‌برد.

My grandmother suffers from knee pain.

Common use for chronic elderly health issues.

کودکان نباید از بی‌آبی رنج ببرند.

Children should not suffer from lack of water.

Negative subjunctive: 'nabayad... ranj bebarand'.

من هرگز از تنهایی رنج نبرده‌ام.

I have never suffered from loneliness.

Present perfect negative: 'ranj naborde-am'.

این گیاه از کمبود نور رنج می‌برد.

This plant is suffering from lack of light.

Extending the verb to inanimate objects like plants.

او از اضطراب در امتحان رنج می‌برد.

He suffers from anxiety during exams.

Specifying the context of suffering with 'dar' (in).

مردم این منطقه از فقر شدید رنج می‌برند.

The people of this region suffer from extreme poverty.

Using 'shadid' (extreme) to qualify the suffering.

او از اینکه نمی‌تواند فارسی حرف بزند رنج می‌برد.

He suffers from the fact that he cannot speak Persian.

Using 'az inke' (from the fact that) to introduce a clause.

بسیاری از سالمندان از انزوای اجتماعی رنج می‌برند.

Many elderly people suffer from social isolation.

B1 level vocabulary: 'enzovaye ejtemayi' (social isolation).

کشور از تورم بالا رنج می‌برد.

The country suffers from high inflation.

Economic context, very common in news.

او همیشه از مقایسه خود با دیگران رنج می‌برد.

He always suffers from comparing himself to others.

Using a gerund-like structure 'moghayese-ye khod' (comparing oneself).

آیا تا به حال از تبعیض رنج برده‌اید؟

Have you ever suffered from discrimination?

Present perfect for life experiences: 'ranj borde-id'.

او از یک بیماری نادر رنج می‌برد که پزشکان نمی‌شناسند.

He suffers from a rare disease that doctors don't recognize.

Relative clause: 'ke pezeshkan nemishenasand'.

ما از تماشای رنج دیگران رنج می‌بریم.

We suffer from watching the suffering of others.

Using 'ranj' as a noun and 'ranj bordan' as a verb in the same sentence.

اقتصاد جهانی از عدم ثبات سیاسی رنج می‌برد.

The global economy suffers from political instability.

Abstract political vocabulary: 'adam-e sabat' (instability).

نویسنده در کتابش از دردهای بشریت رنج می‌برد.

The author suffers from the pains of humanity in his book.

Literary context: the author 'bears' the pain of the world.

او از فقدان اعتماد به نفس در محیط کار رنج می‌برد.

She suffers from a lack of self-confidence in the workplace.

Psychological nuance: 'faghdan-e etemad be nafs'.

بیماران سرطانی نه تنها از بیماری، بلکه از هزینه‌ها نیز رنج می‌برند.

Cancer patients suffer not only from the disease but also from the costs.

Correlative conjunction: 'na tanha... balke... niz'.

جامعه از شکاف طبقاتی عمیقی رنج می‌برد.

The society suffers from a deep class divide.

Sociological term: 'shekaf-e tabaghati'.

او سال‌ها از این راز مگو رنج برده بود.

He had suffered from this untold secret for years.

Past perfect: 'ranj borde bud'.

محیط زیست از آلودگی‌های صنعتی رنج می‌برد.

The environment suffers from industrial pollution.

Environmental context: 'aludegi-haye san'ati'.

او از اینکه نمی‌تواند به وطنش بازگردد رنج می‌برد.

He suffers from not being able to return to his homeland.

Complex clause with 'az inke'.

بسی رنج بردم در این سال سی، عجم زنده کردم بدین پارسی.

I toiled much in these thirty years; I revived the Persians with this Persian (language).

Classical usage by Ferdowsi; 'ranj bordan' here means 'to take great pains/toil'.

روشنفکران همواره از شکاف میان آرمان و واقعیت رنج می‌برند.

Intellectuals always suffer from the gap between ideal and reality.

C1 abstract concepts: 'arman' (ideal) and 'vaghe'iyat' (reality).

او از یک نوع ملال فلسفی رنج می‌برد که درمان‌ناپذیر است.

He suffers from a type of philosophical boredom/ennui that is incurable.

Advanced vocabulary: 'malal-e falsafi' (philosophical ennui).

بشریت از فقدان اخلاق در عصر تکنولوژی رنج می‌برد.

Humanity suffers from a lack of ethics in the age of technology.

Broad humanistic claim.

او از تضادهای درونی شخصیت خود رنج می‌برد و مدام با خود در جنگ است.

He suffers from the internal contradictions of his personality and is constantly at war with himself.

Introspective psychological analysis.

هنر معاصر از نوعی بی‌معنایی عمدی رنج می‌برد.

Contemporary art suffers from a kind of intentional meaninglessness.

Critique using 'ranj bordan' for abstract concepts.

بسیاری از پناهندگان از تروماهای روانی رنج می‌برند.

Many refugees suffer from psychological traumas.

Loanword 'troma' (trauma) used in modern Persian.

او از این رنج می‌برد که هیچ‌کس عمق فاجعه را درک نمی‌کند.

He suffers from the fact that no one understands the depth of the tragedy.

Using 'ranj' as the object of the suffering itself.

ساختار سیاسی کشور از تصلب شرایین اداری رنج می‌برد.

The country's political structure suffers from administrative 'hardening of the arteries' (clogged bureaucracy).

Metaphorical use of medical terms: 'tasallob-e sharayin' (arteriosclerosis).

او از نوعی اگزیستانسیالیسم رنج‌آور در تمام آثارش پرده می‌بردارد.

He unveils a kind of painful existentialism in all his works.

Using the adjective 'ranj-avar' (pain-bringing) derived from the root.

زبان فارسی از هجوم واژگان بیگانه رنج می‌برد و نیازمند پالایش است.

The Persian language suffers from the invasion of foreign words and needs purification.

Linguistic discourse: 'hojum-e vazhegan-e biganeh'.

او از پارادوکس آزادی در جوامع مدرن رنج می‌برد.

He suffers from the paradox of freedom in modern societies.

Philosophical concept: 'paradoks-e azadi'.

نظام آموزشی از فقدان خلاقیت و تکیه بر حافظه رنج می‌برد.

The educational system suffers from a lack of creativity and reliance on rote memorization.

Institutional critique.

او از رنجی که در چشمان کودکان جنگ‌زده می‌دید، به ستوه آمده بود.

He was overwhelmed by the suffering he saw in the eyes of war-torn children.

Using 'ranj' as a noun within a complex sentence structure.

جهان از توزیع ناعادلانه ثروت رنج می‌برد که منجر به ناآرامی می‌شود.

The world suffers from the unjust distribution of wealth, which leads to unrest.

Global socio-economic analysis.

او از این رنج می‌برد که میراث فرهنگی کشور در حال نابودی است.

He suffers from the fact that the country's cultural heritage is being destroyed.

Cultural preservation context.

Common Collocations

رنج بردن از بیماری

رنج بردن از تنهایی

رنج بردن از فقر

رنج بردن از تبعیض

رنج بردن از بی‌خوابی

رنج بردن از اضطراب

رنج بردن از تورم

رنج بردن در سکوت

رنج بردن از کمبود

رنج بردن از خاطرات

Common Phrases

از صمیم قلب رنج بردن

— To suffer from the bottom of one's heart.

او از صمیم قلب از این اتفاق رنج می‌برد.

رنج بردن و لبخند زدن

— To suffer and smile (to hide one's pain).

او همیشه رنج می‌برد و لبخند می‌زد.

بی‌دلیل رنج بردن

— To suffer for no reason.

او بی‌دلیل از این موضوع رنج می‌برد.

رنج بردن از جهل

— To suffer from ignorance.

جامعه از جهل رنج می‌برد.

رنج بردن برای دیگران

— To suffer for the sake of others.

مادران برای فرزندانشان رنج می‌برند.

رنج بردن از شکست

— To suffer from failure.

او از شکست در مسابقه رنج می‌برد.

رنج بردن از پیری

— To suffer from old age.

او از ناتوانی‌های پیری رنج می‌برد.

رنج بردن از دوری

— To suffer from distance/separation.

عاشق از دوری معشوق رنج می‌برد.

رنج بردن از بی‌عدالتی

— To suffer from injustice.

او در تمام عمر از بی‌عدالتی رنج برد.

رنج بردن از افکار

— To suffer from (one's own) thoughts.

او از افکار منفی خود رنج می‌برد.

Often Confused With

رنج بردن vs درد کشیدن

Dard keshidan is for physical pain; ranj bordan is for chronic or emotional suffering.

رنج بردن vs رنجیدن

Ranjidan means to be offended by someone; ranj bordan is a general state of suffering.

رنج بردن vs ناراحت شدن

Narahat shodan is to become upset (temporary); ranj bordan is a long-term state.

Idioms & Expressions

"رنج گنج است"

— Suffering is a treasure (hardship leads to growth).

ناامید نشو، رنج گنج است.

Literary/Proverb

"نابرده رنج، گنج میسر نمی‌شود"

— No pain, no gain. (Without suffering, treasure is not obtained).

درس بخوان، چون نابرده رنج گنج میسر نمی‌شود.

Proverb

"رنج خود و راحت یاران"

— Suffering oneself for the comfort of friends.

او همیشه رنج خود و راحت یاران را می‌خواست.

Literary

"رنجیده خاطر شدن"

— To have one's feelings hurt or be offended (related root).

او از حرف من رنجیده خاطر شد.

Formal

"رنج و تعب"

— Toil and trouble (often used together).

او با رنج و تعب فراوان به اینجا رسید.

Formal

"به رنج افکندن"

— To throw someone into suffering/difficulty.

او مرا به رنج افکند.

Literary

"رنج بیهوده"

— Useless suffering/toil.

این کار فقط رنج بیهوده است.

Neutral

"رنج‌کش دوران"

— One who has suffered much in their time.

او یک رنج‌کش دوران است.

Literary

"دنیای پررنج"

— A world full of suffering.

ما در دنیای پررنجی زندگی می‌کنیم.

Poetic

"رنج مایه کمال است"

— Suffering is the source of perfection/maturity.

عارفان معتقدند رنج مایه کمال است.

Philosophical

Easily Confused

رنج بردن vs رنجاندن

Similar root.

Ranjandan is transitive (to hurt someone else); Ranj bordan is the experience of suffering.

او مرا رنجاند (He hurt my feelings) vs. من رنج می‌برم (I am suffering).

رنج بردن vs زحمت کشیدن

Both imply difficulty.

Zahmat keshidan is for hard work/effort; Ranj bordan is for pain/hardship.

او برای این پروژه زحمت کشید.

رنج بردن vs اذیت کردن

Both involve discomfort.

Aziyat kardan is to annoy or harass; Ranj bordan is the internal feeling of suffering.

پشه مرا اذیت می‌کند.

رنج بردن vs عذاب دادن

Both relate to pain.

Azab dadan is to torture/torment someone; Ranj bordan is to suffer.

او را عذاب نده.

رنج بردن vs تحمل کردن

Both involve enduring.

Tahamol kardan is to tolerate/put up with something; Ranj bordan is the actual feeling of pain.

من این وضعیت را تحمل می‌کنم.

Sentence Patterns

من از [Noun] رنج می‌برم.

من از سرما رنج می‌برم.

او از [Noun] رنج برد.

او از بیماری رنج برد.

خیلی‌ها از [Abstract Noun] رنج می‌برند.

خیلی‌ها از تنهایی رنج می‌برند.

جامعه از [Social Issue] رنج می‌برد.

جامعه از تورم رنج می‌برد.

بشریت از [Philosophical Concept] رنج می‌برد.

بشریت از فقدان معنا رنج می‌برد.

[System] از [Metaphorical Issue] رنج می‌برد.

اقتصاد از فساد ساختاری رنج می‌برد.

او از اینکه [Sentence] رنج می‌برد.

او از اینکه تنهاست رنج می‌برد.

نباید اجازه داد کسی از [Noun] رنج ببرد.

نباید اجازه داد کسی از گرسنگی رنج ببرد.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Common in news, literature, and medical contexts. Less common in casual 'small talk'.

Common Mistakes

او با تنهایی رنج می‌برد. → او از تنهایی رنج می‌برد.
The verb requires 'az' (from), not 'ba' (with).
من او را رنج بردم. → من او را رنجاندم.
To cause someone else to suffer, use the transitive 'ranjandan'.
من رنج می‌بردم از سردرد. → من از سردرد رنج می‌برم.
Confusing past and present stems. 'Bord' is past, 'Bar' is present.
او رنج می‌برد برای ناهار دیر شده. → او از اینکه ناهار دیر شده ناراحت است.
Being upset about a late lunch is not 'ranj'; it's just being 'narahat'.
رنج بردن از ترافیک. → کلافه شدن از ترافیک.
'Ranj' is too heavy for traffic; 'kalafegi' (frustration) is more appropriate.

Tips

Check the Preposition

Always double-check that you used 'az' (از). It's the bridge between the sufferer and the cause.

Scale of Pain

Use 'dard' for physical, 'ranj' for chronic/deep, and 'azab' for torment. Choose your level carefully.

The Ferdowsi Connection

Remember Ferdowsi's 'Basi ranj bordam'. It will help you remember the verb and gain respect from Iranians.

Avoid Drama

Don't use it for small things like a broken pencil or a late bus. Keep it for the big stuff.

Compound Verb Logic

Remember that 'ranj' stays the same, and only 'bordan' changes its form and tense.

News Keywords

When you hear 'ranj mibarand' on the news, the words right before it are usually the problem (e.g., 'az faghre').

Burden Mnemonic

Associate 'Bordan' with 'Burden'. You are carrying the burden of suffering.

Ranj vs. Ranjesh

'Ranj' is suffering; 'Ranjesh' is the feeling of being annoyed or offended by someone.

Poetic Flair

In poetry, 'ranj' can be positive (the toil of a lover). In news, it's always negative.

Daily Observation

Look at a news headline in Persian today and see if you can spot 'رنج بردن'.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Ranj' as 'Range'. When you suffer, you experience a wide 'range' of bad emotions. And 'Bordan' is 'to carry' (like a burden). So, you are carrying a range of burdens.

Visual Association

Imagine a person carrying a heavy, jagged rock labeled 'RANJ' on their back while walking uphill. The rock represents the suffering they 'carry' (bordan).

Word Web

Sorrow Burden Endurance Chronic Empathy Hardship Toil Resilience

Challenge

Try to write three sentences about a global issue (like climate change or poverty) using 'ranj bordan' and the preposition 'az'.

Word Origin

The word 'ranj' is of Indo-European origin, tracing back to the Middle Persian (Pahlavi) word 'ranj' which meant toil, trouble, or effort. It is cognate with words in other Indo-Iranian languages referring to hard work and the physical toll it takes.

Original meaning: Originally, it focused more on the 'effort' and 'fatigue' resulting from hard physical labor rather than just abstract emotional pain.

Indo-European -> Indo-Iranian -> Iranian -> West Iranian -> Persian.

Cultural Context

Be empathetic when using this word. It acknowledges someone's deep pain, so use a soft tone of voice.

In English, 'suffer' can be used lightly ('I'm suffering through this boring movie'), but in Persian, 'ranj bordan' is usually reserved for more serious matters. Using it for a movie would sound very dramatic.

Ferdowsi's Shahnameh: 'Basi ranj bordam dar in sal-e si...' The concept of 'Ranj-e Moghaddas' (Holy Suffering) in modern Iranian literature. Sadegh Hedayat's works, which often explore deep existential 'ranj'.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Medical / Health

رنج بردن از بیماری قلبی
رنج بردن از درد مزمن
رنج بردن از بی‌خوابی
رنج بردن از عوارض جانبی

Social / Political

رنج بردن از فقر
رنج بردن از تبعیض جنسیتی
رنج بردن از بی‌عدالتی
رنج بردن از جنگ

Psychological / Emotional

رنج بردن از تنهایی
رنج بردن از افسردگی
رنج بردن از اضطراب
رنج بردن از کمبود محبت

Literary / Poetic

رنج بردن در راه عشق
رنج بردن برای کمال
رنج بردن از فراق
رنج بردن از جور زمانه

Economic

رنج بردن از تورم
رنج بردن از بیکاری
رنج بردن از تحریم‌ها
رنج بردن از بدهی

Conversation Starters

"آیا فکر می‌کنی مردم امروز بیشتر از تنهایی رنج می‌برند؟"

"چگونه می‌توان به کسانی که از فقر رنج می‌برند کمک کرد؟"

"آیا تا به حال از یک بیماری طولانی رنج برده‌ای؟"

"به نظر تو هنرمندان بیشتر از دیگران رنج می‌برند؟"

"در کشور تو، مردم بیشتر از چه مشکلاتی رنج می‌برند؟"

Journal Prompts

درباره زمانی بنویس که از یک مشکل بزرگ رنج می‌بردی و چگونه آن را حل کردی.

آیا رنج بردن می‌تواند باعث رشد انسان شود؟ نظرت را بنویس.

فکر می‌کنی چرا در اشعار فارسی اینقدر به موضوع رنج پرداخته شده است؟

اگر می‌توانستی یک نوع رنج را از جهان حذف کنی، کدام را انتخاب می‌کردی؟

تفاوت بین رنج بردن و فقط ناراحت بودن را از دیدگاه خودت توضیح بده.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is better to use 'sar-dard daram.' Using 'ranj bordan' for a simple headache sounds overly dramatic, like something out of a 19th-century novel, unless the headache is a chronic, life-altering condition.

They are very similar and often interchangeable. However, 'ranj keshidan' can sometimes imply a more active or physical 'pulling' (keshidan) of suffering, while 'ranj bordan' is the standard compound verb for 'carrying' the state of suffering.

Yes, in 95% of cases, you suffer 'from' (az) something. If you don't use 'az', you must have a very specific literary or adverbial context, but for learners, 'az' is essential.

Yes, it leans towards the formal side. In very casual speech, people might use 'aziyat shodan' or 'hal-am bade', but 'ranj bordan' is used when the topic is serious.

Absolutely. It is common to use this verb to describe the suffering of animals due to hunger, abuse, or environmental changes to evoke empathy.

You would say: 'نمی‌خواهم رنج ببری' (Nemikhaham ranj bebari).

The present stem is 'bar' (بر). That is why we say 'ranj mi-bar-am' and not 'ranj mi-bord-am' for the present tense.

No, 'Ranj' is not used as a person's name because it means suffering. However, 'Ganj' (treasure) is sometimes found in older names or titles.

It means 'Holy Suffering,' a concept often found in religious or revolutionary contexts where suffering for a cause is seen as virtuous.

You can use 'ranj-kash' (one who bears suffering) or 'ranjur' (one who is sickly/suffering).