When someone تحقیر کردن (tahghir kardan) another person, they make that person feel small, ashamed, or foolish. This action aims to diminish the other person's dignity or self-respect.
It's important to understand that this verb implies a deliberate act of putting someone down, often to assert power or control. You might hear this used in discussions about bullying, unjust treatment, or even in political discourse.
For instance, if a boss constantly criticizes an employee in front of others, they are تحقیر کردن the employee. Similarly, a historical event where a group was systematically belittled could be described using this verb.
The feeling of being تحقیر شده (tahghir shodeh – humiliated) can have significant negative impacts on a person's well-being and confidence, highlighting the seriousness of this word.
Grammar to Know
The infinitive form of the verb is "تحقیر کردن" (tahghir kardan). To conjugate, remove "کردن" and add the appropriate endings to "تحقیر کن" (tahghir kon).
من او را تحقیر نکردم (man u ra tahghir nakardam) - I did not humiliate him.
This is a compound verb, meaning it consists of a noun/adjective followed by a light verb (in this case, "کردن" - to do/make). The light verb carries the grammatical inflections.
او مرا تحقیر میکند (u mara tahghir mikonad) - He humiliates me.
When the object of the humiliation is specified, it usually takes the direct object marker "را" (ra) after it.
آنها شاگردان را تحقیر کردند (anha shagirdan ra tahghir kardand) - They humiliated the students.
It can be used in passive voice. The object of the active sentence becomes the subject, and the verb "شدن" (shodan - to become) is used as the light verb.
او تحقیر شد (u tahghir shod) - He was humiliated.
To express who is being humiliated, you can use the preposition "توسط" (tavasot - by) or similar constructions in the passive voice.
او توسط معلم تحقیر شد (u tavasot-e mo'allem tahghir shod) - He was humiliated by the teacher.
Idioms & Expressions
"تحقیر کردن کسی"
To humiliate someone.
او دوستش را تحقیر کرد. (He humiliated his friend.)
neutral"مورد تحقیر قرار گرفتن"
To be humiliated; to be subjected to humiliation.
او در جمع مورد تحقیر قرار گرفت. (He was humiliated in public.)
formal"حس تحقیر"
Feeling of humiliation.
بعد از آن اتفاق حس تحقیر شدیدی داشتم. (After that incident, I had a strong feeling of humiliation.)
neutral"با تحقیر به کسی نگاه کردن"
To look at someone with contempt/humiliation.
او با تحقیر به من نگاه کرد. (He looked at me with contempt.)
neutral"تحقیر شدن"
To be humiliated (passive voice of تحقیر کردن).
هیچکس دوست ندارد تحقیر شود. (Nobody likes to be humiliated.)
neutral"رفتار تحقیرآمیز"
Humiliating behavior.
رفتار او واقعاً تحقیرآمیز بود. (His behavior was truly humiliating.)
neutral"تحقیر کردن شخصیت کسی"
To demean someone's character.
سخنان او شخصیت معلم را تحقیر کرد. (His words demeaned the teacher's character.)
formal"کوچک کردن کسی"
To belittle someone (similar to humiliating).
او همیشه سعی میکند دیگران را کوچک کند. (He always tries to belittle others.)
informal"زیر سوال بردن کسی"
To challenge or question someone's credibility (can lead to humiliation).
مدیر در جلسه تصمیمات او را زیر سوال برد. (The manager questioned his decisions in the meeting.)
neutral"خرد کردن غرور کسی"
To crush someone's pride (a strong form of humiliation).
شکست او غرورش را خرد کرد. (His failure crushed his pride.)
neutralHow to Use It
When using تحقیر کردن (tahghir kardan), it's important to understand that it's a verb meaning to humiliate someone. It describes an action that makes another person feel small, ashamed, or foolish. This can be done verbally, through actions, or even through a certain look or demeanor. For example, if someone makes fun of another person in front of others, they are تحقیر کردن them. It's a strong verb that carries a negative connotation, so be mindful of its impact when you use it.
A common mistake learners make is confusing تحقیر کردن (tahghir kardan) with verbs that mean 'to criticize' or 'to disrespect' in a milder sense. While humiliation is a form of disrespect, تحقیر کردن specifically implies an act that causes deep shame or degradation. Another mistake is using it for self-deprecating humor; in Persian, this verb is rarely used to describe self-humiliation. Instead, it almost always refers to an action directed at someone else. Remember, it's a serious term for a serious action.
Tips
Master the Root Meaning
The verb "تحقیر کردن" (tahghir kardan) comes from the Arabic root حَقَرَ (haqara), which means "to despise" or "to scorn." Understanding this root helps you grasp the core meaning of humiliation.
Recognize "کردن"
Many Persian verbs are formed by adding "کردن" (kardan - to do) to a noun or adjective. In this case, "تحقیر" (tahghir) means "humiliation," so "تحقیر کردن" literally means "to do humiliation" or "to make humiliation."
Common Synonyms
Other Persian verbs that convey a similar meaning include "خجالت دادن" (khejalat dadan - to embarrass) or "کوچک کردن" (kuchak kardan - to belittle). Note the subtle differences in nuance.
How to Use in a Sentence
The structure is usually 'کسی را تحقیر کردن' (kasi ra tahghir kardan - to humiliate someone). For example, "او مرا تحقیر کرد" (ou mara tahghir kard - He humiliated me).
Active vs. Passive Voice
To express being humiliated, you can use "تحقیر شدن" (tahghir shodan - to be humiliated). For example, "او تحقیر شد" (ou tahghir shod - He was humiliated).
Polite vs. Direct Language
This is a strong verb. Use it when you genuinely mean someone was made to feel ashamed or foolish. Avoid using it for minor embarrassments.
Cultural Context of Humiliation
In Persian culture, respect (احترام - ehteram) is highly valued. Public humiliation can be particularly offensive and damaging to one's honor (آبرو - aberoo).
Practice with Opposites
Consider the opposite: "تشویق کردن" (tashvigh kardan - to encourage) or "احترام گذاشتن" (ehteram gozashtan - to respect). This helps solidify the meaning of "تحقیر کردن."
Create Example Sentences
Make your own sentences. For instance, "معلم نباید دانش آموزان را تحقیر کند" (mo'allem nabayad danesh amoozan ra tahghir konad - The teacher should not humiliate students).
Related Nouns and Adjectives
The noun is "تحقیر" (tahghir - humiliation). An adjective could be "تحقیرآمیز" (tahghiramiz - humiliating), e.g., "سخنان تحقیرآمیز" (sokhanan tahghiramiz - humiliating words).
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine someone is saying 'ta-h-qir' (تَحقیر), and it sounds like they are saying 'tah-key-ear' with a disdainful look, making you feel humiliated.
Visual Association
Picture a proud peacock, tahqir-ed (humiliated) after losing its magnificent tail feathers, shrinking in shame.
Word Web
Challenge
Describe a time you saw someone تحقیر کردن (humiliate) another person, or a time you felt تحقیر شدن (to be humiliated). Use the verb in your description.
Test Yourself 30 questions
Write a short sentence using a common Persian greeting. (Hint: Think about how you say 'hello' in Persian).
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Sample answer
سلام، حال شما چطور است؟ (Hello, how are you?)
Write your name in Persian. If you don't know, write 'من' (man) which means 'I'.
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Sample answer
من سارا هستم. (I am Sara.)
Write a simple sentence describing a common object. For example, 'این کتاب است' (This is a book).
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Sample answer
این میز است. (This is a table.)
What is Ali's name?
Read this passage:
سلام! اسم من علی است. من دانشجو هستم.
What is Ali's name?
The passage says 'اسم من علی است' which means 'My name is Ali'.
The passage says 'اسم من علی است' which means 'My name is Ali'.
What color is the apple?
Read this passage:
این یک سیب است. سیب قرمز است.
What color is the apple?
The passage states 'سیب قرمز است' meaning 'The apple is red'.
The passage states 'سیب قرمز است' meaning 'The apple is red'.
How is the friend?
Read this passage:
من یک دوست دارم. او خوب است.
How is the friend?
The passage says 'او خوب است' which means 'He/She is good'.
The passage says 'او خوب است' which means 'He/She is good'.
Which of these actions means 'to humiliate' someone?
'تحقیر کردن' specifically means to make someone feel ashamed and foolish.
If someone 'تحقیر کردن' you, how would you likely feel?
To be humiliated often leads to feeling sad or upset.
Which sentence uses 'تحقیر کردن' correctly?
This sentence directly uses the verb 'تحقیر کردن' in the context of one person humiliating another.
It is good to 'تحقیر کردن' your friends.
Humiliating friends is not a good thing to do; it makes them feel bad.
The word 'تحقیر کردن' means to make someone feel proud.
'تحقیر کردن' means the opposite: to make someone feel ashamed or foolish, not proud.
If you don't want to make someone feel bad, you should not 'تحقیر کردن' them.
This is true, as 'تحقیر کردن' causes negative feelings like shame and foolishness.
او سعی کرد دوستش را ___ کند، اما موفق نشد. (He tried to ___ his friend, but he didn't succeed.)
The sentence implies a negative action towards a friend, and 'تحقیر کردن' (to humiliate) fits this context. The other options are positive actions.
هیچکس دوست ندارد توسط دیگران ___ شود. (No one likes to be ___ by others.)
The sentence suggests an unpleasant experience, and 'تحقیر شدن' (to be humiliated) is the appropriate choice. The other options are positive experiences.
معلم دانشآموز را به خاطر اشتباه کوچکش ___ نکرد. (The teacher did not ___ the student for his small mistake.)
The sentence indicates that the teacher avoided a negative action after a small mistake. 'تحقیر کردن' (to humiliate) is a strong negative action that fits. 'سرزنش کردن' (to blame) is also negative but less intense.
با کلمات خود کسی را ___ نکنید. (Do not ___ anyone with your words.)
The context implies using words to cause harm, and 'تحقیر کردن' (to humiliate) fits this perfectly. The other options are positive actions or feelings.
او احساس کرد که همکارانش در جلسه او را ___ کردهاند. (He felt that his colleagues had ___ him in the meeting.)
The feeling described is negative, and 'تحقیر کردن' (to humiliate) aligns with someone feeling bad due to colleagues' actions. The other options are positive.
هدف ما این نیست که کسی را ___ کنیم، بلکه میخواهیم به همه کمک کنیم. (Our goal is not to ___ anyone, but to help everyone.)
The sentence contrasts a negative goal with a positive one. 'تحقیر کردن' (to humiliate) represents the negative action that contrasts with 'کمک کردن' (to help).
Imagine you witnessed someone being unfairly criticized at work. Write two sentences describing what happened and how it made you feel, using 'تحقیر کردن'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
من دیدم که رئیسش او را تحقیر کرد. این باعث شد که من خیلی ناراحت شوم. (I saw his boss humiliate him. This made me very sad.)
Write a short sentence advising someone not to humiliate others. Use 'تحقیر کردن' in your sentence.
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Sample answer
شما نباید دیگران را تحقیر کنید. (You should not humiliate others.)
Describe a situation where someone might feel humiliated. Use 'تحقیر کردن' in your description.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
وقتی کسی در جمع اشتباه میکند و دیگران به او میخندند، ممکن است احساس تحقیر کند. (When someone makes a mistake in public and others laugh at them, they might feel humiliated.)
مدیر شرکت چه کاری انجام داد؟ (What did the company manager do?)
Read this passage:
دیروز در جلسه، مدیر شرکت یکی از کارمندان را به خاطر اشتباه کوچکی تحقیر کرد. همه از این رفتار ناراحت شدند و جو جلسه خیلی بد شد. کارمند بیچاره هم خیلی خجالت کشید.
مدیر شرکت چه کاری انجام داد؟ (What did the company manager do?)
متن میگوید 'مدیر شرکت یکی از کارمندان را به خاطر اشتباه کوچکی تحقیر کرد.' (The text says 'the company manager humiliated one of the employees for a small mistake.')
متن میگوید 'مدیر شرکت یکی از کارمندان را به خاطر اشتباه کوچکی تحقیر کرد.' (The text says 'the company manager humiliated one of the employees for a small mistake.')
چرا تحقیر کردن کودکان میتواند مضر باشد؟ (Why can humiliating children be harmful?)
Read this passage:
گاهی اوقات بعضی از والدین بدون اینکه قصد بدی داشته باشند، با کلمات خود فرزندانشان را تحقیر میکنند. این میتواند به اعتماد به نفس کودکان آسیب بزند و در آینده برای آنها مشکل ایجاد کند.
چرا تحقیر کردن کودکان میتواند مضر باشد؟ (Why can humiliating children be harmful?)
متن میگوید 'این میتواند به اعتماد به نفس کودکان آسیب بزند.' (The text says 'This can harm children's self-confidence.')
متن میگوید 'این میتواند به اعتماد به نفس کودکان آسیب بزند.' (The text says 'This can harm children's self-confidence.')
چه چیزی برای حفظ روابط خوب ضروری است؟ (What is essential for maintaining good relationships?)
Read this passage:
نباید دیگران را تحقیر کنیم، حتی اگر با نظر آنها مخالف باشیم. احترام متقابل برای حفظ روابط خوب ضروری است. با مهربانی و درک متقابل میتوانیم با هم صحبت کنیم.
چه چیزی برای حفظ روابط خوب ضروری است؟ (What is essential for maintaining good relationships?)
متن میگوید 'احترام متقابل برای حفظ روابط خوب ضروری است.' (The text says 'Mutual respect is essential for maintaining good relationships.')
متن میگوید 'احترام متقابل برای حفظ روابط خوب ضروری است.' (The text says 'Mutual respect is essential for maintaining good relationships.')
The speaker is describing someone's behavior at a party.
The speaker is advising someone about how others are treating them.
The speaker is giving advice about how to behave even when angry.
Read this aloud:
هیچکس حق ندارد دیگران را تحقیر کند.
Focus: تحقیر (tahghir)
You said:
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Read this aloud:
او با کلماتش سعی در تحقیر من داشت.
Focus: تحقیر (tahghir)
You said:
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Read this aloud:
تحقیر کردن دیگران نشانهی ضعف است.
Focus: نشانهی (neshaneyeh)
You said:
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/ 30 correct
Perfect score!
Master the Root Meaning
The verb "تحقیر کردن" (tahghir kardan) comes from the Arabic root حَقَرَ (haqara), which means "to despise" or "to scorn." Understanding this root helps you grasp the core meaning of humiliation.
Recognize "کردن"
Many Persian verbs are formed by adding "کردن" (kardan - to do) to a noun or adjective. In this case, "تحقیر" (tahghir) means "humiliation," so "تحقیر کردن" literally means "to do humiliation" or "to make humiliation."
Common Synonyms
Other Persian verbs that convey a similar meaning include "خجالت دادن" (khejalat dadan - to embarrass) or "کوچک کردن" (kuchak kardan - to belittle). Note the subtle differences in nuance.
How to Use in a Sentence
The structure is usually 'کسی را تحقیر کردن' (kasi ra tahghir kardan - to humiliate someone). For example, "او مرا تحقیر کرد" (ou mara tahghir kard - He humiliated me).
Example
او از تحقیر کردن دیگران لذت نمیبرد.
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عادل
B1Based on what is right or reasonable; just and fair.
عادلانه
A2Treating people equally according to rules or law.
اعتماد به نفس
B1Self-confident; feeling trust in one's abilities, qualities, and judgment.
اعتراض
B1Protest; a statement or action expressing disapproval of or objection to something.
اعتراض کردن
A1To express disapproval or disagreement; to protest.
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B1Addiction; the fact or condition of being addicted to a particular substance or activity.
اعتیاد پیدا کردن
B1To become addicted; to develop a dependency on a substance or activity.
عدالت
A1Justice, fairness, or righteousness.
