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تعیین کردن

B1 verb #2,000 most common 15 min read

تعیین کردن

To establish or ascertain definitely; to determine.

ta'yin kardan Top 2,000

At the A1 level, the verb تعیین کردن (ta'yin kardan) is generally considered slightly above the core vocabulary requirements, as beginners usually focus on simpler verbs like رفتن (to go), خوردن (to eat), and بودن (to be). However, it is extremely useful to recognize this verb early on because it is the standard way to talk about setting a time or making an appointment. As an A1 learner, you don't need to master all its complex conjugations or abstract uses. Instead, focus on learning it as a set phrase or 'chunk' of vocabulary. The most important phrase to memorize is وقت تعیین کردن (vaght ta'yin kardan), which means 'to set a time' or 'to make an appointment'. If you need to go to the doctor, the dentist, or meet a teacher, you will hear this phrase. You might hear a receptionist say, 'باید وقت تعیین کنید' (You must set a time). At this stage, just understanding that 'ta'yin' means 'setting' or 'fixing' a detail is enough. You can also practice using it in the simple past tense for basic statements, like 'من زمان را تعیین کردم' (I set the time). Don't worry about the passive voice or subordinate clauses yet. Just associate the word with calendars, clocks, and making plans with other people. It is a compound verb, meaning it has two parts, and only the second part (کردن) changes when you speak about different people (I, you, he, she). Keep it simple and use it for basic scheduling.

At the A2 level, your ability to communicate in everyday situations expands, and تعیین کردن becomes an active part of your vocabulary. You are now expected to use this verb to organize your daily life, make plans with friends, and handle basic administrative tasks like booking tickets or scheduling meetings. At this stage, you should be comfortable conjugating the verb in the present simple/subjunctive, the simple past, and the future tense. You should know how to say 'می‌خواهم وقت تعیین کنم' (I want to set a time) and 'دیروز قیمت را تعیین کردیم' (We determined the price yesterday). You should also understand the importance of the direct object marker 'را' (ra) when using this verb. Because 'ta'yin kardan' is an action done to something specific (a specific time, a specific place), you must use 'ra' after the noun. For example, 'روز را تعیین کن' (Set the day). You will start noticing this verb in simple written texts, such as emails, text messages, and basic instructions. It is also important at the A2 level to distinguish it from 'تصمیم گرفتن' (to decide). Remember that you decide (tasmim) to go on a trip, but you determine (ta'yin) the date of the trip. Practicing this distinction will make your Persian sound much more natural. You should also be able to understand the negative form, 'تعیین نکردم' (I didn't set), and use it to explain when plans are still up in the air.

The B1 level is where تعیین کردن truly shines as a core vocabulary item. At this intermediate stage, you are moving beyond simple scheduling and starting to discuss more abstract concepts, professional matters, and general news. You must be fully comfortable with both the active form (تعیین کردن) and the passive form (تعیین شدن). The passive form is crucial for reading news headlines and understanding formal announcements, such as 'قیمت بنزین تعیین شد' (The price of gasoline was determined). You should be able to use this verb with a wide variety of nouns, forming collocations like تعیین هدف (setting a goal), تعیین سطح (determining the level/placement), and تعیین مرز (determining the border). At B1, you are also expected to use complex sentences with subordinate clauses. You should be able to construct sentences like 'مدیر تعیین کرد که جلسه فردا باشد' (The manager determined that the meeting is tomorrow). This requires a solid grasp of the subjunctive mood in the second clause. Furthermore, you should understand the authoritative nuance of the verb—that it implies a definitive, official, or final decision rather than just a casual suggestion. You will encounter this word frequently in B1 reading materials, podcasts, and intermediate conversations. Mastery of 'ta'yin kardan' at this level demonstrates your ability to handle professional and administrative discourse in Persian.

At the B2 upper-intermediate level, your use of تعیین کردن should be highly nuanced and accurate across all tenses and moods. You are now dealing with complex texts, abstract discussions, and professional environments where precision is key. You should easily navigate the subtle differences between 'ta'yin kardan' and its synonyms like مشخص کردن (to clarify/specify) and مقرر کردن (to stipulate). You understand that while 'moshakhas kardan' is about making something clear, 'ta'yin kardan' is about establishing a parameter. At this level, you can discuss topics like politics, economics, and science, where this verb is heavily utilized. For example, you can articulate sentences like 'دولت باید استراتژی‌های جدیدی برای مبارزه با تورم تعیین کند' (The government must determine new strategies to combat inflation). You are also comfortable with idiomatic and extended uses of the word, such as 'تعیین تکلیف کردن' (to determine one's duty/to settle a matter). In writing, your spelling must be flawless (recognizing the double 'ی'), and your placement of the object marker 'را' in complex, multi-word noun phrases must be exact. You can seamlessly switch between active and passive voices depending on the focus of your sentence, a critical skill for writing essays or formal reports in Persian. The verb is no longer just a tool for scheduling; it is a conceptual tool for discussing the establishment of facts, rules, and conditions in society.

At the C1 advanced level, تعیین کردن is fully integrated into your academic and professional vocabulary. You use it effortlessly in debates, presentations, and complex written analyses. You understand its etymological roots in the Arabic concept of 'ayn (essence/exactness) and how this influences its authoritative tone in Persian. You encounter and use it in highly specialized contexts: legal documents determining liability (تعیین مقصر), scientific papers determining variables (تعیین متغیرها), and philosophical texts discussing determinism (تعیین سرنوشت). At this level, you are highly sensitive to register. You know exactly when to use 'ta'yin kardan' versus a more literary alternative like 'معین کردن' (mo'ayyan kardan) or a highly formal legal term like 'مقرر داشتن' (mogharrar dashtan). Your sentence structures are sophisticated, often involving multiple clauses, passive constructions, and complex noun phrases acting as the direct object of 'ta'yin kardan'. For example: 'تعیین دقیق میزان خسارات وارد شده نیازمند بررسی‌های کارشناسانه است' (The exact determination of the extent of the damages incurred requires expert investigations). Notice how 'ta'yin' functions here as a verbal noun (gerund) at the head of a complex Ezafe chain. This syntactic flexibility—using it as a verb, a passive verb, and a noun—is a hallmark of C1 proficiency. You manipulate the word to fit the exact rhetorical needs of your discourse.

At the C2 mastery level, your command of تعیین کردن is indistinguishable from that of an educated native speaker. You possess a deep, intuitive understanding of its semantic boundaries and cultural connotations. You recognize its usage in classical Persian literature and poetry, where it might refer to divine predestination or the exact fixing of fate. You can play with its morphological forms and derivatives, understanding terms like 'تعین' (ta'ayyon - materialization/embodiment) which share the same root but have distinct philosophical meanings. In contemporary usage, you deploy 'ta'yin kardan' with absolute precision in the most demanding contexts—whether drafting a legally binding contract, writing a doctoral dissertation, or engaging in high-level diplomatic negotiations. You are aware of the subtle power dynamics implied by the verb; the one who 'determines' holds the authority. You can use this to your advantage in rhetorical persuasion or critical analysis. Your use of collocations is vast and idiomatic. You don't just know the rules; you know how to bend them for stylistic effect, perhaps using it ironically or metaphorically. At C2, 'ta'yin kardan' is a testament to your complete assimilation of Persian syntax, semantics, and cultural pragmatics, allowing you to express the most complex, abstract, and definitive concepts with elegance and absolute clarity.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

تعیین کردن in 30 Seconds

Used to set appointments or meeting times.
Used to establish rules, prices, or official dates.
A compound verb: ta'yin (Arabic root) + kardan (Persian verb).
Takes a direct object, usually requiring the marker 'ra'.

The Persian compound verb تعیین کردن (ta'yin kardan) is a highly frequent and essential vocabulary item for intermediate learners, translating primarily to 'to determine', 'to set', 'to specify', or 'to appoint'. Understanding this verb is crucial for navigating both everyday scheduling and formal administrative contexts in Persian. The word is composed of two parts: the Arabic-derived noun 'تعیین' (ta'yin), which relates to specifying or individualizing something, and the Persian auxiliary verb 'کردن' (kardan), meaning 'to do' or 'to make'. When combined, they form a transitive verb that requires a direct object, often marked by the postposition 'را' (ra) in definite contexts. For instance, when you want to set a time for a meeting, you would say 'وقت را تعیین کردن' (vaght ra ta'yin kardan). This verb goes beyond simple decision-making; it implies an authoritative or definitive establishment of facts, rules, times, or conditions. It is not merely about making up one's mind (which would be تصمیم گرفتن - tasmīm gereftan), but rather about fixing a variable into a known state.

Etymological Root: The root of 'ta'yin' is the Arabic triliteral root ع-ی-ن (ayn-ya-nun), which is associated with the eye, essence, or exact identity of a thing. Thus, to 'ta'yin' something is to bring it into clear view or establish its exact identity.

ما باید زمان جلسه را تعیین کنیم.

Translation: We must determine the time of the meeting.

In practical usage, you will frequently encounter this verb in business, medical, and academic environments. A doctor determines the cause of an illness (دلیل بیماری را تعیین می‌کند), a manager sets a deadline (مهلت را تعیین می‌کند), and a teacher assigns homework or sets an exam date (تاریخ امتحان را تعیین می‌کند). The versatility of this verb makes it a cornerstone of B1-level proficiency. It bridges the gap between basic conversational Persian and more sophisticated, professional discourse. Furthermore, the passive form of this verb, تعیین شدن (ta'yin shodan - to be determined), is equally important and widely used in news broadcasts and formal announcements.

Passive Voice: تعیین شدن (ta'yin shodan) means 'to be determined'. Example: قیمت هنوز تعیین نشده است (The price has not been determined yet).

دولت حداقل دستمزد را تعیین کرد.

Translation: The government determined the minimum wage.

Another critical aspect of mastering this verb is understanding its collocations. Words like قیمت (gheymat - price), زمان (zaman - time), مکان (makan - place), هدف (hadaf - goal), and مرز (marz - border) frequently pair with تعیین کردن. When you memorize these chunks, your fluency improves significantly. Instead of translating word-by-word from English, you begin to think in Persian collocations. For example, 'goal setting' is often expressed as 'تعیین هدف' (ta'yin-e hadaf), a noun phrase derived from this verb. This demonstrates how the non-verbal element 'ta'yin' can function independently in Ezafe constructions to form complex nouns.

Noun Derivation: You can use 'ta'yin' as a noun. For example, تعیین سطح (ta'yin-e sath) means 'placement' or 'determining the level', often used in language schools.

آزمون تعیین سطح فردا برگزار می‌شود.

Translation: The placement test will be held tomorrow.

قاضی مجازات را تعیین می‌کند.

Translation: The judge determines the punishment.

To fully grasp the meaning, one must also look at the psychological and social implications of the word. When someone has the power to 'ta'yin kardan', they hold authority. It is a verb of agency and control. A teacher determines the grades, a boss determines the salary, a government determines the laws. Therefore, using this verb correctly also conveys an understanding of social hierarchies and administrative processes in Persian-speaking cultures. By mastering 'تعیین کردن', you are not just learning a word; you are unlocking a key concept in Persian communication that allows you to express certainty, establishment, and authoritative decision-making with precision and cultural appropriateness.

سرنوشت ما را خودمان تعیین می‌کنیم.

Translation: We determine our own destiny.

Using تعیین کردن correctly involves mastering Persian compound verb syntax. As a compound verb, it consists of a non-verbal element (تعیین) and a verbal element (کردن). In Persian grammar, the verbal element is the only part that conjugates according to tense, person, and number, while the non-verbal element remains completely unchanged. This makes conjugation relatively straightforward if you already know how to conjugate the highly irregular but extremely common verb 'کردن'. For example, in the present simple/subjunctive, it becomes تعیین کنم (ta'yin konam - I determine), تعیین کنی (ta'yin koni - you determine), تعیین کند (ta'yin konad - he/she determines). In the past tense, it is تعیین کردم (ta'yin kardam - I determined), and in the future tense, it is تعیین خواهم کرد (ta'yin khaham kard - I will determine). The negative is formed by adding the prefix 'نـ' (na/ne) to the verbal part: تعیین نکردم (ta'yin nakardam - I did not determine).

Present Subjunctive: The subjunctive is heavily used with modal verbs. می خواهم تعیین کنم (mi-khaham ta'yin konam) means 'I want to determine'.

لطفاً یک روز را برای ملاقات تعیین کنید.

Translation: Please set a day for the meeting.

One of the most important syntactic rules to remember is the placement of the direct object marker 'را' (ra). Because 'ta'yin kardan' is a transitive verb, its definite direct object must be followed by 'ra'. The 'ra' is placed immediately after the direct object and before the non-verbal part of the compound verb. For example: 'I determined the price' translates to قیمت را تعیین کردم (gheymat ra ta'yin kardam). A common mistake for beginners is placing 'ra' after the entire verb or between the two parts of the compound verb, which is grammatically incorrect. If the object is indefinite (e.g., 'I determined a price'), the 'ra' is omitted: قیمتی تعیین کردم (gheymati ta'yin kardam).

Object Placement: Structure: [Subject] + [Direct Object] + را + تعیین + [Conjugated کردن].

آنها هنوز تاریخ عروسی را تعیین نکرده‌اند.

Translation: They have not yet set the wedding date.

Furthermore, 'ta'yin kardan' can be used with subordinate clauses introduced by 'که' (ke - that). For instance, 'The committee determined that the project should be delayed' translates to کمیته تعیین کرد که پروژه باید به تعویق بیفتد (komite ta'yin kard ke prozhe bayad be ta'vigh biyoftad). This structure is extremely common in news reporting and formal writing. When using this structure, the verb in the subordinate clause is often in the subjunctive mood, reflecting the prescriptive or conditional nature of the determination. This advanced usage is a hallmark of B2 and C1 proficiency levels, demonstrating a learner's ability to construct complex, multi-clause sentences.

With Subordinate Clauses: Use 'تعیین کردن که' followed by a new subject and a subjunctive verb to express a ruled outcome.

قانون تعیین می‌کند که چه کسی مقصر است.

Translation: The law determines who is at fault.

شرایط قرارداد را مدیر عامل تعیین خواهد کرد.

Translation: The CEO will determine the terms of the contract.

Finally, it is essential to practice the passive voice, as 'ta'yin shodan' (to be determined) is ubiquitous in formal Persian. When the agent of the action is unknown or unimportant, the passive voice is preferred. 'The date was set' is تاریخ تعیین شد (tarikh ta'yin shod). Notice how the auxiliary verb shifts from 'kardan' to 'shodan' (to become). Mastering both the active and passive forms of this compound verb will dramatically increase your comprehension of Persian media, literature, and daily professional interactions. It is a highly productive verb that serves as a foundational building block for advanced fluency.

مرزهای کشور در این نقشه تعیین شده‌اند.

Translation: The country's borders have been determined on this map.

The verb تعیین کردن is ubiquitous across a wide spectrum of Persian contexts, ranging from casual daily scheduling to the most formal legal and governmental proceedings. If you live in or visit a Persian-speaking country, you will hear this word almost immediately when trying to organize your life. In everyday conversation, it is the go-to verb for setting up appointments. When you call a doctor's office, the receptionist will ask to 'ta'yin-e vaght' (set a time). When friends are planning a trip, they need to 'ta'yin-e rooz' (determine the day). Despite its formal Arabic root, it has been completely assimilated into standard spoken Persian and does not sound overly pedantic when used in these common scheduling scenarios. It is simply the correct and natural way to express the fixing of a variable in time or space.

Medical Contexts: Used heavily in clinics for 'وقت تعیین کردن' (setting an appointment) or doctors 'تعیین علت' (determining the cause).

باید برای دندانپزشکی وقت تعیین کنم.

Translation: I need to set an appointment for the dentist.

Moving beyond the personal sphere, 'ta'yin kardan' is a pillar of administrative, business, and legal vocabulary. In the workplace, managers determine salaries (حقوق تعیین کردن), set objectives (هدف تعیین کردن), and establish rules (قانون تعیین کردن). If you are reading Persian news, listening to broadcasts, or reading official documents, you will encounter this verb constantly. Government spokespersons use it to announce new policies, stating that the state has 'determined' a new tax rate or 'specified' the boundaries of a new province. In these contexts, the verb carries a weight of authority and finality. It signals that a decision has been made by a governing body and is now an established fact. This makes it an essential vocabulary word for anyone studying Persian for political science, journalism, or international business.

News & Media: Frequently heard in the passive voice 'تعیین شد' (was determined) regarding prices, laws, and official dates.

بانک مرکزی نرخ جدید ارز را تعیین کرد.

Translation: The central bank determined the new exchange rate.

In academic and scientific literature, 'ta'yin kardan' is used to describe the methodology and results of research. Scientists determine the mass of an object, sociologists determine the demographic parameters of a study, and mathematicians determine the value of a variable. In these fields, precision is paramount, and 'ta'yin kardan' perfectly captures the rigorous process of ascertaining exact details. You will find it in textbooks, research papers, and university lectures. For students of Persian literature, the verb also appears in philosophical and poetic contexts, often relating to destiny, fate, or the divine determination of human lives (سرنوشت را تعیین کردن). This broad applicability—from the mundane task of booking a haircut to the profound contemplation of destiny—highlights the word's immense utility.

Academic Usage: Used in research to mean 'to ascertain' or 'to calculate', such as determining the age of a fossil.

دانشمندان سن این سنگ را تعیین کردند.

Translation: Scientists determined the age of this rock.

مکان دقیق حادثه هنوز تعیین نشده است.

Translation: The exact location of the incident has not yet been determined.

Finally, it is worth noting the cultural nuance of 'ta'yin taklif کردن' (to determine one's duty/status), which is a common idiom meaning to settle a matter once and for all, or to boss someone around. If someone is being overly controlling, a Persian speaker might say 'برای من تعیین تکلیف نکن' (Don't tell me what to do / Don't determine my duties for me). This phrase perfectly encapsulates the authoritative undertone of the word. Understanding these subtle cultural idioms and the environments in which they are spoken will greatly enhance your listening comprehension and allow you to interact more naturally with native speakers across various social strata.

لطفاً برای من تکلیف تعیین نکن!

Translation: Please don't tell me what to do! (Don't determine my duty).

When learning the verb تعیین کردن, students frequently encounter several stumbling blocks, primarily related to syntax, semantic overlap with similar verbs, and the mechanics of Persian compound verbs. The most prevalent mistake is confusing تعیین کردن (to determine/set) with تصمیم گرفتن (to decide). While they are conceptually related, their usage is distinct. 'Tasmim gereftan' is an internal cognitive process; you decide to do something (e.g., I decided to go to the park). 'Ta'yin kardan', on the other hand, is an external action of fixing a variable; you determine a specific detail (e.g., I determined the time to go to the park). Using 'ta'yin kardan' when you mean 'to make up your mind' sounds unnatural to a native speaker and disrupts the logical flow of the sentence.

Decide vs. Determine: تصمیم گرفتن (Tasmim gereftan) = To decide (internal choice). تعیین کردن (Ta'yin kardan) = To determine/set (external fixing of a detail).

Incorrect: من تعیین کردم که به سینما بروم. (I determined to go to the cinema.)

Correction: من تصمیم گرفتم که به سینما بروم. (I decided to go to the cinema.)

Another major area of difficulty is the placement of the direct object marker 'را' (ra). Because 'ta'yin kardan' is a compound verb, learners often mistakenly place 'ra' after the entire verb complex, saying 'زمان تعیین کردن را' instead of the correct 'زمان را تعیین کردن'. The rule in Persian is strict: 'ra' must immediately follow the definite direct object and precede the verb. In a compound verb, the non-verbal element (تعیین) is considered part of the verb phrase, so 'ra' comes before it. This structural error immediately flags the speaker as a non-native and can sometimes cause momentary confusion, especially in longer, more complex sentences where the object might be separated from the verb by other clauses.

Misplacing 'Ra': Never put 'را' after 'تعیین'. It must go after the noun that is being determined.

Incorrect: قیمت تعیین را کرد. / Correct: قیمت را تعیین کرد.

Translation: He/she determined the price.

Furthermore, learners sometimes struggle with the pronunciation and spelling of the word itself. The double 'ی' (ya) in تعیین (ta'yin) requires a slight glide or emphasis in pronunciation, sounding like 'ta'-yeen'. Beginners might spell it with a single 'ی' (تعین), which is a different, much rarer Arabic derivative, or mispronounce it, blurring the syllables. Paying attention to the glottal stop represented by the letter 'ع' (ayn) is also important for a native-like accent, though in rapid colloquial Tehrani Persian, it often softens into a simple vowel lengthening. Correct spelling is particularly crucial in formal writing, exams, and professional correspondence.

Spelling Error: Forgetting the double 'ی' (ye) in the middle of the word. It is تعیین, not تعین.

دانشگاه مهلت ثبت نام را تعیین کرده است.

Translation: The university has determined the registration deadline.

ما باید یک بودجه دقیق تعیین کنیم.

Translation: We must determine an exact budget.

Lastly, a subtle but common error is failing to use the passive voice (تعیین شدن) when appropriate. English speakers often default to active constructions, even when the subject is unknown, using generic pronouns like 'they' (e.g., 'They set the date'). In formal Persian, it is much more natural and elegant to use the passive voice in such situations: تاریخ تعیین شد (The date was set). Overusing the active voice with a vague 'آنها' (they) can make your Persian sound translated rather than authentic. Embracing the passive form of 'ta'yin kardan' will elevate your language skills and help you sound more like an educated native speaker.

زمان پرواز هنوز تعیین نشده است.

Translation: The flight time has not yet been determined. (Passive usage)

The Persian language is rich in synonyms, and تعیین کردن shares semantic space with several other important verbs. Understanding the nuances between these similar words is a hallmark of advanced proficiency. The most common synonym is مشخص کردن (moshakhas kardan), which translates to 'to specify', 'to clarify', or 'to make clear'. While often used interchangeably with 'ta'yin kardan', 'moshakhas kardan' leans more towards making something visible, understandable, or distinct from other things, whereas 'ta'yin kardan' leans towards authoritative establishment or setting a variable. For example, you 'ta'yin' a meeting time (set it), but you 'moshakhas' the details of a plan (clarify them). Both are highly frequent and essential for B1/B2 learners.

مشخص کردن (Moshakhas kardan): Meaning: To specify, to clarify. Nuance: Focuses on making something clear or distinct rather than just setting it.

لطفاً مشکل را دقیقاً مشخص کنید.

Translation: Please specify the problem exactly.

Another related verb is مقرر کردن (mogharrar kardan), which means 'to stipulate', 'to ordain', or 'to establish'. This is a much more formal and legalistic term than 'ta'yin kardan'. You will encounter 'mogharrar kardan' in legal contracts, religious texts, and official government decrees. While a manager might 'ta'yin' a deadline, a constitution 'mogharrar' the rights of citizens. It carries a heavy weight of absolute authority and permanence. Using 'mogharrar kardan' in casual conversation (e.g., 'Let's ordain a time for coffee') would sound highly unnatural and overly dramatic. Therefore, 'ta'yin kardan' remains the versatile middle ground between casual specification and formal decree.

مقرر کردن (Mogharrar kardan): Meaning: To stipulate, to ordain. Nuance: Highly formal, used in law and official decrees.

قانون جدید مجازات سنگینی را مقرر کرده است.

Translation: The new law has stipulated a heavy punishment.

We must also consider معین کردن (mo'ayyan kardan), which is derived from the exact same Arabic root (ع-ی-ن) as 'ta'yin'. 'Mo'ayyan' is an adjective meaning 'definite' or 'specific', and 'mo'ayyan kardan' means 'to make specific' or 'to designate'. In practice, it is virtually identical in meaning to 'ta'yin kardan', but it is slightly less common in modern spoken Persian, often feeling a bit more literary or traditional. You might see it in older texts or formal writing (e.g., در زمان معین - at the designated time). However, 'ta'yin kardan' has largely won out as the standard verb for this concept in contemporary usage.

معین کردن (Mo'ayyan kardan): Meaning: To designate, to make definite. Nuance: Shares the same root as ta'yin, slightly more literary.

باید مقدار دقیق دارو را معین کنیم.

Translation: We must designate the exact amount of medicine.

هدف اصلی این پروژه هنوز مشخص نشده است.

Translation: The main goal of this project has not yet been clarified.

Finally, as mentioned in the Common Mistakes section, تصمیم گرفتن (tasmim gereftan - to decide) is often confused with these verbs. Remember that 'tasmim' is about the mental choice, while 'ta'yin', 'moshakhas', and 'mogharrar' are about the external manifestation of that choice into a set parameter. By carefully distinguishing between clarifying (moshakhas), setting (ta'yin), ordaining (mogharrar), and deciding (tasmim), a Persian learner can articulate their thoughts with the precision and nuance of a native speaker, adapting their vocabulary to match the exact formality and context of the situation.

رئیس جمهور سیاست‌های جدید را تعیین کرد.

Translation: The president determined the new policies.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Slang

Difficulty Rating

Grammar to Know

Examples by Level

ما باید یک روز را تعیین کنیم.

We must set a day.

Present subjunctive of kardan after bayad.

او وقت را تعیین کرد.

He set the time.

Simple past tense.

من زمان جلسه را تعیین می‌کنم.

I determine the meeting time.

Present simple tense.

آیا شما قیمت را تعیین کردید؟

Did you determine the price?

Question in the simple past.

آنها مکان را تعیین می‌کنند.

They determine the location.

Present simple, third person plural.

لطفاً روز را تعیین کن.

Please set the day.

Imperative form.

ما فردا وقت تعیین می‌کنیم.

We will set a time tomorrow.

Present tense used for future action.

او هنوز وقت تعیین نکرده است.

He hasn't set a time yet.

Present perfect negative.

می‌خواهم برای دکتر وقت تعیین کنم.

I want to set an appointment for the doctor.

Subjunctive after mi-khaham.

معلم تاریخ امتحان را تعیین کرد.

The teacher set the exam date.

Subject + Object + ra + Verb.

ما باید محل ملاقات را تعیین کنیم.

We must determine the meeting place.

Compound noun 'mahall-e molaghat'.

قیمت این ماشین چگونه تعیین می‌شود؟

How is the price of this car determined?

Passive voice present tense.

آنها هفته آینده روز عروسی را تعیین خواهند کرد.

They will set the wedding day next week.

Future tense with khahand.

لطفاً یک زمان مناسب برای تماس تعیین کنید.

Please set a suitable time to call.

Formal imperative.

من نمی‌توانم به تنهایی این را تعیین کنم.

I cannot determine this alone.

Negative potential with ne-mi-tavanam.

رئیس حقوق کارمندان را تعیین می‌کند.

The boss determines the employees' salaries.

Ezafe construction 'hoghoogh-e karmandan'.

دولت حداقل دستمزد کارگران را برای سال جدید تعیین کرد.

The government determined the minimum wage for workers for the new year.

Complex object phrase with multiple Ezafes.

پزشک پس از معاینه، علت بیماری را تعیین خواهد کرد.

The doctor will determine the cause of the illness after the examination.

Future tense in a formal context.

کمیته انضباطی جریمه بازیکن را تعیین کرده است.

The disciplinary committee has determined the player's fine.

Present perfect tense.

هنوز مشخص نیست چه کسی مرزها را تعیین می‌کند.

It is not yet clear who determines the borders.

Subordinate clause with 'che kasi'.

برای موفقیت در این پروژه، ابتدا باید اهداف خود را تعیین کنیم.

To succeed in this project, we must first determine our goals.

Infinitive phrase at the beginning.

تاریخ دقیق برگزاری کنفرانس به زودی تعیین می‌شود.

The exact date of the conference will be determined soon.

Passive voice used for future event.

آنها حق ندارند برای زندگی ما تعیین تکلیف کنند.

They have no right to dictate our lives (determine our duty).

Idiomatic expression 'ta'yin taklif kardan'.

شرایط قرارداد توسط وکیل شرکت تعیین شد.

The terms of the contract were determined by the company's lawyer.

Passive voice with 'tavassot-e' (by).

تعیین دقیق میزان خسارات ناشی از زلزله زمان‌بر است.

Determining the exact amount of damage caused by the earthquake is time-consuming.

'Ta'yin' used as a verbal noun (gerund) at the start of the sentence.

قانون اساسی چارچوب وظایف رئیس جمهور را تعیین کرده است.

The constitution has determined the framework of the president's duties.

Formal vocabulary and present perfect.

استاد از دانشجویان خواست تا موضوع پایان‌نامه خود را تا پایان ماه تعیین کنند.

The professor asked the students to determine their thesis topic by the end of the month.

Subjunctive in a reported request clause.

عوامل متعددی در تعیین قیمت نهایی محصول نقش دارند.

Multiple factors play a role in determining the final price of the product.

Preposition 'dar' followed by the noun form 'ta'yin'.

دادگاه پس از بررسی شواهد، مقصر اصلی حادثه را تعیین خواهد کرد.

The court will determine the main culprit of the incident after reviewing the evidence.

Legal context, future tense.

نمی‌توان سرنوشت یک ملت را تنها با یک انتخابات تعیین کرد.

One cannot determine the fate of a nation with just one election.

Impersonal construction 'ne-mi-tavan' + past stem.

معیارهای انتخاب کارمند نمونه توسط مدیریت منابع انسانی تعیین می‌شود.

The criteria for selecting the employee of the month are determined by human resources management.

Complex passive construction.

اگر اهداف به روشنی تعیین نشوند، تیم دچار سردرگمی خواهد شد.

If the goals are not clearly determined, the team will become confused.

Conditional sentence with passive negative subjunctive.

تعیین پارامترهای دقیق این آزمایش نیازمند تجهیزات پیشرفته آزمایشگاهی است.

Determining the exact parameters of this experiment requires advanced laboratory equipment.

Highly academic noun phrase structure.

در قراردادهای بین‌المللی، مرجع حل اختلاف باید به صراحت تعیین گردد.

In international contracts, the dispute resolution authority must be explicitly determined.

Use of the formal passive auxiliary 'gardidan' instead of 'shodan'.

نوسانات شدید بازار ارز، تعیین یک استراتژی اقتصادی بلندمدت را دشوار ساخته است.

Severe fluctuations in the currency market have made determining a long-term economic strategy difficult.

Complex syntax with 'sakhte ast' (has made).

هیئت مدیره با اکثریت آرا، سیاست‌های کلان شرکت را برای دهه آینده تعیین نمود.

The board of directors, by majority vote, determined the company's macro policies for the next decade.

Use of the formal verb 'nemoodan' instead of 'kardan'.

تعیین هویت اجساد به جا مانده از سانحه هوایی از طریق آزمایش دی‌ان‌ای انجام می‌پذیرد.

The identification (determining identity) of the bodies left from the plane crash is carried out through DNA testing.

Formal phrasing 'anjam mi-pazirad'.

منتقدان بر این باورند که این قانون، محدودیت‌های غیرضروری را برای آزادی بیان تعیین می‌کند.

Critics believe that this law determines unnecessary restrictions on freedom of speech.

Subordinate clause expressing opinion.

در فلسفه جبرگرایی، این باور وجود دارد که تمامی رویدادها از پیش تعیین شده‌اند.

In the philosophy of determinism, there is a belief that all events are predetermined.

Compound adjective 'az pish ta'yin shode' (predetermined).

عدم تعیین تکلیف وضعیت استخدامی کارگران، منجر به اعتصابات گسترده‌ای شد.

The failure to determine the employment status of the workers led to widespread strikes.

Noun phrase 'adam-e ta'yin-e taklif' (lack of determining status).

تبیین و تعیین مرزهای هستی‌شناختی این پدیده، مستلزم واکاوی عمیق متون کلاسیک است.

Elucidating and determining the ontological boundaries of this phenomenon necessitates a deep analysis of classical texts.

Extremely formal, academic vocabulary (hasti-shenakhti, vakavi).

قانون‌گذار با ظرافت تمام، ضمانت اجراهای نقض تعهد را در ماده پنجم تعیین و تصریح کرده است.

The legislator, with utmost subtlety, has determined and specified the executive guarantees for breach of obligation in article five.

Legal jargon, paired verbs (ta'yin va tasrih).

در گفتمان پسااستعماری، نحوه تعیین هویت سوژه همواره محل مناقشات نظری فراوان بوده است.

In post-colonial discourse, the manner of determining the subject's identity has always been the site of abundant theoretical disputes.

Abstract theoretical phrasing.

هرگونه مداخله در بازار آزاد بدون تعیین سازوکارهای جبرانی، تبعات جبران‌ناپذیری در پی خواهد داشت.

Any intervention in the free market without determining compensatory mechanisms will entail irreparable consequences.

Complex conditional logic in formal register.

شاعر در این ابیات، سرنوشت محتوم انسان را که توسط نیروهای ماورایی تعیین می‌گردد، به تصویر می‌کشد.

In these verses, the poet depicts the inevitable fate of man, which is determined by supernatural forces.

Literary analysis phrasing.

تعیین میزان قصور هر یک از طرفین دعوی، منوط به ارجاع امر به کارشناسان رسمی دادگستری است.

Determining the degree of negligence of each of the litigating parties is contingent upon referring the matter to official justice experts.

Highly specialized legal syntax.

نظام نشانه‌شناختی متن، خوانش‌های متعددی را برمی‌تابد و از تعیین یک معنای واحد و قطعی طفره می‌رود.

The semiotic system of the text tolerates multiple readings and evades the determination of a single, definitive meaning.

Advanced literary criticism vocabulary.

سیاست‌گذاران کلان باید با در نظر گرفتن متغیرهای پنهان، افق‌های توسعه پایدار را به دقت تعیین نمایند.

Macro-policymakers must accurately determine the horizons of sustainable development by taking hidden variables into account.

Formal bureaucratic and economic register.

Common Collocations

وقت تعیین کردن

قیمت تعیین کردن

هدف تعیین کردن

تاریخ تعیین کردن

مرز تعیین کردن

تکلیف تعیین کردن

مجازات تعیین کردن

مهلت تعیین کردن

سطح تعیین کردن

سرنوشت تعیین کردن

Common Phrases

تعیین وقت قبلی

تعیین سطح زبان

از پیش تعیین شده

تعیین تکلیف کردن

حق تعیین سرنوشت

تعیین کننده بودن

زمان تعیین شده

مکان تعیین شده

تعیین حداقل دستمزد

تعیین نرخ ارز

Often Confused With

تعیین کردن vs تصمیم گرفتن (To decide - internal choice vs external setting)

تعیین کردن vs مشخص کردن (To clarify/specify - making visible vs establishing)

تعیین کردن vs تأمین کردن (To supply/provide - sounds similar but completely different meaning)

Idioms & Expressions

Easily Confused

تعیین کردن vs تصمیم گرفتن

تعیین کردن vs مشخص کردن

تعیین کردن vs تأمین کردن

تعیین کردن vs معین کردن

تعیین کردن vs مقرر کردن

Sentence Patterns

How to Use It

nuance

Implies authority. You don't just suggest a time; you establish it.

formality

Highly versatile. Perfectly acceptable in casual speech for setting times, but formal enough for legal documents.

Common Mistakes

Using 'ta'yin kardan' instead of 'tasmim gereftan' when meaning 'to decide to do an action'.
Placing the object marker 'ra' after 'ta'yin' instead of before it (e.g., saying 'zaman ta'yin ra kard').
Spelling the word with only one 'ی' (تعین instead of تعیین).
Failing to use the passive voice (تعیین شدن) when the subject is unknown, resulting in awkward active sentences.
Confusing it with phonetically similar words like تأمین کردن (to supply/secure).

Tips

Master the 'Ra' Placement

Always practice saying the noun, 'ra', and 'ta'yin' together as a chunk. 'Vaght ra ta'yin kard'. This prevents the common mistake of putting 'ra' at the end of the sentence.

Learn the Scheduling Chunk

Memorize 'vaght ta'yin kardan' (to set a time/appointment) as a single vocabulary item. It is the most common way you will use this verb in daily life.

Glide the 'Y'

Don't pronounce it as 'ta-in'. Give a slight emphasis to the 'y' sound: 'ta'-yeen'. This sounds much more natural and native-like.

Watch for the Passive in News

When reading Persian news, look for 'تعیین شد' (was determined). It is a massive shortcut to understanding the main point of economic or political articles.

Pair with 'Hadaf'

A great professional phrase to learn is 'hadaf ta'yin kardan' (to set a goal). Use it in job interviews or professional settings to sound competent.

Double 'Ye'

When writing formal emails or taking exams, double-check that you wrote تعیین with two ی's. Writing it with one is a common spelling error.

Authority Matters

Remember that 'ta'yin' implies authority. You don't 'ta'yin' what your boss does; your boss 'ta'yin's what you do.

Not 'Tasmim'

Whenever you want to translate 'decide', pause. If you are deciding *to do* something, use tasmim. If you are deciding *a detail* (like a price), use ta'yin.

Don't Boss Me

Learn the phrase 'baraye man ta'yin taklif nakon' (don't tell me what to do). It's a great, natural-sounding phrase for setting boundaries.

Subordinate Clauses

Practice using 'ta'yin kard ke...' (determined that...) followed by a subjunctive verb. It's a fast track to sounding like a B2/C1 speaker.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine tying (ta'yin) a knot to SET a trap. You are DETERMINING where it goes.

Word Origin

Arabic root ع-ی-ن (ayn) meaning eye, essence, or exact self, combined with Persian auxiliary کردن.

Cultural Context

When asking a superior to set a time, use formal language: لطفاً زمانی را تعیین بفرمایید (Please deign to determine a time).

Expect to hear this constantly in Iranian banks, government offices, and universities regarding deadlines and requirements.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Conversation Starters

"چه کسی زمان جلسه را تعیین می‌کند؟ (Who determines the meeting time?)"

"آیا هدف خود را برای سال جدید تعیین کرده‌اید؟ (Have you set your goal for the new year?)"

"چگونه می‌توانیم قیمت مناسبی تعیین کنیم؟ (How can we determine a fair price?)"

"چرا هنوز تاریخ عروسی را تعیین نکرده‌اند؟ (Why haven't they set the wedding date yet?)"

"آیا موافقی که خودمان سرنوشتمان را تعیین می‌کنیم؟ (Do you agree that we determine our own destiny?)"

Journal Prompts

Write about a time you had to determine a difficult rule for someone else.

Describe how the price of goods is determined in your country.

List three goals you want to set (ta'yin kardan) for next month.

Explain the difference between deciding to do something and determining the exact details.

Write a short story about a committee trying to determine a new law.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No. For deciding to do an action, you must use تصمیم گرفتن (tasmim gereftan). 'Ta'yin kardan' is used for setting specific details, like 'I determined the time to go'.

The object marker 'ra' goes immediately after the noun being determined and before the word 'ta'yin'. For example: زمان را تعیین کردم (I determined the time). Never put 'ra' after 'ta'yin'.

It is both. It is the standard, neutral verb for setting an appointment in everyday life, but it is also used in highly formal legal and governmental contexts. It adapts to the register of the sentence.

You use the passive voice by changing 'kardan' to 'shodan'. So, 'It was determined' is تعیین شد (ta'yin shod). This is very common in news reporting.

It is an idiom that literally means 'determining duty'. It is often used to mean settling a matter once and for all, or negatively, to tell someone what to do (bossing them around).

The word comes from the Arabic root ع-ی-ن. The morphological pattern in Arabic requires doubling the middle root letter, resulting in تعیین. In Persian, both are written, though pronounced as a glide.

Yes, 'ta'yin' is a verbal noun (gerund). You can use it in Ezafe constructions, such as تعیینِ وقت (the setting of a time) or حقِ تعیین (the right of determination).

They are very similar. 'Moshakhas kardan' leans towards clarifying or making something visible that was hidden, while 'ta'yin kardan' leans towards establishing or setting a new rule or parameter.

Only the 'kardan' part conjugates. The future tense is تعیین خواهم کرد (I will determine), تعیین خواهی کرد (you will determine), etc. The 'khaham' goes between 'ta'yin' and the short past stem 'kard'.

Only if the direct object is definite (specific). If you are setting 'a time' (general), you say وقتی تعیین کردم. If you are setting 'the time', you say وقت را تعیین کردم.