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تعبیر کردن

B2 verb 9 min read

تعبیر کردن

ta'bir kardan

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips تعبیر کردن in 30 Seconds

Explanation تعبیر کردن in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't really need to use 'تعبیر کردن' (ta'bir kardan) yet. It's a bit too complex. However, you might hear it in very simple stories about dreams. Think of it as 'saying what a dream means.' If you see a lion in your dream, a 'ta'bir' might be that you are brave. At this stage, just recognize that it's related to dreams. You can think of it as a special kind of 'meaning' (ma'na). Most A1 students will use 'ma'na kardan' (to mean) or 'tozih dadan' (to explain) instead. If you want to impress someone, you can say 'Khab-e man chiye?' (What is my dream?) and they might respond with a 'ta'bir'.

At the A2 level, you can start using 'تعبیر کردن' in simple sentences about dreams. For example, 'Man khab didam va madaram an ra ta'bir kard' (I saw a dream and my mother interpreted it). You are learning that Persian uses compound verbs (noun + kardan). 'Ta'bir' is the noun, and 'kardan' is the action. You should also know that 'ta'bir-e khab' is a common phrase. You might see this word on signs in bookstores or in titles of old stories. It's helpful to know it's not the same as 'tarjomeh' (translation). If you translate a word, you use 'tarjomeh'. If you explain a dream, you use 'ta'bir'.

At the B1 level, you should be able to use 'تعبیر کردن' beyond just dreams. You can use it to talk about interpreting someone's behavior or a simple poem. For instance, 'Chera sokout-e mara bad ta'bir kardi?' (Why did you interpret my silence badly?). This shows you understand that 'ta'bir' is about the *meaning* behind an action. You should also be comfortable with the past and present tenses. You might start seeing this word in news articles or short stories. It's a great word to use when you want to talk about 'perspectives' or 'how things seem' versus 'what they really are'.

At the B2 level, which is the target for this word, you should use 'تعبیر کردن' with nuance. You should know the difference between 'ta'bir' and 'tafsir' (academic interpretation). You can use it in passive forms like 'In raftar mitavanad be onvan-e tavajoh ta'bir shash' (This behavior can be interpreted as attention). You should also be able to discuss literary symbols using this verb. For example, you might analyze a poem by Hafez and discuss how the 'wine' is interpreted. You are expected to use it in complex sentences with 'ra' and various prepositions like 'be' (as/to). It's a key word for participating in intellectual or cultural discussions in Persian.

At the C1 level, you use 'تعبیر کردن' in philosophical, psychological, or high-level political contexts. You understand the etymology (crossing from the literal to the spiritual). You can use it to discuss hermeneutics or the subjectivity of human experience. For example, 'Har kas vage'iyat ra bar asase tajarob-e khod ta'bir mikonad' (Everyone interprets reality based on their own experiences). You might also use related forms like 'mota'abber' (interpreter) or 'ta'birat' (interpretations/expressions). You can engage in deep debates about whether a certain historical event should be interpreted as a revolution or a coup, using this verb to frame your arguments.

At the C2 level, 'تعبیر کردن' is a tool for professional-level discourse. You use it in literary criticism, theological debates, or advanced psychological analysis. You are aware of the subtle differences between 'ta'bir', 'ta'wil', and 'tafsir'. You can use the word to critique how certain ideologies 'interpret' history. You might use it in very formal, almost archaic ways in essays, or use it ironically in high-level social commentary. You understand the word's place in the history of Persian mysticism and how it has evolved in modern sociology. Your usage is indistinguishable from a highly educated native speaker, capturing the poetic and precise nature of the term.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

تعبیر کردن in 30 Seconds

A B2-level compound verb meaning 'to interpret' symbols, dreams, or metaphors.
Commonly associated with 'Ta'bir-e Khab' (dream interpretation) in Persian culture.
Different from 'translation' or 'simple explanation'; focuses on hidden meanings.
Used in literature, psychology, and daily life to decode ambiguous signs.

The Persian compound verb تعبیر کردن (Ta'bir Kardan) is a sophisticated and essential term in the Persian language, primarily used to describe the act of interpreting, explaining, or finding the underlying meaning of something that is not immediately obvious. Derived from the Arabic root 'A-B-R' (ع-ب-ر), which fundamentally relates to 'crossing over' or 'traversing,' the word metaphorically suggests 'crossing over' from the literal surface of a statement, dream, or sign to its deeper, spiritual, or psychological significance. In everyday Persian, while it can be used for general interpretation, it carries a heavy cultural weight specifically in the context of dreams and literary symbolism. When an Iranian says they want to 'interpret' their dream, they almost exclusively use this verb. It implies a process of unveiling a hidden truth. Unlike 'tozih dadan' (to explain) which clarifies a concept, or 'tarjomeh kardan' (to translate) which moves between languages, ta'bir kardan seeks the 'essence' or the 'reality' behind a veil. This makes it a high-frequency word in literature, psychology, and spiritual discourse. Understanding this word requires an appreciation for the Persian love for metaphor and the belief that the world is full of signs needing decoding. Whether you are analyzing a complex poem by Hafez or trying to understand the cryptic words of a politician, you are engaging in the act of تعبیر کردن.

Dream Interpretation: This is the most common use. It refers to the traditional or psychological analysis of dream symbols, often linked to the Quranic story of Prophet Joseph (Yusuf).
Literary Analysis: Used when scholars or readers try to find the 'true' meaning behind a poet's metaphors, especially in Sufi literature where wine or a beloved represents divine love.
Speech and Rhetoric: When someone's words are ambiguous, others might 'interpret' them in various ways, sometimes leading to misunderstandings or political debates.

او خواب دیشب مرا به خوبی تعبیر کرد و به من امید داد.

Translation: He interpreted my dream from last night well and gave me hope.

چگونه می‌توان این رفتار عجیب را تعبیر کرد؟

Translation: How can one interpret this strange behavior?

In a broader philosophical sense, تعبیر کردن implies that the speaker believes there is a hidden layer to reality. If a friend gives you a gift, you might interpret it as a sign of reconciliation. If a child draws a specific picture, a psychologist might interpret it as a sign of their inner feelings. In all these cases, the verb 'ta'bir kardan' acts as the bridge between the seen and the unseen. It is a verb of discovery and revelation. In the modern era, it is also used in media to describe how political analysts 'read' the actions of world leaders. For instance, a handshake might be interpreted as a sign of a new alliance. The flexibility of this verb allows it to move from the mystical world of 13th-century poetry to the fast-paced world of 21st-century diplomacy without losing its core essence of 'finding the hidden meaning'.

Using تعبیر کردن correctly involves understanding its grammatical structure as a compound verb. It consists of the noun 'ta'bir' (interpretation) and the auxiliary verb 'kardan' (to do/make). In most sentences, the thing being interpreted is the direct object, often marked by the postposition 'ra' (را). For example, 'khab ra ta'bir kardan' (to interpret the dream). However, it can also be used in more abstract ways. Because it is a B2 level word, you are expected to use it in complex sentences involving subordinate clauses or passive constructions.

Formal Usage: In formal writing, you might see 'be ... ta'bir shodan' (to be interpreted as). This is common in academic or legal contexts where an action is being categorized.
Interrogative Forms: Asking for someone's opinion on a sign: 'Shoma in sokhan ra cheguneh ta'bir mikonid?' (How do you interpret these words?).

برخی منتقدان، این فیلم را به عنوان اعتراضی علیه وضع موجود تعبیر کرده‌اند.

Translation: Some critics have interpreted this film as a protest against the status quo.

When using the verb in the past tense, it follows the standard conjugation: 'ta'bir kardam', 'ta'bir kardi', etc. In the present tense, it becomes 'ta'bir mikonam'. One interesting aspect of this verb is its use in the passive voice: 'ta'bir shodan'. For example, 'In khab be khubi ta'bir shod' (This dream was interpreted well). This is frequently used when the interpreter is less important than the interpretation itself. In literary contexts, you will often find it paired with 'ma'na' (meaning) or 'mafhum' (concept). For instance, 'ta'bir-e ma'na-ye eshq' (interpreting the meaning of love). This shows that the verb isn't just about dreams, but about any complex semantic decoding. Furthermore, in psychological contexts, it is used to describe how patients interpret their own experiences. 'Bimar tajrobeh-haye khod ra be shekli manfi ta'bir mikonad' (The patient interprets their experiences in a negative way). This highlight the subjective nature of the verb; interpretation is often an individual's perspective rather than an objective fact.

You will encounter تعبیر کردن in several distinct environments in Iranian society. The most prominent is the domestic sphere, specifically during morning conversations. Iranians have a long tradition of sharing dreams over breakfast. If someone has a vivid dream, they might ask an elder or a friend to ta'bir it. There are even books called 'Ta'bir-e Khab' (Dream Interpretation) that are common in many households, often attributed to Ibn Sirin or Imam Sadiq. Hearing someone say 'Khabam ro ta'bir kon' (Interpret my dream) is a very common informal occurrence. Secondly, you will hear it in educational and literary settings. In a Persian literature class, when analyzing the 'Divan-e Hafez', the teacher will ask students how they interpret a specific line. Here, it is used to move beyond the literal meaning of words like 'gol' (rose) or 'bolbol' (nightingale).

TV and Media: Political talk shows often feature analysts who say, 'In harakat-e diplomati ra mitavan in-goune ta'bir kard...' (This diplomatic move can be interpreted this way...).
Therapy and Psychology: Modern Persian psychology uses the term to discuss how individuals perceive reality or 'interpret' social cues.

مادربزرگ همیشه خواب‌های ما را به خیر تعبیر می‌کرد.

Translation: Grandmother always used to interpret our dreams for the best (positively).

Another interesting place you hear this is in 'Faal-e Hafez' (Hafez Omen). When someone opens the book of Hafez to seek guidance, the resulting poem needs interpretation. People will say, 'In sher ra chetor ta'bir mikoni?' (How do you interpret this poem?). This links the word to the concept of fate and divine guidance. In more modern, urban settings, you might hear it in intellectual circles or art galleries. An artist might be asked how they want the audience to interpret their abstract painting. In this context, it's synonymous with 'understanding the intent'. Whether in a traditional home, a university lecture hall, or a modern art gallery, تعبیر کردن is the key verb for anyone trying to bridge the gap between a sign and its significance. It is a word that invites dialogue and deep thinking.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make when using تعبیر کردن is using it as a direct substitute for 'to translate' (tarjomeh kardan). While in English we might say 'How do you interpret this word?' meaning 'How do you translate it?', in Persian, ta'bir kardan is strictly for meaning and symbolism, not for switching languages. Another common error is confusing it with tozih dadan (to explain). If you are explaining how a machine works, you use 'tozih dadan'. If you are explaining the hidden meaning of a metaphor, you use 'ta'bir kardan'.

Mistake: Using it for translation: Incorrect: 'In jomleh ra be Engelisi ta'bir kon.' (Interpret this sentence into English). Correct: 'In jomleh ra be Engelisi tarjomeh kon.'
Mistake: Confusing with 'Tafsir': While similar, 'Tafsir' is more academic/religious. You wouldn't usually 'tafsir' a dream unless you are doing a scholarly study on it.

اشتباه: من نمی‌توانم این کلمه را تعبیر کنم (وقتی منظور ترجمه است).

Correction: Use 'tarjomeh konam' for translation.

Additionally, learners sometimes forget that 'ta'bir' is an Arabic-origin word and might mispronounce it. The 'ayn' (ع) should be a slight constriction in the throat, though in modern Tehraní Persian, it often sounds like a glottal stop or just a lengthening of the preceding vowel. Another mistake is the preposition choice. Usually, we interpret something 'as' something else. In Persian, we use 'be ... ta'bir kardan' or 'be onvan-e ... ta'bir kardan'. Forgetting the 'be' (to/as) can make the sentence sound incomplete. For example, saying 'He interpreted my silence anger' instead of 'He interpreted my silence *as* anger'. In Persian: 'Sokout-e mara *be* khashm ta'bir kard'. Lastly, avoid using it for simple facts. You don't 'interpret' that the sun is hot; that is a fact. You interpret the 'meaning' of the sun in a poem. Understanding the boundary between fact and interpretation is key to using this word like a native speaker.

Persian has several words for 'interpreting' or 'explaining,' and choosing the right one depends on the context. تعبیر کردن is specifically for symbols, dreams, and metaphors. If you are looking for alternatives, you might consider تفسیر کردن (Tafsir Kardan), معنا کردن (Ma'na Kardan), or برداشت کردن (Bardasht Kardan). Each has a slightly different nuance that can change the tone of your sentence significantly.

تفسیر کردن (Tafsir Kardan): More formal and analytical. Used for religious texts, legal documents, or detailed scientific data analysis. It implies a systematic explanation.
معنا کردن (Ma'na Kardan): Literally 'to make meaning.' This is often used for defining a word or a simple sentence. It is less about 'decoding' and more about 'stating the definition'.
برداشت کردن (Bardasht Kardan): Literally 'to pick up/take away.' This is used for 'personal take' or 'impression.' 'Che bardashti az in harf dary?' (What's your take on this?). It is more subjective than 'ta'bir'.

تفاوت: او خواب را تعبیر کرد، اما قاضی قانون را تفسیر کرد.

Translation: He interpreted the dream, but the judge interpreted (construed) the law.

Another word to know is شرح دادن (Sharh Dadan), which means 'to give a detailed account' or 'to elaborate.' If you are giving a step-by-step report of an event, you are 'sharh'ing it. If you are trying to find out why that event happened based on signs, you are 'ta'bir'ing it. In modern slang or informal speech, people might just use 'fahmidan' (to understand) or 'darak kardan' (to perceive/understand). However, using تعبیر کردن adds a layer of intellectual or spiritual depth. It suggests that the speaker is looking for the 'reasons' or 'omens' behind the facts. For example, in a romantic context, one might say 'Man in labkhand-e to ra be eshq ta'bir mikonam' (I interpret this smile of yours as love). This is much more poetic and meaningful than simply saying 'I think you love me'. Choosing 'ta'bir' over 'bardasht' or 'tozih' marks you as a speaker who appreciates the nuances of Persian communicative style.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The word 'Ibara' (phrase) comes from the same root because a phrase 'carries' meaning from one person to another, just as a boat carries someone across a river.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /tæʔˈbiːɾ kæɾˈdæn/

US /tæʔˈbiːr kɑːrˈdæn/

The primary stress is on the last syllable of the auxiliary verb: kar-DÁN. Secondary stress is on the last syllable of the noun: ta-BÍR.

Rhymes With

تغییر کردن (Taghyir kardan) تقصیر کردن (Taqsir kardan) تحقیر کردن (Tahqir kardan) تقدیر کردن (Taqdir kardan) تفسیر کردن (Tafsir kardan) تصویر کردن (Tasvir kardan) تدبیر کردن (Tadbir kardan) تزویر کردن (Tazvir kardan)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'ta'bir' as 'tabir' without the slight pause/glottal stop for the 'ayn'.
Misplacing the stress on the first syllable.
Confusing the 't' with a heavy English 't' (it should be dental in Persian).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 4/5

Requires understanding of complex sentence structures and abstract nouns.

Writing 4/5

Needs correct use of prepositions like 'be' and 'ra'.

Speaking 3/5

Common in specific contexts (dreams, literature), easy to pronounce.

Listening 3/5

Clear pronunciation, but the 'ayn' can be subtle.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

خواب (Dream) معنا (Meaning) کردن (To do) حرف (Word/Talk) فکر کردن (To think)

Learn Next

تفسیر (Exegesis) استعاره (Metaphor) نماد (Symbol) برداشت (Take/Impression) مفهوم (Concept)

Advanced

هرمنوتیک (Hermeneutics) تأویل (Deep interpretation) نشانه‌شناسی (Semiotics) زبان‌شناسی (Linguistics) روان‌کاوی (Psychoanalysis)

Grammar to Know

Compound Verbs with 'Kardan'

تعبیر + کردن = تعبیر کردن. The noun remains stable while 'kardan' conjugates.

Direct Object Marker 'Ra'

خواب *را* تعبیر کرد. 'Ra' follows the noun being interpreted.

Passive Construction with 'Shodan'

این خواب تعبیر *شد*. (The dream was interpreted).

Prepositional Phrases with 'Be'

او را *به* عنوان قهرمان تعبیر کردند. (They interpreted him as a hero).

Subjunctive Mood

می‌خواهم خوابم را تعبیر *کنی*. (I want you to interpret my dream).

Examples by Level

مادرم خواب مرا تعبیر کرد.

My mother interpreted my dream.

Simple past tense: noun + kard.

تعبیر این خواب چیست؟

What is the interpretation of this dream?

Using 'ta'bir' as a noun.

او خواب‌های خوب را تعبیر می‌کند.

He interprets good dreams.

Present continuous: mikonad.

آیا می‌توانی خواب مرا تعبیر کنی؟

Can you interpret my dream?

Question with 'mi-tavani'.

من کتاب تعبیر خواب دارم.

I have a dream interpretation book.

Possessive sentence.

او خواب را بد تعبیر کرد.

He interpreted the dream badly.

Adverb 'bad' before the verb.

این خواب تعبیر ندارد.

This dream has no interpretation.

Negative 'nadarad'.

ما درباره تعبیر خواب حرف می‌زنیم.

We are talking about dream interpretation.

Preposition 'darbareh'.

یوسف پیامبر خواب‌ها را تعبیر می‌کرد.

Prophet Joseph used to interpret dreams.

Past habitual: mi-kard.

من سعی می‌کنم این نشانه را تعبیر کنم.

I am trying to interpret this sign.

Compound verb: sa'y kardan + ta'bir konam.

دوست من حرف‌های مرا اشتباه تعبیر کرد.

My friend interpreted my words wrongly.

Adverb 'eshtebah'.

کتاب‌های زیادی برای تعبیر خواب وجود دارد.

There are many books for interpreting dreams.

Plural 'ketab-ha'.

او می‌خواهد خوابش را تعبیر کنید.

He wants you to interpret his dream.

Subjunctive: konid.

چرا این‌طور تعبیر می‌کنی؟

Why do you interpret [it] like this?

Adverb 'in-tour'.

تعبیر کردن خواب کار آسانی نیست.

Interpreting dreams is not an easy job.

Gerund/Infinitive as subject.

آن‌ها هر چیزی را به نفع خود تعبیر می‌کنند.

They interpret everything in their own favor.

Phrase 'be naf-e khod'.

نباید سکوت او را به معنای رضایت تعبیر کرد.

One should not interpret his silence as consent.

Modal 'nabayad' + infinitive.

نویسنده این نماد را چگونه تعبیر کرده است؟

How has the author interpreted this symbol?

Present perfect.

او هر نگاه مرا به عشق تعبیر می‌کرد.

He used to interpret my every look as love.

Past habitual.

این فیلم را می‌توان به روش‌های مختلف تعبیر کرد.

This movie can be interpreted in different ways.

Passive potential: mi-tavan ... kard.

مردم قدیم پدیده‌های طبیعی را به خشم خدایان تعبیر می‌کردند.

Ancient people interpreted natural phenomena as the anger of gods.

Complex subject and object.

آیا این رفتار او را می‌توان یک توهین تعبیر کرد؟

Can this behavior of his be interpreted as an insult?

Interrogative passive.

او همیشه خواب‌هایش را برعکس تعبیر می‌کند.

She always interprets her dreams the opposite way.

Adverb 'bar-aks'.

تعبیر کردن اشعار حافظ تخصص می‌خواهد.

Interpreting Hafez's poems requires expertise.

Subject clause.

منتقدان این اثر را به عنوان بازگشت به سنت تعبیر کردند.

Critics interpreted this work as a return to tradition.

Formal past tense.

نباید هر انتقادی را به دشمنی تعبیر کرد.

One shouldn't interpret every criticism as enmity.

Formal prohibition.

او سخنان رئیس‌جمهور را به گونه‌ای متفاوت تعبیر کرد.

He interpreted the president's words in a different way.

Adverbial phrase 'be goune-ye motafavit'.

تعبیر کردن این متن پیچیده زمان زیادی می‌برد.

Interpreting this complex text takes a lot of time.

Infinitive as subject.

چگونه می‌توان این آمار را به نفع اقتصاد تعبیر کرد؟

How can these statistics be interpreted in favor of the economy?

Passive potential.

او حرکت دست مرا به اشتباه تعبیر کرد و ناراحت شد.

He misinterpreted my hand gesture and got upset.

Compound sentence with 'va'.

بسیاری از خواب‌ها بر اساس ناخودآگاه تعبیر می‌شوند.

Many dreams are interpreted based on the subconscious.

Passive present: ta'bir mi-shavand.

تعبیر کردن رویاها از دیرباز در فرهنگ ما جای داشته است.

Interpreting dreams has had a place in our culture for a long time.

Present perfect.

هرمنوتیک به مطالعه چگونگی تعبیر کردن متون می‌پردازد.

Hermeneutics deals with the study of how texts are interpreted.

Academic register.

او این واقعه تاریخی را به مثابه یک تراژدی تعبیر می‌کند.

He interprets this historical event as a tragedy.

Use of 'be masabeh' (as/like).

تعبیر کردن جهان بدون در نظر گرفتن متافیزیک دشوار است.

Interpreting the world without considering metaphysics is difficult.

Complex philosophical sentence.

باید دید که نسل‌های آینده این تصمیم ما را چگونه تعبیر خواهند کرد.

It remains to be seen how future generations will interpret this decision of ours.

Future tense: ta'bir khahand kard.

او هر پدیده را از دریچه ایدئولوژی خود تعبیر می‌کند.

He interprets every phenomenon through the lens of his own ideology.

Metaphorical 'daricheh' (lens/window).

برخی این سکوت دیپلماتیک را به ضعف تعبیر کرده‌اند.

Some have interpreted this diplomatic silence as weakness.

Present perfect.

تعبیر کردن نمادهای اساطیری نیازمند دانش عمیق است.

Interpreting mythological symbols requires deep knowledge.

Subject clause with 'niyazmand'.

او موفقیت خود را به شانس تعبیر نمی‌کرد، بلکه به تلاش نسبت می‌داد.

He didn't interpret his success as luck, but attributed it to effort.

Contrastive sentence.

تعبیر کردن ساحت‌های وجودی انسان در عرفان اسلامی جایگاه ویژه‌ای دارد.

Interpreting the existential dimensions of man holds a special place in Islamic mysticism.

Highly formal/theological.

این رویکرد را می‌توان به مثابه نوعی واسازی در تعبیر کردن مفاهیم دانست.

This approach can be considered a type of deconstruction in interpreting concepts.

Literary theory terminology.

او با ظرافت تمام، استعاره‌های متن را تعبیر کرد.

With total subtlety, he interpreted the metaphors of the text.

Adverbial phrase 'ba zerafat-e tamam'.

تعبیر کردن مکرر تاریخ توسط قدرت‌ها، حقیقتی کتمان‌ناپذیر است.

The repeated interpretation of history by powers is an undeniable truth.

Complex noun phrase.

آیا می‌توان نیهیلیسم را به عنوان واکنشی به تعبیر کردن سنتی جهان نگریست؟

Can nihilism be viewed as a reaction to the traditional interpretation of the world?

Advanced philosophical inquiry.

او هر کنش سیاسی را در چارچوب منافع طبقاتی تعبیر می‌کرد.

He interpreted every political action within the framework of class interests.

Sociological register.

تعبیر کردن وحی در اندیشه معاصر با چالش‌های جدی روبروست.

Interpreting revelation in contemporary thought faces serious challenges.

Theological discourse.

نویسنده در پی آن است که مرگ را به گونه‌ای استعلایی تعبیر کند.

The author seeks to interpret death in a transcendental way.

Academic 'dar pey-e an ast'.

Common Collocations

تعبیر خواب

به غلط تعبیر کردن

تعبیر منطقی

تعبیر شاعرانه

قابل تعبیر بودن

تعبیر متفاوت

به نفع خود تعبیر کردن

تعبیر روان‌شناختی

تعبیر درست

تعبیر نمادین

Common Phrases

خوابم تعبیر شد

— My dream came true (literally: was interpreted into reality).

بالاخره خوابم تعبیر شد و به سفر رفتم.

تعبیرش چیست؟

— What does it mean? (Usually regarding a sign or dream).

این همه کلاغ در آسمان، تعبیرش چیست؟

بد تعبیر نکن

— Don't take it the wrong way / Don't misinterpret.

لطفاً حرف مرا بد تعبیر نکن، قصدم کمک بود.

تعبیر به خیر کردن

— To interpret something as a good omen.

مادرم همیشه اتفاقات را به خیر تعبیر می‌کند.

تعبیر وارونه

— Opposite interpretation.

گاهی خواب‌ها تعبیر وارونه دارند.

از این سخن چه تعبیری دارید؟

— How do you interpret these words?

از این سخن سیاست‌مدار چه تعبیری دارید؟

تعبیر پذیر بودن

— To be open to interpretation.

این شعر بسیار تعبیرپذیر است.

تعبیر بردار نیست

— It's unambiguous (cannot be interpreted otherwise).

این حقیقت روشن است و تعبیر بردار نیست.

در تعبیر گنجیدن

— To fit into an interpretation.

این رفتار در هیچ تعبیری نمی‌گنجد.

تعبیر عامیانه

— A common/folk interpretation.

این یک تعبیر عامیانه از عطسه کردن است.

Often Confused With

تعبیر کردن vs ترجمه کردن

Translation between languages. Never use 'ta'bir' for this.

تعبیر کردن vs تفسیر کردن

Scholarly/Academic interpretation. 'Ta'bir' is more for symbols/dreams.

تعبیر کردن vs توضیح دادن

General explanation of facts. 'Ta'bir' is for hidden meanings.

Idioms & Expressions

"خواب زن چپ است"

— A sexist idiom implying women's dreams mean the opposite (often used to dismiss dream interpretations).

نگران نباش، می‌گویند خواب زن چپ است.

Informal/Traditional

"تعبیر به رای"

— Interpreting something based on one's own desires rather than truth (often used for religious texts).

او دچار تعبیر به رای شده است.

Formal/Religious

"خواب آشفته را تعبیر نیست"

— A chaotic/confused dream has no meaning (or a chaotic situation can't be explained).

این وضعیت آنقدر شلوغ است که خواب آشفته را تعبیر نیست.

Literary

"به فال نیک گرفتن"

— To interpret as a good omen (related to the act of ta'bir).

من این باران را به فال نیک می‌گیرم.

Neutral

"معما چو حل گشت آسان شود"

— Once a riddle is interpreted/solved, it becomes easy (often used when an interpretation is revealed).

حالا که تعبیرش را فهمیدی، می‌گویی معما چو حل گشت آسان شود.

Literary

"از ظن خود یار شدن"

— To interpret based on one's own suspicion (from Rumi).

هر کسی از ظن خود شد یار من.

Literary

"تعبیر به خیر"

— May it be interpreted for the best.

ان‌شاءالله که تعبیر به خیر است.

Religious/Daily life

"صورت و معنا"

— The form and the interpretation/essence.

باید از صورت به تعبیر معنا رسید.

Philosophical

"پرده‌برداری از معنا"

— Unveiling the meaning (a metaphor for ta'bir).

او از معنای پنهان تعبیر کرد.

Literary

"تعبیرِ دگر"

— Another way of putting it / another interpretation.

به تعبیر دگر، او نمی‌خواست بیاید.

Formal

Easily Confused

تعبیر کردن vs تعبیر

Noun vs Verb

'Ta'bir' is the noun (interpretation), 'Ta'bir kardan' is the action.

تعبیرِ او (His interpretation) vs او تعبیر کرد (He interpreted).

تعبیر کردن vs تغییر

Phonetic similarity

'Taghyir' means change; 'Ta'bir' means interpretation.

تغییر دادن (To change) vs تعبیر کردن (To interpret).

تعبیر کردن vs تقدیر

Phonetic similarity

'Taqdir' means destiny or appreciation.

تقدیر الهی (Divine destiny).

تعبیر کردن vs تقصیر

Phonetic similarity

'Taqsir' means fault or blame.

تقصیر من نیست (It's not my fault).

تعبیر کردن vs تصویر

Phonetic similarity

'Tasvir' means picture or image.

تصویر زیبایی است (It is a beautiful picture).

Sentence Patterns

[Subject] [Noun] را تعبیر کرد.

علی خواب را تعبیر کرد.

[Noun] را نباید به [Meaning] تعبیر کرد.

سکوت را نباید به ترس تعبیر کرد.

این [Action] چگونه تعبیر می‌شود؟

این رفتار چگونه تعبیر می‌شود؟

از [Something] می‌توان به [Interpretation] تعبیر کرد.

از این وضعیت می‌توان به بحران تعبیر کرد.

[Person] تعبیرِ متفاوتی از [Topic] دارد.

او تعبیر متفاوتی از آزادی دارد.

در ساحتِ [Context]، این امر [Adverb] تعبیر می‌گردد.

در ساحت عرفان، این امر استعلایی تعبیر می‌گردد.

آیا می‌توانی این را برایم تعبیر کنی؟

آیا می‌توانی این نشانه را برایم تعبیر کنی؟

تعبیرِ این [Noun] چیست؟

تعبیر این رویا چیست؟

Word Family

Nouns

تعبیر (Interpretation)

تعبیرات (Interpretations/Expressions)

معبر (Interpreter of dreams)

Verbs

تعبیر کردن (To interpret)

تعبیر شدن (To be interpreted / To come true)

Adjectives

تعبیرپذیر (Interpretable)

تعبیرناپذیر (Uninterpretable)

عبور (Crossing)

عبرت (Lesson/Example)

عبارت (Phrase)

معتبر (Valid/Credible)

تفسیر (Exegesis)

How to Use It

frequency

High in literature, psychology, and traditional social circles.

Common Mistakes

تعبیر کردن یک زبان به زبان دیگر → ترجمه کردن
You translate (tarjomeh) languages; you interpret (ta'bir) meanings/symbols.
او حرف مرا بد تعبیر شد. → حرف من بد تعبیر شد / او حرف مرا بد تعبیر کرد.
Confusing active and passive voice. 'Shodan' is for the thing being interpreted.
تعبیر کردن یک دستورالعمل → توضیح دادن / شرح دادن
You explain (tozih) instructions; you interpret (ta'bir) metaphors.
استفاده از 'تفسیر' برای خواب → تعبیر
While 'tafsir' is possible, 'ta'bir' is the specific and natural word for dreams.
من تعبیرِ این کلمه را نمی‌دانم (meaning definition). → من معنیِ این کلمه را نمی‌دانم.
For simple dictionary definitions, use 'ma'ni'. Use 'ta'bir' for symbolic meaning.

Tips

Use with 'Be'

Always remember the pattern 'A ra be B ta'bir kardan' (Interpret A as B). This is the most natural way to use the verb.

Morning Talk

If you want to start a conversation with Iranians, ask them if they had a dream and offer to 'ta'bir' it. It's a great icebreaker.

Learn the Root

Knowing the root 'A-B-R' (to cross) helps you remember that 'ta'bir' is about 'crossing over' to the meaning.

Passive Voice

Use 'ta'bir shodan' when you want to talk about how something is generally perceived by people.

Avoid 'Translate'

Never use this word when you mean translating a word from English to Persian. You will be misunderstood.

Hafez Omen

When doing a 'Faal-e Hafez', use 'ta'bir' to discuss what the poem might mean for your future.

Subconscious

In a psychological context, use 'ta'bir' to describe how someone's past affects their current 'interpretation' of events.

Good Omens

Iranians prefer to interpret things 'be kheyr' (for the best). Even a bad dream can be 'ta'bir'ed positively to bring good luck.

Variety

Switch between 'ta'bir kardan' and 'bardasht kardan' to avoid repetition in your writing.

Context Clues

If you hear 'ta'bir' in a political news segment, it's likely about how an action is being 'read' or 'viewed' by others.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Ta'bir' as 'Tab-Ear'. You use your 'ear' to listen to the 'tab' (feverish/hidden) meaning of a dream. Or, 'Ta'bir' sounds like 'To Bear' a meaning across.

Visual Association

Imagine a bridge crossing a river. On one side is a weird dream (a flying fish), and on the other side is the meaning (success). 'Ta'bir' is the act of crossing that bridge.

Word Web

Khab (Dream) Ma'na (Meaning) Ramz (Code/Secret) Neshaneh (Sign) Hafiz (Poet) Yusuf (Joseph) Faal (Omen) Zehn (Mind)

Challenge

Write down three things you did yesterday and try to تعبیر کردن them as if they were symbols in a movie. What do they represent?

Word Origin

Derived from the Arabic root ع-ب-ر (A-B-R), which means to cross, pass over, or traverse. In the context of language, it means crossing from the literal word to the intended meaning.

Original meaning: To cross a river or a path. Metaphorically, to cross from the appearance (Zahir) to the hidden (Batin).

Semitic root (Arabic) integrated into Indo-European (Persian) grammar as a compound verb.

Cultural Context

Be careful when interpreting dreams for others in a religious context, as some believe only those with 'pure hearts' should do it.

In English, 'interpret' is often associated with language translation (interpreters at the UN). In Persian, 'ta'bir' is almost never used for language, only for meaning.

The Story of Prophet Yusuf (Joseph) in the Quran and Persian literature. The Preface of the 'Divan-e Hafez' which discusses the 'ta'bir' of his mystical metaphors. Freud's 'Interpretation of Dreams' translated into Persian as 'Tafsir-e Khab' or sometimes 'Ta'bir-e Khab'.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Dreaming

تعبیر خواب من چیه؟
این خواب تعبیر خوبی داره.
کتاب تعبیر خواب ابن سیرین
خوابم رو به خیر تعبیر کن.

Literary Analysis

تعبیر حافظ از عشق
این نماد را چطور تعبیر می‌کنید؟
تعبیرهای مختلف از یک شعر
تعبیر شاعرانه جهان

Misunderstandings

بد تعبیر کردن حرف کسی
سوءتعبیر نشود اما...
او سکوت مرا بد تعبیر کرد.
نباید این را به دشمنی تعبیر کرد.

Politics

تعبیر تحلیل‌گران از انتخابات
این بیانیه را چطور تعبیر کنیم؟
تعبیرهای جناحی از قانون
تعبیر متفاوت از یک قرارداد

Psychology

تعبیر رفتارهای ناهنجار
تعبیر ضمیر ناخودآگاه
چگونه تجربیاتمان را تعبیر می‌کنیم؟
تعبیر روان‌شناختی رویا

Conversation Starters

"آیا تا به حال خوابی دیده‌ای که تعبیرش جالب باشد؟"

"به نظر تو، سکوت در یک رابطه را چطور باید تعبیر کرد؟"

"چگونه می‌توان اشعار حافظ را برای زندگی امروز تعبیر کرد؟"

"آیا فکر می‌کنی تعبیر خواب یک علم است یا خرافات؟"

"اگر کسی به تو هدیه‌ای بی‌دلیل بدهد، آن را چطور تعبیر می‌کنی؟"

Journal Prompts

خوابی را که دیشب دیدی بنویس و سعی کن آن را به روش خودت تعبیر کنی.

یک اتفاق مهم در زندگی‌ات را انتخاب کن و بنویس که چگونه آن را تعبیر می‌کنی.

درباره این موضوع بنویس: چرا مردم همیشه به دنبال تعبیر کردن نشانه‌ها هستند؟

یک بیت شعر فارسی بنویس و تعبیر خودت را از آن شرح بده.

آیا تا به حال کسی حرف تو را بد تعبیر کرده است؟ ماجرا را بنویس.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, for translating a book from one language to another, you must use 'tarjomeh kardan'. 'Ta'bir kardan' is for interpreting the hidden meaning or symbols within the book.

It is a standard word used in both formal and informal Persian. However, in very informal slang, people might use simpler words like 'ma'na kardan', but 'ta'bir kardan' is perfectly fine in daily conversation about dreams.

'Ta'bir' is usually for dreams and symbols. 'Tafsir' is for academic, legal, or religious analysis (like 'Tafsir-e Quran').

Yes! In Persian: 'Man labkhand-e to ra be onvan-e 'are' ta'bir mikonam'. This is a very natural use of the word.

Yes, a dream interpreter is called a 'mo'abber' (معبر), though this word is somewhat formal/old-fashioned.

You can use 'su'e ta'bir' (سوءتعبیر) or say 'eshtebah ta'bir kardan' (to interpret wrongly).

Yes, especially in social sciences or psychology when interpreting data or human behavior.

In the context of dreams, yes. If someone says 'Khabam ta'bir shod', it means what they saw in the dream actually happened in real life.

It is the specific term for 'Dream Interpretation', and also the title of many famous books on the subject.

In very formal linguistics, 'ta'bir' can sometimes refer to an expression or idiom, but 'ebarat' is much more common for that.