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Vocabulary
سکوت کردن

A1 verb #4,000 most common 8 min read

سکوت کردن

sokut kardan Top 4,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips سکوت کردن in 30 Seconds

Explanation سکوت کردن in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'Sokut kardan' is taught as a basic action verb. Students learn it primarily in the imperative form ('Sokut kon!') to understand instructions in a classroom or public setting. The focus is on the present simple and past simple tenses. A1 learners should be able to identify the word 'Sokut' and know that it means 'silence'. They should understand that 'kardan' is the helper verb that makes it an action. Examples at this level are short and direct, focusing on everyday environments like a school or a library. The goal is to recognize the verb and use it to describe a simple state of not making noise.

At the A2 level, learners begin to use 'Sokut kardan' in more complex sentences involving reasons and basic conjunctions. They can describe past events in more detail, such as 'I stayed silent because I was tired.' They also learn the difference between 'Sokut kardan' and 'Harf nazadan' (not talking). A2 students should start using the negative form ('Sokut nakardam') and the future tense with 'khaham'. They are introduced to common social situations where silence is expected and can express that they or someone else 'should' keep silent using 'bayad'.

By B1, the learner is expected to understand the emotional and social nuances of 'Sokut kardan'. They can use it to describe abstract situations, such as someone being silent during an argument or a politician not responding to a crisis. B1 learners should be comfortable with the subjunctive mood ('Mikhaham sokut koni' - I want you to be silent) and the perfect tenses ('Sokut karde-am'). They also start to encounter the word in media and short stories, where it might imply a choice or a character trait rather than just a lack of noise.

At the B2 level, 'Sokut kardan' is used in more sophisticated contexts, including debates and literary analysis. The learner understands that silence can be a form of communication. They can discuss the proverb 'Sokut alamat-e rezast' (Silence is a sign of consent) and debate its validity. They are familiar with related nouns like 'Sokut-e motlagh' (absolute silence) and can use the verb in conditional sentences ('If I had stayed silent, things would be better'). Their vocabulary includes more synonyms and they can distinguish between 'Sokut' and 'Khamushi' based on the register.

At the C1 level, the learner explores the philosophical and poetic depths of 'Sokut kardan'. They can read classical and modern Persian poetry where silence is a central theme (e.g., Rumi's 'Khamosh'). They understand the use of silence as a rhetorical device in speeches and high-level literature. C1 learners can use the verb in complex grammatical structures and are aware of archaic or highly formal alternatives like 'Dam foru bastan'. They can discuss the cultural implications of silence in Iranian 'Ta'arof' and social etiquette with high precision.

At the C2 level, the mastery of 'Sokut kardan' is absolute. The learner can use the verb and its derivatives in any context, from legal documents to abstract philosophical treatises. They can interpret the 'silence' of a text or a historical period. They are capable of using the verb to express subtle irony, sarcasm, or profound mystical concepts. A C2 speaker understands the historical evolution of the word and can use it to create nuanced creative writing that plays with the concepts of sound, voice, and the 'unsaid' in Persian culture.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

سکوت کردن in 30 Seconds

A basic Persian verb meaning 'to be silent' or 'to keep quiet' in various settings.
A compound verb consisting of the noun 'Sokut' and the auxiliary verb 'Kardan'.
Used for direct commands, describing habits, or indicating a lack of response in formal contexts.
Essential for classroom etiquette, social restraint, and understanding Persian cultural values regarding speech.

The Persian verb سکوت کردن (Sokut kardan) is a compound verb that translates literally to 'to do silence.' In everyday communication, it serves as the primary way to describe the act of being quiet, remaining silent, or ceasing to speak. While at an A1 level it is used for simple commands like 'be quiet,' its usage spans from physical silence in a library to metaphorical silence in the face of injustice or emotional restraint. Understanding this word requires looking at its components: 'Sokut' (a noun meaning silence) and 'Kardan' (the auxiliary verb 'to do').

Literal Meaning: To perform silence; to engage in the state of not making noise or speaking.
Social Context: Used in classrooms, libraries, or when someone is being too loud. It can also imply a deliberate choice not to respond in an argument.

لطفاً در کتابخانه سکوت کنید تا بقیه درس بخوانند.

(Please keep silent in the library so others can study.)

In Persian culture, silence isn't just the absence of noise; it often carries weight. Sometimes, 'Sokut kardan' is seen as a sign of wisdom, as reflected in many Persian proverbs that suggest speaking less is better than speaking poorly. When a child is told to 'Sokut kon,' it is a direct instruction to stop talking immediately. In more formal or literary settings, this verb describes a profound state of meditation or the quietness of nature at night.

او در مقابل سوالات من فقط سکوت کرد.

(He only remained silent in response to my questions.)

Emotional Nuance: It can represent peace, awkwardness, or even protest depending on the tone of the conversation.

شب‌ها جنگل کاملاً سکوت می‌کند.

(At nights, the forest becomes completely silent.)

چرا وقتی حقیقت را می‌دانی سکوت می‌کنی؟

(Why do you remain silent when you know the truth?)

Synonym Note: While 'harf nazadan' (not talking) is common, 'sokut kardan' is more formal and emphasizes the state of silence itself.

همه برای یک دقیقه به احترام او سکوت کردند.

(Everyone kept silent for one minute in his honor.)

Using سکوت کردن correctly involves mastering the conjugation of the verb 'kardan' while keeping 'sokut' as a separate prefix. In Persian, the prefix and the verb can sometimes be separated by other words, especially in negative constructions or when adding emphasis. For beginners, the most important structures are the imperative (giving a command) and the simple past (describing what happened).

The Imperative Form: To tell someone 'Be silent!', you say 'Sokut kon!' (singular/informal) or 'Sokut konid!' (plural/formal).

بچه‌ها، لطفاً برای لحظه‌ای سکوت کنید.

(Children, please be silent for a moment.)

When describing a past event, use the past stem of kardan, which is 'kard-'. For example, 'I was silent' becomes 'Sokut kardam.' This is very common when recounting stories or explaining why you didn't say something during a meeting. In the negative form, the 'na-' prefix attaches to the verb part: 'Sokut nakardam' (I did not remain silent).

Present Continuous: To say someone is currently being silent, you use 'darad sokut mikonad'. This emphasizes the ongoing state.

او دارد در برابر این بی‌عدالتی سکوت می‌کند.

(He is remaining silent in the face of this injustice.)

من هیچ‌وقت در چنین شرایطی سکوت نمی‌کنم.

(I never remain silent in such conditions.)

Future Tense: Using 'khaham kard'. For example, 'Sokut khaham kard' (I will remain silent).

او قول داد که دیگر در جلسات سکوت نکند.

(He promised not to remain silent in meetings anymore.)

Another interesting usage is when 'sokut kardan' is used to describe an object or environment. In Persian poetry, even a mountain or a house can 'sokut konad'. This personification is very common and gives the word a more artistic flavor. For a learner, focusing on the simple past and present covers 90% of daily interactions.

وقتی معلم وارد شد، همه کلاس سکوت کرد.

(When the teacher entered, the whole class became silent.)

You will encounter سکوت کردن in a variety of real-life settings in Iran or Persian-speaking communities. One of the most common places is in educational environments. Teachers frequently use the imperative form to manage a classroom. In a more somber context, you will hear it during official ceremonies or funerals where a 'moment of silence' is requested. In Iranian cinema and television dramas, characters often use this verb to describe their emotional state, such as 'Sokut kardam chon nemikhastam bahs konam' (I stayed silent because I didn't want to argue).

In Public Spaces: Signs in hospitals or libraries often have the noun 'Sokut' (Silence) written on them, but staff will use the verb when speaking to you.

پرستار گفت: اینجا بیمارستان است، باید سکوت کنید.

(The nurse said: This is a hospital, you must be silent.)

In the news and political discourse, 'sokut kardan' is used to describe a government or organization's lack of response to an event. For example, 'Sazman-e Melal dar barabare in jenaayat sokut kard' (The United Nations remained silent in the face of this crime). This shows the verb's transition from a physical act to a symbolic stance. You will also hear it in the lyrics of modern Persian pop and traditional music, where silence is often equated with heartbreak or the inability to express deep feelings.

In Literature and Media: TV anchors might say 'Vezarat-e khareje hanooz sokut karde ast' (The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has still remained silent).

چرا در این فیلم، قهرمان داستان همیشه سکوت می‌کند؟

(Why does the protagonist always remain silent in this movie?)

مادرم وقتی عصبانی است، فقط سکوت می‌کند.

(My mother just remains silent when she is angry.)

Finally, you will hear it in religious contexts. During prayer or in holy sites (like the shrines in Mashhad or Qom), people are encouraged to 'sokut kardan' to maintain the sanctity of the place. Even in a busy bazaar, if a sudden loud noise occurs and then stops, someone might remark on the 'sokut' that followed. It is a versatile verb that bridges the gap between everyday needs and higher philosophical expressions.

One of the most common mistakes English speakers make when learning سکوت کردن is confusing it with simply 'not talking' (حرف نزدن). While they are related, 'Sokut kardan' implies a more deliberate or formal state of silence. Another frequent error is forgetting that Persian compound verbs require the auxiliary verb to be conjugated. Beginners often try to use 'Sokut' alone as a verb, which is grammatically incorrect. You must always include a form of 'kardan'.

Mistake 1: Omitting 'Kardan': Saying 'Man sokut' instead of 'Man sokut mikonam'. Silence is a noun, not a verb by itself.

اشتباه: من دیروز سکوت. (غلط)

(Wrong: I silence yesterday.)

Another mistake involves the preposition used with the verb. In English, we say 'silent about something.' In Persian, we often use 'dar morede...' (about) or 'dar barabare...' (in the face of). Using the wrong preposition can make the sentence sound unnatural. Furthermore, learners sometimes confuse 'sokut kardan' with 'khamush kardan' (to turn off/extinguish). While 'khamush' can mean silent in a literary sense, 'khamush kardan' is usually for lights, radios, or fires.

Mistake 2: Confusing with 'Khamush Kardan': Don't use 'khamush kardan' when you want a person to be quiet; use 'sokut kardan' or the more informal 'sakat shodan'.

اشتباه: رادیو را سکوت کن. (غلط)

(Wrong: Silence the radio - Use 'khamush kon' instead.)

Lastly, pay attention to the intensity. If you want to say 'Shut up!' (which is quite rude), 'Sokut kon' is too polite. In that case, people use 'khaf-fe sho' (slang and very rude). Using 'sokut konid' in a heated street argument might sound out of place or overly formal. Knowing the register is key to sounding like a native speaker.

درست: او در تمام مدت جلسه سکوت کرده بود.

(Correct: He had remained silent during the entire meeting.)

While سکوت کردن is the standard verb for being silent, Persian offers several alternatives depending on the level of formality and the specific context. Understanding these nuances will help you move from A1 to more advanced levels of fluency. Some words focus on the physical act of not speaking, while others focus on the emotional or poetic quality of the silence.

حرف نزدن (Harf Nazadan): Literally 'not talking.' It is the most common informal way to say someone isn't speaking. Example: 'Chera harf nemizani?' (Why aren't you talking?)
خاموش بودن (Khamush Budan): More literary. It means 'to be extinguished' or 'to be quiet.' It is often used in poetry to describe a silent lover or a quiet night.
صامت بودن (Samet Budan): Used in technical or linguistic contexts. For example, 'silent letters' in a word or a 'silent movie' (film-e samet).

او ترجیح داد دم فرو بندد و چیزی نگوید.

(He preferred to hold his breath [keep silent] and say nothing - Highly literary.)

In a comparative sense, 'sokut kardan' is the most versatile. 'Harf nazadan' is too simple for a formal speech, and 'khamush budan' is too poetic for a library sign. There is also the verb 'sakat shodan' (to become quiet), which is often used when a noisy room suddenly goes still. This is more about the transition from noise to silence.

Comparison Table

Sokut kardan: Standard, neutral to formal.
Harf nazadan: Informal, simple 'not speaking'.
Sakat shodan: To go quiet (after being loud).
Lal shodan: To become mute (often used as an insult: 'Have you gone mute?').

بعد از فریاد پدر، بچه‌ها ناگهان ساکت شدند.

(After the father's shout, the children suddenly became quiet.)

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The Arabic root 'S-K-T' is also the source of the word 'Sakteh' (stroke/heart attack), implying a sudden 'silence' or stopping of the heart's rhythm.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /so.ˈkuːt kær.ˈdæn/

US /soʊ.ˈkut kɑːr.ˈdæn/

The primary stress in 'Sokut' is on the second syllable 'kut'. In 'kardan', the stress is on the second syllable 'dan'.

Rhymes With

Malakut (Kingdom) Tabut (Coffin) Sobut (Stability) Barut (Gunpowder) Yaqut (Ruby) Sokunat (Residence) Hokumat (Government) Oqubat (Punishment)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'Sokut' like 'Sok-ut' with a short 'u'. It must be a long 'oo'.
Forgetting the 'r' in 'kardan'.
Treating 'Sokut' as a single syllable.
Misplacing the stress on the first syllable of 'Sokut'.
Pronouncing the 'k' in 'kardan' like a 'g'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

The word is easy to recognize as it appears frequently in signs and basic texts.

Writing 2/5

Requires knowledge of how to conjugate the compound verb 'kardan'.

Speaking 2/5

Easy to pronounce but requires correct register usage (formal vs informal).

Listening 1/5

The distinct 'oo' sound makes it easy to pick out in conversation.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

کردن (To do) حرف زدن (To talk) کلاس (Class) کتابخانه (Library) لطفاً (Please)

Learn Next

ساکت کردن (To make quiet) آرامش (Peace) اعتراض کردن (To protest) فریاد زدن (To shout) گوش دادن (To listen)

Advanced

خموشی (Silence - literary) انزوا (Isolation) تامل (Reflection) مراقبه (Meditation) رازداری (Secrecy)

Grammar to Know

Compound Verb Conjugation

In 'Sokut kardan', only 'kardan' changes. Present: 'Sokut mikonam'. Past: 'Sokut kardam'.

Imperative Mood

To form the imperative, replace 'mikonid' with 'konid'. Example: 'Sokut konid!' (Be silent!)

Negative Formation

The negative prefix 'na-' or 'ne-' attaches to the auxiliary verb. Example: 'Sokut nemikonam'.

Subjunctive with 'Bayad'

After 'bayad' (must), use the subjunctive form of 'kardan'. Example: 'Bayad sokut konim'.

Separation of Components

Other words can come between the noun and the verb. Example: 'Sokut ham nemikoni?' (Don't you even keep silent?)

Examples by Level

لطفاً سکوت کنید.

Please be silent.

Imperative formal form of 'kardan'.

من سکوت می‌کنم.

I am being silent.

Present simple tense.

او سکوت کرد.

He/She was silent.

Simple past tense.

ما در کلاس سکوت می‌کنیم.

We keep silent in class.

Present simple, first person plural.

سگ سکوت کرد.

The dog became quiet.

Simple past tense.

چرا سکوت کردی؟

Why were you silent?

Question in simple past.

اینجا باید سکوت کنیم.

We must be silent here.

Using 'bayad' (must) with the subjunctive.

آنها سکوت کردند.

They were silent.

Third person plural, past tense.

من دیروز در جلسه سکوت کردم.

I remained silent in the meeting yesterday.

Past tense with time adverb.

بچه‌ها نباید در خانه سکوت کنند.

Children shouldn't be silent at home.

Negative 'bayad' with subjunctive.

او همیشه وقتی ناراحت است سکوت می‌کند.

She always keeps silent when she is sad.

Present simple describing a habit.

آیا می‌توانی برای یک دقیقه سکوت کنی؟

Can you be silent for a minute?

Using 'tavanestan' (can) with subjunctive.

ما به خاطر احترام به او سکوت کردیم.

We remained silent out of respect for him.

Reasoning with 'be khatere'.

او هیچ‌وقت سکوت نمی‌کند.

He never remains silent.

Negative present simple.

اگر خسته هستی، سکوت کن و استراحت کن.

If you are tired, be silent and rest.

Conditional 'agar' with imperative.

همه در سینما سکوت کردند.

Everyone was silent in the cinema.

Past tense plural.

گاهی سکوت کردن بهتر از حرف زدن است.

Sometimes being silent is better than talking.

Using the infinitive as a noun.

او ترجیح می‌دهد در این مورد سکوت کند.

He prefers to remain silent about this matter.

Using 'tarjih dadan' (to prefer).

وقتی حقیقت را شنید، برای مدتی سکوت کرد.

When he heard the truth, he remained silent for a while.

Time clause with 'vaghti'.

دولت در برابر این اعتراضات سکوت کرده است.

The government has remained silent in the face of these protests.

Present perfect tense.

نمی‌توانم در برابر این ظلم سکوت کنم.

I cannot remain silent in the face of this oppression.

Negative modal verb.

او با سکوت کردن، خشم خود را نشان داد.

By remaining silent, he showed his anger.

Using the gerund form with 'ba'.

در آن لحظه، همه جا را سکوت فرا گرفت.

At that moment, silence enveloped everywhere.

Literary use of 'sokut' as a subject.

او قول داد که دیگر در جلسات سکوت نکند.

He promised not to remain silent in meetings anymore.

Negative subjunctive in a noun clause.

سکوت کردن در چنین شرایطی به معنای تایید است.

Remaining silent in such conditions means approval.

Complex subject with 'be ma'naye'.

او با وجود اصرار خبرنگاران، همچنان سکوت کرد.

Despite the journalists' insistence, he still remained silent.

Concessive clause with 'ba vojud-e'.

او از اینکه در آن موقعیت سکوت کرده بود، پشیمان بود.

He regretted that he had remained silent in that situation.

Past perfect in a subordinate clause.

چرا نویسنده در فصل آخر کتاب سکوت کرده است؟

Why has the author remained silent in the last chapter of the book?

Metaphorical use of the verb.

او سعی کرد با سکوت کردن، فضا را آرام کند.

He tried to calm the atmosphere by remaining silent.

Infinitive as an instrumental phrase.

سکوت کردن او باعث شد که دیگران شک کنند.

His silence caused others to doubt.

Causative structure with 'ba'es shodan'.

او در تمام طول مسیر سکوت پیشه کرد.

He adopted silence throughout the journey.

Using the idiom 'sokut pishe kardan'.

اگر او سکوت نمی‌کرد، شاید مشکل حل می‌شد.

If he hadn't remained silent, maybe the problem would have been solved.

Past unreal conditional.

در ادبیات عرفانی، سکوت کردن راهی برای رسیدن به حقیقت است.

In mystical literature, remaining silent is a way to reach the truth.

Academic/Philosophical register.

او با سکوتی معنادار، تمام ادعاهای آنها را رد کرد.

With a meaningful silence, he rejected all their claims.

Using 'sokut' with an adjective.

سکوت کردن در برابر جنایات جنگی، خود یک جنایت است.

Remaining silent in the face of war crimes is itself a crime.

Moral/Ethical statement.

او ترجیح داد به جای توجیه، سکوت اختیار کند.

He preferred to choose silence instead of justification.

Using the formal 'sokut ekhtiyar kardan'.

گاهی در موسیقی، سکوت کردن از نواختن نت‌ها مهم‌تر است.

Sometimes in music, being silent is more important than playing notes.

Artistic comparison.

او به چنان مرحله‌ای از عرفان رسیده بود که فقط سکوت می‌کرد.

He had reached such a stage of mysticism that he only remained silent.

Result clause with 'be chenan... ke'.

سکوت کردن او ناشی از ترس نبود، بلکه از روی حکمت بود.

His silence was not due to fear, but out of wisdom.

Contrastive structure 'nashi az... balke'.

او در برابر سیل انتقادات، با وقار تمام سکوت کرد.

In the face of a flood of criticism, he remained silent with complete dignity.

Adverbial phrase 'ba voghar-e tamam'.

سکوت کردن در ساحتِ قدسی، فراتر از یک کنشِ زبانی است.

Remaining silent in the sacred realm is beyond a linguistic act.

High-level philosophical terminology.

او با سکوتِ خود، گفتمانی نو در فضای سیاسی ایجاد کرد.

With his silence, he created a new discourse in the political atmosphere.

Sociopolitical analysis.

این سکوت کردن، نوعی استراتژی برای بازخوانیِ متن بود.

This silence was a kind of strategy for re-reading the text.

Literary theory context.

او در غوغای هستی، سکوت کردن را یگانه مفرّ خود یافت.

Amidst the clamor of existence, he found remaining silent his only escape.

Existentialist vocabulary.

سکوت کردنِ او، پارادوکسی بود که همگان را به تامل واداشت.

His silence was a paradox that forced everyone into reflection.

Abstract concept 'paradox'.

او با سکوت، به نقدِ دیالکتیکیِ وضعِ موجود پرداخت.

Through silence, he engaged in a dialectical critique of the status quo.

Marxist/Dialectical terminology.

در این تراژدی، سکوت کردنِ قهرمان، اوجِ درام است.

In this tragedy, the hero's silence is the climax of the drama.

Dramatic criticism.

او چنان سکوت اختیار کرد که گویی هرگز نبوده است.

He chose silence in such a way as if he had never existed.

Metaphorical/Poetic exaggeration.

Common Collocations

سکوت مطلق

شکستن سکوت

سکوت مرگبار

دعوت به سکوت

سکوت طولانی

سکوت سنگین

یک دقیقه سکوت

سکوت معنادار

در سکوت کامل

رعایت سکوت

Common Phrases

سکوت علامت رضاست

— Silence is a sign of consent. Used when someone doesn't object to a suggestion.

چرا چیزی نمی‌گویی؟ سکوت علامت رضاست؟

سکوت بره‌ها

— The Silence of the Lambs. Reference to the famous movie title.

فیلم سکوت بره‌ها بسیار ترسناک است.

سکوت مصلحتی

— Strategic silence. Keeping quiet for one's own benefit or to avoid trouble.

او سکوت مصلحتی را ترجیح داد.

مهر سکوت بر لب زدن

— To seal one's lips with silence. A poetic way of saying one won't speak.

او بر لبانش مهر سکوت زده است.

سکوت را شکستن

— To break the silence. Usually refers to someone finally speaking about a secret.

او بعد از ده سال سکوتش را شکست.

در سکوت فرو رفتن

— To sink into silence. Used for places or people becoming very quiet.

خانه در سکوت فرو رفت.

سکوت شب

— The silence of the night. A common poetic phrase.

سکوت شب بسیار آرام‌بخش است.

فریاد در سکوت

— A scream in silence. Refers to internal pain that isn't voiced.

کتاب او فریادی در سکوت بود.

سکوت محض

— Pure/Absolute silence. Used to emphasize the lack of any sound.

در بیابان سکوت محض بود.

حق سکوت

— Hush money or the right to remain silent (legal).

او برای گرفتن حق سکوت تلاش کرد.

Often Confused With

سکوت کردن vs ساکت کردن

This means 'to make someone else quiet', whereas 'Sokut kardan' is 'to be quiet yourself'.

سکوت کردن vs خاموش کردن

This is used for turning off devices or lights, not usually for people being silent.

سکوت کردن vs حرف نزدن

This is the simple absence of speech, while 'Sokut kardan' often implies a more formal or deliberate state.

Idioms & Expressions

"سکوت بالاترین فریاد است"

— Silence is the loudest scream. Implies that sometimes not saying anything is more powerful than shouting.

گاهی سکوت بالاترین فریاد است.

Literary

"زبان سرخ سر سبز می‌دهد بر باد"

— A red tongue (reckless speech) gives the green head (life) to the wind. Related to the value of silence for safety.

مواظب حرف‌هایت باش، زبان سرخ سر سبز می‌دهد بر باد.

Proverb

"کم گوی و گزیده گوی چون در"

— Speak little and choose your words like pearls. Encourages silence over meaningless talk.

در جلسات سعی کن کم گوی و گزیده گوی چون در.

Poetic

"سکوت او هزار حرف داشت"

— His silence had a thousand words. Meaning his silence was very expressive.

وقتی رفت، سکوتش هزار حرف داشت.

Colloquial

"دیوارها هم گوش دارند"

— Even the walls have ears. An idiom advising silence to keep secrets.

آرام‌تر صحبت کن، دیوارها هم گوش دارند.

Informal

"سخنی که نگفته‌ای بر آن پادشاهی"

— You are the king of the word you haven't spoken. Implies power in silence.

رازت را به کسی نگو، سخنی که نگفته‌ای بر آن پادشاهی.

Proverb

"جواب ابلهان خاموشی است"

— The answer to fools is silence. Advises not arguing with ignorant people.

با او بحث نکن، جواب ابلهان خاموشی است.

Proverb

"سکوت کوهستان"

— The silence of the mountain. Refers to a very deep and steady silence.

او با سکوت کوهستان به من خیره شد.

Literary

"در هفت آسمان یک ستاره نداشتن و سکوت کردن"

— To have nothing and still remain silent (dignified).

او با اینکه فقیر بود، همیشه سکوت می‌کرد.

Poetic

"سکوت بره"

— Silence like a lamb. Refers to being quiet and submissive.

او مثل یک بره سکوت کرد.

Informal

Easily Confused

سکوت کردن vs ساکت

It looks similar to Sokut.

Sakat is an adjective (quiet), while Sokut is a noun (silence). You say 'Otagh sakat ast' but 'Man sokut mikonam'.

این اتاق خیلی ساکت است. (This room is very quiet.)

سکوت کردن vs صامت

Both mean silent.

Samet is usually for silent letters or movies. Sokut is for the act of being quiet.

حرف 'ح' در این کلمه صامت است. (The letter 'H' is silent in this word.)

سکوت کردن vs خاموش

Both relate to silence.

Khamush is more about being 'off' or 'extinguished'. Sokut is about the absence of sound.

چراغ‌ها خاموش هستند. (The lights are off.)

سکوت کردن vs آرام

Both imply a lack of noise.

Aram means 'calm' or 'slow'. You can be talking but still be 'aram'. Sokut means no talking at all.

او خیلی آرام راه می‌رود. (He walks very calmly/slowly.)

سکوت کردن vs لال

Both mean not speaking.

Lal means 'mute' (unable to speak). It is often used as a harsh insult if someone isn't answering.

مگر لال هستی؟ (Are you mute? - Rude)

Sentence Patterns

[Subject] [Sokut] [mikonam/mikoni...]

من سکوت می‌کنم.

[Subject] [Time] [Sokut] [kard/kardand...]

آنها دیروز سکوت کردند.

[Subject] [Bayad] [Sokut] [konad]

او باید سکوت کند.

[Vaghti...] [Subject] [Sokut] [kard]

وقتی او را دیدم، سکوت کردم.

[Sokut kardan] [behtar az] [Harf zadan] [ast]

سکوت کردن بهتر از حرف زدن است.

[Subject] [Sokut] [ekhtiyar kard]

مدیر جلسه سکوت اختیار کرد.

[Ba vojud-e...] [Subject] [Sokut] [karde ast]

با وجود مشکلات، او سکوت کرده است.

[Sokut kardan-e Subject] [ba'es-e...] [shod]

سکوت کردن او باعث تعجب همگان شد.

Word Family

Nouns

سکوت (Silence)

ساکت (Quiet person)

خاموشی (Quietness/Extinguishment)

Verbs

ساکت کردن (To make someone quiet)

ساکت شدن (To become quiet)

خاموش کردن (To turn off/silence)

Adjectives

ساکت (Quiet/Silent)

صامت (Mute/Silent)

خاموش (Silent/Off)

آرامش (Peace/Calm)

صدا (Sound)

نجوا (Whisper)

فریاد (Shout)

گفتگو (Conversation)

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in both spoken and written Persian.

Common Mistakes

Using 'Sokut' alone as a verb. → Man sokut mikonam.
Persian nouns cannot function as verbs without an auxiliary like 'kardan'.
Saying 'Sokut kardan' for a turned-off light. → Cheragh ra khamush kon.
'Sokut' is for sound/speech, 'Khamush' is for lights/devices.
Using 'Sokut kon' to an elder. → Sokut konid.
The singular form is too direct and can be seen as rude to superiors or elders.
Confusing 'Sakat' (adj) and 'Sokut' (noun). → Otagh sakat ast. / Man sokut mikonam.
You use the adjective with 'to be' and the noun with 'to do'.
Misplacing the negative 'na'. → Sokut nakardam.
The 'na' must go before 'kardam', not before 'Sokut'.

Tips

Conjugating Compound Verbs

Always remember that in compound verbs like 'Sokut kardan', only the second part (the verb) changes. 'Sokut' stays exactly as it is regardless of the subject or tense.

Silence as Respect

In Iran, if you are in a meeting with older people, remaining silent while they speak is considered a high form of 'Adab' (etiquette).

Formal vs Informal

Use 'Harf nazadan' with friends, but use 'Sokut kardan' in essays, speeches, or when talking to your boss.

The Long 'U'

The 'u' in 'Sokut' is a long vowel. If you pronounce it too short, it might be harder for natives to understand you instantly.

Breaking Silence

To say 'break the silence', use the verb 'shekastan'. 'Sokut ra shekast' is a common and powerful literary phrase.

Silence in Ta'arof

Sometimes when someone offers you something, 'Sokut kardan' followed by a slight nod can be a polite way to accept without appearing greedy.

The Library Rule

Associate 'Sokut' with 'School' and 'Quiet'. In school, you must be 'Sokut'.

Spotting the Verb

In fast Persian, 'mikonam' can sound like 'mikon-am'. Listen for the 'Sokut' first, and the rest will follow.

Using Adjectives

You can describe silence using adjectives like 'Sangin' (heavy) or 'Mutlagh' (absolute) to add more flavor to your writing.

Proverb Power

Using the phrase 'Sokut alamat-e rezast' in a conversation will make you sound very advanced and culturally aware.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of the word 'Sokut' as sounding a bit like 'So Quiet'. If you want to 'do' quiet, you 'Sokut kardan'.

Visual Association

Imagine a person in a 'Suit' (sounds like Sokut) in a very quiet library, holding a finger to their lips.

Word Web

Silence Quiet No noise Library Meditation Consent Peace Restraint

Challenge

Try to spend 5 minutes in 'Sokut kardan' every morning. While you are being silent, repeat the phrase 'Man sokut mikonam' in your head.

Word Origin

The word 'Sokut' is derived from the Arabic root 'S-K-T' (سکت), which means to be silent or to pause. Persian adopted this noun and combined it with the native Persian auxiliary verb 'kardan' to create a compound verb.

Original meaning: The root meaning involves a cessation of sound or movement. In Arabic, it is also related to a 'pause' in music or speech.

Persian (Indo-European) using an Arabic (Semitic) loanword for the noun component.

Cultural Context

Be careful not to use 'Sokut kon' (informal) with elders; always use 'Sokut konid' (formal) to avoid being perceived as disrespectful.

In English, 'be quiet' can sometimes sound rude, whereas 'Sokut konid' is generally the standard polite way to ask for silence in Persian.

The movie 'Sokut' (The Silence) by Mohsen Makhmalbaf. The poem 'Sokut' by Ahmad Shamlou. The proverb 'Sokut alamat-e rezast'.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Library

در کتابخانه سکوت کنید.
رعایت سکوت الزامی است.
چرا سکوت نمی‌کنی؟
اینجا جای سکوت است.

Classroom

بچه‌ها سکوت!
تا من حرف می‌زنم سکوت کنید.
همه سکوت کردند.
لطفاً برای امتحان سکوت کنید.

Hospital

بیمار خواب است، سکوت کنید.
در بخش مراقبت‌های ویژه باید سکوت کرد.
پرستار از ما خواست سکوت کنیم.
سکوت نشانه‌ی احترام به بیماران است.

Argument

بهتر است سکوت کنیم.
سکوت او مرا عصبانی کرد.
با سکوت کردن چیزی درست نمی‌شود.
او در برابر توهین‌ها فقط سکوت کرد.

Nature

سکوت کوهستان زیباست.
در جنگل سکوت برقرار بود.
من به دنبال سکوت هستم.
سکوت شب آرامش‌بخش است.

Conversation Starters

"آیا تو فکر می‌کنی سکوت کردن همیشه خوب است؟ (Do you think being silent is always good?)"

"در کشور تو، مردم چه زمانی سکوت می‌کنند؟ (In your country, when do people keep silent?)"

"وقتی کسی به تو توهین می‌کند، سکوت می‌کنی یا جواب می‌دهی؟ (When someone insults you, do you keep silent or respond?)"

"بهترین مکان برای سکوت کردن کجاست؟ (Where is the best place to be silent?)"

"آیا تا به حال در یک جای خیلی ساکت بوده‌ای؟ (Have you ever been in a very silent place?)"

Journal Prompts

درباره زمانی بنویسید که سکوت کردید و بعداً پشیمان شدید. (Write about a time you remained silent and later regretted it.)

چرا در برخی فرهنگ‌ها سکوت کردن نشانه‌ی ادب است؟ (Why is remaining silent a sign of politeness in some cultures?)

توصیف کنید که سکوت مطلق چه حسی دارد. (Describe what absolute silence feels like.)

اگر یک روز کامل سکوت کنید، چه اتفاقی می‌افتد؟ (If you were silent for a whole day, what would happen?)

رابطه‌ی بین سکوت و فکر کردن را توضیح دهید. (Explain the relationship between silence and thinking.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, 'Sokut kardan' is the standard and polite way to describe being silent. In the imperative form 'Sokut konid', it is a respectful request for quiet. However, 'Sokut kon' (singular) can be blunt depending on your tone.

No, Persian 'Sokut' is a noun. You must always use it with a helping verb, usually 'kardan' (to do) or 'ekhtiyar kardan' (to choose), to make it a verb.

'Sokut kardan' is the act of being silent. 'Sakat shodan' is the process of becoming quiet, usually after a period of noise. For example, 'The class became quiet (sakat shod) when the teacher arrived.'

The most formal way is 'Sokut ekhtiyar konid' or 'Khamush bashid'. In a neutral formal setting like a library, 'لطفاً سکوت را رعایت کنید' (Please observe silence) is used.

Yes, in literature and poetry, you can say 'The house was silent' (Khane sokut kard), which is a form of personification.

It is a famous proverb meaning 'Silence is a sign of consent'. It's often used when someone doesn't answer a question about their agreement, implying they agree.

Man sokut mikonam, To sokut mikoni, Ou sokut mikonad, Ma sokut mikonim, Shoma sokut mikonid, Anha sokut mikonand.

Etymologically, no. 'Sokut' comes from Arabic root S-K-T. However, they are related in practice as keeping a secret requires silence.

No, for a silent movie, the adjective 'Samet' is used: 'Film-e samet'.

The most direct opposite is 'Harf zadan' (to talk) or 'Sar-o-sada kardan' (to make noise).