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A2 verb #2,000 most common 7 min read

تحویل دادن

tahvil dadan
At the A1 level, you can think of 'تحویل دادن' (tahvil dādan) as a more specific way to say 'to give'. While 'dādan' is just giving, 'tahvil dādan' is used when you give something that you were supposed to give, like a book back to a friend or a paper to a teacher. It is a compound verb, which means it has two parts. The first part 'tahvil' stays the same, and the second part 'dādan' changes based on who is doing the action. For example, 'Man tahvil dādam' means 'I gave/delivered'. You will mostly use this in simple past or simple present sentences. Imagine you are in a classroom and you give your homework to the teacher; that is 'tahvil dādan'. It is a very useful word for basic daily tasks and following instructions in a Persian-speaking environment. You don't need to worry about complex grammar yet; just remember it as 'to hand over'.
At the A2 level, you should start using 'تحویل دادن' in more varied contexts, such as shopping, post offices, and school. You should understand that it is different from 'ferestādan' (to send). 'Tahvil dādan' is the actual handover. You will use it with the object marker 'rā' because you are usually delivering a specific thing, like 'baste rā' (the package) or 'kelid rā' (the key). You should also practice using it with the preposition 'be' to indicate who is receiving the item. For example, 'Man ketāb rā be u tahvil dādam' (I handed the book to him). At this level, you can also use the imperative form 'tahvil bede' (deliver/hand over) when asking someone to give you something they owe or are responsible for. It's a key verb for basic transactions and functional communication.
At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'تحویل دادن' in all tenses, including the present perfect (tahvil dāde-am) and the subjunctive (tahvil bedaham). You will encounter this verb frequently in professional settings and news reports. You should understand the passive form 'tahvil dāde shodan' (to be delivered), which is common in tracking packages or official documents. For example, 'Baste tahvil dāde shod' (The package was delivered). You also start to see the noun form 'tahvil' used in phrases like 'zamān-e tahvil' (delivery time). This level requires you to distinguish between 'tahvil dādan' and its antonym 'tahvil gereftan' (to receive/pick up). You might use it to describe more complex situations, like handing over a project at work or submitting a formal application at an embassy.
At the B2 level, you can use 'تحویل دادن' to describe more abstract or formal handovers. This includes the transfer of responsibility or the submission of technical reports. You should be aware of the register; while 'tahvil dādan' is standard, you might compare it with 'taslim kardan' (to surrender) or 'vāgozār kardan' (to cede) in more formal texts. You will also see it used in idiomatic ways or in compound sentences. For example, 'Modir mas'uliyat-hā rā be jāneshin-ash tahvil dād' (The manager handed over the responsibilities to his successor). At this stage, your use of the verb should be fluid, correctly applying 'rā' and 'be' without hesitation, and using it in conditional sentences like 'Agar emruz tahvil nadahi, jharime mishi' (If you don't deliver it today, you will be fined).
At the C1 level, you understand the nuanced applications of 'تحویل دادن' in legal, political, and literary contexts. You can use it to discuss the 'handing over' of suspects in international law or the 'transfer' of power between governments. You are also sensitive to the stylistic choices between 'tahvil dādan' and more formal synonyms like 'itā' kardan' (to grant/bestow) or 'marhamat farmudan' (to kindly give - very formal). You can analyze the use of 'tahvil' in Persian literature or high-level journalism where it might describe the transition of eras or the delivery of philosophical ideas. Your mastery includes understanding how the verb functions in complex passive constructions and how it interacts with various prefixes or in poetic structures where the 'handover' might be metaphorical, such as handing over one's heart or life.
At the C2 level, you have a near-native grasp of 'تحویل دادن'. You can use it with perfect precision in any context, from a casual conversation about a food delivery to a high-level academic paper on the logistics of the Silk Road. You understand the deep etymological roots of 'tahvil' and how it relates to other words in the 'H-W-L' root family (like 'tahavvol' - evolution, or 'hāle' - state/mood). You can use the verb in sophisticated rhetorical devices, irony, or complex legal contracts where the exact moment of 'tahvil' defines the transfer of liability. You are also aware of regional variations in how the verb is used across the Persian-speaking world (Iran, Afghanistan, Tajikistan) and can adapt your usage accordingly. For you, 'tahvil dādan' is not just a verb, but a concept of transition that you can manipulate to express subtle shades of meaning.
Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

تحویل دادن in 30 Seconds

  • Tahvil dādan means 'to deliver' or 'to hand over' in Persian.
  • It is a compound verb consisting of 'tahvil' (transfer) and 'dādan' (to give).
  • It is used for packages, homework, keys, and official documents.
  • The antonym is 'tahvil gereftan', which means to receive or pick up.

The Persian compound verb تحویل دادن (tahvil dādan) is a cornerstone of daily communication, fundamentally describing the act of transferring possession, responsibility, or physical items from one person to another. At its linguistic core, it combines the Arabic-derived noun تحویل (tahvil), meaning 'transfer' or 'change,' with the Persian auxiliary verb دادن (dādan), meaning 'to give.' Together, they create a precise action: the formal or semi-formal handover of something. Unlike the simple verb 'to give' (dādan), which can be used for gifts or abstract ideas, تحویل دادن usually implies a specific transaction, a duty, or a completed task.

Physical Handover
Handing over a physical object like a package, a key, or a document.
Task Completion
Submitting an assignment, a project, or a report to a superior or teacher.
Official Transfer
The formal transfer of power, authority, or custody in a legal or governmental context.

من دیروز بسته‌ی پستی را به همسایه تحویل دادم.

(I delivered the postal package to the neighbor yesterday.)

In a broader sense, this verb captures the moment of transition. It is the final step in a process—the courier reaching the door, the student finishing the exam, the outgoing manager giving the keys to the successor. It is a verb of accountability. When you 'tahvil' something, you are often relieved of the responsibility for that item, as it is now in the hands of the recipient. This is why it is so common in logistics, education, and bureaucracy. The word تحویل itself comes from the root H-W-L, which relates to change or transformation, suggesting that the status of the object changes from 'yours' to 'theirs' through this act.

دانشجو باید تا پایان وقت اداری، پایان‌نامه خود را تحویل دهد.

او کلیدهای خانه را به صاحبخانه جدید تحویل داد.

پلیس متهم را به مراجع قضایی تحویل داد.

لطفاً فرم پر شده را به باجه شماره چهار تحویل دهید.

Context: Logistics
Used for couriers, shipping, and cargo services.
Context: Academic
Used for homework, essays, and thesis submission.

Using تحویل دادن correctly requires understanding its structure as a compound verb. In Persian, compound verbs consist of a non-verbal element (noun or adjective) and a light verb. Here, تحویل is the noun and دادن is the light verb that carries the conjugation. To use it effectively, you must follow the standard Persian sentence structure: Subject + Object + (Prepositional Phrase) + Verb.

1. The Direct Object

The thing being delivered is the direct object. If it is a specific object, it is followed by the postposition را (rā). For example: بسته را تحویل دادم (I delivered the package). If the object is indefinite, 'ra' is omitted: بسته تحویل دادم (I delivered a package).

2. The Recipient

The person receiving the item is usually introduced by the preposition به (be - to). For example: کتاب را به مریم تحویل دادم (I handed over the book to Maryam). In formal contexts, the recipient might be an organization or a specific office.

3. Conjugation Patterns

Only the دادن part changes. For example:
• Present Stem: ده (deh)
• Past Stem: داد (dād)
• Present Continuous: دارم تحویل می‌دهم (I am delivering)
• Simple Past: تحویل دادم (I delivered)
• Imperative: تحویل بده! (Deliver it!)

Formal Usage
In very formal or written Persian, you might see 'ارائه دادن' (arā'e dādan) for presenting or 'تسلیم کردن' (taslim kardan) for surrendering, but 'تحویل دادن' remains the standard for physical handover.
Passive Voice
To say something 'was delivered', you use 'تحویل داده شد'. Example: نامه تحویل داده شد (The letter was delivered).

When dealing with timeframes, you often use 'tahvil dādan' with 'tā' (until) or 'dar' (in). 'باید تا فردا تحویل بدهی' (You must deliver it by tomorrow). This emphasizes the deadline aspect of the verb, which is very common in professional and academic settings.

You will encounter تحویل دادن in various real-world scenarios across Iran and Persian-speaking communities. It is a high-frequency verb because it touches upon logistics, administration, and social obligations. Here are the most common places you will hear it:

1. The Post Office and Delivery Services

With the rise of e-commerce (like Digikala in Iran), this verb is everywhere. Couriers will call and say, بسته شما را تحویل دادم (I delivered your package). If you are sending something, the clerk will ask you to بسته را تحویل دهید (hand over the package).

2. Schools and Universities

Teachers and professors use this constantly. 'Homework delivery' is a standard phrase. تکالیف را تحویل دادید؟ (Did you hand in the assignments?). It implies the official submission of work for grading.

3. Real Estate and Rentals

When renting a house or a car, the 'handover' is a critical legal moment. You 'tahvil' the keys (کلیدها) or the vehicle. زمان تحویل خودرو چه وقتی است؟ (When is the car delivery time?).

4. Airports and Travel

At the check-in counter, you بار را تحویل می‌دهید (hand over your luggage/bags). Later, at the destination, you 'tahvil gereftan' (receive/pick up) your bags, which is the antonym.

Customer Service
'We will deliver your order within 3 days' (Sefaresh-e shoma ra ta se ruz-e digar tahvil midahim).
Police/Law
'Handing over a suspect' or 'Handing over lost property'.

In summary, anywhere there is a transition of an object or a responsibility from one party to another, تحویل دادن is the verb of choice. It signifies the completion of a task and the beginning of the next person's responsibility.

Even though تحویل دادن seems straightforward, learners often make specific errors in preposition usage, verb choice, and context. Avoiding these will make your Persian sound much more natural.

1. Confusing 'Tahvil Dādan' with 'Ersāl Kardan'

Many learners use 'tahvil dādan' when they actually mean 'to send' (ersāl kardan/ferestādan). Ersāl kardan is the act of putting something in the mail or hitting 'send' on an email. Tahvil dādan is the act of the item actually reaching the recipient's hands. If you are at the post office sending a letter to a friend, you are 'sending' it. The postman is the one 'delivering' it.

2. Wrong Preposition for the Recipient

Learners sometimes use bā (with) or barāye (for) instead of be (to). While 'for' makes sense in English ('I delivered it for him'), in Persian, the direction of the handover is almost always 'to' (be).
❌ بسته را برای او تحویل دادم (Incorrect if you mean you gave it to him).
✅ بسته را به او تحویل دادم (Correct).

3. Forgetting the 'Rā'

Since 'tahvil dādan' usually involves specific items (the homework, the keys, the car), forgetting the object marker را (rā) is a common mistake. If you say کلید تحویل دادم, it sounds like you delivered 'some keys' in a general sense, which is rare in handover contexts.

Mistake: Confusing with 'Gereftan'
'Tahvil gereftan' means to receive/pick up. Don't mix them up! 'Dādan' is out, 'Gereftan' is in.
Mistake: Using with Abstract Feelings
You don't 'tahvil dādan' love or kindness. Use 'ebraz kardan' or 'dādan' for those.

Persian has several verbs that overlap with تحویل دادن. Understanding the nuances between them will help you choose the most precise word for your situation.

1. تسلیم کردن (Taslim Kardan)

This verb means 'to surrender' or 'to hand over' in a much more forceful or official sense. It is used when a criminal surrenders to the police, or when an army surrenders. While 'tahvil dādan' is neutral, 'taslim kardan' implies giving up something under pressure or legal obligation.

2. سپردن (Sepordan)

This means 'to entrust' or 'to deposit'. You use this when you give something to someone for safekeeping. For example, بچه‌ام را به مهدکودک سپردم (I entrusted my child to the kindergarten). 'Tahvil dādan' is a final delivery; 'sepordan' is a temporary trust.

3. ارائه دادن (Arā'e Dādan)

This means 'to present' or 'to provide'. It is used for presentations, IDs, or evidence. If you show your passport to an officer, you are 'arā'e' giving it. If you give it to them to keep for processing, you are 'tahvil' giving it.

4. واگذار کردن (Vāgozār Kardan)

This means 'to cede' or 'to transfer ownership'. It is used in business for transferring shares or property rights. It is more abstract and legal than the physical act of 'tahvil dādan'.

ارسال کردن (Ersāl Kardan)
To send (focus on the start of the journey).
رساندن (Rasāndan)
To deliver/make reach (focus on the arrival).

How Formal Is It?

Formal

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Difficulty Rating

Grammar to Know

Examples by Level

1

من کتاب را تحویل دادم.

I handed over the book.

Simple past tense: Subject + Object + rā + tahvil dādam.

2

او پول را تحویل می‌دهد.

He/She is giving/delivering the money.

Simple present tense: tahvil midahad.

3

لطفاً کلید را تحویل بده.

Please hand over the key.

Imperative: tahvil bede.

4

ما تکلیف را تحویل دادیم.

We handed in the assignment.

Plural past: tahvil dādim.

5

بسته را تحویل دادی؟

Did you deliver the package?

Question form in past tense.

6

او نامه را تحویل داد.

He delivered the letter.

Third person singular past.

7

من فردا کتاب را تحویل می‌دهم.

I will deliver the book tomorrow.

Future intent using present tense.

8

آن‌ها نان را تحویل دادند.

They delivered the bread.

Third person plural past.

1

پستچی بسته را به من تحویل داد.

The postman delivered the package to me.

Using 'be' for the recipient.

2

باید پروژه‌ام را امروز تحویل بدهم.

I must deliver my project today.

Modal verb 'bāyad' + subjunctive.

3

او ماشین را به صاحبش تحویل داد.

He handed over the car to its owner.

Possessive 'sāheb-ash'.

4

کی مدارک را تحویل می‌دهید؟

When will you hand over the documents?

Question word 'key' (when).

5

من چمدانم را به قسمت بار تحویل دادم.

I handed over my suitcase to the luggage section.

Compound noun 'ghesmat-e bār'.

6

او گزارش را به مدیر تحویل داد.

She delivered the report to the manager.

Formal recipient 'modir'.

7

لطفاً فرم را به باجه تحویل دهید.

Please hand over the form to the counter.

Formal imperative 'dahid'.

8

ما کلیدهای ویلا را تحویل دادیم.

We handed over the villa keys.

Plural object 'kelid-hā'.

1

بسته هنوز تحویل داده نشده است.

The package has not been delivered yet.

Passive present perfect: tahvil dāde nashode ast.

2

او قول داد که فردا کار را تحویل دهد.

He promised to deliver the work tomorrow.

Subordinate clause with 'ke'.

3

پس از اتمام کار، ابزار را تحویل دهید.

After finishing the work, hand over the tools.

Formal instruction.

4

او متهم را به پلیس تحویل داد.

He handed over the suspect to the police.

Legal context.

5

من رسید را تحویل دادم و کالا را گرفتم.

I handed over the receipt and took the goods.

Sequential actions.

6

آن‌ها ساختمان را به موقع تحویل دادند.

They delivered the building on time.

Adverbial phrase 'be moghe'.

7

آیا شما مدارک شناسایی را تحویل داده‌اید؟

Have you handed over the identification documents?

Present perfect question.

8

او تمام مسئولیت‌ها را به من تحویل داد.

He handed over all responsibilities to me.

Abstract object 'mas'uliyat-hā'.

1

شرکت موظف است کالا را درب منزل تحویل دهد.

The company is obliged to deliver the goods at the doorstep.

Formal obligation 'movazzaf ast'.

2

او از تحویل دادن مدارک خودداری کرد.

He refused to hand over the documents.

Gerund form: tahvil dādan.

3

زمان تحویل پروژه به تعویق افتاد.

The project delivery time was postponed.

Noun phrase 'zamān-e tahvil'.

4

دولت باید قدرت را به آرامی تحویل دهد.

The government must hand over power peacefully.

Political context.

5

او چمدان‌هایش را به بخش امانات تحویل داد.

He handed over his luggage to the left-luggage office.

Specific location 'bakhsh-e amānāt'.

6

باید لیست نهایی را تا ظهر تحویل دهیم.

We must deliver the final list by noon.

Deadline 'tā zohr'.

7

او آپارتمان را در وضعیت خوبی تحویل داد.

He handed over the apartment in good condition.

Descriptive phrase 'dar vaz'iyat-e khub'.

8

پس از پرداخت، رسید تحویل داده می‌شود.

After payment, the receipt is delivered/issued.

Passive present: tahvil dāde mishavad.

1

نیروهای نظامی شهر را به نیروهای صلح‌بان تحویل دادند.

The military forces handed over the city to the peacekeepers.

Military/Formal context.

2

او با اکراه کلید گاوصندوق را تحویل داد.

He reluctantly handed over the safe key.

Adverb 'bā ekrāh' (reluctantly).

3

فرآیند تحویل دادن متهمان بین‌المللی پیچیده است.

The process of handing over international suspects is complex.

Complex subject phrase.

4

او تمام دارایی‌های خود را به خیریه تحویل داد.

He handed over all his assets to the charity.

Abstract handover of wealth.

5

تحویل دادن استوارنامه توسط سفیر جدید انجام شد.

The presentation of credentials by the new ambassador was performed.

Diplomatic terminology 'ostovār-nāme'.

6

او در نهایت به حقیقت تحویل داده شد (تسلیم شد).

He was finally surrendered to the truth (metaphorical).

Metaphorical/Literary use.

7

مدیریت جدید خواستار تحویل دادن فوری تمام اسناد شد.

The new management demanded the immediate handover of all documents.

Formal demand 'khāstār-e ... shod'.

8

او پس از سال‌ها، امانت را به صاحبش تحویل داد.

After years, he handed over the trust/item to its owner.

Emphasis on time 'pas az sālhā'.

1

در لحظه تحویل سال، گویی طبیعت زمین را به بهار تحویل می‌دهد.

At the moment of the year's turn, it's as if nature hands over the earth to spring.

Poetic/Cultural personification.

2

او روح خود را به جان‌آفرین تحویل داد.

He handed over his soul to the Creator (passed away).

Euphemism for death.

3

واگذاری و تحویل دادن وظایف حاکمیتی نیازمند بستر قانونی است.

The transfer and handover of sovereign duties require a legal framework.

High-level political/legal jargon.

4

او با ظرافتی خاص، مسئولیت شکست را به دیگران تحویل داد.

With a specific subtlety, he handed over the responsibility for the failure to others (blamed them).

Idiomatic/Social nuance.

5

تحویل دادن داوطلبانه سلاح‌ها به کاهش خشونت کمک کرد.

The voluntary handover of weapons helped reduce violence.

Sociopolitical analysis.

6

او در نوشته‌هایش، تاریخ را به نقد تحویل می‌دهد.

In his writings, he hands over history to criticism (subjects it to critique).

Abstract literary use.

7

فرآیند تحویل دادن پروژه در فازهای مختلفی تعریف شده است.

The project handover process is defined in various phases.

Technical project management.

8

او با یک حرکت نمادین، مشعل را به نسل بعد تحویل داد.

With a symbolic gesture, he handed over the torch to the next generation.

Symbolic/Metaphorical.

Common Collocations

بسته را تحویل دادن
تکلیف را تحویل دادن
پروژه را تحویل دادن
کلید را تحویل دادن
مدارک را تحویل دادن
گزارش را تحویل دادن
بار را تحویل دادن
متهم را تحویل دادن
نامه را تحویل دادن
فوری تحویل دادن

Common Phrases

زمان تحویل

رسید تحویل

تحویل درب منزل

تحویل فوری

شرایط تحویل

هزینه تحویل

محل تحویل

تحویل سال

تحویل موقت

تحویل قطعی

Often Confused With

تحویل دادن vs ارسال کردن

تحویل دادن vs دادن

تحویل دادن vs تحویل گرفتن

Idioms & Expressions

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Easily Confused

تحویل دادن vs

تحویل دادن vs

تحویل دادن vs

تحویل دادن vs

تحویل دادن vs

Sentence Patterns

How to Use It

Legal

Used for extradition or handing over evidence.

Education

Standard for assignments.

Logistics

Standard for shipping.

Common Mistakes
  • Using 'bā' instead of 'be' for the recipient.
  • Forgetting to conjugate 'dādan' correctly in the past tense.
  • Using it for sending an email (use 'ersāl' instead).
  • Confusing 'tahvil' with 'tahavvol' (evolution).
  • Omitting 'rā' for specific objects.

Tips

Compound Verb Rule

Remember that only the 'dādan' part changes. 'Tahvil' is like a fixed anchor.

Post Office

When you go to the post office, use this verb to describe giving your package to the clerk.

Pronunciation

The 'h' in 'tahvil' is soft but audible. Don't skip it entirely.

Antonym

Always learn 'tahvil gereftan' alongside this verb to complete the transaction pair.

Nowruz

Use this word to talk about the New Year transition to impress your Persian friends.

Object Marker

Always check if you need 'rā'. If the object is 'the' package, use 'rā'.

Deadlines

In a job, use 'tahvil dādan' to talk about submitting reports or finishing tasks.

Context Clues

If you hear 'tahvil', look for an object being moved from one hand to another.

Responsibility

Use this verb when you want to emphasize that you are no longer responsible for something.

Passive Voice

Practice 'tahvil dāde shod' for formal reports about deliveries.

Memorize It

Word Origin

Arabic + Persian

Cultural Context

The phrase 'Tahvil-e Sal' is used for the Persian New Year.

Handing over items often involves ritual politeness.

Handing over a business or 'tahvil-e vahed' (unit handover) is a major milestone in Iranian real estate.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Conversation Starters

"بسته‌ام را کی تحویل می‌دهید؟ (When will you deliver my package?)"

"آیا تکلیف را تحویل دادی؟ (Did you hand in the homework?)"

"کجا باید کلیدها را تحویل بدهم؟ (Where should I hand over the keys?)"

"چقدر طول می‌کشد تا کالا تحویل داده شود؟ (How long does it take for the goods to be delivered?)"

"آیا رسید را تحویل دادید؟ (Did you hand over the receipt?)"

Journal Prompts

امروز چه چیزی را به کسی تحویل دادی؟ (What did you hand over to someone today?)

آخرین باری که یک پروژه بزرگ را تحویل دادی چه حسی داشتی؟ (How did you feel the last time you delivered a big project?)

اگر یک بسته جادویی داشتی، آن را به چه کسی تحویل می‌دادی؟ (If you had a magic package, who would you deliver it to?)

درباره اهمیت تحویل دادن به موقع کارها بنویس. (Write about the importance of delivering tasks on time.)

توصیف کن که در ایران 'تحویل سال' چگونه است. (Describe what 'Tahvil-e Sal' is like in Iran.)

Frequently Asked Questions

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No, it can also apply to responsibilities, projects, or even a person (like a suspect to the police). However, it usually implies a formal transfer.

'Ferestādan' means to send something on its way. 'Tahvil dādan' means the item has reached the recipient and is being handed over.

Usually, we use 'ersāl kardan' for email. 'Tahvil dādan' would only be used if you are talking about the successful delivery of the email to an inbox in a technical sense.

It is neutral and used in both formal and informal contexts. The conjugation determines the level of formality.

You say: 'Man taklif-am rā tahvil dādam'.

It refers to the exact moment the Persian New Year begins, symbolizing the handover from the old year to the new.

In very casual slang, people might just say 'tahvil dādam', but you still need both parts for it to be a verb.

It's better to use 'hediye dādan' or just 'dādan'. 'Tahvil dādan' sounds a bit too much like a business transaction for a gift.

The past participle is 'tahvil dāde'.

You can say 'māmūr-e tahvil' or 'peyk'.

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