This page in your language

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

Home
Learn
Persian
Vocabulary
شانه کردن

B1 verb #7,000 most common 9 min read

شانه کردن

shaneh kardan Top 7,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips شانه کردن in 30 Seconds

Explanation شانه کردن in your Level:

At the A1 level, you only need to know that 'shāne kardan' means 'to comb hair'. You should learn the present tense: 'man shāne mikonam' (I comb). Focus on simple sentences like 'I comb my hair every morning'. This is a basic daily routine verb. You should also recognize the word 'shāne' as the object (a comb) and 'kardan' as the action. Don't worry about complex grammar yet; just remember it as a single block of meaning related to getting ready in the morning.

At the A2 level, you should be able to use 'shāne kardan' in the past and future tenses. You should also be able to use it with the object marker 'rā', for example: 'mūhāyam rā shāne kardam' (I combed my hair). You should start using it in the context of describing your daily schedule or telling someone what you did. You can also use the imperative form 'shāne kon' (comb!) when talking to children or friends. You might also learn the word for hairbrush ('bores') and realize that 'shāne kardan' is the more general term.

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'shāne kardan' in various moods and aspects, such as the subjunctive ('bāyad shāne konam' - I must comb) or the present continuous ('dāram shāne mikonam'). You should understand the difference between 'shāne kardan' and 'shāne zadan' (a more colloquial version). You can describe grooming routines in detail and use the verb in a variety of settings, like at a barber shop or when discussing personal care. You should also be aware that 'shāne' can also mean 'shoulder', though the verb 'kardan' usually clarifies the meaning.

At the B2 level, you can use 'shāne kardan' in more complex sentence structures, such as conditional sentences or passive-like constructions. You should be able to discuss the cultural importance of grooming in Iran and use the verb in more abstract or descriptive ways. For example, you might describe how a character in a story is 'shāne kardan' their hair as a way to show their emotional state (e.g., nervousness or calm). You should also be able to distinguish between 'shāne kardan' and more technical terms like 'bores keshidan' or 'sāf kardan' (straightening).

At the C1 level, you should have a nuanced understanding of 'shāne kardan' in literature and media. You can recognize its use in metaphors and poetry, where the act of combing can symbolize order, care, or even the passage of time. You should be familiar with related idioms, even those involving the 'shoulder' meaning of 'shāne', and be able to navigate between them without confusion. Your usage should be perfectly natural, including the correct use of prepositions and colloquial contractions (e.g., 'shāne mikonam' becoming 'shāne mikonam' but pronounced 'shūne mikonam' in Tehrani dialect).

At the C2 level, you master the full range of 'shāne kardan', from its most mundane daily use to its most sophisticated literary applications. You understand the historical etymology of the word and how it relates to other Indo-European languages. You can use the verb to discuss intricate topics like the history of Persian aesthetics or the symbolism of hair in Sufi poetry. You are also fully aware of all dialectal variations and can use the word appropriately in any social or professional register in the Persian-speaking world.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

شانه کردن in 30 Seconds

Shāne kardan is the standard Persian verb for combing or brushing hair.
It is a compound verb consisting of 'shāne' (comb) and 'kardan' (to do).
Used in daily routines, salons, and as a metaphor for tidiness.
Essential for B1 learners to describe personal care and hygiene.

The Persian verb شانه کردن (shāne kardan) is a foundational compound verb that every learner of Persian should master. At its most basic level, it translates to 'to comb' or 'to brush' one's hair. However, understanding this verb requires a look at its components. The word shāne serves a dual purpose in the Persian language: it means both 'a comb' and 'a shoulder'. In the context of grooming, it refers specifically to the tool used to untangle hair. The auxiliary verb kardan, meaning 'to do' or 'to make', is the engine that turns the noun into an action. This structure is typical of Persian compound verbs, which make up the vast majority of the verbal system in Modern Persian.

Grooming Routine: This verb is most frequently used in the morning or evening as part of a personal hygiene routine. Whether you are getting ready for work or preparing for bed, 'shāne kardan' is the standard way to describe the act of smoothing out your hair.

مریم همیشه قبل از رفتن به مهمانی موهایش را با دقت شانه می‌کند.

Beyond the physical act, 'shāne kardan' carries a connotation of tidiness and self-respect. In Persian culture, presenting oneself neatly is highly valued, and messy hair is often seen as a sign of being rushed, stressed, or neglectful. Therefore, the verb is often associated with the concept of ārāstegi (neatness/orderliness). You will hear parents telling their children to 'shāne kon' before guests arrive, or friends complimenting each other on how well-combed their hair looks after a visit to the barber or salon. Interestingly, while English distinguishes between 'combing' and 'brushing', Persian often uses 'shāne kardan' as a catch-all term for both, though 'bores keshidan' (to pull a brush) exists for specific hairbrushing.

Metaphorical Use: While primarily literal, the act of 'shāne kardan' can sometimes appear in poetic contexts to describe the wind 'combing' through a field of wheat or the branches of a willow tree, evoking a sense of gentle, rhythmic movement.

باد ملایم گندم‌زار را شانه می‌کرد.

In professional settings, such as a hair salon (ārāyeshgāh), you might encounter variations of this verb. A stylist might ask, 'Do you want me to comb it to the side?' (Mikhāhid be yek taraf shāne konam?). It is a versatile verb that functions perfectly in formal, informal, and literary registers. Because the word for shoulder is also 'shāne', learners must be careful with idioms like 'shāne khāli kardan' (to shirk responsibility), which has nothing to do with hair but uses the same root word. However, in the context of grooming, 'shāne kardan' is unambiguous and essential for daily conversation.

Using شانه کردن correctly involves understanding the mechanics of Persian compound verbs. The direct object (the hair) usually takes the accusative marker rū (or 'o' in spoken Persian) when it is definite. For example, 'I comb my hair' is 'man mühāyam rā shāne mikonam'. Note how the noun 'shāne' remains constant while the auxiliary 'kardan' changes to reflect tense, person, and number.

Present Continuous: To say you are currently combing your hair, use the 'dāram' auxiliary. 'Dāram mühāyam rā shāne mikonam' (I am combing my hair right now).

مادر داشت موهای دخترش را شانه می‌کرد که تلفن زنگ زد.

When using the imperative form to give an instruction, the 'be-' prefix is often dropped in compound verbs, or it attaches to the auxiliary. 'Mühāyat rā shāne kon!' (Comb your hair!). In more formal settings, you might say 'Lotfan mühāyatān rā shāne konid'. The flexibility of Persian word order allows for some movement, but typically the object comes before the verb components.

Past Tense Usage: The past stem is 'kard'. 'Di rūz mühāyam rā shāne kardam' (Yesterday I combed my hair). This is used for completed actions in the past.

آیا امروز صبح موهایت را شانه کرده‌ای؟ (Present Perfect)

It is also important to note the use of prepositions. If you are combing hair 'with' a specific tool, you use 'bā'. 'Bā shāne-ye chūbi mühāyam rā shāne mikonam' (I comb my hair with a wooden comb). If you are combing 'for' someone else, the structure changes slightly: 'Mühāye ū rā shāne kardam'. The verb 'shāne kardan' is transitive, meaning it almost always takes an object (hair).

In Iran, you will encounter شانه کردن in a variety of everyday environments. The most common is within the family home. In the morning rush, parents frequently use the imperative form with their children. It’s part of the 'get ready for school' vocabulary. Beyond the home, the hair salon (ārāyeshgāh) for women and the barber shop (salmāni) for men are primary locations where this word is heard. A barber might ask how you want your hair combed after a cut: 'Be kodām taraf shāne konam?' (Which way should I comb it?).

Media and Literature: In Persian cinema and TV dramas, scenes of a mother combing her daughter's hair are common tropes used to show intimacy, care, and the passing of tradition. In literature, especially classical poetry, the 'shāne' is often a metaphor for the lover's fingers running through the beloved's hair.

توی فیلم، پیرزن داشت با آرامش موهایش را جلوی آینه شانه می‌کرد.

In public spaces, you might hear it in advertisements for hair care products—shampoos, conditioners, and oils—that promise to make 'shāne kardan' easier (shāne kardan-e āsan). Radio health programs might discuss the benefits of combing hair to stimulate the scalp. Interestingly, the word is also used in the context of wool processing in rural areas, where 'shāne kardan-e pashm' refers to carding or combing raw wool before spinning.

Beauty Tutorials: On Persian-speaking social media, beauty influencers use this verb constantly when demonstrating hairstyles. They might say, 'Avval mühā rā khūb shāne konid' (First, comb the hair well).

آرایشگر گفت: «باید موهایت را آرام‌تر شانه کنی تا آسیب نبیند.»

Whether in a high-end Tehran salon or a nomadic tent in Fars, 'shāne kardan' remains the universal term for this essential human activity. Its presence in the language reflects the deep-seated cultural importance of hair as an element of beauty and identity in the Iranian world.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make when using شانه کردن is confusing it with the English word 'brushing'. While Persian does have a word for brush (bores), 'shāne kardan' is the default verb for the act of grooming hair, regardless of whether a comb or a brush is used. Using 'bores keshidan' for a simple morning routine might sound overly specific or slightly clinical to a native speaker.

Confusion with 'Shoulder': Because 'shāne' also means 'shoulder', beginners often get confused when they see idioms like 'shāne be shāne' (shoulder to shoulder) or 'shāne khāli kardan' (to shirk). Remember: 'shāne kardan' is almost exclusively about hair. You don't 'comb' a shoulder!

اشتباه: من لباسم را شانه می‌کنم. (Correct: I comb my hair, not my clothes! Use 'otū kardan' for ironing or 'tamiz kardan' for cleaning clothes.)

Another common error involves the auxiliary verb. Some learners try to use 'shāne dāshtan' (to have a comb) when they mean 'to comb'. In Persian, the action requires 'kardan'. Also, remember that 'shāne' is a noun; you cannot simply conjugate 'shāne' as a verb (e.g., *shānam, *shāni). It must be 'shāne mikonam'.

Tense Misuse: Using the simple past 'shāne kardam' when you mean 'I have combed' (shāne karde-am) is a common nuance lost on learners. In Persian, the present perfect is often used to describe a state resulting from a recent action.

اشتباه: موهایم را شانه زدم (While 'shāne zadan' is actually a valid alternative, beginners should stick to 'kardan' until they understand the subtle difference in register.)

Lastly, be careful with the word 'mū' (hair). In Persian, 'mū' can be singular or plural ('mūhā'). Usually, when talking about combing the whole head of hair, the plural 'mūhā' is preferred. Saying 'mūyam rā shāne mikonam' might sound like you are combing a single strand of hair!

While شانه کردن is the most common term, there are several alternatives and related words that can enrich your Persian vocabulary. Depending on the tool used or the specific action, you might choose a different expression.

شانه زدن (shāne zadan): This is a very common alternative to 'shāne kardan'. In many contexts, they are interchangeable. However, 'zadan' can sometimes imply a quicker or more casual action, whereas 'kardan' is the standard, neutral form.
برس کشیدن (bores keshidan): This specifically means 'to brush'. It uses the noun 'bores' (brush) and the verb 'keshidan' (to pull/draw). You would use this if you want to emphasize that you are using a hairbrush rather than a comb.

او ترجیح می‌دهد همیشه موهایش را برس بکشد چون موهایش خیلی پرپشت است.

For more specific styling actions, you might hear ārāyesh kardan (to do makeup/hair styling) or dorost kardan-e mū (to fix/style hair). If someone is untangling knots, they might use the verb bāz kardan-e gereh-e mū (opening the knots of the hair).

صاف کردن (sāf kardan): This means 'to straighten'. While combing often straightens hair, this verb is used specifically for using a flat iron or chemical straighteners.
مرتب کردن (morattab kardan): This means 'to tidy up'. It’s a broader term. You can 'morattab' your hair by combing it, but you can also 'morattab' your room or your desk.

قبل از عکس گرفتن، موهایت را کمی مرتب کن.

Understanding these nuances helps you sound more natural. For instance, in a formal poem, you might see 'shāne' used as a noun, but in a modern blog post about hair care, you'll see a mix of 'shāne kardan' and 'bores keshidan'. Always consider the tool and the end goal when choosing your verb.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

Because 'shāne' means both 'comb' and 'shoulder', Persian poets for centuries have used this to create double meanings (pun/ihām), comparing the comb's movement to leaning on a shoulder.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ʃɒːne kerdæn/

US /ʃɑːne kerdæn/

The stress in 'shāne' is on the first syllable. In the compound verb, the primary stress falls on the last syllable of the first part: 'shāNE kerdan'.

Rhymes With

dāne (seed) khāne (house) kāshāne (nest/home) parvāne (butterfly) afsāne (legend) bi-ghāne (stranger) shāne (shoulder - homonym) tāziyāne (whip)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'shāne' as 'shane' (short a). It must be long 'ā'.
Stress on the wrong syllable of 'kardan'.
Failing to pronounce the 'h' in 'shāne' (though it is often silent/weak in colloquial speech, it affects the preceding vowel).
Confusing the 'e' at the end of 'shāne' with an 'ee' sound.
Merging the two words into one sound without a slight break.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize in text due to the distinct 'shāne' noun.

Writing 3/5

Requires remembering the compound verb structure and 'rā'.

Speaking 3/5

Need to master the 'shāne/shūne' vowel shift in colloquial speech.

Listening 2/5

Usually clear in context, but watch for the 'shoulder' homonym.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

مو (Hair) کردن (To do) دست (Hand) آینه (Mirror) آب (Water)

Learn Next

آرایش کردن (To do makeup/style) کوتاه کردن (To cut) شستن (To wash) حمام (Bath) لباس پوشیدن (To dress)

Advanced

خضاب کردن (To dye with henna) فرق سر (Parting of hair) موخوره (Split ends) ریزش مو (Hair loss) پوسته سر (Dandruff)

Grammar to Know

Compound Verbs

Noun (shāne) + Auxiliary (kardan) = Verb.

Object Marker 'rā'

Mūhāyam rā shāne mikonam.

Present Continuous

Dāram shāne mikonam.

Imperative

Shāne kon! (The 'be-' prefix is often omitted in compound verbs).

Subjunctive

Bāyad shāne konam.

Examples by Level

من موهایم را شانه می‌کنم.

I comb my hair.

Present simple tense.

او هر روز شانه می‌کند.

He/she combs every day.

Third person singular.

شانه کجاست؟

Where is the comb?

Using 'shāne' as a noun.

بیا موهایت را شانه کنم.

Come, let me comb your hair.

Subjunctive use.

من شانه ندارم.

I don't have a comb.

Negative possession.

موهایت را شانه کن.

Comb your hair.

Imperative form.

او موهای بلندش را شانه می‌کند.

She combs her long hair.

Adjective usage.

ما موهایمان را شانه می‌کنیم.

We comb our hair.

First person plural.

دیروز موهایم را شانه نکردم.

I didn't comb my hair yesterday.

Past negative.

آیا می‌توانی موهای مرا شانه کنی؟

Can you comb my hair?

Question with modal 'can'.

او با یک شانه آبی موهایش را شانه کرد.

He combed his hair with a blue comb.

Prepositional phrase 'with'.

قبل از مدرسه موهایت را شانه کن.

Comb your hair before school.

Time preposition 'before'.

من همیشه بعد از حمام موهایم را شانه می‌کنم.

I always comb my hair after the bath.

Adverb 'always'.

خواهرم دارد موهایش را شانه می‌کند.

My sister is combing her hair.

Present continuous.

این شانه برای شانه کردن موهای فر خوب است.

This comb is good for combing curly hair.

Gerund-like use of infinitive.

او موهایش را خیلی سریع شانه کرد.

He combed his hair very quickly.

Adverbial phrase.

باید قبل از مهمانی موهایم را شانه کنم.

I must comb my hair before the party.

Subjunctive after 'bāyad'.

اگر موهایت را شانه نکنی، گره می‌خورد.

If you don't comb your hair, it will get tangled.

Conditional sentence.

او داشت موهایش را شانه می‌کرد که برق رفت.

She was combing her hair when the power went out.

Past continuous.

شانه کردن موهای بلند زمان زیادی می‌برد.

Combing long hair takes a lot of time.

Infinitive as subject.

فکر می‌کنم بهتر است موهایت را به سمت راست شانه کنی.

I think it's better to comb your hair to the right.

Comparative 'behtar'.

او ترجیح می‌دهد موهایش را با برس شانه کند تا شانه.

She prefers to comb her hair with a brush rather than a comb.

Preferential construction.

بچه‌ها مشغول شانه کردن موهای عروسک‌هایشان بودند.

The children were busy combing their dolls' hair.

Compound past continuous.

آیا تا به حال موهایت را با شانه چوبی شانه کرده‌ای؟

Have you ever combed your hair with a wooden comb?

Present perfect question.

او با وسواس عجیبی هر روز ساعت‌ها موهایش را شانه می‌کرد.

He used to comb his hair for hours every day with a strange obsession.

Past habitual.

با وجود اینکه عجله داشت، از شانه کردن موهایش غافل نشد.

Despite being in a hurry, he didn't neglect combing his hair.

Concessive clause 'bā vojud-e inke'.

آرایشگر پیشنهاد داد که موهایم را قبل از سشوار کشیدن شانه کنم.

The stylist suggested that I comb my hair before blow-drying.

Indirect speech.

شانه کردن مو نه تنها آن را مرتب می‌کند، بلکه باعث گردش خون در پوست سر می‌شود.

Combing hair not only tidies it but also causes blood circulation in the scalp.

Correlative conjunctions 'na tanhū... balke'.

او در حالی که موهایش را شانه می‌کرد، در آینه به خودش لبخند زد.

While combing her hair, she smiled at herself in the mirror.

Simultaneous actions.

نحوه شانه کردن موها می‌تواند بر سلامت ریشه مو تأثیر بگذارد.

The way of combing hair can affect the health of the hair roots.

Complex subject phrase.

او همیشه اصرار داشت که خودش موهای دخترش را شانه کند.

She always insisted on combing her daughter's hair herself.

Verb 'esrār dāshtan' with subjunctive.

اگر از شانه نامناسب استفاده کنید، شانه کردن موها دردناک خواهد بود.

If you use an inappropriate comb, combing your hair will be painful.

Future conditional.

در ادبیات کلاسیک، شانه کردن گیسوی معشوق نمادی از نوازش و عشق است.

In classical literature, combing the beloved's tresses is a symbol of caress and love.

Literary register.

او با چنان دقتی موهایش را شانه می‌کرد که گویی هر تار مو برایش اهمیتی حیاتی دارد.

He combed his hair with such precision as if every strand of hair had vital importance to him.

Simile with 'gūyi'.

فرآیند شانه کردن پشم در ایلات و عشایر، مرحله‌ای حساس در تولید قالی است.

The process of combing wool among nomads is a sensitive stage in carpet production.

Technical/Historical context.

او در سکوت ایستاده بود و به صدای یکنواخت شانه کردن موهای مادرش گوش می‌داد.

He stood in silence, listening to the monotonous sound of his mother combing her hair.

Participial phrase.

شانه کردن مو در برخی فرهنگ‌ها فراتر از یک عادت بهداشتی، یک آیین مذهبی یا اجتماعی محسوب می‌شود.

In some cultures, combing hair is considered a religious or social ritual beyond a hygienic habit.

Passive construction 'mahsūb mishavad'.

شاعر با ظرافت، وزش باد در چمنزار را به شانه کردن موهای زمین تشبیه کرده است.

The poet has delicately likened the blowing of wind in the meadow to combing the hair of the earth.

Metaphorical analysis.

او به جای حل مشکل اصلی، فقط به شانه کردن ظاهر قضایا بسنده می‌کرد.

Instead of solving the main problem, he only sufficed with 'combing' (smoothing over) the appearance of matters.

Idiomatic/Metaphorical usage.

هر بار که موهایش را شانه می‌کرد، خاطرات تلخ و شیرین گذشته در ذهنش جان می‌گرفتند.

Every time she combed her hair, bitter and sweet memories of the past would come to life in her mind.

Temporal clause 'har bār ke'.

مداومت در شانه کردن مو با شانه‌های عاج در دوران باستان، نشانگر طبقه اجتماعی مرفه بود.

Persistence in combing hair with ivory combs in ancient times was indicative of a wealthy social class.

Academic/Historical register.

تجزیه و تحلیل ساختاری فعل مرکب «شانه کردن» نشان‌دهنده پویایی زبان فارسی در جذب مفاهیم اسمی به نظام فعلی است.

The structural analysis of the compound verb 'shāne kardan' shows the dynamics of the Persian language in absorbing nominal concepts into the verbal system.

Linguistic jargon.

او به مثابه یک هنرمند، هر صبح با شانه کردن موهای آشفته‌اش، به هرج و مرج درونی‌اش نظم می‌بخشید.

Like an artist, every morning by combing his disheveled hair, he gave order to his internal chaos.

Philosophical metaphor.

در متون کهن، شانه کردن به عنوان تمثیلی برای تصفیه روح و زدودن آلودگی‌های اخلاقی به کار رفته است.

In ancient texts, combing has been used as an allegory for purifying the soul and removing moral impurities.

Allegorical interpretation.

ظرافت عمل شانه کردن در مینیاتورهای ایرانی، بازتابی از دقت نظر هنرمند در جزئیات زندگی روزمره است.

The delicacy of the act of combing in Iranian miniatures is a reflection of the artist's precision in the details of daily life.

Art criticism.

او چنان در شانه کردن موهایش غرق بود که گویی زمان و مکان برایش متوقف شده است.

He was so immersed in combing his hair as if time and space had stopped for him.

Intensive construction.

بررسی تطبیقی فعل «شانه کردن» با معادل‌های آن در سایر زبان‌های هندواروپایی، پیوندهای ریشه‌شناختی عمیقی را آشکار می‌سازد.

A comparative study of the verb 'shāne kardan' with its equivalents in other Indo-European languages reveals deep etymological links.

Comparative linguistics.

شانه کردن مو در این اثر ادبی، نه یک کنش فیزیکی، بلکه واکنشی روانی به اضطراب‌های وجودی تلقی می‌شود.

Combing hair in this literary work is considered not a physical action but a psychological reaction to existential anxieties.

Psychological analysis.

Common Collocations

با دقت شانه کردن

آرام شانه کردن

هر روز شانه کردن

جلوی آینه شانه کردن

با شانه چوبی شانه کردن

موهای بلند را شانه کردن

به سمت عقب شانه کردن

قبل از خواب شانه کردن

بعد از حمام شانه کردن

به سختی شانه کردن

Common Phrases

شانه به دست گرفتن

— To start grooming oneself.

شانه به دست گرفت و جلوی آینه رفت.

نیاز به شانه کردن دارد

— Something (hair) is messy and needs combing.

موهایت واقعاً نیاز به شانه کردن دارد.

وقت شانه کردن

— Time to comb hair.

الان وقت شانه کردن موهاست.

عادت به شانه کردن

— The habit of combing.

او عادت به شانه کردن مداوم دارد.

شانه کردن و بستن

— To comb and tie (hair).

موهایش را شانه کرد و بست.

آموزش شانه کردن

— Teaching how to comb.

مادر به کودک آموزش شانه کردن می‌داد.

لذت شانه کردن

— The pleasure of combing.

او از شانه کردن موهایش لذت می‌برد.

شانه کردن پشم

— Combing wool (industrial/rural).

آن‌ها مشغول شانه کردن پشم بودند.

شانه کردن ریش

— Combing a beard.

او هر صبح ریش خود را شانه می‌کند.

شانه کردن موی سر

— Combing head hair (specific).

شانه کردن موی سر برای سلامتی مفید است.

Often Confused With

شانه کردن vs شانه (Shoulder)

Same word, different meaning. Context (hair vs. body) is key.

شانه کردن vs برس (Brush)

A brush is 'bores', a comb is 'shāne'. 'Shāne kardan' is more general.

شانه کردن vs اتو کردن (Ironing)

Sometimes used for hair straightening, but 'shāne kardan' is just combing.

Idioms & Expressions

"شانه خالی کردن"

— To shirk responsibility (uses 'shāne' as shoulder, but important for learners to distinguish).

او از مسئولیت‌هایش شانه خالی کرد.

General

"شانه به شانه"

— Side by side (shoulder to shoulder).

آن‌ها شانه به شانه هم راه می‌رفتند.

General

"زلف را شانه زدن"

— Poetic expression for grooming hair, often used in love poems.

صبا زلف تو را شانه زد.

Literary

"شانه زدن به موهای خیس"

— Often used as a warning in health contexts (don't comb wet hair).

شانه زدن به موهای خیس باعث ریزش می‌شود.

Medical/Informal

"شانه بر آتش کشیدن"

— A very rare poetic idiom for disturbing or stirring something up.

او با سخنانش شانه بر آتش کشید.

Archaic

"سر و گوش را شانه کردن"

— To tidy oneself up quickly (idiomatic).

یک دستی به سر و گوشت بکش و شانه کن.

Colloquial

"شانه خوردن"

— To be combed (passive sense).

موهایش به راحتی شانه نمی‌خورد.

General

"با شانه کسی بازی کردن"

— Literally playing with someone's comb, but can imply meddling.

با شانه من بازی نکن.

Informal

"شانه کشیدن بر غبار"

— To clear away dust (metaphorical).

او بر غبار خاطرات شانه کشید.

Literary

"شانه کردن گره‌های زندگی"

— To solve the problems or 'tangles' of life.

او سعی کرد گره‌های زندگی‌اش را شانه کند.

Metaphorical

Easily Confused

شانه کردن vs شانه خالی کردن

Uses the word 'shāne'.

This is an idiom meaning to shirk duty, using 'shāne' as shoulder.

او از کار شانه خالی کرد.

شانه کردن vs برس کشیدن

Similar action.

Specifically implies using a brush with bristles.

او با برس موهایش را کشید.

شانه کردن vs بافتن

Related to hair.

This means 'to braid', which often happens after combing.

موهایش را بافت.

شانه کردن vs اصلاح کردن

Related to grooming.

This means 'to shave' or 'to get a haircut'.

او صورتش را اصلاح کرد.

شانه کردن vs آراستن

High-level synonym.

More general, means to decorate or beautify.

او خود را برای جشن آراست.

Sentence Patterns

Man [Noun] rā shāne mikonam.

Man mūhāyam rā shāne mikonam.

Di rūz [Noun] rā shāne kardam.

Di rūz mūhāyam rā shāne kardam.

Bāyad [Noun] rā shāne konam.

Bāyad mūhāyam rā shāne konam.

Agar [Noun] rā shāne koni, ...

Agar mūhāyat rā shāne koni, zibā mishavi.

Dar hāle [Infinitive], ...

Dar hāle shāne kardan-e mūhāyash, āvāz mikhānd.

Action as a metaphor.

Ū moshkelāt rā shāne mikard.

Mixed

Subject + [Instrument] + Object + Verb.

Ali bā shāne-ye ābi mūhāyash rā shāne kard.

Mixed

Negative Imperative.

Mūhāyat rā shāne nakon!

Word Family

Nouns

شانه (comb/shoulder)

شانه زنی (the act of combing)

شانه ساز (comb maker)

Verbs

شانه کردن (to comb)

شانه زدن (to comb/brush)

شانه خوردن (to be combed)

Adjectives

شانه شده (combed)

شانه نشدنی (uncombable/tangled)

مو (hair)

برس (brush)

آینه (mirror)

آرایشگاه (salon)

گره (knot)

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in daily life and grooming contexts.

Common Mistakes

من شانه می‌کنم مو. → من موهایم را شانه می‌کنم.
The object must come before the verb and usually requires the 'rā' marker.
او موهایش را شانه است. → او موهایش را شانه کرد.
You cannot omit the auxiliary verb 'kardan'.
شانه کردن لباس → اتوی کردن لباس / تمیز کردن لباس
'Shāne kardan' is only for hair or fibers like wool, not clothes.
من مویم را شانه می‌کنم. → من موهایم را شانه می‌کنم.
Use the plural 'mūhā' (hairs) when referring to the whole head of hair.
شانه کردن مسئولیت → شانه خالی کردن از مسئولیت
Don't confuse the literal verb with the shoulder-related idiom.

Tips

Compound Verb Logic

Remember that only 'kardan' changes. 'Shāne' stays the same regardless of who is doing the action or when.

The Long Ā

Make sure to pronounce the 'ā' in 'shāne' long. If it's too short, it might sound like another word.

Tool vs. Action

'Shāne' is the tool. 'Shāne kardan' is the action. Don't confuse the two in a sentence.

Public vs. Private

In Iran, grooming is a private activity. Avoid 'shāne kardan' in public spaces like restaurants.

Colloquialism

Use 'shūne' when talking to friends to sound more like a native speaker.

Object Placement

The object (hair) usually comes right before the 'shāne kardan' block.

Auxiliary Clues

If you hear 'mikonam' or 'kard', you know a compound verb is happening.

Shoulder Idioms

Be careful not to translate 'shāne khāli kardan' as something related to hair!

Synonym Choice

Use 'shāne zadan' for a more active, casual feel in conversation.

Hair Care

Many Iranians believe in using wooden combs ('shāne-ye chūbi') to avoid static.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a 'SHINY' (shāne) comb that you 'DO' (kardan) your hair with. Shāne sounds a bit like 'shiny'—and combing makes your hair shiny!

Visual Association

Visualize a person with one hand on their 'shoulder' (shāne) and the other hand holding a 'comb' (shāne). This links the two meanings and the action.

Word Web

Hair Beauty Morning Mirror Plastic Wood Teeth Tangles

Challenge

Try to describe your entire morning routine in Persian, ensuring you include 'shāne kardan' and mention what kind of comb you use.

Word Origin

The word 'shāne' comes from Middle Persian 'shānag'. It is related to the Sanskrit 'ksana' and other Indo-European roots referring to cutting or separating.

Original meaning: The original meaning likely referred to a tool with teeth used for separating fibers.

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

Cultural Context

Be aware that hair and grooming can be sensitive topics in the context of religious modesty (hijab) in Iran, though the verb itself is perfectly neutral.

In English, we distinguish between 'brushing' and 'combing'. In Persian, 'shāne kardan' covers both unless you want to be very specific.

Hafez uses 'shāne' in his ghazals to describe the wind in the beloved's hair. Saadi mentions the comb in the context of humility and grooming. Modern Persian pop songs often mention 'shāne' in romantic lyrics.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Morning Routine

Wake up
Wash face
Comb hair
Eat breakfast

Barber Shop

Cut my hair
Comb it back
Short on sides
Use the comb

Parenting

Sit still
Let me comb
Too many tangles
Beautiful hair

Beauty Salon

Style my hair
Comb it straight
Add some oil
Mirror please

Poetry/Art

Silver comb
Long tresses
Wind in hair
Beloved's beauty

Conversation Starters

"آیا شما هر روز صبح موهایتان را شانه می‌کنید؟ (Do you comb your hair every morning?)"

"به نظر شما شانه چوبی بهتر است یا پلاستیکی؟ (In your opinion, is a wooden or plastic comb better?)"

"چقدر طول می‌کشد تا موهای بلندتان را شانه کنید؟ (How long does it take to comb your long hair?)"

"آیا در کشور شما آداب خاصی برای شانه کردن مو وجود دارد؟ (Are there specific customs for combing hair in your country?)"

"آخرین باری که به آرایشگاه رفتید، آن‌ها موهایتان را چگونه شانه کردند؟ (The last time you went to the salon, how did they comb your hair?)"

Journal Prompts

درباره روتین صبحگاهی خود بنویسید و بگویید شانه کردن مو چه جایگاهی در آن دارد. (Write about your morning routine and the place of combing hair in it.)

خاطره‌ای از دوران کودکی خود بنویسید که کسی موهای شما را شانه می‌کرد. (Write a childhood memory of someone combing your hair.)

اهمیت آراستگی و مرتب بودن مو در فرهنگ خود را شرح دهید. (Describe the importance of neatness and orderly hair in your culture.)

اگر یک روز یادتان برود موهایتان را شانه کنید، چه احساسی خواهید داشت؟ (How would you feel if you forgot to comb your hair one day?)

تفاوت‌های بین شانه کردن مو در خانه و در آرایشگاه را بنویسید. (Write the differences between combing hair at home and at the salon.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, in general Persian, 'shāne kardan' is used for both. If you want to be specific about a brush, you say 'bores keshidan'.

You say 'Dāram mūhāyam rā shāne mikonam'.

It is both! The context usually makes it clear. If you are doing it to your hair, it's a comb.

Yes, it is a very common and slightly more informal alternative to 'shāne kardan'.

The past tense is 'shāne kard' (e.g., 'man shāne kardam').

It is pronounced 'shūne'.

Yes, in the context of carding or cleaning wool, it is also used.

The imperative is 'shāne kon' (singular) or 'shāne konid' (plural/formal).

Yes, if you are combing a specific object like 'my hair', you use 'rā'.

Very often! It symbolizes tidying the beloved's hair or the wind in the trees.