At the A1 level, you only need to know that 'Sherkat kardan' means 'to go to' or 'to join' an event like a party or a class. Think of it as a more specific way of saying you are doing an activity with others. You will mostly use it in the present tense: 'Man dar kelas sherkat mikonam' (I participate in the class). It is a compound verb, which means it has two parts. The first part 'Sherkat' stays the same, and the second part 'kardan' changes like other verbs you know (mikonam, mikoni, mikone...). Always remember to put 'dar' (in) before the thing you are joining. It is very useful for basic introductions, like telling someone what classes you are taking or what sports you play in a group.
At the A2 level, you should be comfortable using 'Sherkat kardan' in the past and present tenses. You are expected to use it for common social and academic scenarios, such as 'Sherkat dar emtehan' (taking an exam) or 'Sherkat dar mosabeghe' (participating in a competition). You should also start recognizing the noun form 'Sherkat' in other contexts, but keep it separate from the verb. At this level, you begin to understand that Persian uses many compound verbs like this one. You should also be able to form simple questions: 'Aya dar mehmani sherkat mikoni?' (Will you participate in the party?). You are learning that this verb is more than just 'going'; it implies you are a part of the event's purpose.
At the B1 level, you should use 'Sherkat kardan' to describe more complex social and professional involvements. You will start using it in the subjunctive mood ('Bayad sherkat konam' - I must participate) and the perfect tenses ('Sherkat kardeh-am' - I have participated). You should also distinguish 'Sherkat kardan' from its synonyms like 'Hozur dashtan' (to be present) and 'Mosharekat kardan' (to collaborate). You will encounter this verb in news reports and more formal settings. You should also be familiar with the causative form 'Sherkat dadan' (to involve someone else) and the noun 'Sherkat-konandegan' (participants). Your sentences should become more detailed, including adverbs like 'fa'alaneh' (actively): 'U fa'alaneh dar bahs-ha sherkat mikonad.'
At the B2 level, you use 'Sherkat kardan' with nuance, understanding its role in formal discourse and more abstract contexts, such as 'Sherkat dar sarnavesht-e keshvar' (participating in the fate of the country). You are comfortable with all tenses, including the past progressive and conditional. You can handle the word in academic writing and professional emails. You also understand the stylistic difference between 'Sherkat kardan' and the more literary 'Sherkat nemudan.' You can discuss the benefits of social participation and use the word in debates. You should also be aware of related terms like 'Sherakat' (partnership/business) and how the root functions in words like 'Moshtarek' (common/shared).
At the C1 level, you recognize 'Sherkat kardan' as part of a larger lexical field related to social engagement and legal partnership. You can use it in high-level academic discussions about sociology, politics, or law. You understand its historical roots and how it differs from 'Modakheleh' (interference) or 'Etehad' (union). You can use the verb in sophisticated rhetorical structures and recognize it in classical-style modern prose. You are also proficient in using the noun 'Mosharekat' for systematic participation in governance or corporate structures. You can analyze texts where the word is used metaphorically and use it yourself to express complex ideas about human interaction and collective responsibility.
At the C2 level, you have a masterly command of 'Sherkat kardan' and its entire etymological family. You can distinguish the subtle shades of meaning between 'Sherkat,' 'Mosharekat,' 'Eshterak,' and 'Tasharok' in legal, philosophical, and theological texts. You can use the verb in any register, from street slang to the most formal diplomatic protocols. You are aware of how the usage of this verb has evolved in Persian literature over the last century. You can write complex essays on 'Mosharekat-e madani' (civil participation) using the verb and its derivatives with native-like precision. You also understand the poetic implications of the root 'Sh-R-K' in Persian Sufi literature, where 'Sherkat' can sometimes refer to the 'partnership' with the divine or the error of 'Shirk' (polytheism/associating partners with God).

شرکت کردن in 30 Seconds

  • Sherkat Kardan means 'to participate' or 'to take part.' It is a compound verb used for meetings, classes, and events.
  • It always requires the preposition 'dar' (in). For example: 'Sherkat dar kelas' (Participating in the class).
  • The conjugation is simple: only the 'Kardan' part changes (mikonam, kardam, kon).
  • It is different from 'Hozur dashtan' (to be present) because it implies active involvement in the activity.

The Persian verb شرکت کردن (sherkat kardan) is a foundational compound verb that every learner must master early in their journey. At its core, it translates to 'to participate,' 'to take part,' or 'to attend' an event where active involvement is implied. Unlike the simple verb for 'to go' (raftan) or 'to be present' (hozur dashtan), sherkat kardan suggests a level of engagement with a collective activity. Whether you are joining a marathon, attending a business meeting, or taking an exam, this is the verb you will reach for. The word 'Sherkat' (شرکت) itself is an Arabic loanword meaning 'partnership' or 'company,' and when paired with the Persian light verb 'Kardan' (کردن - to do), it literally means 'to do partnership' or 'to act as a part of a whole.'

Social Context
In Iranian culture, social participation is highly valued. Using this verb often implies a sense of community. For example, 'dar mehmani sherkat kardan' (to participate in a party) sounds slightly more formal than just 'raftan' (going), suggesting you are a recognized guest in the assembly.

آیا شما در جلسه فردا شرکت می‌کنید؟ (Will you participate in tomorrow's meeting?)

The versatility of this verb extends from the mundane to the highly formal. In a classroom setting, a teacher might encourage students by saying 'Lotfan dar bahs-ha sherkat konid' (Please participate in the discussions). In a political context, news anchors frequently use it when discussing voter turnout: 'Mardom dar entekhabat sherkat kardand' (The people participated in the elections). It is important to distinguish this from 'Sherkat' meaning 'a commercial company.' While they share the same root, the context of 'Kardan' clearly marks it as the action of participating. This verb is also the gateway to understanding how Persian uses 'light verbs' to create complex meanings from simple nouns. By mastering شرکت کردن, you are not just learning one word, but learning the logic of how Persian speakers construct their reality through shared actions. You will hear it in sports (participating in a tournament), academics (participating in a seminar), and daily life (participating in a family gathering).

Formal Variation
In very formal writing or literature, you might encounter 'Sherkat joste' (شرکت جسته) or 'Sherkat varzide' (شرکت ورزیده), but for 99% of conversations and modern writing, 'Sherkat kardan' is the standard.

او در مسابقات شنا شرکت کرد و مدال گرفت. (He participated in the swimming competitions and won a medal.)

To use شرکت کردن correctly, you must understand its grammatical structure as a compound verb. It consists of the non-verbal element 'شرکت' (Sherkat) and the auxiliary verb 'کردن' (Kardan). When conjugating, only the 'Kardan' part changes. For example, in the present continuous, it becomes 'daram sherkat mikonam' (I am participating). The preposition 'dar' (in) is nearly always mandatory when specifying the event. If you omit the event, you can just say 'Sherkat kardam' (I participated), but usually, the context has already established what you are participating in. Let's look at the structure: [Subject] + [Preposition 'dar'] + [Event] + [Conjugated 'Sherkat Kardan'].

Grammar Rule
The stress in 'Sherkat Kardan' falls on the last syllable of the noun 'Sher-KAT' when spoken naturally, though the verbal suffixes also carry their own rhythmic weight in the sentence.

ما تصمیم داریم در این خیریه شرکت کنیم. (We intend to participate in this charity.)

Negative forms follow the standard Persian pattern: the 'ne-' prefix is attached to the auxiliary verb. 'Sherkat nakardam' (I did not participate). In the future tense, it becomes 'Sherkat khaham kard' (I will participate), though in spoken Persian, people usually use the present tense for the future: 'Farda sherkat mikonam.' It is also important to note that 'Sherkat kardan' can be used transitively in some contexts, though it is primarily intransitive. For example, 'Sherkat dadan' (to make someone participate) is the causative version. If you want to say 'I made him participate in the class,' you would say 'Man u ra dar kelas sherkat dadam.' This distinction is vital for intermediate learners who want to describe organizing events versus just attending them.

Tense Examples
Past: Sherkat kardam. Present: Sherkat mikonam. Imperative: Sherkat kon! (Participate!). Subjunctive: Bayad sherkat konam (I must participate).

آیا می‌خواهی در این بازی شرکت کنی؟ (Do you want to participate in this game?)

In everyday life in Iran, شرکت کردن is ubiquitous. You will hear it most frequently in professional and educational settings. If you are an office worker, your manager might ask, 'Chera dar jalase-ye emruz sherkat nakardi?' (Why didn't you participate in today's meeting?). If you are a student, your classmates might discuss 'Sherkat dar konkur' (Participating in the national university entrance exam), which is a massive event in the life of any young Iranian. The word carries a tone of officialdom but is not so formal that it cannot be used among friends. For instance, if friends are planning a group hike, one might ask, 'Ki dar barname-ye kuh-navardi-ye jome sherkat mikone?' (Who is participating in Friday's mountain climbing program?).

Media Usage
On the news, you will hear this verb constantly regarding diplomacy. 'Namayandegan-e Iran dar konferans-e solh sherkat kardand' (Iran's representatives participated in the peace conference). It is the standard verb for official state participation.

بسیاری از هنرمندان در این جشنواره شرکت کرده‌اند. (Many artists have participated in this festival.)

Another common place to hear this word is in religious and cultural ceremonies. During Muharram or Nowruz, people talk about 'Sherkat dar marasem' (Participating in the ceremonies). In these contexts, the word emphasizes the communal aspect of the Iranian identity. It is not just about being there; it is about being part of the collective experience. Even in digital spaces, you will see buttons on websites that say 'Sherkat dar nazar-sanji' (Participate in the poll). Because it covers everything from a simple poll to a global summit, it is one of the most high-utility verbs in the Persian language. If you are watching an Iranian talk show, the host will often thank the audience for 'sherkat' (participation), using the noun form as a gesture of appreciation for their presence and engagement.

Common Scenarios
1. Sports tournaments 2. Academic exams 3. Political rallies 4. Corporate seminars 5. Online webinars.

او همیشه در کارهای داوطلبانه شرکت می‌کند. (He always participates in voluntary work.)

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make when using شرکت کردن is choosing the wrong preposition. In English, we say 'participate IN,' and luckily, Persian uses 'dar' (در), which also means 'in.' However, some learners mistakenly use 'ba' (with) because they think of it as 'joining with someone.' While you can say 'ba kasi sherkat kardan' (to participate with someone), the event itself must always be preceded by 'dar.' Another common error is confusing 'Sherkat kardan' with 'Hozur dashtan' (to be present). While often interchangeable, 'Hozur dashtan' is more passive. If you were at a meeting but didn't say a word or contribute, you might say you had 'hozur' (presence), but 'sherkat' implies you were a part of the proceedings.

The 'Company' Confusion
Because 'Sherkat' also means 'Company' (as in a business), beginners sometimes try to say 'I work in a company' using 'Sherkat mikonam.' This is incorrect. To say 'I work in a company,' use 'Dar yek sherkat kar mikonam.'

اشتباه: من در شرکت او شرکت می‌کنم (غلط - به معنی کار کردن نیست).
درست: من در جلسه او شرکت می‌کنم. (I am participating in his meeting.)

Another mistake involves the conjugation of the light verb 'kardan.' Since it is an irregular verb (present stem: 'kon', past stem: 'kard'), learners sometimes mix up the stems. Remember: 'Sherkat mikonam' (Present), 'Sherkat kardam' (Past). Also, avoid overusing the formal version 'Sherkat nemudan' in casual conversation. It can make you sound like a robot or a very stiff official. Stick to 'Kardan' for daily life. Lastly, ensure you don't confuse 'Sherkat kardan' with 'Eshterak dashtan' (to have in common). While they share the same root (sh-r-k), 'Eshterak' is about sharing traits or subscriptions, whereas 'Sherkat' is about active participation in an event.

Spelling Note
The letter 'Shin' (ش) is followed by 'Re' (ر) and then 'Kaf' (ک) and 'Te' (ت). Be careful not to confuse the 'Kaf' with 'Gaf'. It is Sherkat, not Shergat.

من نباید در آن بحث شرکت می‌کردم. (I shouldn't have participated in 그 discussion.)

While شرکت کردن is the most common way to say 'to participate,' Persian offers several nuances through alternative verbs. Understanding these can elevate your fluency from A2 to B1 and beyond. The most common alternative is حضور داشتن (hozur dashtan), which means 'to be present.' Use this when the focus is on your physical or virtual presence rather than your active contribution. For example, 'Dar jalase hozur dashtam' implies you were there, perhaps just listening. Another alternative is همکاری کردن (hamkari kardan), meaning 'to cooperate' or 'to collaborate.' This is used when you are working together with others on a specific project or task, rather than just attending an event.

Comparison Table
  • شرکت کردن: General participation in an event/action.
  • حضور یافتن: A more formal way to say 'to attend' (often used in news).
  • وارد شدن (be): To enter into (a discussion or a field), implying a more sudden start.
  • سهیم شدن: To take a share in something (often financial or emotional).

او در پروژه‌های علمی همکاری می‌کند. (He collaborates in scientific projects.)

In formal literature, you might see مشارکت کردن (mosharekat kardan). This is very close to 'Sherkat kardan' but often implies a deeper, more structural level of participation, like 'civic participation' (mosharekat-e ejtemayi). If you are talking about 'joining' a club or a group, you might use عضو شدن (ozv shodan), which means 'to become a member.' While you 'sherkat' in a meeting, you 'ozv' in a club. For competitions, you can also use مسابقه دادن (mosabeghe dadan), which specifically means 'to compete.' Choosing the right word depends on whether you are emphasizing the act of being there (hozur), the act of doing (sherkat), the act of helping (hamkari), or the status of belonging (ozv).

Nuance Check
If you attend a wedding, you 'sherkat' in the ceremony. If you are 'present' in the hall, you 'hozur' have. If you help the groom, you 'hamkari' do.

ما باید در امور خیریه مشارکت بیشتری داشته باشیم. (We should have more participation in charity affairs.)

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The word 'Shirk' in Islam (associating partners with God) comes from the same root. In a business sense, 'Sherkat' became the standard word for 'Company' in the 20th century.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ʃer.kæt kær.dæn/
US /ʃer.kæt kær.dæn/
The primary stress is on the second syllable of the noun: sher-KAT. In the conjugated verb, the stress shifts to the prefix 'mi-' in the present tense: MI-konam.
Rhymes With
Harakat (motion) Barakat (blessing) Zakat (alms) Ghamat (stature) Sardam (leader) Hamdam (companion) Kalam (word) Alam (world)
Common Errors
  • Pronouncing 'Sherkat' as 'Shurkat'.
  • Failing to tap the 'r' (it should be like a Spanish 'r').
  • Putting stress on 'kardan' instead of 'Sherkat'.
  • Confusing the 'k' sound with 'g'.
  • Merging the two words into one without a slight break.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize in texts.

Writing 3/5

Need to remember the 'dar' and the 'kardan' conjugation.

Speaking 2/5

Very high frequency, easy to practice.

Listening 2/5

Clear pronunciation in most dialects.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

کردن در جلسه کلاس بازی

Learn Next

حضور داشتن همکاری کردن مشارکت دعوت کردن ثبت‌نام

Advanced

مناقصه مجمع عمومی ائتلاف تکوین ساحت

Grammar to Know

Compound Verbs

Sherkat (noun) + Kardan (verb).

Preposition 'dar'

Always say 'Sherkat dar...'.

Light Verb Conjugation

Only 'kardan' changes (mikonam, kardi, kardand).

Subjunctive with 'Want'

Mikham sherkat konam.

Negation

Sherkat nakardam (ne + kardam).

Examples by Level

1

من در کلاس شرکت می‌کنم.

I participate in the class.

Present tense: 'mikonam' is the suffix for 'I'.

2

او در بازی شرکت می‌کند.

He/she participates in the game.

Third person singular ends in 'ad' or 'e' (spoken).

3

ما در مهمانی شرکت می‌کنیم.

We participate in the party.

Plural 'we' suffix is 'im'.

4

آیا در ورزش شرکت می‌کنی؟

Do you participate in sports?

Question form using 'Aya'.

5

آن‌ها در جلسه شرکت نمی‌کنند.

They do not participate in the meeting.

Negative form: 'ne' prefix added to 'mikonand'.

6

لطفاً در بحث شرکت کنید.

Please participate in the discussion.

Imperative/Polite plural form.

7

من دیروز در کلاس شرکت کردم.

I participated in the class yesterday.

Past tense: 'kard' is the stem.

8

او می‌خواهد در مسابقه شرکت کند.

He wants to participate in the competition.

Subjunctive mood after 'want'.

1

دیروز در یک مسابقه فوتبال شرکت کردیم.

Yesterday we participated in a football match.

Past tense plural.

2

همه دانش‌آموزان در امتحان شرکت کردند.

All students participated in the exam.

Subject-verb agreement.

3

آیا تو در کنفرانس شرکت می‌کنی؟

Are you participating in the conference?

Present continuous usage for future.

4

او در کارهای خانه شرکت نمی‌کند.

He doesn't participate in housework.

Abstract participation.

5

من دوست دارم در این برنامه شرکت کنم.

I like to participate in this program.

Infinitive structure with 'dust daram'.

6

ما فردا در جشن تولد شرکت خواهیم کرد.

We will participate in the birthday party tomorrow.

Formal future tense.

7

چه کسی در این فعالیت شرکت می‌کند؟

Who is participating in this activity?

Interrogative 'Che kasi'.

8

او در کلاس‌های هنری شرکت کرد.

She participated in art classes.

Plural noun 'kelashaye' with ezafe.

1

من تا به حال در هیچ تظاهراتی شرکت نکرده‌ام.

I have never participated in any protest until now.

Present perfect negative.

2

باید در تصمیم‌گیری‌های گروهی شرکت کنید.

You must participate in group decision-making.

Modal 'bayad' + Subjunctive.

3

او به دلیل بیماری نتوانست در مسابقات شرکت کند.

He couldn't participate in the competitions due to illness.

Compound verb with 'tavanestan'.

4

شرکت در این دوره آموزشی الزامی است.

Participating in this training course is mandatory.

Gerund usage of 'Sherkat'.

5

آن‌ها داوطلبانه در پاکسازی پارک شرکت کردند.

They voluntarily participated in cleaning the park.

Adverbial usage 'davtalabaneh'.

6

اگر وقت داشته باشم، در سمینار شرکت می‌کنم.

If I have time, I will participate in the seminar.

Conditional sentence type 1.

7

او با اشتیاق در پروژه‌های خیریه شرکت می‌کرد.

He used to participate enthusiastically in charity projects.

Past habitual 'mi-kard'.

8

تعداد افرادی که در انتخابات شرکت کردند زیاد بود.

The number of people who participated in the elections was high.

Relative clause 'ke'.

1

شرکت گسترده مردم در مراسم تشییع جنازه چشمگیر بود.

The widespread participation of people in the funeral was impressive.

Noun form 'Sherkat' with adjectives.

2

او همواره از شرکت در بحث‌های سیاسی دوری می‌کند.

He always avoids participating in political discussions.

Gerund after the verb 'duri kardan'.

3

دولت مردم را به شرکت در فعالیت‌های مدنی تشویق می‌کند.

The government encourages people to participate in civic activities.

Causative structure with 'tashvigh kardan'.

4

آیا شرکت در این آزمایش خطری دارد؟

Does participating in this experiment have any danger?

Questioning consequences.

5

او با شرکت در این کلاس، مهارت‌های خود را بهبود بخشید.

By participating in this class, he improved his skills.

Prepositional phrase 'ba sherkat dar'.

6

شرکت در بازارهای جهانی نیازمند استانداردهای خاصی است.

Participating in global markets requires specific standards.

Abstract economic usage.

7

او به خاطر شرکت نکردن در جلسات توبیخ شد.

He was reprimanded for not participating in meetings.

Passive voice 'tobikh shod'.

8

ما قصد داریم در نمایشگاه بین‌المللی کتاب شرکت کنیم.

We intend to participate in the international book fair.

Intention with 'ghasd dashtan'.

1

مشارکت فعال در حیات سیاسی، ضامن دموکراسی است.

Active participation in political life is the guarantee of democracy.

Using 'Mosharekat' for formal discourse.

2

او با شرکت در این توطئه، آینده شغلی خود را به خطر انداخت.

By participating in this conspiracy, he endangered his career future.

Nuance of participation in negative acts.

3

شرکت در مناقصات دولتی فرآیند پیچیده‌ای دارد.

Participating in government tenders has a complex process.

Legal/Business terminology.

4

عدم شرکت در رای‌گیری به معنای بی‌تفاوتی نیست.

Not participating in the voting does not mean indifference.

Negative noun 'Adam-e sherkat'.

5

او با وجود کهولت سن، همچنان در مجامع علمی شرکت می‌جوید.

Despite his old age, he still seeks participation in scientific assemblies.

Literary verb 'Sherkat jostan'.

6

شرکت در این مراسم، تجدیدی برای پیمان‌های قدیمی بود.

Participating in this ceremony was a renewal of old covenants.

Metaphorical/Symbolic usage.

7

او با شرکت در دوره‌های عالی، مدارج علمی را طی کرد.

By participating in advanced courses, he ascended the academic ranks.

Formal academic context.

8

ممانعت از شرکت زنان در ورزشگاه‌ها مورد نقد قرار گرفت.

Preventing women from participating in stadiums was criticized.

Social critique context.

1

شرکت در ساحت اندیشه مستلزم رهایی از پیش‌فرض‌هاست.

Participating in the realm of thought requires liberation from presuppositions.

Philosophical register.

2

او در تکوین این جنبش هنری شرکت مستقیم داشت.

He had a direct part in the formation of this artistic movement.

Historical/Artistic analysis.

3

شرکت در این بزه دسته‌جمعی، کیفر سنگینی در پی خواهد داشت.

Participating in this collective crime will result in a heavy penalty.

Criminology/Legal register.

4

مشارکت در استقرار نظم نوین جهانی از اهداف این پیمان است.

Participation in establishing a new world order is among the goals of this treaty.

Geopolitical discourse.

5

او با شرکت در این ماراتن فکری، توانمندی‌های خود را به چالش کشید.

By participating in this intellectual marathon, he challenged his capabilities.

Metaphorical 'marathon'.

6

شرکت در غم دیگران، فضیلتی اخلاقی در فرهنگ ایرانی است.

Participating in the grief of others is a moral virtue in Iranian culture.

Ethical/Cultural abstraction.

7

او در بازسازی ساختارهای بنیادین جامعه شرکت جست.

He sought participation in the reconstruction of society's fundamental structures.

Sociological register.

8

شرکت در این دیالوگ سازنده، راه را برای صلح گشود.

Participating in this constructive dialogue paved the way for peace.

Diplomatic rhetoric.

Common Collocations

شرکت در جلسه
شرکت در کلاس
شرکت در انتخابات
شرکت در مسابقه
شرکت در امتحان
شرکت فعالانه
شرکت داوطلبانه
شرکت گسترده
شرکت در مراسم
شرکت در مناقصه

Common Phrases

قصد شرکت داشتن

— To have the intention to participate.

آیا قصد شرکت در سفر را داری؟

فرصت شرکت کردن

— The opportunity to participate.

من فرصت شرکت در کلاس را نداشتم.

دعوت به شرکت

— Invitation to participate.

او مرا به شرکت در جلسه دعوت کرد.

مانع شرکت شدن

— To prevent participation.

برف مانع شرکت ما در جشن شد.

نحوه شرکت

— How to participate.

نحوه شرکت در مسابقه در سایت هست.

شرایط شرکت

— Conditions for participation.

شرایط شرکت در این دوره چیست؟

حق شرکت

— The right to participate.

همه حق شرکت در انتخابات را دارند.

علاقه به شرکت

— Interest in participating.

او علاقه زیادی به شرکت در تئاتر دارد.

اجبار به شرکت

— Forcing someone to participate.

هیچ اجباری به شرکت در این کار نیست.

ثبت‌نام برای شرکت

— Registering to participate.

من برای شرکت در کنکور ثبت‌نام کردم.

Often Confused With

شرکت کردن vs شرکت (Company)

Beginners confuse the noun 'company' with the action of 'participating'.

شرکت کردن vs اشتراک

Means 'subscription' (like Netflix) or 'sharing' traits, not attending an event.

شرکت کردن vs حضور

Means 'presence'. You can have 'hozur' without active 'sherkat'.

Idioms & Expressions

"خود را نخود هر آشی کردن"

— To participate in every single thing, even when not invited (meddling).

او خودش را نخود هر آشی می‌کند.

Informal
"پای خود را وسط کشیدن"

— To get involved or participate in a conflict.

او پایش را به این دعوا کشید.

Neutral
"در صف اول بودن"

— To be at the forefront of participation.

او همیشه در صف اول کارهای خیر است.

Neutral
"آستین بالا زدن"

— To start participating or working on something actively.

برای حل مشکل آستین بالا زدیم.

Informal
"وارد گود شدن"

— To enter the arena (start participating in a challenge).

بالاخره او هم وارد گود شد.

Neutral
"شریک دزد و رفیق قافله"

— Participating with both sides (double-dealing).

او شریک دزد و رفیق قافله است.

Literary
"هم‌پیاله شدن"

— To participate in drinking or close friendship with someone.

آن‌ها با هم هم‌پیاله شده‌اند.

Informal
"میدان‌داری کردن"

— To take the lead in participation.

او در جلسات میدان‌داری می‌کند.

Neutral
"پا برجا بودن"

— To remain participating or present.

او همچنان در گروه پا برجاست.

Neutral
"دم به تله دادن"

— To participate in something risky that gets you caught.

او بالاخره دم به تله داد.

Informal

Easily Confused

شرکت کردن vs مشارکت

Looks similar and has a similar meaning.

Mosharekat is more formal and implies a collaborative partnership or civic involvement.

مشارکت مردم در امور خیریه.

شرکت کردن vs همکاری

Both involve doing something with others.

Hamkari is specifically 'working together' (cooperation), while Sherkat is just 'taking part' (attendance/participation).

آن‌ها با هم همکاری می‌کنند.

شرکت کردن vs عضویت

Both involve joining a group.

Ozviyat is the state of being a member. Sherkat is the act of participating in an event.

عضویت در باشگاه.

شرکت کردن vs وارد شدن

Can mean 'entering' a discussion.

Vared shodan is literal 'entering' or starting to engage in a field. Sherkat is general participation.

او به دنیای سیاست وارد شد.

شرکت کردن vs حضور

Both imply being at an event.

Hozur is just being there (presence). Sherkat implies you are part of the activity.

حضور در کلاس الزامی است.

Sentence Patterns

A1

من در [اسم] شرکت می‌کنم.

من در کلاس شرکت می‌کنم.

A2

او در [اسم] شرکت کرد.

او در مسابقه شرکت کرد.

B1

آن‌ها می‌خواهند در [اسم] شرکت کنند.

آن‌ها می‌خواهند در جلسه شرکت کنند.

B1

من قبلاً در [اسم] شرکت کرده‌ام.

من قبلاً در این دوره شرکت کرده‌ام.

B2

شرکت در [اسم] برای همه آزاد است.

شرکت در این مراسم برای همه آزاد است.

C1

او با شرکت در [اسم]، تجربه کسب کرد.

او با شرکت در پروژه‌ها، تجربه کسب کرد.

C1

عدم شرکت در [اسم] عواقب دارد.

عدم شرکت در امتحان عواقب دارد.

C2

شرکت در [مفهوم انتزاعی] نیازمند آگاهی است.

شرکت در سرنوشت کشور نیازمند آگاهی است.

Word Family

Nouns

شرکت (Company/Participation)
شریک (Partner)
مشارکت (Collaboration)
اشتراک (Subscription/Commonality)

Verbs

شرکت کردن (To participate)
شرکت دادن (To involve)
مشارکت کردن (To collaborate)
به اشتراک گذاشتن (To share)

Adjectives

مشترک (Common/Shared)
شرکتی (Corporate)

Related

همکاری
حضور
اجتماع
گروه
مجلس

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in both spoken and written Persian.

Common Mistakes
  • من در شرکت کار می‌کنم. Correct as is, but don't confuse it with 'participating'.

    Some learners think 'Sherkat kardan' means 'to company' (work). It doesn't.

  • من با جلسه شرکت کردم. من در جلسه شرکت کردم.

    Using 'ba' (with) instead of 'dar' (in).

  • او در مسابقه شرکت شد. او در مسابقه شرکت کرد.

    Using 'shodan' (to become) instead of 'kardan' (to do).

  • من می‌خواهم شرکت در کلاس. من می‌خواهم در کلاس شرکت کنم.

    Incorrect word order. The verb must come at the end.

  • شرکت کردن در یک شرکت. N/A

    While grammatically correct, it's redundant. Use 'Kar kardan dar yek sherkat'.

Tips

Light Verb Rule

Remember that in compound verbs like this, only the second part (kardan) changes. Don't try to pluralize 'Sherkat'.

The 'Dar' Rule

Always associate 'Sherkat' with 'Dar'. Treat them as a pair: 'Sherkat dar...'.

Natural Speed

In fast speech, 'Sherkat mikonam' sounds like 'Sherkat mikonam'. Don't over-pronounce the 'k' in 'kardan'.

Related Nouns

Learn 'Sherkat-konandeh' at the same time. It's the most common noun derived from this verb.

Formal Writing

Use 'Sherkat nemudan' in resumes or formal emails to sound more professional.

Politeness

Using 'Sherkat kardan' when talking about attending a funeral shows you understand Persian social etiquette.

Exam Context

If you are taking the Konkur or any exam, 'Sherkat dar emtehan' is the standard phrase.

Memory Hack

Think of 'Sherkat' as 'Share-Cat'. You share the activity with others.

News Listening

Listen for this verb in news about elections. It's the most common verb in that context.

Company vs Verb

If you mean a business, it's just 'Sherkat'. If you mean 'to participate', it's 'Sherkat kardan'.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'SHER-iff' who joins a 'CAT' show. He is a 'SHER-KAT' (participant).

Visual Association

Imagine a jigsaw puzzle piece (Sherkat) being 'done' (Kardan) into a larger picture.

Word Web

Meeting Class Exam Party Election Sports Discussion Poll

Challenge

Try to use 'Sherkat kardan' in three sentences today: one about a class, one about a meeting, and one about a hobby.

Word Origin

The word 'Sherkat' comes from the Arabic root Sh-R-K (ش ر ك), which relates to sharing, partnering, or associating. It entered Persian through Islamic influence and became a staple for both legal and social concepts.

Original meaning: Sharing or becoming a partner in something.

Afro-Asiatic (Arabic) root, Indo-European (Persian) auxiliary verb.

Cultural Context

Be careful when using it in religious contexts (like 'Shirk') to ensure you are clearly using the verb 'kardan' to avoid theological confusion.

In English, 'participate' can sound formal. In Persian, 'Sherkat kardan' is used for everything from a small game to a large summit.

Used in the Iranian Constitution regarding political participation. Commonly found in the titles of social science books like 'Mosharekat-e Siyasi' (Political Participation). Frequent in Iranian cinema dialogues during family disputes.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Education

  • شرکت در کلاس
  • شرکت در امتحان
  • شرکت در سمینار
  • شرکت در کنکور

Business

  • شرکت در جلسه
  • شرکت در کارگاه
  • شرکت در نمایشگاه
  • شرکت در مذاکرات

Social

  • شرکت در مهمانی
  • شرکت در جشن تولد
  • شرکت در مراسم ختم
  • شرکت در عروسی

Sports

  • شرکت در مسابقه
  • شرکت در تمرین
  • شرکت در المپیک
  • شرکت در تورنمنت

Politics

  • شرکت در انتخابات
  • شرکت در راهپیمایی
  • شرکت در رای‌گیری
  • شرکت در فعالیت مدنی

Conversation Starters

"آیا تا به حال در یک مسابقه دو ماراتن شرکت کرده‌اید؟"

"دوست داری در کدام کلاس هنری شرکت کنی؟"

"چرا مردم باید در انتخابات شرکت کنند؟"

"آخرین بار کی در یک مهمانی بزرگ شرکت کردی؟"

"اگر بتوانی در یک برنامه تلویزیونی شرکت کنی، کدام را انتخاب می‌کنی؟"

Journal Prompts

درباره زمانی بنویسید که در یک فعالیت گروهی شرکت کردید و احساس خوبی داشتید.

چرا شرکت در فعالیت‌های داوطلبانه برای جامعه مفید است؟

آیا ترجیح می‌دهید در بحث‌های شلوغ شرکت کنید یا فقط گوش دهید؟

تجربه خود را از شرکت در یک امتحان سخت توصیف کنید.

اگر در یک کنفرانس جهانی شرکت کنید، چه موضوعی را مطرح می‌کنید؟

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Usually no. If you specify the event, you must use 'dar'. You can only omit it if the event was already mentioned.

Sherkat is the common verb for 'to participate'. Mosharekat is more formal and often refers to 'civic participation' or 'collaboration'.

It is neutral. It is used in both casual conversation and formal news reports.

You use 'Sherkat-konandeh' (singular) or 'Sherkat-konandegan' (plural).

No. For that, use 'Dar yek sherkat kar kardan'.

It is 'Sherkat kard' (he/she participated).

Say 'Mikham sherkat konam'.

Yes, it is very common for webinars and online meetings: 'Sherkat dar webinar'.

Common opposites are 'Gheybat kardan' (to be absent) or 'Enseraf dadan' (to withdraw).

No, 'to share' is 'be eshterak gozashtan'. 'Sherkat kardan' is specifically 'to participate'.

Test Yourself 200 questions

writing

Write a sentence in Persian: 'I participate in the Persian class.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write a sentence in Persian: 'Did you participate in the party yesterday?'

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writing

Write a sentence in Persian: 'We will participate in the competition next week.'

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writing

Write a sentence in Persian: 'Participation in this course is mandatory.'

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Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write a sentence in Persian: 'He has never participated in a protest.'

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writing

Describe your participation in a project at work or school (30 words).

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Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Explain why people should participate in elections (50 words).

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Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write a formal invitation for a seminar.

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writing

Write a sentence using 'Sherkat-konandegan'.

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writing

Translate: 'By participating in this class, I learned many things.'

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Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write a sentence in the negative future tense.

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Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write a sentence using the word 'Mosharekat'.

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Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Translate: 'He avoids participating in group discussions.'

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Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write a sentence about a sports tournament.

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Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write a sentence using 'Sherkat dadan' (causative).

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write a sentence about a religious ceremony.

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Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write a sentence about a book fair.

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Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write a sentence about a political rally.

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Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Translate: 'Participation is the key to success.'

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Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write a sentence about an online poll.

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Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say in Persian: 'I want to participate in the meeting.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say in Persian: 'Did you participate in the exam?'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say in Persian: 'We are participating in the marathon.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say in Persian: 'Who is participating in the class today?'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say in Persian: 'I didn't participate because I was busy.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Explain a time you participated in a competition (in Persian).

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Discuss the importance of civic participation (in Persian).

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Invite a friend to participate in a party (in Persian).

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say: 'Please participate in the discussion.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say: 'They will participate in the conference next year.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say: 'Participation is voluntary.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say: 'I have participated in many classes.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say: 'He was punished for not participating.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say: 'Are you participating in the voting?'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say: 'We should participate more.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say: 'I am a participant.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say: 'Do you want to participate in the game?'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say: 'He participated in the revolution.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say: 'I participate in online courses.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say: 'The number of participants is high.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen and identify the verb: 'U dar jalase sherkat kard.'

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
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listening

Listen and identify the preposition: 'Man dar mosabeghe sherkat mikonam.'

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
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listening

Listen and identify the noun: 'Sherkat dar entekhabat mohem ast.'

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen and identify the tense: 'Sherkat khaham kard.'

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
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listening

Listen and identify the negation: 'U sherkat nakard.'

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
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listening

Listen and identify the subject: 'Ma dar marasem sherkat kardim.'

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
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listening

Listen and identify the mood: 'Bayad sherkat koni.'

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
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listening

Listen and identify the frequency: 'U hamishe sherkat mikonad.'

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
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listening

Listen and identify the location/event: 'Sherkat dar kelas-e honar.'

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
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listening

Listen and identify the formal word: 'Mosharekat-e mardom.'

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
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listening

Listen and identify the number of participants: 'Dah nafar sherkat kardand.'

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
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listening

Listen and identify the reason: 'Be dalil-e bimari sherkat nakard.'

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
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listening

Listen and identify the question: 'Aya sherkat mikoni?'

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
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listening

Listen and identify the person: 'Ali va Maryam sherkat kardand.'

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
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listening

Listen and identify the object: 'Sherkat dar nazar-sanji.'

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
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/ 200 correct

Perfect score!

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