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تا کردن

B1 verb #3,500 most common 12 min read

تا کردن

takardan Top 3,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips تا کردن in 30 Seconds

Explanation تا کردن in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'تا کردن' (tā kardan) is introduced as a simple action verb for household activities. Students learn it as 'to fold'. The focus is on basic objects like 'lebās' (clothes) or 'kāghaz' (paper). A1 learners should be able to say 'I fold my clothes' (Man lebās-hā-yam rā tā mikonam). The grammar is kept simple, focusing on the present tense and the imperative 'tā kon' (fold!). Learners at this stage do not yet need to know the metaphorical social meaning (treating someone), as they are still building the foundation of physical action verbs. They should recognize that 'tā' is a separate part of the verb and that the 'mi-' prefix goes on the 'kardan' part. Vocabulary is limited to common items found in the bedroom or classroom. Exercises at this level usually involve matching the verb to a picture of someone folding a shirt or completing a simple sentence about laundry. The goal is to build confidence in using compound verbs, which are a hallmark of the Persian language. By the end of A1, a student should be able to follow a simple instruction like 'لطفاً این را تا کن' (Please fold this).

At the A2 level, learners expand their use of 'تا کردن' to include the past tense and simple future. They begin to use adverbs to describe the action, such as 'morattab' (neatly) or 'sari' (quickly). An A2 learner might say, 'Yesterday, I folded all the laundry' (Diruz hame-ye lebās-hā rā tā kardam). They also begin to understand the concept of the direct object marker 'rā' in more complex sentences. At this stage, the concept of 'tā shodan' (to be folded) might be introduced as a passive form. Learners start to see the verb in different contexts, such as packing a suitcase for a trip. The social meaning ('to treat someone') might be mentioned briefly, but the primary focus remains on the physical act. Exercises include transforming present tense sentences into the past and using the verb in short dialogues about chores. A2 learners should also be aware of the negative form 'tā ne-mi-konam' and how the 'ne-' prefix is placed. They are expected to use the verb in the context of helping around the house or describing their daily routine.

At the B1 level, 'تا کردن' becomes a more versatile tool. This is the stage where the metaphorical meaning—'to treat someone' or 'to get along'—is fully integrated. A B1 student should be able to discuss relationships using this verb, such as 'He treats his friends well' (U bā dūstāna-sh khūb tā mi-konad). They understand the requirement of the preposition 'bā' (with) for this meaning. Grammatically, B1 learners use the verb in the subjunctive (e.g., 'I want to fold the clothes') and with auxiliary verbs like 'dāshtan' for continuous action ('I am folding the clothes right now'). They can also distinguish 'tā kardan' from similar verbs like 'kham kardan' (to bend) or 'looleh kardan' (to roll). The level of detail increases; they can describe folding a map, a letter, or a napkin in a restaurant. Exercises at this level involve reading short stories where characters treat each other in different ways, requiring the student to identify and use 'tā kardan' correctly. They are also expected to use the verb in writing prompts about family dynamics or household responsibilities. This level marks the transition from literal to figurative language.

At the B2 level, learners use 'تا کردن' with nuance and stylistic variety. They are comfortable with the passive voice and can use the verb in more complex grammatical structures, such as conditional sentences ('If I had folded the clothes, they wouldn't be wrinkled'). They understand the subtle differences between 'tā kardan' and 'lā kardan' and can choose the most appropriate word for the context. B2 learners also encounter the verb in more formal or literary texts, where 'tā' might represent layers of thought or complexity. They can engage in discussions about social etiquette and the importance of 'monazzam' (orderliness) in Iranian culture, using 'تا کردن' as a key vocabulary point. The social meaning is used fluently to describe workplace dynamics, political negotiations, or historical relationships. Exercises at this level might include analyzing a movie scene where two characters are 'bad-tā' (treating each other poorly) and writing a summary of the conflict. B2 students also practice using the verb in different registers, from very informal slang to polite, formal speech.

At the C1 level, 'تا کردن' is used with complete native-like fluency. The learner understands the deep idiomatic roots of the word and can use it in sophisticated wordplay or irony. They are familiar with classical and modern literature where the root 'tā' is used to describe the 'folds' of fate or the layers of the soul. In speech, they can use the verb to describe complex social maneuvers, such as 'folding' into a compromise during a high-stakes negotiation. They understand the etymological connection between 'tā' as a fold and 'tā' as a counter for unique items. C1 learners can provide detailed explanations of why 'tā kardan' is used in specific cultural rituals, such as the 'Sofreh Aghd'. They can also identify regional variations in how the verb might be used or pronounced. Exercises involve high-level tasks like translating complex English idioms into Persian using 'tā kardan' or writing a persuasive essay on the psychology of orderliness. At this stage, the verb is no longer just a word to be learned, but a concept to be wielded with precision and cultural insight.

At the C2 level, the learner has a masterly command of 'تا کردن' and its entire lexical family. They can use the verb in its most abstract and philosophical forms. They are capable of critiquing Persian literature or academic papers that discuss social 'folding' (interpersonal behavior) as a sociological construct. A C2 learner can navigate the most subtle nuances of the verb, such as the difference between 'bā kassi tā kardan' and 'bā kassi sāzesh kardan' (to compromise), explaining the psychological implications of each. They can produce creative writing—poetry or prose—that utilizes the imagery of folding and unfolding as a central metaphor. They are also aware of the most obscure technical uses of the term in fields like bookbinding, textile engineering, or advanced geometry. At this level, the learner can act as a bridge between cultures, explaining the deep-seated Iranian values of hospitality and order that are encapsulated in this single verb. They can effortlessly switch between the literal domestic usage and the most elevated metaphorical applications, maintaining perfect grammatical and register control in every situation.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

تا کردن in 30 Seconds

Primary meaning: To fold physical items like clothes, blankets, or paper neatly.
Secondary meaning: To treat people or behave toward them (e.g., 'treating someone well').
Grammar: A compound verb with 'tā' (fold) + 'kardan' (to do/make).
Social Context: Used to describe how people get along or manage difficult life situations.

The Persian compound verb تا کردن (tā kardan) is a fundamental expression used in daily life, primarily referring to the physical act of folding something, such as clothing, paper, or blankets. At its core, the word tā signifies a fold, a ply, or a layer, and when combined with the light verb kardan (to do/make), it describes the intentional action of doubling a flexible material over on itself. While its most literal application is found in the laundry room or at a desk with a piece of paper, the verb carries a secondary, highly nuanced social meaning: to treat someone or to behave toward another person in a specific manner.

Physical Domain: This involves organizing textiles or materials. For example, after washing clothes, one must perform tā kardan to ensure they fit into a drawer without wrinkling. It is the opposite of pahn kardan (to spread out).

من همیشه تی‌شرت‌هایم را با دقت تا می‌کنم تا چروک نشوند. (I always fold my t-shirts carefully so they do not get wrinkled.)

Social Domain: In a metaphorical sense, it describes the 'way' or 'fold' of one's behavior toward others. If you say someone 'folds well' with others, you mean they get along or treat people kindly. Conversely, 'bad folding' implies poor treatment.

In an Iranian household, the act of folding is often associated with the concept of monazzam (orderliness). A child might be praised for how they tā kardan their school uniform, reflecting a sense of discipline and respect for one's belongings. The verb is also essential in the context of traditional crafts, such as creating a sofreh (traditional table cloth) layout, where the cloth must be folded in a specific geometric pattern to be stored properly.

لطفاً این کاغذ را از وسط تا کن. (Please fold this paper from the middle.)

Furthermore, the word appears in technical contexts, such as 'folding chairs' (sandali-ye tā-shovandeh), where the root 'tā' indicates the capability of the object to be collapsed. Understanding this verb is crucial for B1 learners because it bridges the gap between simple household chores and the complex social metaphors that define Persian interpersonal relationships. Whether you are helping a friend move house and need to fold blankets, or you are discussing how a new manager is treating their staff, تا کردن is the indispensable verb you will need.

او با همکارانش خیلی خوب تا می‌کند. (He gets along very well with his colleagues.)

Grammatical Structure: As a compound verb, the 'tā' remains stationary while the 'kardan' part conjugates. In the present tense, it becomes 'tā mi-kon-am', and in the past, 'tā kard-am'.

آیا می‌توانی این نقشه را برای من تا کنی؟ (Can you fold this map for me?)

ما تمام لباس‌های شسته شده را تا کردیم. (We folded all the washed clothes.)

Using تا کردن correctly requires an understanding of Persian compound verb syntax. Because it consists of a non-verbal element (tā) and a light verb (kardan), the placement of particles like the direct object marker rā and the negative prefix ne- is specific. When you are folding a specific object, that object usually precedes the verb and is followed by rā. For instance, 'I fold the shirt' becomes man pirāhan rā tā mi-konam. Note how tā and mi-konam stay together as a unit at the end of the sentence.

Imperative Usage: To give a command, use the prefix 'be-' with the present stem 'kon'. For example: 'In rā tā bekon!' (Fold this!). In modern colloquial Persian, the 'be-' is often dropped, resulting in 'In rā tā kon!'.

بیا کمک کن این ملافه بزرگ را تا کنیم. (Come help fold this large bedsheet.)

In more advanced sentence structures, you might use the passive form: tā shodan (to be folded). This is useful when the focus is on the object rather than the person doing the action. 'The clothes were folded neatly' translates to lebās-hā morattab tā shodand. This distinction is vital for B1 learners who are moving beyond simple subject-verb-object patterns. Additionally, when discussing the social meaning (treatment), the preposition bā (with) is mandatory. You 'fold with' someone, meaning you treat them in a certain way.

Continuous Action: To say 'I am folding', use the auxiliary 'dāshtan'. Example: 'Dāram lebās-hā rā tā mi-konam'. This emphasizes that the chore is currently in progress.

چرا این کاغذ را کج تا کردی؟ (Why did you fold this paper crookedly?)

Another interesting usage is the causative form, though less common, where you might ask someone else to have something folded. However, for most B1 purposes, mastering the active and passive forms is sufficient. Remember that 'tā' also acts as a counter for layers or units in some contexts, but as a verb, it always functions as a cohesive pair. When writing, ensure there is a space (or a half-space/zwnj) between 'tā' and 'kardan' to maintain proper orthography. Using it in the subjunctive (e.g., 'mi-khāham tā konam' - I want to fold) follows the standard rules of replacing 'mi-' with 'be-'.

باید قبل از گذاشتن لباس‌ها در چمدان، آن‌ها را تا کنی. (You must fold the clothes before putting them in the suitcase.)

او همیشه با زیردستانش با احترام تا می‌کند. (He always treats his subordinates with respect.)

Common Objects: Commonly used with: lebās (clothes), rūznāmeh (newspaper), maraf-e (sheet), pol (money/bills), and nāmeh (letter).

پول‌ها را تا نکن، بگذار صاف بمانند. (Do not fold the money, let them stay flat.)

You will encounter تا کردن in a variety of settings, ranging from the most mundane domestic chores to profound discussions about human character. In a typical Iranian home, the word is a staple of 'housekeeping talk'. Mothers might tell their children: 'Lebās-hā-yat rā tā kon va dar komod bogzār' (Fold your clothes and put them in the closet). It is also frequently heard in clothing stores; if you unfold a shirt to check the size, the shopkeeper might politely ask you to fold it back, or they will do it themselves with practiced speed. In the context of tailoring (khayyāti), the verb is used when measuring fabric or preparing hems.

In the Workplace: Beyond physical objects, you will hear this in 'water cooler' conversations regarding management. 'Modir-e jadid bā mā khub tā ne-mi-konad' (The new manager doesn't treat us well). Here, it describes the interpersonal 'folding' or alignment between people.

ببخشید، من بلد نیستم این چادر مسافرتی را تا کنم. (Sorry, I do not know how to fold this camping tent.)

In the world of art and education, particularly in schools, teachers use it when teaching geometry or origami (though 'kāghaz-o-tā' is the specific term for origami in Persian). A teacher might say: 'Kāghaz rā az ruy-e khat tā konid' (Fold the paper along the line). You also hear it in the financial sector, albeit informally, when someone is folding banknotes to put them into a small wallet. Interestingly, in the bazaar, if a deal is going smoothly, someone might say 'Bā ham tā āmadim', meaning we reached an agreement or 'folded' into a compromise.

Travel and Packing: When packing a suitcase (chamedān bastan), the efficiency of 'tā kardan' determines how much you can fit. You'll hear travelers discussing the best way to fold jackets to avoid wrinkles.

اگر نقشه را درست تا نکنی، پاره می‌شود. (If you do not fold the map correctly, it will tear.)

In literature and poetry, the 'fold' (tā) can represent layers of meaning or the 'folds' of the heart. While the compound verb tā kardan is more prose-oriented and daily-use, its root is deeply embedded in the Persian poetic tradition of layers and complexity. In modern media, you might see headlines about 'folding screens' in technology reviews, using the term 'safhe-namā-ye tā-shovandeh'. This demonstrates the verb's adaptability from ancient domesticity to cutting-edge tech.

او با سختی‌های زندگی خیلی خوب تا کرده است. (He has dealt/coped with life's hardships very well.)

لباس‌های کثیف را نشسته تا نکن! (Do not fold dirty clothes without washing them!)

Social Etiquette: If you are a guest and you help fold the 'sofreh' (dining cloth) after a meal, it is seen as a sign of great respect and helpfulness.

One of the most frequent errors for English speakers is confusing تا کردن (to fold) with bastan (to tie/close) or jam' kardan (to collect/gather). While you 'close' a book (ketāb rā mibandid), you 'fold' a newspaper (rūznāmeh rā tā mikonid). If you use bastan for clothes, an Iranian will understand you mean to close a suitcase or tie a knot, but they won't think you are neatly organizing them into folds. Another mistake is forgetting the light verb structure and trying to use 'tā' as a standalone verb, which is grammatically impossible in Persian.

The 'Rā' Misplacement: Learners often place 'rā' after 'tā'. Correct: 'Lebās rā tā kardam'. Incorrect: 'Lebās tā rā kardam'. The 'rā' must follow the entire direct object noun phrase, and 'tā' is part of the verb itself.

اشتباه: من کتاب را تا می‌کنم. (Wrong: I am folding the book - unless you are folding the pages! Use 'می‌بندم' for closing.)

In the metaphorical sense (treating someone), a common mistake is omitting the preposition bā (with). You cannot say 'I fold him well'; you must say 'I fold *with* him well' (bā u khub tā mikonam). Without 'bā', the sentence sounds like you are physically folding a person like a piece of paper, which is a bizarre and unintended image. Furthermore, learners sometimes confuse tā kardan with kham kardan (to bend). While they are related, kham kardan is used for rigid objects like metal bars or for bending one's body (like bowing), whereas tā kardan implies a neat crease in a flexible material.

Overusing for 'Closing': Do not use 'tā kardan' for closing doors, windows, or eyes. Those all use 'bastan'. Only use 'tā kardan' when a material is being doubled over.

درست: ملافه را تا کن. (Correct: Fold the bedsheet.)

Another nuance is the difference between tā kardan and looleh kardan (to roll up). If you are organizing a Persian rug, you usually looleh it (roll it) rather than tā it (fold it), because folding can damage the foundation of the carpet. Using the wrong verb here might show a lack of cultural knowledge regarding carpet care. Lastly, in the past tense, ensure you don't drop the 'd' in 'kard'. Some beginners say 'tā kon-am' for the past tense, but that is the present stem; the past must be 'tā kard-am'.

اشتباه: او با من بد کرد. (This means 'He did bad to me', which is okay, but 'با من بد تا کرد' is much more idiomatic for 'He treated me poorly'.)

Social Context Error: Avoid using 'tā kardan' to mean 'to fold' in a poker game (giving up). For that, Persian speakers use different idioms like 'kenār keshidan'.

To truly master Persian, you should know the synonyms and related verbs that share the semantic space of تا کردن. While tā kardan is the most common and versatile, other words offer more specific meanings. For example, lā kardan is almost identical in meaning, as lā also means 'layer' or 'fold'. However, lā is often used when putting something *between* folds, like a bookmark in a book or a flower between pages. Tā kardan is more about the act of creating the fold itself.

Tā kardan vs. Kham kardan: Tā kardan: Used for materials like cloth or paper where a crease is intended.
Kham kardan: Used for bending something (like a finger or a metal rod) where a sharp crease might not be the goal.

او لبه‌ی صفحه را تا کرد تا جای را گم نکند. (He folded the corner of the page so as not to lose his place.)

Another alternative is jam' kardan (to collect/tidy up). If you tell someone to 'tidy up the clothes', you say lebās-hā rā jam' kon. This might include folding them, but it is a broader term for cleaning the room. If you want to be specific about the folding, tā kardan is the better choice. In the social sense, alternatives to tā kardan include raftār kardan (to behave). While raftār kardan is more formal and clinical, tā kardan is more colloquial and carries a sense of the 'give and take' in a relationship.

Tā kardan vs. Shekastan: Shekastan: To break or fold in a way that causes damage (like breaking a stick).
Tā kardan: An organized, reversible fold.

می‌توانی این دستمال سفره را به شکل گل تا کنی؟ (Can you fold this napkin into the shape of a flower?)

For technical or industrial folding, you might see the word navard kardan, which relates to rolling or pressing, but this is far outside the B1 level. For B1 learners, focus on the distinction between physical folding (tā kardan) and rolling (looleh kardan). Also, consider monazzam kardan (to organize) as a higher-level synonym when you want to describe the result of folding. By using tā kardan in the right context, you demonstrate a grasp of both domestic vocabulary and the subtle metaphors of Persian social life.

آن‌ها با هم کنار آمدند و خوب تا کردند. (They got along and treated each other well.)

Summary Table: - Tā kardan: General fold (clothes/paper).
- Lā kardan: Layering/putting inside.
- Looleh kardan: Rolling (rugs/posters).
- Kham kardan: Bending (fingers/metal).

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The word 'tā' is also used as a classifier for counting items in Persian (e.g., 'se tā sib' - three apples), which stems from the idea of 'pieces' or 'folds' of a set.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /tɑː kærˈdæn/

US /tɑ kɑrˈdæn/

The primary stress is on the last syllable of the light verb: kar-DÄN.

Rhymes With

بنا کردن (banā kardan) رها کردن (rahā kardan) صدا کردن (sedā kardan) دعا کردن (do'ā kardan) جدا کردن (jodā kardan) ادا کردن (adā kardan) شنا کردن (shenā kardan) نگاه کردن (negāh kardan)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'tā' with a short English 'a' like in 'cat'.
Merging the two words into one sound without a slight break.
Misplacing the stress on 'tā' instead of 'kardan'.
Over-aspirating the 't' in 'tā'.
Failing to roll the 'r' in 'kardan'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to recognize in text, but must distinguish from 'tā' meaning 'until'.

Writing 4/5

Requires correct placement of 'rā' and understanding of light verb conjugation.

Speaking 3/5

Common in daily life; the social metaphor is very useful once learned.

Listening 3/5

Clear pronunciation, but can be fast in colloquial speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

کردن (to do) لباس (clothes) کاغذ (paper) مرتب (neat) با (with)

Learn Next

خم کردن (to bend) بستن (to close) پهن کردن (to spread) چروک (wrinkle) نظم (order)

Advanced

مدارا کردن (to tolerate) سازگاری (compatibility) انعطاف‌پذیری (flexibility) تجزیه و تحلیل (analysis - unfolding a problem)

Grammar to Know

Compound Verb Conjugation

In 'tā kardan', only 'kardan' changes (mi-kon-am, kard-am).

Direct Object Marker 'Rā'

Use 'rā' after the noun: 'Lebās rā tā kardam'.

Preposition 'Bā' for Social Meaning

Always use 'bā' when 'tā kardan' means 'to treat': 'Bā u khub tā kon'.

Subjunctive Mood

Replace 'mi-' with 'be-': 'Mi-khāham tā be-konam' (usually 'tā konam' in speech).

Passive Voice

Replace 'kardan' with 'shodan': 'Tā shod' (It was folded).

Examples by Level

من لباس را تا می‌کنم.

I fold the clothes.

Simple present tense: Subject + Object + Verb.

مادر، لطفا این کاغذ را تا کن.

Mother, please fold this paper.

Imperative form: 'tā kon'.

او پیراهن را تا کرد.

He folded the shirt.

Simple past tense: 'tā kard'.

آیا تو ملافه را تا می‌کنی؟

Do you fold the bedsheet?

Question form in present tense.

ما هر روز لباس‌ها را تا می‌کنیم.

We fold the clothes every day.

First person plural present tense.

این دستمال را تا نکن.

Do not fold this napkin.

Negative imperative: 'tā nakon'.

آن‌ها پول را تا کردند.

They folded the money.

Third person plural past tense.

من می‌خواهم این نامه را تا کنم.

I want to fold this letter.

Subjunctive mood: 'tā konam'.

او همیشه لباس‌هایش را خیلی مرتب تا می‌کند.

He always folds his clothes very neatly.

Use of adverb 'morattab' before the verb.

دیروز بعد از شستن، همه را تا کردیم.

Yesterday after washing, we folded them all.

Compound sentence with past tense.

چرا این کاغذ را از وسط تا نکردی؟

Why didn't you fold this paper from the middle?

Negative past tense question.

باید قبل از رفتن، پتوها را تا کنی.

You must fold the blankets before leaving.

Modal verb 'bāyad' followed by subjunctive.

او در حال تا کردن روزنامه است.

He is in the middle of folding the newspaper.

Present continuous construction.

این نقشه بزرگ را چطور تا کنیم؟

How should we fold this big map?

Interrogative with 'chetor'.

من معمولاً تی‌شرت‌ها را تا نمی‌کنم، آویزان می‌کنم.

I usually don't fold t-shirts; I hang them.

Contrast between two verbs.

بچه‌ها یاد گرفتند که ملافه‌ها را تا کنند.

The children learned to fold the bedsheets.

Infinitive-like usage after 'yād gereftan'.

او با همسایه‌های جدیدش خیلی خوب تا می‌کند.

He gets along very well with his new neighbors.

Metaphorical usage for 'treating others'.

اگر با او مهربان باشی، او هم با تو خوب تا خواهد کرد.

If you are kind to him, he will also treat you well.

Conditional sentence with future tense.

مدیر شرکت با کارمندانش اصلاً خوب تا نمی‌کند.

The company manager does not treat his employees well at all.

Negative metaphorical usage.

بیا این سفره را با هم تا کنیم و کنار بگذاریم.

Let's fold this tablecloth together and put it away.

Hortative 'biyā' with subjunctive.

او کاغذ را طوری تا کرد که به شکل یک پرنده درآمد.

He folded the paper in such a way that it became the shape of a bird.

Complex sentence with 'tori... ke'.

من ترجیح می‌دهم لباس‌های پشمی را تا کنم تا کش نیایند.

I prefer to fold wool clothes so they don't stretch.

Expressing preference with 'tarjih dādan'.

آیا می‌توانی این چادر را طوری تا کنی که در کیف جا شود؟

Can you fold this tent in a way that it fits in the bag?

Modal 'mi-tavāni' with subjunctive.

او با مشکلات زندگی با صبوری تا کرده است.

He has dealt with life's problems with patience.

Idiomatic usage for 'dealing/coping'.

نحوه تا کردن لباس‌ها نشان‌دهنده نظم و انضباط اوست.

The way of folding clothes is indicative of his order and discipline.

Gerund-like usage 'nahve-ye tā kardan'.

اگر لباس‌ها را بلافاصله بعد از خشک‌کن تا نکنی، چروک می‌شوند.

If you don't fold the clothes immediately after the dryer, they will wrinkle.

Condition with 'agar' and negative subjunctive.

او با زیرکی توانست با رقیبانش تا کند و قرارداد را ببندد.

With cleverness, he was able to manage his rivals and close the deal.

Using 'tā kardan' for social maneuvering.

این پارچه ابریشمی را باید با دقت خاصی تا کرد.

This silk fabric must be folded with special care.

Passive-like construction with 'bāyad'.

او همیشه گوشه‌ی صفحاتی را که می‌خواند تا می‌کند، که من دوست ندارم.

He always folds the corners of the pages he reads, which I don't like.

Relative clause 'ke man dūst nadāram'.

بسیاری از مردم نمی‌دانند چطور باید پرچم را به درستی تا کرد.

Many people do not know how the flag should be folded correctly.

Infinitive phrase as object of 'dānestan'.

او با وجود رفتارهای تند همسرش، سال‌ها با او تا کرد.

Despite her husband's harsh behavior, she put up with/dealt with him for years.

Idiomatic usage for endurance in relationships.

روش‌های مختلفی برای تا کردن دستمال سفره برای تزئین میز وجود دارد.

There are various methods for folding napkins to decorate the table.

Existential sentence with 'vojud dārad'.

در هنر اریگامی، هر تا کردن باید با دقت میلی‌متری انجام شود.

In the art of origami, every fold must be performed with millimeter precision.

Scientific/Artistic register.

او با چنان مهارتی با بحران‌های مالی تا کرد که همه شگفت‌زده شدند.

He managed the financial crises with such skill that everyone was amazed.

Metaphorical usage in a professional context.

لایه لایه تا کردن خمیر باعث می‌شود که شیرینی ترد و خوشمزه شود.

Layer by layer folding of the dough causes the pastry to become crisp and delicious.

Technical culinary usage.

او در خاطراتش می‌نویسد که چطور با تنهایی در غربت تا کرده است.

He writes in his memoirs how he coped with loneliness in exile.

Literary/Reflective register.

این دستگاه جدید قادر است در هر ساعت هزاران نامه را تا کرده و در پاکت بگذارد.

This new machine is capable of folding thousands of letters per hour and putting them in envelopes.

Technical/Industrial description.

ظرافت تا کردن پارچه در لباس‌های سنتی ایرانی نشان‌دهنده هنر والای آنان است.

The delicacy of fabric folding in traditional Iranian clothing shows their high art.

Cultural/Art history context.

او با رقیب سرسختش به گونه‌ای تا کرد که در نهایت به توافق رسیدند.

He handled his tough rival in such a way that they eventually reached an agreement.

Sophisticated social usage.

تا کردنِ بیش از حدِ اسکناس‌ها باعث فرسودگی زودهنگام آن‌ها می‌شود.

Excessive folding of banknotes causes their premature wear and tear.

Formal/Informative register.

در متون عرفانی، 'تا' به لایه‌های پنهان حقیقت اشاره دارد که باید یکی‌یکی گشوده شوند.

In mystical texts, 'tā' (fold) refers to the hidden layers of truth that must be opened one by one.

Philosophical/Mystical register.

او با سرنوشتِ محتومِ خود به شکلی قهرمانانه تا کرد و تسلیم نشد.

He dealt with his inevitable fate heroically and did not surrender.

Elevated literary usage.

پیچیدگی‌های سیاسی ایجاب می‌کند که با کشورهای همسایه با درایت تا کنیم.

Political complexities require that we handle neighboring countries with wisdom.

Geopolitical register.

او در رمان جدیدش، مفهوم 'تا کردن' را به مثابهِ سازگاریِ روح با رنج بازآفرینی کرده است.

In his new novel, he has recreated the concept of 'folding' as the soul's adaptation to suffering.

Literary criticism register.

ساختارِ تاشونده‌ی این تلسکوپ فضایی اجازه می‌دهد که در فضای محدودِ موشک جا بگیرد.

The foldable structure of this space telescope allows it to fit within the limited space of the rocket.

Scientific/Engineering register.

بررسیِ تطبیقیِ نحوه‌ی تا کردنِ پارچه در تمدن‌های مختلف، نتایج جالبی به همراه دارد.

A comparative study of the way fabric is folded in different civilizations yields interesting results.

Academic/Research register.

او با زبانِ تندِ منتقدانش چنان با متانت تا کرد که آن‌ها را به تحسین واداشت.

He handled the sharp tongues of his critics with such poise that he forced them into admiration.

Advanced rhetorical usage.

گویی زمان در این نقطه از تاریخ تا شده است و گذشته و حال به هم رسیده‌اند.

It is as if time has folded at this point in history, and past and present have met.

Poetic/Metaphysical register.

Common Collocations

مرتب تا کردن

از وسط تا کردن

با کسی خوب تا کردن

با کسی بد تا کردن

دولا تا کردن

دقیق تا کردن

تا کردن و گذاشتن

بلد نبودن تا کردن

لبه را تا کردن

به سختی تا کردن

Common Phrases

لباس‌ها را تا کن

— Fold the clothes. A standard household command.

بعد از خشک شدن، لباس‌ها را تا کن.

کاغذ را تا بزن

— Fold the paper. Using 'zadan' instead of 'kardan' is also common in speech.

این گوشه را تا بزن.

با ما راه بیا و تا کن

— Get along with us and cooperate.

کمی با ما راه بیا و بهتر تا کن.

سفره را تا کردن

— Folding the dining cloth after a meal.

کمک کن سفره را تا کنیم.

پول را تا نکن

— Don't fold the money. Often said to keep bills crisp.

پول نو را تا نکن.

آستین‌ها را تا کردن

— To fold up sleeves (usually to start work).

آستین‌هایش را تا کرد و شروع به کار کرد.

پاچه شلوار را تا کردن

— To fold up pant legs.

پاچه شلوارت را تا کن تا خیس نشود.

نقشه را تا کردن

— To fold a map.

نقشه را چطور تا کنیم؟

با دنیا تا کردن

— To cope with the world/life.

او یاد گرفته چطور با دنیا تا کند.

نامه را تا کردن

— To fold a letter.

نامه را تا کرد و در پاکت گذاشت.

Often Confused With

تا کردن vs بستن (Bastan)

Bastan means to close or tie. You 'close' a door, but you 'fold' a shirt.

تا کردن vs خم کردن (Kham kardan)

Kham kardan means to bend. You 'bend' a wire, but you 'fold' paper.

تا کردن vs جمع کردن (Jam' kardan)

Jam' kardan means to gather or tidy. It's a general term for cleaning up.

Idioms & Expressions

"با کسی خوب تا کردن"

— To treat someone well or get along with them effectively.

او با همه خوب تا می‌کند.

Colloquial

"با کسی بد تا کردن"

— To treat someone poorly or be difficult with them.

رئیس با من بد تا کرد.

Colloquial

"تا کردن با زندگی"

— To endure or manage the challenges of life.

باید با زندگی تا کرد.

General

"یک‌تا و دو‌تا کردن"

— To hesitate or go back and forth on a decision (rarely used this way, but related to 'tā').

اینقدر یک‌تا دو‌تا نکن، بخر!

Informal

"با زمانه تا کردن"

— To adapt to the times or current situation.

او می‌داند چطور با زمانه تا کند.

Literary

"تا کردن آستین همت"

— To roll up the sleeves of ambition (to prepare for a big task).

او آستین همت را برای موفقیت تا کرد.

Formal/Literary

"با فقر تا کردن"

— To cope with poverty.

آن خانواده با فقر تا کردند.

General

"با درد تا کردن"

— To live with or manage chronic pain.

او سال‌ها با این درد تا کرده است.

General

"با دشمن تا کردن"

— To manage or deal with an enemy diplomatically.

او بلد است چطور با دشمن تا کند.

Formal

"تا کردن سفره دل"

— To stop sharing one's secrets or feelings (folding the 'cloth of the heart').

او دیگر حرفی نزد و سفره دلش را تا کرد.

Poetic

Easily Confused

تا کردن vs لوله کردن

Both are ways to organize fabric.

Looleh kardan is rolling; tā kardan is folding.

فرش را لوله کن، لباس را تا کن.

تا کردن vs پاره کردن

Both involve manipulating paper.

Pāreh kardan is to tear; tā kardan is to fold.

کاغذ را تا کن، پاره نکن!

تا کردن vs چروک کردن

Opposite actions.

Tā kardan prevents wrinkles; charūk kardan creates them.

لباسم را چروک کردی، چرا تا نکردی؟

تا کردن vs اتو کردن

Both are laundry tasks.

Otu kardan is ironing; tā kardan is folding.

اول اتو کن، بعد تا کن.

تا کردن vs دوختن

Both involve fabric.

Dūkhtan is sewing; tā kardan is folding.

پارچه را تا کن تا بدوزیم.

Sentence Patterns

[Subject] [Object] rā tā mi-kon-ad.

Ali lebās rā tā mi-konad.

[Subject] [Object] rā [Adverb] tā kard.

Man kāghaz rā morattab tā kardam.

[Subject] bā [Person] [Adverb] tā mi-kon-ad.

U bā dūst-ash khub tā mi-konad.

Bāyad [Object] rā tā kon-i.

Bāyad maraf-e rā tā koni.

Agar [Object] rā tā na-kon-i, [Result].

Agar pirāhan rā tā nakoni, charūk mi-shavad.

[Object] [Adverb] tā shod-eh ast.

Lebās-hā tamiz tā shodeh ast.

Nahve-ye tā kardan-e [Object] mohem ast.

Nahve-ye tā kardan-e dastmāl mohem ast.

Bā [Abstract Concept] tā kardan.

Bā moshkelāt-e dahr tā kardan.

Word Family

Nouns

تا Fold, ply, layer, unit

تایی A set of (e.g., dota-yi - a pair)

تاخوردگی Crease, fold mark

Verbs

تا شدن To be folded (passive)

تا خوردن To get folded/creased accidentally

Adjectives

تاشده Folded

تاشونده Foldable, collapsible

بی‌تا Peerless, unique (literally 'without a second/fold')

لایه (layer)

چروک (wrinkle)

نظم (order)

لباس‌شویی (laundry)

کاغذ (paper)

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in both domestic and social contexts.

Common Mistakes

Using 'tā kardan' for closing a door. → در را ببند (Dar rā beband).
Folding is only for flexible materials.
Saying 'Man u rā khub tā mi-konam'. → Man bā u khub tā mi-konam.
The social meaning requires the preposition 'bā' (with).
Putting 'rā' after 'tā'. → Lebās rā tā kardam.
'Tā kardan' is the verb; 'rā' follows the object.
Confusing 'tā' (fold) with 'tā' (until). → Check for the verb 'kardan'.
Context is key; 'until' is a preposition, 'fold' is part of a verb.
Forgetting the 'mi-' in present tense. → Tā mi-konam.
All 'kardan' verbs need 'mi-' in the present continuous/simple.

Tips

Light Verb Rule

Remember that in compound verbs like 'tā kardan', the first part never changes. Only conjugate 'kardan'.

Laundry Context

Always associate 'tā kardan' with 'morattab' (neat) to remember its primary use.

Social Harmony

Use 'bā ham tā kardan' to describe a group of people getting along well.

Long 'A'

Ensure the 'ā' in 'tā' is long and deep, not short like the 'a' in 'apple'.

ZWNJ Usage

Use the half-space in 'می‌کنم' to look like a pro in written Persian.

The 'T' Fold

Imagine the letter 'T' folding over itself to remember 'Tā'.

Host Etiquette

Folding your own clothes when staying at an Iranian home is a sign of being a 'good guest'.

Bad Treatment

If someone is rude, you can say 'Bā man bad tā kard' to your friends.

Passive Form

Use 'tā shodan' when you don't want to say who folded the item.

Daily Practice

Every time you do laundry, say 'Dāram lebās-hā rā tā mi-konam' out loud.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'Tie' (sounds like Tā). You have to 'Tie' up your chores by 'Tā'-ing (folding) your clothes.

Visual Association

Imagine a perfectly folded stack of colorful Persian silk fabrics. Each 'Tā' is a neat line of organization.

Word Web

Laundry Paper Order Behavior Relationship Crease Origami Map

Challenge

Try to describe your entire morning routine using 'tā kardan' at least three times, once for clothes, once for a newspaper, and once for how you treated a family member.

Word Origin

Derived from Middle Persian 'tāg', meaning a fold, piece, or branch. The root has ancient Indo-European connections relating to layering or stretching.

Original meaning: A single layer or a strand of something.

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

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities; this is a very safe and common household/social verb.

In English, we 'get along' or 'deal with' people. Persian uses the physical metaphor of 'folding' to express the same social harmony.

The term 'Bi-tā' (Peerless) appears in classical poetry by Hafez and Rumi. Origami is often called 'Kāghaz-o-tā' in Iranian educational TV shows. Modern Persian pop songs often use 'bā man bad tā kardi' (you treated me badly) in lyrics about heartbreak.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Doing Laundry

لباس‌ها را تا کن
ملافه را دولا کن
سبد لباس‌ها
کمد را مرتب کن

In a Stationery Shop

کاغذ را تا نکنید
پاکت نامه
نقشه شهر
مقوا

Talking about Friends

با من خوب تا می‌کنه
دوست صمیمی
اخلاقش چطوره؟
دعوا کردن

Packing for Travel

چمدان بستن
جا کم داشتن
لباس‌ها را لوله کن
چروک نشدن

Arts and Crafts

کاردستی
اریگامی
از روی خط تا کن
چسب زدن

Conversation Starters

"آیا تو همیشه لباس‌هایت را بلافاصله بعد از شستن تا می‌کنی؟ (Do you always fold your clothes immediately after washing?)"

"به نظر تو، چطور می‌توان با یک همکار بداخلاق خوب تا کرد؟ (In your opinion, how can one get along well with a grumpy colleague?)"

"آیا بلد هستی با کاغذ شکل‌های اریگامی درست کنی و آن‌ها را تا کنی؟ (Do you know how to make origami shapes and fold them?)"

"در خانواده شما، چه کسی معمولاً مسئول تا کردن ملافه‌ها است؟ (In your family, who is usually responsible for folding the bedsheets?)"

"تا به حال شده کسی با تو بد تا کند و تو ناراحت شوی؟ (Has it ever happened that someone treated you poorly and you got upset?)"

Journal Prompts

درباره زمانی بنویسید که مجبور بودید با یک شرایط سخت زندگی تا کنید. (Write about a time you had to cope with a difficult life situation.)

آیا نظم در خانه و تا کردن مرتب لباس‌ها برای شما اهمیت دارد؟ چرا؟ (Is order in the house and neatly folding clothes important to you? Why?)

توصیف کنید که چطور یک نامه یا هدیه را برای کسی که دوست دارید تا می‌کنید و کادو می‌دهید. (Describe how you fold and gift a letter or a present for someone you love.)

درباره تفاوت رفتاری دو نفر از دوستانتان بنویسید و بگویید چطور با آن‌ها تا می‌کنید. (Write about the behavioral differences of two of your friends and how you get along with them.)

یک راهنمای مرحله‌به‌مرحله برای تا کردن یک چادر مسافرتی یا یک نقشه بزرگ بنویسید. (Write a step-by-step guide for folding a camping tent or a large map.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Usually, you say 'bastan' (to close) for a book. However, if you are folding the corner of a page, you can say 'gushe-ye safeh rā tā kardam'.

Yes, you can use it for banknotes, though some people prefer to keep bills flat.

'Tā zadan' is more colloquial and specifically focuses on the act of making the crease. They are mostly interchangeable.

You use the adjective 'tā-shovandeh' (تاشونده) or simply 'tā-sho' (تاشو).

No, that is an English idiom. In Persian, you would use 'kenār keshidan' or 'taslim shodan'.

When it means 'to fold', yes. When it means 'to treat someone', it needs the preposition 'bā' + person.

Yes, the noun is 'tā' (تا) or 'lā' (لا).

For an umbrella, 'bastan' (to close) is more common, but 'tā kardan' can be used for the fabric part.

Yes, it is very common and neutral-to-polite, though 'raftār kardan' is more formal.

The opposite is 'bāz kardan' (to open).