At the A1 level, you only need to know 'seer' as the opposite of 'gorosneh' (hungry). You should be able to say 'Man seer hastam' (I am full) and 'Man seer shodam' (I became full). This level focuses on survival Persian: being able to tell a host you have eaten enough. You should also recognize the word when someone asks you 'Seer shodi?' (Are you full?). The focus is entirely on the physical sensation of having a full stomach after a meal. You don't need to worry about figurative meanings or color saturation yet. Just remember: Seer = Full (not hungry).
At A2, you start to expand your use of 'seer' by adding intensifiers and using it in slightly more complex sentences. You might say 'Kheyli seer shodam' (I became very full) or 'Hanooz seer nashodam' (I haven't become full yet). You should also be able to distinguish between 'seer' (full) and 'por' (full/filled for objects). At this level, you might also encounter 'seer' meaning 'garlic' in shopping contexts, and you should be able to tell the difference based on the sentence structure (e.g., 'Man do ta seer mikharam' - I am buying two garlics).
By B1, you should be comfortable with the figurative use of 'seer' to mean 'fed up' or 'tired of'. You will learn to use it with the preposition 'az'. For example: 'Man az in baroon seer shodam' (I'm tired of this rain). You also start to see 'seer' used to describe colors, specifically dark or saturated shades like 'Sabz-e seer' (dark green). Your understanding of the word moves beyond the dining table and into emotional and descriptive realms. You can also use it to describe others' states more fluently.
At the B2 level, you can use 'seer' in idiomatic expressions and understand its role in cultural concepts like 'Ta'arof'. You understand phrases like 'Cheshm-o-del seer' and can use them to describe a person's character. You are also able to navigate the nuances between 'seer shodan' (getting full) and 'sirab shodan' (having one's thirst quenched). Your ability to use 'seer' in different registers (formal vs. informal) becomes more polished, and you can use it in writing to describe complex states of satisfaction or boredom.
At C1, you explore the literary and poetic uses of 'seer'. You will find 'seer' in classical Persian poetry (like Rumi or Hafez) where it often refers to spiritual satiety or being 'full' of divine love. You understand the etymological roots and how the word has evolved. You can use 'seer' to discuss abstract concepts in sociology or psychology, such as 'market saturation' (eshba-ye bazar) or 'emotional satiety'. Your usage is indistinguishable from a native speaker, including the correct use of stress and intonation in complex sentences.
At the C2 level, you have a complete mastery of 'seer' in all its forms, including rare archaic uses and highly specific technical applications. You can analyze the use of 'seer' in contemporary Persian media and literature, picking up on subtle ironies or double meanings (puns between garlic and fullness, for instance). You can engage in deep philosophical discussions about what it means to be truly 'seer' (satisfied) in life. You also understand the phonological nuances that separate it from similar-sounding words in various Iranian dialects.

سیر in 30 Seconds

  • Seer means 'full' (not hungry).
  • Opposite of 'gorosneh' (hungry).
  • Can also mean 'dark' for colors.
  • Used figuratively to mean 'fed up'.

The Persian word سیر (pronounced 'seer') is a fundamental adjective in the Persian language, primarily used to describe the physical state of being satiated or 'full' after consuming food. At its most basic level, it is the direct opposite of gorosneh (hungry). In the context of Iranian culture, where food and hospitality are central pillars of social interaction, understanding and using this word correctly is essential for any learner. When you are a guest in an Iranian home, the host will likely offer you multiple servings of food. Using سیر is your primary tool for politely indicating that you have had enough to eat. It is not just a statement of physical fact; it is a key component of social etiquette.

Physical Satiety
The most common usage refers to the stomach being full. For example, after a heavy meal of Chelo Kabab, one might lean back and say 'Seer shodam' (I became full).
Figurative Satiety
In more advanced contexts, it can mean being 'fed up' or 'tired of' something. When followed by the preposition 'az', it indicates that one has had more than enough of a situation or person.
Color Intensity
Interestingly, when describing colors, seer refers to deep, dark, or saturated shades, such as 'abi-ye seer' (dark blue).

خیلی ممنون، من واقعا سیر هستم.
(Thank you very much, I am truly full.)

The word is spelled identically to the Persian word for 'garlic' (سیر), but they are distinct in meaning and usage. While 'garlic' is a noun, the 'full' we are discussing is an adjective. Context usually makes the distinction clear: you wouldn't say 'I am garlic' in a restaurant unless you were making a very strange joke! In everyday conversation, you will hear this word most frequently at the end of a meal. It is often paired with the verb shodan (to become) to describe the transition from hunger to fullness.

بخور عزیزم، هنوز که سیر نشدی!
(Eat, dear, you aren't full yet!)

From a grammatical standpoint, سیر is quite versatile. It can be used with the verb budan (to be) for a current state: 'Man seer hastam' (I am full). It is also frequently used with shodan (to become) to express the process: 'Seer shodam' (I got full). In more poetic or literary Persian, it can describe a soul that is satisfied or a person who is wealthy and has no needs (cheshm-o-del seer). This breadth of meaning makes it a rich word to master beyond its basic A1 definition.

او از زندگی سیر شده است.
(He has become tired/weary of life.)

In summary, whether you are navigating a dinner party in Tehran or reading a Persian poem, the word سیر will appear constantly. It bridges the gap between basic biological needs and complex emotional states. For a beginner, focusing on the 'not hungry' definition is the first step toward fluency in social dining situations.

Using سیر in a sentence follows the standard Persian adjective-verb structure. Because it describes a state of being, it is most commonly paired with the 'to be' (budan) and 'to become' (shodan) verbs. Understanding the tense and person markers for these verbs is key to using سیر accurately in daily conversation.

Present State (To Be)
To say 'I am full,' you combine the adjective with the present tense of 'to be'.
Sentence: من سیر هستم (Man seer hastam).
Past Action (To Become)
To say 'I got full' or 'I have become full,' use the past tense of 'shodan'.
Sentence: من سیر شدم (Man seer shodam).
Negative Forms
To say 'I am not full,' add the 'na' prefix to the verb.
Sentence: من هنوز سیر نیستم (Man hanooz seer nistam - I am not full yet).

آیا تو سیر شدی یا باز هم میل داری؟
(Are you full or do you want more?)

When using سیر in the figurative sense of 'being tired of something,' the sentence structure requires the preposition az (from/of). This is a more intermediate usage but very common in emotional expression. For example, 'Man az in kar seer shodam' means 'I am fed up with this job.' Here, the physical 'fullness' is metaphorically applied to a situation where one has had too much of something negative.

بچه‌ها بعد از ناهار کاملاً سیر بودند.
(The children were completely full after lunch.)

In colloquial Persian, the word is often shortened or blended with the verb in speech. For instance, 'Seer shodam' might sound like 'Seer-shodam' with a very soft 'sh'. Additionally, you can intensify the adjective using words like kheyli (very) or kamalan (completely). 'Kheyli seer hastam' (I am very full) is a common way to emphasize that you cannot eat another bite.

رنگِ آبیِ سیر برای این اتاق مناسب است.
(The dark/saturated blue color is suitable for this room.)

Finally, remember that in question forms, the intonation rises at the end of the sentence. 'Seer shodi?' (Did you get full?) is the standard way a host checks if their guest is satisfied. Answering with a smile and 'Bale, kheyli mamnoon, seer shodam' is the perfect response for a learner.

The word سیر is ubiquitous in Iranian daily life, specifically in the context of the 'sofreh' (the traditional dining spread). You will hear it in various settings ranging from the most formal dinner parties to casual street-food stalls. Because Iranian culture places such high value on ensuring guests are well-fed, the word acts as a signal of completion and satisfaction.

At the Family Table
Parents will constantly ask their children 'Seer shodi?' during meals. It is a sign of care and nurturing.
In Restaurants
Waiters might ask if you are finished or full before clearing plates, though they might use more formal terms like 'Meyl kardid?' (Did you dine?).
In Literature and Music
Songs often use seer metaphorically to describe a heart that is 'full' of love or, conversely, 'tired' of heartache.

مهمان گفت: «دست شما درد نکند، واقعاً سیر شدم.»
(The guest said: 'Thank you (may your hand not ache), I truly became full.')

One of the most interesting places you'll hear this word is in the market or when discussing art and design. If someone is buying fabric or paint, they might ask for 'Ghermez-e seer' (Dark/Saturated Red). This usage is very common in the carpet-weaving industry, where the depth of color is a mark of quality. Hearing seer in a non-food context might confuse beginners, but it always carries the underlying sense of 'being full of' or 'saturated with' something.

تا سیر نشدی، از سر سفره بلند نشو.
(Don't get up from the table until you are full.)

In social gatherings, the phrase 'Cheshm-o-del seer' is a high compliment. It describes someone who is generous and not greedy—literally 'someone whose eyes and heart are full.' You might hear this when people are discussing someone's character. It implies that the person has reached a level of satisfaction where they no longer crave material things. This shows how the word سیر elevates from a simple stomach sensation to a moral virtue in the Persian-speaking world.

While سیر is an A1 level word, it presents several pitfalls for English speakers, primarily due to homonyms and specific Persian grammatical requirements. Avoiding these mistakes will make your Persian sound much more natural and prevent awkward misunderstandings.

The 'Garlic' Trap
The word for 'garlic' is also سیر. Beginners often get confused when they see the word in a grocery list versus a conversation about dinner. Remember: if it's a thing you buy, it's garlic; if it's a way you feel, it's full.
Confusing with 'Seyr' (Journey)
The word seyr (سیر), meaning journey or travel (as in 'seyr-o-safar'), is spelled the same but usually pronounced with a diphthong or in a compound verb. Don't confuse 'fullness' with 'traveling'.
Incorrect Verb Choice
English speakers often say 'I am full' (Man seer hastam). While correct, Iranians more frequently use 'I became full' (Man seer shodam). Using only 'hastam' can sound slightly static or textbook-like.

❌ من سیر دارم.
(I have full - Incorrect)
✅ من سیر هستم.
(I am full - Correct)

Another common error is the misplacement of the preposition az when using the figurative meaning. In English, we say 'tired OF' or 'fed up WITH'. In Persian, you must use az. Saying 'Man ba in ghaza seer shodam' (I got full with this food) is okay for physical food, but for the figurative 'fed up,' you must say 'Man az in vaziyat seer shodam' (I am fed up with this situation).

اشتباه: من سیرِ نان هستم.
(Mistake: I am 'full of' bread - using Ezafe incorrectly here.)

Lastly, be careful with the word por (full). While por means 'full' as in a 'full glass' or a 'full room,' you cannot use it to describe a person who has eaten enough. Saying 'Man por hastam' to mean you are satiated is a literal translation from English that sounds very strange in Persian. Always use seer for people and por for containers.

To truly master the concept of 'fullness' in Persian, it helps to know the synonyms and related terms that offer different shades of meaning. While سیر is the most common, other words can describe being overstuffed, satisfied, or even spiritually full.

سیر و پُر (Seer-o-Por)
A compound phrase often used to describe a meal that was very satisfying and filling. 'Ghazaye seer-o-por' is a meal that leaves you completely satisfied.
سیرمان (Seer-mān)
A more literary or older term for satiety, rarely used in spoken Persian today but found in classical texts.
اشباع (Eshbā')
This is a scientific or formal term meaning 'saturation.' You would use this in chemistry or economics, but not at the dinner table.

من دیگر جا ندارم!
(I have no more room! - A common alternative to saying 'I am full'.)

When you want to say you are 'stuffed' (beyond just full), Iranians often use the idiom tarkidan (to explode). Saying 'Daram mitarkam' (I am exploding) is a very common, informal way to express that you've eaten far too much. It's the equivalent of saying 'I'm stuffed to the gills' in English. This is much more expressive than the simple seer.

او از مال دنیا بی‌نیاز است.
(He is 'without need' of worldly wealth - a formal synonym for being 'satisfied'.)

In formal settings, you might hear the word motomayel (inclined) or expressions involving meyl (appetite/desire). If someone asks if you want more food, saying 'Meyl nadaram' (I have no appetite/desire for more) is a very polite and slightly more formal alternative to 'Seer shodam.' This shows a high level of linguistic sophistication.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"جنابعالی سیر گشته‌اید؟"

Neutral

"من سیر هستم، ممنون."

Informal

"خیلی سیرم، دیگه نمی‌تونم بخورم."

Child friendly

"شکمت سیر شد کوچولو؟"

Slang

"دارم می‌ترکم از بس خوردم!"

Fun Fact

The word 'seer' (full) and 'seer' (garlic) look identical in modern Persian script but have completely different origins. 'Garlic' comes from 'stiga', while 'Full' comes from 'sēr'.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /siːr/
US /sir/
The stress is on the only syllable: SEER.
Rhymes With
پیر (peer - old) دیر (deer - late) شیر (sheer - milk/lion) تیر (teer - arrow/July) زیر (zeer - under) امیر (ameer - prince) اسیر (aseer - captive) کبیر (kabeer - great)
Common Errors
  • Pronouncing it as 'sir' (like the English word), which sounds like 'sar' (head) in Persian.
  • Shortening the vowel to 'i' as in 'sit'.
  • Confusing the pronunciation with 'seyr' (journey).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

Easy to read, but watch out for the 'garlic' homonym.

Writing 1/5

Simple three-letter word: Sin-Ye-Re.

Speaking 2/5

Requires correct long 'ee' vowel sound.

Listening 2/5

Easy to hear, but context is needed to distinguish from garlic.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

من (I) غذا (Food) خوردن (To eat) هستم (I am) گرسنه (Hungry)

Learn Next

تشنه (Thirsty) خوشمزه (Delicious) بشقاب (Plate) سفره (Tablecloth) تعارف (Ta'arof)

Advanced

اشباع (Saturation) استغنا (Contentment) سیراب (Satiated) بیزار (Disgusted/Fed up)

Grammar to Know

Adjective Predicates

من سیر هستم. (Subject + Adj + Copula)

Inchoative Verbs (shodan)

او سیر شد. (Process of becoming full)

Prepositional Phrases with 'az'

من از او سیر شدم. (Fed up with someone)

Color Adjectives

قرمزِ سیر. (Noun + Ezafe + Adj)

Negative Copula

ما سیر نیستیم. (Negating the state)

Examples by Level

1

من سیر هستم.

I am full.

Subject + Adjective + Verb (to be)

2

آیا تو سیر شدی؟

Did you get full?

Question form using 'shodan' in past tense.

3

گربه سیر است.

The cat is full.

Third person singular 'ast'.

4

ما سیر شدیم.

We got full.

First person plural 'shodim'.

5

او سیر نیست.

He/She is not full.

Negative form 'nist'.

6

بخور، سیر شو!

Eat, get full!

Imperative form of 'shodan'.

7

خیلی سیرم.

I'm very full.

Colloquial contraction of 'seer hastam'.

8

سیر شدی؟

Are you full?

Informal second person singular.

1

من با نان و پنیر سیر شدم.

I got full with bread and cheese.

Using 'ba' (with) to specify the food.

2

بچه‌ها هنوز سیر نشده‌اند.

The children are not full yet.

Negative present perfect form.

3

این ساندویچ خیلی بزرگ است، حتماً سیر می‌شوی.

This sandwich is very big, you will definitely get full.

Future/Habitual present 'mi-shavi'.

4

من سیر هستم، دیگر غذا نمی‌خورم.

I am full, I won't eat any more food.

Compound sentence.

5

آیا با این مقدار غذا سیر می‌شوی؟

Do you get full with this amount of food?

Questioning sufficiency.

6

من همیشه بعد از ناهار سیر هستم.

I am always full after lunch.

Using 'hamisheh' (always).

7

سیر شدی یا باز هم کباب می‌خواهی؟

Are you full or do you want more kebab?

Offering a choice.

8

او خیلی زود سیر می‌شود.

He gets full very quickly.

Adverb 'zood' (early/quickly).

1

من از این هوای بارانی سیر شدم.

I am tired of this rainy weather.

Figurative use with 'az'.

2

او یک پیراهن آبیِ سیر خرید.

He bought a dark blue shirt.

Describing color intensity.

3

دیگر از گوش دادن به دروغ‌های او سیر شده‌ام.

I've become fed up with listening to his lies.

Figurative use with gerund.

4

آیا از زندگی در این شهر سیر شدی؟

Are you tired of living in this city?

Questioning emotional state.

5

رنگ سبز سیر برای پرده‌ها بهتر است.

Dark green color is better for the curtains.

Adjective modifying a color.

6

او بعد از خوردن دسر کاملاً سیر و پر شد.

He became completely full and satisfied after eating dessert.

Using the pair 'seer-o-por'.

7

من از تماشای این فیلم تکراری سیر شدم.

I'm tired of watching this repetitive movie.

Expressing boredom.

8

هیچ‌کس از یادگیری دانش سیر نمی‌شود.

No one gets tired of learning knowledge.

Philosophical usage.

1

او مردی است که چشم و دل سیر است.

He is a man who is generous and satisfied (not greedy).

Idiomatic expression.

2

با وجود ثروت زیاد، او هرگز از جمع‌آوری پول سیر نمی‌شود.

Despite great wealth, he never gets tired of collecting money.

Contrastive sentence structure.

3

من از این همه بحث و جدل سیر شده‌ام.

I have become fed up with all this arguing and strife.

Abstract noun usage.

4

رنگ‌های سیر در نقاشی‌های او حس قدرت می‌دهند.

The saturated colors in his paintings give a sense of power.

Artistic context.

5

باید آنقدر بخوری تا کاملاً سیرِ سیر شوی.

You should eat until you are completely, utterly full.

Reduplication for emphasis (seer-e-seer).

6

او از بازی در نقش‌های تکراری سیر شده بود.

He was tired of playing repetitive roles.

Professional context.

7

فرهنگ ایرانی می‌گوید مهمان باید با شکم سیر خانه را ترک کند.

Iranian culture says a guest must leave the house with a full stomach.

Cultural norm description.

8

او از دنیا و مادیات سیر شده و به عرفان روی آورده است.

He has become tired of the world and material things and turned to mysticism.

Spiritual context.

1

عارفان از جلوه‌ی حق هرگز سیر نمی‌شوند.

Mystics never grow weary of the manifestation of Truth.

High literary Persian.

2

اشباع بازار نشان می‌دهد که مشتریان از این محصول سیر شده‌اند.

Market saturation indicates that customers are fed up with this product.

Economic context.

3

در اشعار حافظ، مفهوم سیر شدن از جان به معنای ایثار است.

In Hafez's poems, the concept of being 'tired of life' means self-sacrifice.

Literary analysis.

4

رنگ‌آمیزی سیر و غلیظ این تابلو، سبک اکسپرسیونیسم را تداعی می‌کند.

The deep and thick coloring of this canvas evokes the Expressionist style.

Technical art description.

5

او چنان از ریاکاری سیر بود که ترجیح داد در انزوا زندگی کند.

He was so fed up with hypocrisy that he preferred to live in isolation.

Complex emotional state.

6

سیراب گشتن از دانایی، آرزوی هر دانشمندی است.

To be quenched/filled with wisdom is the desire of every scientist.

Using related word 'sirab'.

7

جامعه از وعده‌های توخالی سیر شده است.

Society has become fed up with empty promises.

Sociopolitical usage.

8

او با نگاهی سیر به مناظر کوهستان نگریست.

He looked at the mountain scenery with a 'full' (satisfied) gaze.

Poetic adverbial use.

1

استغنای طبع او را از هرگونه تمنای مادی سیر گردانیده بود.

The nobility of his nature had made him satiated of any material desire.

Extremely formal/archaic 'gardanideh bud'.

2

در متون کلاسیک، سیر به معنای غنای درونی و وارستگی از تعلقات است.

In classical texts, 'seer' means inner richness and detachment from attachments.

Philosophical definition.

3

تراکم سیرِ جمعیت در این منطقه، زیرساخت‌ها را با بحران مواجه کرده است.

The 'full' (dense) concentration of population in this area has faced infrastructure with crisis.

Technical/Scientific application.

4

او از تکرار مکررات در فلسفه‌ی مدرن سیر گشته است.

He has grown weary of the repetition of the obvious in modern philosophy.

Intellectual critique.

5

تجلیِ شکوهِ طبیعت، چشمِ هر بیننده‌ای را سیر می‌کند.

The manifestation of nature's glory satisfies (fills) the eye of every beholder.

Metaphorical verb use.

6

او از هر چه رنگ تعلق پذیرد، سیر و بیزار است.

He is weary and disgusted by anything that takes the color of attachment.

Reference to Persian poetic tropes.

7

سیرِ آفاق و انفس، او را به معرفتی عمیق رساند.

The 'journey' (seyr) through horizons and souls led him to deep gnosis.

Note: Here 'seyr' is a noun, but used to show contrast with the adjective.

8

این هنرمند با استفاده از کنتراست رنگ‌های سیر و روشن، تضاد طبقاتی را به تصویر می‌کشد.

This artist depicts class conflict by using the contrast of dark and light colors.

Sophisticated art criticism.

Common Collocations

سیر شدن
سیر کردن
آبی سیر
سیرِ سیر
چشم و دل سیر
سیر از زندگی
کاملاً سیر
سفره‌ی سیر
سیر مانی
سیر شدن از چیزی

Common Phrases

سیر شدی؟

— Are you full? Used by hosts constantly.

عزیزم، سیر شدی؟

دستت درد نکند، سیر شدم.

— Thank you, I'm full. Polite response to a meal.

خیلی خوشمزه بود، سیر شدم.

هنوز سیر نشدم.

— I'm not full yet. Used when you want more food.

کمی دیگر بده، هنوز سیر نشدم.

سیرِ سیرم.

— I'm stuffed/completely full.

دیگر جا ندارم، سیرِ سیرم.

شکم سیر

— With a full stomach; often implies lack of empathy for the poor.

شکم سیر از گرسنه خبر ندارد.

سیر از جان

— Tired of life/Ready to die.

مگر از جانت سیر شدی که این کار را می‌کنی؟

رنگِ سیر

— Dark/Deep color.

این سبزِ سیر است.

سیر بخور

— Eat your fill.

تعارف نکن، سیر بخور.

سیر و گرسنه

— Rich and poor (metaphorically).

در این دنیا سیر و گرسنه با هم هستند.

تا حد سیر شدن

— Until the point of being full.

تا حد سیر شدن غذا خوردیم.

Often Confused With

سیر vs سیر (Garlic)

Spelled the same, but a noun. 'I eat garlic' vs 'I am full'.

سیر vs سِیر (Journey)

Spelled the same, but usually pronounced 'seyr' and means travel or process.

سیر vs پُر (Full)

Used for containers/objects, while 'seer' is for biological satiety.

Idioms & Expressions

"شکم سیر از گرسنه خبر ندارد"

— The full person doesn't understand the hungry one. (The wealthy don't understand the poor).

او خیلی پولدار است؛ شکم سیر از گرسنه خبر ندارد.

Proverb
"چشم و دل سیر بودن"

— To be noble, generous, and not greedy.

او به پول نیاز ندارد، چشم و دل سیر است.

Informal/Neutral
"از جان سیر شدن"

— To be reckless or so desperate that one doesn't care about living.

مگر از جانت سیر شدی که در اتوبان می‌دوی؟

Informal
"سیر تا پیاز"

— From A to Z; every single detail (Note: uses 'seer' as garlic, but often confused by learners).

سیر تا پیاز ماجرا را برایم تعریف کرد.

Informal
"سیر مانی ندارد"

— He/She is never satisfied (insatiable).

هر چه می‌خورد سیر مانی ندارد.

Neutral
"با شکم سیر خوابیدن"

— To go to bed with a full stomach (a sign of comfort).

خوش به حالش که با شکم سیر می‌خوابد.

Neutral
"سیر از دنیا"

— World-weary; finished with worldly desires.

پیرمرد دیگر از دنیا سیر شده بود.

Literary
"دلِ سیر گریه کردن"

— To have a long, thorough cry until one is 'satisfied'.

امشب می‌خواهم یک دل سیر گریه کنم.

Informal
"یک دل سیر تماشا کردن"

— To look at something for a long time until one is satisfied.

بگذار یک دل سیر تو را ببینم.

Informal
"سیر شدن از کسی"

— To be tired of someone's company.

او از دوستش سیر شده است.

Informal

Easily Confused

سیر vs سیر

Homonym (Garlic)

One is a vegetable (noun), the other is a feeling (adjective).

من سیر (garlic) می‌خورم vs من سیر (full) هستم.

سیر vs سِیر

Homonym (Journey)

Usually pronounced differently and means a path or travel.

سیرِ تکامل (The process of evolution).

سیر vs پُر

Translation 'Full'

'Por' is for volume, 'Seer' is for appetite.

لیوان پر است (The glass is full).

سیر vs سَر

Visual similarity

Sar means head, Seer means full/garlic.

سرم درد می‌کند (My head hurts).

سیر vs شیر

Visual similarity

Sheer means milk, lion, or faucet.

شیر می‌نوشم (I drink milk).

Sentence Patterns

A1

[Subject] سیر هستم/هستی/است.

من سیر هستم.

A1

[Subject] سیر شدم.

تو سیر شدی.

A2

[Subject] با [Food] سیر شد.

او با پلو سیر شد.

B1

[Subject] از [Noun/Gerund] سیر شد.

من از انتظار سیر شدم.

B1

[Noun]ِ [Color]ِ سیر

پیراهنِ سبزِ سیر.

B2

[Subject] چشم و دل سیر است.

پدرم چشم و دل سیر است.

C1

یک دل سیر [Verb]

یک دل سیر گریه کرد.

C2

سیراب گشتن از [Abstract Noun]

سیراب گشتن از معرفت.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

Related

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in daily conversation, especially around mealtimes.

Common Mistakes
  • Man por hastam. Man seer hastam.

    'Por' is for objects; 'seer' is for people.

  • Man seer daram. Man seer hastam.

    In Persian, you 'are' full, you don't 'have' full.

  • In ghaza seer ast. In ghaza seer-konandeh ast.

    Food isn't 'full'; it is 'filling'.

  • Man az to seer hastam. Man az to seer shodam.

    The figurative 'fed up' usually uses 'shodan'.

  • Abi-ye por Abi-ye seer

    For dark colors, use 'seer', not 'por'.

Tips

The Ta'arof Rule

Even if you say 'seer shodam', expect the host to offer more. Say it firmly but with a smile!

Verb Pairing

Pair 'seer' with 'shodan' (to become) for the most natural sound when finishing a meal.

Color Context

Use 'seer' to describe deep colors like navy blue or forest green.

Complimenting

Calling someone 'cheshm-o-del seer' is a very high compliment for their character.

Crying satisfied

Use 'yek del-e seer gerye kardan' to describe a long, cathartic cry.

The Long E

Ensure the 'ee' sound is long, like in 'sheep', not short like in 'ship'.

Script Tip

Remember the sequence: Sin (س), Ye (ی), Re (ر).

Don't use 'Por'

Never say 'Man por hastam' to mean you are full of food.

Context Clues

If you hear 'az' (from) after 'seer', the person is likely complaining about something.

Archaic Nouns

Recognize 'seer-mani' in old books as the noun for satiety.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'SEER' who can see the future because their stomach is 'FULL' and they aren't distracted by hunger.

Visual Association

Imagine a giant 'S' shape made of 'S'paghetti inside a stomach, making you feel 'SEER'.

Word Web

Full Not hungry Dark color Fed up Satiated Satisfied Garlic (homonym) Journey (homonym)

Challenge

Try to use 'seer' in three ways today: once for being full, once for a dark color, and once for being tired of something.

Word Origin

Derived from Middle Persian 'sēr', which comes from Old Persian roots related to being satisfied or filled.

Original meaning: The original meaning was consistent with physical satiety and completeness.

Indo-European > Indo-Iranian > Iranian > Western Iranian > Persian

Cultural Context

Be careful when saying you are 'seer' of someone (Man az to seer shodam), as it is quite rude and means you are fed up with them.

In English, 'I'm full' can sometimes be slightly blunt; in Persian, 'Seer shodam' is standard but usually accompanied by thanks.

Saadi's poems about the 'hungry man' and the 'full man'. The proverb: 'The full doesn't know the state of the hungry'. Modern pop songs using 'seer' to mean 'tired of love'.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Dinner Party

  • سیر شدم
  • خیلی عالی بود
  • دیگر میل ندارم
  • دست شما درد نکند

Art Class

  • رنگ آبی سیر
  • کمی سیرترش کن
  • رنگ‌های سیر
  • ترکیب سیر و روشن

Complaining

  • از این وضع سیر شدم
  • دیگر بسم است
  • سیرم از زندگی
  • خسته شدم

Restaurant

  • سیر هستم
  • باقیمانده را ببندید
  • سیر شدیم
  • صورتحساب لطفاً

Grocery Store

  • یک کیلو سیر (Garlic)
  • سیر تازه
  • سیر خشک
  • سیر ترشی

Conversation Starters

"آیا بعد از این ناهار واقعاً سیر شدی؟ (Are you really full after this lunch?)"

"کدام رنگ را بیشتر دوست داری، آبی روشن یا آبی سیر؟ (Which color do you like more, light blue or dark blue?)"

"چرا بعضی آدم‌ها هیچ‌وقت از جمع کردن پول سیر نمی‌شوند؟ (Why are some people never tired of collecting money?)"

"آیا تا به حال از تماشای یک فیلم آنقدر سیر شده‌ای که وسطش بلند شوی؟ (Have you ever been so tired of a movie that you got up in the middle?)"

"در فرهنگ شما، چطور به میزبان می‌گویید که سیر شده‌اید؟ (In your culture, how do you tell the host you are full?)"

Journal Prompts

امروز چه غذایی خوردی که خیلی تو را سیر کرد؟ توصیف کن. (What food did you eat today that made you very full? Describe it.)

یک بار را به یاد بیاور که از یک وضعیت یا یک کار واقعاً سیر شده بودی. (Remember a time when you were truly fed up with a situation or job.)

آیا ترجیح می‌دهی لباس‌هایی با رنگ‌های سیر بپوشی یا روشن؟ چرا؟ (Do you prefer to wear clothes with dark colors or light? Why?)

معنای 'چشم و دل سیر بودن' از نظر تو چیست؟ (What does 'being noble/satisfied' mean to you?)

چطور می‌توانیم در زندگی از مادیات سیر شویم و به آرامش برسیم؟ (How can we become satisfied with material things in life and reach peace?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

You must rely on context. If the word follows a subject like 'I' and is followed by 'am', it means full. If it's something you buy or put in food, it's garlic.

No, for a glass of water use 'por' (full). 'Seer' is only for living beings' hunger or color saturation.

Yes, 'Seer shodam' is polite, but in very formal settings, you might say 'Kheyli mamnoon, meyl nadaram' (Thank you, I have no more appetite).

It's a common way to emphasize that you are completely and totally full, similar to 'stuffed' in English.

No, adjectives in Persian do not have gender. A man, woman, or child all say 'seer'.

'Seer' refers to food (not hungry), while 'sirab' refers to water (not thirsty).

You can say 'Az dastet seer shodam' (I'm fed up with [the things from] your hand/actions).

Yes, you can say 'Sag seer ast' (The dog is full).

It means 'Garlic to onion' (every detail), using the noun 'garlic', not the adjective 'full'.

No, 'seer' specifically means dark or saturated. Light is 'roshan'.

Test Yourself 190 questions

writing

Translate to Persian: 'I am full.'

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writing

Translate to Persian: 'Did you get full?'

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writing

Translate to Persian: 'I became very full.'

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writing

Write a sentence using 'آبی سیر'.

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writing

Translate: 'I am tired of this city.'

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writing

Translate: 'The cat is not full yet.'

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writing

Write a sentence using the idiom 'چشم و دل سیر'.

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writing

Translate: 'Thank you, I am full.'

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writing

Translate: 'We got full with kebab.'

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writing

Write the Persian word for 'garlic'.

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writing

Translate: 'Are you full or hungry?'

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writing

Translate: 'I am stuffed!' (Slang)

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writing

Translate: 'She is never satisfied.'

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writing

Translate: 'Dark green curtains.'

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writing

Translate: 'I want to have a good cry.' (using the idiom)

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writing

Translate: 'Are the children full?'

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writing

Translate: 'Eat until you are full.'

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writing

Translate: 'I am fed up with your lies.'

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writing

Translate: 'A full stomach.'

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writing

Translate: 'I was full yesterday.'

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speaking

How do you say 'I am full' informally?

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speaking

How do you ask 'Are you full?' to a friend?

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speaking

How do you say 'I got very full'?

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speaking

How do you say 'I am tired of this'?

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speaking

Pronounce 'سیر' correctly.

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speaking

How do you say 'Dark red'?

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speaking

What is the polite response to a host offering more food?

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speaking

How do you say 'I'm not full yet'?

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speaking

Use the idiom for 'stuffed'.

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speaking

Describe someone who isn't greedy.

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speaking

How do you say 'I am full' formally?

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speaking

How do you ask 'Is the baby full?'

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speaking

Say 'I'm tired of your talk'.

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speaking

Say 'I ate a lot and got full'.

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speaking

Say 'Dark blue' in a sentence.

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speaking

Say 'I'm stuffed to the gills'.

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speaking

How do you say 'I will get full'?

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speaking

How do you say 'Are you guys full?'

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speaking

Say 'The food was filling'.

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speaking

Say 'I want to watch you for a long time'.

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listening

Listen and identify the word: [Audio: Seer shodam].

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listening

Does the speaker want more food? [Audio: Mamnoon, seeram].

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listening

Is the color light or dark? [Audio: Sabz-e seer].

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listening

Is the speaker complaining? [Audio: Az in vaz seer shodam].

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listening

Identify the homonym: [Audio: Seer kharidam].

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listening

Is the person hungry? [Audio: Hanooz seer nashodam].

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listening

How many words are in this phrase? [Audio: Man seer hastam].

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listening

What is the tone? [Audio: Seer shodi?!].

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listening

Identify the idiom: [Audio: Cheshm-o-del seer].

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listening

What verb is used? [Audio: Seer shodim].

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listening

Is the person stuffed? [Audio: Seer-e-seeram].

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listening

What noun is mentioned? [Audio: Shekam-e seer].

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listening

Identify the color: [Audio: Ghermez-e seer].

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listening

What is the emotion? [Audio: Azat seer shodam].

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listening

Is the subject a human? [Audio: Sag seer ast].

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/ 190 correct

Perfect score!

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